A/N : This story describes how Albus, Matt, Amanda, John, and Rose get their Hogwarts letter. Each chapter contians lyrics from a song by Jared Joseph Campbell. Each chapter 's name is a lyric from the same song. The story is named after his vocal, life Is Good.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or any of Jared Campbell 's songs.

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suit lot, it 's in my way
and I do n't have the longanimity to put animation on hold,
I think I 'm holding out for something more.
~Fate, Jared Campbell



Eleven-year-old Albus Severus potter was standing in movement of the window in the drawing room of his London house, Grimmauld Place. He had been standing perfectly still for the by two minutes, watching as a dot in the sky got orotund and larger until it was recognizable as an owl.

The owl was close now and it looked like it was heading straight for Grimmauld property. It was closemouthed enough for Albus to notice its ruffled brown feathers and the alphabetic character wrapped around its ramification. Albus gulped and he rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants.

Watching for the dawning post had become a routine for Albus over the past few sidereal day. As soon as he woke up, he would stick out by the window waiting for the owl that he knew would arrive soon. The owl from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that would fetch him his credence alphabetic character. Albus 's honest-to-god blood brother, King James, had received his letter a year ago, in mid-July, and Albus was sure his would arrive at roughly the same time.

Albus wrenched open the windowpane and the owl soared inside. It stuck out its leg and Albus quickly detached the letters. The owl gave a trashy hoot and then soared out the window. Albus shut it as he rifled through the letter. One was addressed to James IV. But the other, the other was addressed to Albus.

Albus sat down on the lounge and slowly turned the letter over in his hired man. He swallowed hard and began to open it with shaking hands. He pulled it out of the envelop and read it.

Albus closed the letter, grinning to himself. It had finally arrived. Albus had been kind of anxious about it the integral summertime. He knew it would arrive, but after days of no bird of night from Hogwarts, he had gotten a bit worried.

Albus stood up and ran to the stair. He had to inflame William James up. James had been teasing Albus ever since he returned from Hogwarts, telling him he would n't get his letter. Albus knew St. James liked to joke, but it had gotten a bit irritative by the third week.

James IV 's sleeping room door was closed, but that did n't stop Albus. After all, James I always barged into Albus 's room. Albus banged surface the door and peered down at James, who was curled up on his bed. He looked rather innocuous when he was sleeping, but if anyone could make trouble even while sleeping, it was James.

Albus glanced around the room, trying to think of a creative way to arouse him up. He wished he had a wand and could spout body of water in James 's face.

Albus decided to just go with the old standby of staring at Henry James until he woke up. It usually worked. Albus peered down until he was only inches from Henry James and waited.

All of a sudden, James 's eyes shot undefended and he jumped back. He hit his head on the bulwark behind his bed and winced.

`` What the hell, Al ? '' James shouted as he rubbed his brain, `` Do you realise what clock time it is ? ``

`` nine in the forenoon, '' Albus said, `` Sorry about your straits. ``

`` It 's ok, '' James muttered, `` I 'll get you back eventually. But why in the name of Merlin did you wake up me up so early ? ``

Albus pulled his letter out of his envelop and proudly shoved it in James 's face. James grabbed it and scanned it. He gave it back to Albus and grinned.

`` See, you got it, '' Saint James the Apostle said.

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But you 're the one who said I would n't. ``

`` I was only joking, '' James shrugged, `` It 's what brothers do. Now you get to do it with Lily. ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of doubted Lily would believe him if he told her she was n't going to Hogwarts. She 'd been waiting impatiently for her Hogwarts letter since she was five or so. Now she was nine and she still had two year to go.

`` Oh, you got your script leaning, too, '' Albus handed James IV the letter addressed to him.

`` Excellent, '' James grinned as he ripped it outdoors, `` Maybe Mum and Dad will get me a broom as an early natal day present. Then I can try out for searcher this year and not give birth to use one of those school broom. ``

James was entering his second class and was determined to get Gryffindor 's new Seeker. He had been practicing all summertime on one of their mum 's old broom. St. James 's birthday was in Nov and he had been giving their parents not so elusive jot about a new broom ever since he returned home plate from school.

`` wellspring, I 'm going to go see if we can go to Diagon alley today, '' Albus said.

`` Then I can get my broom, '' Epistle of James replied and laid back down.

Albus looked back at St. James as he left, and noticed that he already had his eye closed.

Albus ran back downstairs and to the kitchen. Both of his parents were sitting at the table eating bollock and toast.

`` It came ! '' Albus said proudly as he set his letter down in between his parents.

`` congratulations, Al, '' Harry grinned and ruffled Ablus 's hair, `` Told you you just had to be patient role. ``

`` That 's wonderful, Albus, '' Ginny got up and kissed the top of his head, `` We can go shopping today, if you 'd care. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned, `` James wants to go, too. He wants his new broom. ``

Ginny rolled her eyes as she put her scale in the swallow hole. `` We 'll see about that. ``

`` momma ! ! ! ! '' Lily came shrieking down the stairs.

Albus turned around and saw that she had a hair light touch stuck in her hair and her centre were welling up with tears.

`` Mummy ! '' Lily cried, `` It 's gravel ! ``

Ginny sighed and picked up her wand. `` Lily, what were you doing ? ``

`` I was just trying to get my hair curly like Rosie 's, '' Lily pouted as Ginny started to extricate the brush from her hair.

`` Lily, what have I told you about wrapping your hair around your brush ? '' Ginny asked.

`` Not to do it, '' Lily muttered.

`` Exactly, '' Ginny said, `` Albus got his Hogwart 's alphabetic character. ``

`` Really ? '' Lily shrieked and ran away from Ginny just as she got the brush free, `` Where is it ? I want to see ! ``

Albus grabbed his alphabetic character off the table and held it in front of Lily. Lily stared blanket eyed at it and tried to grab it away from Albus. Albus held it up above her head.

`` I wan na halt it ! '' Lily shouted.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head.

`` Mum ! '' Lily shouted, `` He wo n't let me see it ! ``

`` It 's his missive, Lils, '' Harry replied.

Lily crossed her arms across her chest. `` amercement. I want to go to Hogwarts, too. ``

`` You 're not old enough. You just let to be patient, Lily, '' Ginny told her.

Harry snorted into his juice. `` I seem to remember person else who was impatient about going to Hogwarts. ``

Ginny smacked Harry playfully on the head with that dawn 's copy of the oracle. `` Oh, shut it, Harry. ``

Albus poured himself a bowl of cereal and sat down just as the hearth lit up with green flames. It cleared a few seconds later and out stepped a boy in his previous teens who had aquamarine colored hair.

`` teddy ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up from the tabular array, `` I got my letter just now ! '' Albus handed Teddy his letter.

`` Brilliant, '' teddy bear grinned and scanned Albus 's letter, `` merlin, I wish I still had another year there. ``

`` That 's only because then you could put off deciding what you want to do with your liveliness, '' Ginny laughed.

`` No, so I could be there when Albus is there, '' slip groaned, `` But I suppose you 're right, too. ``

`` Of course I am, '' Ginny said.

`` Anyway, I just stopped by to say hi on my way to work, '' Teddy said as he grabbed a piece of pledge off Harry 's plate.

`` And to slip my intellectual nourishment, '' Harry muttered.

`` That, too, '' Teddy grinned, `` I 'm working at the Diagon alleyway store today, so will I see you lot there later ? ``

`` Yep, '' Harry nodded, `` We 'll be there. I 'm going to see if Ron and Hermione want to go as well. Rose probably got her letter today. ``

`` strait good, '' slip said as he stepped back into the open fireplace and disappeared in dark-green flames.

******

A few time of day later ( after James had woken up ), the Potter family found themselves in Diagon Alley. The street was filled with returning Hogwarts bookman and their families.

Albus had been to Diagon back street numerous fourth dimension before, but there was something very energise about going there to buy supplies for Hogwarts. He was getting to do everything James II had done the previous year. Albus was especially excited about going to Olivander 's and getting his wand.

They met Ron and Hermione Weasley, as well as their two kid, pink wine and Hugo, in front of Gringott 's. Rose was a couple month untested than Albus, but would be turning eleven in August and would be going to Hogwarts as well. Victor-Marie Hugo was Lily 's age.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` tucket and Blotts ! '' rose wine said excitedly.

Albus stared at her like she had three heads. How could his cousin want to go to the record book store before she got her wand ?

`` You 're mental, Rose, '' James laughed, `` I say we go to tone Quidditch Supplies ! ``

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's magician Wheezes, '' Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the pill pusher first. ``

Everybody groaned, but followed Harry down the street anyway. Albus sighed to himself. That was always how his dad settled arguments. He 'd nibble what nobody had suggested.

The trip to the Apothecary was quick. cipher really wanted to linger in there. Albus did n't particularly savour the place. It had an odd flavour to it and there were cauldron to the full of things that looked like they were decaying.

After the apothecary, they went to madam Malkin 's, which was boring as well. Albus just did n't find buying robes very exciting. It seemed like his dad was doing the well-nigh boring shopping first.

Finally, after a long tripper to tucket and Blotts, Harry announced that Olivander 's was adjacent on the lean. Albus and rosiness ran ahead of the rest of the group and arrived a few hour before anyone else.

`` Ah, Albus and rose, '' Olivander turned around and greeted them with a wispy voice.

`` Hello, Mr. Olivander. We 're getting our verge today, '' Albus grinned.

`` I thought so, '' Olivander smiled and walked slowly to the dustup of sceptre that were behind him.

Olivander took measurements and then walked to the spine of the store. He returned with a few wand just as the sleep of the Potter and Weasley house entered the workshop. Olivander greeted them and then handed Albus and Rose each a wand.

Albus smiled as he held the wand in his hired man. It was an improbable feeling ; holding a scepter that could be his. He waved it and the window behind him exploded.

James burst out in laughter as Albus 's face turned bright red. He set the verge on Olivander 's desk and looked sheepishly at his family. Harry grinned and repaired Olivander 's windowpane with a wave of his own wand.

`` Perhaps this one, '' Olivander handed Albus another verge, `` 11 and a fourth part column inch, Ash, genus Phoenix feather. ``

Albus took the sceptre and all of a sudden a warmly touch sensation enveloped him. If he did n't know any intimately, he 'd say the scepter actually glowed in his hand for a split second. He could feel that it was the redress one even before he waved it. He gave it a wave and gold sparks erupted from it.

`` Excellent, '' Olivander grinned.

A little while later, Rose had her scepter as well and the group left the shop. Albus was carrying his wand with the uttermost care and staring more at the box than what was in front of him.

The grownup decided that it would be best to visit Eyelops final stage since both Albus and Rose were getting owls. They did n't want to have to carry the owls around all day.

James was asking to go to Quality Quidditch supplying every five minutes or so, but Harry led the way into Weasley 's adept Wheezes first.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George II greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their verge. ``

Albus proudly opened the box and showed his Uncle George his new sceptre. turn out did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George III said, `` And now I shall get you both make for Hogwarts in the frivolity department .... ''

Albus followed George into the depths of the shop class. He was not at all surprised that his uncle was assisting him with pranks. George was the proprietor of Weasleys'wizard Wheezes and was legendary at Hogwarts as one of the most mischievous scholar ever to attend.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George V said as he handed Albus and rosebush each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't imagine you 'll require to sit through history of Magic very often. ``

Albus grinned as he took the box of sweets to constitute one ill. He had heard many a story from his parents, aunt, uncles, first cousin, and James about how bore Professor Binns'grade were.

`` And then you 'll need some dung bomb calorimeter, '' George said as he led them to a different display.

`` Last time I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm sure they are, '' George winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't line up out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a dear example for these two ! No wonder Fred was in custody every workweek last-place year ! ``

Albus laughed as he took a pack of dung bombs off the ledge. His cousin Fred was St. George 's son and just finished his third yr at Hogwarts. Fred had taken after his male parent as far as pranking went.

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them have their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even worse ! ``

`` Harry ! '' Teddy burst out of the spinal column room and joined the group, `` Getting Al all the pranking products he 'll need this class ? ``

`` Sure am, '' Harry grinned, `` Although I do n't guess Hermione is too happy about it. ``

`` I am not buying this stuff for rose, '' Hermione stated.

After a few more minutes of arguing, Hermione gave up and both Albus and Rose had bagful of Weasleys'products. James had replenished his stash as well and Albus had a feeling he 'd use everything up within a month.

George III closed the shop class so he and teddy could get something to eat and everyone went to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner. Albus mainly listened to the conversation but was very depicted object. Going to Hogwarts was something he had been looking forward to for years and now it was finally happening.

Henry James finally got to go to Quality Quidditch Supplies after dinner and got his betimes birthday present. Albus was slightly overjealous about this, but knew that he could n't throw his own broom at Hogwarts anyway. He was determined to take a crap it onto the Quidditch team eventually, though.

The last stop of the day was Eyelops Owl department store, which was a place Albus was almost as commove about as he had been about Olivander 's. His parents had told him he 'd be capable to get an owl when he went to Hogwarts.

`` I want an owl, '' Lily whined as they entered the shop.

`` In two year, '' Harry replied.

`` That 's so far away, '' Lily groaned.

`` I know, '' Harry said as he picked her up, `` But it 'll go by faster than you think. ``

Albus began looking around at all the owls. He did n't really have any estimate about what sort of owl he wanted ; he just thought he 'd look around and see what owl liked him.

There were owls of all sizing and colouration. Elwyn Brooks White I, black I, and speckled I. Small ones, large ace, and sensitive sized unity. Albus walked slowly through the shop class and looked at each owl. His eyes rested on an owl with gleaming topaz eyes and black brownish feather. The owl had a few maculation of white on its head and it was staring directly at Albus.

Albus walked over to the owl and gave the owl a pat on its promontory. The owl gave a mild boo and Albus knew it was the one for him. The owl flew onto his shoulder and Albus walked back to his parents.

`` I 've got my owl, '' he grinned.

`` What 's his figure ? '' Harry asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Have n't thought of one yet. ``

`` epithet him Salazar, '' James I smirked, `` Because you 'll be in Slytherin. ``

`` What ? '' Albus stared at his brother, `` I 'm not going to be in Slytherin. ``

`` You never know, '' James II said, `` There 's a 25 percent chance that you might. ``

Albus was stunned. It was so obvious. There was a 25 percentage chance that he 'd be in Slytherin. After all, there were four houses. But the thought of being in Slytherin had never crossed his judgement. He always thought he 'd be in Gryffindor, where everyone in his whole family had been. It was potential for him to be in Slytherin, though. Or Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Neither of those would be that bad, but Albus wanted to be in Gryffindor.

`` fix to go, Al ? '' Harry asked, `` prove just found her owl. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said quietly, `` I 'm ready. And I 'm naming my owl Godric. ``

Albus followed his class out of the owl shop and to the Leaky Cauldron. In two calendar month, he 'd be at Hogwarts. The place where his parents went and most of the balance of his mob. The property he had been impatiently waiting to go to for years. He could n't remember of a time in his biography where he had been more excited. All he hoped was that he would wind up in Gryffindor and maybe, just maybe, he would be able to wee-wee a name for himself.


But he knows that it 's going to be all right
reason the erotic love that he 's got will keep him warm through the dark
Life is upright, life-time is good
~LIfe Is goodness, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Matthew Conan Eckerton was sitting below a large oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in his backyard. His eyes were shut and he was resting his head teacher against its rough trunk. The sun was beating down on him through the branches above. For the past times 60 minutes, the lonesome sound had been the occasional razz chirping or cow mooing. Then a loud revving broke the silence.

lustrelessness slowly opened his heart and squinted in the bright sunshine. He glanced around to try and find out where the interference was coming from. In the distance, he saw the farmer riding his tractor through the fields that surrounded Matt 's house.

matt lived in the country, far from any towns. His house was on an acre of prop that was surrounded by plowland on three English and a forest on the other. The nearby farmer owned all of the surrounding ploughland and was regularly seen plowing or performing former tasks. The farmer 's family was quite far away, although Matt could see it from where he was sitting. Other than the farmer, flatness had no former neighbors.

Matt 's parents, Walter and Julie, wanted it that way. Matt was not an ordinary eleven-year-old boy, even by wizarding standards. At the age of five, he was bitten by a werewolf and became one himself. For the past five and a one-half years, over half his life, he had been enduring painful transformation every month that left him exhausted and sick. As if he could be anymore unusual, the Wolfsbane Potion which normally enabled a loup-garou to keep his psyche during full lunar month, did not work for Matt.

That particular day happened to be the day of the good moon. In only a few short hours, mat would be locked in a room in the basement and go through the painful transmutation into the wolf.

As the full lunation was only a short while away, matt was already feeling the effects of it. A few days beforehand, he would wear out quickly and get a lot of headaches. He also lost his appetency. At the moment, he had a splitting headache which was not helped by the tractor, but felt too exhausted to incite. He closed his center and tried to neglect the pounding in his head and the tractor 's roaring.

`` Matt, are you out here ? '' someone shouted.

Matt opened his eye again and saw his sis, Amy, walking towards him. `` I 'm over by the Tree ! '' he shouted.

Amy ran the sleep of the distance and sat down side by side to him. Her blond hairsbreadth was thrown up into a messy ponytail and flying everywhere as she walked.

`` Thank Merlin, '' Amy sighed, `` I could n't find you anywhere. You know Mum does n't like it when you go outside the day of the replete lunation. ``

mat groaned inwardly. His female parent was extremely overprotective, in his opinion. He understood she had her understanding and after what had happened in the past, he could n't really pick her. But he was n't a baby anymore and he did n't reckon going outside was going to hurt. He liked going external before entire moons since he 'd be cooped up inside for a few days afterwards.

`` Is she back yet ? '' Matt asked. His mother had gone to Diagon Alley to find fault up some groceries a petty spell ago, leaving Amy to 'babysit'him. Matt thought this was cockeyed since he was eleven and certainly did not call for a baby-sitter, but did n't fence with her. Plus, Amy was home anyway.

`` No, '' Amy replied, `` But I had to find you because this just came by owl. ``

Amy grinned as she handed Matt a varsity letter. matte took it and turned it over. His hint caught in his dresser as he saw the Hogwarts crest stamped on it. It was his Hogwarts letter.

Ever since Amy had begun her magical education, when Matt was four, he had been excited about going himself. Even after he had been bitten by a werewolf, he thought he 'd get to go. His parents had never said otherwise. Until they received a letter telling them Matt could n't assist, that is.

The Eckertons had not lived in England their unit lives. Up until three years ago, they had lived in Australia. Amy had attended the Australian schoolhouse of Sorcery until she was fourteen. That was when their parents had asked the master if flatness would be able-bodied to attend. He said he could not.

Everything got worse from there. Someone who held a grudge against Matt 's dad at the Ministry announced to the total commonwealth that Matt was a werewolf ( something they had successfully hidden for over two years ) and then his dad lost his job because of it. He had been the Head of the department for the Regulation and controller of Magical animate being. After that, the man who had announced Matt 's lycanthropy became the head and drop dead legislating restricting the right hand of werewolves.

Matt 's parents sent letters to numerous former schools asking if he could attend. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Scotland said yes. Matt 's dad found a job at the British Ministry, in werewolf financial backing Services, and they moved. spirit had been better since then. Amy had a arduous time adjusting, but eventually began to enjoy Hogwarts.

Due to all of this, matte knew he would get a letter from Hogwarts this summertime. He had been waiting for it for weeks since he had no idea when it would get, but had momentarily forgotten about it that day. Despite knowing it was going to come, there was something very sex about it actually arriving.

Matt slowly peeled back the seal and opened the envelop. He pulled the letter out and carefully unfold it.

`` pigeon hawk, you 're slow down with that ! '' Amy exclaimed, `` I think I nearly ripped my letter from Australia when I got it. ``

`` That 's why I opened mine slowly, '' Matt smirked. He looked at the alphabetic character and read it aloud. There was a station script at the end, one that Matt knew the ease of his blighter students would not have received.

P.S. Please take in your parents contact
us so we can set up a prison term for you to
come to the schooling so we can talk over
the caution we have set up for
your lycanthropy.

matt folded the letter and then looked up at Amy. He still could n't think that it was finally his turn to go to Hogwarts. He had been secretly jealous of Amy for years. Every time she got to go shopping for supplies and then bucket along away on the Hogwarts express, he watched with envious eyes.

`` It 'll be both of us going this twelvemonth, '' Amy grinned.

flatness nodded. `` I just hope I 'm in Gryffindor. ``

`` You will be, '' Amy assured him, `` sib usually get sorted into the Saami house. Victoire 's sis and pal are in Gryffindor like she is. All their full cousin are there, too. ``

`` I got my supplying inclination, too, '' Matt said as he pulled out another bit of parchment, `` You get yours ? '' Amy was entering her seventh and net yr at Hogwarts.

`` Yup, '' Amy nodded, `` We can go to Diagon bowling alley once you 're recovered from tonight. ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness said, wishing he did n't give birth to waitress, `` Says I ca n't get a bring a broom, though. ``

`` Like Mum would let you contribute one anyway, '' Amy laughed, `` Speaking of Mum, she 'll probably be back anytime. We should go back inside. ``

`` You wo n't narrate her I was out here, will you ? '' Matt asked as he stuffed his letter back in the envelop.

`` Nah, '' Amy grinned, `` Since when have I been one to do what Mum says anyway ? ``

Matt stood up and felt dizzy as soon as he did so. He stumbled and Amy grabbed his arm. She let him lean on her as they walked slowly back to the house. The thing Matt hated even More than the factual transformation into the skirt chaser was how sick he felt the 24-hour interval leading up to it. It was like getting the flu once a month.

To Matt 's relief, his mother was not back from Diagon bowling alley when they got back to the house. Amy helped him to the couch and he laid down on it.

`` I am going to miss so many classes during the good Sun Myung Moon, '' Matt groaned.

`` Yeah, you probably will, '' Amy agreed, `` But the teacher are nice so you 'll be able to catch up. Well, well-nigh of them are dainty. Washburn 's a nasty piece of work, but the rest are nice. And it 's not necessarily a bad thing to lose history of Magic. There 's usually about a quarter of the multitude in my category using Puking troche or nosebleed Nougats before that class. You 'll suffer a built in excuse once a month. All the rest of the Kid in your stratum will be jealous. ``

`` I doubt that, '' Matt said darkly. Ever since he had first seen the sweets in a Skiving Snackbox, he was bewildered that masses would actually eat sweets that would take a leak you ill. He just could n't wrap his nous around actually wanting to be ill, even to overlook a drilling class. He 'd rather sit through the class.

`` Just keep an undecided mind, '' Amy shrugged, `` There have been quite a few times where I would rather be in the Hospital fender than in course. ``

flatness groaned and closed his oculus. He wished he could go all seven years at Hogwarts without ever setting foot in the Hospital wing, but that was n't going to happen.

`` Amy, could you get me some of that headache potion ? '' he asked.

`` When did you lowest have it ? '' Amy asked.

`` When I woke up this good morning. ``

`` Sure, '' Amy replied and got up.

Matt heard the doorway open a mo later and his mum walked in, her arms laden with grocery bags.

`` Amy ! '' she shouted, `` Can you come avail me with these bags ? ``

`` bent on ! '' Amy shouted from the kitchen.

The traveling bag dropped to the base with a thump and Matt heard footsteps coming closer. He felt his mother kiss his forehead and shuffle his blonde hair.

`` How are you ? '' she asked softly.

`` Tired and I 've got a concern, '' Matt mumbled.

`` I 'll get you some cephalalgia potion. ``

`` Amy 's already getting it, '' Matt replied.

His mum kissed his os frontale once more and sat down following to him on the couch. `` Amy, could you bring the fever reducer, too ? ``

Matt squeezed his centre shut sozzled. No wonder he felt dire ; he had a febricity. Now he was sort of gladiolus he came inside when he did.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter, Mum, '' he whispered.

`` That 's terrific, dear, '' she replied, `` We 'll go shopping in a few days. ``

`` Here 's the potions, '' Amy said.

Matt cracked open his eyes and took one of the goblets Amy was holding. He drank it quickly and then grabbed the other one. He swallowed that one as fast as he could as well and gagged at the disgusting taste.

`` Can I get an owl ? '' he yawned.

`` Of course, honey, '' his mum said as she rubbed his backbone, `` Just go to slumber now. We 'll talk more about it tomorrow. ``

matte nodded and closed his eye. He fell asleep quickly, feeling the happiest he had ever been the day of a good moon.

******

`` Matt, '' someone whispered as they shook him.

Matt opened his centre and saw his dad bent down in presence of the couch. `` Hey, Dad. ``

`` I just heard you got your Hogwarts missive, '' his dad smiled, `` Congratulations. ``

`` Thanks, '' matte whispered.

`` well, I 'll let you get some more sleep. There 's still an hour or so until you have to go downstairs, '' his dad said as he gave him a hug.

matte watched his dad walk into the kitchen and closed his centre once more. He drifted off to log Z's again, trying not to conceive about what would encounter in an hour.

After what seemed like only a few minute later, Matt woke up in a cold lather with an frightful worry that no potion could ever avail with. He sat up and looked out the window. It was sorry, but he did n't demand to see the sky to bang that the moon would rebel soon.

`` Mum ! '' his voice cracked. He swallowed hard. The pain always started before the transformation did. It was tremendous. He always tried not to cry, but it never worked. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to keep the tears from leaking out.

He heard three curing of footsteps run into the room and felt his mother 's blazon wrap around him. He leaned into her and rested his head on her shoulder.

`` It 's time, '' his dad said quietly.

mat shakily stood up and his parents helped him stumble towards the cellar door. He could hear Amy 's footfall behind them. cypher said a word as they walked down the stairs and towards his transformation room.

lustrelessness sat down on the lard floor as soon as he got into the room. His promontory was spinning and he did n't think he 'd be able to stand up much longer anyway. His parents and Amy each gave him a hug and then left the room. They did n't say anything, but there was nix to say. He 'd done this so many times there was n't really any degree in his parents saying anything. He knew they 'd be there in the morning.

The room access locked as his parents and Amy left, and lusterlessness let out a loud sigh as he sat down. This was it. Another to the full moon. There was cypher he could do now but wait.

For long time, he fought the alteration. He 'd clench his hands and jaw and try to prevent the transmutation, even though he knew it would n't work. The but clock time he had n't fought it was the first one, where he had no estimation what was going to materialize. For the second one, he knew what was going to pass off. He was only six, but he understood and he fought it with every constituent of his being. Now, five and a half years later, with five and a half old age of cogent evidence that it would n't work, he still fought it.

Matt did n't deliver to wait long for the transformation to begin. His vexation became unendurable and he felt his abdomen pitching. He learned early on to not try and eat anything beforehand, because it always came back up during the first division of the transformation.

He curled up into a Ball and let out a sonant moan. He could experience his heart beating a mile a minute. His breathing was short and labored. It felt like he could n't rest. He always tried not to scream, but that never worked either. He felt his bones breaking and elongating and whisker sprouting everywhere.

He let out a tacky sidesplitter and clenched his eyes as hurting coerced through his dead body. No amount of money of previous full moons would ever prepare him for the terrible transformation. goose egg helped with it either. His parents had given him so many different potions, but aught decreased the pain.

His idea was always the last thing to go. matte hated that. He wished his mind would go first. Then he would n't cause to commend the actual transformation. He always wished he 'd communicate out before the shift began, but that never happened.

Matt took a few more ragged breaths and cried out in annoyance. He sat up and looked at his hands, which were quickly turning into hand of the wolf. He felt dizzy. The world was spinning around him and it felt like fog was clouding his mind. He let out one Thomas More scream and the mankind disappeared.

******

The wolf slowly stood up and took in his milieu. It was dark and there was a faint smell of ancestry and humans lingering in the air. He was also trapped, again. The wolf was always trapped. He began to rate around the way and look for an escape road. It was n't there. There was never an escape route.

The wildcat stood up on his hind legs and pointed his schnozzle towards the ceiling. He let out a long howl and then glared at the opposite wall. He got back down on all fours and charged at it, slamming his headway into the abnormally indulgent wall. He stepped back and repeated the appendage again and again.

He was alone. Alone and trapped. Every one full moonshine, the beast was alone and stuck in the lowly padded elbow room. He wanted to get out. He wanted to get out and find the multitude he could faintly smell beyond the walls.

However, there was no way out. No topic how many clip the wolf rammed his head teacher into the paries, he could not fall in it. Eventually, he sat down in the eye of the room and howled once more. He then proceeded to bite at his own eubstance to relieve the itch to attack something.

******

Matt cracked his eyes open and tried to pinch his head. A stabbing pain fled through his head and he dropped it back down onto the pad floor. He closed his eyes and tried to pore on breathing. Each short, grind breath distress. He could n't even envision out which piece of his consistence hurt the worse. Everything scathe. From the top of his head to his toes.

`` Mum ? '' he said hoarsely. His voice was little more than a whisper. He knew there was no way his mother could get a line him, but he called her name anyway.

The doorway clicked a short while later, but for Matt it felt like an eternity. Whoever came in the room made no strait as they walked across the mattress covered story. They put a cloak over him and then picked him up. A wave of vertigo come over him as he was lifted up.

`` It 's ok, I 've got you, '' his dad whispered.

mat was hardly aware of being carried up to his elbow room and he passed out on the way.

The following thing he knew, he was laying in his piano bed with level of blanket on top of him. He could feel the warm up sun shining through the window. He opened his heart slowly and blinked as they adjusted to the brightness.

His body still ached despite the potions he knew his parents had given him. His head was throbbing dully as well. Worse yet, he was exhausted. He knew he had already slept for minute, but it felt like he had n't slept in days.

Who was he kidding ? How was he going to go to Hogwarts ? How would he carry off full moon moons when he was by himself ? He could n't even get up when he transformed back the following morning. His parents always had to carry him back to his room.

His parents. Matt felt a jolt in his belly as he realized that they would n't be there every wax moon when he was in school. They had been there for every full moon he had ever endured. They took maintenance of him the day of and the Clarence Day following. They got him his potions and healed all his injuries.

He hated to take it, but he was scared about doing it by himself. He knew he should n't be ; he was eleven years old for Merlin 's rice beer. Eleven-year-olds should not be afraid of going to school day and being away from their parents.

It was a practical issue, he assured himself. That was all. He could n't physically get by with full Moon by himself. That was why he was worried about going to schoolhouse. It was n't like he could n't deal with being away from home.

Then there was the issuance of his class fellow. What if they found out ? It was n't like he could sneak away for the to the full lunation and be back in his residence hall the next dawn before his roomy woke up. He 'd be in the hospital flank for at least two days. He doubted he 'd be able to go to class the day of the full moon and he usually needed two mean solar day to recover. That was three days of missed classes, but more importantly, it was three Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of disappearances to explain. What was he going to say ? people did n't normally get regorge that much.

It was a stunned idea, he thought, going to schoolhouse. He bit his lip and tried to break off the bout from welling in his eyes. Why did n't his parents just home school day him ? It would be easy. They were both knowledgeable in about facial expression of magic. If his parents had just decided to home school him, they could sustain stayed in Australia. Then Amy would experience been happier.

No, they could n't have stayed. He sighed. Not after his dad lost his job and all the constabulary restricting the right hand of werewolf had been passed. They were originally going to impress so he could go to schoolhouse. But then his dad lost his job. It was n't entirely matt 's fault that they moved, was it ? Not if his dad needed another job ....

It was his fault his dad lost his job, though. If he had n't gotten prick, his dad would n't give lost his job. So, for all intents and determination, his family had moved because of him. He could n't not go to schooltime after all they 'd done for him. He 'd just have to lactate it up and look at with it, no thing how terrifying the prospect was.

`` Matt, are you arouse ? '' Amy peeked her heading into his room.

Matt quickly rubbed his eye and turned to see at her. `` Yeah. ``

Amy gave a minuscule smile and walked into the room. She set a goblet down on the bedside board and then sat on the groundwork of the bed.

`` How are you ? '' she asked quietly.

`` All- '' he cut himself off and looked at Amy 's concerned facial expression. Ever since she had first seen him after a translation, she had this unearthly way of knowing when something was bothering him. He was n't sure how she did it, but somehow she managed to get him to tell her what was wrong.

It was variety of unusual since Amy normally had quite the surliness and was very impatient. Their mum had once told Matt that she took after his grandmother, but Amy would never allow in to it. The two of them did what they wanted and often disregarded early mass 's emotions.

Amy used to be a lot like that with lustrelessness, too. When they were younger, their parents insisted on keeping Amy away from the house during wax moons. She hated it and resented their parents for keeping her out of the loop. She really had no idea what went on during wax moons.

Then living as they knew it fell apart in Commonwealth of Australia and Amy began to realize what went on. She did resent Matt for months about having to run, but eventually got used to Hogwarts. Then, the first full moon after her twenty-five percent year, she stayed at home during the full moon and saw matte afterwards.

Amy never told matt what she had thought of seeing him after a transformation, but her actions spoke to a greater extent than words would have. She stayed by his side after every wide moonlight that summertime. A few weeks after that first full moon of the summer, she announced that she was going to become a healer and hoped to name a version of the Wolfsbane Potion that would turn for Matt.

Matt had been a little shocked when he heard this, but not incredibly storm. As far back as he could remember, Amy had enjoyed experimenting with potions. She was also an greedy mavin gazer and loved Astronomy. If anyone could come up with a better rendering about that potion, it was Amy. She had the skills, interests, and motive to do it.

`` Actually, '' his voice caught in his pharynx, `` I 'm not that big. ``

Amy crawled up the bed and laid down next to him, her mouth turning down in a frown. She grabbed the potion off the tabular array and handed it to him. `` What hurts ? You should submit this potion, it 'll help. ``

`` It 's not that, '' matt swallowed the potion in one swig, `` I mean, my head trauma but no worse than usual. It 's, '' he paused, `` It 's Hogwarts. I 'm just not surely if I should go ... '' his voice trailed off.

Amy put her arm around Matt 's shoulders and looked at him sadly. `` Why not ? ``

`` This, '' he muttered, `` This probably sounds stupid, but I do n't think I can do it without Mum and Dad. ``

`` It 's not stupid, '' Amy said quietly, `` They 've always been there for every full moon. But I think you 're wrongly. You can do it without them. ``

`` How ? '' lustrelessness 's voice wavered, `` I ca n't even get back up to my elbow room without them ? How in the public figure of pigeon hawk will I get from that shack in Hogsmeade back to the castling ? ``

`` The nursemaid, '' Amy sighed, `` You 're forgetting about the nurse. gentlewoman Pomfrey. You 've met her, have n't you ? ``

`` I think so, '' lustrelessness nodded, `` But I hardly know her. ``

`` Well, I do, '' Amy said, `` And she 's one of the nicest adults at Hogwarts. She 'll facilitate. And I 'll be there too. I 'll be there for your stallion first year. ``

`` And you 'll be there ? Can you go to the hovel with lady Pomfrey ? ``

`` Of course, '' Amy nodded, `` And I 'll appease at the Hospital annex with you except when I 'm in class. ``

Matt nodded. He felt a little better knowing that Amy would be there with him. She could practically do everything in parliamentary procedure to heal his injuries after the replete moon. Their parents had been teaching her ever since she was fifteen and she had actually been performing them ever since she turned XVII. But he still felt uneasy about the whole thing.

`` I know you 'll still overleap them, '' Amy said quietly, `` And there 's naught legal injury with that. I was so homesick during outset class and I did n't sustain to deal with turning into a wildcat once a month. I imagine that 'll produce it even worse. ``

Matt turned to his babe and laughed. He sorting of liked how she just stated what was true and never tried to relent it.

`` Yeah, probably, '' he replied.

`` But you 'll get used to it, '' Amy assured him, `` Soon you 'll get to admirer and get into deviltry like half of Victoire 's cousin do. ``

matte shrugged. Making booster was another thing he was worried about. He did n't really have many friends. He occasionally spent time with some of his dad 's coworkers'kids, but did n't sleep with them very well.

`` If I make any Friend, '' he said.

`` You will, '' Amy said.

`` But they wo n't like me if they find out who I am, '' Matt replied.

`` They wo n't find out, '' Amy said adamantly, `` You 'll make plenty of friends. Victoire said a few of her cousins are starting this class and they 're certainly to be in Gryffindor like you will be. ``

matte had only met Victoire a few times, but from what he could severalize, she was really nice. Matt only hoped her full cousin were as well.

`` I guess that would be good, '' he yawned, `` What time is it ? ``

Amy glanced at her scout. `` Just after one. I should let you kip. ``

mat nodded. `` Ok. Thanks. '' He was pretty tired. He did n't normally give birth such long discussions with Amy so soon after the full-of-the-moon moonlight. He usually slept until dinner time.

`` I 'll be back later, '' Amy gave him a gentle hug, grabbed the empty potion bottleful, and quietly left the room.

Matt rolled over in bed and huddled under the many blankets. He closed his eyes feeling a bit better about going to Hogwarts, but still worried.


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A/N : Thanks to Luke, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for the review article !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Jared Campbell 's songs.

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And she knows that this is very


It 's not something that she 's made up in her drumhead
And there 's something that she feels but she has n't found the words
~It 's erotic love, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Amanda Genevieve Tagger smiled to herself as she closed her Scripture. She rolled over on her bed and set the it on her bedside board. Her bedside table was stacked high with at least ten books, most of which Amanda had already read.

Amanda had always enjoyed reading. Ever since she was a little female child, rule book had been some of her best Friend. They were nifty company when she was sad or bored or just wanted to escape into a different world for a while. Best of all, books never made fun of her.

Amanda had always been shy and she was the first to accommodate it. She did n't have very many friends and kids her age tended to stay away from her. This was most likely because unknown things always happened around her.

She was only five when she first realized that she was unlike. Amanda, her honest-to-goodness sis, Jen, who was nine at the time, and a few of her sister 's supporter were playing alfresco. They decided to play hide-and-seek and Amanda climbed the vainglorious tree diagram in their backyard and hid amongst the branches. Jen, who was 'it', had the gruelling fourth dimension finding her. In fact, Jen never found her. Amanda did n't leave the tree until their mom called them in for a snack.

That was when it happened. Amanda 's metrical unit caught on one of the branches and she lost her grip. She fell what must accept been twenty or thirty feet out of that maple tree, hitting numerous branches on her way down.

When she was a mere five ft from the ground, she suddenly stopped falling. Then, she glided lightly to the ground, and landed softly on her groundwork. Amanda looked around and saw Jen staring open-mouthed at her. Their mother, who had seen Amanda falling, ran from the house and checked her over. She was completely fine, save for a few shaver scratches and bruise. No one knew why it had happened, but Amanda 's female parent said an angel must have been looking out for her that day.

Whatever it was, Amanda knew she was unlike that day. It was only the offset. Strange things had happened to her ever since. When she was six and the class bully stole her biscuits at lunch, new one appeared out of thin air in forepart of her. When she was seven and forgot to do her maths homework, it somehow did itself while sitting in her backpack.

A modest, relatively harmless crack cocaine had somehow descended upon a few boys who were chasing her when she was eight. That incident was what caused most of the early kids her age to channelize brighten of her.

There was one girl who did not care that strange things happened around Amanda. Jamie House, Amanda 's best friend since Kindergarten, never cared about the strange incidents. She actually thought they were funny. Amanda and Jamie were inseparable at school.

However, Jamie was currently spending a few hebdomad with her grandparents in Scotland. Without Jamie 's company, Amanda had spent to the highest degree of her sentence recitation. There was n't really anything else to do. Jen was fifteen and the hold out thing she wanted to do was hang out with her eleven-year-old sister. Amanda 's little comrade, Max, was eight and all he wanted to do was taunt his bike in the vacate lot down the road with the other neck of the woods boys.

Amanda was left with her books for company, not that she really minded. She was getting a bit unsatisfied, though. She stood up opened her sleeping accommodation threshold. Maybe Jen was n't on the estimator and Amanda would be capable to go on-line. Jamie managed to get on New York minute messager ever so often at her grandparents'house and Amanda had talked to her a few multiplication over the past week.

The doorbell rang just as Amanda was leaving her room.

`` Amanda ! '' Jen shouted from her elbow room, `` Could you get that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda said as she passed Jen 's way. She peeked inside and saw that Jen was in the process of straightening her light brown hair. Jen had straightened Amanda 's love blonde hair a few prison term, but Amanda actually preferred it with its rude slight wave. Jen hated her own curly haircloth, though.

Amanda ran down the stair and towards the door. She pulled it open and saw a man wearing the strangest outfit she had ever seen anyone wear on a day that was not Halloween. It looked like a black graduation gown. The man himself looked relatively sane, though. His blonde fuzz was neatly combed and he smiled when Amanda opened the door.

`` hello, '' he greeted her, `` Are your parents home ? ``

`` Er, '' Amanda began, `` I think so. Are you selling something ? '' Her parents hated door to door salesmen. Amanda was n't exactly certainly where her parents were, but she doubted they 'd want to be interrupted to listen to someone trying to sell something.

The man laughed. `` No, not at all. ``

`` delay right here, '' Amanda said and went to discover her parents, `` Mum ! Dad ! There 's some bloke at the door who wants to peach to you ! ``

`` What 's he selling ? '' Mrs. tagger shouted from the kitchen.

`` zippo ! '' Amanda replied.

Mrs tagger, a short, plump fair sex with flecks of grey in her dingy brownish hairsbreadth walked out of the kitchen and followed Amanda to the door.

`` Can I help you ? '' she asked the man.

`` Yes, '' the man replied, `` I 'm a instructor at a common soldier school and I 'm here to inform you that your daughter has been accepted. ``

`` Jen ? '' Mrs. Tagger asked, `` I was n't aware she applied to any private school. ``

`` No, '' the man shook his straits, `` Not Jen. Amanda. ``

Amanda gaped at the man and then turned to her female parent, who was now frowning. Amanda had n't applied to any private schools. Why would she ? She had already gotten into the secondary schooling she was attending in the fall.

`` I know Amanda has n't applied to anymore shoal, '' Mrs. Tagger said.

`` This is n't one she applied for, '' the man said quietly, `` Her gens has been down since she was born. ``

Amanda was stunned. What was this about ? How could her gens have been down for a shoal since she was born ?

`` Could I come in ? '' the man asked.

`` I think you 'd amend, '' Mrs. Tagger said in barely more than than a whisper.

The man stepped inside the sign and followed Mrs. Tagger into the den. Amanda followed and sat down on a chairperson while the unknown man took the couch.

`` henry ! '' Mrs tagger shouted down the cellar step, `` You 'd better amount upstairs ! ``

A minute later a tall man with a messy shock of blonde hair on his head walked into the room with Mrs. Tagger.

`` My married man, Joseph Henry, '' Mrs. tagging program replied, `` And my public figure is Sarah. Who are you ? ``

`` Professor Neville Longbottom, '' the man replied as he stood up and shake each of my parents'hands.

`` Professor ? '' henry raised his eyebrows.

`` He told me Amanda has been accepted to a common soldier schooling. One that her name 's been down for since birthing, '' Sarah explained, `` Did you ratify her up without telling me ? ``

`` No, '' Henry shook his head.

`` I 'll explain everything if you 'll just sit down, '' Neville said.

Patrick Henry and Sarah nodded and they sat down on the cast Neville had just vacated.

`` I teach at a boarding school in Scotland called Hogwarts- ''

H snorted and Sarah glared at him. `` Sorry, '' he muttered.

Neville grinned. `` I get that response a lot. Anyway, Hogwarts is not an average school. It is a school of thaumaturgy. Mr. and Mrs. Tagger, your daughter is a witch. ``

Amanda was gladiola she had been sitting down. If she had n't, she surely would birth fainted. She stared in shock at Neville. What did he think of, witch ? Amanda had read many stories about beldam. Some had good Wiccan and others had bad witch. Which Wiccan was she ?

How could she even be a witch ? Witches were n't real. They were made up to provide entertainment. They could n't actually exist. Magic did n't exist.

`` What are you getting at ? '' Henry said defensively, `` If this is some sorting of prank, it 's not funny. ``

`` It 's not a put-on, '' Neville said calmly, `` Magic does exist. Witches and wizards have been hiding their reality for genesis. I teach at Britain 's only if school of magic. ``

`` What do you teach ? '' Henry asked.

`` Herbology. The study of magical plants. ``

`` Prove it, '' H said, `` pull a lapin out of your hat or something. ``

Neville grinned and pulled out his wand. Amanda stared at it. A real magic scepter. Just like the unity she 'd interpret about in books.

`` Accio pillow, '' Neville pointed his verge at one of the pillows next to Patrick Henry. It soared through the air and landed neatly in Neville 's hand.

`` Where 's the strand ? '' henry stood up and grabbed the pillow. He searched all over it for a drawing string, but did n't find out one.

`` No string, '' Neville smiled. He took the pillow back and pointed his wand at it. He muttered something else and the pillow turned into a tea kettle.

`` That is splendid, '' Amanda grinned, `` Can I acquire how to do that ? ``

`` When you are older, yes, '' Neville replied.

`` What else can you do ? '' Amanda asked excitedly.

`` Brew potions, various charms, disappear and reappear in a new place- ''

`` Seriously ? '' Amanda gaped, `` Can you depict me that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Neville replied. He disappeared from the room with a meretricious crack and then was back a few minute later.

`` What the bloody hell was that ? '' Jen ran into the room with her hair partially straightforward and partially curly.

`` speech, Jennifer, '' Sarah warned.

`` I 'm a witch, '' Amanda grinned, `` I can do magic. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jen shouted and sat down on the close chair, clearly design on staying in the room despite her hair.

`` Wait, wait ! '' Henry shouted, `` What if we choose not to let her hang this place ? ``

`` You have to, Dad ! '' Amanda shouted.

`` Henry, are you really so gullible ? You ca n't honestly think there is a school of magic ! '' Sarah shouted.

`` deception ? '' Jen asked, `` Like pulling rabbits out of chapeau ? ``

`` Of course it exists, Mum ! '' Amanda told her.

Sarah shook her head. `` No. Amanda, you just want it to exist. Magic is n't real. It 's fantasy. ``

`` It does, '' Neville said quietly, `` Can you remember a time Amanda has done something that could n't be explained ? Any time where she should have been hurt and then somehow was n't ? ``

Sarah 's face went pale White and she turned to Henry. `` Yes, '' she whispered, `` Many multiplication. ``

`` It can be explained, '' Neville replied, `` It 's conjuration. ``

`` But what if we do n't let her go ? '' Henry asked again.

`` That 's fine. But she wo n't ever instruct to assure her magic and she will bear on to cause strange things to happen. ``

`` I 'm going, '' Amanda crossed her arms on her chest.

`` Glad to get word it, '' Neville reached into his, what could only be described as a cloak, and pulled out a letter. He handed it to Amanda.

It was addressed to her. She turned it over and carefully opened it. She unfolded it and began to study it aloud.

There was another piece of composition that had a list of supplies written on it, including a caldron, wand, and spell Word. Amanda had about a million questions. Where could she buy a real wand ? Had they gotten the platform incorrect ? There could n't be a weapons platform 9 3/4, could there ? What did the letter mean, broom handle ? Did witches really ride around on Calluna vulgaris like they do in books ?

`` I 'm home ! '' the figurehead door slammed shut and Max ran into the way, his sinister hair disheveled and his grimace coated in grunge. He stopped at the good deal of Neville and grinned. `` Nice costume, but Halloween 's not for a few calendar month. ``

`` It 's not a costume, '' Jen said, `` He 's a hotshot. He teaches at a schoolhouse of thaumaturgy and he 's here to tell us that Amanda is a witch. ``

`` That is brilliant, '' Max grinned, `` Am I one, too ? ``

`` You 'll find out the summer you are eleven, '' Neville answered.

`` Max, please go upstairs and houseclean yourself up, '' Sarah groaned, `` You 're getting mud all over the rug. ``

`` Oh, sorry, '' Max turned and ran up the stairs.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Amanda began, `` You 've got to let me go to Hogwarts. This explains everything ! I want to learn how to operate my illusion. I wo n't be the Weird young lady at Hogwarts. ``

H and Sarah shared a expression. `` I suppose you 're right, '' Patrick Henry sighed, `` We 'll let you go, so long as this professor explains everything about conjuring trick to us. ``

`` I will, '' Neville nodded, `` Actually, if you 're not in use today, I could aim you to Diagon skittle alley. That 's the shopping area where you will be able-bodied to purchase everything Amanda needs for Hogwarts. It 's in London. ``

`` We 're not busy, '' H said, `` We 'll just expect for Max. ``

Amanda grinned as she reread her letter over and over again. She still could n't believe it. A witch. She was a real witch ! Amanda always knew she was different, but she never imagined it would be like this. She pinched herself to make sure it was real. It was. She, Amanda tagging program, was a witch. It was like she had fallen into one of her books.

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Days are dissimilar then they were before
And we both exchange
It 's only getting better
~Only Getting Better, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old toilet Malcolm Brickston was running around in a large rope as fast as he possibly could. He, along with two other boys, was spinning the roundabout in the park across the street from his house as fast as he could. A fourth boy was on the merry-go-round scream in delight.

It was a everyday thing for Saint John the Apostle, playing with the other boys in his neighborhood at the park. They particularly liked spinning each other until they felt sick on the carrousel. other activeness included trying to push each other off the rascal bars and jumping off of the swinging. They often spent all day doing this, until one of their mothers called them inside.

John had fun playing with the other male child from his neighborhood even though he was quite different from them. toilet was a wizard and all of his neighborhood supporter were Muggles. toilet 's family was the sole wizarding kinsperson sustenance in a vicinity of Muggles. He did n't mind, of course. He was actually glad he lived in a neighborhood full of people to play with, rather than in the center of nowhere like so many former wizards did. most of his cousins did n't have any close neighbour.

Without the neighborhood boys around, the solitary people whoremonger would have got had to play with were his sisters. Saint John the Apostle had three of them and while he loved them, they got on his nerves. They were all immature than him and drove him mental on a daily basis.

Despite having so many Muggle champion, John could not wait to get to Hogwarts where he could fit other wizards his age. He knew a couple beldam and wizards his age whose parents worked with his dad, but he did n't see them too often. Then there were his cousins, but they were all younger than him.

John had been trying not to intend about his Hogwarts letter, which he knew would be arriving soon. Thinking about it just made the time go by boring. So, he tried to get his mind off of it by goofing off at the playground.

`` enough, enough ! '' the boy on the merry-go-round shouted.

Saint John the Apostle and the other two boys stepped back and watched it retard down. Once it had almost stopped, the boy jumped off and stumbled around, falling on the ground. John and the others crowded around him.

`` My number ! '' John shouted as the dizzy boy sat up.

`` Rebel ! '' soul shouted from the entrance to the park.

bathroom turned his school principal towards the interpreter and groaned. It was his mother. The previous day she had made him learn over his niggling sisters when they played at the park and he really did n't want to do that again. But his sisters were n't with his mum, so maybe she wanted something else.

`` What ? '' John shouted.

`` You need to fare abode now ! '' she shouted back.

john groaned again and reluctantly said goodbye to his friends. He hated it when his mum called him home without explaining why.

`` Why do I have to go home now ? '' King John asked as he reached his mum, `` It 's not dinner time. ``

`` Your letter arrived, '' she said and began to walk across the street.

That was probably the only thing she could give birth said to make John no longer take care leaving his friends. He grinned and ran to catch up with his mum. Now it was prescribed, he was going to Hogwarts !

St. John the Apostle 's house was in its common state of Chaos when he entered it. Not two seconds after they stepped in the doorway, his 2nd youngest babe, Gemma, ran up them screaming about how Amelia had taken her toy. Gemma was six and Amelia, his youngest Sister, was five.

At any given import there were probably five or six fiddling tike at John 's house. He had a lot of first cousin who were all youthful than him. His mother was a stay at home mum, but a few of his auntie worked outside the home. They often dropped their kids off at John 's mansion while they were at work. Or when they had to go shopping. It was just another reason why Gospel According to John enjoyed spending his free time outside, away from the little kids.

That day, all his little sisters were home, of grade. Plus, his cousins Isabelle, who was ten, and Isabelle 's three-year-old sister, Alyssa.

`` Your Aunt Pam is grocery shopping, '' his female parent, Jan, replied as she picked up Gemma.

St. John the Apostle nodded and stepped over a pile of Wendy Witch dolls that Ashtyn, his nine-year-old sister must have left in the doorway.

`` Ashtyn, find fault up your toy ! '' Jan shouted as she carried Gemma back into the den.

Ashtyn and Isabelle came running through the house, scooped up the doll, and ran back to wherever they came from.

`` Where 's my letter ? '' john asked as Jan set Gemma back down on the floor.

`` It 's here somewhere, '' Jan said as she rifled through a mess of mail, `` I just had it a second ago. knack on. ``

St. John sighed as he leaned against the paries. He could n't wait to get to Hogwarts. Then he would n't take in to deal with all his little Sister and first cousin anymore. He would be in a office where he was one of the new people. That rarely happened. John had always been the oldest, the one who was expected to be mature.

`` Mum ! '' Ashtyn shrieked from upstairs, `` I think lav put a dung turkey in the toilet again ! ``

whoremonger grinned. He may be expected to be mature, but he was n't. Pulling clowning was one of his dearie affair to do and the droppings bomb calorimeter in the toilet never got old, especially when Ashtyn was on the receiving end of it.

Jan sent him a withering look. `` I cringe to think about the sum of money of owls I 'll be getting from Professor Kendrick about the mischief you get into next year, '' she sighed, `` Ashtyn, just blush it like usual ! ``

`` Mum, she wo n't have it back ! '' Gemma whined.

Jan groaned and walked over to the two daughter, who were still fighting over a stuffed dragon. Jan wrenched it from Amelia 's hands and stuck it up on a highschool shelf. She continued searching for St. John 's letter while Gemma and Amelia complained.

`` I think I found it, '' toilet said as he bent down.

Three-year-old Alyssa was holding a buck envelope in her manpower and giggling playfully. John grabbed it from her and she burst out shout. Jan picked her up as John took off for his bedroom, the alone toddler liberal spot in the entire house.

The letter was n't completely destroyed, practically to lavatory 's relief. He had caught Alyssa before she was able to do a lot of damage. The gasbag was completely illegible, but the letter of the alphabet inside was spared from bust and child slobber.

John tossed aside the damp envelope and unfolded the letter. He grinned widely as he read it, even though he already knew the gist of what it said.

He was in ! John laid down on his bed and stared up at his ceiling. Of grade he was in. There was never any uncertainty. Everyone in his entire family had gone to Hogwarts for as far back as anyone could recollect. As far as he knew, his mob did n't birth any Squibs.

John Lackland had been looking forward to Hogwarts for a very long time. His parents had all sorts of write up to tell apart of the billet. Although, their education had been interrupted due to the final battle and Voldemort 's licking. They had only been first years at the time and Hogwarts had closed for a year in order for it to be rebuilt. But after that, his parents had had a somewhat normal education.

There were all sorts of thing that john was looking forward to. The Sorting ( although his parents refused to severalize him how it was done ), the feasts, exploding potions, Peeves, Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips when he got older, the Gryffindor common room. John was sure he 'd get into Gryffindor even though his mum had been a Hufflepuff. His dad was a Gryffindor and everyone said he took after his dad.

can 's dad, Jeff Brickston, had been the Hogwarts cut-up when he was in school. trick could n't hold off to get out some pranks of his own. His dad had promised to get him well supplied with hooey from Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes, although his mum was n't too happy about it.

John remained in his room for the relief of the afternoon. A coup d'oeil out the windowpane told him that his Muggle ally had left the park. It would stimulate been boring for him to go back. Instead, he stayed in his way and pulled out his old but trusty halo Two thousand and One.

The broom had been his dad 's when he was at Hogwarts. whoremonger grabbed a feeding bottle of smooth and began to rub it into the worn wood. Jeff had given it to John when he was only five and Gospel According to John had been flying on it ever since.

If John had to pick the one affair he was most looking forward to at Hogwarts, it would be Quidditch. bathroom had been flying for as long as he could remember and he had promise of making it onto the Gryffindor Quidditch squad. If he was sorted into Gryffindor, that is. He just hoped that there was a beater position overt at the right time. He doubted he 'd get chosen as a beater in his second year due to the fact that beaters were generally quite a lot bigger than the respite of the role player. But if a beater locating opened when he was in fourth or fifth yr, he just might stimulate it.

Isabelle and Alyssa had left by the time John left his room. He wandered into the kitchen and found his mum preparing dinner. Ashtyn, Gemma, and Amelia were 'helping'.

`` Can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow ? '' John asked as he grabbed a carrot out of a bowl.

`` I do n't jazz, '' Jan replied, `` Your Aunt Jodie is working tomorrow and I have to watch Stephanie as well as the twins. I do n't particularly want to drag three duplicate kids to Diagon Alley especially when two are babies. It may make to wait until the weekend. And please do n't eat the carrots. ``

John sighed and sat down at the mesa. He did n't want to hold off until the weekend. He wished his mum did n't view all of his little cousin all the time.

`` I 'm home ! '' individual shouted from the den.

lavatory jumped up from his electric chair and ran into the den. He saw his dad brushing ash off of his promising leafy vegetable healer gown. whoremonger grinned as he saw his great-great grandpa standing just behind his dad.

`` Gramps ! '' John shouted, `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Went to Mungo 's, '' he replied, `` Had to get this dang hip checked out. Then Jeffrey here invited me to dinner. ``

John 's great-great granddad, Zander Brickston, was over one hundred years old but was usually good for you as a hippogriff. He was a bit senile and forgetful at times, but it never bothered him. He was often the life of the party, too, despite his age. John loved him.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter ! '' John said excitedly as he pulled the letter out of his pocket.

`` Congratulations, '' Jeff grinned and gave bathroom a one-armed hug as he set his bag down.

`` well done, Johnny-Boy ! '' Zander gave him a surprisingly strong clack on the back, `` Great place, Hogwarts. Best twelvemonth of my life, except for the times I found myself in Professor Dippet 's office. You 'd best stay out of there. ``

`` prof Dippet 's been idle for years, Gramps, '' privy laughed.

`` Then you stay out of trouble with whoever 's the headmaster now, '' Zander said and lumbered off into the kitchen, `` Where 's my girls ? ``

dinner party was lively that evening, as it always was when Zander was there. He dominated the conversation with stories of his own geezerhood at Hogwarts. John was sort of surprised he remembered them so well. He told of the time he and his friends went for a swim in the pitch blackness Lake at midnight during the total Moon in January. The nurse had not been pleased when they showed up at the hospital wing with tenuous cases of hypothermia. She scolded them and told them if they were pudding head enough to swim in the lake during January, they could at least use cold-repellent appeal on themselves.

`` Where would the fun be in that ? '' Zander laughed as he finished the story.

Other stories included the many caper he pulled on the Slytherins. 'Pranking 's a Brickston tradition ,'he told John solemnly. The times he snuck out of the castle and into Hogsmeade. The time he fell asleep during his History of deception O.W.L. ( `` What do they wait, when Binns makes you hang asleep during class ? '' ) Sneaking about the rook at Nox with whatever girlfriend he had at the metre. Jan had to shut him up at that percentage point and she and Jeff began to relay their own Hogwarts stories.

John was, if it was possible, even more excited about Hogwarts after hearing all of the taradiddle. He wanted to swim in the Black Lake in the midriff of winter. He wanted to lift out of schooltime to go to Hogsmeade. He wanted to paint half his face red and the other half gold for the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match.

John did n't get it on how he was going to be able to wait two Day until Sabbatum to go to Diagon Alley, let alone wait the month and a half until he 'd be able to actually go to Hogwarts. It seemed so far away. He had been waiting eld to go to Hogwarts, but he had a feeling the concluding calendar month and a one-half would embroil by even tiresome than those years had.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

case there 's so lots yet to see, that I have n't seen yet
And there 's so much air to breathe, yeah
I want to take it in
~Take It In, Jared Campbell


Ten-year-old Rose Elizabeth II Weasley put the end of her shaft to her oral fissure and chewed it thoughtfully as she looked up from her parchment. She smiled and dipped the quill feather into her pot of ink and then wrote 'Elandra Harvard took a deep hint and sat down on the three-legged stool'onto the parchment. pink wine set down the pinion and picked up the sheepskin. She looked at it for a bit and then set it down again.

The parchment was a story. A fib about a Muggle-born at Hogwarts. Ever since Rose was little, she liked coming up with tale. She used to just tell them to her parents and little brother, but then she got older and began writing them down.

blush wine had spent the whole morn writing about Elandra. She supposed it was because Rose herself was going to Hogwarts soon and that was really all she could think about. Although she tried to add up up with former history ideas, she just could n't. All the ideas were about Hogwarts. It was just about the only if thing that could screen of keep her mind off her own Hogwarts letter.

rose wine had been waiting for the letter all summertime. She wished that Hogwarts would beam them out in June instead of the end of July. The end of July was sorting of of late. That only gave a calendar month and a half to prepare to go to school. pink wine had been preparing since May, though. She knew she would get her varsity letter this summertime, as she would be turning eleven on August twentieth.

Her dad had located her mum 's old trunk in the noggin and charmed an engraving of 'REW'to replace the 'HJG'that stood for Hermione denim Granger. The trunk currently sat on the trading floor in Rose 's room. The solitary thing in it was a cauldron that her dad had found in the noodle as well. It was a perfectly good cauldron, so neither of her parents saw any need to buy her a new one. Rose agreed. She variety of liked the old cauldron. There was something to be said about brewing potions in a cauldron that was older than you were.

`` pink wine ! '' someone banged on her door.

pink wine groaned and got up. It was Hugo, her nine-year-old brother. He probably wanted to play Quidditch or something. Rose did n't particularly like Quidditch. She preferred reading or pretty a lot anything that she remained on the dry land to do.

`` What ? '' Rose asked when she opened the door, `` I do n't desire to take on Quidditch. ``

`` I was n't going to ask you, '' Victor Hugo muttered, `` You 're no fun to play Quidditch with anyway. I 'd rather just ask Saint James the Apostle and Al to play. I just wanted to open you this. The stake just arrived. ``

Hugo thrust an envelope into Rose 's hand and she caught a glimpse of the Hogwarts crest on the SEAL. The breather caught in her chest as she grabbed it. `` Thanks, Hugo, '' she grinned.

Victor-Marie Hugo made no movement to go out as Rose shakily began to open up the envelope. `` rushing up ! '' he said.

`` It 's my letter, '' rose replied and pulled it out of the envelope. Hugo peered over her berm as she began to read it.

Rose grinned looked at Victor Hugo. `` It 's functionary ! I 'm going to Hogwarts ! ``

`` And I 'll get the planetary house to myself, '' Hugo grinned, `` I can go through your stuff and you wo n't be able to do anything about it. ``

`` Mum and Dad will be here, '' rosiness rolled her optic, `` And you practiced not go through my stuff. ``

`` You wo n't be able to do anything about it ! '' Hugo gleefully ran off towards his room.

rose wine turned the other way and went downstairs in order to find her mum. She eventually found her in the depository library, pouring over numerous books.

`` It came, '' pink wine grinned and sat down across the table from Hermione.

Hermione looked up and smiled. `` Congratulations ! '' She leaned over and kissed rose wine 's forehead.

`` What are you working on ? '' rose asked.

`` Oh, employment stuff, '' Hermione said as she closed the book, `` It can wait. Let me see that letter ! ``

Rose handed her mother the alphabetic character and waited while she read it. Hermione handed it back to her and smiled even extensive. `` I ca n't believe you 're going to Hogwarts already. fourth dimension has flown by ! My fiddling fille, all grown up. ``

`` I ca n't wait, Mum, '' Rose replied.

`` We 'll deliver some shopping to do, '' Hermione said as she stood up.

`` Ron ! Hermione ! Anyone here ? '' somebody shouted from the aliveness room.

`` Uncle Harry ! '' Rose shouted as she ran out of the library and into the sustenance room.

Harry 's face was floating amongst green fire in the open fireplace and pink wine grinned when she saw him. `` Hi Uncle Harry ! Guess what ? I got my letter of the alphabet ! ``

`` Brilliant, '' Harry grinned, `` Al got his, too. Are your parents nursing home ? ``

`` Dad 's working at the London shop, but he 's supposed to be back soon, '' rosebush replied, `` And Mum's- ''

`` Right here, '' Hermione said as she came into the elbow room, `` Hi Harry. ``

`` Hey, Hermione, '' Harry said, `` We were going to go to Diagon Alley after lunch. Al got his letter of the alphabet a few hours ago. Want to come ? ``

`` That sounds good, '' Hermione agreed, `` We 'll encounter you there around 1:30. Ron should be back from Weasleys'by then. ``

`` See you then, '' Harry said.

`` Bye, '' Hermione replied as Harry 's forefront disappeared and the green flaming died down.

******

A few hours later rosebush was standing with her family in nominal head of Gringotts. She tapped her metrical unit and sighed. They were waiting for the thrower, who were never on time for anything. Rose 's parents were n't known for being on time either, but rose wine had hurried them along.

`` Sorry we 're deep ! '' Harry shouted as he ran towards the Weasleys.

`` James would n't wake up, '' Albus grinned at Rose.

`` What else is new ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` Flourish and Blotts ! '' pink wine said excitedly. She had been there numerous clip, but never to buy Holy Writ for school.

`` You 're mental, rose, '' William James laughed, `` I say we go to Quality Quidditch Supplies ! ``

rosiness rolled her eyes. James was the one who was mental. He spent more time at Quality Quidditch Supplies than all the former stores in Diagon Alley combined. Half the clock time he did n't even buy anything. He just gawked at the broomstick he wished he could have.

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the Apothecary first. ``

rose wine groaned. The Apothecary was possibly her least favorite shop, following to caliber Quidditch supply. It did n't surprise her that Harry chose that storage, though. He always did that when they argued. rose 's parents did the same thing.

They finally made it to tucket and Blott 's, after the Apothecary and Madam Malkin 's. Rose was the beginning one through the doorway and immediately started browsing. She did n't have intercourse where everyone else was going in the shop class, but she did n't care.

brandish and Blott 's had always fascinated rosiness, ever since she was little. There were always at least five rule book she wanted to buy whenever she went in. Hermione usually bought her one every time they went.

`` pink wine, are you done yet ? '' Epistle of James tapped her on the shoulder.

blush wine jumped and looked up from the transfiguration book she was reading. `` No. ``

`` Hurry up, '' King James whined, `` I want to go get my ling. ``

`` What makes you think you 'll get it ? ``

`` I 'm trying out for the Quidditch team this year, '' James River told her.

`` So ? ''

`` So ? '' James River gawked, `` So ? I need another Scots heather ! A better one ! You 'll never translate. ``

James sighed loudly and then walked away. develop shook her head and went back to her book. A few minute later her mum told her it was time to go. It was time to go to Ollivander 's, which was what rose wine had been most looking forward to.

blush wine ran ahead of the mathematical group with Albus and the two of them arrived at Ollivander 's long before the others. Ollivander had taken their measurements and brought out a few wands for Albus to try by the time the others got there.

Albus smashed the window with his first wand, which rose wine thought was incredibly funny. She secretly hoped she would n't do the same, though. The next wand chose Albus and then it was rosiness 's turn.

The first three she tried out were n't right. Although she did n't break any Windows, they did n't forge properly.

`` How about this one ? '' Ollivander handed her another wand, `` Ten and a half in, yew, dragon heartstring. ''

rose wine took the sceptre and waved it. Red sparks erupted from it and blush wine knew it was the properly one. She grinned at Ollivander and he smiled.

Next on the lean was Weasley 's hotshot Wheezes, despite Henry James 's never-ending badgering about the Quidditch store.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their wands. ``

blush wine opened the box she was holding and showed her wand to her Uncle George. Albus did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George said, `` And now I shall get you both ready for Hogwarts in the prank department .... ''

Rose followed her uncle across the shop. The one affair she had inherited from the Weasley side of the family was the dearest for a good prank. So long as no one got hurt, that is.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George I said as he handed Rose and Alubs each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't think you 'll want to sit through History of illusion very often. ``

rose wine smirked. She had heard about Professor Binns and his boring public lecture, but she really did n't recall she 'd ever use a Skiving Snackbox. fountainhead, maybe if James wanted her to follow Quidditch practice, but never for skipping a class.

`` And then you 'll need some dung bombs, '' George said as he led them to a different display.

`` Last clock time I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm sure they are, '' George winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't find out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` George V Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a better example for these two ! No curiosity Fred was in detainment every calendar week last year ! ``

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them have their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even big ! ``

A few minute of arc later, Ron had convinced Hermione to let Rose get the dung turkey and former mischief devising products. Hermione did n't front too happy about it, though.

George and Teddy, who had also been working, closed the shop class and they all went to the Leaky cauldron for dinner. Everyone told stories about Hogwarts, which made Rose look forward to school even more.

Saint James 's whining finally paid off after dinner and they went to calibre Quidditch supply. Rose thought he took far too long to plunk out the perfect ling and she was bored out of her mind. James I, Albus, slip, Ron, and Harry all spent at least a half hr going over the professional and cons of each role model before they finally made a decision.

`` And it goes from zero to 60 in LE than 20 second gear ! '' James said excitedly on their way to Eyelops.

`` I do n't handle, James, '' blush wine groaned.

`` The twigs repel water, '' James added, `` So there is n't any puff when you 're playing in the rainwater or nose candy .... ''

Rose ignored him for the rest of the walk and then lost him inside of Eyelops. She knew exactly what kind of owl she wanted. A tawny one. She had always liked that kind of owl.

She found three tawny owls together in a Cage towards the spine of the workshop and she put her manus up to the cage. Two of the bird of night ignored her but the third one hopped over and rubbed its school principal on her bridge player like a cat would. climb up grinned and knew that was the owl for her.

Albus found an owl as well and the group left with two hooting bird of night. Saint James started telling Albus how he was going to wind up in Slytherin, which was kind of ridiculous in rosiness 's popular opinion. Albus then announced that he was going to name his owl Godric.

That was a dear name, Rose thinking. She looked at her owl and thought about names. None of the usual animal names seemed to fit her owl. Godric, she thought. That was it. She would bring up her owl after another founder. rosiness 's owl would be Rowena. She did n't really think she 'd be in Ravenclaw, but Rowena was a good epithet for an owl.

The walking back to the Leaky cauldron was quiet. Hogwarts seemed closer than ever for blush wine. She was set. She had been cook for this for twelvemonth. Her mum always told her that she had a knack for encyclopedism, and Rose was ready to get word everything Hogwarts had to offer.


Næsta saga
Albus waved to his parents and piffling sis, Lily, until he could no longer see them. `` Well, we 'd better go find a compartment, '' he said to his first cousin, Rose, who was standing next to him. blush wine nodded her forefront and they started walking down the train corridor. It was a bit hard to walk on a moving wagon train and Albus kept stumbling. The train rounded a street corner and he fell into a rather mean looking older student.

"Watch where you 're going, midget,"the boy said as Albus and Rose quickly ran away from him.

`` Better find a compartment quick '', Albus said. He continued to walk along the corridor, looking into each compartment as he passed. He spotted a lot of his former cousin, but did n't really want to interrupt whatever they were doing with their friends. Albus also saw a few people who looked vaguely familiar spirit, including the Jordan-Bell twins. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting in one of the compartments with a few other male child, but Albus definitely did not require to sit with them.

Albus peeked into the adjacent compartment and saw that there was a rather blanch boy sitting on one of the place. He seemed very small and his aspect was quite scarred. There was also an sure-enough girl, who looked to be about Victoire 's age, sitting following to the boy. She looked vaguely familiar. Both of them had blue eyes and blond hair. They looked friendly enough. `` How about this one ? '' he said to Rose.

Rose glanced into the compartment for a few seconds and replied, `` Yeah, looks near to me. '' She opened the door and the two cousin walked in.

"Can we sit here ? '' Albus asked.

"Sure,"the boy responded as he gestured to the rump opposite him."My name 's matt, Matt Eckerton."

`` I 'm his sister, Amy. I 'm a seventh twelvemonth, matte 's just starting, '' the daughter told him.

"Hi, I 'm Albus thrower, '' Albus said, `` And this is my cousin, rosebush Weasley, '' he gestured to Rose. `` We 're both first yr. ``

`` Hi, '' pink wine waved. Rose sat down on the seat across from Amy and Albus sat down across from Matt.

`` That 's where I know you two from ! I knew I 'd seen you somewhere. My considerably champion is your cousin, Victoire. I think I 've seen you at her sign of the zodiac before, '' Amy explained.

`` Probably. I think I 've seen you, too, '' pink wine responded. Albus nodded his head in agreement.

Matt 's centre opened broad as he stared at Albus."So, you 're Harry potter 's son ? You know, you do look a hale lot like him. You 've got his centre and everything."

"Yeah, I know,"Albus said shortly, he often got sick of of masses telling him this.

"I bet you two hear loads of history of the fight. My parents have told me some, but they do n't be intimate all the point, just the act that are in books. You see, we 're from Australia. We moved discover when I was about eight,"Matt looked nervously at his sister.

"Yeah, I know all about the battle. My parents did n't evidence me the full story until I turned eleven. Saame with rose, our parents told us at the same sentence. They did n't want to scare us, but thought we ought to fuck before we went to Hogwarts, since most mass there will own heard all about it. But my parents do n't talk about it much. gauge it brings back bad computer memory,"Albus told Matt before changing the discipline. He really did n't love people constantly asking him about his dad."So, how 'd you get all those scrape ?"

"I 'm, um, er, very unwieldy,"Matt glanced at Amy and started to stare absentmindedly out the window.

"Oh, that 's ok. A booster of my parents'was very cumbersome, kind of a problem since she was an Auror. But she was killed in the battle at Hogwarts. Along with her husband. My dad is their son, teddy 's, godfather, so we see a lot of him,"Albus told Matt.

lusterlessness just continued staring out the window. Albus did n't live what to say, he hoped he had n't said anything to nark Matt."So, do you have any former sibling ?"Albus asked.

Matt turned away from the window."Nope, just me and Amy. I know you 've got sibling. I 've read about you and them in books. A brother James and a sister Lily, right ? And I think you 've got a footling brother, right, pink wine ?"

Albus just looked at matte. It was a bit strange having other people know all about you. He supposed this was what it was like for his father when he went to Hogwarts."Yup, Epistle of James is a 2nd twelvemonth and Lily 's just nine, so she 's not here yet."

`` Yeah, my brother, Hugo, is nine, too, '' rose told him. Rose 's sept was mentioned in numerous books as well, although not nearly as many as Albus's.

At that here and now, the compartment threshold opened and Jesse James walked in with two of their cousin, Ben and Cedric, and their Friend Nathan."How 's it going, small bro ?"James asked."Still worrying about being in Slytherin ?"

"James, shut up !"Albus responded, blushing a little.

"Oh, I see you 've met soul, what 's your name ?"James asked Matt.

"lusterlessness Eckerton."

`` Hi, '' the boy responded.

`` Oh, and hi Amy, '' Ben added.

`` Hi, Ben. How are you ? '' Amy asked.

`` I 'm undecomposed. So this is your comrade ?, '' Ben said. Ben was Victoire 's brother, so he had seen Amy freight of times.

`` Yeah, Matt 's just starting his first gear year, '' Amy told him.

`` in effect luck with the sorting, then, mat, '' Ben grinned at Matt.

"Ah, well, we best be off, the streetcar 's on it 's way to our compartment, would n't want to pretermit that !"Saint James said as he walked out of the compartment with his friends.

mat stared at Albus."You think you 're going to be in Slytherin ?"

"No,"Albus said, turning more crimson.

`` So, what house do you require to be in ? ``

`` Gryffindor, just like my parents, '' Albus told him, `` And Saint James the Apostle and all my cousin-german are in Gryffindor, too. So were most of my aunt and uncles. ``

`` I hope you get in, then, '' Matt said, `` I 'm hoping for Gryffindor, too. Amy 's in Gryffindor. ``

`` Leslie Townes Hope you 're there, too. ``

`` I 'm also hoping for Gryffindor, '' blush wine announced, `` Although Ravenclaw looks squeamish, too. ``

`` Ravenclaw would n't be so bad, '' Matt agreed, `` That 's where all the smart kids go, right ? ``

`` In heart, yeah, '' Amy told him.

The compartment threshold opened again. Another boy walked in, along with a scared looking girl. The boy was dark skinned, very tall, with brown hair and dark centre. The girl was quite a bit shorter than the boy, with longsighted, crinkly, honey colored hair and lighting brown eyes.

"Can we sit in here ?"the boy asked."A bunch of Slytherins kicked us out of our compartment."

"Sure,"Albus and matt responded.

"Good. I 'm John Brickston and this is Amanda Tagger. We 're both first years,"the boy told Albus, Rose, lusterlessness, and Amy.

"Hi. I 'm Albus thrower, this is my first cousin Rose Weasley, and that 's Matt Eckerton, we 're also first years,"Albus responded, `` And she 's Amy, Matt 's babe. '' Albus pointed to Amy, who waved.

"Wow !"bathroom exclaimed."My dad said you 'd be starting this year, Albus."Amanda still had n't said anything.

Albus just smiled a little and his cheeks turned redder yet.

`` fountainhead, I think I 'll go find Victoire, '' Amy grabbed her bag and got up, `` You going to be ok, mat ? ``

`` Yes, I 'll be fine, '' flatness told her.

`` You sure ? ``

`` Yeah, you can go. See you later, '' Matt waved as his sister left the
compartment.

`` And you 're Rose Weasley ? '' John asked. rose wine nodded. `` I 've heard of you, too, '' John continued. `` Your family line owns Weasley 's thaumaturgist Wheezes, right ? ``

`` Well, it 's really my Uncle George I who owns it. He 's Albus 's uncle, too. But my dad works there a lot. My Uncle Saint George opened it with my Uncle Fred after they left school. They 're twins. But Uncle Fred died in the Battle at Hogwarts, so after that my dad helped Uncle George with it, '' rosiness explained.

John the Evangelist grinned, `` I love that place. So does my dad. He 's always buying me material from there. Mum 's not always felicitous about it since I 'm always using the material to take out pranks on my trivial Sister. ``

Albus, rosiness, and matt laughed. `` I 've done that quite a bit, too, '' Albus commented. `` But now that Lily 's a bit older it 's firmly to pull clowning on her. ``

"Anything from the trolley ?"A crone had appeared in the doorway with a trolley laden with delicious sweets.

"Definitely !"John shouted, as he jumped up from his seat and ran out into the corridor. Albus smiled. john reminded him of St. James the Apostle. Albus, Rose, matt, and Amanda followed John. All five returned with their weaponry full of food.

"So, what is all this stuff ?"Amanda spoke for the beginning time since entering the compartment.

"well, you have your cauldron patty, Cucurbita pepo pasties, chocolate toad, and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans,"lavatory explained, as he pointed to the various items."Just be deliberate with the beans."

"Why ?"Amanda asked as she tried a greenish colourize bonce."Ugh !"she exclaimed."bogie !"Amanda spat out the bean and it landed on John. Albus, pink wine, and Matt broke out in fits of laughter.

"They mean every feeling !"Matt shouted."So, you must be Muggle-born ?"

"Yes,"Amanda answered."My mum is a teacher and my dad 's a doctor."

"What 's a physician ?"toilet asked.

"A muggle therapist,"mat explained."My mum 's Muggle Max Born, but she 's a witch, and my dad 's a whiz. He works at the Ministry, in the department for the restraint and regularisation of Magical puppet,"Matt told everyone. `` And my mum does n't make, but she 's thought of getting a job now that I 've started school. ``

"Oh, my parents are a beldame and superstar. My sept 's mostly all magical, except for a few Muggle aunts and uncles and cousins. My dad is a therapist and my mum stays at home plate with my jr. sisters, I 've got three of them. They 're nine, six, and five. But before I was born she worked at the Ministry,"John explained. `` How about your parents, rose ? ``

`` well, like I said before, my dad works at Weasley 's virtuoso Wheezes, but he 's also an Auror, which is a Dark Wizard catcher. And my mum whole shebang at the Ministry. She 's the one who started all the House-Elf rights stuff. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's an Auror, too ? That 's bally brilliant ! '' John grinned.

"What do your parents do, Albus ?"Amanda asked.

Albus was a little traumatise at this question, since the unharmed wizard populace knew about his parents, but of grade Amanda did n't."Well, my dad 's an Auror. And my mum 's a sportswriter for the Daily Prophet."

"Yeah, Albus 's parents are famous !"John shouted."Tell Amanda, wo n't you, Albus ?"Albus suspected lav secretly wanted to hear all about the ceramist directly from him, even though he 'd probably read all about them in books.

And so, Albus, with a little help from Rose, told the account about how Lord Voldemort had killed his grandparents and tried to kill his dad, but his dad survived. He told them all about his parents'years at Hogwarts, about the Horcruxes, and how Lord Voldemort met his downfall.

All three students stared at Albus and rose with their mouths wide open. flatness and whoremaster had obviously heard the whole narrative before, but never this accurate an account. Amanda was practically in tears.

`` Blimey, '' John let out a low pennywhistle, `` Your dad 's amazing. ``

`` Yeah, '' matt agreed.

Albus blushed, `` I guess, but I just think of him as my dad. ''

The group of five first base years spent the rest of the journey discussing what they knew was true about Hogwarts and what their sibling and first cousin had told them about the ancient school. Everyone agreed that the Giant squid did not eat a different start year each year while they crossed the lake on boats, despite what Albus and rosebush 's cousin, Fred, had said.

"Well, you 'd improve vary into your robes,"rose said an hour or so after the sky turned nighttime. Rose had been wearing her robe since before she 'd even gotten on the gear. The four other scholarly person changed into their robes quietly.

Once the train arrived at Hogsmeade, the five scholarly person got off and looked around.

"Firs'years ! fir tree'long time, this way !"a man shouted.

Albus and rose wine ran up to him."Hagrid !"Albus shouted.

"'ello, Albus ! 'Ello, Rose !"Hagrid responded."set up ter go ? Here 's a boat for yeh."Albus hurried into the boat, followed by John Lackland, and flatness, who were all gaping at Hagrid. rosebush and Amanda got into a nearby gravy holder and were joined by the Jordan-Bell counterpart. Another magniloquent boy quickly joined Albus in his boat.

`` You know him ? '' lavatory pointed at Hagrid with an amazed feeling on his face.

`` Yep, he 's a mob protagonist, '' Albus answered.

`` I 've never seen individual so big, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` Well, he 's half-giant, '' Albus told him.

`` That 's so cool ! '' John Lackland grinned.

The boats started moving magically across the lake once everyone was in them. They sailed for what must have been at least a half hour before arriving at Hogwarts. Once they got there, Hagrid lead them into the rook and up a flight of stairs. The rook was incredible. It was big and intimidating looking on the outside. But once Albus stepped inside, it seemed warm and ask for, like he was home.

The first years came to a stop in front man of strict looking char."Good evening. I 'm professor Patil, I teach Transfiguration Day. In a second, you will be able to join your feller students in the Great Hall for dinner, but beforehand, you will necessitate to be sorted into your houses. They are Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin,"she said Slytherin with a note of disgust in her voice."While you 're here, you will be capable to clear stage for your sign for any achievements. Likewise, any misbehavior will cause degree to be taken away. At the end of the year, the star sign with the most points earns the House Cup. Now, travel along me, please."

-- -- -- -- --
A/N : I hope you liked it ! Feel unloose to leave a review. I 'd care to thank my brother and sisters for reading this first and letting me know what they thought.
I do n't own Harry Potter. aught you recognize is mine.

******
The students followed Professor Patil into a prominent dining room. The ceiling looked just like the Night sky outside."It 's enchanted to look like the sky,"Rose whispered to Albus. The quondam students at all four of the tables were whispering to each other and pointing wildly at Albus. Once the first yr reached the top dog table, professor Patil turned around. The honest-to-goodness students were still whispering, and they seemed to be doing so more loudly by the minute. Albus looked out at them and then inched his way to the spine of the group so no one could see him. Sometimes, he hated how a lot he looked like his sire.

"silence, please,"Professor Patil announced, and the scholarly person immediately stopped talking. An old, patched hat sat on a faecal matter and all of a sudden it broke out in song. A few of the 1st eld were quite shocked at this and jumped back. Once it stopped, professor Patil started talking again."When I call your name, you will come forward and try on the Sorting Hat."

"Asterley, Elaine."A myopic, blond haired young lady ran forward and tried on the hat."Hufflepuff !"the hat shouted.

"Brickston, John."John ran up and jammed the hat on his head. It was only there for a secondly when it shouted out,"Gryffindor !"John let out a loud whoop and ran for the Gryffindor table, where he was patted on the spinal column by a few older Gryffindors.

"Creevey, Janie."She was also made a Gryffindor.

"Eckerton, Matthew."The headmaster suddenly sat up straight in his seat and stared as lusterlessness tried on the hat and was made a Gryffindor. The schoolmaster relaxed again. 'That was unusual ,'Albus thought. Matt walked calmly over to the Gryffindor table and sat succeeding to John.

`` Eubert, Howard Carter. '' Albus recognized the other boy from their boat as he walked up to the Sorting Hat. He put it on and a few seconds later it shouted out, `` Ravenclaw ! ``

A few more students were sorted and then Professor Patil called"Malfoy, Scorpius."Albus watched as a blond haired boy with a self-satisfied look on his face was made a Slytherin before the hat even touched his head.

"Potter, Albus."A whisper went through the crowd. The headmaster had sat up straight again. Albus froze. He could n't do this. What if he was made Slytherin in straw man of all these people ? All these the great unwashed who expected him to be in Gryffindor ?"Albus ceramist ?"Professor Patil said again. Someone pushed Albus forward. He walked up to the feces and put on the hat.

"Ah, yes, another Potter. I see it all here. The courageousness, yes, yes, it 's all here,"the hat told Albus.

"Not Slytherin,"Albus thought,"Anything but Slytherin."

"Oh, oh, this sounds familiar,"said the hat,"Yes, indeed, just like your beginner. And just like your beginner, Slytherin would help you achieve greatness, but if you insist, Gyffindor !"

Albus breathed a sigh of relief as he jumped off the potty and ran to sit across from Saint John and mat at the Gryffindor mesa. Albus did n't even pay tending to the succeeding few classification. He was just so well-chosen to be in Gryffindor.

Albus next looked up when professor Patil called out"tagging program, Amanda."Albus watched as Amanda cautiously put on the hat."Gryffindor !"it shouted. Amanda ran to sit down across from privy, with a grin on her face. Only one student was left to be sorted.

"Weasley, Rose."Rose was made a Gryffindor before the hat had even touched her mind. 'Just like how James was sorted ,'Albus thought. It never hesitated for them. But it had for him. Albus stared glumly at his gold plate.

The headmaster rose from his chair."Welcome back to Hogwarts to all returning students and welcome to those who are new. For those of you who do n't know, I 'm Professor Kendrick, headmaster of Hogwarts. Now, I know the previous students have noticed we are short one staff penis,"the headmaster gestured to the empty chairman beside him."But I shall inform you about that later. Right now it is meter to eat."And the aureate plates filled with food.

Albus stared in amazement as the nutrient appeared in front of him. He started piling his plate with as a great deal as would fit. John was using not only his photographic plate, but an empty one that he found as well.

"This is nonplus !"John exclaimed."I might actually get wide here ! I hope all the meal are like this."

"Yeah, it all looks very unspoiled,"Albus said. Albus started eating his food and could n't help but overhear a conversation between two older students.

"I wonder where prof Torro is ? It 's not common for a teacher to overlook the starting of term banquet,"a brown haired girl asked the boy sitting following to her.

"Yeah, quite strange, really. I hope he 's all right. Maybe he 's ill or something ?"the boy responded.

"What does he teach ?"John the Divine said, interrupting the two elderly students.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts,"the girl told him. The two older students continued their conversation, but in low-down voices so John could n't overhear him.

*********

After the educatee had eaten their fill of dinner, the gilded denture became clean for a moment, and then dessert appeared. Albus immediately helped himself to his front-runner, treacle tart. While he was eating, he heard a scream coming from his leftfield. A ghostly head had appeared right out of Amanda 's plate.

"Oh, so sorry to have scared you !"the ghost said as he glided out of Amanda 's home."I 'm Sir Nicholas."

"You 're Nearly Headless Nick !"John shouted."Great to meet you. Can I see you pull off your question ?"

Amanda looked like she might conk, but gouge grudgingly pulled on his ear and his heading came partially off.

"Wow ! That 's damn bright !"John exclaimed."Did you see that, Albus ?"

"Yeah,"Albus responded. He did n't consider it was as neat as john did, and was beginning to wish well he had n't eaten nearly as much slop tart.

The master got to his feet again as the golden plateful became clean once more."Is everyone fill ? secure. Now, I have a few starting signal of terminal figure notices. The village of Hogsmeade is out of leaping for showtime and second years, as well as the Forbidden Forest to everyone. As always, stay away from the Whomping willow. Mr. Filch has added a few new items to the listing of forbidden things and if you wish to scrutinize the list, it is pinned to Mr. Filch 's room access.

"Now, as many of you have noticed, Professor Torro is not with us tonight. I regret to inform you that he has been discovered dead only a few hours ago,"Professor Kendrick stated with a sad reflection on his face. There was a sharp intake of breathing space from the students."Cause of demise has not been determined. Until I can find oneself a desirable surrogate, Defense Against the Dark liberal arts division will not take place. Now, it is fourth dimension to go to your dormitory. Classes begin tomorrow and you will need to be well rested. First years, please stick with a prefect to your coarse rooms."

Albus got up and looked for his full cousin, Georgia, for she was one of the Gryffindor prefects. Albus found her, and he, John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda all followed her up to the park way. As they walked through the rook, there was a whole lot of whispering about professor Torro.

"He was n't even that old,"one scholarly person said.

"Yeah, and was n't dad the theme that was enchant years back ?"another responded.

Albus and the others arrived at the portrait of the Fat peeress. Sakartvelo told her the watchword, Cornish fowl Pixie, and everyone walked inside.

"male child to the rightfulness, girls to the left. I hope everyone has a commodity Nox,"GA told the first years.

Albus walked up the helix staircase to his hall with matte, John, and two other boys Albus had not met yet. Albus thought their names were Bilius and Ethan. Albus was rather quiet while he got into bed. All the other boys were laughing and talking. But Albus could n't shake that he was considered for Slytherin. He was also a bit skittish about the fact that a prof had died. That did n't befall often, did it ? Albus was still thinking about these affair as he drifted off to sleep.

******

When Harry, Ginny, and Lily walked back into their sign after taking James and Albus to Platform 9 3/4, Harry noticed an owl waiting on the windowsill. He walked over to it and opened the letter.

honey Harry,
I would take account it if you would occur to Hogwarts later tonight, around 9pm.
I have something to ask you, and would favor to do it in soul, rather than by letter.
Please return this owl with your answer, thank you.
From,
Fabius Kendrick

'That 's strange ,'thought Harry. Surely one of his boys could n't be in trouble already ?"Ginny, I 'm going to induce to go to Hogwarts tonight. Fabius has requested that I meet with him. He has n't told me why,"Harry told his wife.

"Okay, just let me roll in the hay before you leave. That is strange, though. Why would n't he consume met with you before full term started ? I hope James and Albus are n't in trouble."

*********

Later that dark, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade. It was a chilly night, but there was not a cloud in the sky. The stars and moon shone brightly. Harry thought the educatee must be in their common rooms by now, judging from the time. 'That 's good, Albus and James I have no approximation I 'm here', thought Harry. He walked along the track and soon found himself walking through the big oak threshold into the Great Hall. Kendrick was waiting for him there.

"Good evening, Harry,"Fabius greeted.

"How are you ? What 's this about ? Are James and Albus okay ?"Harry asked anxiously.

"Oh, do n't worry, they 're fine. But I would opt if we discuss what we need to discuss in my office,"Fabius responded. Harry followed Fabius up to the stone gargoyle. It leaped aside as Fabius murmured,"Woolen coat."

Harry walked into the familiar flier role. He saw all the various will power that Dumbledore had left to the school. He also noticed the sleeping portraits of late headmaster. Only one was awake, the one of Albus Dumbledore. Harry smiled as he saw him.

"Please, sit down,"professor Kendrick said as he gestured to a chair in front of his desk. Harry sat."I have some bad intelligence. professor Torro was found utter in his home this morning."

"What ? ! How did he die ? He was n't very old,"Harry exclaimed. Professor Torro had been teaching pappa since Hogwarts reopened after the battle.

"I know, shocking, and very, very sad. His cause of Death was Avada Kedarva, but I did n't tell the educatee this. It does worry me. It is quite suspect. Especially since pa was the theme that Voldemort jinxed."

"But he 's gone ! I saw him die, I was there !"Harry shouted."This ca n't be the workplace of him, can it ?"Harry knew there would be an investigating awaiting him when he returned to figure out the next day. He had taken the day off to see St. James the Apostle and Albus onto the Hogwarts limited, and had n't heard a thing about prof Torro 's end until just now.

"Of course not. But there are still last Eaters out there. I have reason to believe that one of them killed Torro and the Minister agrees with me. But onto the rationality I have summoned you here.

"We are, of course of instruction, in want of a new DADA teacher, and I was wondering if you would care the job. I think it would be a good idea to have an Auror here after Holocene upshot and you are the ideal campaigner,"Kendrick told Harry.

"Me ? A teacher ? Well, I ca n't say I 've never thought about it. It would be skillful to be back at Hogwarts. But what about Ginny and Lily ? I ca n't leave them."

"Of course. And feel free to leave every weekend to expend time with them. Neville Longbottom does the Lapp thing to chaffer Hannah,"Kendrick explained.

"I guess I could do it, but only if Ginny is okay with it. I tell you what, I 'll Apparate house tonight and ask her. You 'll ingest your solvent in the sunrise, okay ?"Harry asked.

"That 's mulct. I 'll see you in the morning, then. secure night."

"'Night,"Harry said as he walked out of the office.

As Harry left the rook, he pondered the death of Torro. Harry had only met Torro a few times, and he was not particularly close to him, but his death still disorder Harry. Was this another random destruction Eater onslaught ? There had been a few of them throughout the year after the battle. But why was Torro killed ? He did n't even live in Britain during the time of Voldemort, he lived in France then. Why were the death Eaters going after Hogwarts teachers ? Harry had a peck feeling that this was n't like the early deaths, this had implication. Surely, Voldemort could n't return ? He was dead. There were no more than Horcruxes. Harry kept telling himself this, but he still felt very uneasy about it. The headmaster and the curate felt the same way. Why else would they want an Auror at Hogwarts ? Of track, Harry was the one who defeated Voldemort, so who else knew more about DADA ?

Harry found himself back in Hogsmeade and he Disapparated. He appeared a moment later in his backyard and he walked into the sign of the zodiac. It was time to say Ginny what had happened. Luckily, Lily would be in bed.

*********

Early the following dayspring, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade once again. This meter he had his old Hogwarts trunk with him, along with a large, pitch-dark owl named Harvey. This is fellow, he thought. Harry wheeled his luggage compartment over to Hogsmeade post, where he would wait for a carriage to take him to the castle. Ginny had said yes right away. She felt that Harry 's presence in the school would protect her sons. Ginny was also quite worried about the death of Torro.

The rig arrived and Harry loaded his trunk into it. 'This sure is strange ,'he thought. binding at Hogwarts, once again. It kind of felt good, comforting in a way. Hogwarts had always felt like dwelling house to Harry. But he still could n't shake the uneasy feel he had about Torro 's death. The carriage gave a pitch, and the thestrals pulled Harry up to the school.



"Get up, Albus ! Get up !"Albus awoke with a start and saw John 's fount looking down at him.

"Huh ? Wha 's going on ?"Albus said sleepily.

"beginning day of object lesson ! Let 's go down to breakfast,"John responded, excitedly. He was bouncing around the way, waking up all his blighter Gryffindors.

Albus got up and put on his robe."okey, I 'm prepare,"

"Great ! Bilius and Ethan are up too. But I ca n't get Matt up. He sleeps like a log,"John said as he shook Matt some more. lusterlessness finally got up and put his gown on.

The five Gryffindor offset year boys met the daughter in the coarse way. Rose, Amanda, Janie Creevey, and the Jordan-Bell twins. Albus knew he 'd met the twins a few clock time, but could n't think their public figure They introduced themselves as Karina and Marina. They were identical with longsighted black hair and low-spirited eyes. The first geezerhood walked down to the Great manor hall together, only getting lost once.

When Albus walked into the Great lobby, he glanced up at the chief table and his jaw dropped. He stopped walking and an sr. Hufflepuff bumped into him.

"Sorry,"she said as she walked past.

Albus did n't pay any attention to her. He continued to stare at the staff board. Sitting succeeding to the headmaster, was his Padre. Albus shook his top dog and ran over to the Gryffindor mesa, where his cuss first yr had already sat down.

"James ! James !"Albus shouted,"Look who 's sitting future to prof Kendrick ! Is n't that Dad ? What 's he doing here ? He does n't learn here !"

Epistle of James was staring at Harry."Yeah, I know. Funny how he never mentioned it. But I guess he must be the new papa instructor. All the early instructor are there."

"Honestly, Saint James ! He could n't have told us yet. Torro just died yesterday. Obviously, Kendrick asked him last night. It was only a matter of time, was n't it ? I mean, he 's got to be the most dispose ace for the job, right ?"Georgia had sat down next to James and talked some common sense into him.

"I suppose,"William James said as he started to eat his eggs.

"Here are your schedules !"Neville Longbottom had appeared near the Gryffindor tabular array.

Albus took his schedule from him and looked at it. He had pappa right after breakfast, then good luck charm, and after tiffin he had double up Herbology.

"Looks like a decent schedule,"Gospel According to John said,"Should be interesting having your dad as a teacher, Albus ! I ca n't hold back ! I 've got so many questions for him."

"Yeah, should be wonderful,"Albus said glumly as he dug into his waffles. Truthfully, Albus did not want his dad education at Hogwarts. With his dad here, Albus would be even more famous than usual. He did not like the staring eyes and the changeless motion about his dad.

**********

After breakfast, the Gryffindors headed to the DADA classroom, with whoremonger leading the way. Albus hung back with mat, who was going pretty slow.

"You okay, Matt ?"Albus asked,"You look kind of sick. You want to go to the infirmary Wing ?"

"No, I 'll be fine,"flatness replied with a yawn,"Guess I did n't get to sleep until deep, too nervous about lessons."

When they arrived at the classroom, Albus ran and took the board in the dorsum. matt and Amanda followed him. John hesitated, apparently torn with joining his new acquaintance and sitting up front. Finally, he, too, went and sat in the back.

"Why are we sitting back here ?"John asked.

"causa it 's my dad, privy. How would you like it if your dad taught at Hogwarts ?"Albus said in a uncivil whole tone. John did n't say anything.

At that moment, another group of students came into the way. They were Slytherins. Scorpius Malfoy was leading them.

"Great, we 're with the Slytherins,"John whispered to flatness,"Hope they 're not going to ruin everything."bathroom was about to plunge into a tirade about Slytherins, but Harry walked in.

"Good forenoon,"Harry said as he walked to the front desk,"I 'm professor Potter."A few of the girl in front end giggled."I 'll commence by taking attendance."Harry ran down the attendance sheet. Everyone was there.

"Please afford your Bible to page 5,"Harry told the students.

"Professor ? Can you tell us about the battle ? Please ?"one of the Twin Falls asked, Albus did n't know which one.

Harry sighed."wellspring, I really do n't care to talk about it much. But I suppose I could. I know you wo n't let it rest until I do,"he smiled and looked at Albus,"I know my own kids, nieces, and nephews kept asking me until I told them."

Albus sunk lower in his chair. Saint John the Apostle was sitting straight up, staring at Harry, hardly blinking. Amanda and Matt were also paying tightlipped attention.

Harry 's story about the struggle lasted the unscathed full stop. The chime rang shortly after Harry finished.

"Please read chapter one for adjacent prison term, since we did n't get a chance to cover it in class,"Harry told the student as they left."And Albus, could you quell for a moment ?"

"You guys go on ahead,"Albus told his friends,"I 'll meet you in Charms."Albus approached his Father 's desk after all the other student had left.

"Hi, Al, how was the classification ? I see you did stool it into Gryffindor. I knew you would,"Harry said with a proud tone on his face.

"Yes, I did,"Albus said, his center brimming with crying as he remembered what the hat had told him,"But it wanted to put me in Slytherin !"Albus started crying and he could n't stop."I told it to put me in Gryffindor, that 's the only ground it did !"

Harry quickly shut the doorway before responding."I told you at the station that it did that to me, too."

"But that 's case you were a Horcrux !"Albus sobbed,"I 'm not a Horcrux, so why should I experience done well in Slytherin ? It put Rose in Gryffindor before it even touched her head. And James said it did that with him, too."

"Yes, I know, but everyone 's unlike. It means that you have lineament of many different houses. It does n't imply you should be in Slytherin. The hat put you in Gryffindor because you wanted it to. A bang-up man once told me 'it is our selection that show who we really are, far more than our power'. Albus Dumbledore was that man. He told me that when I was wondering the Sami thing you 're wondering right now. You chose to be in Gryffindor, which makes you very different from the Slytherins. Do n't worry about it,"Harry explained, as he drew Albus into a hug.

"O-k-kay,"Albus stuttered,"J-just, d-do n't tell J-James."

"Do n't interest, I wo n't. James does n't even know that the hat considered putting me in Slytherin,"Harry confided,"Now, I think you should be off to your next class. And do n't worry about me teaching here. I 'll treat you just like the former scholarly person, detentions and all."

Albus laughed."Well, you do n't birth to do that."

"See you later, Al."

"Bye, Dad."

**********

Albus was a bit more cheerful for the rest of the day. He thoroughly enjoyed doubled Herbology. He had known Professor Longbottom since he was born, and Albus was very interested in witching flora. charm, however, was n't as enjoyable. The good luck charm professor, Professor Washburn was not very skillful, and for some reason he seemed to take something against Gryffindor.

Soon enough, dinner came, and right when Albus walked into the Great Hall, James came running over to him.

"So, how was having Dad as a teacher ?"King James asked, breathlessly.

"You know, it was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Albus said, while sitting down and grabbing the nigh bowling ball of murphy."He spent the whole full stop telling everyone about the battle because he figured no one would leave him alone until he did."

"strait familiar spirit !"Saint James the Apostle laughed,"Remember when we kept bugging him about it when I was 10 ? And then he said he 'd tell us the unhurt story the summer before our number 1 year of Hogwarts."

"Yeah, I was kind of surprised he was so uncoerced to tell the account. You know how he hates talking about it."

"I know, but I suppose it 's better for everyone to hear it sooner rather than later, and now Dad can get on to teaching,"James explained as he shoved his backtalk with chicken,"Should be pretty coolheaded having him instruct, he knows so often DADA."

"Hey, Albus !"John shouted to Albus as he ran over to the Gryffindor mesa. lusterlessness sat down on Albus 's other side.

"Hi John, Matt,"Albus said, passing them the pumpkin juice.

"Wow, this is just as good as last night !"John exclaimed as he piled his plate high with food,"I could definitely get used to this."

"What ? Did your mum starve you ?"Albus joked.

"'Course not. But she did n't make as much variety,"King John explained. He turned to matte."You okay ? You look kind of pale."

That was an understatement. Matt looked like he was about to give-up the ghost out in the potatoes. He had n't touched any of the food and his gilt plate was still discharge. Matt was leaning his head teacher on his hand and was yawning a lot."I 'm all right, I guess, just tired."

Albus and John Lackland eyed him warily."You sure ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, I 'm just not thirsty tonight. I 'll be fine."

At that instant, the headmaster stood up."If I could have your attention for just a bit, I have some more than announcements."The room immediately fell mum."Thank you. Now, as many of you have noticed, I did have winner in securing a new dadaism instructor and I would care to introduce him. This is prof Potter."Kendrick gestured to Harry."Now, I know many of you will have doubt for him when you have your first daddy lesson, but I ask you not to pester him. He will tell you what he wants to, and cipher to a greater extent. I would also like to tell you that if you want to try out for your house Quidditch team, please reach your name to your head of house. That is all. Thank you."Kendrick sat back down again and proceeded to talk to Harry.

"Well, I 'm trying out for searcher this yr !"King James I announced to the unscathed Gryffindor tabular array,"I 've been down to the Pitch practicing on my Firebolt during lunch."

"Good hazard, Henry James,"Albus told him,"Dad 'll be proud if you make the team."

"I sure hope I do. It 'll be large having him watch the games."

Albus turned to John."You finished ? We should probably get started on that homework."

john groaned,"Yeah, I suppose. You gon na fare, flatness ?"

matte looked up from his plateful."Sure."The three boys started walking back up to the park room, with lustrelessness lagging behind.

"matte, are you sure you 're ok ? You 're going pretty slowly,"Albus asked, with a nervous look on his face."I think you should probably go to the hospital wing.

matte looked out the window."I suppose you 're probably correct. You guys go on ahead, I 'll meet you back in the Common room."

"No, we 're going to carry you. You look ready to break up,"privy insisted. They all trekked back down the stairs and to the hospital Wing. When they got there, lady Pomfrey was in good order by the door.

"Matt ! Come here, you look terrible,"she said, grabbing his berm and leading him to the bed,"Thanks for bringing him, boys, you can leave now."Madam Pomfrey shooed them out of the room.

"You know, it almost looked like she was waiting for him,"Albus said as he walked up the stairs.

"Yeah, and she knew his epithet. That 's odd. I do n't think he 's been there yet,"John the Evangelist stated,"I wonder if he gets sick often ? Or maybe he gets hurt a lot, he 's got rafts of scrape. ``

"I know. I asked him about them on the geartrain, before you came in. He said he was clumsy and quickly changed the subject."

"well, I 'm indisputable he 'll recite us about it when he 's ready,"John reasoned,"Cornish Pixie."The portraiture opened and the two boys walked into the vernacular room. They settled down to doing their homework with Amanda, Rose, Janie, Bilius, Ethan, and the Twin. After a few hours, Albus bid them good night.

He walked up to his residence hall, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed. He pondered his object lesson and the quietus of his day. Albus was happy that having his dad there was n't as bad as he thought it would be. But why did prof Washburn dislike him and the other Gryffindors so much ? And was lusterlessness okey ? He still had n't returned to the unwashed way. As Albus was worrying about Matt, he drifted off to sleep. Just after he drifted off, the Shrieking shack shrieked for the kickoff sentence in decades.




Harry was in the Great Charles Martin Hall. roach bound him to the headmaster 's chair. His scratch was searing in pain sensation. Blood was pouring down his arms as he struggled against the restraint. He opened his eyes and glanced around, looking for his wand. There it was, lying uselessly halfway across the room. All around him, other people were bound to the other professor 's chairman, they were surrounding Harry in a set. A cloaked number was circling around the outside of the circle, while former cloaked figures stood stationary around the elbow room. organic structure lay in pools of ancestry on the base.

Harry glanced around at the early people bound to the chairs. The person directly across from him had long red hair. Harry screamed."NO ! ! ! ! Ginny !"He looked at the early people."James ! Albus ! Lily ! have me instead, not the Kyd !"

The hooded figure looked up and entered the band. He stood directly in front of Harry."fountainhead, well, mortal 's decided to retrieve his cognisance. As you see, the rest of them did n't fair too well without you. Most are dead. But I 've saved your near home for last. I will torture them and kill them. And then, I shall pop you. At final stage, I 've waited so long. You should have known you could n't pour down me."Voldemort rounded on the pocket-size child tied to a chair.

"Crucio !"he shouted.

"NO ! ! ! ! Do it to me instead ! Lily !"Harry screamed. His scar started to suffer even spoilt, it burned so bad he could n't keep his eyes open anymore.
Harry awoke with a commencement. He was covered in sweat and his heart was beating fast. His hand automatically went to his scar, but he was not in any pain. He shakily got out of bed and went to the window.

'Will it never end ?'he thought. The nightmare kept returning, but why ? It was always the Saami one. It had been going on ever since the shoemaker's last battle. Only before he had kids, the hoi polloi surrounding him were Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. As soon as Saint James the Apostle was born, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna disappeared. Once Albus was born, he appeared too. like with Lily.

Harry had no melodic theme what the dream meant, and neither did anyone else. Harry could call up of only one person who may induce been able to excuse it, Dumbledore. However, as soon as Harry had a few of these aspiration, he had gone to see the portrait in Dumbledore 's agency. He was only 18 then. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had no useful account. Since Harry was no foresighted a Horcrux, he could n't possibly be seeing into Voldemort 's sentiment. Especially since Voldemort was dead. But the dreams continued.

Tonight 's dream had been more vivid than any of the past ace. Maybe it was because Harry had spent all day reliving the horrific scenes from his childhood to diverse DADA stratum. He wished he had n't done that now. Oh, how he regretted it. But he 'd have to put up with it the rest of the week, seeing as it would n't be fair not to differentiate the other students.

Harry walked away from the window. He slowly walked into the corridor. His wholly trunk was clammy. He needed a quiescency drawing. He 'd been relying on these More and more as time went on .'I really should learn how to brew them myself ,'he laughed to himself.

walking through the corridors at dark brought back many memories. He still felt like he was disobeying the dominion, even though he was now a prof. It seemed like Snape was right around the nook waiting to catch him doing something legal injury. Harry climbed the stair to the hospital fender. He hated to heat Madam Pomfrey at this time of day, however he knew he 'd never get to log Z's without it. Maybe she would give him a big supply to preserve in his office.

Harry walked into the ward, only to see that Madam Pomfrey was already up. She was tending to a girl in one of the end beds.

"hi, Poppy,"he whispered.

"Oh !"Madam Pomfrey jumped,"You frightened me. I was n't expecting you at this hour, Harry. You know, it 's almost like you 're a student again, coming in so late."

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing,"Harry glanced down at the little girl,"Is she okay ?"

"Yes, she 'll be ticket. Someone levitated her in her sleep. She screamed and that scared the student who did it to her, that scholar gave the countercurse, and she promptly fell onto the floor and broke her arm."

"Wow, does n't aim very long for things to get interesting around here,"Harry said.

"Now, why are you here, Harry ?"

"Well, er, remember after the engagement and I had all those nightmares ? They never completely stopped, and now they seem to be getting worse. I was wondering if I could have a sleeping draught. I 'd also like to just hold a supply of it on hand. I 've never been much of a potion brewer and have n't attempted to hold it myself. I just can never manage to get to sleep without one after one of these incubus,"Harry explained sheepishly. He felt like he was a kid again. How could he, the wizard who defeated Voldemort, who was known as the bravest superstar of the clip, be afraid of a incubus ?

A sad gaze fell over Madam Pomfrey."You know, this kind of reminds me of how you were so susceptible to the dementors in your thirdly year. I know most hoi polloi think you 're brave and zippo frightens you, but everyone has nightmares and being frightened is nothing to be ashamed of."She walked over to a cabinet and came back with a large bottle filled with potion."Here you go. Just come back to me whenever you need more."She handed him the bottle.

"Thanks,"Harry replied, as he walked out of the hospital annexe.

As he walked back towards his office, Harry thought about what ma'am Pomfrey had said. He knew she was mightily, but he still could n't avail but find light whenever he had one of these incubus. He just wished he knew why he was having them and what he could do to turn back them.

******

When Albus awoke the following morning, Matt still had n't returned from the Hospital extension. whoremaster suggested that they go shoot the breeze lustrelessness before course of instruction, but since the two boys had gotten up late, they only had clock time to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to Potions in the dungeons.

"Good sunrise, class !"an old, round, professor greeted them,"I 'm Professor Slughorn, your Potions master copy. Today, we shall be learning about the basics of potion brewing, including the grandness of right stirring, heat energy, and ingredients. Please open your books to page 6."

The social class opened their Christian Bible and spent the whole lesson listening to Slughorn and copying down notes.

"Well, we 're pretty much out of time, so I 'll see you all next lesson. Could I have Albus ceramist and Rose Weasley please catch by my desk on their way out ?"Slughorn told the class.

"I 'll see you in Transfiguration, John. Tell prof Patil where I am,"Albus told his friend. He had a feeling he knew what Slughorn wanted. James II had warned him about it.

Albus and Rose walked cautiously up to Slughorn 's desk after everyone else had left.

"Ah ! Young Mr. potter and Miss Weasley. Now, I would like to secern you about a little gather I have scheduled for Friday. It 's for the students in the school day whose parents are, for lack of a comfortably terminus, democratic. Or those who have shown exceptional magical acquisition. Of track, I 'd be pleased if the both of you would attend. I 'm sure your cousin will be attending. They seemed to care them in the preceding old age,"Slughorn informed them.

"Well, er, I guess we could crap it,"Albus told Slughorn, while looking at Rose.

"Yes, we 'll be there. See you next lesson, Professor,"Rose told him, as the two of them left the dungeon.

"I knew it was only a issue of time before we were invited to the Slug Club,"Albus groaned. King James loved the slug order. It gave him a unit lot more care and more people for him to tell his history too. But Albus did n't like the renown. He would have rather skipped the party, but as James and his cousins were going, it would be hard not to.

"Well, maybe it 'll be fun,"Rose stated in a bright step. Albus rolled his optic and the two of them went to Transfiguration.

***********
lustrelessness did n't show up in classes all day. Albus and John were really starting to care. They decided to visit him before dinner. When they got into the infirmary Wing, they did n't see Matt right away. There was one girl occupying a bed with her arm in a sling. Madam Pomfrey was fussing over her.

"I really think you need to stay here tonight. You can leave in the good morning !"

"But, Madam Pomfrey, I 've been here all day. My arm 's fine !"the girl exclaimed.

"No, I will not consume it ! You can bequeath in the morning,"Madam Pomfrey said in a timber that was not to be argued with. The girl pouted and stopped talking.

Albus and John approached Madam Pomfrey."Um, where 's lusterlessness Eckerton ? We brought him here last Nox,"can said tentatively.

"He 's back there,"she said, pointing to a bed with the curtains pulled around it.

"Well, can we see him ?"Albus asked.

"No, I 'm no-good, but you ca n't. He 's not in any land to have visitant at the moment. You can come in see him this clip tomorrow,"Madam Pomfrey said hurriedly.

"But could you at to the lowest degree tell us if he 's ok ?"Albus asked.

"He 'll be hunky-dory in a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. Now, you two should steer down to dinner. You can see Matt tomorrow."

Albus and John walked glumly down to the Great Hall."That was strange. James said you can usually chatter your friends when they 're in the infirmary flank,"Albus told John.

"Very weird. You know, I think Matt 's keeping something from us. Madam Pomfrey seemed like she was expecting him last Nox, and now no one can shoot the breeze him,"Saint John told Albus in a worry tone.

"We 'll ask him about it when he gets out of the infirmary extension. I do n't intend he 'll be inclined to tell us tomorrow,"Albus reasoned.

*********

The following day, Gryffindor first year had DADA again. Nothing extraordinarily exciting happened during division. They mostly took preeminence on using Expeliarmus, the disarming spell. Harry said they would set off being able to exercise it on each other in the next category. John and Albus were really looking forward to this, as they really had n't used their wands for anything yet.

magical spell, however, was quite consequential. Professor Washburn started class by taking attendance as usual. He gave a menacing spotlight to all the Gryffindors as he called their names. But Albus thought he stared especially long at him.

"admit out your wands,"snarled Wahsburn,"we 're practicing levitation today. Everyone take a feather."Washburn waved his sceptre and a feather appeared in front of each student."Remember to swish and flick."

"Swish and flick,"murmured Albus from the backbone table. He waved his scepter and said,"Wingardium Leviosa !"null happened. He tried over and over again. Still, nothing happened. John, however, managed to do it.

"Look, Albus !"John exclaimed,"I 've done it !"John 's feather had rose a few column inch off the table, and fell down again.

"extolment,"Albus said flatly, his feather still remaining quite still on the table.

"I 've done it, too !"blush wine shouted. Her feather had also rose off the table, but it managed to make it a few metrical unit in the air before falling.

Washburn stormed out from behind his desk and rounded on the cover table, where Albus, Saint John, blush wine, and Amanda were sitting."Well, do it again !"he growled.

John and Rose looked at him nervously and picked up their sceptre."Wingardium Leviosa !"they said at the same prison term. Both their feathers rose feebly into the air and fell down again.

"Pathetic,"Washburn muttered,"thrower ! You do it !"he shouted at Albus.

"But, Professor, I have n't managed it yet,"Albus muttered quietly.

"You 'll do what I tell you to do ! perform the trance !"Washburn seemed to be getting angrier by the minute.

Albus nervously picked up his wand. His arm was shaking, this would not turn out good."Wingardium Leviosa,"he muttered very quietly. His feather leaped into the air and caught attack. The unanimous class, which had been staring at the back table for quite some time, screamed.

The flame from the feather caught onto Washburn 's robes and set them on firing as well."Bloody inferno !"Washburn screamed. He grabbed Albus 's sceptre out of his hand and produced water from it to duck the flaming."Potter ! You 'll getting detention and 20 points from Gryffindor !"he shouted, glaring at Albus."socio-economic class dismissed. Get out, all of you except Potter."

Albus was visibly shaking now. The rest of the division quickly left, the Gryffindors glancing anxiously at Albus. He walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk.

"wellspring, you seem to experience a knack for causing trouble, potter,"Wahsburn spat.

"I 'm sorry, professor, I did n't mean to,"Albus muttered, on the verge of tears.

"You 'll be doing detention tonight, I do n't like what other architectural plan you might have. See you at 8pm."

"But-"

Washburn cut him off."I said tonight, now get out !"he screamed.

********

Later that Nox, Albus trudged his way back to the usual room after doing detention with Washburn. He had Albus do lines, so it was n't too bad. But Washburn stared at Albus the whole clock time, his eyes like flak.

Albus climbed through the portrait and saw just who he needed to talk to."King James, I 've got to ask you something."

"What is it ?"James asked, walking away from his ally.

"Why does Washburn hate me ?"Albus asked."During the initiative class, I thought he just hated all Gryffindors, but today he made it sort out that it 's me he hates."

"Really ? It 's well known he hates Gryffindors. But he 's always seemed to hate me Sir Thomas More than everyone else,"James River explained,"I always assumed it 's because I cause so much trouble. You on the other helping hand, have always been so quiet. What did you do to him ?"

Albus mumbled something incoherent.

"What ?"

"I set him on fire."

Saint James burst out laughing.

"It 's not peculiar ! I did n't think of to do it. We were doing levitation, and he asked me to levitate the feather in strawman of everyone, when he knew I had n't managed to do it before. My arm was shaking so a lot I knew the go would n't work. The plume caught flaming as soon as I muttered the trance, and then it spread to Washburn 's robes. I got rail line and 20 level taken from Gryffindor,"Albus looked down, ashamed.

James looked bedaze."But that 's a mistake any first year could own made. I do see how he got mad, though. I think you should just try to avoid him. Sit in the back, do n't say anything. Ignore him in the halls. That 's what I do. I still get way more detentions from him than any other teacher, but I think I 've become immune to them. Well, I 'd ameliorate get back to my friends. See you later."

Albus contemplated this entropy. Washburn hated all Gryffindors, but he hated James and Albus the most. Why ? It did n't work sensory faculty. Neither Albus nor James had met Washburn before Hogwarts.

"Albus !"John came running into the park room,"I 've just been with Matt."

"How is he ?"Albus asked.

"Not good. He 's covered in gash and bruise. Said he 'd tripped on his way to the bathroom. He kept avoiding talking about being ill. Just wanted to let the cat out of the bag about what 's going on in the shoal. So I told him about you setting Washburn on fire. He thought it was hilarious."

"It 's NOT !"Albus shouted. He was sick of everyone thinking it was funny. The story had already made it around the school day and at dinner everyone was staring at him Sir Thomas More than usual. Some student even high fived him and patted him on the back. It seemed like Washburn was disliked by many student.

"O.K., okey,"John said, putting his script up,"Anyway, flatness said he 'd be back in class tomorrow morning. Madam Pomfrey just wanted him to bide the sleep of the night."

"goodness. Let 's go to bed. I 'm exhausted,"Albus said. He and John climbed up the circular staircase to the dormitory.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Here 's the next chapter ! I combined two forgetful chapters into one, so this one 's a good bit longer than the previous ones.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Friday came too quickly for Albus 's liking. He was not looking forward to the clout Club coming together. Since the meeting and Gryffindor Quidditch try-outs were at the Lapplander time, St. James would n't be joining Albus at the meeting. Albus had tried to get out of the meeting by watching try-outs, but the team police captain decided to not let any looker at the try-outs. A orotund identification number of educatee had wanted to serve just to see James River, and the captain did n't want anyone to disrupt the try-outs.

Later that day, Albus and rosebush walked down to the dungeons together. Albus was dreading the encounter. They walked into the get together to see that most everyone else was already there. Albus already knew virtually of them. Some of his cousins were there, along with respective other arrange appendage'minor. However, there were a few faces Albus had never seen before.

"Ah ! Albus and rose wine !"Slughorn gestured to a few professorship in the room,"Please have a seat. You already know many of the people here. But I do n't consider you know Tami Tobias, Frank Belleville, and Quinton Willinson ?"he said, gesturing to a blond haired girl, a black haired boy, and a very sullen looking boy."Tami is a 6th year Ravenclaw who brews the most excellent potions, Frank is a 4th year Hufflepuff who can already perform nonverbal patch ! And Quinton 's a 7th twelvemonth Slytherin whose Fatherhood works at the Minsitry."

"Er, hi,"Albus responded.

"Hello,"Rose smiled.

Unfortunately for Albus ; Tami and Frank, along with Slughorn, spent much of the meeting hounding Albus with questions about his dad, the battle, and Albus 's childhood. Eventually, Albus just got fed up with it.

"aspect, my dad 's told you all he wants to tell you. You 're not going to learn anything else from asking me !"Albus shouted.

Slughorn looked taken aback."I thought you 'd revel talking about it. Your brother always enjoys telling stories about his childhood."

"Well, I 'm not James River, now, am I ?"Albus shouted. Everyone else was now staring at him. Albus jumped up from his chair and stormed out the door, slamming it behind him.

Albus stamped his feet the solid way up to the green way. He went through the portrait and was immediately bombarded by James.

"Albus ! I got it ! I 'm the new searcher !"James shouted over the racket, jumping up and down and spilling his butterbeer all over the floor.

"That 's not bad, Jesse James, really great,"Albus told him, trying to sound somewhat excited.

"What ? You 're not happy for me ? I thought you would be. Dad 's rapt. I told him as soon as I was done at trial,"James said tentatively.

"No, I am worked up,"Albus responded glumly. All he wanted to do was go to bed, but James blocked his path.

"What 's ill-timed ? I can separate something 's wrong. order me,"Saint James the Apostle said, in a voice that sounded strangely like their mother's.

"It 's the slug gild. I just left. All anyone wanted to do was listen to me twaddle on about my puerility,"Albus shouted, all the anger coming back in full force."They would n't contain bothering me until I screamed at them and stormed out."

James just stared at Albus."And to top it all off, Slughorn said he thought I 'd LIKE talking about all that, just because you do !"Albus screamed at James and punched the nearest armchair.

"Boy, you do stimulate Dad 's temper,"Saint James told Albus,"I 'm sorry I could n't be there. I 'll be there at all the others. I swear. Well, unless there 's Quidditch practice."

"Others ? ! You really think I 'm going to another one of those ?"Albus shouted disgustedly.

"Well, Slughorn has them all throughout the year. Sometimes they 're kind of fun. You know Dad used to go to them."

"Fun ? ! Fun ? ! How could that possibly be fun ? And I know Dad used to go to them, he did n't exactly relish them, now did he ?"Albus seethed.

"Yeah, some of them are fun,"St. James the Apostle shifted from substructure to human foot. Albus could distinguish he was skittish.

"Just go back to your party. You deserve it. Good job at making Seeker, I really do think that. But I think I 'm going to bed. Good night."

"'Night,"Jesse James said as he rejoined his party.

Albus walked up to his student residence. It was still relatively other, so Albus was surprised to see lustrelessness there. Matt had returned at breakfast yesterday good morning, but he still did n't seem himself, so John and Albus did not bring up the question of him being ill.

Albus went over to Matt 's bed and pulled back the drapery. He was sound asleep. That was foreign. He just spent 2 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. in the hospital Wing, why was he still tired ? Was he still sick ? Albus sighed, he would n't be capable to oppugn Matt tonight. wellspring, turning in early would do Albus some good too. Maybe he 'd be capable to tranquillize down after the evening 's excitation. He got into his pyjama and got into bed.

********
Unfortunately, Albus did not suffer a relaxing sopor. He was having vivid nightmare which involved Slughorn questioning him while James stood behind him, laughing. This same image kept recurring over and over again. Albus tossed and turned and eventually, a new dream came over him.

Albus was sitting in a dark empty way. A man in a dark cloak appeared next to him.

"He will return,"the man said.

"What ?"Albus asked."Who 's returning ?"

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"Tell me ! Who ?"Albus shouted.

"He will return, he will turn back, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.

Albus awoke with a start. He was sweating. What was that about ? He had never had such a vivid dream. Who was going to return ? Albus raked his brainpower, and then it hit him. It felt like he 'd been punched in the belly. Of course ! He jumped out of bed and put on his dressing robes. It must be late, he thought. Matt, John, Ethan, and Bilius were still sleeping. Albus tip-toed out of dorm and carefully keep out the door behind him.

Albus had to see his dad. He did n't care that it was the middle of the night. He ran out of the common room and into the hollow corridor. It was strange wandering around this recent. Albus had never walked around the palace at dark. He did n't handle that he was n't supposed to be out of his residence hall this deep. All he thought about was telling his dad about that dream. Albus ran down the stair, probably making too much noise. As he rounded the nook, someone reached out and grabbed his berm. Albus screamed.

"Shut up !"a man shouted,"You 'll rouse the solid school. Then we 'll possess a rattling problem."

Albus looked into the center of the man who had caught him. It was prof Washburn.

"wellspring, well, Mr. Potter is out of bed. And this recent at night ? Surely, he must be up to no good,"Washburn sneered. Albus heard the happiness in his pure tone."We 'd better be off to my office, shall we ?"

Albus stood where he was."No, I have to see my dad."

"running to dada, are we ? Is n't that sweet. Unfortunately for you, wandering corridors at nighttime is against the rule, therefore, I will penalize you."

Washburn grabbed Albus 's hired hand and dragged him to his office. Albus was really shaking now. What would Washburn do to him ?

When they entered Washburn 's dark office, he forced Albus into a chair directly in straw man of his desk.

Washburn slammed his hands on his desk."So, decided to have a little midnight stroll ? Care to tell me what you were up to ?"he glared at Albus, not blinking.

"I 've already told you. I need to see my dad,"Albus told him, nervously.

"Surely that could hold off till morning ? I bet you were setting up some kind of prank. Am I right ? You know, I 've caught your brother out of bed many a metre for just that reason."

So that was it. Washburn hated Jesse James, so he in turn hated Albus too. That was the second time in the by 12 minute that Albus had been compared to James."I am NOT like my brother !"he stood up, clenched fist clenched and stared at Washburn.

Washburn smiled."I seem to have struck a nerve. But it hardly matters what you were doing out of bed. The fact remains that scholarly person are not to be out of bed at,"he glanced at his ticker,"1:37 in the morn. Now, to discuss your punishment."

"You can talk over my punishment after I see my dad,"Albus glared at Washburn.

"Sit back down, Potter. I know you 're just trying to get dear old Dad to keep open you."

Albus remained standing."I AM NOT !"he screamed,"I have something really important to discuss with him !"

"Fine, but I 'll contract you to see him, so I can make trusted you 're punished,"Washburn spat.

Albus did n't say another word and ran out the door.

"delay ! Get back here, boy ! I told you I 'm taking you !"Washburn ran to catch up with Albus, breathing heavily. He was clearly out of shape. The two of them walked to Harry 's office in nail silence.

"wellspring, here we are,"Washburn stated, pushing Albus aside and opening the room access."Potter ! inflame up ! I caught your son out of bed."

Harry quickly walked out of his sleeping room. He had also been up after having a nightmare of his own. Harry looked at Albus and Washburn and jumped."Sorry, I expected it to be James."

"So did I. He insists that he discuss something with you before I punish him,"Washburn told Harry in a disgruntled voice.

Harry looked worriedly at Albus."What is it ? Are you okay, Al ?"

"I just need to recite you something ..."Albus replied, looking warily at Washburn.

"I must ask you to provide, prof Washburn. I think this needs to be private."

"Fine ! I 'll wait outside the doorway, but he will be punished !"Washburn yelled as he walked out the doorway and slammed it behind him.

As soon as he left, Albus relayed his whole dream to Harry.

Harry pulled Albus into a hug and told him,"Albus, I do n't think your nightmare had any variety of significance. It was just a bad dream."

"But, it seemed so real ! And you had ambition like this when you were younger, and they were real number !"

"Yes, that 's because I could see Voldemort 's thought. You know that. I think that hearing so a lot about the battle over and over again this week and being bombarded with enquiry about it has caused you to be worried,"Harry explained."I understand your fearfulness. I still have nightmares about it. But I think the safe matter for you to do is just forget about it."

"But, what if it is substantial ?"Albus asked in a worried tone.

"Think about it, Al. How could he come back ? He 's dead. Even in the Wizarding world, no one can come back from the dead."

"Yeah, I suppose you 're right. It was just so bright and scary."

"I know. Now I only hope that as you spend more time at Hogwarts, people will turn back asking you so many doubtfulness. For tonight, I think you should have some quiescency swig,"Harry walked over to his cabinet and poured a potion into a small bottle. I 'll take you back to Gryffindor Tower, and pledge this before you get into bed."

"But what about detention ?"

"Do n't vex. You wo n't get hold. But wandering the corridors is against the rules, so please do n't do it anymore. Just send off Book with a portrayal from the mutual room if you need me, and I 'll meet you in the park room. Now, let 's get you back to bed. Just come after me and do n't say anything. I 'll deal with Washburn."

Harry opened the room access and left the elbow room. Albus followed."There will be no detention tonight, prof Washburn. Albus really did necessitate to tell me something that was worrying him. It 's perfectly apprehensible what he did. I 've talked to him and he wo n't do it again,"Harry explained calmly.

"But, he broke the regulation !"Washburn screamed.

"Careful, you 'll awake the whole castle,"Harry told him as he continued to walk down the halls with Albus following quickly behind.

They left Washburn standing with his mouth receptive in the hallway. When Albus got back to his bed, he took his potion and had a dreamless, restful sleep.

******

As the week past, people slowly got over the excitement of having Harry as a pa teacher. Harry had explained the battle to every individual one of his year, and in the pursue stratum he was able to teach without being disrupted with questions pertaining to the fall of Voldemort. Harry was grateful for this. He was still having his incubus more often than usual, but thanks to lady Pomfrey 's potion, he was able to get a few decent night 's sleep a week.

Things seemed to be calming down for Albus too. There had not been anymore Slug golf-club meetings since the disastrous first-class honours degree one, but Albus had no intention of going to one even if he got invited. His classes were going well. He seemed to fight the most in Charms, but that was to be expected. At to the lowest degree Albus now knew why Washburn hated him so much, it was because he hated Jesse James. As much as Albus hated being compared to James, it was courteous to know it was n't anything Albus did to rile Washburn. Unfortunately, Albus was earning a detainment a week in his class.

Matt seemed to recover from his illness within a few days. However, as September grew into October, and the atmospheric condition started getting colder, matte got sick again.

Albus, can, mat, Bilius, Ethan, Rose, Janie, Amanda, Karina, and Marina sat together at one table in the park elbow room after dinner one Wednesday. They were working on a particularly heavily Transfiguration essay.

"No, you 've got that wrong,"rosiness told Albus.

"fountainhead, why do n't you tell me what the aright result is, then ?"Albus said disgustedly.

"But then you wo n't pick up anything !"

"You 're just like your mother,"Albus told him, shaking his brain."flatness, what 's wrong ?"

Matt had put his head down on his parchment, he had only written the first sentence of his essay.

"Huh ?"he said, lifting up his head. He glanced out the window."I 'm not feeling too good. I think I might be sick."

"Again ? You do look a bit pale,"Amanda told him with a upset smell on her case."You bettor go to the Hospital Wing.

"All right. I 'll see you guys later,"Matt slowly got up from his chair and shuffled out of the common elbow room."You guys do n't receive to come,"he said to Albus and St. John, who had gotten up.

Albus looked at him warily."If you 're sure."But lustrelessness had already left the common room.

"I hope he 's all right. That 's the second fourth dimension he 's been barf here and it 's only Oct,"lav said.

"Yeah, I know. I guess we 'll just have to await and see how tenacious he spends in the hospital backstage this time,"Albus told him.

"well, I 'm never going to get this done !"Janie shouted, exhaustedly."I 'm going to bed,"she got up and left, the other 4 lady friend following her.

"We 'd better turn in, too,"Bilius told the early boys.

"Yeah, probably,"Albus agreed. The three boys walked up the bill staircase and got into bed.

*********

lustrelessness did n't get out of the hospital annex until Saturday. Although, he spent most of that day sleeping in his four poster bed. His booster were n't all that surprised, since this exact same thing had happened during his old sickness. They gave him his space until socio-economic class started again on Monday.

Albus had started to fear Potions social class. He was always afraid that Slughorn was going to bring up what happened in the previous slug night club encounter. Unfortunately for Albus, after threefold potions that week, Slughorn called Rose and him up to his desk after class.

"See you in Transfiguration, then, Albus,"John told him as he and lustrelessness started to walk out of the room.

"No, stay, please,"Albus hissed at them,"He wo n't spill about what happened lowest time if you 're here."

"All right,"toilet sighed and dropped his bag on the good desk.

"Rose and Albus ! I just wanted to invite you to my adjacent get together. It 's happening on Halloween. It 'll be a kind of Hallowe'en party. You can each bring a guest,"Slughorn said, delightedly.

"aplomb !"John shouted, running to the front of the room,"Bring me, Albus !"

"No, wreak me !"Matt said louder, pushing by John.

"Do n't care, boys, you can both make out, all right ?"Slughorn told them with a grinning on his face.

"But, but-"Albus stammered, staring at John and Matt.

"Well, off you go, do n't want to be late for your next class !"Slughorn shooed them out of his classroom.

"St. John the Apostle ! Matt ! Why did you do that ?"Albus shouted, once Slughorn was back in his room.

"What ? I wanted to see what all the hassle is about with those meetings,"lav said innocently.

"Ugh ! Now I have to go !"Albus threw his script up in the air,"You knew I did n't want to go to anymore."

"fountainhead, we 'll be with you, it 'll be all right,"lustrelessness said sympathetically.

*********

Before Albus knew it, he, Matt, and John were trudging down to the dungeon for the Allhallows Eve company. toilet and matt were running along excitedly, while Albus lagged behind. They walked into the keep, to recover it packed.

"Good, maybe no one will notice me,"Albus said as he gazed around at the crew. The same phallus who were at the close coming together were there, along with their guests and legion adult."Let 's go get some food."

The three boys walked through the crowd and over to the food table. They each piled a plateful high-pitched with food for thought. When Albus turned around, he almost ran into someone.

"Watch it !"the boy shouted, he was a rather great Slytherin. The boy looked at Albus and then sneered."Ah, thrower, can I ask you a few questions about your childhood ? Or will that make baby Potter cry ?"

"Shut it,"Albus muttered, trying to push past the boy.

"Trying to run away, are we ? Well, that wo n't do. I thought you 'd enjoy talking about yourself. I certainly enjoy talking about me. So, I 'll talk. I 'm Quinton Willinson."Albus glanced at him again and now recognized him as the Slytherin that Slughorn introduced him to at the previous meeting.

Gospel According to John snorted into his pumpkin vine succus.

"You think that 's funny ? Who are you ?"Quinton glared at John.

"toilet Brickston. Pleased to adjoin you. This is Matt Eckerton,"he gestured towards Matt.

"enough about you, more about me. My father richly up at the Ministry. He does a form of tasks and makes a loading of gold from it. I 'm a 7th year. Father 's getting me a Ministry job once I 'm done here. I ca n't wait until I get out of here and make amber like he does,"Quinton stole a cookie off of Albus 's plate and started to eat it.

"So,"he said in between bites,"What was it like growing up with 'The elect One'?

"I said, shut it !"Albus said, a bit louder.

"Oh, are we going to have a repeat of last meeting ?"Quinton asked excitedly, stealing another cookie.

"Definitely not,"shouted John, who drew his baton,"After this one, you 'll wish well you 'd never been born."lusterlessness quickly drew his own wand.

"No, guys, it 's okay, do n't get in trouble for him, he 's not worth it,"Albus told them.

"Gon na curse me, ickle firsties ?"Quinton giggled,"I 'm so scared."

"What 's going on over here ?"St. James the Apostle asked as he walked over to the nutrient tabular array,"What do you want, Willinson ?"

"Just thought I 'd ask Albus about his life sentence growing up,"Quinton told James innocently.

"Well, I think he said to arrest, did n't he ?"William James said, drawing his own wand.

"He might 've mentioned it,"Quinton sneered as he, too, drew his scepter,"But I do n't see what 's so wrong about wanting to know about 'The elect One'. Maybe you could tell me how he managed to defeat the sterling whiz of all prison term ?"

"Expeliarmus !"James shouted, and Quinton 's wand flew across the way.

Slughorn looked up at the shouting and hustled over to see what had happened."You can not duel at my company !"

"They started it,"Quinton said, pointing to Albus and his acquaintance,"Little ceramist had to induce his big brother defend him."

"wellspring, you 'll all put your wand away now so we can enjoy the rest of the party in heartsease. Or you 'll all get detention,"Slughorn growled as the boys all hastily put their wands away.

Quinton gave Albus one last sneer and he stalked off. Albus watched him go and turned and ran out of the room. He heard his friends following him, but did n't stop to lecture. He did n't break or turn around until he reached the Fat Lady 's portrait. He gave the parole and ran into the common room and up to his dormitory.

Albus knew going to that company was a bad idea. He should n't have gone. Never again. He punched his pillow. What did Quinton want with him anyway. And why did he call up Voldemort 'the heavy wizard of all clock time'? Voldemort was defeated before Quinton was even born, he could n't possibly have got been a expiry Eater.

The door to the dormitory opened and Matt and John Lackland walked in."You okay ?"mat asked.

"Oh, I 'm just alright,"Albus told them sarcastically,"I 'm never going to one of those again, even if you two want to go as my Guest. You saw what it 's like now, not lots fun, is it ?"

"Yeah, not that much fun, although was n't that chill how James disarmed Willinson ?"John the Evangelist said excitedly."I mean, he 's 5 years jr. than him !"

"real number cool,"Albus said flatly,"I think I just want to go to bed."Albus pulled the hangings of his bed closed and laid down. He fell asleep relatively quickly, but it was n't a restful sleep. He had the nightmare again. It happened a few times a hebdomad now, and try as he might, Albus could n't seem to forget about it.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --


Sorry for the postponement ! I had to rewrite something and combine chapters because I thought this one was too short.

As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



As the first few days of November passed, the weather became gradually cold-blooded. The fart was blowing fiercely, and soon Snow would be falling. The first year Gryffindors were not at all surprised when matte got sick again and spent a few days in the hospital wing.

"Hey, Matt ! How are you feeling ?"Albus asked at dinner when Matt reappeared from the hospital wing.

"All right,"Matt told him while putting food for thought onto his plate.

"You know, you get be sick a lot, Matt. Are you sure you 're okay ?"Gospel According to John chimed in.

"Yeah, I know. I 've got this, er, malady. And it makes me get grisly quite a bit. I did n't want to worry you, so that 's why I never told you,"matt replied quickly.

"But you 're better now, right ?"Albus asked, nervously.

"Um, sort of. I mean, I 'm better now, but it 'll encounter again,"Matt told them and quickly changed the subject,"So, first Quidditch match in 2 week ! Gyrffindor vs. Hufflepuff. Should be a sound game !"

"Uh, yeah, it should be,"Albus looked warily at Matt. Clearly he did n't like talking about his illness. Albus and whoremaster did n't bestow it up again during the meal. Albus, John the Evangelist, and flatness spent the rest of dinner talking about the upcoming match.

The next two calendar week dragged by. As the meter before the Quidditch match drew brusque, the anticipation and hullabaloo increased. Both captains were holding recitation more often than usual. They alternated even for the pitch, so each team was practicing every other night. The Gryffindor players trudged back into the vernacular room well after ten o'clock at night on the 24-hour interval of their practices. They were usually muddy up and cold, as the weather was not cooperating. Even the professors were getting into the purport and were not assigning a great deal preparation to the actor, however they still piled it on the former students.

upheaval was extremely senior high in the Gryffindor mutual room the night before the world-class Quidditch mates. No one was getting much homework done. The sole ones trying were a few 7th age and Rose, who was reading a book with her fingers in her ears.

"Oi ! rosiness !"Albus called across the common elbow room as he walked over to her,"You actually trying to get homework done ? Why do n't you choose a severance ? You 've been studying all day."

"Yes, I know I have,"Rose said irritably,"We 've got a big History of Magic test this week, you know. And we have n't even won the lucifer, so why celebrate yet ?"

"You know, you 're just like your mum,"Albus laughed as he left Rose to her Bible. He decided he 'd notice James and wish him secure luck.

James II was standing in the middle of the vulgar elbow room, surrounded by his fellow teammates."James !"Albus shouted,"Could I have a Holy Writ ?"

"Sure !"James shouted back, as he left the group,"What 's up ?"

"Just wanted to wish you luck, was n't sure enough if I 'd see you before the match. You know, you 'll do fine,"Albus told his blood brother."Are you nervous ?"

"A bit, yeah,"James responded,"It 's just everyone thinks I 'll be a corking Seeker because Dad was, so I do n't want to disappoint them."

"You wo n't. I 've seen you play. You 're the best Seeker this planetary house has, that 's why you 're on the team,"Albus said reassuringly.

"I suppose. I guess I 'd better get back to the team, we 're talking strategy,"Saint James told him.

"Ok, see you tomorrow."

********

Albus was right that he was n't capable to talk to James before the compeer. Albus saw him briefly at breakfast, he was looking a bit regorge and was n't eating anything. Shortly after Albus arrived at the table, however, the whole team left for the locker rooms. After eating some breakfast, Albus walked down to the lurch with John and matt. They found themselves seats high in the stands next to Rose, Amanda, Janie, Marina, and Karina.

"Is St. James the Apostle uneasy ?"Rose asked Albus.

"A bit, yeah, he 's afraid everyone 's going to compare him to Dad, so he 's afraid he 's going to disappoint everybody,"Albus told her.

"Well, he wo n't,"blush wine said reassuringly.

"I know."

The atmospheric condition precondition could n't consume been worse for a secret plan of Quidditch. The wind and rain from the previous hebdomad had not let up at all. Albus had a hard time seeing onto the auction pitch. visibleness was tremendous, so the spectators had to mainly bank on the commentary to separate them what was going on.

"Welcome to the first Quidditch lucifer of the time of year !"a booming voice shouted. Albus recognized it as Sweeney Todd Smith, one of his cousin-german Georgia 's friends."Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff !

"And here come the teams ! Gryffindor, Samantha Meyers, Ryan O'Malley, St. James the Apostle Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Peach State Weasley, and Heather Weasley. Blimey, that 's a lot of Weasleys ! Here are the Hufflepuffs ! Ted Shawn Ames, Jason Bristol, Lisa Galivant, Jessica harper, Andy Kaper, and Stacey Sir Patrick Manson !

"Captains Meyers and Harper have shaken workforce, and the Quaffle is up !"

14 players and prof Oteski rose up into the sky on their brooms. Albus could just make out the red robed Gryffindors and the chicken robed Hufflepuffs. Although he had no approximation who was who.

"Gryffindor is in self-command of the Quaffle. Heather Weasley is storming up the pitch, headed for the Hufflepuff goal. Oh ! Saved by Keeper Bristol. Hufflepuff now in possession. Nice beater work by Bradley Weasley, too bad Ames swerved just in time to nullify the bludger. And Hufflepuff scores !"

"damn it !"Albus shouted. Saint John and mat were hissing at the Hufflepuffs.

"Fred Weasley is in possession of the Quaffle, passes to Meyers, who then passes to Heather Weasley and back to Fred. That 's the way to do it ! jumble them ! harper sends bludger to Fred, but it is intercepted by O'Malley ! Great job ! And Gryffindor scores !"

"Woohoo ! ! !"Albus shouted. Despite the rain, he was loving every minute of the game. Quidditch games always sounded so exciting when his dad told him about them, but Hogwarts games were much better in person. Albus had been to a few professional secret plan, but it somehow seemed better to watch a game that had your own family on the team.

The game continued on for what seemed the likes of hours. The rain and wind had longsighted since made Albus 's hand numb. But he did n't care.

"Blimey, do you think this could go on all day ?"John asked as Hufflepuff scored.

"I sure hope so !"flatness shouted over the malarkey,"I 've been putting off an essay for Potions and have no urge to start it anytime soon. ``

"Matt ! You should have done that essay days ago,"Rose scolded,"I hope it ends soon, I still have some more contemplate to do do for History of Magic."

"And Calluna vulgaris Weasley scores for Gryffindor !"Smith shouted,"The mark is currently 100-90 Gryffindor. With no signaling of the Snitch ! Both quester are flying slowly around the pitching, oculus peeled for that halcyon ball. Of path, the big excitement this game is St. James the Apostle Potter, the new Gryffindor Seeker. His dad, Harry ceramist, was one of the best quester Gryffindor house has ever seen. But will Epistle of James live up to his dad 's legacy ? exclusively time will evidence. maitre d' Meyers has been quite secretive about their exercise and would not let anyone watch James IV fly until this match."

"Does Quidditch always lowest this yearn ?"Amanda asked Albus.

"Not usually, but they do vary quite a bit. One reality cup lasted over a month. All depends on the Seekers and the atmospheric condition, usually. Weather like this, who knows when the Snitch will be seen,"Albus explained.

"Well, I think I like watching Quidditch. Course, I could never play. You saw me on my broom in flying object lesson. The matter would n't get up in the air,"Amanda laughed.

The initiative yr had had a few flying object lesson over the preceding few weeks. Amanda was n't the worst in the course, but was n't having practically luck with her broom. Albus was pretty soundly. Not as good as James, but he thought he might be able-bodied to try out for Chaser next year when Samantha Meyers left.

"Gryffindor scores again ! Blimey, if the match goes on much foresightful, we 'll be in for a Hogwarts platter ! It 's past lunch time, the match has been going on for 4 minute in case anyone had been wondering. Oh, look at this ! I think Galivant has seen the Snitch !"Smith shouted.

Indeed, she had. Lisa Galivant was flying directly towards the ground, where the little halcyon winged ball was hovering. James was flying a few groundwork above her and noticed her honkytonk. He quickly pulled his broom into a nosedive as well.

"And both seeker are neck in neck, heading towards the solid ground, where the gilt stoolie has been spotted ! thrower is now pulling ahead a little. Kaper is headed towards a bludger that is right wing above both quester. And Kaper hits the bludger towards Potter, who has n't noticed it !"

knock ! The bludger collided with King James I 's skull, just as he reached for the Snitch. He fell, headfirst off his Calluna vulgaris from a height of 10 feet, and landed on the earth, not moving.

"James ! ! !"Albus shouted, as he tried to move past all the pupil who were standing up in their buns looking at the pitch.

"Potter is knocked off his broom by a bludger sent by Andy Kaper. Surely, Galivant has caught the stoolie. But wait, she 's landing unrewarded. Where is the stool pigeon ?"

Albus had managed to extricate himself from the bandstand, running onto the pitch, followed by Saint John the Apostle, Matt, Amanda, and pink wine.

"James !"Albus shouted again, as he ran towards the crowd of instructor surrounding his brother. He pushed his way in between Profesor Patil and Professor Longbottom and saw his dad leaning down at James River 's side. He had an extremely occupy facial expression on his face.

"I 'm taking him to the infirmary Wing,"Harry told the teachers as he picked James up. Harry started walking towards the castle. Albus ran after him, followed by his friends.

They burst through the wooden room access and ran up the stairs to the Hospital Wing. When they got inside, Harry deposited James onto a bed. Madam Pomfrey was striding towards them.

"fountainhead, what 's happened ? Quidditch, right ?"she clicked her knife,"Such a grievous play. I do n't acknowledge why they still allow it."She bustled over to St. James and examined him."Cracked skull. I 'll own it mended in no time, but he 's unconscious, so it might be a while before he comes round."

The room access of the hospital Wing salvo candid and a few instructor made their way into the way and stood by Harry.

brothel keeper Pomfrey ran over to a cabinet and grabbed some potion to put on James 's head. She went back over to James I and started applying potion. Once she was done, she tapped her wand to his headway and muttered a spell. She applied bandage and turned to his hand, which was clamped shut around something.

"Looks like he managed to catch the stoolpigeon,"Madam Pomfrey announced as she pried the still struggling aureate Ball from his hand.

`` Wow, '' Harry smiled, `` That 's impressive. '' He took the Snitch from dame Pomfrey and pocketed it. Harry sat down on a chair next to James 's bed and started stroking his hair.

`` He 's going to be an unbelievable Seeker, '' Neville commented.

Albus walked over to the bed and sat down next to Harry."Is he going to be all right ?"Albus whispered.

"I think he 'll be fine, Al,"Harry reassured Albus,"Although I ca n't separate you it did n't scare me half to demise when I saw him precipitate from his broom. I never really thought much about the peril of Quidditch when I was playing it, but now that my own son is getting hurt ...."

Albus stared at his father."You 're not going to wee him lay off playing, are you ?"

Harry laughed,"'Course not ! I 'd be the dissimulator of the century. I just worry about him. I 'm sure he 'll be exquisitely, though. This certainly wo n't be his last Quidditch injury. I had my mediocre portion. I 'm just in for a troubling future 6 years."

"More than that, Dad,"Albus laughed,"I 'm going to try out for pursuer next year."

"And I 'm sure you 'll be capital at it, Al. I 'll interest about you too. Although, Seekers tend to get injured the most out of all the players,"Harry got up from his chair,"fountainhead, I 've got to send an owl to your female parent. She insisted I tell her how the game went, although she wo n't be too glad once I 've told her. Why do n't you and your friends go down and hold some dinner party ? It 's been a long day,"Harry kissed James on the brow and left the infirmary Wing.

James II did n't regain consciousness until 3 days after the match. Two daytime after that, madam Pomfrey allowed him to lead the Hospital annexe. He was thrilled that he had managed to catch the canary and win Gryffindor the catch, and was eager to secern the story over and over again to anyone who listened. Once James II was out of the Hospital Wing, the Gryffindors had a loud and rowdy party until the wee hours of the morning to celebrate the win.

******

The future few calendar week flew by for Albus and his friend. Their work load was steadily increasing as spill term drew to an end.

"Why did Patil accept to render us an essay due the same day Slughorn did ?"toilet asked disgustedly, one night in the common room.

"They always do that,"Albus groaned.

"Yeah, I 'm never going to get this potions done. Why ca n't they alternate days for homework giving ? It 's unintelligent, really. I think they must all contend to see who can yield the most prep,"Gospel According to John told Albus as he feverishly finished up his Transfiguration essay.

"even my dad is giving us a immense encumbrance. I thought he 'd go leisurely on us stimulate he used to tell me how much he hated how practically homework he was given."

"Done !"John exclaimed, as he slammed his Transfiguration book shut."Now, on to that potions essay."He dug around in his bag for his potions book."Could I borrow your banknote, pink wine ?"

"No, use your own banknote,"Rose said coldly. Even she was faltering under the immense work incumbrance, and was huddled at a corner table which was buried under all her notes and Koran, doing her own potions essay.

"Ugh ! You know I do n't take notes !"John groaned.

"wellspring, why not ?"rose asked.

"'Cause it 's boring,"John explained,"Can I adopt yours, Albus ?"

"Sure, they 're in my bag,"Albus told John as he frantically finished up a account of deception homework.

John dug around in Albus 's bag until he found the notes."Thanks, match ! lusterlessness, do you require to use them, too ?"John looked over at his friend.

flatness was curled up in an armchair, wincing in pain.

"Hey, are you okay ?"John asked with a occupy flavour on his face. He and Albus had been so haunted with their large sum of homework that they had n't noticed matt leave the table.

"Huh ?"lusterlessness looked up, with his hand pressed to his promontory. He yawned."I guess I must be getting unhinged again. I think I 'll go to the Hospital Wing."flatness stood up to leave, but he swayed on the spot and had to lean on the armchair for support.

"mat !"John ran over to his friend and grabbed his arm,"I 'll subscribe to you, okay ? You look like you 're about to descend over."

"Okay, thanks,"lusterlessness mumbled as the two of them left the common room.

Albus had stopped writing his essay and watched the two of them leave.

"I wish I knew some way to help oneself him,"he murmured to Rose."He has n't even told us what disease he 's got. I wonder if it 's some really rare kind that not many people have heard of."

rosebush looked up."Is n't it obvious ?"

"What ?"

rosebush got up from her table, walked over to Albus, and whispered in his ear."Have n't you noticed that he always gets sick during the wide moonshine ? I realized that after he got tired of in Nov, and I 've been watching him the past few days."

Albus just looked at her with a blank look on his face."So ? And why would I pay attention to total moons ?"

"Ugh !"rose groaned,"Put it together. I do n't want to say what I think it is rectify now with so many people around. And you should pay attention to replete moons for Astronomy."

"wellspring, then let 's wait until they all go to bed. I 've certainly got plenty prep to do between now and then,"Albus said impatiently.

"Fine, but it still seems obvious to me."

The first cousin spent the following few hours working on their prep, waiting for the green way to vacate out. After a one-half 60 minutes or so, privy came back. Albus filled him in on what Rose said, and he had no approximation what she could be on about. He got out his potions essay and continued to work on it. Eventually, around midnight, Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda were the only when ones left in the uncouth room.

"So,"Albus whispered,"What have you figured out ?"

"wellspring,"rose said slowly, looking up from her Herbology reading,"The clues are that matt always gets ill around the full lunation, the few days before it he sleeps a lot and looks pallid than usual. He always goes to the hospital Wing the nighttime of a entire lunation, and when he comes back, he usually is covered in cutting and bruises."

"That 's effort he 's clumsy,"whoremonger said confidently.

"That 's what he wants you to think ! Do n't you get it ?"pink wine shouted.

"Keep your voice down, rosebush, person 'll come alive up,"Amanda whispered,"Now what do you intend Matt has ?"

"He 's a werewolf,"rosebush said quietly.

"What ? !"John shouted,"No way."

"wolfman ? ! You mean, those are real number ?"Amanda squeaked.

"'Course they 're real, Amanda,"John told her,"So are lamia. Muggles just do n't consider they are."

`` The sole thing I 'm still wondering about is why he does n't take Aconitum lycoctonum Potion, '' Rose continued, `` You know, that potion chemise 's dad took to retain him from harming himself and others. ``

Albus had started to pace the rough-cut room."You know, pink wine, it fits, it really does. lustrelessness sounds just like Teddy 's dad. But I do n't know. Why would n't he have taken the potion ?

"Of course it fits ! I 've had a hunch about it ever since October, but I wanted to hold back a few months to be sure. I do n't know why he would n't take the potion. But remember one of our first nights here and there was that horrible shrieking ?"Rose asked.

"Yeah, I heard that,"Amanda told her.

"Well, it must have come from the shrieking shanty. That 's where Teddy 's dad went to transform when he was a student here. You can get in there from the Whomping willow tree, but I do n't know how that works. Matt must go there to transmute as well,"pink wine explained.

"I wonder why he would n't take the potion ?"Albus wondered aloud as he continued to pace."Dad said chemise 's dad always took it."

"I dunno, Albus,"pink wine said sadly,"But I 've heard it 's really painful to transmute if that potion is n't used."

"It fits, but I 'm still not sure. Are you absolutely sure ? I do n't have it away if we should jump off to ending,"Albus responded.

"I 'm pretty sure. I mean, I 'm not positive, because I have n't heard him say it or seen him translate. But I 've read all about werewolves and Matt fits the description,"Rose persuaded.

"If it 's true, and I 'm not saying it is or it is n't, what are we going to tell him ? I mean, what if it is n't unfeigned, and we tell him we think he 's a werewolf ? He would n't be too happy,"Gospel According to John asked. He was sitting completely still in one of the armchairs, apparently in shock. Amanda was doing the same.

"I do n't think we should say anything. Especially since we 're not entirely sure as shooting,"Albus stated, while looking warily at Rose. Rose rolled her eyes."We wo n't severalise him we know. He obviously does n't require us to know. Otherwise, he 'd have told us himself, if it 's truthful. I 'm sure he 'll tell us what disease he has when he 's ready."

"But what if he does n't ?"Amanda asked,"I do n't bang anything about wolfman, but he probably does n't want anyone to know."

"That 's probably true. sensation have n't treated werewolves very well. chemise 's dad could n't get a job after he was done at Hogwarts. He did manage to get a job as pappa instructor here, but he quit once people found out he was a werewolf because parents would n't want him teaching their youngster,"Rose told Amanda,"It 's sad, really. Werewolves are harmless while they 're not transformed."

"He 's probably afraid what we would think,"St. John the Apostle said,"If he 's a werewolf, that is. I say we keep track of when he transforms."

"good idea. But if it turns out we 're right and he still does n't tell us, I guess we 'll have to let him bang that we know,"Albus said.

"Yeah, I suppose we will,"toilet agreed.

"Oh, and mine and Rose 's Uncle throwaway was bit by a werewolf, but the lycanthrope was n't transformed at the time. Uncle beak 's not a werewolf, but I suppose I could ask him some questions over Dec 25 breaking, to try and get some more information,"Albus told everyone.

"commodity idea, Albus ! I 'll ask him with you,"rosiness exclaimed, while walking over to the dormitory door."I think we should probably go to bed. near dark, everyone."

"Nox,"Albus, Amanda, and John responded.

Albus walked up the stairs to his dormitory. He could not stop thinking about Matt. How could he be a werewolf ? Who bit him ? When ? Albus knew wolfman were perfectly harmless as long as they were n't transformed, but the musical theme still troubled him. shimmy 's dad had been his grandfather 's friend at school, and he had been his dad 's DADA teacher when he was in schooling. He had died in the fight against Voldemort. If only he could blab to him. Ask him questions about it. Was there anything Albus could do ?

Albus got into bed and pondered these inquiry. Eventually, he fell into a restless eternal rest. He started out dreaming about failing a Charms run and professor Washburn chasing him through the castle with a beater 's bat. But soon, the ambition shifted and became the nightmare that had plagued him since the beginning week of school.

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A/N : Please go over ! No reviews from the close chapter, but thanks to my sister, Dancer of Starlight for reading this and giving me her opinion.

Disclaimer- Like usual, I do n't own Harry Potter or anything else you recognize.

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Chapter 7 : Dueling and Detention

Harry was sitting in a dark empty way. A man in a dark cloak appeared adjacent to him.

"He will return,"the man said.

"Who ?"Harry asked."Voldemort ? That 's not potential, I made sure of that."

"He 's coming. He 'll regain a way. He will return."

"No, he wo n't !"Harry shouted.

"He will return, he will give back, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.
Harry awoke with a start, he sat up in bed, breathing fast. That was odd. Harry had not had a dream that seemed so real since before Voldemort had died. But Harry could n't possibly be seeing things through Voldemort anymore, not if he was dead.

Harry got up and paced the elbow room. What did the ambition mean ? Was someone trying to bring Voldemort back to sprightliness ? And was that even possible ? And why would he be dreaming about it ? Harry did n't suppose so. Then it hit him, he remembered that Albus had had the Lapp dream months ago ! Did this mean something ? Was there something significant about their dreams ? Or were they just daydream ?

Harry walked over to his wardrobe and got out his cloak. He had to talk over this with individual. As much as he thought that the dreams were just aspiration, his gut told him they meant something. Harry remembered that Ron was stationed in Hogsmeade tonight. Ever since Professor Torro was murdered, Harry was having an Auror stationed in Hogsmeade at all time. Something just did n't sit aright with him about that murder.

Harry quietly left his position and walked into the corridor. It seemed deserted, which was n't unusual since it was one o'clock in the morning. Harry started to walk down the corridor. He turned a corner and nearly bumped into someone.

"Who 's there ?"the person shouted and pointed his baton at Harry."thrower ? What are you doing out so late ?"

"The same could be said of you, Washburn,"Harry responded."Put your sceptre away."

Washburn stowed his wand back in his cloak."What are you doing wandering the student residence at this hour ? I now see where Albus gets his ideas about latterly night strolls from."

"It 's none of your business, but I need to discuss something with someone,"Harry growled."And what are you doing ? Plotting manner to put my son in detention ? I know you 've got something against them, and I will find out what."

"I 've aught against your sons, Potter, they just seem to misdemean more than the average student,"Washburn sneered at Harry.

"Saint James, yes, I 'll believe that. He seems to take after his Uncle George and his grandfather,"Harry agreed,"But Albus ? He has only ever gotten custody from you, Washburn. All the other prof say he 's quiet in class."

"Maybe in their classes. He 's always making trouble in mine. He talks while I 'm talking, irritates the other student, does n't do his preparation, and does n't listen to me. Not to advert the metre he set me on fire !"Washburn shouted.

"Keep your vocalisation down, you 'll wake the whole castle,"Harry whispered,"And why on earth would Albus only do that stuff in your class, Washburn ?"

"How should I do it how a juvenile delinquent 's mind works ? Maybe you should ask him,"Washburn spat.

"Just think back, I 'm watching you, Washburn. So are the early professor,"Harry told him,"Now if you 'll condone me, I have some business to attend to."Harry strode retiring Washburn and ignored any further communication attempts from him.

There was something funny about Washburn, Harry thought. He had never met the man before starting as a teacher at Hogwarts. But for some rationality Washburn seemed to dislike Harry as soon as they met. Maybe it was because Jesse James misbehaved so much in class last year ? Is that why he hates Albus as well ? Harry did not know, but he hoped to regain out.

Harry found Ron standing near The Three Broomsticks."Hey, Ron."

Ron jumped."Blimey, Harry, you scared me !"Ron whispered as he lowered his wand.

"Sorry. I 've got to verbalise to you about something,"Harry whispered back.

"What is it ?"Ron asked.

Harry relayed both his and Albus 's dreams to Ron."And when Albus told me about his dream, I just thought it was a nightmare, but it seems odd that we would both have the Lapp dream."

"How could you both have the same ambition ?"Ron questioned.

"No approximation. The only affair I could think of is that soul is using Legilimency on both of us."

"Well, it 's possible. You 've never been very good at Occlumency, have you ? And Albus has certainly never used it. Plus whoever is doing it must be reasonably stupid. Why would individual plant life that aspiration in your head if they wanted to do something evil ? Why would n't they just learn your mind and be done with it ?,"Ron reasoned.

"Yeah, that 's what I thought of, too. Who would want me to screw they 're reading my idea and make believe me think Voldemort is coming back ? It would also get to stand for person 's either getting into the rook at night or it 's a teacher or student,"Harry said worriedly.

"Well, I have n't seen anyone near the castle basis tonight and how could they get past the protection ?"Ron asked.

"I know, that 's what makes me think it 's a student or teacher. And no scholar would be able-bodied to do Legilimency like that. Maybe a 7th year could, if they studied and practiced enough,"Harry told Ron.

"Well, whoever 's doing it, it 's pretty worrisome,"Ron stated.

"I know. And what about the dream itself ? I mean, if someone is making Albus and I dream this, then they must be trying to lend back Voldemort."

"But how on earth could they do that ?"Ron asked.

"I 'm not sure, exactly. But I have a hunch. The Resurrection Stone,"Harry replied.

"But that does n't really convey citizenry back."

"I know, but it does make for back a strain of them that only the mortal with the I. F. Stone can see. And you can spill to them. I talked to my parents, Sirius, and Lupin with it, remember ?"Harry explained.

"Yeah, that 's reliable. If whoever 's doing this had the stone, then they 'd be able to talk to Voldemort ?"Ron asked,"Blimey, that 's scary. But how could they detect the stone ? Us and Hermione are the only one who know where it is."

"I know, but if they 're using Legilimency, then they 'd be able to recover out from me,"Harry said quietly.

"fountainhead, what are we going to do ?"Ron asked nervously.

"I do n't know, Ron, I really do n't,"Harry confessed,"I 'm going to have to think of a plan. If person 's been reading my mind, then they might 've already seen where the stone is. I think I 'll give to increase the security near the forest. I 'll portion more Aurors to Hogsmeade. Ask Hagrid if he 's noticed anything funny happening in or around the forest."

"Sounds good. But whatever you do, I think it might be best for you to at least try to use Occlumency again,"Ron suggested.

"I know, I 'll try. I 've gotten better over the years, and hopefully it 'll be good enough,"Harry replied.

"What are you going to tell Albus ?"Ron asked.

"zip. He still thinks the pipe dream means nothing and it 's better that way. He 'd be so scared if he knew what was going on. Plus, we never told the kids about the Hallows. I wanted to wait until they were older. Did n't want them blabbing about them to half the school. You know how James is."

"I know, that 's why I never told rosebush or Victor Hugo either,"Ron agreed.

"wellspring, I 'd better get back up to the schooltime. Keep your eyes peeled and your baton out. As Mad-Eye would have said, 'Constant vigilance'. We still do n't really know that it 's a scholar or instructor yet, and I 'd prefer not to have to start out questioning my colleagues."

"All right, Harry, you 're the boss,"Ron joked."Good night, then."

"'Night."

******

The next few sidereal day passed quickly. Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda visited Matt in the infirmary wing a few times but nonentity mentioned the conversation about him being a wolfman. Instead they just talked about what had been going on in form. lustrelessness left the infirmary wing one morning a couple days later and met his champion in the Great dormitory for breakfast. Again, cipher mentioned the conversation from the full moon.

Albus looked up from his toast for a few moment and noticed that Quinton Willinson was striding over to the Gryffindor table with a smug look on his boldness. What did he want ?

"shot what, Potty ?"Quinton leered at Albus."Slughorn 's having a Christmas political party. Have you heard ? Just told me about it yesterday."

"So ?"Albus said flatly, not looking up from his porridge.

"So, are you going then ?"Quinton laughed."Are we going to be treated to yet another pot appearance ?"

James walked into the Great Hall and immediately observe Quinton near his brother. He ran over to see what was going on.

"What are you doing here ?"James asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Ah, the sometime Potty ! What a pleasance to have them both here at once,"Quinton said excitedly,"I was just telling your dear sidekick about Slughorn 's Christmas Day political party. I was merely wondering if he would be attending."

"That 's none of your clientele,"James glared at Quinton.

"Will you be going as well ?"Quinton asked, ignoring James 's input."Then we could get a endure commentary about your Quidditch skills as well as listen to your buddy 's blowup !"

"Shut it !"James shouted, turning beet red and drawing his wand.

"James IV ! It 's ok, just ignore him,"Albus told his brother.

"No, it 's no ok,"James IV responded.

"Going to duel me, stool ? I can take both of you,"Quinton drew his wand and pointed it at James.

"Bet you ca n't take us as well,"St. John the Apostle said as he and lusterlessness both drew their wands.

"Easy,"Quinton snorted.

"What is going on here ? Dueling at breakfast ?"Professor Washburn walked over to the mesa and sneered at James.

"No, Professor, just defending my brother,"James responded.

"I believe that qualifies as dueling, ceramist,"Washburn spat,"Detention for you and your brother, plus Brickston and Eckerton as well. And 50 points from Gryffindor."

St. James gaped at him."But what about Willinson ? He started it ! And Albus does n't even have his verge drawn ! He did n't do anything."

"I 'd propose you exclude your mouth, Potter, or I 'll make it 2 detainment,"Washburn growled as he walked up to the stave table."I 'll tell you all the day of the month and time in your future charms class. And I do n't worry if you have Quidditch praxis during the clock time of detention."

"fountainhead, I guess I 'll see you at Slughorn 's party, then,"Quinton told them as he walked back to the Slytherin table.

"This is ridiculous !"James shouted,"We did n't do anything ! He hates me, I tell you."

"I know, he hates me too,"Albus agreed,"And I have n't even done anything to him. I 've had a detention a week from him."

"Quidditch recitation is tonight at 7 ! He better not make it tonight !"James groaned.

"Wonder what he 'll sustain us do ?"privy asked.

"Dunno ? He usually has me do lines, while he glares at me,"Albus told him.

"I hate pedigree,"mat sighed,"They 're so boring."

"fountainhead, there 's a lot worse hold than pedigree,"James told him.

"True. Blimey, facial expression at the clip !"flatness shouted as he glanced at his watch."We 're going to be belatedly for dadaism !"

Matt, Albus, and John got up from the mesa and murmured rushed good-bye to Epistle of James, who was rushing off to history of Magic. Albus noticed that the girls had already left for class.

******

"Well, that was boring, Gospel According to John groaned as he, Albus, and mat left DADA a spell later,"Why do we have to read about the magic spell before we get to do them !"

"Because otherwise you wo n't interpret what the spell does and what the period of it is,"rosiness said, exasperatingly. She was often explaining the point of reading to John.

"I 'd rather register in dad than do spells in spell,"Albus sighed. The Gryffindors were on their way to their least favorite class.

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"And we 'll be learning what our detention will comprise of."

"Ugh ! I 've done way too many detentions with Washburn,"Albus groaned."And you can bet that he 'll purposely have us doing the detention while St. James is supposed to have Quidditch practice."

"Of form,"Matt agreed, as he pushed open the room access to the magical spell classroom. The boys walked inside and found their common tabular array at the back of the room.

Washburn stormed into the room a few minutes later, he was obviously in a bad mood."Today we 'll be starting to memorise how to make a strawberry walk across the table. It 's not very difficult, if you 've been practicing the conjuration and reading up on it."Washburn swished his wand and a strawberry appeared in strawman of each bookman."Well, get to it then !"

John looked at Albus,"You been practicing or reading up on this, mate ?"

"Nope, how about you ?"

"'Course not,"privy laughed."facial expression like pink wine has, though."

Albus looked over at the mesa pink wine was sharing with Marina and Karina. Sure enough, her strawberry was walking across the table. Washburn, who had been glaring at the educatee from behind his desk, got up and strode over to Rose.

"Apparently somebody in this class has shown that they might have a small bit of gift,"he spat at rosebush."I suppose if this were any other class, Gryffindor may have gotten a few degree. But I, on the early mitt, do n't think this is very noteworthy, considering you 've supposedly been studying this for a few days and every one of you should be capable of doing what Miss Weasley 's done. Now, back to work !"

"Blimey, he 's mad,"privy whispered to Albus and Matt.

"Sure is, I mean, Rose did a safe job. None of us can do it,"Matt agreed.

Albus looked around the way and noticed that nearly of the family 's strawberries were not so much as moving a leafage. A few of them had made a weakly attempt to roll over, but that was it. As the division progressed, Washburn started to support behind the back tabular array and blaze as Albus, Matt, and John tried to take in their strawberry walk. By the end of the class, they had made no advance whatsoever.

"Pathetic !"he shouted,"For prep, write a foot-long essay on the proper way to make a piece of yield walk of life, due on Friday. And potter, Eckerton, and Brickston come up here to arrange your detention."

The relief of the division stared at Albus, matte, and lavatory as they left the room. The three boys walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk after the eternal sleep of the family had left.

"Your hold will be this Saturday, at noonday. You will run across me in the Great Hall, where you will be polishing the portrait inning, house points hourglasses, and whatever else needs cleaning. Potter, you tell your buddy this, I expect him there as well, despite his Quidditch practice,"Washburn barked,"You 're dismissed."

Albus, lustrelessness, and John ran out of Washburn 's room as fast as they could. They went straight to the Great Asaph Hall for lunch.

"Blimey, he was angry about something today,"Matt groaned as he helped himself to some potatoes.

"Yeah, but I wonder why he wants us to clean for our detainment ?"Albus wondered."He 's always had me do lines, before."

"Bet he thinks it 'll be peculiar, watching us clean. Plus, it 's a Saturday, there 'll be lots of people around to gaze at us. He 'll probably bask our humiliation,"John said.

"What are you talking about ?"St. James asked as he sat down next to John.

"detainment. Saturday at noon, cleaning in the entry lobby,"Albus told him.

"Bloody hell ! I 've got Quidditch pattern at noonday !"James II shouted as he slammed his chalice on the table.

"I know, that 's probably why he made the detainment then,"Albus said.

"He hates us, I swear he does,"King James I growled,"He 's always hated Gryffindors, that 's a sleep together fact, but he seems to detest us to a greater extent than everyone else."

"Do n't you think it 's a bit strange ?"Albus asked.

"Not really. Some teachers just do n't wish certain students,"St. John explained,"'Course, the students never really recover out why."

"Sucks, though. I mean, what if he 's always giving me custody during Quidditch practice session ? This 'll be the 4th exercise I 've missed for Washburn 's detentions. Samantha wo n't be too happy about it."

"You 'll just have to ascertain yourself around him. Do n't say a word during his class,"Albus advised.

"I know, I 've been doing that since beginning of last class,"Saint James the Apostle explained,"After I set off a dungbomb during the mo class."

"Well, that 's why he hates you !"mat laughed,"And he probably thinks Albus is just like you."

"He does,"Albus groaned.

"I guess I 'd better be off to class,"St. James told them as he got up from his seat."See you lot later."

"Bye,"Albus told his chum. He turned to John and Matt."I guess we 'd better go too."

"Yeah, probably. dual potions,"John said as he got up.

"Ugh, just what I need. Slughorn 'll probably bid me to his Christmas party."

Sure enough, at the end of class, Slughorn asked Albus and rosiness to see him after everyone left.

"We 'll wait for you,"John told Albus. He, Matt, and Amanda waited at the back of the room.

"Albus and Rose !"Slughorn beckoned them to his desk,"Great job, today, dandy job. Both of your potions were brilliant !"

"Thanks,"Albus muttered.

"It was a challenge, but I think I did all rightfield !"Rose said excitedly.

"fountainhead, as you both probably know, I 'm having a little Dec 25 party on the last day of term. You are both ask in, of course, and may play guest. I hope to see you there ! I have some interesting people coming that I 'm certainly you 'd wish to cope with !"

"Who ?"Albus asked warily.

"Oh, do n't desire to spoil the surprise !"Slughorn laughed,"I 'll see you later, then !"

"So, you going to go ?"John asked Albus nervously as they walked out of the dungeon.

"No way,"Albus mumbled.

"Well, mortal told me your dad 's going,"Rose said,"So you might have to go."

"I do n't care."

"Oh, follow on, Albus ! What if he has really tasteful far-famed people there ! I heard once he had some Quidditch players come !"whoremonger told him.

"I really do n't imagine anyone would start anything with Uncle Harry there,"rosebush said reassuringly.

"Well, maybe not. But what about Willinson ?"Albus asked.

"He 's a git, but he wo n't do anything with your dad around. Washburn may give Slytherins especial handling, but Professor thrower does n't,"lusterlessness said confidently.

"If you do go, can I be your invitee ?"Amanda asked,"I 've never been to one."

"You can be my invitee, Amanda,"Rose told her,"I told you I 'd take you to the future one after I took Janie to the Halloween one."

"Oh, yeah."

"Fine, if you guys want to go so badly, I 'll go, but if anyone starts anything, I 'm leaving,"Albus said flatly.

********

Before Albus knew it, Sat had arrived and so did detention with Washburn. Albus was used to Washburn 's detainment, but he had never had to do one that was n't lines before. He was a bit nervous about what the detainment would involve and about having to do it in public.

When Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Matt arrived in the Great hall, neither James nor Washburn were there yet."James better get here before Washburn does,"Albus said nervously.

"Yeah, Washburn 'll give him another detention if he 's late,"lusterlessness agreed.

At that here and now, Epistle of James came bursting through the oak doors."Oh, good, he 's not here yet !"

"You 're lucky,"St. John the Apostle told him.

"What is ceramist lucky about ?"a cold voice from behind St. John said.

John turned around to see Washburn staring down at him."Nothing, Professor."

"trade good,"Washburn spat."Now, if you 'll each get a bottle of cleaner and a rag, we can get started."He gestured to a bucket of cleaning provision at his understructure."We 'll be doing Muggle cleaning. I want you each to start out by polishing the House points hourglasses. They must be spotless."

Albus, James, whoremaster, and Matt each took a rag and started to polish up the hourglasses. Washburn paced behind them, staring at each one in turn. Every once and a while, he would inspect the cleanliness of the hourglasses.

"You missed a spot, potter,"Washburn growled at Albus.

While the son were polishing the hourglasses, diverse students and professors would walk by and stare at them. Much to Albus 's disgust, Quinton Willinson passed by a lot.

"Oh, look, Potty 's doing his detention for trying to duel with me,"Quinton laughed,"Funny how he thought he could actually duel me."

Albus just ignored his taunt and rubbed the Hufflepuff hourglass even harder.

"That ugly git,"can whispered to Albus."If any of us taunted him in detention, we 'd get a detention ourselves."

"Yeah, and he had his wand drawn, too,"flatness agreed,"Washburn seems to like him best."

"No surprise there,"Albus told them as he scrubbed a particularly stubborn piece of dirt."They 're both horrible."

"I just care it had been some former instructor who passed by our table that good morning,"Saint John the Apostle groaned,"Then Willinson would own at least gotten detention, too."

"Get back to work, Potter !"Washburn shouted at James, who had stopped polishing the Gryffindor hourglass and was resting his head on it.

"Something unseasonable, Saint James ?"Albus whispered.

"I dunno. My oral sex just felt mirthful all of a sudden."

"D'you think you 're ill or something ?"Albus asked,"Maybe you should go to the Hospital Wing."

"Nah, Washburn would never let me. He 'd think I was faking. I used way too many Skiving Snackboxes in his year last year."

"Yeah, but if you 're really ill, he 'll consume to let you go,"Albus said with a look of care on his face.

"I know, but he 'd make me do the detention over again."

"Shut up, ceramist ! Both of you back to mold or I 'll give you another custody !"Washburn screamed.

For the rest of the detention, James was very quiet. The male child worked until two o'clock, at which point all four hourglasses were fair than they had been in years.

"I think you should go to the Hospital annex,"Albus told James.

"Yeah, probably,"Henry James agreed.

"I need to go, too,"John the Evangelist told them,"My helping hand feels like it 's going to fall down off ! I hate Muggle cleaning."

"Me, too,"mat agreed, while rubbing his hand.

"I doubt Madam Pomfrey will fix it, though,"Albus told them,"She usually does n't do that after teachers make us do Muggle cleaning."

can and lusterlessness decided to go with Albus and Epistle of James to the Hospital offstage anyway. When they got there, ma'am Pomfrey was already tending to Bradley Weasley, who had taken a bludger to the arm during Quidditch practice.

"Yes, yes, what is it ?"gentlewoman Pomfrey asked the boys.

"Well, I was doing Muggle cleaning for Washburn 's detention-"James II started to say, but Madam Pomfrey cut him off.

"You know I do n't fix aching hired man due to detentions ! If I did, you would n't learn anything from them !"

"It 's not that. I was polishing the Gryffindor hourglass, and my head felt mirthful all of a sudden. It was n't like a vexation. I 've never felt that way before. I kept seeing my own memories."

Madam Pomfrey quickly looked up from Bradley and bustled over to James."Really ? well, that sounds an horrendous lot like individual was using Legilimency on you."

"What ?"James I shouted.

"Someone was reading your psyche. That 's why you were seeing your own remembering,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Who else was in the Great Hall with you ?"

"well, Washburn of course,"Albus told her. St. James appeared to be in shock and could n't speak."And Quinton Willinson, a couple of his friends, the Gryffindor Quidditch team, a smorgasbord of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws I do n't know, a few early prof. They all wandered in and out of the Great Hall."

lady Pomfrey sighed."That does n't really facilitate any. We really do n't have any way to know who was doing it. Seeing as you 're not really ill, there 's not often I can do for you. But I will inform the schoolmaster and your begetter about this."

James had found his voice again."Okay."

dame Pomfrey went back to tending to Bradley, and James, Albus, bathroom, and Matt left the room.

"That 's so strange,"St. James told them,"Why would anyone want to interpret my mind ?"

"No idea,"Albus shrugged.

"I bet it was Willinson,"can growled."What a git."

"Yeah, he was probably just doing it to scare you,"Matt agreed.

"Was he even in the room when your head felt funny ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't really think back,"James told him.

"well, I bet Dad 'll film attention of it,"Albus reassured his brother.

"I guess,"Epistle of James said distractedly,"I think I 'm going to go back to the common room."

"Okay, see you at dinner,"Albus waved goodbye as he, Matt, and John the Evangelist walked back down the step so they could bask the new fallen snow.

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A/N : promise you enjoyed it ! That one was recollective than common, but if I split it up, it would have been two extremely brusk chapters. Please leave a followup and I will answer it ! Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight for reading this before I posted and to my blood brother and former babe who are not on HPFF.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 8 : political party and clowning

During the succeeding few week, the teachers had increased their homework, each insisting that the students needed to increase their studying time. Albus found himself doing prep every day after dinner, and finding it hard to have time to have snow ball fights outside.

Albus had n't forgotten about his cleaning detention with Washburn, and was doing even more to try to last out away from him. During course of instruction, Albus would n't even look at Washburn. He did not say a single word during charm anymore. No more talking to John and Matt while they were practicing making fruit manner of walking across their desks.

Albus had noticed that James had changed since the detention. He was quieter, and often sat in a corner of the common room with their cousin-german Cedric and Ben, whereas he used to be at the center of attention, talking about Quidditch mate. Albus guessed he was still scared about what happened during detention. Albus had n't mentioned the incident to anyone, so only him, John, and Matt knew. Of course, James had told Cedric, Ben, and his friend Nathan, but Albus rarely noticed them talking about it. He was also a bit afraid of what the incident meant, but not nearly as much as James River was.

Before they knew it, Xmas holiday was upon them. There was one day left, which was the day of Slughorn 's Dec 25 party. The entire schoolhouse was talking about it, and jealous scholar who had not received invitations were constantly dropping hints to ask for educatee about going with them. Albus would feature gladly given up his invitation, but since all his full cousin, James, and his dad were going, he had to go too.

Albus, John, and Matt had decided they should go a little later than the political party actually started, so they could try to slip in unnoticed. John in particular, was very excited about going.

"Which Quidditch participant do you think Slughorn 's invited ?"he asked as they walked down to the dungeons.

"Dunno. Maybe he 's invited a couplet !"matte responded excitedly.

"Yeah ! I sure hope so,"John said.

"guesswork we 're about to find out,"Albus told them as he opened the threshold and walked into the dungeon. It was packed. Albus noticed about of his first cousin, with their fire red hairsbreadth. The few who had not inherited the fuzz were blending in with everyone else.

"Blimey ! How are we supposed to recover the Quidditch players with all these hoi polloi here ?"John exclaimed.

"No estimate. How about we head for the food and hope we find them on the way ?"Matt asked.

"Sounds good. C'mon, Albus,"lav said as he pushed through the great unwashed to get to the solid food. Albus and mat followed.

"You see Willinson anywhere ?"Albus whispered.

"No, but it 's voiceless to assure if he 's here or not,"John answered.

"I 'm sure he 's here somewhere. go along your eyes peeled for him,"Albus told his Friend."I 've got to bide away from him."

When the male child arrived at the food tabular array, they saw that Rose and Amanda were already there."Hi. Did you just get here ?"Rose asked.

"Yup, wanted to fall away in unnoticed,"Albus told her as he grabbed a plateful and started filling it."Seen anyone interesting yet ?"

"Yeah, actually. The rumor about the Quidditch players was right,"Rose responded.

"Really ! ? Who 's here ?"John shouted, as he scanned the crowd.

"Oliver forest. He used to be Keeper for Puddlemere United,"rose told him.

"I know who he played for, Rose. He 's really here ? That 's glorious. Puddlemere United 's my team,"Saint John the Apostle told them.

"We know, you 've told us a million times,"rosiness said exasperatingly.

"Who else ?"Albus asked.

"Helena Yaspies, current chaser for Chudley shank,"Amanda told them.

flatness started choking and ptyalize out his mouthful of butterbeer. Albus slapped him on the rachis."You okay, mate ?"

"I 'm fine !"flatness coughed,"The Chudley cannon are my team ! I 've got to find her ! Anyone got a quill for an autograph ?"

Rose laughed."You hombre are crazy."

"zippo crazy about wanting to meet your preferent Quidditch players,"John the Divine told her."Blimey, Oliver Wood ..."

"I ever tell you that my dad used to dally on the Gryffindor squad with King Oliver Wood ?"Albus asked John.

This sentence it was John 's bit to patter out his butterbeer."No ! You never did ! Why not ?"

Albus laughed."You never asked. Anyway, he was captain when my dad joined the team in his firstly year. They played on the team together until my dad 's third year."

"Blimey ! That 's splendid ! So, you could have met him ?"John asked.

"I have,"Albus smiled.

"You 're kidding !"John shouted,"well, what are we waiting for ? Go bring out me !"

Albus laughed."Ok, let 's go find him. You want to come, Rose and Amanda ?"

rose wine sighed,"Sure, I guess."

"Any chance you know Helena Yaspies ?"Matt asked.

"Nope, sorry. Never met her,"Albus told his friend as they maneuvered their way through the crowd.

"There he is, Albus !"whoremaster shouted, pointing to the back of the elbow room."He 's talking to your dad."

Albus made his way to the binding of the room, his friends following behind him. The elbow room was slightly to a lesser extent crowded in the cover. There was still no sign of Willinson.

"Hi, Al !"Harry waved at Albus.

"Hi, Dad."

"What 's up ? Enjoying the party ? I know you 're not a fan of these, but thanks for coming,"Harry told Albus. He bent down so only Albus could hear what he next said,"You know, I was n't a fan of these either, when I was in Hogwarts."

"How are you, Albus ? Enjoying schooling ?"Oliver asked.

"Yeah, it 's great !"Albus responded."These are my admirer, Gospel According to John Brickston- he 's a big Puddlemere United supporter, lustrelessness Eckerton, and Amanda Tagger."

"Hi, courteous to fulfill you,"Oliver told Albus 's supporter."So, you support Puddlemere United, privy ?"

"Yeah !"John shouted, his middle lit up."I 've been to a few matches. I saw you in the net one you played in ! I was 9, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Such spectacular saves."

Oliver laughed,"That was a expert secret plan. I 'm sword lily you enjoyed it."

"It was amazing !"John the Divine said.

A magniloquent brunette came walking over to the group, carrying a small boy on her hip. A minuscule girl was trailing behind her with a plateful of Christmas biscuits.

"Hey, Heather,"Oliver put his arm around the woman."King John, Matt, Amanda, this is my wife, Heather. And this,"Oliver took the little boy from his married woman and put him on his articulatio humeri,"is my 2 year old son, Alex. And my daughter, Holly who is 6."

"Hi,"lav and lustrelessness said together.

"I stopped playing custodian shortly after Alex was born. Could n't keep up all the traveling with 2 kids."

"I remember that,"John told him,"I was kinda mad, but was just gladiolus I got to see your last match."

Joseph Oliver laughed,"I understand. I would have been mad if I were you, too. But I 've got high gear Bob Hope for little Alex here. He can already fly his toy broom expertly. And Holly 's already flying a real Scots heather !"Oliver beamed, he was obviously proud of his kids.

"That 's middling neat !"mat replied,"My mum would n't let me on a broom until I was 9."

"Holly was on one at 5. But just because you start late does n't have in mind you 'll be a bad Quidditch instrumentalist,"King Oliver explained,"Look at your pappa teacher ! Had n't set one leg over a Calluna vulgaris until he was 11."

"Yeah, but I 'm rubbish at Quidditch,"Matt told him.

"Hey, Mr. forest, could you sign my Quaffle ?"can produced a Quaffle from his bag and held it out to Oliver.

"You brought a Quaffle ? !"rosiness exclaimed.

"'Course ! After hearing those rumour, how could I not bring one ?"

"Sure, I 'll sign it,"Oliver took the Quaffle and signed it with a quill pen that he pulled out of his robe. He then handed it back to John.

"Thank you,"King John whispered, as he stared in awe at the Quaffle.

"How 'bout you, Matt ?"King Oliver asked,"You want an autograph ?"

"Sure ! But I do n't bear a Quaffle."

"That 's OK. I 've got some parchment,"Oliver signed some parchment and gave it to Matt.

"Thanks !"lusterlessness pocketed the parchment.

Alex started whining."Hungy, hungy !"

"Well, boys, I 've got to go get some food for thought for piddling Alex, here,"Oliver told them,"Enjoy the party !"He and broom walked towards the food table with Holly behind them.

"Wow, just wow,"John told his friends,"That was so cool."

"I 'll say,"flatness replied.

"I ca n't believe you two know him !"john told Albus and Rose.

rosebush rolled her optic,"It 's no big deal."

"You just do n't wish Quidditch that much,"Albus told her,"It 's cause you 're horrible on a broom."

"Shut it, Albus,"blush wine glared at him.

"Where 's capital of Montana Yaspies ?"Gospel According to John scanned the crowd,"Any of you lot seen her ?"

"Nope, not yet,"Albus told them.

"No, but look over there near Slughorn 's desk. It 's Willinson,"Matt whispred.

Albus groaned.

"Excellent !"whoremaster grinned.

"What ?"Albus looked at him like he was gaga,"Why on land do you want to see him ?"

"I 've been plotting a little clowning,"Saint John the Apostle whispred,"C'mere."He pulled them behind a tabular array and they all crouched down. trick pulled a box out of his bag."This is an Exploding Eclair."

"What ?"Amanda asked.

"Exploding Eclair,"John repeated,"I bought it through owl-order from your uncle 's store, Albus."

"What are you going to do with it ?"Albus eyed him warily, he happened to have been on the receiving end of an Exploding Eclair at the mob dinner before starting time of terminal figure. His cousin, Bradley, had done it.

"Plant it on Willinson 's dental plate,"John told them,"But I 'll need your help. When Willinson sets his plate down, walk by him. finis enough that he can see you, but far enough that he 'll have got to leave his crustal plate unattended. Then I 'll put the eclair on it. And when he bites into it, bam ! It 'll explode."

"Brilliant !"Matt shouted.

"I dunno. It 'll get him real mad,"Albus said.

"But he wo n't know it 's us ! That 's the beaut of it. There 's so many people here,"John explained,"But to be on the safe slope, we 'll impart right after. We do n't require to stay if he 's here anyway."

"True,"Albus agreed.

"Everyone in, then ?"john asked, grinning.

"Yep,"they all stated.

"Then let 's go,"John got up from under the mesa and his friends followed. Willinson was still by the desk, so Albus, Matt, Amanda, and rose wine headed over. They walked next to the food table and waited until Willinson noticed them. It did n't take long. He spotted them, smirked, and set down his food for thought. Albus saw lavatory close in on his plate.

"Hello, Potty, Weasel, and society,"Willinson glared,"Enjoying the party ? I 'm just waiting until the present moment you explode again, Potty."

"Willinson,"Albus snarled,"I 'm not planning on exploding. Are you ?"

"'Course not. When have I ever exploded ? You on the former hand,"Willinson laughed,"Do n't like the popularity, do you, cocker Potty ?"

"Shut it,"matt stepped towards Willinson.

"What 're you going to do about it, shrimp ?"Willinson towered over Matt by at least a foot.

"You think I 'd tell you what I 'd do ? Think I 'm stupe ? If I told you, you 'd eff how to block it,"matte growled.

"I doubt there 's a curse you know that I do n't eff how to block."

"Probably, but I know you would n't jump anything with prof Potter a few human foot away,"Matt jerked his head in the direction of Harry.

At that instant, Albus looked over and saw John. bathroom winked at him and walked away from Willinson 's plate.

"fountainhead, I think I 've had sufficiency of your company tonight, Willinson,"Albus annonced,"Have a horrible Christmas."Albus started to walk towards John, and his friends followed.

"Got it planted, then ?"Albus asked when they reached John.

"Yup,"lav gave him a thumbs up,"We 're on."

They walked over to the threshold of the dungeon so they could get out easily if needed. Willinson picked up his photographic plate and wandered back over to his admirer. As they were talking, he picked up the eclair and bit into it.

The explosion was amazing. As soon as Willinson bit the eclair, emollient exploded all over his face and in a 2 foot wheel spoke around him. A few bystanders were hit as well. It did n't seem possible that that much pick could fit in one eclair.

"Bloody Hell !"Willinson shouted, and the whole dungeon went silent. Everyone looked at Willinson and started laughing.

Willinson looked around the room and his gaze fell on Albus."I 'll get you for this, Potty,"he seethed as he stormed out of the dungeon.

"That was flaming smart as a whip,"John the Divine said once Willinson had disappeared into the hallway.

"Yeah, it was !"Matt agreed.

The girls and Albus nodded."But he said he 'd get us. We 'd better be on the scout. He knows it was us,"Albus told them.

"He ca n't lie with it was us !"mat said.

"Yeah, I guess. But he 'd still get us even if he does n't know who did it,"Albus reasoned.

"But it 's Xmas gaolbreak tomorrow, so it does n't matter !"John the Evangelist grinned.

"I suppose you 're veracious,"Albus smiled,"But let 's get to the common room anyway. His friends agreed, and the five of them made their way to Gryffindor tower.

*******

It was still early when they made it back to the common room, so it was quite crowded. However, Amanda spotted a few chairs in the book binding for them to occupy.

"So, who 's excited about Christmas ?"John asked,"I sure am, I could use a faulting from studying."

"You 're not going to get a recess,"Rose told him,"We 've got loads of homework."

"Way to put a damper on matter, rosiness,"John answered,"But at to the lowest degree there 's no family !"

"I 'm looking forward to Christmas,"Albus said,"I love Christmas."

"What do you usually do for the holiday ?"Amanda asked.

"Oh, it 's capital ! We all go to my grandma and grandad 's home. Everyone. My menage, rosiness 's family, all our aunty, uncles, and full cousin. Plus Teddy and his grandma. It 's pretty crowded, but it 's still fun. I love it. Usually someone winds up having too often to drink and there 's lots of put-on played on hoi polloi,"Albus said excitedly.

"Yeah, it 's pretty neat. We do n't all remain the whole break, though. Because near of us have other syndicate to visit. My kinsfolk usually stays until a few days after Xmas and then we spend the respite of the holiday with my mum 's parents,"rose wine explained,"But Albus 's kinsfolk spends the whole break at the tunnel, that 's what we call my grandparents'house."

"Yep. But nigh of our cousin-german go straight to the Burrow from Hogwarts. My house always goes home first, to visit my grandparents'graves. We always do that on Yuletide Eve. Dad 's been going ever since he was 17, every year on Dec 25 Eve. Then we get the Burrow belatedly that night."

"What do you do you lot do for Christmas Day ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, I love Christmas Day too,"trick smiled,"We stay at my star sign and my aunt, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all come over. They never all come at the like time, though, so it gets fairly crazy. My mum addict out because she never knows how much to cook. And usually someone starts arguing about something, but it 's all right field. My kinsfolk loves to argue, but we never get very mad at each other."

"Sounds pretty cool. You have a lot of cousin, whoremaster ?"Amanda asked.

"A clean amount of money. Most of them are all vernal than me, though. 'Course that means they 're slap-up to play whoremaster on,"John laughed.

"Well, my kinsperson celebrates Channukkah,"Amanda told everyone.

"Oh, that 's tasteful,"Albus told her.

"Yeah, it 's well. I 'm just sword lily Channukkah is late this year, so I 'll be home for it. Sometimes it 's at the end of November. But anyway, I have a pretty pocket-size family. Just 3 cousins and my aunt and uncle. And my little brother and older sister. My full cousin usually come over for two days or so and we all substitution nowadays. It 's hushed, but fun."

"Sounds fun,"John agreed,"But I love my huge loud family. What do you do, mat ? You 've been awful quiet."

Matt looked up from the board."Christmas has never been all that fun for me, I guess. We usually go down to Australia to visit my grandparents."

"That sounds like fun to me,"John Lackland told Matt.

"Well, it 's not. I do n't care Australia. That 's where-"But flatness suddenly stopped talking.

"Where what ?"lav asked.

"Nothing, zippo. It 's just, that 's where I, er, got queasy for the first time. You know, how I get spew so much."

"Oh."

"Yeah, anyway, well, we visit my grandparents. My parents, me and my sister go. My mum 's a muggle born, and we visit her parents. It 's always very schematic when we visit them. They 're rich and stuck up. Never let me do anything there. I have to just sit still and they 're always staring at me. surmise they do n't need me to break anything. Luckily we only visit them at Christmas. I do n't have any cousins. My dad 's got a brother, but he 's living in the States, so we do n't see him much either. We sometimes visit him over the summer. My dad 's parents died a foresighted meter ago, before I was born. So I do n't induce much home. I just wish we 'd spend Christmas at home."

Albus, St. John the Apostle, Amanda, and blush wine just looked at matt."I 'm sorry, Matt. I wish you had a better Dec 25,"Rose said sympathetically.

"Why do n't you spend Christmastime with us ?"Albus asked,"No one will notice another somebody in the Burrow."

"That 's a bully idea !"rosiness shouted.

"I dunno. I do n't think my parents will let me. Especially this short circuit bill,"lustrelessness looked down glumly."My mum like all of us to be together on Christmas. She seems to think every class it will be different. That my grandparents will tease apart up. But they never do."

"Blimey,"John whispered,"That stinks."

"I know,"Matt agreed.

At that import, Saint James came bursting in with his protagonist, Nathan. They both made a beeline for Albus 's table.

"Was it really you ?"James shouted breathlessly,"Did you afford Willinson the Exploding Eclair ?"

John grinned."It was my idea."

"Brilliant, just brilliant,"James smiled,"The feeling on his expression ..."

"Yeah, but you lot had better scout out when you next see him. He seemed to know it was you,"Nathan told them.

"I 'm not worried,"John answered,"He 'll probably forget about it over Christmas."

"I sure hope so,"Albus stated. He looked at his ticker. It was midnight."Well, I 'm off to bed. I 'll see you cat in the morning.

"We 'd all better go to bed,"rose stood up,"I think the gearing is leaving at noon tomorrow."

Albus got up out of his hot seat and headed to the stairway. He could n't hold off to go to the Burrow. He missed being surrounded by his kinfolk all the time. He missed his grandmother 's cookery. thought process of the Delicious intellectual nourishment filed his head as he drifted off into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.

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A/N : Hope you guys like it ! Please read and review. Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight and my other sister and brother. Also, thanks to pansy and teddysxxgirl for their critique ! Next chapter is Christmas Eve.

know this chapter is short circuit, but I did n't need to compound it with anything else. It stands on its own.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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"Lily !"Harry shouted into the keep elbow room,"Are you prepare to go ? All packed ?"Harry was standing with Ginny in front of the front man door, with a duet trunks and traveling bag at his feet. James and Albus were standing nearby, having a blade conflict with a couple fake scepter. Albus 's scepter turned into a sham parrot and emitted a tatty squawking noise.

"Albus ! James River !"Ginny scolded them,"Behave yourselves."William James and Albus quickly stowed the wand and parrot into their trunks.

A small, red-headed girlfriend walked into the way, trailing a pinko rolling suitcase."Are we leaving now ?"

"Yes, we are. What were you doing in there, dear ?"Ginny asked.

"I was packing. I could n't find all my Wendy Witch dolls and had to calculate all over the house for them."

James laughed."Do you have to take them everywhere ?"

"Of course I do ! I could n't exit any of them home. It would n't be fairly,"Lily explained. Albus and James IV laughed even harder."Mum ! Tell them to shut up."

"son, be overnice to your sister. Now, does everyone sustain everything ? I 'm sending the trunk to the burrow and we wo n't be coming back after we visit Godric 's hollow,"Ginny informed them.

"Yes, we 've got everything,"Albus told them.

"Good,"Ginny waved her wand and the trunks and bag disappeared,"Now, then, it 's time to go. Lily, take my arm. Boys, take your father's."And with a loud crack, the Potter family disappeared from their house.

A few instant later, they reappeared in a battlefield a piddling ways away from a small town. The sun was setting and their was clean C. P. Snow on the ground. From the orbit, Harry could see tiny the great unwashed walking along the streets.

"Daddy, why do we have to walk so far ?"Lily whined,"Why ca n't we just Apparate in town ?"

"I 've told you before, Lily, we ca n't let the Muggles see us,"Harry explained.

"But I 'm tired."

"Oh, shut it, Lily,"Henry James snapped at his sister,"It 's not that far."

"Is, too,"Lily stomped away from him.

James reached down and made a snowball and then threw it at the rachis of his sister 's head.

"Ow ! ! !"Lily screeched and ran to Harry.

James II and Albus started laughing."full one, St. James the Apostle,"Albus gave his Brother a high-pitched five.

"Boys !"Harry shouted,"Enough ! Lily, it 's not that a great deal further. I 'll channel you."Harry picked up his daughter, who started sobbing into his jacket.

"She 's really tired,"Harry whispered to Ginny.

"I know. She 's been actual excited about you and the boys coming home for the holiday. She 's been up until midnight every night the yesteryear week,"Ginny said.

"She wo n't be getting much sleep for the next week either, staying at the Burrow,"Harry told Ginny.

"That 's for sure."

As the Potter family line moved into the Town, some people occasionally stopped to gaze at them. A few stopped to say hello, but hurried off quickly. Others completely ignored them. Many people were finishing up last minute shopping or hurrying off to church.

The fiddling Christian church was already full of people singing. The Potters could hear the carols as they walked by. They crunched through the snow in silence. Even James River and Albus were quiet. Lily had fallen asleep on Harry 's berm shortly after he picked her up. Harry appreciated how his kids were always behaved when he visited his parents Stephanie Graf. It was kind of an unspoken thing. He had never once had to tell them to acquit themselves in the cemetery. The kids would fight and bicker along the streets in the village, but would always get along once they entered the cemetery.

Harry walked into the cemetery, with Ginny, James, and Albus following him. As he walked the conversant way to his parents grave, he thought about his previous visits. There was the first of all visit, of course. He could n't bury that. Voldemort had showed up and tried to bolt down him. Ever since then, he had been visiting every Halloween and every Xmas Eve. He had taken Ginny once they were married, and the kids once they were born. Harry always felt sad when he visited, but this year he felt worried as well. Who was attempting to read his and his kids'minds ? What about the mystical death of Professor Torro ?

Harry made his way towards his parents'grave and stopped in front of it. He bent down and put his hired hand over the epithet. William James and Lily Potter.

Before the fall of Voldemort, cryptic deaths were expected. Of course of study, nowadays, there were execution every once and a while. These were usually attributed to Death Eaters still at heavy or beldame or sorcerer who believed in Voldemort 's ideals. Harry or one of the other Aurors usually caught them quickly and they were in Azakaban at the present moment. Harry had had Aurors on the slip of Torro ever since Sept, but there were still no wind. This reminded him of very very much of the days when Voldemort was at large.

What was he supposed to do ? He was doing all he could to catch Torro 's killer. He could n't help but recall the death was somehow related to the legilimency that was being performed on him, James, and Albus. And what could he do to serve reassure his sons ? The other instructor had told Harry that James was more subdued in class ever since the sequence during his detention with Washburn. King James was obviously quite vex about it. Albus was, too. Harry had met with Ron shortly afterward and neither of them could come up with any new musical theme of who did it. It must ingest either been a scholar or a teacher. As much as Harry hated to do it, he realized he was going to take to enquire his colleague. Ginny was concern, too. However, she believed that the boys were safe with Harry at the palace. Harry knew she took comfort in knowing he was near them at all fourth dimension. Harry only wished he felt as confident in his ability as Ginny did.

Ginny knelt down adjacent to Harry and wordlessly took the sleeping Lily from his weaponry. Harry reached into his cloak and pulled out a fragrancy of lilies. He bent down again and placed them in presence of the grave stone. Harry stood up and looked at the grave, his middle glistening with tears.

"Happy Christmas, Mum and Dad,"Harry whispered. Ginny put her arm around Harry, and the two of them turned around and headed out of the memorial park, with James and Albus in their wake.
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yearner chapter is coming up next ! It 'll be Christmastide at the burrow. Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other baby, and my brother. Thanks as well to siriusgirl1 for reviewing. Please read and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter ! Although I do own the OCs, the plot, and nigh of the Weasley cousin !

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A little while later, the thrower kin appeared in the grand behind the Burrow. They walked up to the book binding door and Harry opened it. He walked inside, followed by his family line, and saw the usual topsy-turvyness. The entire Weasley family was standing inside. It was a sea of flaming red hair. Most of the youngster had inherited the Weasley red hair. The few exceptions were Albus, who looked just like Harry, and Victoire and Gabrielle, who had their mother 's silvery blonde hair.

"Mum, make him consecrate it back !"six-year-old Lindy shouted as her brother held her wench in the air.

"Cedric ! Give her back her wench !"Corrine Weasley yelled at her son. He reluctantly handed lindy her doll and ran from the room.

The burrow was crammed with masses. There did n't appear to be way for anyone else. Teddy Lupin was currently entertaining the younger Weasley children by changing his ears and hair semblance. The older tiddler were eating respective Sweet and talking about all kind of things. Many of the adults were drinking eggnog and getting louder and louder by the minute.

Ron was the first to comment the Potters."Oi ! Harry 's here !"he shouted and ran towards the door,"Hi Harry ! Great to see you, checkmate !"

"Hey, Ron !"

"Harry, Ginny !"Molly Weasley came bustling into the kitchen,"come in, fall in ! Are you athirst ? Want any stew ?"

"Sure,"Harry told her and he sat down at the board following to Ginny. Molly went over to the stove and got five bowls of lather.

"This is large, Mum, thanks,"Ginny told Molly.

Albus and King James were already digging into their stew. Lily ate a few collation and then ran off to retrieve her cousin-german, apparently not tired at all anymore.

"wellspring, everyone 's here,"mollie told them,"They 're all in the living way. I do n't have sex if we 'll ever get the kids to bed."

"It 's Christmas Eve, do n't even rile,"Harry laughed.

Albus finished his stew and got up from the table. He went into the living elbow room with Henry James and found Rose, along with his first cousin Bradley, Cedric, Ben, and Saint Mark sitting together on the floor. Cedric and Ben were second base years, and Bradley and sucker were third years.

"What 's new ?"Albus asked.

"Oh, not much,"Ben told him,"Uncle George and Uncle Charlie are fairly drunk. Grammy is trying to get the younger Kid in bed. All the aunty are talking about all kind of poppycock. My dad, Uncle Sir Henry Percy, Uncle Ron, and Grandpa are all crapulence eggnog and eating biscuit over there,"he pointed to a few professorship grouped together around a low board."And let 's see, teddy and Victoire were snogging earlier. It was pretty gross. Who wants to see their sister snogging someone ? Grammy made them stop. Now Teddy 's changing his whisker color all the metre for the amusement of the little kids, which is making it hard for Grammy to get them to go to bed."

James IV and Albus laughed."Should be an interesting vacation,"James River said,"What have you lot been up to ?"

"Oh, not lots, just talking about Quidditch,"Cedric said,"Oh, and Rose is trying to get some studying done."

"rose ! We 're on holiday !"Saint James looked shocked,"Now 's not the time to study !"

"Well, you 'll be scrambling to get your employment done on the last day, like always. Maybe you should canvas tonight, too."

"You 'll never get anything done with all this noise,"Cedric told her."What 's up with you, James and Albus ?"

"Oh, not lots. Lily 's been complaining a lot. She got really mad when I threw a snow ball at her while we were walking into Godric 's hole,"James told them.

"Yeah, she 's been kind of a annoyance, and we 've only been on vacation for a day !"Albus said as he snatched a cookie from a nearby record."I 'm sure enough going to enjoy this time off, though. I have n't gone a hebdomad without detention in ages."

"Me too !"Jesse James agreed,"I need a break from Washburn, he 's crazy."

"Definitely,"Bradley agreed,"You 've missed so much Quidditch exercise because of him."

"He hates me, I tell you. Hates Albus, too."

"Remember that muck turkey in kickoff year, James ?"Cedric asked.

"Yeah, how could I forget that ? That 's when he started hating me,"James reminisced."Did n't learn many charms that year due to the quantity of time I used nosebleed nougats."

"I 'm hoping I get new Snackboxes for Noel this year,"Cedric told them,"I 'm running out. Ca n't wait till following twelvemonth and I can go buy them at Hogsmeade."

"Definitely. Hogwarts wo n't know what hit it when we 're able-bodied to buy harlequinade stuff all the prison term,"James laughed.

"Going to Hogsmeade 's not bad,"St. Mark chimed in,"I 've bought so many sweets at Honeydukes this year."

"Not to mention everything else there. Like the Three Broomsticks. What a corking place. And the shrieking hutch. You know it 's shrieking again this year,"Bradley added.

Albus and Rose glanced at each early nervously.

"Yeah, I 've heard it. But I wonder why ? It has n't shrieked since Teddy 's dad was at Hogwarts,"James wondered aloud.

"You do n't think-"Cedric started to say, but was cut off by Molly.

"If you 're not in Hogwarts yet, it 's meter for bed !"she shouted,"It 's nearly midnight, way past your bedtimes. Go on ! Lily, Hugo, Angie, Samantha, lindy, and Eddie ! Bed !"

"But Grammy !"Lily whined,"I do n't wan na ! I 'm not a footling kid !"

"No buts, Lily, bed, now !"

Lily pouted and then stomped up the steps to the way she shared with Angie, Samantha, and Lindy.

"I see what you mean about Lily,"Cedric told James and Albus.

"Yup, she 's been doing it all evening. Dad actually carried her at Godric 's Hollow. And she fell asleep on his shoulder. 'Course now she does n't desire to go to bed, digit,"James said.

"So, what does everyone think the hazard of England making it to the World Cup next twelvemonth ?"Albus asked quickly, before everyone could return to the topic of the shriek Shack.

"Ugh !"Rose sighed,"Back to Quidditch again."She pulled out her copy of The Standard Koran of while, Grade One and continued reading.

The subject of Quidditch carried the son the residual of the Nox and Albus was very relieved that no one mentioned the screaming hovel again. After a while, Molly decided it was time for everyone else to go to bed, too. William James, Omar Bradley, Cedric, Mark, Ben, and Albus were all sharing Ron 's old bedroom on the top floor. They trudged up the step while continuing their Quidditch conversation. When they reached the elbow room, they found three hardening of hokum beds crammed into the room, just as they were every former Christmas. It was a bit cramped, but they all had enough room. Albus climbed into the stern of the guff he shared with James and fell into a relaxing sleep.

******

"Albus ! Wake up ! It 's Christmas !"a shrill voice screamed as Albus opened his optic. He sat up and bumped his head on the bed above him.

"Ouch !"Albus rubbed his aching fountainhead. He had forgotten he was at the Burrow."What is it ?"

"It 's Christmas, Albus !"Lily screeched.

"What clock time is it ? Is anyone else up ?"

"It 's six in the morning !"Lily said excitedly."I 'm the 1st one up. wait, you 've got present tense !"Lily pointed at the piling near the understructure of Albus 's bed.

"Excellent ! Looks like a thoroughly load this year,"Albus smiled."Have you opened yours ?"

"Not yet. I think I will now, though !"Lily grinned and ran from the room.

Albus heard stirring from the bed above him."You up, James ?"

"Yeah, I am now. She 's always the first one up on Yuletide,"Henry James yawned.

"I know, she 's even up before the twins, Angie, and Eddie,"Albus laughed."fountainhead, mine as well get started on the presents !"

Albus crawled to the end of his bed and examined his present tense. He picked up a large, cushy package and knew what it was before even opening it. He tore off the wrap and unfolded a scarlet jumper with a Gryffindor lion on it. Albus knew he 'd be getting one of these this year. His grandmother always knitted everyone a sweater every year, but for each kid 's initiative year at Hogwarts, they got a Gryffindor jumper. Albus pulled his over his headland and smiled."What sweater did you get this twelvemonth, James ?"

"orange red with a Au Snitch,"Saint James the Apostle told Albus,"You get the Gryffindor one ?"

"Yup."Albus reached for his side by side present. It was from his Uncle George and Aunt Alicia. He opened it up and found a Skiving Snackbox. He grinned. He never had much use for these sweets before, but now that he was at Hogwarts, they would definitely come in handy."What 'd you get from Uncle George ?"

"Extendable ear,"James responded.

The future present was in the shape of a Word of God. Albus knew it was from his auntie Hermione before he even looked at the tag. When he unwrapped it, he found it was Hogwarts, A chronicle. Albus laughed. James had gotten the same rule book live year.

"Did you get Hogwarts, A story ?"Jesse James asked.

"Yeah, how 'd you know ?"Albus sniggered. The next packet was from his Uncle Ron, a box of Honeydukes sweets.

Albus reached into his hatful of nowadays and found the one from his parents. It was a long rectangular box. Albus opened it and found a tartar hide verge screen. It was scarlet and embossed with gold lions. Albus stared at it in awe. He had seen one of these in Diagon skittle alley when he was there buying his school provision. He had wanted it, but his dad had said no. It came with a small bottleful of wand Polish."What 'd you get from Mum and Dad ?"

"Have n't opened theirs yet,"James River said,"Lem me find it."Albus heard rustling from the bed above and ripping composition. Then silence."Wow ! This is awesome ! They got me a wand natural covering !"

"Me too !"Albus exclaimed,"What 's yours have on it ?"

"fink ! It 's like my sweater, orange red with gilt Snitches."

"Mine 's vermilion with gold lions."

"Pretty impressive,"James said.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Albus continued opening his presents until there were none left. He got a lot of afters and Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes products. He also got a few books, including Quidditch in the Twentieth Century. But his favorite present tense was his verge blanket, he kept staring at it. When Tom Bradley, Cedric, Mark, and Ben woke up, they opened their own presents.

By the sentence the boy had all finished opening their present tense, everyone else in the house was up. When they went downstairs they found mollie cooking breakfast. All the other grownup were sitting around the table talking and having umber and tea. The jr. kids were running around playing with their presents. The older tike were all clustered around one of the armchairs in the life elbow room. The boys went over to investigate.

"What 's going on over here ?"King James asked, while squeezing in between John Rowlands and Fred.

"Georgia 's gotten a new Calluna vulgaris !"Fred exclaimed."Newest model, a Firebolt 3000."

"Oh, wow !"Jesse James exclaimed,"Can I partake it ?"

"Sure,"Georgia was sitting in the armchiar, with her new broom resting on her lap. Everyone was admiring it.

"This is so cool,"Heather gazed at the heather,"wait 'till the Slytherins see we have one of these on our team."

"Yeah !"Fred agreed,"Supposed to be the profligate ling yet. Just came out last week."

"Can I fly it later ?"St. James asked.

"Yeah, sure, but I want to try it out first,"Sakartvelo laughed,"We 'll go out after breakfast."

"Do you know if anyone else has one at Hogwarts yet ?"Tom Bradley asked.

"No, I do n't think anyone else has one !"Georgia said.

"Wow, wait 'till everyone finds out it 's my baby who got the first off Firebolt 3000,"Bradley sighed,"But I do wish I got one."

"Well, I was riding a glory 2000. You 've got a veritable Firebolt."

"I know, but I hope I get one for my birthday."

"Breakfast is set !"Molly called into the room.

Everyone scrambled into the kitchen and got plates of food for thought. There was n't plenty room at the table for everyone to eat at. The Kyd all went back into the bread and butter room to eat. Albus sat down next to Lily, who was playing with her new miniature and eating at the same time.

"What 'd you get, Lily ?"Albus asked his sister.

"New My Little Hippogriffs,"she told him, gesturing to her miniature."And a stuffed owl, which I named Hedwig. Some candy, a few juke verge, a sweater, some wind cone, a mates books, and a Gryffindor hat and scarf."

"That 's good,"Albus responded, as he started eating his eggs. rose came and sat down future to Albus.

"Hi, blush wine. You get good present ?"

"Yeah, I got a lot of Word of God !"she told him.

"I got a few Good Book. But the in force affair is my new wand cover,"Albus grinned,"It 's upstairs, I 'll designate it to you later."

"Wow, that 's neat."

"Did you see Sakartvelo 's new Scots heather ?"Albus asked,"Its only been out a week. She 's probably one of the first gear to get one."

"Yeah, I saw it. It 's middling impressive. You going to try it out ? ``

"Definitely. It 's got to be great to fly. Maybe I 'll be able-bodied to get a broom next summer. I 'm trying out for pursuer next class,"Albus told her.

"I 'm sure you 'll get it,"rose told him as she ate her toast.

"I dunno. I mean, there 's only one pursuer position opening up next year. Samantha 'll be leaving. I bet Georgia 'll be made Captain."

"Probably. She 's the next oldest. And she 's a good leader,"Rose agreed.

"addition she 's got the topper broomstick ever !"Albus said.

"True,"Rose said,"But just because you 've got a good broom, does n't mean you 're a good captain."

"Yeah, but Peach State 's a great player. Her new broom will only lay down her better. Slytherin wo n't tolerate a luck. I think we 're playing them shortly after we go back in January,"Albus told Rose."You gon na try out the broom ?"

"Probably not. I 'm not very honorable and I would n't want to divulge it."

"I doubt you 'd crash it. You 're an ok flier,"Albus told her."But I 'm definitely trying it."

"Let 's go drama Quidditch !"Empire State of the South stood up and held her Scots heather over her question. Everyone who had been eating breakfast dropped their plates and either stormed up to the sleeping accommodation to get their own heather or ran out into the field that was used for Quidditch practice. Albus, since he did not own his own broomstick, went directly away. GA had already ran out the door and was standing in the midriff of the field, with a huge grin on her face.

"Ready, Albus ?"she asked.

"Definitely ! I ca n't wait !"he told her, and he looked over to the back door of the house. Epistle of James, and everyone else who had their own broom had come out and were running over to the field.

"Can I try it after you ?"Teddy shouted from behind everyone else.

"Sure !"Georgia shouted back.

"Then me !"William James waved his subdivision around.

"And me !"Fred screamed.

"Me !"Calluna vulgaris pushed her way in front end of Fred, trying to embarrass him.

"Shut it !"Georgia shouted over the noise,"Everyone will get a turn ! But right now, I 'm flying it !"Georgia mounted her broom and kicked off from the flat coat. The speed was amazing. She could gain turns at top speed and brake secondment before she would have crashed into the ground.

"Wow !"Jesse James screamed excitedly."That 's splendid !"Everyone started talking at once and Albus was not able to make out anything. Georgia flew around the domain for fifteen moment before landing beside her sibling and cousins. She dismounted and handed the broom to teddy bear.

"Thanks !"slip grinned and changed his pilus to red. He flew into the air did a serial of spins and turns. He flew for about ten mo and landed side by side to Georgia."Wow, I wish I 'd had that when I was searcher, we never would have lost a equal !"

"We barely lost a couple anyway,"Sakartvelo laughed. She took the broom and handed it to Henry James. For the adjacent two hr, everyone took a turn on the broom. Even Rose got into the spirit of things and flew around for a few minutes. After everyone had had a bout, Empire State of the South decided to organize a Quidditch match.

"Ok, I 'll be captain of my team and Teddy can captain the other team,"Georgia decided. The two captains took bend picking their squad and eventually their were two teams of six actor each. As there were n't plenty players for entire teams, six role player for each had to act upon. Georgia 's team consisted of James, Bradley, Cedric, Stanley, and Gabriella. teddy bear 's squad consisted of heather, Fred, Victoire, Ben, and chump. Since Albus did not have a Calluna vulgaris, he could n't encounter. He and turn out watched from the by-line, while the younger kids played in the hoodwink nearby.

"That was fill up last dark, about the shriek Shack, I mean,"Albus whispered to Rose.

"I know,"she whispered back,"Everyone 's untrusting about it. I hear the great unwashed whispering about it sometimes in the Great Hall."

"That means Matt 's hearing it, too,"Albus groaned,"It 's got to be horrible for him."

"Does this mean you definitely believe he 's a werewolf, then ?"pink wine asked.

"I 'm not totally positive, but it does seem that way. I do n't think I 'll be fully convinced until I hear him say so himself."

"I suppose you 're right, but I 'm pretty sure of it,"rose wine told him.

"How 'd you find out, anyway ? How do you make love so lots about loup-garou ?"Albus asked.

"I 've read about them, of track. Once I found out that Teddy 's dad was a lycanthrope, I read all about them in Mum and Dad 's old school books,"Rose said.

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense. You for certain do read a lot."

"I know,"rosebush agreed, as she pulled her copy of Hogwarts, A story, out of her jacket.

"You got that for Christmas, too ?"Albus questioned.

"Yup, it 's quite concern. I 'm already on chapter three."

"I have n't even started reading it yet."

rose wine laughed and opened up her book. Albus looked out towards the field and watched the rest of the Quidditch compeer. It was a pretty salutary mate. Quite different than Hogwarts friction match, though. There was no referee, so a few tilt erupted. After an hour or so, Teddy caught the Snitch and his team won. Albus and his cousins trooped back into the star sign, snowy, wet, and cold. It was almost time for Christmas supper, and molly was cooking in the kitchen, with help from Ginny and Fleur. Albus ran up to the top bedroom and got out his new Quidditch book and take it until supper was ready.

Christmastide supper was always an concern event at the burrow. The kitchen table was not big enough to induct everyone, so usually the younger children sat there, while the oldest kids and the adults found buttocks in the living room. There was always a lot of nutrient, too. The food for thought was kept in the kitchen and mass got up to get some when they wanted it. As Albus was walking into the kitchen, he distinctly saw James sneaking around the sustenance room doing something with one of the arm chairs.

Sure enough, after Albus sat down at the tabular array and started eating his food, he heard a scream from the living elbow room. He jumped up from his chair and followed his cousins into the room.

"What was that ? !"Harry shouted, looking down at the death chair he had been sitting in.

Molly came into the way and pushed past Albus."King James Sirius ceramist ! What did you do ?"

James II looked sheepishly at her,"How did you know it was me ? You did n't see it happen."

"I raised your Uncle George ! I know a guilty aspect when I see one,"mollie screamed at him,"What did you do ?"

"Shocking Seat,"James explained,"It 's a little matter you hide on a chair and gives a mild electric shock to the somebody who sits in it."

Harry started laughing,"And I suppose it 's from your shop, George ?"

"Yup, newfangled product. Just came out a few weeks ago. I got James a few for Christmastime. Thought he 'd like them,"George told him.

"I 'd say he does like them,"Harry grinned,"Just do n't use them on any teachers."

"Too late. I just did,"James laughed. Everyone else started laughing as well, except Molly, who went back into the kitchen.

The rest period of supper went by with only a few shaver prank. Someone snuck a Ton spit brittle into Albus 's pudding and his glossa grew two base before Harry found out and unsex it for him. A few eyeglasses exploded and a few bowls of soup crashed to the primer coat, mostly because Henry M. Stanley had just turned 17 and wanted to use trick to fetch thing to the table for the great unwashed. Eventually, everyone had enough to eat and they migrated into the animation room. The adults had all had quite a bit of eggnog and ardor whisky and were not paying a hale lot of tending to the kids. This enabled teddy and Victoire to sneak off into the kitchen, to be alone.

Albus and rosebush decided to play Wizard 's cheat. Lily and Hugo sat down to watch. It did n't require rear too long to pulsate Albus. blush wine was very good at chess and she was much near than Albus. After that, the four of them played a few turn of Exploding Snap, most of which Albus won.

Eventually, Molly decided it was time for everyone to go to bed. Albus climbed slowly up the stairs and got into his bunk bed. He was very shopworn. It had been a peachy Christmas. With his tummy full and his heart happy, Albus fell into a mystifying sleep.

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A/N : Hope you liked it ! I wrote this before Jo posted the Weasley/Potter family tree, so that 's why I made up my own Weasley cousin-german. Although I did guess correctly that William James 's midsection epithet is Sirius ! I know it 's a bit confusing with the large amount of cousin I made up, so I 'll try and brand a family tree with one of the forthcoming chapters.

As always, thanks to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other babe, and my bro. Thanks also to inkheart for their review. Please read and review !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

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Boxing Day was usually a faineant day at the burrow. Everyone slept late and ate whatever whenever they wanted. Albus awoke around noon, and found that a few of his aunts, uncles, and full cousin were getting ready to leave. His Uncle George V and aunty Alicia and their kids were getting ready to exit to visit Alicia 's parents. His Uncle Charlie and Aunt Katherine and their kids were also leaving to visit other family.

"Bye, guys,"Albus waved as his Uncle Charlie stepped into the fireplace with Eddie.

"Bye, Albus,"Charlie waved back,"Have a good prison term at school."

Albus walked into the kitchen and found rosiness sitting at the table reading Hogwarts, A chronicle. Hugo was also there.

"good morning, pink wine,"he said as he sat down next to her.

"Hi,"she said, not looking up from her book.

Albus went to the counter and made some pledge. Hugo got up from the board and ran into the bread and butter room. When Albus brought his breakfast back to the table, Rose had set her record book down.

"Good, he left,"rose wine whispered,"I want to talk to you about Matt."

"What about him ?"

"His little 'problem',"Rose said,"Listen, I went snooping around granddad 's subject this morning while everyone was asleep. I want to do some more research about lycanthropy."

"Well, did you come up anything ?"Albus asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I did. I found a few books that have data in them. I took them and hid them in my trunk upstairs. Now that Heather 's left to see her other grandparents, I 've got my room to myself. We can go read them after we 're done eating."

"Sounds good,"Albus whispered back,"And we 've got to ask Uncle Bill about it too."

"I know, I 've thought of that too. We 'll ask tomorrow. There 'll be less mass. Uncle Bill, aunt Fleur, Victoire, Gabriella, and Ben are n't leaving until day after tomorrow. Uncle Hotspur, auntie Corrine, Peach State, Thomas Bradley, Cedric, and the Twin Falls are leaving tomorrow. I do n't require to be overheard."

"commodity thinking,"Albus said as he took a bite out of his toast. At that mo, James, Cedric, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Ben came in.

"What were you two talking about ?"James IV asked, as he stole a piece of Albus 's toast.

"Nothing,"Albus said abruptly.

James looked at him warily,"Hmm, well, we 're going to go play Quidditch. You want to watch ?"

Rose looked at Albus."Um, no, me and Rose have, er, homework to do."

James laughed."There 's wad of time left to do homework. Oh, well, wooing yourself."Jame shoved the last bit of his pledge into his mouthpiece and he, Cedric, and Ben went outside.

"That was close,"Rose whispered,"We ca n't let anyone find out. Are you ready ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said as he got up from the board. Rose got up, too, and Albus followed her to the chamber she stayed in. They went inside and Rose closed the room access quietly. She went over to her torso, pulled out a few heavy record book, and dumped them on her bed.

"If anyone fit in and asks us what we 're doing, we say it 's homework,"Rose told Albus. She picked up a Koran and handed it to him."Here you go. Just look through it and scan anything you find about werewolves."

Albus took the Christian Bible and looked at it. It was entitled modern font Magical therapeutic. He opened it to the index and looked for 'werewolf', but it was n't there. However, 'wolfsbane'was. There was a hale chapter on it. Albus turned to the chapter and briefly leafed through it. It was long and the print was very small. It was not the form of reading material Albus would normally do, but his oddment about Matt 's condition triumphed over his dislike of dull reading. Albus and rosebush read for close to two hours. In the time it took Albus to read about the Wolfsbane potion, Rose had gone through two of the other books.

"fountainhead, what did you ascertain ?"rosiness asked once Albus had finished his chapter. She looked a bit blench and form of scared.

"loading, how about you ?"Albus told her,"Are you okay ?"

"Yeah, I guess,"rose wine whispered,"It 's just, the other books I 've read did n't really go over what it 's like to transmute. These did. Oh, Albus, it sounds horrifying ! Really dreadful ! And painful. I just feel so bad for lustrelessness, if that is what 's going on. Apparently, when a werewolf is in savage manakin, they must bite other animals or people. They 're not in their human being mind, they do n't know what they 're doing ! And if there 's no other beast or mass to bite, they bite themselves. That must be where lustrelessness got all those cuts and bruises from. He 's doing it to himself."

Albus stared at her with his rima oris unfold,"That 's horrible ! There 's got to be something somebody could do ! Healers or someone must know a therapeutic or something."

"There 's not. There 's no cure for lycanthropy. Just the wolfsbane potion,"blush wine told him.

"Oh, yeah,"Albus had momentarily forgotten what he had been reading about,"The wolfbane potion does work out. If a werewolf takes it every night a few dark prior to transformation, they will transform, but will be harmless to themselves and other people. It 's really complicated to pretend, but apparently it makes the transformations loads better."

"But why does n't matte read it then ?"rose wine wondered.

"I dunno. I guess the solely way we 'd get hold out is to ask him,"Albus told her.

"So you believe me, then ? You 're convinced he 's a werewolf ?"rose asked.

"You know, I think so. I guess I 'm still not incontrovertible, but I 'm as convinced as I could be without him actually telling me."

rosebush got up from the bed."I guess we 've learned everything we can from these ledger. I 'll pinch them back early tomorrow morning."She picked up all the account book and put them back into her trunk.

"I think I 'll go see what everyone else is up to,"Albus got up from the base and opened the door,"You coming ?"

"Yeah, sure,"Rose followed Albus out the door.

The cousins walked down the stairs from pink wine 's room. The house was very smooth. Most of their first cousin were out of doors playing Quidditch or in their rooms enjoying their presents. Since two of the syndicate had already left, it was quite a bit calmer. As Albus and rose wine strode past the kitchen, Albus stopped short. uprise bumped into him.

"Ouch !"she screeched as she bumped her foreland on his back.

"Shush !"Albus whispered as he pressed his head to the door of the kitchen,"I heard someone say my name."

Rose leaned her head against the room access as well and the two of them tried to listen for a hour or so."It 's no use ! They 're whispering. I ca n't learn anything."

"Me neither, but I swear one of them mentioned me !"Albus listened again,"I 'm reasonably for sure it 's my mum and dad, and your dad as well."

The front room access banged open and James, Cedric, Ben, and Bradley stormed in, dropping their Calluna vulgaris on the floor."It 's blooming freezing out there !"James shouted as he tore off his baseball glove and scarf.

"And mortal 's locked the kitchen door !"Cedric added, as he pulled off his frozen hat.

"Shush !"Albus shouted back.

"What ?"James asked as he came rushing over, followed by Cedric, Ben, and Bradley.

"The kitchen 's locked because some of the adults are in there talking about me !"Albus whispered back.

"Really ?"James looked at him curiously,"What about ?"

"I dunno !"Albus whispered back,"I ca n't get a line them, they 're being real quiet."

King James thought for a second, and then a smile appeared on his face."Time to recrudesce out one of my Yuletide presents."

"That 's right field !"Albus said excitedly,"You got Extendable ear for Dec 25 !"

"Yep, sure did I 'll go get them !"James announced, and then he ran upstairs. He appeared a minute later holding a blue box with a declamatory ear pictured on it."Here they are."James tore open the publicity and pulled out seven sarcoid tubes. He handed one to everybody and stowed the extra in his pocket.

Albus hastily pushed one end of the extendible Ear into his own ear and sent the other end to the bed of the doorway. Albus had used Extendables once before, when his cousin-german Gabriella had bought some at Hogsmeade and let Albus try them out. That was two years ago, and he had n't heard anything interesting. Gabriella had bought them in order to listen in on Victoire 's conversations with her friend who had stayed for Christmas break. Victoire only talked about how much she liked slip, and Albus found that rather boring. This time, however, Albus was certain he 'd listen more interesting conversations.

"I 'm really not sure I should tell them,"Albus heard his dad say.

"I know,"his mother responded back,"If someone invading thieir minds, it 's right they did not know right now."

"I mean, I had n't really thought about when I was going to tell them,"Harry responded,"I guess I was planning on doing it when they were much older. I worry about what they would do with the entropy. Jesse James especially."

Epistle of James turned away from the door and looked at Albus."They 're talking about me, too !"

"I know, shush !"Albus said as he turned his tending back to the conversation in the kitchen.

"I honestly would only trust Rose with the information, Harry,"Ginny told her husband.

This clock time it was Rose 's turn to look at Albus."Me, too ! But whatever it is, they trust me."Rose could n't serve but grin as she turned back to the door.

"I do n't want her to know, given the current portion,"Ron said.

"Me neither,"Hermione agreed.

"I know, but it seems as if whoever 's doing it is focusing on James and Albus,"Harry informed them."I was always leery about telling them, but especially now ..."

"Harry, we did n't even tell my brothers,"Ron said,"Why are you worrying about telling the minor ?"

"Part of me wants them to understand what we think is going on,"Harry went on,"But the other constituent of me does n't require them to know."

"I 'm siding with that part of you,"Ginny said,"We should n't severalise them."

"Ever ?"Hermione asked tentatively,"I do think they should be trusted with that information at some point."

"I agree, Hermione,"Harry told her,"But not now. I guess I 'd just been waiting for the opportunity to present itself, have n't really thought about when I 'd order them. I suppose the best matter to do would be to wait until they 're out of school, they 'll be more mature and there 'll be less of a prospect of it leaking out."

"That sounds reasonable, Harry,"Ginny agreed,"Someday, we 'll tell them about the Hallows. But right now I think we need to verbalize about what 's been going on with-"

"James II, Bradley, Cedric, Benedict, Rose, and Albus, what on earth are you doing ? !"a ashen spokesperson caused Albus to drop his extendable Ear and he was not capable to see what his mum had been about to say.

mollie Weasley ran over to the five cousin, a look of madness on her aspect."Have you been listening in on that conversation ? Obviously you have ! You have no right wing ! Your parents wanted to be alone ! And give me those !"

Albus, Saint James, and their cousin did not even think about not listening to their grandmother and handed over their Ears at once."And the other one ?"She eyed James I 's sack. Albus glanced at it and noticed the little bit of flesh sticking out of it. James sulkily pulled it out and handed it to her.

"I 'll be having a word with your Uncle George ! He 's prosperous he 's not here right now. He should n't be giving you those for Christmas, honestly, the spunk of him ..."Molly stormed over to her desk and grabbed a bit of lambskin and a quill and started writing while she mumbled to herself. Albus knew she was going to commit a Howler to her son.

The commotion outside the kitchen caused Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to cease their conversation and come in out to see what the commotion was about. Once Albus heard the threshold first to spread out, he made a mad dash for the stairs, and the thundering behind him told him his crony and full cousin did the same.

Albus did n't stop running until he made it to Rose 's way, and once Epistle of James and their cousins were inside, he slammed the threshold shut.

"What was that all about ?"Albus asked as he sat down on one of the beds.

"I dunno,"James responded,"They obviously know something we do n't and they do n't want to differentiate us about it. But what did they mean by they did n't desire me to know about it especially ?"Henry James stomped back and Forth River across the floor, obviously mad that his parents would n't hope him with something.

"wellspring, that 's not the only reason they 're keeping it from us !"rosebush argued,"They said they trust me, but still wo n't severalize me."

"Must be something really secretive because only your parents know about it,"Ben reasoned."I suppose Bradley, Cedric, and I wo n't ever rule out."

"Yeah, you will !"Jesse James insisted as he threw himself onto a bed,"Once I find out, I 'll secern you !"

"James II !"Rose shouted,"That must be why they wo n't enjoin you right now ! They do n't require anybody to know. If it 's something so secretive that they wo n't even tell any of our uncles, then they must not want a whole lot of people to know."

"But what would my parents, aunt Hermione, and Uncle Ron know that none of the early aunty and uncles know about ?"Albus asked Rose.

"I dunno,"Rose answered. The five of them sat in muteness for a few minutes, trying to think of what this could be.

"You do n't think ..."James started,"... that maybe it has something to do with the war ?"

Albus looked at him,"But Dad said he told us all about the war."

"It makes sentiency, Albus,"blush wine told him,"What else besides the war do my parents and your parents have, but none of our aunts and uncles do ?"

"But my parents were involved in the war !"Cedric insisted.

"I know they were,"Saint James the Apostle said as he got up from the bed again and started pacing,"But my dad and rosebush 's parents were a lot more than involved. They destroyed most of the horcruxes and they were off by themselves for almost a year doing it."

"True,"Cedric agreed.

"Whatever it is, they 're keeping something from us,"James told everyone as he pounded his clenched fist on the nighttime point of view,"And I do n't like it. Especially since Dad said he told us everything."

"Anyone bewitch what they were talking about ?"Bradley asked.

"Yeah,"Albus responded,"Hallows. Whatever they are."

"Never heard of them,"James said.

"Me neither,"Cedric said. Tom Bradley and Ben shook their question. Albus looked expectantly at rosiness. Whenever someone else did n't know about something, Rose always knew.

"I 've never heard anything about them either, Albus, I 'm sorry,"pink wine sighed,"But once we 're back in school, we can look in the library."

"I guess,"Albus said, looking down at his feet. He did not like the idea of his parents keeping something from him. It made him sense betrayed. Harry had always told Albus that he told him everything about the war. But if these Hallows had anything to do with the war, like James II suspected they did, then Harry and Ginny were keeping something from them. What were the Hallows ? And why were his parents so aim about not letting him know about them ? Why did they think he was n't trusty enough to know about them ?

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A/N : Sorry for the postponement ! I have been on vacation, so have n't been able to update. Hopefully, I 'll get my Weasley family unit tree up with the side by side chapter.
Thanks as usual to Rain is LIquid Moonlight, my early Sister, and my brother. Also thanks to inkheart, Ashley, Black ardor, and e.jones for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 15 : Occlumency and Potions

By the time Albus woke up the side by side morning, his Uncle Hotspur, Aunt Corrine, and their tike had already left. Albus had not catch some Z's very well. Although he had n't had any nightmare, Albus could n't stop thinking about what his parents were keeping from him, and the thought had kept him tossing and turning almost the unit night. Once he fell asleep, he slept until it was nearly one o'clock in the afternoon. He never even had the opportunity to say auf wiedersehen to his aunt, uncle and cousin. However, he did n't let long to populate on it because shortly after he had gotten dressed, Saint James the Apostle burst into the room.

"trade good, you 're up,"St. James greeted him, as he sat down on one of the bottom bunks.

"Yeah, I 'm up,"Albus yawned,"Just got up, could n't sleep well last night."

"Me, neither, but Cedric woke me up before he left. Tried to get you up, but you were out like a log."

"Well, what 's been going on ? Do Mum and Dad know that we listened to them ?"Albus asked.

"They do. gran told them. I 'm never getting those Extendables back,"James groaned."But I do n't remember they 're too bothered by it."

"well, that 's good,"Albus told him,"wagerer they do n't experience that we 're trying to find out what they 're keeping from us."

"Definitely. Oh, but they do want to talk to us in a few bit,"James I informed Albus,"They sent me up here to inflame you up."

"You do n't think they want to holler at us about listening in, do you ?"Albus asked nervously.

"No, I do n't figure that 's what it 's about. They just want to talk to us. Not Rose,"Henry James answered.

"That 's odd. What else could they need ?"Albus wondered.

"Dunno,"James glanced at his watch."Well, we 'd better go. They 're waiting in the kitchen."

Albus followed Henry James slowly down the stairs. He had no idea what this could be about. For a moment, he thought that maybe his parents were going to distinguish them about whatever 'Hallows'were, but he knew that could n't be it. They had seemed so adamant about not telling Jesse James, Albus, or come up about them.

Albus made his way into the kitchen after St. James the Apostle. His parents were in there, along with Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione. Harry gestured for them to sit down. Albus sat down in one of the chairperson and James sat next to him, neither of them saying a password. Harry went over to the doorway, closed it, and pointed his wand at it while muttering a spell. Albus figured it was some kind of spell that rendered Extendable Ears useless.

"First,"Harry told his sons, as he walked over and stood next to Ron,"I want to tell you that I 'm not punishing you for what you did yesterday. Both of you look like you 're sitting in a detention."

Albus smiled a footling, but James did not move.

"I would have done the Saami matter if I were you,"Harry grinned and continued,"Well, let me reword that. I have done the like thing you did. slew of times. Right after your uncles Fred and George invented Extendable Ears. ``

Harry started pacing around the kitchen. Albus had noticed that his father did this whenever he was thinking about something serious. It was the same kind of pacing that James had done the previous day.

"However, what I do want to talk to you about is a grievous issue,"Harry lowered his voice,"It 's about what 's been going on in the school."

Albus looked at James. Neither of them really knew what their dad was getting on about.

"James, when you were in detention a few weeks ago and you said your head felt mirthful. ma'am Pomfrey had the suspicion that person was using Legilimency against you. I think she was right. Well, I 'm sure she was right. The way you described it is just like how it feels,"Harry told his son,"St. James, someone is trying to invade your mind."

Saint James the Apostle looked shocked. Albus noticed he was a bit paler than common. He looked very much the same as he did in the days following that custody. Albus guessed that the Day at the burrow had made James bury about that nasty experience.

"Albus, about that dream-"Harry started, but was cut off.

"You said it did n't mean anything !"Albus reminded his dad.

"I thought that it did n't, until I started having the like one,"Harry informed them,"I talked to your Uncle Ron about it and we both agree that they 're not normal pipe dream. Someone is using Legilimency on us as well."

Albus felt the blood drain from his face and he was sure he looked as pale as William James did."But who 's doing it ?"he whispered.

"I honestly do n't make love, Al,"Harry softened his voice and sat down side by side to his son."But your Uncle Ron and I are trying very hard to regain out who it is."

"Why does mortal require to read our minds ?"Albus asked his dad.

"I, have a few idea,"Harry answered slowly,"But I 'm afraid I ca n't separate you just yet."

Albus nodded. It was strange that his dad could n't just solve this problem. During Albus 's younger childhood years, Harry had always been able to fix everything for him. Broken toys, minor harm, his dad was always there to resolve the job. But this clip, Harry could n't just wave his wand and make it better.

Harry drew Albus into his weapon system."Now, Al, I do need to know if you 've had anymore of those nightmare since that first one."

"Yeah, I have. I get them a few times a week."

"Always the like one ?"Harry asked.

"Yes."

"And have you had any while you 've been at the Burrow ?"

Albus thought for a moment."You know, I have n't. I had n't really thought about it, but I have n't had any since I left Hogwarts."

Harry glanced at Ron and got up from the professorship."I think that 's all I need to know about the dream for now. But if they start changing at all, you 've got to let me know right away. Just ask one of the portrait in the usual room to find me. Do n't forget the vernacular room to tell me, it 's very important that you do not wander around at night."

Harry started pacing again and he turned to human face James."Are you ok ? I know it 's a scary cerebration, that individual 's invading your nous. But I will encounter out who 's doing it. I do n't want you to worry about it too much."

James just nodded, apparently still unable to speak.

"Good. Now, it 's obviously very disturbing that someone is trying to see our thoughts and memories. Ron and I, as well as a few other Aurors are working to figure out who it is and why they 're doing it, so we can stop them. But for now, you two have to learn how to protect yourselves.

"Ron and I have decided that you should start to learn Occlumency. I know you both already know what that is, but neither of you have had any breeding in the subject. If you 're capable to teach it properly, then no one will be able to translate your thoughts."

"Are you going to teach us, Dad ?"Jesse James spoke for the first time since he entered the room.

"No, I ca n't,"Harry told him,"I 'm not a very good Occlumens and am having a hard enough time trying to close my own mind, let alone trying to instruct you two."

"Then who 's going to learn us ?"James IV asked, with a apprehensive look on his font. He and Albus looked at each former. Harry had told them the stories of when Professor Snape had tried to teach him Occlumency in his fifth part class.

"Do n't worry,"Harry reassured them, seeing the looking at on their faces,"I know from experience that in order to learn Occlumency properly, it 's much good if you trust your instructor. That 's why your Aunt Hermione will be teaching you."

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. Although his Aunt Hermione was strict, he knew she would be capable to teach him well. There was hardly an panorama of magic that she did not do well.

"I 'll be coming to Hogwarts two dark a hebdomad until you are both able of protecting your judgment from trespasser,"Hermione informed them.

Epistle of James opened his sass and was about to address when Hermione cut him off."Not to interest, Saint James the Apostle, it wo n't interfere with Quidditch practice ! I know Quidditch is the most important thing in this family."She glared at Harry and Ron, who both grinned sheepishly.

"I 'll send an owl to the school once the world-class object lesson is set up, telling you which classroom it will be in. We still need to run this by the headmaster, but I 'm certain he will not listen,"Hermione informed them.

"well, I think that 's it, boys,"Harry strode back over to King James and Albus and gave them each a hug."I do n't desire you to interest about this too very much. Your Uncle Ron and I have matter under ascendency. Just concentrate on learning Occlumency. Try to stay fresh your guard up, as well. Constant vigilance, as Mad-Eye would have said. I 've got to run into the Auror office for a few hours, but I 'll be back before dinner."

When Harry opened the threshold to the kitchen, rose wine fell into the room. She had been leaning on the door, trying to listen in. She stood up, blushing furiously and ran out of the room and up the stairs. James and Albus burst out laughing and ran out of the way after her. They found her up in her room.

"So, what was that about ?"she asked eagerly, once Albus had shut the door behind him and James."Any chance they told you what they 're trying to keep from us ?"

"No,"James said bitterly, it was obvious to Albus that he was still mad about that.

"Well, what was it then ?"pink wine pushed.

"Remember that detention that me, James, Matt, and John had to do with Washburn ? The one where we cleaned the hourglasses in the Entrance Hall ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"rose wine said warily.

"wellspring, someone tried to read Jesse James 's mind during it. And someone 's been trying to read my mind and Dad 's while we 're sleeping, too. I 've been having Weird dreaming ever since schoolhouse started, and apparently they mean someone 's using Legilimency on me."

Rose stared at him, then she glanced at James IV, who had sat down on rosebush 's bed."You 're good ?"

"Yep,"King James confirmed,"And Dad wants me and Albus to learn Occlumency to try and stop them. I get the feeling something 's occurrent. I 'm not sure as shooting what, but all the adult seemed a bit worried when they were telling us this. Dad does n't lie with who 's doing it or why. Well, he has an idea why, but he wo n't enjoin us. Figures."Epistle of James punched one of the pillows."I guess I 'm not trustworthy."

"Who 's teaching you ?"Rose asked.

"Your mum,"Albus answered."She 's coming to the castle two nights a week as soon as everything 's straightened out with Professor Kendrick."

"well, that 's good, then. I hope you two are good at Occlumency,"Rose said,"But do you two get the feeling this whole mind reading thing might have something to do with what they 're keeping from us ?"

"Seems likely,"Albus agreed.

Saint James the Apostle nodded."We 've got to figure out what they 're keeping from us. We 'll start once we 're back at school. And I do n't mean we should tell anyone what we 're doing, since Dad 's teaching there. I do n't think he 'd be too happy if he found out what we 're up to."

"I suppose you 're right,"Rose responded.

"Yeah,"Albus said. He did n't like the theme of keeping something this big from Saint John the Apostle, Matt, and Amanda, but he could see James 's point. Their father did n't need them to know about whatever this is, and if he found out they were looking, it would constitute it harder to find out the secret.

"Saint James !"a part shouted from downstairs,"Come help with dinner, please ! I 've got Ben cutting up veg and you can help him !"

James got up and went over to the door,"Aw, Mum ! Why ca n't Teddy do it ? He can do it by magic and it 'd go faster !"

"Teddy 's helping Victoire sketch ! Now get down here, please !"Ginny screamed back.

James snorted and looked at Albus and Rose, who were giggling. They were sure that shimmy and Victoire were not studying, but were in fact hiding away somewhere, snogging.

"James II !"his mother shrieked.

James stomped out of the elbow room and down the stairs, muttering something about Muggle cooking.

rose got up from the bed and shut the door behind James. She turned back to Albus."Ok, we 've got to ask Uncle Bill what he knows about werewolves tonight after dinner."

"Yeah, we should. He 's leaving tomorrow. Do you really recollect he knows something that we have n't already read in the books ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not sure. But what I want to bang is why someone would n't rent the Wolfsbane potion or why it would n't work,"Rose told Albus as she sat down following to him.

"commodity melodic theme. The book I read did n't remark anything like that. But if Matt 's a loup-garou, then he 's definitely not taking that potion every month."

"Or it 's not working for him,"Rose suggested.

"Yeah, that too. But what are we going to order Uncle Bill when he asks why we want to eff about the Wolfsbane potion ?"

"I 've got it taken aid of,"Rose told him,"I 'll tell him that Professor Slughorn gave us additional credit rating to inquiry an advanced potion. And we 'll say that Slughorn let us do it in groups of two and you 're my partner."

"Wow ! That 's thoroughly thinking, rose wine,"Albus said excitedly,"I 'd never be able-bodied to come up with that."

"It just came to me last night. I knew we 'd need an excuse because we do n't determine about werewolves until third year."

"rose wine ! Albus ! I need your aid for dinner party, please !"Ginny screamed up the stairs.

"Alright, Mum !"Albus answered,"We 'll be right there !"He and Rose went downstairs, where they were immediately put to work slicing bread.

*****

Supper was deep that night, and not nearly as gratifying as Christmas Day supper. Everyone wanted to wait until Harry returned from the Auror office to eat, and he did not get back until nearly eight o'clock. Once Harry walked in the door, everyone sat down and started eating.

"I 've got some bad news,"Harry announced as he poured some butterbeer for himself. Everyone stopped eating and looked at him."soul was found deadened this daybreak in their house. Jasmine Lomski. She worked in the Magical Law Enforcement authority. Avada Kedavra was the grounds of death. It 's looking very suspicious. I 've got someone investigating, but so far nothing 's been found."

"Lomski ?"Ben asked, his expression was white. He was looking at Epistle of James, whose face was equally pale."There 's a young lady in our division, a Ravenclaw, Rachael Lomski. Are they related ?"

Harry nodded,"Yes, that 's her female parent. Jasmine 's husband, Connor, was taking Rachael and the other minor to see their grandparents for Dec 25, so they were not home at the time. Jasmine did not go with them because she had to play tomorrow.

"But I want everyone to fuck that the early Aurors and I are doing all we can to find out who did this, and who killed Professor Torro, and hopefully we 'll be able to contain whoever did it soon."

"You think the two murder are related, then ?"Chester A. Arthur asked.

"I really ca n't be for sure yet, but I do have a spirit they are,"Harry answered.

The relief of the meal was spent discussing the suspicious killings, and no one really had much of an appetite anymore. Victor-Marie Hugo and Lily did not pay much aid to the conversation, and after they finished eating they ran off to play with their Christmas presents. Albus mostly pushed his food around his plate. He could n't help oneself but inquire if the mysterious cleanup had something to do with his foreign dreaming. James River seemed to be worried, as well. He was also not eating, and his cheek had not regained any coloring material since their dad 's announcement. Ben and rose wine were n't eating either, although they looked less apprehensive than James River did. Teddy, Victoire and Gabriella spent much of the repast whispering to each other with interest looks on their faces.

After everyone had eaten whatever they could, posting excused himself to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. Rose glanced at Albus and they both got up and followed him.

"Um, Uncle broadsheet ?"Rose asked tentatively,"I was wondering if Albus and I could talk to you, er, in private ?"

"Sure ..."Federal Reserve note answered warily, he was obviously wondering what they were up to."Let 's go into your granddaddy 's study."

gramps Weasley 's study was always an interesting place to visit. It was filled with all sorts of muggle devices that were in several states of disrepair. When Albus walked into the room, the first affair he noticed was the broken electronic computer sitting on the desk. That had been a submit from Albus 's auntie Hermione. Hermione 's parents had recently gotten a new computer and Hermione was able to get their old one to give to President Arthur. He had been thrilled and had spent much of the holiday taking it apart.

"So, what can I help you with, Rose ?"account asked.

"fountainhead, um, I was wondering if you knew anything about the Aconitum lycoctonum potion,"Rose told him.

vizor spat out the mouthful of tea that was in his lip."Wolfsbane potion ? Well, I do recognize a bit about that. But why do you need to recognise about it ?"

"We 're doing an supererogatory mention essay for Slughorn on gain potions. We picked the wolf's bane potion. Now, we 've learned a bit about it from Word, but I 've got a few other questions,"Rose said.

"Sure, go ahead and ask,"poster sat down in Chester A. Arthur 's hot seat and put his feet up on the desk.

blush wine and Albus sat down in two other chairs."I guess I was wondering if there 's ever been a case where the wolfsbane potion has n't worked ?"Rose asked.

"It 's rare,"banker's bill told them,"But not unheard of. There have been a few citizenry that the potion has n't worked on. It 's heavily to know for sure how many because there are n't a whole lot of werewolves to start out with anyway. And many do not report how the potion works for them."

"Ok,"pink wine said, while she pretended to study notes on a small-arm of parchment,"Why would n't it work ? Or why would n't someone accept it ?"

"A few wolfman have been allergic to the potion, or to one of the factor in it, so that 's why it does n't work for some. And they 'd obviously stop taking it if that happened. There 's also a fairly new study about the affects of emotions on the potion. A few hoi polloi have reported that the potion does not always study well, depending on what sort of mood the someone is at the fourth dimension of transformation. Which makes sense, since the nature of the shift depends on emotions as well. Then there 's a second report that 's trying to count on out why the potion just does n't act upon. There are a few werewolf where it has no effect whatsoever. As far as why someone would n't take it, it 's a very difficult potion to make. Not many people are able to make it. Because of that, it 's intemperately to incur it."

"Oh,"blush wine looked up from her parchment,"I think that 's all I need to recognize for now. I 've gotten loads of information from books. Albus and I should be capable to write the composition now."

flier got up from his chair,"Good. glad I could help."He walked quickly out the threshold, Albus guessed he wanted to get back to the word about Jasmine Lomski 's murder.

Albus and rose wine left the elbow room and went back up to rosebush 's bedroom."fountainhead, what do you guess ?"Rose asked Albus.

"I dunno. Maybe he 's not able to get the potion ?"

"Or he 's hypersensitized to it,"Rose suggested.

"But what about that hale emotions affecting the potion thing ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not sure. Do you commemorate what lustrelessness 's been like every clip he 's gotten sick ?"

"No. I mean, usually he 's timeworn, but that 's not really emotion. I 'd assume he 's nervous about it, but I bet all werewolves are nervous about transforming."

"Probably. I guess we 're just going to have to keep on watching him,"rosebush told Albus.

"I suppose. I wish he 'd just tell us."

"He 's probably afraid to. Afraid we wo n't be Friend with him anymore,"rose said in a anguish voice.

"wellspring, that 's not reliable ! We 'd never abandon him like that !"

"I know, Albus,"Rose sighed,"I just like there was a way to let him know that."

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Weasley-Potter house tree
Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 7th year Stanley, 6th year Peach State, 5th year
Gabriella, 5th twelvemonth Calluna vulgaris, 4th year Bradley, 3rd class
Ben, 2nd twelvemonth Deutsche Mark, 3rd year Cedric, 2nd year
Eddie, 5 class old Samantha & Lindy ( Gemini the Twins ), 6 days old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 4th twelvemonth Rose, 1st year Jesse James, 2nd year
Angie, 8 years old Victor-Marie Hugo, 9 years old Albus, 1st class
Lily, 9 years old
*all in Gryffindor*

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A/N : I hope you liked it ! My Weaslye-Potter family tree is above. I hope it helps clear-cut up any confusion. I put Ron & Ginny in there even though I do n't own their youngster. I thought it would be more accomplished that way. Any similarities between the above ( besides Ron & Ginny 's families, obviously ) are merely a coincidence.

Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks to inkheart for their review. Please read & revue !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Nintendo, the Nintendo DS, or Animal Crossing.

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Before Albus knew it, the Christmas Day holiday was over. The rest of the break was not nearly as consequential as the initiative few Day. The day after Harry came home with the news of Jasmine Lomski 's last, Bill, Fleur, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of Albus 's cousins left to visit other kinsfolk. Life at the Burrow became much calmer. Epistle of James and Albus spent much of their clip playing Quidditch outside. Harry had let Albus use his broomstick. William James was able-bodied to help Albus practice his skills as a pursuer, and seemed pretty positive by the end of the holiday that Albus would make the team next yr. Whenever shimmy was n't working at Weasley 's genius Wheezes, he visited and played Quidditch with James and Albus. Lily often hung around while the secret plan were taking place and would beg the male child to let her suffer a go on one of the heather. Occasionally, one of them would bring pity on her and lend her their broom. Eventually, James and Albus realized that they had neglected their homework long enough and had to expend the solid live on day of break working on it. It took them much longer than common, as they did not own Rose there to help.

Harry spent much of the conclusion few days of break popping in and out of the Auror authority. He left early in the day and came back late in the evening. He always came home looking tired, and Albus could tell that the investigation was not going well. His mum, gran, and granddad, seemed worried as well, although they tried not to mention detail in movement of the child. Jesse James and Albus had tried repeatedly to mind in on their conversations, but molly was much more watchful of them ever since she caught them using extendible Ears. She had a heavy time keeping chemise out of the conversations, though, because he was of age and out of school. However, Molly prevented Teddy from giving any information to James or Albus.

On his way back to Hogwarts, Albus found himself wandering down the corridor in the Hogwarts Express with Rose, yet again looking for a compartment. Only this time, he was in search of a specific one, the one that John, matt, and Amanda were in.

About halfway down the train, Albus and Rose spotted their friends in one of the compartments. There was another girl in it, too. Albus recognized her as Matt 's older sister, Amy.

"Hi !"Albus grinned at his friends as he entered the compartment and sat down next to John.

"Hi,"everyone greeted him and Rose.

"So, how was everyone 's holiday ?"Rose asked.

"Great !"john smiled widely,"Got a expert load of presents. All my relative were there at some point or another. Saved all my homework for yesterday, but somehow managed to get it done."

"Mine was nice, too,"Amanda answered, as she reached into her bag,"But I 've got to show you guys something."She pulled out a belittled, rectangular objective and opened it to discover two screens, one above the other.

"What the bloody sin is that ?"John asked, gaping at it.

"It 's called a Nintendo DS,"Amanda answered,"I got it for Hannukah. It 's something you play TV games on."

"Oh, I 've heard of video recording secret plan,"John said,"But I 've never seen one before. Do you have any game for it ?"

"I 've got a few,"Amanda told him,"My favorite is Animal Crossing. You get to progress to your own town and animal are your neighbors. I 've named my townspeople Hogsmeade."

"Awesome,"Matt smiled. `` I got one of those a while ago. ``

"I hate to tell you, but that 's not going to work at Hogwarts,"pink wine announced.

"Why not ?"John looked at her like she was crazy.

"Too often magic around. brand electronics not function right,"rose wine explained,"It 's in Hogwarts, A History."

"Oh,"Amanda 's smile faded as she put her DS away,"I guess I 'll just bear to play it at home over the summer. My parents thought I would like it and it 's pretty fun. They were n't really for certain what to get me. They could n't get me anything to do with thaumaturgy. It was quite strange, really, not being able to talk practically about magic during break.."

"And how was your holiday, Matt ?"rose wine asked.

Albus turned to count at Matt. He was just now noticing how tired he looked. He also had some awful looking partially healed cuts all over his face and weapon system. His sleeve were bruised as well, and he looked like he was about ready to flow asleep. Albus and rose wine exchanged coup d'oeil, but did n't say anything.

"It stunk,"lusterlessness said flatly. He looked at his sister, who gave him a look.

"Why ?"King John asked.

"well, I told you how I hate going to Commonwealth of Australia. We spent the whole pause there, at my grandparents house. They 're so dinner gown, I could n't do anything fun."

"How 'd you get all those cuts ?"John wondered, as he stared at a particularly smutty cut on lusterlessness 's forearm.

matt shifted his eyes and once again looked at Amy, who nodded her capitulum."I fell out of a tree."

"What ? !"John Lackland exclaimed,"How 'd you manage that ?"

"well, you know how clumsy I am. And I was outside, trying to have some fun, because my grandparents wo n't let me do anything in the mansion. I was up pretty richly and I slipped. I fell all the way to the ground, hitting every limb as I went. Got knocked out halfway down. My granny heard the noise and ran outside and found me unconscious on the soil. She freaked out, saying this is why I needed to stay inside and do homework all day,"Matt informed them. Everyone was staring at him, ineffective to think of something to say."Anyway, my mum and dad came rushing out, and I wound up spending a few day in the infirmary down there."

"Whoa,"Amanda whispered,"I 'm glad you 're all right. That 's chilling, though."

"Yeah,"bathroom agreed,"Is that why you 're so tired ?"

"Nope, that 's the jet lag,"mat answered.

"The what ?"

"Jet lag,"Matt repeated,"It 's what you get when you fly to dissimilar time zona. Your catch some Z's gets all messed up."

"You flew to Australia ?"Albus looked amazed,"Blimey ! That 's a long prison term to be on a broom."

lusterlessness laughed,"Oh, no ! We flew in an airplane."

"Wow !"John looked impressed,"But why did n't you just Apparate or something ? Or Flooed ?"

"The Australian Ministry does n't allow out of commonwealth Apparition,"Amy said, speaking for the first time."And our grandparents are Muggles, so we could n't Floo."

"That 's middling awesome,"Rose told flatness,"My grandpa loves all affair to do with Muggles. One of his life sentence 's ambitions is to find oneself out how airplanes stay up."

Everyone laughed. The compartment door opened and Victoire walked in."Hi, Amy ! I 've been looking for you."

"Hey,"Amy greeted her,"Want to stay her with us ?"

"Sure,"Victoire sat down next to Amy. She glanced at Matt, who was leaning up against the window."Is your crony ok ?"

"Yeah, he 's fine. He just fell out of a tree diagram over break and spent a few sidereal day in the infirmary. That and the jet lag are why he 's so tired,"Amy said quickly.

At that bit, the compartment room access opened again to reveal the somebody Albus wanted to see the least. A smug looking Quinton Willinson walked in and and shut the doorway behind him.

"Something you want, Willinson ?"Victoire stood up and stared at him.

"Oh, just a word with your full cousin,"Willinson glared at Albus,"Mind if we speak in secret ?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,"Victoire growled,"Whatever it is, you can say it here, in front man of all of us."

"mulct,"Willinson turned to Albus,"Just thought I 'd let you make love that you 'd amend watch yourself, Potty."

Victoire stepped between Albus and Willinson."And why is that ?"

"Oh, you did n't know ?"Willinson smiled at her,"Baby Potty here put that Exploding Eclair on my plate at Slughorn 's party. Him and his little posse here."

"How d'you physical body that ?"Victoire continued to stare at him.

"I just know,"he answered,"So, you 'd improve watch out, can and friends."

Amy got up and stood future to Victoire."Is that a threat, Willinson ? Because anyone who does anything to my small comrade sorrow it."

"Oh, maybe it 's a scourge, maybe it 's not,"Willinson sneered at her,"But I would n't interest too much about your baby chum. Looks like he 's got plenty damage already. Looks like he 's been hit by a truck."

In a twosome of five seconds, Amy had whipped out her sceptre and had Willinson pinned against the wall, holding her sceptre to his side."Do not touch flatness, or you will teach to repent it. You understand ? Do not do anything to him. I will find out, and you will wish you 'd never even talked to him. Get it ?"Amy let him go, but did not put her wand away.

"You would n't try anything with the foreland Girl here,"Willinson gestured to Victoire, as he pulled out his own wand.

"This drumhead Girl does not manage what Amy does to anyone, if they do anything to her category. And, I can add that if you do anything to my family, you 'll regret it as well,"Victoire pulled out her own sceptre and pointed it at Willinson,"Now I suggest you get out, before we 're forced to hex you."

Willinson, realizing defeat, scowled and put his scepter away. He opened the compartment threshold and with one last glare at Albus, he left.

"Wow,"Albus muttered, gazing at Victoire and Amy,"I 've never seen him back down before."

"When you 've spent almost seven years in the same castling as him, you learn that he only does something when he has the upper helping hand. He 'd never try anything when there are a duet hoi polloi up against him. Especially people who are better witches and wizards than he is. He 's really quite stupid, honestly. He brags, but I do n't think he 'd win a affaire d'honneur against anyone above third year,"Victoire told them.

"Every year, he picks a new first year to torture. We 've never been capable to figure out why he picks the one he does. Usually it 's the lowly or most frightened one. I 've got no idea why he 's picked you, Albus,"Victoire continued,"He was picked on a lot when he was a first twelvemonth. Ever since then, he 's done the same thing to early first long time. It 's pretty low, if you ask me. If he 's got to torture someone, he ought to do it to mortal closer to his age.

"It 's because he ca n't win a duel with somebody his own age. If he tried anything with anyone in our class, he 'd be hexed so much you could n't greet him. But anyway, I would not put it past him to try something on you, Albus. Just draw sure you 're never alone in the corridors and you 'll be fine. He wo n't try anything where there 'd be attestant or someone to stop him."

Amy nodded in agreement,"Same with you, Matt,"she looked at her brother, but he 'd fallen asleep."And probably the residuum of you, too."

Albus nodded,"Who 'd he pick on last yr ?"

"James I,"Victoire said,"But after James pulled a few pranks on him, he gave up. It was quite funny, really. He tried picking on Ben after that, but I stopped him."

"How ?"rose wine asked.

"He 's got this weird crush on me. Has ever since second year. But I 'd never go out with him, of course. He 's such a git. Actually asked me to go to Hogsmeade our third yr,"Victoire laughed,"But boy was he mad when I started going out with teddy bear. Still has n't given up. Somehow he thinks that with Teddy out of the castle, I 'll settle to go out with him."

"It 's the Veela blood,"Amy told them.

"He 's about the only one, though. Everyone else gave up once I started going out with Teddy."

"Wow,"Rose said,"I just thought he did n't like us for some reason."

"Well, he does n't. But I do n't know why. It 'll be dependable for everyone when he 's gone side by side class,"Amy stated,"But for now, just make sure you 're never alone in the corridors."

*******

Once the new terminal figure started, Albus and his friends found themselves up to their ears in prep. The instructor had already started warning them about final examination exams, despite the fact that they were calendar month away. It was n't only the 1st age that were bombarded with work. It seemed that all the students had more work than normal. The common room often did not vacate out until past midnight, with some students falling asleep in their version. The fifth and seventh years were spending more clock time than everyone else studying, due to the fact that their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s seemed much closer from this face of Christmastime.

Albus and his friend tended to carve up their time evenly between the park room and the library. They went wherever it was less crowded. Albus and rosebush were finding it difficult to find metre to inquiry about whatever Hallows were, especially since they were rarely without John, lustrelessness, and Amanda. Albus doubted whether St. James was getting any research in either, because Samantha Meyers had increased Quidditch practice session to four dark a hebdomad due to the impending Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match.

One nighttime, Albus and Rose did get by to find time to inquiry because Matt, toilet, and Amanda were all doing detainment with Filch. Filch had caught them dueling with Scorpius Malfoy and put all four of them in custody. The but grounds Albus was not involved was because Harry had been speaking to Albus about his dreams. They had resumed once he was back in school, although they had n't changed at all. rose had been talking to Professor Patil about a homework she thought she had messed up on, but it turned out she had a gotten a 100 % on it like usual. Albus had been trying to do a magic spell essay when Rose came up to him and asked him if he wanted to go research. Albus was all too eager, since his spell essay was not going very well. So, the two first cousin made their way to the library.

"I suppose we could start by researching about the downfall of Voldemort,"Rose suggested as they browsed through the books,"Since we 're pretty sure it has something to do with that."

"All right,"Albus agreed,"That makes sense."Albus bent down and picked out a Quran,"The wage increase and Fall of Lord Voldemort, by Minerva McGonagall. Hmm, McGonagall, that sounds so familiar ... Where have I heard that before ?"

"prof McGonagall,"Rose reminded him,"She taught metamorphosis when our parents were here, and our grandparents. She was in the last battle, so that 'd be a proficient book to look at."

Albus took the book of account over to a tabular array and started reading it. rose wine found another book and sat down next to him. Albus decided just to set about at the starting time, as he had no estimation where Hallows would come into the picture. The first chapter was about Voldemort 's childhood. Albus already knew about that, so it was all basically review. But he read intently anyway, just hoping that he 'd say the word 'Hallows'. However, as the evening wore on, and Albus grew steadily more bore, he did not receive out anything new.

"Find anything yet ?"he asked Rose.

Rose looked up from her Holy Writ, which was entitled The History of the darkness Arts in Great Britain,"No, nothing I do n't already have it away. And no mention of any Hallows."

Albus sighed,"Me either. Curfew 's soon. Why do n't we just take the books out ?"

"Sounds good to me,"Rose agreed. She walked over to Madam Pince while Albus followed.

Madam Pince glared at them as they handed her the leger. She read the names and gave them a unusual feel, like she was wondering why they wanted to take them. Albus did n't foregather her gaze, but he knew why she was staring at them. Why would Harry Potter 's son need to read about the downfall of Voldemort ? After she seemed satisfy with staring at them, she checked the books out and handed them back."They 're due in a month. Do not write in them or bend them or injure them in any way."

Once they were out of the library, they relaxed,"She 's a whacko,"Albus whispered.

"She 's a bit foreign, yeah,"Rose agreed.

"Acts like the book are gold,"Albus giggled.

"She thinks we 're up to something, the way she stared at us like that,"Rose said.

"I know, but that makes sense."

"Yes, I suppose it does. I just hope she does n't tell your dad,"Rose told him as she walked up a set of stairs.

"She probably wo n't. I do n't think they 're particularly close. Dad got in a trouble a few multiplication at the library."

pink wine laughed,"Oh, yeah."

Albus and rose wine continued their trek to the green way. Once there, Albus quickly went to the hall to obliterate his book before his admirer came back from detention. But after an hour of waiting for them, Albus fell asleep. It was a ungratified sleep, as he had the Saame nightmare he usually had. Despite this, he did not heat up when St. John the Apostle and matte came in at midnight.

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A/N : Thanks as usual to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sis, and my brother ! Please read and critique.

I am not sure as shooting when I 'll next update, since I might be in school by the metre this validates. I will try to update soon, but I ca n't make any guarantees. But I 'll still be writing ! I am well into the sequel to this, I 'm on chapter 30, I believe. I 'm also working on another fic, detail to come later, which I will start posting as soon as I get past a sealed chapter in this. There are spoilers for this fic in my new one, so it will have to look a little patch to be posted.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Or Ron Weasley. Or Hermione granger. I do n't even own the smallest owl in the owlery. Or the owlery for that topic. But I do enjoy writing this for fun !

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"That was brutal last night !"John groaned as he sat down adjacent to Albus at breakfast the future morning. Albus had awoken early and could n't get back to sleep. john and mat were both reasoned asleep, so Albus had just gone down to breakfast with out them.

"I 'll say,"Matt sat down on Albus 's former incline and winced as he did so,"I ache all over."Matt was just starting to get back to normal after his tree incident over break. In the few sidereal day after returning to school, he had walked very slowly and Albus could secern that he was sore. Albus had assumed he had gotten a few broken bones from the incident, but never asked, as mat did n't seem too nifty on discussing it.

"What 'd he receive you do ?"Albus asked while he watched lustrelessness rub his arm.

"clean and jerk Moaning myrtle 's john,"John Lackland answered as he piled his dental plate with eggs and bacon,"It was torture. He had us do it the Muggle way of form. He had us doing it for 3 hours. We could n't manage to get it clean the way he wanted it. And he made lustrelessness scrub the story, so he had to be down on his script and knees the whole nighttime. I could tell it was making his injury from falling out of that tree hurt worse, so I suggested to Filch that I could do the floor and matt could do the swallow hole, but Filch said no. He seemed to take delight in seeing Matt suffer. It was frightful. Amanda had to do the stool with Malfoy. He did something to one of them that made it spue. That was gross. So she had to clean that one again and lusterlessness had to re-scrub the floor."

"Maybe you should see if Madam Pomfrey can do anything for you ?"Albus asked lusterlessness. matt had only eaten a few bite of toast and was wincing every time he moved.

"You know she does n't do anything for pain induced by Muggle cleaning,"John said disgustedly.

"Actually, I think I will go see her,"lusterlessness mumbled and got up from the board,"I 'll see you in defensive structure Against the dark Arts."

Once Matt left, John shook his head,"You know she wo n't do anything to help him."

"I know, she probably wo n't if he says the hurt are from cleaning. But she will if he says they 're leftover from that whole tree thing,"Albus reasoned.

"Hope so,"Saint John the Apostle agreed,"He was worse shoemaker's last dark when we were doing the detainment. Filch was atrocious to him, told him to scrub faster. And Malfoy smirked at him every time he looked over from his toilets."

"I really do n't wish that Malfoy kid,"Amanda added. She had come into the Great Hall and sat down across from Albus. Rose sat down in lusterlessness 's revoke seat.

"detention 's bad enough with Filch, but Malfoy kept muttering about matte not even being able to Muggle clean. Filch did n't take heed any of it."

"Ugh,"Rose groaned,"I hope I 'm never in hold with him."

"You 're never in detention,"Albus chimed in.

"I know. I never get caught,"she grinned. This was true. Albus knew she had pulled her fair share of joke on the Slytherins, usually involving some kind of sweet from Weasley 's sensation Wheezes that turned various body role into different color. And there was no way anyone could pin it on her.

At that moment, the hooter arrived with the mail."look, it 's Patches,"rosebush announced as a turgid tawny owl arrived at Albus 's place. Patches was Rose 's kin 's owl."He 's got a alphabetic character for you and James."

Albus called James over and the two of them looked at the letter. Albus opened it and read it silently.

Dear James and Albus,
I hope the new terminal figure is going well. I imagine you
outlay much of your time studying. I have managed
to insure an hollow classroom for our Occlumency
moral. They will take topographic point in the Transfiguration Day
room on Tues and Saturday evening, at eight o'clock.
We will start this Saturday. I 'll see you then.
Say hi to surface for me.
With Love,
Aunt Hermione

Albus looked at James,"well, I guess we 'll go on Saturday."

"Yeah, I suppose. Blimey, I ca n't envisage this is going to be fun,"King James responded.

"Probably not. But it 's got to be better than the Occlumency lesson Dad had,"Albus reminded him.

"Yeah,"Saint James agreed,"Well, I 'm off to Potions. I 'll see ya later."

"Bye."

"Occlumency, cool,"John said,"I wondered when you 'd start those."

Albus had told St. John, Matt, and Amanda all about the dreams and Legilimency shortly after they arrived back at the castle."dead reckoning we 're starting on Saturday."

"We 'd better be off to dadaism,"Gospel According to John reminded them. Albus got up and followed John out of the Hall, with Amanda and blush wine following.

Matt never showed up in DADA. Albus doubted that he would because he looked pretty worn out at breakfast. Albus figured his dad must hold known that Matt was in the Hospital fender because he skipped right over his public figure during attending. It was a safe DADA example. They spent the majority of it practicing disarming each other. Albus and John had a secure time doing so, as both of them were quite skilled with that particular magical spell. They were the few who were honest at it. Most of the other students had a hard time with it, which was why Harry had them practicing it so often. He stressed that it was one of the most of import spells to master. Amanda, in particular, was having a hard clock time with it, but she did manage to disarm rosebush once during the lesson.

charm, on the early script, was another disaster. Professor Washbburn stormed into the room, and Albus immediately stopped talking. He was sitting at his usual back table with privy, Rose, and Amanda.

Washburn quickly ran down the attending lean, stopping at Matt 's public figure."Where 's Eckerton ?"he barked loudly. No one answered."thrower ! Where 's Eckerton ?"

"In the Hospital annexe,"Albus whispered.

"Speak louder !"Washburn screamed.

"I said he 's in the infirmary Wing, Sir,"Albus said.

"He 's always in the Hospital annexe. What 's awry with him this time ?"Washburn muttered to himself.

Albus chose not to answer that question and he sat gloomy in his seat.

"Well, we 're going to have another attempt at levitation today,"Washburn growled,"But we 're not levitating plume this meter. All of you who are somewhat skilled at this division have managed that already,"he glared towards the book binding table and his eyes rested on Albus."You 'll be levitating record, so do n't hit anyone with them. Go on, get started."The class all took out their Holy Writ and scepter, while Washburn took his common keister behind his desk and glared at them.

Albus reluctantly muttered the conjuration and his Word moved an inch off the desk and fell back again. He looked at John, Rose, and Amanda. After a few endeavour, Rose had managed to levitate her book of account, although she received no praise from their professor. John the Divine was able to do it after a half time of day of drill, not receiving any extolment either. Amanda was having a bit more bother, but was still doing better than Albus.

With ten hour left in the class, Washburn started making his daily round to all the bookman, and much to Albus 's dismay, he stopped at his table.

"Well, Potter, let 's see if you 're better with books than plumage. Go ahead, levitate it,"Washburn sneered.

Albus muttered the charm quickly and his Quran managed to get a few inches off the table before falling back down.

"Do it again,"Washburn glared at him.

Albus did it again, this time making the book float a full moon animal foot off the table. Albus was so shocked that he jerked his wand and caused the book to start speeding towards one of the windows. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. The Good Book flew right at the windowpane, not stopping when it reached it, and soared straight through. The deoxyephedrine shattered and showered a few students with shards. They screamed as the glass cut their arms.

"ceramist !"Washburn shouted,"Must you always make trouble in this class ? !"

Albus did not say a Christian Bible, he just stared down at his desk.

"Detention ! Saturday night !"Washburn screamed,"You,"he pointed at the educatee who were showered with glass,"Go to the Hospital Wing. The repose of you, class dismissed."

"Um, Professor,"Albus whispered,"I ca n't do detention on Saturday night."

"And why on earthly concern not ?"Washburn seethed,"I 'll decide when you 'll do detention."

"I 've got a get together with my aunt."

"Your aunt can wait."

"No, she ca n't. I 'm supposed to get, er, lessons from her,"Albus said, not wanting to uncover what the lesson were."You can ask the Headmaster."

"Fine. I 'll do that, then,"Washburn told him,"Now get out !"

Albus ran quickly out of the room and managed to catch up with his friends as they were entering the Great Hall for lunch."That was horrible."

"I know,"John the Evangelist agreed.

"I hate charms,"Albus groaned as he sat down at the table,"I do n't want to do that detention. It 's gon na be worse now that he 's got to put it off until after Saturday."

"He definitely will,"Rose agreed,"Hey ! Matt, you 're back !"

flatness came over to the table, looking a bit better than he did that morning."Yeah, blue I missed two example. I heard about what happened in appealingness. That Washburn 's an idiot."

"So ma'am Pomfrey actually helped ?"John looked at mat in awe.

"Yeah, she did,"lusterlessness told them,"And it 's a good thing. I do n't think I could have gone to any category today if she didn't."

"But why ?"toilet asked,"Did you say the injuries were leftover from the capitulation ?"

"Nope,"Matt responded,"She knew they were from detention. But she healed them anyway. I guess because I was n't totally over the entirely corner thing. She seemed pretty upset about the whole thing. Kept going on about how irresponsible Filch is and how he should n't have made me do all that cleaning. Said she was going to talk to the Headmaster about it and everything."

"Blimey,"Saint John the Apostle looked at mat warily,"I 've never seen her mad about injuries from Muggle cleaning before. Always says we bring it upon ourselves."

flatness shrugged and piled his photographic plate with food and started eating, not elaborating on his trip to the hospital Wing.

Albus had a strange touch sensation that there was more to the tree diagram narration than Matt was letting on about. He could tell apart that matt was trying to cross something up, and he could n't help oneself but think about the loup-garou inquiry that he and blush wine had done over break. There had been a wax moon over the holiday and Albus kept thinking that the tree story was just a cover up. He saw how lustrelessness had looked at his sister before telling the story and he seemed a bit leery on telling it in the first shoes. As Albus started eating his lunch, he decided to watch Matt carefully around the time of the next entire moon, which was in two weeks.

stunt man potions with the Slytherins was after luncheon that day. Albus thought the family went pretty well. Slughorn lectured on the shrinkage Solution during the first one-half and the second one-half was spent attempting to do the potion. Albus was partnered with John the Evangelist, and although their potion was a shade igniter than the coveted coloring, both boys thought they did pretty well.

`` What 's that, crapper ? '' Scorpius Malfoy appeared behind Albus as he was putting his vial of Shrinking root on Slughorn 's desk at the end of class.

`` A potion, what else do you think it could be ? '' Albus answered flatly.

`` flavor more like cat sick, '' Malfoy laughed as he put his potion, which happened to be the perfect tense color, onto Slughorn 's desk. `` Ca n't even brew a simple Shrinking Solution. ``

`` At least I can disarm individual, which is a all lot more utilitarian than making potions, '' Albus retorted as he started to leave the room. Malfoy had extreme trouble in disarming his cooperator during that morning 's DADA class.

`` As if I 'd try disarming if someone were attacking me, '' Malfoy laughed. A few of his pal giggled behind him. `` A hex would act loads better. ``

`` You know perfectly well that disarming works better than hexes, Malfoy, '' Matt had caught up to them in the dungeon corridor, `` prof Potter says that every meter we practice disarming. ``

`` And I suppose you 're an expert on defense now, Eckerton ? Judging by the way you looked last night, a five year old could beat you in a duel, '' Malfoy sneered at him. `` By the way, rumor has it that Madam Pomfrey actually healed your injuries from go night 's detention. That true ? ``

mat froze and stared at Malfoy. `` Yeah, so ? '' he whispered.

Malfoy smirked, `` After I heard that I went up to see if she 'd heal my injuries. My hand 's been aching all day. She glared at me and told me if I should call up about my handwriting the next time I 'm about to break the rule, then she shooed me out and said to get to class. ``

`` Good for you, '' Matt answered.

`` well, why ? Why 'd she heal you, but not me ? What 's so special about you ? '' Malfoy asked.

`` I dunno, '' matte glanced around at his friends.

`` There 's something weird about you, '' Malfoy stepped towards Matt.

`` Why do n't you just close it ? '' John shouted and pulled out his wand.

`` Gon na rescue your Friend, Brickston ? '' Malfoy pulled out his own wand, `` Or maybe you could distinguish me why he 's always in the hospital Wing. ``

`` Do n't opine I can, '' whoremonger answered, `` But I could make sure you spend the rest of the day there, if you like. ``

`` Ooo, gon na duel me ? '' Malfoy turned to lav, `` Well, I dunno what 's up with Eckerton, but I 'm going to bump out. ``

`` What 's going on here ? '' Amy came running up behind Malfoy, `` What do you think you 're doing ! ? '' she shouted at Malfoy, once she realized that his baton was still pointed at Matt.

`` Ah, Eckerton 's sister ! Maybe she 'll tell me why Madam Pomfrey treats him special ? '' Malfoy grinned maliciously at Amy.

Amy stood between Malfoy and Matt and glared at Malfoy, `` That 's none of your business. And if you point your scepter at him again, you 'll regret it. '' She turned around, threw her arm around lustrelessness, and dragged him away towards the stairs.

`` Believe me, I 'll encounter out, '' Malfoy smirked at John, put his wand away, and sauntered off towards the Slytherin common room.

`` Blimey, '' St. John the Apostle said, once Malfoy was out of hearing, `` He 's mad. ``

`` Yeah, he is, '' Albus agreed, `` He knows something 's up with Matt, too. And I do n't believe he 's going to give up until he finds out. ``

`` wellspring, we ca n't let him find out, then, '' John the Evangelist stated.

`` But we do n't even bed for certainly ! '' Albus reminded him.

`` True, '' John shrugged, `` But I think we 're right. And Amy 's so protective of him. Did you see her fount when Malfoy asked her to tell him ? ``

`` She was seething. Just like on the train after break, '' Albus said, while starting to walk up the stairs to the Entrance Hall.

`` We 've got to observe out for sure. ``

`` He 'll tell us what it is eventually, '' Albus insisted, `` He 'll realize that he can hope us. ``

`` That 's the affair, I do n't lie with if he will, especially if it is what we think it is, '' toilet sighed.

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Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my buddy, and my other sister ! Also thanks to inkheart for the limited review. Please read and reexamine !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or anything related to it.

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Albus and his friends spent the next few days trying to avoid Malfoy. It was n't hard since to the highest degree of their dispense with time was spent in the common way doing prep. Matt was especially leery of Malfoy and made sure to hide behind John, who was a head taller than him, whenever they passed Malfoy in the halls. Despite this, flatness seemed to act like the confrontation with Malfoy had never happened, and did not come out to want to tell Albus or his early friends what his closed book was. bathroom did not seem surprised at this, but Albus had thought that maybe after what had happened with Malfoy, Matt might want to confide in someone. Amy also had started keeping a close eye on matte after this consequence, which was odd because during nightfall term, she would often go a day or two without talking to flatness. Now it seemed that she was checking up on him at least once a day.

`` Hi, guy, '' Amy greeted Albus and his friends on Saturday evening. Albus, Gospel According to John, matt, rose, and Amanda were all clustered around a table in the common way, working on diverse homework assignments. `` What 's everyone up to ? ``

`` homework, '' Matt groaned. He was working on a particularly difficult essay for Potions.

`` wellspring, some of us are working on it, '' Rose chimed in, glaring at John.

`` What ? '' John smiled innocently, `` I 've got all tomorrow to do it. ``

Rose sighed, `` You 'd do practiced to pop it today. ``

`` I know, '' John the Evangelist agreed, `` But right now I 'm enjoying watching you study, while I sit and do nothing. '' Rose groaned and went back to her reading.

`` So, '' Amy started, as she sat down next to lusterlessness, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm fine, '' Matt replied, `` But I 'd be respectable if you 'd do this essay for me. ``

`` Not gon na befall, '' Amy grinned, `` I 'm gladiola you 're doing commodity. Have you all been staying away from Willinson ? He has n't bothered any of you, has he ? If he has, I 'll get Victoire to put him in his place. ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Have n't talked to him since the string. Strange, really. ``

`` Well, good, '' Amy said, `` Hopefully it 'll stay that way. But do n't go alone anywhere. He does n't give up this quickly. ``

`` We know, Amy, '' lustrelessness snapped, `` You 're not our mum. ``

Albus looked up from his work at the sound of the impend line. He could have sworn he saw Matt 's eyes flash gold, but they were back to their usual blue within a second.

`` Jeez, Matt. I 'm just making sure he does n't bother you. Mum said- ''

`` I know what Mum said ! '' Matt cut her off loudly.

`` Could you please be a bit quieter ? '' Amanda asked in a fray tone.

`` Sorry, '' Amy and Matt mumbled and continued arguing in softer voices.

Albus glanced over and saw that she was working on her astronomy charts. She had been having a baffling time in astronomy all class. `` Need any assist ? ``

`` Ugh, '' Amanda groaned, `` It 's astronomy. I 'm rubbish at it. I 've been doing this chart for the past hr. Anyone know when the next replete moon is ? ``

Both Amy and Matt jerked their headspring toward Amanda. `` Two week from tonight. The 24th, '' Matt whispered quickly, then looked back at Amy. Amy glared at him and they resumed their argument.

`` Uh, thanks, '' Amanda looked cautiously at both lustrelessness and Amy, and then started writing furiously on her chart.

Albus glanced across the mesa at Rose, who was already trying to catch his attending. The cousins looked at each other for a few minute, and then quickly returned to their preparation. cipher said anything for a few moment, with the exception of Amy and Matt, who were still arguing. However, they were doing so so quietly that Albus was unable to make out any of the words.

`` Blimey ! '' Henry James had walked over to the tabular array and standing hindquarters pink wine. `` Who died ? ``

`` Huh ? '' Albus looked up from his work.

`` You 're so quiet ! '' King James replied.

`` Oh, uh, '' Albus glanced at Amy and mat, `` They were arguing about something. ``

`` Ah, sibling making love, it 's a wonderful thing, '' James River grinned, `` So, you ready to get your judgement read by Aunt Hermione ? ``

Albus looked up at the clock, it was quarter to eight, `` Bloody snake pit, I forgot about that ! ``

`` Good thing I remembered, '' Epistle of James said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus put his books into his bag and got up, `` I 'm ready. ``

pink wine got up as well, `` I 'm going too. I want to see Mum. ``

`` Ok, '' Saint James turned around and started walking towards the entrance.

`` good luck, '' John waved as Albus followed his comrade. Amanda waved, but did n't look up from her work. Matt and Amy were too busy arguing to observe Albus and Rose leave.

Albus, William James, and rosebush left the common way to find a deserted corridor. `` well, no one 's out here, '' Rose whispered.

`` Why ? '' St. James the Apostle asked.

`` Wanted to talk to you two alone about our, er, research, '' pink wine answered. `` Have either of you found anything ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus told her, `` I 've been reading bit of McGonagall 's book before I go to bed every Nox. It 's the simply prison term I can do it in secret. I just commit the wall hanging closed, and everyone thinks I 'm sleeping. ``

`` I 've been doing the same matter, '' Rose revealed, `` But I have n't so much as read the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` Er, I have n't even get hold a book to scan yet, '' James confessed.

`` wellspring, find one soon ! '' Rose scolded, `` We 've got to line up out what our parents are hiding from us ! ``

`` I know, I know, '' Saint James the Apostle said.

`` I 've read a couple so far, and Madam Pince keeps eying me when I check them out, '' Rose told them, `` But I 've got a tone we 're not going to find anything in account book. ``

`` Really ? '' Saint James the Apostle grinned, `` Are you doubting al-Qur'an ? ``

`` Shut it, St. James, '' Rose warned, `` I 'm going to start looking at the old seer articles they have in the library. ``

`` sound good, '' Albus said as they rounded the corner and walked towards the transfiguration room.

When they walked in, Hermione was standing near a stone basin that Albus recognized as the Pensive. Hermione was pulling sentiment out of her head with her wand and placing them into the drainage basin. Albus wondered if maybe those thoughts had to do with what his parents were keeping from him. If only he could see the memories without Hermione knowing.

Hermione turned around when Albus shut the door behind them, `` Hi, boys ! '' she greeted.

`` Hi, '' James and Albus said back.

`` Oh, and Rose, you 're here too ! '' Hermione walked over to her daughter and gave her a hug.

`` Hi, Mum ! ``

`` How 's term going ? '' Hermione asked.

`` Oh, pretty secure, '' rose answered, `` Loads of preparation, but I 'm getting it done. I 'm afraid I lost a few points on the net Charms essay. I hope I did n't, though. ``

`` I 'm sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione reassured her. `` How about you two ? How are your classes going ? ``

`` All right, '' Saint James the Apostle replied, `` But I 'm afraid I lost more than just a few points on my survive Charms essay. '' James laughed.

`` And I 'm not so sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione responded, `` And you, Albus ? ``

`` Oh, it 's going well, I suppose, '' Albus told his aunt, `` And I 'm afraid I completely failed the magic spell essay. ``

`` Do n't worry, I 'm sure you at least scraped a passing game class, '' Hermione said.

`` I dunno, Washburn hates me. ``

`` prof Washburn, and I do n't remember that 's true, '' Hermione told him, `` But that 's not why we 're her tonight. Tonight, you will begin learning Occlumency. blush wine, are you staying ? ``

`` Can I ? '' Rose asked, `` I 've read a bit about Occlumency and it sounds very concern. ``

`` Of class you can stay. I do n't think I will have you do any practical work, but you 're welcome to learn the hypothesis, '' Hermione informed her.

`` You mean, we 're going to suffer reading material to do ? '' James I asked disgustedly.

`` Of course, '' Hermione laughed, `` What did you expect ? ``

`` I dunno, Dad 's Occlumency lessons were all practical, '' Saint James the Apostle reminded her.

`` I know, but I feel it 's secure for you to learn the theory as well, '' Hermione informed them, `` Now, could you all sit down ? ``

Albus, Henry James, and rosiness all sat at the mesa closest to the teacher 's desk.

`` Good, now I 've got some Holy Writ for you, '' Hermione picked up two books and placed them in front of Albus and James, `` Rose, I did n't know you 'd be studying this as well, so I do n't bear a Word of God for you. You can await on with your first cousin and if you decide to keep open coming to our object lesson then I 'll get you a book, too. ``

Albus looked at his book. It was entitled, Legilimency and Occlumency : The Art of Seeing Others'thought process and Protecting Your Own Mind.

`` Creative claim, '' King James whispered and they both laughed.

`` Open the Quran to page five, please, '' Hermione told them, `` Now, as you are both aware, Legilimency is what is used to see into another individual 's thoughts, or as some say, read their intellect. When the spell, Legilimens, is used, a person can see into another 's thoughts. This can be done if the individual getting the spell performed on is awake or asleep. When the soul is awake, they feel an odd sentiency in their head, variety of like a concern, but not exactly. They often also see their own memories. If the person is asleep, then they often have unknown dreams or dreams about their memories. ``

`` Hey, Voldemort 's in this book ! '' Rose exclaimed. Albus notification that she was leafing through the initiatory chapter.

`` Yes, he is, '' Hermione responded briskly, `` noble Voldemort, although he was a horrible, evil soul, was one of the most skilled Legilimens and Occlumens the Wizarding human race has ever seen. He is a sodding exemplar of why Legilimency and Occlumency are both very dangerous if used in the wrong way. Voldemort was able to recount exactly where his destruction Eaters loyalties really lay, as well as maintain others from knowing his innermost thoughts and closed book. ``

Hermione continued her lecture for a half hour, giving a legal brief overview of the first chapter. This chapter explained what Legilimency and Occlumency were and went over the basics needed to try Occlumency. James and Albus were expected to read the first base chapter and respond a few query before the next class.

`` Now, for the next half hour, I 'd care to start the practical aspect of this object lesson, '' Hermione stood up and picked up her sceptre. `` Who wants to go first ? ``

James and Albus looked at each early. `` You 're older, you go first, '' Albus told his brother.

`` All right wing, '' Epistle of James stood up and pointed his scepter at his aunt.

`` Remember, there 's no spell. You 've got to shut your psyche. require a few minutes to try to clear all sentiment from your head. ``

Jesse James lowered his wand and started to stare directly at the wall behind Hermione. After a few min, a clean tone appeared on his face.

`` Good, '' Hermione said, `` Ready ? ``

James looked back at her with a aflutter look on his face, `` I suppose. ``

`` Legilimens ! '' Hermione shouted.

Saint James looked horrified as he stared at his aunt. He dropped his wand and pressed his hand to his brow. Hermione continued to point her wand at him, but it was obvious that he was n't succeeding at closing his mind. He had sunk down to the floor, with his workforce on his forefront. Hermione lowered her wand and walked over to him.

`` Are you all right ? '' she asked, extending her hired man for James to grab.

`` mulct, '' James mumbled as he took Hermione 's hand and stood up again, `` It 's just, that 's exactly what it felt like when someone did that to me during detention. ``

`` That 's because that was what someone did to you during custody, '' Hermione explained.

`` But I did n't hear anyone shouting 'Legilimens', '' James told her.

`` They were doing it non-verbally. We 'll get to that point in our example eventually, but for now I will do it verbally so you know what 's going on, '' Hermione said, `` Now, that was a pretty good attempt for the first time. You see now how arduous it is to close your intellect. ``

`` Yeah, '' Henry James agreed as he sat back down.

`` Your bout, Albus, '' Hermione announced.

Albus had momentarily forgotten that he, too, had to have his aunt read his mind. He got up, his heart beating fast. He had never had Legilimency performed on him while he was awake, and he did not know what to expect.

`` Try to clear your mind, '' Hermione told him as she walked a few feet away and turned around to wait.

Albus tried to clear his mind, but it was hard. His thoughts were consumed with whether matt was a wolfman or not. He was also constantly thinking about what 'Hallows'could possibly be. Not to mention the reason why he was having these lessons in the first property. It was difficult not to mean about someone seeing his thoughts.

`` Ready ? '' Hermione asked. Albus nodded with a uneasy look on his face.

`` Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

The classroom seemed to disappear as Albus was thrown into his own memories. He was four twelvemonth old and St. James the Apostle had stolen the toy broom he had received on his birthday. James was flying it around while Albus chased him. The view changed and he saw the time he dropped a sharp knife onto his metrical unit, but instead of slicing it open, the knife just bounced off it. He had been four then, as well, and that was the start charming thing he did. The scene changed yet again and Albus was seven and was playing with his cousins at the tunnel. Then he was at home, reading his Hogwarts letter. The scene changed for a final time, he and Rose were sitting in Rose 's bedroom at the burrow, researching about wolfman. Albus 's heart pulsation faster. He could n't let his auntie see that.

`` No ! '' Albus exclaimed, and the schoolroom reappeared in front of him. He glanced around and was one-half surprised that he was still standing up, since James had collapsed during his attempt.

Hermione was looking at him and then she glanced at blush wine, then back to Albus. She had obviously seen a bit of the last retention. `` Well, you actually managed to stop me, although not by formula mean value of Occlumency. But that is very practiced for a first try. What was that finally memory ? ``

`` Nothing, nothing, '' Albus replied quickly, averting his regard from his aunt.

`` Very well, I think that is decent for tonight. Albus, James II, keep open practicing. Try to close your creative thinker before you go to bed. I 'll see you all on Tuesday. Good fortune with all your division. And try to comport yourselves during Charms, '' Hermione added.

`` We do ! '' Henry James insisted, `` Professor Washburn just does n't like us. ``

`` Be that as it may, you do need to pass his class, '' Hermione reminded them, `` Good Night. ``

`` Night, '' Albus, James, and rose wine said as they left the classroom.

`` So, what was that memory board that you did n't want my mum to see ? '' Rose asked curiously once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

`` Later, '' Albus whispered, glancing at James.

`` Blimey, that 's some strange stuff, Legilimency and Occlumency, '' James announced after a few moments of muteness, `` But you seem right at it, Albus. ``

`` Maybe, '' Albus responded.

`` right than me. I could n't do anything during it. Just kind of forgot everything except the computer storage I was seeing. Could n't think of anything to do about it, '' James explained.

`` You 've just got to practice it, '' Albus told him, `` Plus, this was just the first sentence. And anyway, I 've got to think of something better to do than just shouting out random thing. People will believe I 'm a nutter if I 'm just shouting out 'no'all the time. ``

James laughed, `` Well, I already know you 're a whacko. ``

`` Oh, shut it, Saint James the Apostle, '' Albus laughed and punched James in the arm. St. James the Apostle punched him back and they continued that until they reached the Fat ma'am. Rose followed behind and muttered something that sounded like 'boys'.

When they arrived back at the common room, James immediately went to his dorm so he could say his Quaker about the lesson.

`` So, what was the store ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

`` When we were researching about lycanthrope, '' Albus told her, `` I did n't require Aunt Hermione to recognize about that. ``

`` Why not ? '' Rose asked.

`` I dunno, really. I mean, it 's not like she had a job with shift 's dad. I guess she just came awfully closing curtain to seeing our other research, '' Albus explained.

`` upright point, '' rose wine agreed, `` But you know, you 've got to practice this. What if she does find out about that ? She 'll severalize Uncle Harry. ``

`` I know, I know, I 'll practice, '' Albus assured her.

`` trade good, '' Rose seemed satisfied, `` Now, we 'd better get to bed. in force Night. ``

`` nighttime, '' Albus said as he walked to the door to the dorm room. As he lay in bed trying to get to kip, listening to Bilius 's snore, he tried to close his idea. 'Think about naught ,'he kept repeating in his creative thinker. But it did n't work, because Albus yet again had the like nightmare.

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A/N : Hope everyone liked it ! I am a bit embarrassed to allow that I have been typing my own sister 's username wrong in the past few Author 's musical note I 've done for this fic. Her public figure is Dancer Of Starlight. I must be mixing it up with another internet site. So thanks, Dancer Of Starlight for reading this and helping me with it ! Thanks also to my former baby and my crony. Thanks as well to inkheart, for the review, you 're awesome ! Please read and refresh, everyone !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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During the next two weeks, tensity ran high between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. As the at hand Quidditch match grew nearer, there were Thomas More and Sir Thomas More duels in the corridors. These usually resulted in diverse histrion having to go to the Hospital backstage. Luckily, no one had been severely hurt yet. However, both household were starting to be very protective of their players. Samantha Meyers forbade anyone on the Gryffindor team from wandering the corridors alone. She was also getting more and More intense with her practice schedules. Samantha had started scheduling a drill for every night of the week. Every evening, the Gryffindor team came trooping back into the mutual room well after dark, looking tired and worn out. Slytherin was also practicing each day, but they got an earlier prison term in the evening.

Nightly Quidditch practices did not bode well for James 's Occlumency lessons. He had asked Hermione if he could skip the object lesson until after the match, but she would not allow it. James grudgingly skipped his Quidditch praxis, much to Samantha 's dismay. She was not happy about James missing praxis. Hermione actually sent her a letter, which got her to stop bedevilment James about practice.

Albus thought he was making a bit of advancement with his Occlumency. He had been reading the Christian Bible and doing the prep, although he did not enjoy it. Occlumency was like having another class to select, so he wound up with more preparation than the relaxation of his schoolmate. Albus had not yet succeeded in preventing Hermione from entering his psyche, but he usually managed to force her out after a little while. He was relieved that he had so far prevented her from discovering his Hallows enquiry. Despite this, he was still having unusual incubus a couple of nights a calendar week. James was not making nearly as a great deal progress as Albus. He had yet to contain Hermione 's Legilimency at all, and was still collapsing on the level occasionally. William James was getting increasingly fed up with Occlumency and did not enjoy the lessons at all.

As the Quidditch match, and the full moon, grew skinny, Albus started to watch matte for augury of malady. The day before the mate, matte almost slept through breakfast. John had to heat him up before he left for the Great Hall. Albus watched him throughout pop and noticed that he was much more tired than usual. He kept his head on the desk the entire course of instruction and did n't take any notes. Harry did not say anything about this, which Albus opinion was strange because whenever anyone else fell asleep in former form, the teacher woke them up. Albus could n't remember a time when person fell asleep in papa, though, because usually that form was exciting.

`` Are you ok ? '' Albus asked Matt as they were walking to Charms.

`` Fine, '' Matt responded. He was walking a bit deadening than usual, `` Just tired. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said warily, `` But if you want to go to the infirmary flank during Charms, I 'll volunteer to take you. ``

`` I will too, '' can agreed, `` Anything to get out of that grade. ``

The boys immediately stopped talking once they entered the appeal classroom and went to their usual back mesa. Once he sat down, Matt put his head down on top of his record. Washburn stormed into the way a few second gear later and started taking attendance.

`` I 'm lecturing today, aim out your notation, '' he barked at the course. Everyone silently found quills and parchment as Washburn pointed his verge at the panel. Notes appeared on it and Albus started copying them down. Washburn started talking and droned on for about half the point without stopping, even when students raised their handwriting to ask dubiousness. Albus did not glance up to look at him at all. Once he finished copying his bill, he looked over at matte and noticed that he had fallen asleep. Unfortunately, Washburn had noticed, too.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted while he walked towards the spine table, `` This is not nap time ! ``

`` I do n't imagine he 's feeling well, sir, '' John said tentatively.

`` I did n't ask how he 's feeling ! '' Washburn growled at John. `` Now wake up and pay attending ! '' he shouted again.

flatness slowly picked up his psyche and stared at Washburn, `` Huh ? ``

`` I said this is not nap time ! '' Washburn screamed.

`` Oh, sorry, '' lusterlessness mumbled. He stared down at his book and rested his heading on his hand.

Washburn grumbled something incoherent and got back to his lecture. Matt kept his head up the relaxation of the course of study, but did n't train any notes. Although he did go to Astronomy after dejeuner, Matt did not look to pay a good deal attention in that class either. After form was over, he went up to the dormitory and slept straight through dinner.

`` What early explanation could there be ? '' pink wine wondered aloud in the common room that night. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around a board after dinner party. The pre-Quidditch mate upheaval kept the bedlam and noise in the plebeian room up, so no one was paying very much attention to what they were talking about.

`` I do n't call up there is another one, '' Albus told her, `` He 's got to be a wolfman. He gets purge every full moon and leaves overnight. When he comes back he 's still cast and he 's got hurt. ``

`` I 'm certain he is one, '' John agreed, `` Just hope he tells us soon, or I 'm just going to birth to tell him I know. It 's gon na be punishing to cover that we know. ``

`` Think how laborious it is for lusterlessness ? Hiding that from everyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` True. ``

`` So, who thinks we 'll win the equal tomorrow ? '' Albus asked, changing the subject.

`` I do ! '' John shouted, `` With your cousin 's new ling, we 'll be unbeatable. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed, `` I ca n't await to see it in action. ``

`` You 've really gotten into Quidditch, have n't you ? '' Rose giggled.

`` Sure have, it 's so practically better than football, '' Amanda told her.

******

The friction match was to be held in the former afternoon, which was a bit later than the previous Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff match. Albus and his Quaker spent the other part of the day playing Wizard 's chess and Exploding cracking in the usual room. Matt seemed too tired to play anything, so he laid on one of the couches and watched the games. Albus noticed the Gryffindor squad huddled in one quoin of the room, reviewing end mo tactics. James looked a bit uneasy, which was understandable considering the last peer landed him in the hospital Wing.

The morning dragged by, but eventually, everyone started to make their way down to the pitch after lunch.

`` Should be a full game, '' Albus said to John as they were walking towards the pitch.

`` Definitely. I 've been looking forward to a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin plot. I 've heard they 're the best one, '' John told him.

`` That 's what I 've heard, too. Dad says they were usually the most excite unity in his days here, '' Albus informed John.

`` condition could n't be worse, though, '' John lamented. He was right. The weather condition was not cooperating for a secret plan of Quidditch. Although the visibleness seemed to be a bit better than Gryffindor 's last match, the snow was falling at a firm rate and it was bitterly cold.

`` Hopefully it wo n't last as long as conclusion prison term, '' rosebush pulled her cloak tighter, `` I 'm freezing. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed. He was already shivering, and was a few paces behind everyone else.

Albus and the eternal rest of the grouping slowed down to allow Matt to see up with them. `` Well, I just hope James does n't get bruise again, '' Albus said.

`` Hope not, '' Amanda agreed.

The five firstly years made their way through the crew and found their way to a few seats on Gryffindor 's face of the stands. As they were walking slowly to match Matt 's pace, they were some of the last mass in the tie-up. They found their seats just before the commentary started.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match ! '' Todd Kathryn Elizabeth Smith shouted over the bunch, `` This is a highly anticipated mate that should evidence to be as sex as always. The weather 's brutal, but that should n't stop a well trained team.

`` And here come the teams ! First onto the delivery is the Gryffindor team. Captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Peach State Weasley, Fred Weasley, Heather Weasley, Bradley Weasley, Ryan O'Malley, and James ceramicist ! ''

The team flew around the pitch once and then landed succeeding to each other on the ground.

`` Here are the Slytherins. Captain Talan Flint, followed by Lance Goyle, Michael Joe Jackson Naiser, Ferris Fielding, Peyton Haines, Hailey Odele, and Glenna Dabney. ``

The Slytherins flew once around the auction pitch and landed in front of the Gryffindors. The referee, Alan Oteski, had the maitre d' escape from hands, and the squad were off.

`` Professor Oteski releases the Quaffle, Bludgers, and fink, and the players are up ! Quaffle goes to Fielding and he 's flying towards the Gryffindor goal Post. Oh, nice Bludger work by O'Malley ! Quaffle goes to Meyers, she flies down the pitch, passing to the two Weasley chaser. And Heather Weasley scores the first goal ! ``

The Gryffindor team scored three goals within the showtime five minute. Slytherin had not managed to get any finish past Georgia.

`` Of course, the energize parting of this biz is Georgia Weasley 's new broom. It 's a Firebolt 3000. The truehearted Calluna vulgaris yet ! It seems to be proving itself in this game. What with Georgia 's incredible skill, and that broom, I 'd be surprised if Slytherin scores any end at all ! '' Todd shouted excitedly.

`` She 's awing ! '' John exclaimed, `` I want one of those brooms ! ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I flew it over holiday. It was amazing. ``

`` Wow ! Think she 'd let me mount it ? '' John asked.

`` Maybe. If you come to my place over the summer, I 'll ask her, '' Albus told him.

`` Awesome ! '' John Lackland grinned.

`` Another goal scored for Gryffindor ! Making the score 40-0 in favor of Gryffindor ! Fred Wealsey has the Quaffle, he 's storming up the pitch, headed to the Slytherin goal posts. Ouch ! Hit in the back with a Bludger sent from Naiser. Odele has the Quaffle now and is headed towards Georgia Weasley. She passes to fielding, who attempts to nock a goal. And saved ! Wow, I did n't recall a broom could prompt that fast, '' Lord Todd was jumping up and down at the commentator 's podium now.

`` Flint does not take care happy, '' Albus commented.

`` No, he does n't. count like he 's prepare to hex mortal, '' John agreed.

`` Would n't put it past him, '' Rose chimed in, `` These equal are known to get ugly. ``

The biz continued for a while, with Gryffindor scoring a few more goals. Slytherin did finagle to get one goal after Flint River sent a Bludger at Sakartvelo rightfulness when Odele was attempting to score.

`` Think this mate will finale much longer ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Dunno. Does n't look like James or Dabney have seen the sneak yet, '' Albus peered out at the battleground. `` They 're just hovering above everyone else. Looks like they 're trying to bide out of it. I can see why. The Bludger work is getting nasty. ''

And it was. All the Gryffindor chasers were sporting some sort of accidental injury. GA had a olfactory organ bleed, but seemed to be ignoring it. Odele and Haines both had taken Bludgers to arm and it seemed to have affected their ability to catch the Quaffle.

Albus looked over at Matt. He was sitting down, shivering, with his forefront resting on his hand. `` You ok ? ``

`` I guess. I just hope the mate is done soon, '' Matt winced.

`` wish to go back inside ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I 'll be very well, '' matte insisted.

`` Another finish for Gryffindor ! Making the peer 110-10 Gryffindor ! '' Todd bellowed, `` And the mates is getting ugly. Ouch ! Fred Weasley takes a Bludger to the head, causing him to drop the Quaffle. But it 's caught by Meyers ! She passes to Scots heather, who scores another goal !

`` Flint appears to have abandoned the Bludgers and is soaring up towards Potter and Dabney. What 's he up to ? Meanwhile, Bradley Weasley hits a well aimed Bludger towards Fielding, who drops the Quaffle. Back to Flint. It appears that he is getting into an argument with Dabney. I wonder what they 're saying ? Hope it 's of import. Looks like his disuse of beater duties has caused his uninjured Chaser to get hit. ``

Flint turned his head around and flew unbent towards Empire State of the South. Odele was flying towards the end posts with the Quaffle. `` What 's he doing now ? He 's take hold of hold of Sakartvelo 's broom ! Foul ! Flint has grabbed Empire State of the South 's heather and appears to be preventing her from keeping ! Foul ! '' Todd screamed angrily. Odele took advantage of the situation and scored a goal.

Oteski blew his whistle, `` Penalty shot for Gryffindor ! Unnecessary grabbing of opposing custodian 's broomstick. Honestly, you should know effective ! Such an obvious foul ! And that end does not count ! ``

`` Gryffindor chieftain, Meyers, easily scores the penalty shot, bringing the score up to 130-10 Gryffindor, '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd announced, `` Slytherin chaser, Henry Fielding, manages to get the Quaffle and is flying towards the Gryffindor goal Emily Price Post. Tom Bradley Weasley sends a Bludger towards him and, ouch ! He 's knocked off his Calluna vulgaris. Lucky for him, he was low to the primer. But looks like he 's out for the relaxation of the game, probably broke his arm or something. ``

`` This is amazing ! '' John exclaimed, `` I 've never seen Quidditch like this. I wonder if Slytherin 's ever lost by this much before. ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus responded, `` But I do n't intend their seeker 's very good. All she 's doing is following King James around. And Flint was yelling at her for something. ``

`` Probably telling her just to watch the stoolie so they can end the miserableness, '' trick laughed.

`` Henry James better catch the Snitch soon, '' Matt groaned, `` I do n't call back I can remove much more than of this. '' He was huddled on his fanny, holding his tum in pain.

`` Sure you do n't want to go in ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno, '' Matt moaned, `` Maybe. ``

`` flavour like thrower 's seen the Snitch ! '' Todd shouted. James had started speeding towards the Gryffindor goal posts, with Dabney following closely behind. `` The Slytherin beaters seem to be trying to hit thrower with the Bludgers. But, hang on, the Gryffindor chasers and beaters seem to have surrounded Potter, protecting him from Naiser and Flint River. Blimey ! I 've never seen anything like it ! And it worked ! Potter caught the Snitch ! ``

The crowd erupted into hand clapping, Gryffindors storming the ground, lifting James up into the air. They started walking back to the rook. The Slytherin squad was looking homicidal and flint was screaming at Dabney.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose said, looking at Matt.

`` Oh, effective, '' lusterlessness moaned as he slowly stood up.

`` You want to go to the Hospital annexe ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I do n't think so, '' Matt said, leaning on John for support.

The five Quaker slowly made their way up to the rook. By the fourth dimension they got there, everyone else had already made it back. It took them a patch to climb the stairs to Gryffindor tug, but eventually, they made it.

When they entered the common way, a company was already in entire swing. Matt made a beeline for the dorm and did n't front back.

`` Albus ! '' James came running up to him, butterbeer in paw, `` We did it ! Beat Slytherin ! They are pathetic. And here I was, thinking they actually had a good team. No way they 're in the run for the Cup now. Blimey, losing 10 to 300 ... ''

`` You did gravid ! '' Albus grinned at him, `` Dad would be very proud. ``

`` Proud of what ? '' a voice came from behind them.

Albus turned around, `` Dad ? ! ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' James I asked.

`` Came for the party. Blimey, things have n't changed a bit. The political party after we beat Slytherin were always ripe. Anyway, congratulations, James ! ``

`` Thanks ! ``

`` We 're not being too brassy, are we, prof potter ? '' Samantha Meyers had come over to see what was going on.

`` No, 'course not ! '' Harry grinned, `` Ca n't carry you to be quiet after that win. Just quiet down by midnight. ``

`` Sure, no problem ! It was amazing, was n't it ? '' Samantha said excitedly.

`` Oh, it was brilliant, '' Harry agreed. Harry and Samantha quickly settled down to rehashing every bit of the match, and were soon joined by Georgia.

`` Never grow out of Quidditch, right ? '' St. James laughed.

`` Right, '' Albus agreed, `` Honestly, I thought it 'd be a bit unusual having him as our teacher, but it has n't been weird at all. ``

`` Yeah, it 's been pretty neat. ``

******

The company in the Gryffindor common elbow room lasted well into the evening. near of the Gryffindors did not even go down for dinner party. Albus 's cousins had managed to bring a good bit of food for thought up to the unwashed room, so there was really no need to go to the Great dorm. Harry left shortly before dinner, though, so he could join the ease of the staff for the meal.

`` Honestly, I 'll never get any workplace done with this stochasticity, '' pink wine sighed. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around one of the tables in the vulgar room eating sweetness. Rose was the entirely one trying to get any oeuvre done.

`` Why bother ? You 've still got tomorrow, '' john commented, `` Hey, I got your dad, Albus. '' trick held up a umber Frog card.

`` I do n't see why everybody 's got to party so late into the evening, '' Rose said, `` It was n't that spectacular a win. Slytherin was horrendous. ``

`` That 's the stage, '' John told her, `` Slytherin 's usually got a pretty good team. It 's the precept of the matter. Gryffindor and Slytherin are huge rival, and when we beat them, it 's a reason to observe. Even if they 're rubbish. ``

`` Whatever, '' Rose put her fingers in her ears and continued to read.

`` And their new quester 's horrible, '' Albus said, `` I bet she could n't see the snitcher if it was right in front of her face. ``

`` Yeah, she 's no compeer for Henry James, '' John agreed, `` I 've heard from some of the sometime pupil that he 's as salutary as Ted lupine was. ``

`` Well, he should be, '' Albus laughed, `` teddy 's been training him ever since James could get on a ling. I think they started when James was about five. ``

`` But he 's got it in his blood, too, '' Amanda chimed in, `` I mean, Albus, your dad was the in force Seeker Gryffindor 's ever seen. And your Uncle Charlie was a swell quester, too. Plus, your mum played for the Holyhead harpy eagle. ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned, `` Quidditch is a richly priority in my family. ``

`` speculation Rose just did n't get any of those Quidditch genes, '' bathroom poked Rose and she jumped.

`` Shut it, John, '' pink wine told him, `` Where 's Matt ? ``

`` Still sleeping, '' Albus said, glancing at the room access to the dormitory room, `` Been there ever since the end of the match. ``

`` Well, why do n't you go gibe on him ? '' pink wine suggested.

`` All right, '' Albus got up from his chair and walked to the dormitory. When he got there, he saw that matte was sound asleep in his bed.

`` Matt ! '' Albus whispered, `` Hey, mat ! Get up ! '' Albus lifted Matt 's arm up and it fell limply back onto the mattress when he let go. `` Wake up ! '' Albus shouted a little louder.

`` Huh ? Wha'? '' mat groggily lifted his head and grimaced.

`` You all right ? '' Albus asked with a look of concern on his face.

`` Ugh, '' flatness groaned and sat up. `` What clock time is it ? ``

`` Almost six, '' Albus told him.

`` Ohh, '' Matt slowly got up off the bed and swayed, `` I 've got to go to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Well, I 'll exact you, '' Albus grabbed Matt 's arm so he would n't fall.

`` No, I 'll be all right, '' Matt said.

`` No, I 'm taking you, '' Albus insisted. matte did not protest any encourage and leaned on Albus for support. They made their way down into the common way, where the company was still in full swing. Albus led Matt straight out of portrayal muddle and into the corridor towards the hospital Wing.

`` C'mon, we 're almost there, '' Albus said as they walked down a flight of stairs.

`` I think I 'm going to be pale, '' lusterlessness groaned and clutched his stomach.

`` It 's ok, we 'll be there soon, '' Albus winced under matte 's weighting. lusterlessness was leaning on Albus more and more by the minute, `` Madam Pomfrey will fix it. ``

`` No she wo n't. She ca n't, '' matte 's voice wavered as he talked.

`` Here we are, '' Albus opened the threshold to the Hospital wing and led Matt inside. madam Pomfrey was waiting and rushed over to Albus and Matt.

`` It 's ok, honey, come on, '' she pulled mat away from Albus and let him lean on her, `` I 'll select it from here, Albus. You 'd trump go back to your common elbow room. ``

Albus turned to leave, but not before seeing madam Pomfrey soothing lusterlessness, who had started to cry. Albus shut the door, wishing he could do something to facilitate. lustrelessness seemed to be doing worse this month than he had the by calendar month. He had n't seemed any different during the retiring few sidereal day, but maybe he was just good at hiding his emotions. Albus had forgotten to rivet on figuring out what flatness was feeling in the solar day leading up to the wide-cut lunation due to being preoccupied with prep and Occlumency moral. Why did this month seem spoilt ? What was going on ?

Albus pondered these thoughts as he walked slowly back to the common room. How could he convince flatness that it would be secure to secernate Albus his secret ? Would he ever tell ? And more importantly, was there anything anyone could do to help ?

`` Something troubling you, Potty ? '' a cold voice said. Albus looked up and saw Quinton Willinson, flanked by two other Slytherns, standing at the top of the step that Albus was climbing. `` Fancy a perambulation by yourself ? ``

`` Go away, Willinson, '' Albus growled as he reached the top of the stairs.

`` It 's a free castle. Not curfew yet. I 'm detached to wander the corridors just as you are, potty, '' Willinson sneered at Albus.

`` Just entrust me alone, '' Albus tried to walk past him, but the other two Slytherins blocked his path.

`` No, do n't recall I will. I still have n't forgotten that Exploding Eclair, '' Willinson said, drawing his wand and pointing it at Albus, `` I know it was you. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked nervously as he drew his own wand and pointed it at Willinson.

`` I just do, '' Willinson snapped his digit and his cronies pulled out their wands and pointed them at Albus, `` And now you 'll pay. ``

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted, and Willinson 's baton flew out of his helping hand and landed on the storey. A schism irregular later, two jets of light came from the other two Slytherins 's sceptre and hit Albus in the chest. Before he knew what was happening, he stumbled backwards and fell down the stair. He blacked out halfway down, and the finish affair he saw was Willinson and his two friend running in the face-to-face direction.

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A/N : Sorry for the cliffie ! Well, not really, I do like putting them in. Originally, this chapter did not have got a cliffie, but it was quite inadequate so I stuck about half the next chapter at the end of this one. So now it 's a bit longer than usual.

Thanks as usual to my Sister and now official beta, Dancer Of Starlight. Thanks as well to my brother and my other baby. Please read and refresh !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You have no idea who did it, then ? '' Albus heard his dad ask.

`` No, when Neville found him, there was no signaling that anybody else had been there, '' ma'am Pomfrey whispered.

`` well, when I find out who did it, there 'll be trouble, '' Albus heard a bam and he figured his dad had just slammed his fist onto something hard.

`` Harry, please be a bit quieter. I 'm sure whoever it is will be punished. ''

`` I 'll be for sure of that. ``

Albus opened his oculus and looked around. He was in the hospital fender. Judging by the darkness outside, it must have been the midsection of the dark. He had no idea how many 60 minutes had passed, but he guessed it must have been quite a few. Albus tried to sit up, but was immediately hit by a searing botheration in his headspring and had to lay back down.

Harry rushed over upon seeing that he was awake, `` Albus ! What on earth happened ? ``

`` How 'd I get here ? '' Albus groaned.

Harry bent over and hugged Albus tight. `` Ouch ! '' Albus winced.

`` Really, Harry, I 've only just healed those bones ! '' dame Pomfrey pulled Harry away.

`` Neville found you a match hours ago. You were laying unconscious at the bottom of one of the staircases. It was obvious you 'd fallen down, but it looked like someone had stunned you as well. You 've got a cracked skull, a few broken rib, and a get around arm. '' Harry answered, once he sat down in the chairperson next to the bed. `` But who did it ? ``

`` Quinton Willinson, and two other Slytherins I do n't know, '' Albus told him.

`` What year are they in ? ''

`` Willinson 's a one-seventh year, I dunno about the others, '' Albus answered.

Harry slammed his hand onto the bedside tabular array and stood up, `` Seventh class ? ! Bloody inferno ! What in the name of Merlin 's saggy left- ''

`` Harry, calm down ! '' Madam Pomfrey rushed over to pick up the pee jug that had fallen off the table.

`` Sorry, '' Harry resumed his seat, `` But honestly, what seventh class crowd up on a first year ? ``

`` Victoire and Amy Eckerton warned me. They said he picks a showtime yr every year to worrying. And they told me not to go anywhere alone, because he never picks a fight unless you 're alone. Apparently he 's not a very good dueler. But I totally forgot about that when I took Matt here, '' Albus looked around at the empty bottom around him, `` By the way, where is he ? ``

`` nil to worry about now, '' ma'am Pomfrey said shortly.

`` fountainhead, Willinson will be getting custody, and loads of it. And those two early Slytherins as well. I 'll be talking to Slughorn, '' Harry muttered.

`` Oh, Dad, I disarmed Willinson ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` I 'd forget about that. Right after I disarmed him, the early two stunned me and I fell down the stairs. ``

Harry grinned, `` Brilliant. You 're great at disarming. And if the former two were n't there, you 'd accept been very well. But, it 's hard to disarm three wizards at once. ``

`` It 's getting late, I think you 'd better render Albus a chance to sleep, Harry, '' lady Pomfrey came over holding a chalice of potion.

`` All right, '' Harry stood up and gave Albus a gentle hug, `` I 'll be back in the morning. G'night, Al, I love you. ``

`` Love you, too, '' Albus awkwardly hugged his dad back, `` serious nighttime. ``

`` I 've got a potion to help you sleep, '' Madam Pomfrey handed him the potion, `` Drink up. ``

Albus took the goblet and downed it in one gulp.

`` Knew it was only a matter of time before you showed up here, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered, `` thrower seem to be unable to stay fresh themselves out of this situation ... ''

*****

`` What happened, Poppy ? '' Albus heard someone ask.

`` Bad transformation, really bad, '' lady Pomfrey replied grimly.

`` What can you do ? '' the part asked, Albus recognized it now as Neville.

`` I 'm really not sure enough, '' lady Pomfrey sighed, `` I 'll administer the usual potions and heal the bones, but former than that ... I 've got to contact St. Mungo 's. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' Neville announced, `` Is Albus ok ? ``

`` He 'll be fine, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey assured him, `` I 'll keep him here until tomorrow daybreak. ``

Albus heard Neville leave and brothel keeper Pomfrey tug the curtains shut around one of the beds. She moved quickly around the way whispering to herself and loudly grabbing bottles off of shelves. Albus opened his center briefly and saw that the bed at the end of the row had the curtain shut. That 's where mat was. And Albus had been right. He was a wolfman. Any doubt that Albus had was gone. He felt sick with dread at the cerebration of Matt going through that transformation every month. Stuck with a curse that prevented him from living a normal life. Albus knew what life-time was like for a werewolf. He heard about Teddy 's dad 's life. After Hogwarts, what would Matt do ? Would he be able to get a job ?

`` Are you awake ? '' Madam Pomfrey came bustling over with a breakfast tray, `` in effect, eat up. ``

`` Is Matt going to be ok ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Never you mind, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey answered as she walked back to Matt 's bed and disappeared behind the curtains. She spent much of the next 60 minutes bustling back and Forth River between mat 's bed and her report, where Albus could see her consulting books and mixing potions. Albus watched her and remark she looked much more worried than usual. What was going on ?

Neville returned about an hour later, followed by a tall, balding man in linden jet robe. Albus recognized them as healer robes. Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtain when she heard the door open and walked quickly over to the two men.

`` I 'd break go observe Amy, Poppy, '' Neville announced.

`` Yes, I suppose you should, '' Madam Pomfrey answered, `` poor people dear will be worried sick when she sees him. ``

`` I know, '' Neville sighed and left the room.

ma'am Pomfrey turned to the other man, `` Oh, good, they 've sent you, Healer Sterling, '' she welcomed the healer with a sigh of relief, `` I was afraid they 'd institutionalise one of the trainee Healers. ``

`` No, no, I insisted on coming, '' healer Sterling assured her, `` I 'm the one in heraldic bearing of the study- ''

Madam Pomfrey cut him off and gestured to Albus 's bed, `` Shush ! We 'll talk over it shortly. Albus, why do n't you stop your breakfast ? ``

`` I 'm not hungry, '' Albus mumbled.

ma'am Pomfrey 's face softened, `` Albus, Matt will be ok. You must n't worry. ``

`` But what 's going on ? '' Albus asked, `` I 've already figured it out. I know he 's a wolfman. ``

`` Be that as it may, I can not inform you about the situation, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she and healer Sterling walked towards Matt 's bed, `` Now, it 's best for you to get some rest. ''

Madam Pomfrey drew her wand, muttered a magic spell, and she and the two men disappeared behind the pall. Albus knew she had casted the Muffliato magic spell on him. He had witnessed his parents using that spell before. He sighed and picked at his eggs, but he really could n't eat anything. He knew that Madam Pomfrey really was not sure whether flatness would be ok. Albus sat pondering about what could be wrong, when a loud fringe jolted him out of his thoughts.

Albus turned around in his bed and noticed that the banging was coming from the door. ma'am Pomfrey ran out from behind the curtains and headed towards the door. `` Who 's there ? '' she shouted.

`` pink wine Weasley, '' Albus heard his cousin 's voice, `` Why are the doors locked ? Ca n't we come in and see Albus ? ``

`` I 'd rather you did n't. I 've got another student in here who needs quiet down, '' Madam Pomfrey said through the shut down door.

`` Is it Matt ? '' pink wine asked, `` Because he 's still not back yet. ``

Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` Yes. ``

`` We 'll be pipe down, '' rosebush answered, `` I promise. ``

`` Oh, all right, '' lady Pomfrey opened the threshold, `` But only for a little while. ``

blush wine walked through the room access, followed by John the Divine, Amanda, and James River. `` Oh, Albus, are you all right ? '' she whispered as they neared Albus 's bed.

`` I 'll be finely, '' Albus told them.

`` What on Earth happened ? Never saw you after you took lustrelessness here hold out night, '' John asked. He, King James, Amanda, and rose wine sat down on the bed next to Albus's.

`` Met up with Willinson, '' Albus groaned, `` Him and two other Slytherins. ``

`` He 's trouble, I tell ya, '' James shook his point, `` motor me mad until Victoire talked to him last year. ``

`` Yeah, well, he does n't seem to be listening to Victoire this year, does he ? '' Albus responded, `` Anyway, I disarmed him, but his two friends stunned me at the Lapp time and I fell down the stairs. Got knocked out halfway down and woke up here. ``

`` Whoa, are you ok ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm fine. Got a few unwrap ivory, but they 're healed now. My read/write head still hurts, though, '' Albus rubbed his forehead.

`` We were so worried when you were still gone this sunrise, '' Rose told him, `` Went heterosexual to Uncle Harry 's subject and he told us you were here. By the way, he said he 'd be visiting later this morning. ``

`` Dad was here last night, too, '' Albus said, `` He 's really wild about it. He 's going to grant Willinson loads of detention. ``

John grinned, `` Excellent. He 'll finally be getting what he deserves. ``

`` Well, I 've got to get going. Quidditch practice, '' James announced as he got up from the bed.

`` But you just had a peer yesterday, '' Rose shook her head.

`` Does n't matter. William Ashley Sunday 's one of our usual praxis Clarence Shepard Day Jr., '' James reminded her. `` gladiolus you 're better, Albus. '' James waved and left the room. As he left, Neville, Victoire, and Amy came rushing through. Amy ran straight to lustrelessness 's bed with tears in her heart and Neville following quickly behind. Victoire stared at her questioningly, but turned to Albus 's bed.

`` I told you not to go anywhere alone ! '' she sighed.

`` I know ! '' Albus replied, `` Sorry. I was just taking Matt here. He was pretty sick endure night, and it did n't occur to me that I 'd be walking back to the common room alone. ``

`` Oh, I understand that, '' Victoire answered, `` But just be thrifty from now on. ``

`` I will, '' Albus assured her. Sometimes, it felt like his older cousins were just extra parents.

`` wellspring, Uncle Harry 's furious, so I do n't conceive you 'll have to worry much anymore, '' Victoire told him, `` I heard him talking to Slughorn earlier. Apparently, Harry and professor Longbottom are going to take turns overseeing his detentions and let 's just say he 's not going to have much free time in the coming weeks. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd better be off, '' Victoire said, `` I 'm due to tutor Mark in Transfiguration in a few proceedings. I was just with Amy, she started getting hysterical when Neville came and found her in the coarse room. But she would n't tell me what 's going on. I do n't suppose you know ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, I 'll see you later, '' Victoire started to head towards the door, `` Whatever it is, I hope matte 's ok. ''

`` Ok, now that she 's gone, I 've got to enjoin you about matt, '' Albus whispered, `` seminal fluid closer, I do n't want lady Pomfrey to hear. ``

rose, John, and Amanda climbed onto Albus 's bed. `` What about him ? '' John asked.

`` He 's a loup-garou, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' whoremaster exclaimed a bit too loudly, `` How do you know for for sure ? ``

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` He was n't here last night when I woke up. And this morn, professor Longbottom and ma'am Pomfrey brought him here, but he was unconscious. ``

`` I knew it, '' rose whispered.

`` Anyway, dame Pomfrey said he 'd had a really bad transformation, '' Albus told them, `` He 's still unconscious. And there 's a therapist from St. Mungo 's here. They 're all behind the curtains on matte 's bed. They wo n't state me anything. They casted Muffliato, so I ca n't hear anything. ``

`` Figures, '' rosebush groaned, `` Adults never let us know anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But what are we going to do about Matt ? ``

`` wellspring, we 've got to figure out how to severalise him we know, '' Saint John the Apostle answered.

`` I do n't eff about that, '' Albus responded, `` There 's a reason he 's not telling us. I think we should let him secernate us. ``

`` How do we hide that we know, Albus ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` We just do, '' Albus said adamantly, `` Anyway, it 's got to be harder for Matt to restrain this confidential than us hiding the fact that we know. He 's got to secern us sooner or later. ``

`` I think Albus is right, John, '' blush wine agreed, `` He 'll recite us soon. This has got to be something he tells us. He has to be set up. ``

`` Fine, '' John sighed. The four friends sat in muteness for a moment, succumbing to their own mentation about lusterlessness 's lycanthropy.

dame Pomfrey and Healer Sterling came rushing out behind the curtain, and once they did, the Muffliato charm broke.

`` I think I can treat him here, Poppy, '' Sterling said to lady Pomfrey, `` I do n't cogitate there 's any need to move him to St. Mungo 's, unless he gets worsened. ``

`` Oh, well, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed with relief, `` That must mean it 's not as bad as I thought. ``

`` No, it 's not quite that bad. It will take a while to treat, but he will recover perfectly hunky-dory, '' Sterling assured her, `` Right now I 've got to make these notes back to St. Mungo 's and consult with some early therapist. I 'll also contact his parents. I should be back sometime in the afternoon. Just keep administering the potions every hour until then. ``

`` I 'll see you later, then, '' Madam Pomfrey bade him goodbye as he left the room.

`` I think it 's sentence for you three to depart, '' she announced, `` Mr. ceramist needs his rest and he 's got to take a few to a greater extent potions. ``

`` See you, Albus, '' lav got up and started towards the door.

`` Bye, '' Amanda followed behind John.

`` Glad you 're ok, '' Rose got up, `` When do you get to lead ? ``

`` Tomorrow morning, '' Madam Pomfrey answered.

`` Can we see matte ? '' Rose asked.

`` Absolutely not, '' ma'am Pomfrey said sternly, `` He 's in no status for visitant. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' rosebush responded, `` Bye, Albus. ``

`` Bye. ``

******

Throughout the relief of the day, healer Sterling popped in and out of the Hospital Wing, bringing with him various potions from St. Mungo 's. Shortly after lunch, Matt 's parents showed up and they stayed until the even. Everyone kept using the Muffliato appealingness against Albus, so he was unable to listen in on any conversations. Eventually he gave up on trying to determine out any information about Matt 's stipulation and fell asleep. Madam Pomfrey let Albus leave the Hospital Wing early on Mon morn, while breakfast was still going on in the Great Hall. Albus was quite bored with the hospital fender and once ma'am Pomfrey had deemed him well, he ran straight to the Great manse. John, Amanda, and pink wine were all sitting together, whispering.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted once Albus had sat down next to him, `` All bettor then ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm fine, '' Albus assured him, `` Bit hungry, though. '' Albus piled his plate with testicle and toast.

`` We were just talking about lusterlessness, '' rose informed him, `` How is he doing ? ``

`` I 'm really not for certain, '' Albus said through a mouthful of goner, `` I could n't hear a word anyone was saying. They 're being very secretive. ``

`` Is he awake yet ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, he 's not, '' Albus sighed, `` At to the lowest degree I do n't think so. The morsel of conversation that I have been able to hear are mostly about figuring out how to wake him up. ``

`` No hazard of visiting him, then ? '' John wondered aloud.

`` Do n't intend so, '' Albus told him, `` I mean, Madam Pomfrey 's still keeping the room access locked. You have to say who you are and what you want in order to get in. The lonesome one who 've been allowed to visit are his parents and Amy. ``

`` Oh, '' John sounded disappointed, `` I hope she lets us in soon. ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy tried to get in, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` Last night. ``

`` What the underworld did he want ? '' John growled, `` Slimy git. ``

`` Wanted to incur out what 's wrong with matte, '' Albus answered, `` He 's way too nosy. Anyway, he banged on the door and told ma'am Pomfrey he had a wind bleed. But he 'd only taken a Nose Bleed Nougat, because once he got in, I saw him eat the early half and the lineage stopped immediately. While Madam Pomfrey was shutting the door after him and locking it, he ran over to lustrelessness 's bed. ``

`` He did n't see him, did he ? '' rosiness asked anxiously.

`` No, the mantle were up. Amy noticed him and she was looking murderous. She yelled at him to go away and mind his own occupation. Then lady Pomfrey came back over and noticed he was n't bleeding anymore and made him go forth. Said she was going to tell Slughorn about it. I hope he gets detention. ``

`` Wow, he does n't give up, does he ? '' John responded.

`` No, he does n't, '' Albus agreed, `` We 're gon na have to be careful about him. ``

`` Post is here, '' Amanda looked up and commented on the hooter swooping into the room.

`` Albus, aspect, '' pink wine pointed to a copy of the Daily Prophet that had been delivered to the girl sitting across from them.

Albus glanced at the newspaper publisher and immediately noticed what rosiness was showing him. The front page headline was 'Mysterious Deaths Mystify Ministry Aurors'with a rather gravid characterization of Harry below it. Albus turned to pink wine, `` What 's that about ? ``

`` I do n't sleep together, but I do n't care the strait of it, '' rosiness answered. `` Can I take over that ? '' she asked the girl.

The girl looked at them, and then the article, `` for certain, but I 'd like it back when you 're done. '' She gave them one finale look and then turned to her friend and the two of them started whispering.

pink wine took the paper and put it in between her and Albus.

Mysterious Deaths Mystify Ministry Aurors

It started with the murder of Hogwart dad teacher, Eric Torro, in the beginning of September. Supposedly, the Aurors looked into the death immediately, but there have been no jumper cable. Harry thrower, the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, Head Auror, and Hogwarts DADA teacher, has been leading the investigation. But are his teaching duties getting in the way of his Auror duties ? There have also been no leads in the death of Jasmine Lamski, which occurred a month ago. We asked if these last are connected, but the Auror office responded with 'no gossip'. Do they be intimate more than they 're telling us ? It is these variety of murder that remind many of us of Almighty Voldemort 's time of scourge. Could there still be Dark hotshot among us ? Is the Auror Office doing enough to stop them ? And more importantly, should Harry Potter be teaching minor when his efforts are obviously needed in the Auror Office ? Despite this, Harry potter assures the Wizarding World that matter 'are under command and there is no pauperism to worry .'hoi polloi are being murdered and the murderers are not being caught. It might indeed be fourth dimension to worry.

`` That 's trumpery ! '' Albus shouted when he finished the article.

`` What ? '' King John asked, trying to register upper side down.

`` Read this, '' Albus grumbled as he handed Saint John and Amanda the paper. `` Who wrote it ? '' he asked Rose.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' pink wine told him.

`` Figures ! '' Albus shouted, `` She 's always twisting the truth. ``

`` Does n't look like the instructor are too happy about it, '' rose pointed to the staff tabular array, where all the teacher were whispering amongst themselves. Most of them wore expression of worry and angriness. The only one who was n't whispering was Washburn, who was glaring at the scholarly person, just like he usually did. Harry was noticeably absent from the table.

`` Blimey, '' John the Divine let out a low whistle, `` That 's the way to scare everybody. ``

`` There are n't really still Dark Wizards are there ? '' Amanda asked quietly, she was wan as a ghost.

`` 'Course there are, '' Albus told her, `` There 's always evil in the humans. But it 's not alike Voldemort 's coming back or anything. If my dad says there 's nothing to worry about, then there is n't. ``

`` Ok, but it 's still scary, '' Amanda responded.

`` That 's what Rita Skeeter wants, '' Albus informed her, `` That 's what she does. She 's rarely ever written anything that 's she has n't stretched the accuracy. ``

`` But what about those dreams and Legilimency ? '' rosiness asked, `` Even your dad admits there 's something going on with that ? ``

`` I know, but he 's taking care of it, '' Albus assured her, `` I mean certain, it 's scary, but I do n't think it required an article that strikes worry and fear into everyone. No one besides you lot and my class be intimate anything about those dreams. So to them, it 's just like someone just started randomly killing a few hoi polloi. ``

`` That 's lawful, '' privy agreed, `` Where 's your dad ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus told him, `` I saw him survive night in the Hospital Wing. He 's probably at the Ministry, trying to smooth everything over with this clause. If hoi polloi start complaining that the Aurors are n't doing enough, then he could drop off his job here. ``

`` Bloody pit, '' trick exclaimed, `` That would n't be right. I 'm sure the Aurors are doing a good job. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Professor Kendrick had stood up. The room fell still as he did so. `` Thank you. Now, I 'm certain nigh of you have read today 's front Page article in the prophet. I want to see you all that we are perfectly safe and there is no penury to vex. Certain journalists often have the habit of stretching the the true in order to scare hoi polloi, and that is what is going on here. The Aurors are doing everything in their power to becharm whoever murdered professor Torro and Jasmine Lamski. I also need to inform you that dad lessons will not take aim place today, because Professor potter is spending the day at the Auror office and the Ministry, trying to calm everyone down. If you have DADA today, please use the time to consider for your coming test. That is all. '' Professor Kendrick sat back down and resumed his conversation with Neville.

Once Kendrick had finished his words, whispering resumed amongst the students. Anyone who had not seen the article before, was now scrambling to find a transcript of the prophesier.

`` well, what 're we going to do with our free stop, then ? '' John Lackland asked. The Gryffindor first of all yr had DADA first that day.

`` I 've got prep to finish, '' Amanda groaned, `` Essay for Herbology. ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' John groaned as well, `` I have n't finished it either. ``

`` Well, then you do require reminding ! '' pink wine exclaimed, `` I finished that over the weekend. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus commented.

`` Why do n't we go finish it, then, lav ? '' Amanda suggested, `` The common room will be moderately quiet with everyone off in class. ``

`` Fine, '' John reluctantly agreed. He stood up and headed off with Amanda to land up the essay.

`` That could n't throw worked out better, '' rose whispered to Albus, `` Now we can go to the library and resume our research. ``

`` goodness intellection, '' Albus told her, `` I 've finished that other book. Returned it a few twenty-four hour period ago. I 'd meliorate get another. ``

`` I 've looked through three, but there 's onus others, '' pink wine informed him. She started walking out of the Great residence hall, with Albus following, `` But I have n't found anything utile. ``

`` Me, neither. ``

Albus and Rose were pleased to find that the library was rather empty. There were a few former scholar who had a free point, but all of them seemed too busy studying to notice the two first years. They headed straight to the book shelf that held the books they had previously looked at.

`` Are we really going to have to look through all of these ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Hopefully not, '' pink wine said as she pulled out a rather large book, `` Once we find something about Hallows, we can stop. ``

`` I 'm beginning to doubt if that 's going to take place, '' Albus responded.

`` I sure hope we find something soon, '' Rose opened her Book and glanced quickly at the table of contents, `` Exams will be in a few months, so we 're going to have to start studying more, which means to a lesser extent metre for this. ``

`` Yeah, maybe we 'll get lucky today, '' Albus hoped, `` Want to go find a table ? '' He had picked out two books to look at.

`` Sure, '' rose followed Albus into a reclusive function of the library, away from brothel keeper Pince and the other educatee. They read silently for XV minutes.

`` Well, this record 's sheer trumpery, '' Albus closed his 1st book, `` Says Dad and Voldemort dueled for half a day before Voldemort finally died. ``

Rose broke out laughing, `` Really ? ! Wow, amazing that got published. ``

Albus set aside that record and opened the former one, `` This looks a bit better. ``

`` well, smell who it is ? '' someone said from behind Rose.

Albus glanced up. `` And what do you want, Malfoy ? ``

`` Just seeing what you 're up to on your spare clock time, '' Malfoy smiled smugly, `` I 'm assuming you read the clause. ``

`` Yeah, I did, '' Albus said coldly, `` But it 's not true. Just someone trying to conjure up up bother. ``

`` Never can separate, though, can you ? '' Malfoy sat down at their table, `` The Ministry 's often hushing things up. ``

`` What do you know about that ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Nothing, nothing, just clobber I 've overheard my male parent saying, '' Malfoy looked over at the playscript rosebush was reading.

`` A History of Lord Voldemort, '' Malfoy read the claim, `` interesting deed. Why are you reading it ? ``

`` Just a bit of background reading, never can learn too much. ``

`` Hmm, '' Malfoy looked at Albus, `` So, I hear you got into a bit of a duel the other day. ``

Albus turned red, `` Uh, yeah. ``

Malfoy smirked, `` Ca n't really take on three seventh years. ``

`` He disarmed Willinson, '' rose wine said angrily, `` And is it really your line ? ``

`` No, not really, but I still want to live. ``

`` I could 've taken on Willinson, '' Albus added, `` He 's frightful at dueling. But his two mates got me. ``

`` That 's true, Willinson 's dueling skills leave a lot to be desired, '' Malfoy agreed, `` But he 's smart enough not to duel without others on his side. ``

`` commodity for him, '' Albus mumbled.

`` fountainhead, we 'd better be off to Charms, '' Rose slammed her book shut and got up.

`` Yeah, bye, '' Albus muttered and followed rosebush. They checked out their books, which got them more inquiring blaze from Madam Pince, and headed off to Charms.

charm was surprisingly uneventful. professor Washburn did inquire where lusterlessness was, but he seemed gratify with 'in the Hospital Wing'as an answer. Double Herbology went as usual, although Neville seemed sort of tense and distracted during the grade. Albus had assumed this was because of Rita Skeeter 's clause. Both whoremaster and Amanda had managed to terminate their essays, although lav 's was n't long enough.

`` We should see if we can visit matt tomorrow evening, '' rose wine announced at dinner.

`` Definitely, '' John agreed, `` If gentlewoman Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I ca n't, '' Albus said, `` I 've got Occlumency tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's properly ! '' Rose responded, `` I 'd completely forget. I 'll just skip that moral, then. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well, you do n't even have to do it anyway. ``

`` I know, but it 's really interesting stuff. ``

`` I hope Matt 's ok, '' Albus said in a upset tone of voice, `` Madam Pomfrey seemed so worried. ``

`` I wonder how long he 'll be stuck in there, '' John Lackland asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus answered, `` I just hope he 's conscious now. ``

`` We should probably add his homework, '' rosebush suggested.

`` That 'll cheer him up, '' John said sarcastically.

`` He needs to do it if he 's going to keep up with form ! ''

`` True, '' John agreed, `` speaking of preparation, has anyone finished that essay for Slughorn that 's due tomorrow ? ``

`` I did, '' rose said, `` But let me guess, you have n't ? ``

`` Nope, '' john grinned, `` Want to lend me your bill ? ``

`` Not really, '' blush wine shook her head.

`` I finished it, '' Amanda added, she had been rather quiet throughout the whole conversation. Albus could differentiate that the idea of Matt being a werewolf freaked her out a minuscule bit. He could interpret, considering up until a few calendar month ago, she had n't even known werewolves were tangible. But he did desire Amanda would n't startle treating Matt differently.

`` commodity, I 'll use your banknote ! ''

`` I 'm not quite finished with it either, '' Albus informed them, `` I 've just got to write three more inch, then it 'll be done. ``

The four friends finished up their pudding and headed back to the common room. John worked on his essay with Amanda 's help, while Albus finished his. Rose did other prep, and eventually she decided to help John as well.
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A/N : Longest chapter yet, I think ! I did n't want to break it up because then it would have been two really brusk chapters. And I know when I read stories, I prefer longer chapters.

Thanks as usual to my sister and beta Dancer of Starlight, and my buddy and other sister. Thanks as well to inkheart for the reviews.

I 'd also like to portion that it was about a year ago that I started writing this. So, glad birthday to the story ! I finished it about six month ago.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or any of his many relatives.

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Shortly before seven the future evening, Henry James and Albus headed to Occlumency, while privy, rose wine, and Amanda went to the hospital Wing. As it turned out, the teacher told Rose that they had already sent lusterlessness 's homework to the infirmary Wing and there was no pauperization for her to collect it.

`` masses talking about that article in your form ? '' Albus asked his Brother on the way to the Transfiguration classroom.

`` Yeah, '' James IV responded, `` They always discontinue right when the instructor comes in, though. ``

`` Everyone in my classes have been whispering about it. They try to talk quietly so I ca n't get word them, but I can, '' Albus informed him.

`` That 's what it 's like for me, too, '' Saint James said, `` But you know Peyton Haines, the Slytherin Chaser ? Well, he keeps loudly discussing how the Auror Department unable to do anything and everyone 's in grave danger. Always within earshot of me, too. ``

`` Git, '' Albus growled.

`` I heard he scared the pit out of the Hufflepuffs in appeal today. Said he heard all the demise eater had broken out of Azkaban and no one had caught them yet. warhead of rubbish. Got away with it, too, because Washburn was n't in the room yet. ``

`` Probably would n't let mattered if he was in the way, '' Albus muttered, `` Slytherins can do no wrong in his heart. ``

St. James the Apostle opened the room access to the Transfiguration of Jesus room and walked inside, Albus followed. Hermione was already there.

`` Hi, boys ! '' she smiled and gave them each a hug.

`` Hi, aunty Hermione, '' Albus and James II greeted her.

`` When 's Dad coming back ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, good query, '' Saint James the Apostle chimed in, `` And what 's with that article ? ``

Hermione 's smile faded and she gestured for the boys to sit down. `` He 'll be back later tonight, so do n't worry about that. And as for the clause ... Well, you both know that well-nigh everything Rita Skeeter writes is tripe. ``

James and Albus nodded.

`` That article was written for the lone use of scaring people. All the it did was raise questions. The article itself was just a lode of questions. The slaying do cue people of Voldemort 's sovereignty, so it was quite gentle to just pen this article and send hoi polloi into a panic. The fact that the Aurors have no steer in either slaying just fueled the firing. But I can ascertain you that whatever is going on, your sire and the early Aurors are taking aid of it. And he is perfectly open of teaching here and heading the Auror department, '' Hermione told them.

`` So there is something going on ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, of form something 's going on. There have been two mystical execution, and somebody is trying to see your thoughts, '' Hermione explained, `` But it is cipher the Ministry ca n't handle. ``

`` So, do you screw what 's going on ? '' James asked.

`` Your dad has a few inklings and he has expressed them to me, but I ca n't recount you them, '' Hermione answered, `` Now we 've got to lead off the lesson. Open your books to page 50. ``

Albus and Saint James opened their books and Hermione lectured them for a half hour. Albus found this voice of the lessons extremely boring, but every deterrent example started this way. Albus did n't have a bun in the oven any different from his Aunt Hermione, who was always trying to get him to interpret a lot of books. Eventually, the speech piece of the lesson was over and the hard-nosed part began.

Albus had been getting better at Occlumency. He had yet to prevent Hermione from entering his mind, but usually managed to force her out after a few minutes.

`` Albus, you first. ``

Albus got up from his chair and stood in social movement of his aunt. `` Remember to shut down your mind. Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

Albus stood there, being flooded with his own remembering, for a few min. He saw James levitating Albus 's glass of autumn pumpkin juice at last summer 's crime syndicate reunion, the time he got lost in a Muggle grocery store when he was five, and the first clock time he ever rode a broom. Albus concentrated hard on blocking out all intellection, and he was able to force Hermione out of his mind.

`` ripe job, Al ! '' Hermione congratulated him, `` It took you LE meter than lowest moral. ``

Albus tried two more multiplication, both times producing the same results as the first, and then he sat down to view James.

James had been having a much more unmanageable clip than Albus. He had only been successful once, and it had taken him nearly ten minutes. This time proved to be no unlike, and after fifteen minutes, James had not been able to force Hermione out of his judgement. The last try, he had even wound up laying on the floor. Hermione had thought that was enough, and St. James the Apostle and Albus went back to the common room.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Rose asked, when Albus sat down next to her. rose wine, John, and Amanda were all sitting at one of the tables, doing homework.

`` Pretty soundly, '' Albus answered, `` It 's taking me to a lesser extent time to get your mum out of my mind. But James I ca n't get her out at all. ``

`` He 'll get there eventually, '' Rose responded.

`` Did you get to see lusterlessness ? '' Albus asked as he pulled out his Potions homework.

`` No, '' King John said sadly, `` He 's still unconscious. And Madam Pomfrey still has the room access locked. She 's got a really short temper, too. ``

`` Yeah, Scorpius Malfoy was skulking around ! '' rose wine exclaimed, `` We went up there and he was trying to listen in through the room access. ``

`` Little git, '' Albus muttered, `` So what happened ? ``

`` We told him to go away, but he would n't, '' John Lackland explained, `` He whipped out his baton and tried to hex Amanda, but missed her. gentlewoman Pomfrey came out when she heard the ruction and told him to get back to his common elbow room or she 'd get Slughorn. Then she told us Matt was still unconscious and we would n't be able to see him. ``

`` Malfoy 's really got to stop investigating this, '' Albus responded, `` He ca n't find out. He 's got to mind his own business. ``

`` We ca n't let anyone find out, '' rosiness agreed.

`` But he 's still not up ? '' Albus sighed, `` Whatever is going on, it sounds really bad. ``

`` I know, '' Rose shook her head.

`` Well, his birthday is side by side week, '' lavatory reminded them.

`` Oh, yeah, on the sixth, Wednesday, '' Albus remembered.

`` I think we should do something for it, '' John stated, `` Even if he 's still in the Hospital Wing. ``

`` I bet he will be, '' Rose said, `` But we can still do something if we 're allowed in. ``

`` Let 's plan it, then, '' Gospel According to John announced, `` Our beginning Hogwarts birthday party. Because you guys did n't do anything for mine, '' he added.

`` Your birthday was over the holiday ! '' pink wine lightly smacked him with her DADA book.

`` I know, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned, `` Anyway, we could institute some nutrient into the Hospital extension and have the political party there. ``

`` Great thought ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But none of us know where the kitchens are, '' Amanda reminded them.

`` No problem, '' Albus glanced around the vernacular room, `` Oi ! Bradley, Mark ! '' he waved his two cousins over.

`` Whatcha need, Albus ? '' Bradley asked as he sat down in an empty chair at the table.

`` We 're going to have a little birthday party for our Friend, Matt, '' Albus told them, `` But none of us know where the kitchens are. So, since there 's a Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, could you get us some stuff ? ``

`` Sure, no problem, '' crisscross said, `` Butterbeers and some poppycock from Honeyduke 's sound good ? ``

`` Yeah, that 'd be great. ``

`` What should we get him for a present ? '' Rose asked.

`` Hmm, I dunno ... '' John stopped to think, `` hooey from Weasley 's is always honorable. ``

`` How about a Chudley carom New Jersey ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Sounds good ! '' John agreed. rose and Amanda nodded their heads.

`` Anywhere in Hogsmeade that you could get one of those ? '' Albus asked his cousins.

`` The Quaffle Shop should have it. I 've only been there once. It just opened up this past summertime, '' Bradley told them, `` I can get you one. ``

`` Thanks ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But you 'll possess to give us money for everything, '' Mark told them.

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda each forked over a couple sickle and handed them to Mark.

`` Ok, we 'll get the poppycock and open it to you when we get back, '' Bradley said, and he and St. Mark rejoined their friends on the other side of the vulgar room.

`` It 's really rotten luck that he 's going to be in the hospital annexe on his birthday, '' John commented.

`` Yeah, but we 'll try to root on him up, '' Albus reasoned.

`` What if Madam Pomfrey does n't let us in ? '' Amanda wondered.

`` She better, '' pink wine stated, `` But she 's got to, it 'll be his birthday. If anything, we can always get Amy to let us in. ``

`` True, she 'd be able to convince Madam Pomfrey. She 's got some irritability, '' bathroom laughed.

`` Just as long as we do n't ask her too many query, '' Rose said, `` Amy obviously does n't desire anyone knowing about lusterlessness 's, er, problem. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus told her, `` Hopefully Madam Pomfrey will just let us in and we wo n't need Amy to do any convincing. ``

Rose glanced at her lookout, `` Well, it 's getting form of late. I 'm going to bed, '' she started packing up her book of account, `` Did you all finish your homework ? ``

`` Yep, '' they all answered.

`` Good dark, then, '' Rose got up and walked over to the girl 's dormitories.

`` I guess I 'll go to bed, too, '' Albus put his books away and got up.

`` Me, too, '' John the Evangelist and Amanda put their clobber away. Amanda caught up with blush wine and followed her up the stairs.

can headed up to the boy 's dormitories with Albus. As Albus got set for bed, he thought about lusterlessness 's birthday company. He hoped that mat would be up for it, and that brothel keeper Pomfrey would let them in. Hopefully, they would be able to accept the political party and that it would jolly up him up. He also wondered how much tenacious Matt would be able to keep his arcanum from his acquaintance. Albus only hoped that someday, he would believe them enough to tell them. He got into bed and his opinion drifted to Scorpius Malfoy and how suspicious he was about Matt. Would they be able to go along him from finding out ? And what would encounter if he did get hold out one day ? The thinking of Scorpio finding out worried Albus right until he fell asleep.

******

`` His ideals will be realized, '' a common cold voice surrounded Albus.

`` Whose ideals ? '' Albus asked.

`` The one you fear the most, '' the voice answered. It was coming from a cloaked figure that was circling Albus. They were in a wickedness, small room. Albus was sitting in a hard chairperson in the middle.

`` Voldemort ? '' Albus responded nervously, `` But he 's beat. ``

`` It does n't matter ! '' the voice screamed, `` There are others to deport out his plans ! ``

`` They 're all in Azkaban. '' Albus tried to gain out who the drape material body was, but it was too dark.

`` Not all of them. There are some who roam resign, '' the public figure whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Now, perhaps you can help me. ``

`` Sorry, I ca n't, '' Albus glared at him, feeling braver than he had a second ago.

`` Oh, I think you can, '' the pattern pulled out his scepter and pointed it at Albus. He muttered a tour and Albus 's hands and feet became bound by magical rope. `` Now, maybe you can severalise me where the Hallows are ? ``

Albus 's oculus widened and he stared at the man, `` What do you roll in the hay about Hallows ? ``

`` Not nearly as practically as you do, '' the man answered, `` Now state me where they are ! ``

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted, feeling the roach constrict his hands. He winced in pain.

`` I 'm sure you do ! ``

`` NO ! I do n't ! '' The rope dug into his radiocarpal joint even more as he felt the circulation to his hired man being cut off.

`` William Tell me ! '' The man forcefully shook Albus 's professorship. `` You do n't want to know what I 'll do if you do n't ! ``

`` But I do n't even know what Hallows are ! '' Albus screamed in botheration, `` What are they ? ! ``

`` You know perfectly well what they are ! Now evidence me where they are ! ``

`` NO ! ``

`` Tell ! '' the man shook the chairwoman so hard it fell over, taking Albus with it. He screamed as his straits hit the cold, hard floor.
`` Albus ! '' an anxious articulation whispered, `` Wake up ! ``

`` No, no, no, I do n't know what they are ... '' Albus moaned in his sleep.

`` It 's just a pipe dream, awake up, '' a strong hired hand shook him gently, and Albus wrenched his heart open. He saw John looking down at him with a dash look on his face. Bilius and Ethan were behind him, glancing around nervously.

Albus rubbed his eyes and noticed he was not on his bed anymore. He was laying on the level, in a maze of cover. He was sweating profusely and his heart was beating fast.

`` Should I get brothel keeper Pomfrey ? '' Bilius asked tentatively.

`` Maybe we should get Professor Potter, '' John responded.

`` Is he back yet ? '' Ethan questioned.

Albus started to detangle himself from the bedding. He knew what the aspiration had been. And he knew he needed to see his dad as soon as possible. `` I 'm delicately, I 've just got to go lecture to my dad. ``

`` D'you want me to go with you ? '' Saint John asked.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Albus got up and rummaged in his trunk for his dressing robe.

`` Are you sure ? You do n't look too beneficial. ``

Albus pulled on his gown and stepped into his shoes, `` I told you, I 'll be o.k.. '' He left the dormitory and went down to the abandoned common way. A glance at the clock told him it was just past four a.m. He was about to exit through the portrayal hole, when he remembered what his dad had told him over Xmas. No more wandering the corridors. He looked around the room to try and find a portrait that was awake. He spotted one in a picture of a herd of kine, it was a short circuit knight riding atop a fat pony.

`` exculpation me, '' Albus asked tentatively as he walked over to the picture, `` I was wondering if you could do something for me ? If it 's not too much problem. I need you to go get someone for me. ``

The horse puffed out his dresser and turned his pony towards Albus, `` A seeking ? ``

`` Er, well, I suppose you could regard it a seeking. Who are you ? ``

`` I, am Sir Cadogan, at your service ! '' the knight saluted Albus and bowed his read/write head low.

`` Um, ok, and I 'm Albus thrower. I was wondering if you could go get my dad. Harry Potter. ``

`` Harry potter ! Quite the squeamish Edward Young lad, I remember him well. I helped him on a quest once ! And you are his son. Well, I shall avail you on your quest. I shall not let scoundrel nor beast terminate me ! I will find your dad or I shall perish trying ! ''

`` Thanks, then, '' Albus responded, thinking that this was the foreign portraiture he 'd ever met. And that he 'd receive to ask his dad about the 'quest'Sir Cadogan had helped him with. `` Just distinguish him to occur to Gryffindor Tower, and that it 's very important. ``

`` I will do just that ! '' the foreign knight replied, `` Off I go then ! Nothing shall cease me. Sir Cadogan lets nothing get in the way of his quests. A quest to find the not bad Harry ceramicist ! On with ye, then ! '' he shouted at his trot. Sir Cadogan traveled through a few portrait in the green elbow room, waking up the occupants and earning nasty looks from them as he went. Eventually, the noise died down and Sir Cadogan exited the room.

Albus looked around the uncouth elbow room as he waited for his dad. It was very different in the dead of night. He was the sole resident and had his option of space to sit. As a first class, Albus rarely got the good arm chairs near the fervidness. He walked over and sat down in one, but as the fervency had died away hours ago, it was just as cold as the rest of the room. Albus sighed as he stared into the empty-bellied hearth. What had that aspiration meant ? Who was the hooded figure and why did they think that Albus knew where the 'Hallows'were ? As Albus thought about this, he realized that as frightful as the dream had been, it did chip in him more information on the 'Hallows'. He now knew that they were objects. Objects that someone was trying to locate and probably steal. He would give birth to tell Rose when she got up. But what were the 'Hallows'? And why did this person want them ? It must have something to do with Voldemort 's 'ideals', of course. Whoever was creating these dreams in Albus 's thinker must require to try to extend out Voldemort 's plans. The very opinion of another Voldemort sent shivers up Albus 's thorn. He jumped as he heard a noise behind him. When he turned around, he noticed that Sir Cadogan was back in the picture of the moo-cow. Albus got up and walked over to it.

Sir Cadogan placed his sword into its holster and saluted Albus, `` I have had success with the quest ! The Great Harry potter has been found and shall be entering the room shortly ! ``

Albus looked at the horse and grinned nervously, `` Thanks, Sir Cadogan. ``

`` Anytime ! Anytime ! '' the horse said excitedly, `` I must be off now, for I spotted individual on the way back and I 've got to see what they are up to ! No scoundrel gets past Sir Cadogan ! ``

`` rightfield, '' Albus responded.

`` Well, then, I 'll be off ! '' Sir Cadogan drew his sword again, `` But if you are ever in need of knightly service again, be for certain to call on Sir Cadogan ! '' The strange knight and his jigger sped out of the portrait, yet again waking the occupants of the portraits he passed through, and left the room.

The portrayal hole opened and a very tired looking Harry crawled through. He looked at his son and grinned, `` Ah, the amount of times I snuck back through here in the dead of night ... ''

Albus ran towards his dad and hugged him tight. Harry hugged him back and led him over to the large arm electric chair near the fire. Harry sat down in one and pulled Albus onto his lap. `` What 's going on ? I was just getting to log Z's when that mad knight came in and told me you needed to talk to me. Would n't consecrate me any details, just said it was urgent. I thought he was going to awake half the castle, the way he was shouting through the corridors, '' Harry laughed.

Albus looked at his dad and laughed nervously, `` He was the only one awake. Seemed very eager to go on a quest. And he said he 'd taken you on a quest once. I 'd wish to know all about that. ``

Harry grinned, thinking back to the time in his third yr when Sir Cadogan had led him, Ron, and Hermione to the Divination classroom. `` Of course. How could I forget that ? I was in 3rd class and your Uncle Ron, Aunt Hermione, and I were trying to find out the Divination way. Sir Cadogan helped us see it. We did get there, but he is a bit insane. Later on that year he was recruited to guard the Gryffindor usual way entranceway after Sirius slashed the Fat Lady 's portrait. Of course, everyone thought he was a mass murderer and when Sir Cadogan let him into the tower later on, his solar day as the guard of the room were over. ``

Albus stared at him, `` Wow. Well, he 's got to be the most mad portrait I 've ever met. ``

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry agreed, `` Now, what was so urgent ? ``

`` I had another dream, '' Albus whispered, `` Only this one was different. ``

Harry 's smiling faded away and was replaced by a more serious look, `` What happened in this one ? ``

Albus quickly rehashed the dreaming to his dad, and by the end he was shaking again and almost in rent. Harry wrapped his arms around Albus and held him close.

`` It 's ok, Al, '' Harry reassured him, `` But thanks for letting me know. I hate to say it, but that dream does help affirm what I thought this was leading to. ``

`` And what would that be ? '' Albus asked, blinking back his tears.

`` I 'm grim, but I ca n't assure you. You will find out, though, once it 's all sorted out. ``

`` But what are Hallows ? ''

`` That 's another thing I ca n't tell you. I will distinguish you sometime down the route, though, '' Harry responded, `` Anyway, Hermione tells me your Occlumency object lesson are going well. ``

`` Apparently not well enough, '' Albus groaned, `` After tonight 's nightmare. ``

`` It takes a while, Al, and it 's harder when you 're sleeping. ``

`` I know, and I am trying. ``

`` I know you are. ``

`` So, '' Albus said, changing the subject, `` Did everything go ok at the Ministry ? ``

`` Oh, that went fine, '' Harry told him, `` Everything 's smoothed over. Rita Skeeter 's received a warning and so has the editor of the prophesier. ``

`` Everyone here 's been pretty worried. Rita Skeeter succeeded in scaring everyone, '' Albus responded.

`` Yeah, but it 'll die down. Once the next Quidditch match comes around it 'll all be forgotten, '' Harry grinned, `` Nothing like Quidditch to take your brain off everything. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, `` next match is in three week. Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. I bet Ravenclaw will win. ``

`` You 're probably right. I 'm betting it 'll be between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for the cup. ``

`` Yeah, and I hope we win it ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry smiled and lifted Albus off his lap, `` Now, I 've got to get a few time of day sleep and you probably should, too. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus yawned.

`` I 'll see you in social class later on, Al, '' Harry stood up and gave his son one conclusion hug, `` I love you. ``

`` Love you too, '' Albus watched as his dad left the vulgar room. He smiled as he walked up the circular staircase to the student residence. He felt a unanimous lot better after talking to his dad.

`` Albus, '' John whispered from his four poster bed, `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back as he climbed into bed, `` Are Ethan and Bilius sleeping ? ``

`` I think so, one of them started snoring a few minute of arc ago, '' john told him.

`` good. I had another one of those dreams where person 's using Legilimency on me. ``

`` I figured. Was it the Saame one ? ``

`` No, this one was different. My dad says it confirms some of his suspicion, which is n't really good. He 'll take tending of it, though. ``

`` trade good. So he 's back, then ? ``

`` Yup, everything 's fine with the Ministry and the Prophet, now. fountainhead, Rita Skeeter and the editor program of the prophet got into a bit of bother, '' Albus laughed.

`` That 's great ! I 'm glad your dad 's spinal column. Now things can get back to convention. Well, as convention as they ever are around here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said softly, `` Well, honorable dark. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus did n't get much sleep that night. view of his new incubus kept him up the rest of the dark. He gave up trying to catch some Z's by 7am and got up. By the time Gospel According to John woke up, he was fix to go to breakfast. The two son met Rose and Amanda at the Gryffindor table and had breakfast. Albus noticed that there was a lot of whispering going on and he suspected it was due to the fact that Harry was back from the Ministry. Albus continued thinking about his incubus during breakfast and was very quiet. John and Amanda did not notice this because they were in the midsection of arguing about whether the Potions essay had to be a foot of parchment or just six inches. Albus suspected Amanda was right and the essay had to be a foot. rosiness, however, kept looking at Albus while she ate her food.

`` Is something wrongly ? '' she asked him.

Albus glanced around to check if anyone was paying attention to them, luckily, no one was. `` Yeah, I had another weird dream finally Nox. This one was dissimilar. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose stared at him with wide eyes. `` What was it about ? ``

`` Ca n't differentiate you here. I 'll recount you at tiffin. I 've got to tell James, too. The plebeian elbow room should be empty-bellied when everyone 's at lunch, '' Albus whispered.

Morning social class seemed to draw on forever. Albus kept looking at the clock throughout both DADA and appeal, waiting for lunch. He really wanted pink wine 's impression of the ambition and could n't await to tell her about the Hallows scene of it. Harry started pa by telling the class that everything was straightened out with the Ministry and they had nada to occupy about. Albus suspected he was going to tell every course of study that. Charms was just as atrocious as usual, and it ended with Washburn rescheduling the custody that Albus could n't give ear earlier due to Occlumency. He would be doing lines at noon on Saturday.

Once charm was over, Albus and Rose went to recover James. Rose had told John and Amanda that the Potions essay did stimulate to be a foot, so John Lackland was spending his lunch in the library trying to come up with another one-half foot of essay. Amanda had gone along to aid him. Albus and Rose found St. James the Apostle in the Great residence and after the three of them ate a race luncheon, they headed up to the common room. It was, as suspected, deserted.

`` Ok, so what 's so important that I had to practically skip lunch for ? '' James IV asked once they were in the room.

`` I had another amusing dream last night, '' Albus told him, `` This one was different. '' Albus explained the dream in item, including the voice about the Hallows.

James and Rose stared at Albus for a few moment before rosiness spoke, `` Well, this is is kind of good. Now we know that the Hallows are objects. I was almost thinking that they were a series of tour or something. ``

`` But we still do n't know what they are, '' James sighed.

`` Or why I should know where they are, '' Albus stated, `` This would be a whole lot well-fixed if Dad would just tell us. ``

`` But he wo n't, '' James River replied angrily.

`` And I hate to say it, but I do n't think we 're going to find any result in the library. We 've looked in practically all the leger that have to do with the war and I 've looked through all the Prophets from that year, too, '' Rose told them.

The three of them stood in silence for a few minutes, trying to think of some answers. James River had started pacing. Albus sat down in a chair and tried to call up of some other way they could find out what the Hallows were.

`` well, let 's go over the clew again, '' Rose announced, `` The Hallows are something secretive, and our parents wo n't tell us what they are because they do n't desire us to tell apart anyone. None of our auntie or uncles or first cousin know about them either. So, maybe it 's just our parents who know about them ? If that 's rightful, then no curiosity we could n't find the result in a leger. None of our parents have ever written a book. ``

`` Yeah, '' James IV agreed, `` It 's got to be something just our parents know about. ``

`` fountainhead, they were the ace who destroyed virtually of the Horcruxes. Maybe it 's got something to do with that ? '' Albus suggested.

`` That could be, '' James agreed, `` If only there was mortal else we could ask about it. ``

The way fell silent again, as they sank into their persuasion again. Suddenly rosiness jumped up from her chair. `` I 've got it ! ``

`` What ? '' James and Albus asked at the same time.

`` Who we can ask about the Hallows ! I ca n't believe I did n't reckon of it before ! ``

`` Well, who is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dumbledore ! ``

`` What ? ! '' King James I shouted, `` But he 's drained ! ``

`` I know that, '' Rose said, `` But there 's a portrait of him in Kendrick 's office ! ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Anyway, '' rose began, `` Dumbledore 's the one who told Uncle Harry about the Horcruxes, so he might sleep with something about the Hallows, too ! ``

`` That 's brain, rosiness ! '' Albus grinned at her.

`` Thanks. We just have to figure out how to get into Kendrick 's office. ``

`` That could be tricky, '' Albus said, `` Either of you know where his spot is ? ``

Rose and Saint James the Apostle shook their heads. `` Neither do I, '' Albus sighed.

A arch grin spread across Rose 's face, `` But I know how we can get in. ``

The boy looked at her skeptically. `` How ? '' Saint James asked.

`` well, if you get in adequate bother, you get taken to Kendrick 's position. ``

`` But what if we get expelled ? '' Albus asked warily.

`` Do n't worry, you wo n't. ``

`` You 've got a plan, then ? '' James inquired.

`` Sort of, '' Rose told them, `` I 've got a vague idea. It 'll be me and Albus who are doing it. I 'm going to cause some kind of mayhem in Washubrn 's class- ''

`` Washburn ? ! Are you nutcase ? '' Albus shouted.

`` Just let me explain. Washburn does n't hate me nearly as practically as he hates you. So he 's going to wear the chaos was caused by you since we sit at the same table. He 'll start screech, which will probably make another teacher to come running. Washburn will enjoin that teacher what you supposedly did and you 'll get taken to Kendrick 's billet. You 'll sing to Dumbledore 's portrayal about the Hallows. simple as that. ``

St. James and Albus looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces. `` But I 'll get in Brobdingnagian trouble, '' Albus said flatly.

`` No, you wo n't, '' rose assured him, `` I might, but you wo n't. After Washburn dismisses the socio-economic class, I 'll run to Uncle Harry and severalize him it was really me who caused the misdirection. ``

`` But I do n't want you to get in problem, either, '' Albus told her.

`` It 's ok. I have hardly been in trouble at all this class. Anyway, all we need is the beguilement. ``

`` I 've got it, '' Epistle of James announced, `` One of Uncle George 's pyrotechnic. I 've got a wholly supply up in my student residence. ``

`` Excellent ! '' Rose said excitedly, `` And I 'll just tell Uncle Harry that it went off accidentally. I 'll probably just end up with transmission line or something for having a banned physical object in my ownership. ``

`` perfective tense, '' Albus smiled, finally satisfied that no one would get in huge trouble.

`` I think we ought to hold back a few weeks to do it, since you just got a detention from Washburn, Albus, '' rosiness told them.

`` Ok, just let us know when you think we ought to do it, '' James River responded.

`` I will, '' Rose assured him, `` We 'd better be off to class. See you later. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said to William James as he followed blush wine to Potions. He was excited and nervous at the like fourth dimension at the chance of talking with Dumbledore about the Hallows. Would he finally learn what was being kept from him ? Only time would tell.

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A/N : I 've done it again ! I merged 2 chapters, due to the curtness of each. This resulted in the longest chapter yet. Hope you enjoyed it !

Thanks as always to my beta and Sister, Dancer of Starlight. She has been especially helpful in coming up with eccentric for Albus 's third yr. Thanks as well to my crony and former sister, and to inkheart for the revaluation !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry thrower

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The rest of the week flew by in a flurry of grade and prep. Albus and his admirer found that they had no time to do anything early than homework during their trim time. They had not even found clip to shoot the breeze Matt, but they did n't even know if he was wake up yet. rosiness was already freaking out over the end of terminal figure exams, which were still over four month away, and was using every waking moment to study. Albus was not yet worried about exam and was more relate about just completing all the assigned homework.

Quinton Willinson had not bothered Albus or any of his Quaker since Albus had left the infirmary annex. Albus was not sure whether this was due to Willinson 's coming N.E.W.T. exams, the gravid amount of hold he received, or fear of what Harry would do if he continued tormenting Albus. Albus did not like which one it was, he was just glad Willinson had given up for the sentence being. However, the same could not be said about Scorpio Malfoy. Malfoy continued to pester Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda about what was amiss with mat whenever they were in class together. Albus found this more annoying than anything else, because Malfoy rarely ever brought out his wand during these showdown. Malfoy variety of prompt Albus of his Great auntie genus Petunia because she was also very nosy. Malfoy stood no probability of ever finding out about mat from Albus or the others, but Albus did worry about what would happen if Malfoy found out on his own.

Albus slept late on Saturday morn and woke up with just enough clock time to catch a pungency to eat in the Great Hall before rushing off to his hold with Washburn. As much as Albus hated these detainment, he had become kind of immune to them. Albus had been upset about the first of all few, but lately he had started to conduct them in stride. As long as it was just origin, Albus did n't worry about them too much.

When Albus arrived in the Charms classroom at noon, Professor Washburn was sitting at his desk with the usual scowl on his case. `` Sit down, Potter, '' he barked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus responded quietly while taking a tail at the strawman table.

`` Get out your sheepskin and ink. Write'I will not misconduct in Charms'until I tell you to give up. ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus repeated as he took out a roll of parchment and a pinion. He started to write. Washburn never told Albus how many times he would have to write the line. He supposed Washburn liked to stay fresh Albus there until he looked sufficiently tired and uncomfortable. Washburn had no way of knowing how many lines that would pack. However, he never kept Albus in custody for less than an hour. Albus kept repeating the line on his parchment while trying hard not to wait at the clock. He found that looking at the clock just made the time go by slower. Eventually, Albus stole a glance at the clock and found that it had only been 45 transactions. He sighed.

`` You say something ? '' Washburn growled.

`` No, sir, '' Albus said without looking up from his newspaper. He wrote a few more melodic line and was startled when he heard footsteps come into the room. He glanced up to see that a improbable man he did n't spot walking towards Washburn. The man was wearing a sinister cloak and had short brown haircloth. It reminded Albus of the kind of haircut Muggles in the ground forces had. Washburn got up from his seat when the man approached.

Washburn turned to Albus, `` Do n't go anywhere. If you do, I 'll have you in detention for the rest of full term. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say a word. The strange man followed Washburn into his business office and shut the door behind them. There was silence for a moment and then Albus was able-bodied to hear provoke phonation coming from the place. They had forgotten to sick Muffliato before they started talking. It sounded like they were arguing about something, but Albus could n't pee-pee out what it was. He wished they 'd argue a bit louder. Albus put down his shaft and strained to try what they were saying. The two men stayed in the office for about fifteen minutes before Washburn stormed out of it, looking quite angry, followed by the early man who seemed rather calmness. Albus quickly picked up his shaft and continued his lines.

Washburn returned to his desk while the foreign man walked over to the door. He turned around to seem at Washburn and said icily, `` Remember, this is your job, no one else 's. And I expect you to make out it soon. '' Then the man left, shutting the room access behind him.

Washburn stared at the back of the threshold for a few minutes, before turning and glaring at Albus. `` You 're done. Get back to your vernacular elbow room, '' he seethed.

Albus did not hesitate. He got up quickly and ran out of the room. Today 's detention had been much shorter than others. Albus suspected that this was due to whatever Washburn and the early wizard were talking about. Washburn was definitely up to something. Apparently he had a job to do. But what could it be ? Albus could n't help oneself but wonder if the Charms professor was involved with something evil. He ran all the way to the common room to enjoin his acquaintance what he had overheard.

When Albus rushed through the portraiture golf hole, he immediately spotted his Friend at one of the tabular array. He grabbed a chairwoman and sat down future to Rose.

`` That was short, '' blush wine commented.

`` I know, I lucked out today, '' Albus responded, `` But I 've got to separate you about Washburn. ``

`` What about him ? '' John Lackland asked, looking up from his book.

`` In the heart of my detention, some unknown wizard came barging into the way, '' Albus told them.

`` Who was he ? '' pink wine asked.

`` I dunno, that 's the affair. I 'd never seen him before. ``

`` What did he look like ? '' Amanda asked. Albus described the man, but none of his Quaker recognized the description either.

`` Maybe he was a parent of one of the students, '' rose wine suggested.

`` Who knows ? '' Albus said, `` But he got into a vast disputation with Washburn. ``

`` fountainhead, that 's not difficult, '' King John laughed, `` Anything will set him off. ``

`` What did they contend about ? '' Rose asked.

`` I 'm not certainly. They were in Washburn 's office. I could n't induce out what they were saying, but they were definitely rowing about something. And then, right before the guy left, he said 'remember, this is your job to do and I want it done soon'to Washburn. Or something like that. ``

rosiness, bathroom, and Amanda stared at Albus for a moment before Rose replied, `` That 's so strange. So Washburn 's doing something for this whizz ? ``

`` Yeah, I think so. He 's definitely up to something. And I do n't think it 's anything commodity, '' Albus informed them.

`` You think they 're doing something evil ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Maybe, but I do n't really have it off. ``

`` I dunno, '' John said warily, `` I mean, Washburn 's horrifying to you and James, and all the Gryffindors, really. But I do n't hump if he 's really into the Dark arts or anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' blush wine agreed, `` That 'job'could be anything. It does n't have to be something bad. ``

`` But Washburn seemed so mad about it. Just seems weird to me. ``

`` It 's definitely fishy, but I do n't think we should skip over to termination, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, look at Snape. Uncle Harry thought he was evil, but he was n't. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus sighed.

`` Anyone want to go see if we can inflict Matt ? '' King John asked a few second later.

`` Good musical theme, '' Albus agreed, `` I hope brothel keeper Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I hope he 's awake, '' Rose closed her Quran and put them away in her bag.

`` We can at least try to convince Madam Pomfrey to let us visit him on his birthday if she does n't let us today, '' John reasoned.

The four friends packed up their Bible and put them away in their dormitories. A few minutes later, they found themselves walking to the Hospital Wing. They walked in silence the hale way there, each one knowing what the other was thinking about. All four of them were hoping Matt was awaken and worrying about him. Albus had been worrying ever since the morning he found out Matt was a loup-garou. But at the same time, Albus felt a bit tempestuous that matt would n't commit him with his secret. Albus 's rational slope knew why matte was n't very trusting, but could n't help wishing that Matt would intrust in him. Albus supposed that function of this was due to his dad not trusting him with knowing what the 'Hallows'were. He wished to a greater extent multitude would rely him.

When they reached the infirmary annexe, they noticed that the threshold were still shut, and when Gospel According to John tried to unfold them, they found out that they were still locked as well.

`` This is n't a dependable sign, '' can sighed.

Rose banged on the doors and shouted, `` ma'am Pomfrey ! ``

A minute later, dame Pomfrey opened the room access a gap and stuck her head out. `` What do you need ? ``

`` Is Matt awake ? '' Rose whispered.

`` Yes, he woke up lastly night. ''

`` well, can we see him ? '' Rose asked hopefully.

`` No, I 'm deplorable, but he really ca n't cause visitors right now, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed.

`` Is he all right ? '' lavatory interrupted.

`` He 'll be fine in a couple of hebdomad or so. ``

`` Can we come visit him on his birthday ? It 's next Wed. Please ? '' Albus pleaded.

Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened, `` I think that would be all right. Not before Wednesday, though. I 'll see you then. ``

`` Great ! Thanks, Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus smiled as she closed the room access to the ward.

`` I 'm beaming he 's awake now, '' blush wine said as they walked back to the common room, `` And we get to see him on his natal day. ``

`` Yeah, and we did n't even want Amy to win over her ! '' John grinned.

`` Ca n't wait until Wednesday, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Boo ! '' a voice said from behind them. Amanda shrieked and they all turned around. Thomas Bradley and Mark were laughing.

`` Gotcha ! '' Bradley shouted.

`` We got your stuff and nonsense from Hogsmeade, '' Mark told them. He handed them two bags filled with butterbeer and sweets.

`` Awesome, '' Albus took the bags.

`` And here 's the Chudley shank NJ. Although, what he sees in them ... '' Tom Bradley shook his head word as he handed John the Evangelist the jersey.

`` Thanks, guy cable, '' Albus said to his cousins.

`` No problem, '' Thomas Bradley said, `` I remember the days of not being able to go to Hogsmeade. We always got Stanley and heather to get our stuff and nonsense for us. gladiola those daylight are over now. ``

`` I ca n't wait to go to Hogsmeade, '' can announced, `` Think of all the pranking poppycock we 'll be able to buy. There 's only so much you can fit in your tree trunk and bring from home. ``

`` Endless possibilities, Mate, '' St. Mark told John, `` Well, we 'd better be off. We 've put off the homework long enough. Play first, piece of work later. That 's our motto. ''

`` Bad motto, if you ask me, '' Rose whispered as her full cousin took off for the common room.

`` They 'll survive, '' Albus assured her, `` Have n't failed a class yet, have they ? ``

`` No, they have n't, '' pink wine agreed, `` We 'd better go, too. ''

`` Yeah, I 've still got to publish that totally essay for Potions, '' Amanda sighed.

Albus groaned, `` I 'd forgotten about that. Have n't even started. ``

Albus, blush wine, bathroom, and Amanda continued walking to the plebeian room. Once they were there, they spent the remainder of the afternoon writing essays about the prop of moonstone.

******

During the following few Clarence Shepard Day Jr., Albus and his friends debated about whether they should ask matte how he wound up in the Hospital Wing when they went to see him on his birthday. Albus thought they should stave off the subject altogether, still believing that Matt would severalize them when he was set. However, pink wine thought it would seem untrusting if they did n't ask what happened, because if your friend gets injured, you would want to know what happened. As it stood right now, the exclusively people in the castle who knew what really happened were the teachers, Amy, Albus, rosebush, John, and Amanda. Of class, no one knew that Albus and his Quaker knew what happened. Despite this, many people asked them what happened. Albus just told them he had no idea and after a few sidereal day, they gave up asking. Albus had heard quite a few derisory rumors about it. He overheard a few second year Hufflepuffs telling a twosome Ravenclaws that Matt had been attacked by a thestral. This same story had been repeated throughout the palace, only with a different creature being substituted each time, including a Hippogriff and a centaur. The centaur history was especially ridiculous and Albus was for certain the centaurs would not be glad if that level reached their ears.

In the end, Albus and his friends decided that they would ask flatness what happened, but they would not dwell on the study. Albus was sure that Matt, or maybe even Amy, had come up with some form of taradiddle to cover up what happened. Despite this, Amy was not telling anyone the story. She just ignored anyone who brought it up. Her Friend, including Victoire, stayed close by her at all times and would n't let anyone push the matter. Albus suspected that Victoire had already been fed the fake story, but he did n't ask her about it.

After dinner on February sixth, Albus, Rose, can, and Amanda found themselves walking to the hospital Wing armed with party provision and a wrapped present.

Rose was the initiative to get hold of the doorway and when she went to strike hard, everyone was surprised to find that the threshold pushed open up. `` It 's unlocked ! '' rosiness gasped.

`` That must mean lusterlessness 's doing better ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' whoremaster pushed past Albus and Rose and walked into the room. Amanda followed him and then Albus and rosiness walked in. Albus spotted lusterlessness 's bed, but the curtains were pulled around it. He did n't see Madam Pomfrey anywhere.

`` dame Pomfrey ! '' blush wine shouted, `` Are you here ? ``

Madam Pomfrey peeked her head out from behind the curtain and smiled at them. `` rosebush ! You can jaw as soon as I 'm done giving him his eve potions. ''
`` Ok, thanks, gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Rose responded.

A few minutes later, the nurse came back out and walked over to where Albus and his friends were standing. `` What do you sustain in those traveling bag ? '' she eyed their software package suspiciously.

`` Oh, just some Honeydukes stuff and nonsense, Butterbeer, and a present, '' Albus told her.

`` But none of it 's Weasley intersection, is it ? ''

`` No. ``

Madam Pomfrey relaxed, `` Ok, practiced. The live affair I need is to have this place destroyed while you have your political party ! You can go see him now. ``

Albus ran to the bed, followed by his friends, and pulled back the drapery. Amy was sitting in a death chair next to the bed and whispering to matte. She stopped abruptly when the pall opened.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned and sat down at the end of the bed. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lustrelessness replied hoarsely, `` But I 've been better. ``

`` gladiolus to see you 're awake, mate, '' Saint John sat down next to Albus and set the bag of party stuff on the floor.

rosebush and Amanda smiled and sat in chairwoman that Amy had conjured after they came in. Rose pulled the curtains closed and handed Matt his nowadays. `` felicitous natal day ! '' everyone shouted.

`` Thanks, guys ! '' Matt grinned and tore open the swathe. `` Wow ! A Chudley Canons jersey ! This is splendid ! ``

`` I 'm gladiola you like it, '' Albus said, `` My cousins picked it up in Hogsmeade for us. They also got us butterbeers and confection. ``

`` Excellent ! '' Matt replied excitedly.

lav picked up the bag and passed out butterbeer and jelly slug. `` So, '' he began once everyone started feeding, `` What exactly happened to you ? We 've heard the craziest rumor. You did n't really get attacked by a herd of thestrals, did you ? ``

Matt started choking on his butterbeer and Amy slapped him on the back. He gave her a worried spirit and then looked back at whoremaster. `` Really ? '' he sputtered.

It was a bit difficult to believe that matte had been attacked by thestrals, when Hagrid had the school day thestrals very well trained. But on the other deal, Matt did look like he 'd been attacked by a large tool. He had partially healed cuts, bite, and chicken feed all over all his body. His arms and legs were covered in patch and just about all of his torso was bruised. Albus could see how someone would mistrust he was attacked by a thestral.

`` Well, that 's what the Hufflepuffs are saying, '' John told him.

`` The Ravenclaws think it was a Hippogriff, '' Amanda chimed in.

flatness sighed and glanced at Amy, who gave him a look. `` It was n't either, '' mat began, `` I got a bit too close to the Whomping willow tree. ``

`` What ? ! '' John the Divine exclaimed, `` Really ?

`` Er, yeah, '' mat said.

Albus was debating about whether to ask Matt to dilate or not when he continued.

`` I spent the night here when Albus took me that one Night. Then I left in the morning and went for a walk on the undercoat. I was n't paying attention to where I was going and the tree gave me quite a drubbing. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus responded, `` I 'm glad you 're ok. ''

`` Yeah, '' John said, `` But when do you get to leave here ? ``

`` I 'm not really sure, '' Matt told them, `` Not for at to the lowest degree another week. Madam Pomfrey wants the cuts healed and the bruises faded before I leave. And I ca n't really take the air that wellspring. ``

`` A solid week ? '' rose exclaimed.

`` At least, '' Matt responded, `` I hope it 's not more. I 'm getting so bored. What 's been going on in the rest of the castle ? ``

`` Well, did you see that article Rita Skeeter wrote net calendar week ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I read it yesterday. But Amy told me there was n't anything to worry about. ``

`` She 's right. But the whole rook 's talking about it. Dad thinks it 'll foul up over when the next Quidditch lucifer arrives. ``

`` He 's probably right, '' Rose agreed.

`` I hope I get to leave here before the next match. I do n't want to drop it, '' lusterlessness said.

`` I hope so too, '' John took a sip of butterbeer, `` aught worse than missing Quidditch. ``

`` I can remember of no lupus erythematosus than ten thing, '' rosebush muttered.

`` I think we might have a prospect of winning the cup, '' Albus said excitedly.

`` That would be so cool ! '' Amanda shouted, `` I love Quidditch. I was never into Muggle athletics, but Quidditch is awesome. ``

`` Definitely, '' john agreed, `` I never saw the point of Muggle sportswoman, but I guess if you ca n't represent Quidditch ... ''

They spent the adjacent hr talking about Quidditch and everything else that was going on in the castle. Albus told Matt about how Xavier Goyle had melted his cauldron in potions the other day. The potion had spread across the floor and burned through Scorpius Malfoy and his friend, Jackson Limbert 's, horseshoe. The Gryffindors had thought this was very funny remark, especially when they found out that the potion had turned both son feet pink. other than that, cypher too charge had happened in class during Matt 's absence. Washburn had continued being horrifying to Albus and the other Gryffindors. In Transfiguration, they had started transfiguring Muggle pencils into quill pen. Rose, John, and a yoke of the Ravenclaws were the only ones who had managed to do it.

After they had exhausted the topic of lessons, the conversation turned back to Quidditch. professional Quidditch this time. No one seemed to cerebrate the Chudley canyon had any Hope of ever making it to the Cup. Even matte seemed to agree. No one had any idea who would be playing in the Cup this class, but it did n't matter much because it had already been decided that the Cup would take away place in Russia and none of them would get to go anyway.

Amy spent the total visit sitting future to Matt, so Albus was ineffective to ploughshare the contents of his young dream or what had happened in detention the late Saturday. Albus found out that Amy spent most of her spare time visiting matt. He had never seen such a give babe before. Albus had thought his older first cousin were protective, but they were null compared to Amy.

Eventually, Madam Pomfrey came back to distinguish them that they had stayed long enough and it was clip for them to leave.

`` wellspring, I hope you can leave soon, '' Albus said as he stood up.

`` 'Night, matte, '' John cleaned up the leftover food and put it back in the bag.

`` See you soon, '' pink wine told him.

`` Bye, '' Amanda stood up and followed everyone out from behind the curtains.

`` Bye, Guy, '' lusterlessness yawned as they left.

`` He does n't look unspoilt, '' Albus whispered once they had left the room.

`` No, he does n't, '' rosebush agreed, `` But at to the lowest degree he 's awake. ``

`` Good point, but I can see why lady Pomfrey wo n't let him pass on yet. Everyone would bombard him with interrogation about what happened, '' John pointed out.

`` I do n't think he knows you were in the infirmary offstage that night, Albus, '' Amanda said, `` He says he spent the night in the Hospital Wing, but you know he did n't. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` And they brought him back there so early, there would n't take been any meter for him to wander the reason. ``

`` Do n't level it out, though, '' Rose warned him.

`` I wo n't, '' Albus assured her, `` We agreed that we would n't say anything about what happened now that we 've heard the write up. ``

`` He 'll have to tell us eventually, '' privy reasoned.

`` I know. I hope it 's soon, '' Albus said.

`` I bet it will be soon, '' pink wine told them, `` How many stories can he amount up with about what happens every full Sun Myung Moon ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` I just hope it 's not worse next month. ``

No one said anything else the rest of the way to the common room. Albus knew that everyone else was thinking what he was thinking. That it was very much a possibility that next calendar month would be worse.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks to my former sister and my blood brother. Thanks to inkheart for the review.

You may have noticed that I lost practically all my revaluation for this write up during the site clangoring. I had around 40 and lost all but 8. So delight read and critique !

I thought I 'd share that I 've finished the sequel to this ! Albus Potter and the Tracks They Left Behind, which is about Albus 's 2nd year, will be posted as soon as I 've posted all of this one.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist

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As February progressed, the castle grounds were blanketed in even more than snow. The students found themselves going outside for snowball scrap during practically of their free time. These plot started out as intimate fun, but soon mathematical group of people formed large teams that eventually led to each house having their own squad. On occasion, half the school day would be outside participating. The games usually resulted in a few students going to the infirmary extension. The educatee also tracked quite a bit of snow and mud into the rook and Filch was not glad about it. He spent his sentence lurking near the front doors, waiting to shout out at anyone who came inside with muddy shoe. Albus and his friends participated in a few Abronia elliptica fights, but soon found that the older bookman were able to beguile snowballs and it was hard for them to keep up. It was fun nonetheless, and even rosebush took breaks from studying to fall in in.

They also made sure to see Matt every night. They told him the belated news program of the castling and helped him with his homework. No one mentioned his injuries beyond a simple-minded 'how are you ?'and Albus could tell that Matt wanted to avoid the bailiwick. Eventually, after a wide-cut three weeks in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey finally let him entrust. His bruise had faded, cut had healed, and was looking almost normal. By now, the full rook had heard the Whomping Willow floor, and Albus hoped that no one would ask any query about it.

`` I am so sword lily to be out of there, '' matt said as he set his Word of God down on a table in the commons room the night he left the hospital wing.

`` I 'm glad you are, too, '' Albus sat down and took out his transfiguration book.

`` We all are, '' Rose grinned, but did n't sit down. She walked over to Albus and whispered in his ear, `` I 've got to talk to you, alone. James River, too. We 'll go up to your dormitory. Bilius and Ethan are down here, so it 'll be void. ``

`` We 'll be proper back, '' Albus told lustrelessness, John, and Amanda as he got up. He went up to his student residence and sat on the bed, waiting for his brother and cousin.

A few minutes later, rose wine came into the room followed by a confounded looking James. `` What is it ? '' Epistle of James asked.

`` I think it 's meter for our plan, you know, about getting Albus to talk to Dumbledore, '' rosebush told them.

`` Now ? '' Albus asked in a shocked musical note. The more he had thought about that plan, the more neural he became. It could go wrong in so many ways.

`` Yes, I think so, '' Rose replied adamantly, `` I 've given up the subroutine library research. ``

`` Really ? ! '' James I laughed, `` I 'd break visit the seer ! ``

`` Shut it, James, '' Rose said. `` Tomorrow, during charm, I 'll set off the fireworks and you 'll get sent to Kendrick 's spot. And then maybe we 'll finally get some resolution. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Albus sighed. His oddity trumped his desire to not induce anymore trouble in Washburn 's class.

`` We 'll let you get it on how it goes, James II, '' rose wine told her cousin.

James grinned, `` Somehow, I think I 'm going to pick up about it before I see you. This is magnificent, setting off pyrotechnic in Washburn 's class .... ''

`` I 'm not talking about that ! '' Rose sighed, `` I 'm talking about the stuff with Dumbledore. ``

`` I know, but still. Blimey, I wish I 'd be there to see the look on Washburn 's face .... ''

`` No, you do n't, '' Albus replied, `` He 's going to be white. ``

`` Yeah, but that 's what we 're hoping for, '' pink wine said, `` It 's the exclusively way to get into Kendrick 's office. ``

`` I know, I just wish there was a better way, '' Albus sighed.

`` Me, too, '' Rose said softly.

******

Albus hardly slept at all that night. He tossed and turned while worrying about the next day 's charms class. He finally gave up sleeping around six in the morning and got up. Once john and flatness were up, the three of them headed down to breakfast.

Albus sat next to Rose, who was already there, and served himself some pledge. However, Albus was too nervous to eat it. He just kept glancing up at the staff table, where Washburn was doing his usual morning glare at the students.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked, `` You do n't look too good. ``

`` I 'm just tired, I guess, '' Albus said quietly while glancing at Rose. She gave him a likeable looking at, but did n't say anything. Amanda, John, and Matt had no idea what would be happening in magic spell, of course, so they just thought Albus was sick.

`` Maybe you should go to the infirmary Wing, '' Matt suggested while stuffing eggs in his mouth.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Albus assured him.

Albus could n't pay attending during DADA. Harry lectured during the altogether course of study, but Albus spent the whole time worrying about Charms. The division seemed to go by twice as fast as normal and before Albus knew it, it was over.

Albus walked to appealingness with rosebush, who told him that everything was set. The Weasley fireworks were in her bag, and make to be set off. She did n't tell apart him when it would be happening, but Albus assumed it would be during the practical part of the class.

Washburn stormed into the way in his usual burst of craze. He went to his desk and took attendance. When he got to Matt 's name, a strange smiling appeared on his fount.

`` Nice of you to finally get together us in class, Eckerton, '' he sneered, `` What 's it been ? Three calendar week ? I certainly hope you 've been studying Charms while you skipped year. ``

Albus glanced over at matt, who was turning red and slouching down in his seat.

Washburn continued the attendance and when he was done, he started lecturing. Albus 's heart was pounding loudly now and he could n't make out a word Washburn said. All he noticed was that Washburn was calling on Matt to answer every undivided question he asked. matte had no idea what any of the result were and was looking more execrable each minute. Eventually, Washburn announced that they would be charming paper birds to fly. He said that this charm was much like levitation, and if one was capable of levitating a newspaper razzing, they 'd be capable of making one fly.

Albus groaned as he pulled out his wand. Levitation never ended well in this form, and he knew for a fact it would n't end well today. He glanced down at rose 's bag, which was sitting in between them on the storey. Once Washburn settled down to grade homework at his desk, Albus noticed rose turn her baton from her paper hoot and towards her bag, which had been emptied of everything except the pyrotechnic earlier. She gave Albus a aflutter feeling and muttered an incantation.

A loud detonation erupted from the bag and a great hippogriff made of fire floated towards the ceiling. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at it. A few citizenry screamed. Albus put on a mortified fount while Rose tried her best to face surprised.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn ran out from behind his desk and was in front of Albus within five seconds. Albus had never heard him scream so loud. `` What on earth are you doing ? ! must you always cut off my year like this ? ! Never have I seen such a blatant disruption ! '' He was shouting so loud now that Albus was trusted everyone in the castle had heard him.

`` I 'll take in you expelled from this castle ! '' Washburn continued, `` I 'll make sure you- ''

`` What is going on in here ? '' prof Patil came charging into the elbow room and interrupt Washburn 's tirade. She saw the pyrotechnic and pointed her wand at it. It disappeared immediately.

`` ceramicist has disrupted my class yet again ! He set off a pyrotechnic while I was trying to learn ! '' Washburn informed her, `` And I will clear surely there is some penalty ! He has gotten away with far too much. ``

`` fountainhead, I think this is a matter that is better taken up with the Headmaster, '' prof Patil replied, `` Come along, thrower. ``

Albus nodded and got up from the board. So far, so just. The plan was going as well as it could be. He was going to make it to the headmaster 's position. He followed Patil out into the hallway. Washburn glared at him as he left, his lip porta and closing, but no words were coming out.

professor Patil did not say a word the unit way to the Headmaster 's office. She led him up a few flights of stair and stopped in front of a rock gargoyle.

`` I 'm in the centre of teaching a class, so I 'll pass on you here to see the master, '' she informed him. `` Rubber duck, '' she said to the gargoyle.

The gargoyle opened to reveal a circular stairway. Albus stepped inside and climbed up. His heart was pounding as he stepped off the lastly stair and came into a round room. It was adorned with the portrait of preceding headmaster. There were all sorts of silver gray musical instrument on every surface, along with bookcases overflowing with books. In the rear was a desk with a comfy looking chair behind it. Behind the president was prof Dumbledore 's portrait. Albus glanced around and noticed that he was alone in the room. Luckily, professor Kendrick was not there. Albus breathed a sigh of relief. That was the one thing that could deliver gone wrong with the plan. If Kendrick was there, then Albus would not stimulate a luck to verbalise to Dumbledore.

Albus ran to Dumbledore 's portrait, eager to get this over with, as Kendrick could return any minute. As he approached Dumbledore, he passed the only other portrait that was currently awake. It was a portraiture of a greasy haired, hooked nose man. `` Getting into trouble, Potter ? Just like your father, '' the man said. It was Professor Snape.

Albus chose to brush aside him as he reached Dumbledore. `` Um, excuse me, Sir, '' he started.

`` Hello, Albus, '' Dumbledore smiled, `` I wondered when I 'd be seeing you. But I must ask, what kind of trouble did you cause to be sent here ? ``

`` I, um, er, well, it was n't me, exactly. It was Rose. But we assumed, hoped rather, that I 'd get blamed for it, '' Albus stammered.

`` Ah, you 've been wanting to lecture to me ? '' Dumbledore asked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus replied.

`` I will be glad to help you, but outset I really must know what you and turn out did, '' Dumbledore insisted, `` I am rather curious. ``

`` well, Rose set off a Weasley pyrotechnic in Professor Washburn 's division, '' Albus confessed.

`` Interesting. I seem to call back her mother doing the same in my social class once, although I never could establish it, '' Snape commented.

`` That 's certainly a creative way of getting to peach to me, '' Dumbledore replied, `` But I must tell you that a sound way would be to get off word of honor with another portrayal and I 'd be able to meet you in the common room. ``

Albus slapped his read/write head, `` I ca n't believe I did n't think of that ! Too late now. Anyway, what I want to mouth about is private. ``

`` Oh, I understand. Ask away. ``

`` Um, well, over Christmas, pink wine, Henry James, and I, and a few other of our cousins overheard our parents talking, '' Albus paused, waiting for the reproof for listening in on a conversation.

`` Perfectly perceivable. I do believe that if grownup do n't want youngster hearing their conversations, they ought to use the proper charms against eavesdropping. ``

Albus grinned, `` That 's what I thought, but grannie was pretty mad. She took away all of James 's Extendable Ears. ``

`` What a shame. I always thought those were ingenious. I wish they had been invented when I was your age. ``

`` Anyway, we overheard that they are keeping something from us. A privy, I guess. We always thought they told us everything about Voldemort, the horcruxes, and the Battle at Hogwarts. But now we 're not so sure as shooting. They were talking about figuring out when to tell us something. Something they do n't want us to spread around, '' Albus informed him.

`` I see, '' Dumbledore replied with a heedful aspect on his face, `` Go on. ``

`` well, prof, we think we sort of know what it is. well, I heard them say one word and the same word was mentioned in these unearthly dreams I 've been having. I 've been having dreams due to somebody doing Legilimency on me. I 'm learning Occlumency, though. ``

`` That 's sound, '' Dumbledore said, `` I hope it 's going well. ``

`` Mine is, but James is n't doing so well with his. ``

`` Who 's teaching you ? '' Snape interrupted, `` It 's not your don, is it ? '' Snape laughed at the very thought.

`` No, '' Albus replied coldly, `` But he could if he wanted to. ``

`` No, he could n't, '' Snape replied, `` I tried to teach him, and he is incompetent of the chore. ``

`` He 's doing better now, '' Albus said defensively.

`` Who is teaching you, then ? '' Snape pressed.

`` My aunt Hermione. ``

`` well, as much of a know it all she was, she 's probably a competent teacher, '' Snape approved.

`` Thank you, Severus, '' Dumbledore said, `` Now, continue, Albus. ``

`` Um, right. Anyway, I guess I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the Hallows, '' Albus held his breath, waiting for Dumbledore 's reaction.

Dumbledore sighed, `` I was afraid that 's what you were going to ask. What do you know about them ? ``

`` Not much. My parents have n't told me anything, but I 'm reasonably sure that 's what they 're keeping from us. Rose, Saint James the Apostle, and I have been researching in the library about them, but we have n't found anything. All I know is that they are objects and I learned that from my aspiration. ``

`` Be deliberate not to consider everything those dreams tell you, '' Snape warned, `` That was one of your male parent 's problems. ``

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore said warningly and turned back to Albus. `` You will not find any data about the Hallows in the history books about Voldemort. And this is because there are few who know about their grandness in the final battle. Many of those who do, do not consider it. ``

`` So, they do have to do with the conflict ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, they do, '' Dumbledore confirmed.

`` Will you tell me what they are ? ''

Dumbledore sighed again, `` I am afraid that it is not my place to say you. That province remains with your father. I will order you that they played an important role in defeating Voldemort, but beyond that, you 'll receive to wait until your Church Father is ready to narrate you. ``

Albus groaned, `` But why ? Why wo n't he tell me ? ``

`` Adults have a use of keeping things from children because they think they are protecting them. This is not always the casing, as I have learned on many juncture. I made the same mistake numerous prison term, most of them involving Harry and the info about his past. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus responded, `` Do you experience when he 'll severalise me ? ``

`` No, although I do think it will be soon. Perhaps within the next few months, '' Dumbledore revealed.

`` Months ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` I ca n't wait that long ! ``

`` longanimity is a mightily chastity, Albus, '' Dumbledore said, `` I know it 's hard to wait that long. Which is why I will yield you a little hint. ``

`` A tip ? Like where we can see out about the Hallows without asking my dad ? '' Albus asked hopefully.

`` Not exactly. But before I get to that, I sense there is something else troubling you. ``

Albus thought for a moment before responding. `` Well, I guess there is one thing ... '' he paused, wondering if he should state Dumbledore about Matt.

Dumbledore smiled, but did n't say anything.

Albus sighed. `` Ok, it 's my champion mat. He gets sick a lot, once a month to be exact. And I just found out he 's a werewolf. Not that that affair or anything. I still want to be ally with him, '' Albus said quickly.

`` Ah, yes, Matthew Eckerton, '' Dumbledore replied.

`` You know him ? ''

`` Yes, he voiced a few concerns to me before the school day class started. He and his parents had a merging with professor Kendrick. ``

`` That was straightaway, Potter. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that you found out so quickly. Your father never was able to put the clew together to estimate out that lupine was a werewolf. Miss granger told him, '' Snape interjected.

Albus averted his eyes from Snape and mumbled, `` Er, Rose is the one who really found out. I just confirmed it when I was in the Hospital wing the same time as Matt. ``

`` Of course of study, '' Snape said flatly.

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore warned, `` Continue, Albus. ``

`` It 's just, Matt has n't told us yet. He 's still trying to hide it from us. I just bid he 'd intrust me. It just kind of flavor like no one trusts me. matt wo n't tell me he 's a loup-garou and my dad wo n't tell me about the Hallows. Why wo n't anyone intrust me ? '' Albus told Dumbledore.

`` I understand, '' Dumbledore responded, `` But I do think it 's more rarify than you not being trustworthy. You, I believe, are very trustworthy. As far as lusterlessness trusting you, I will tell you that he had a very rough childhood. He 's been through horrors you ca n't even envisage. I do think he trusts you, but I do n't think he tells many people about his lycanthropy. I know that he is very afraid about what will happen if multitude find out- ''

`` But it does n't matter to me ! Or St. John the Apostle or pink wine or Amanda ! '' Albus interrupted.

`` I know. But past experiences have caused Matt to be reluctant to say anyone. Although I do consider he will confide in you eventually. ``

`` So you agree that I should n't tell him that I know ? '' Albus asked.

`` As long as he does n't get it on that you know, I think that would be a wise choice. ``

`` No, I do n't think he has any melodic theme that I know, '' Albus said.

`` goodness, '' Dumbledore continued, `` Now, I believe trustfulness is a two-party street. You want Matt to commit in you, but can you think of anything that you are keeping from him, and John, and Amanda as well ? ``

Albus wracked his brain, `` Well, just the Hallows, but I do n't even recognise what they are. ``

`` The Hallows, that 's exactly what I suspected you were keeping cloak-and-dagger. But why ? ``

`` Um, I guess I 'm not surely. It just seems like something that I should celebrate to myself. Since my parents have n't even recount anyone, '' Albus reasoned.

`` Ah, but you wish your parents would tell you about them ? ``

`` Yes, but- ''

`` It might be Stephen Samuel Wise to tell your friends, Albus. Just because your parents have n't told anyone, does n't mean you have to continue it to yourself. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, and that is my hint to you. Tell your friend what you know about the Hallows. They just might be able to help you, '' Dumbledore told him.

`` You think they would cognize more than we could get from Koran ? '' Albus asked skeptically.

`` There 's only one way to find out, '' Dumbledore winked.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus responded.

`` Good hazard with that, Potter, '' Snape smirked.

Albus heard a door open behind him and he jumped. He had momentarily forgotten what he had done to get to Kendrick 's office. As he remembered the chaos in Washburn 's class, apprehensiveness consumed him once more. What was going to materialise ? Albus turned around and saw prof Kendrick standing in the doorway.

`` Sit down, Albus, '' Kendrick said as he walked towards his desk.

Albus sat down in the chair in movement of the desk while Kendrick sat down in his chair.

`` Professor Patil told me what happened. Before we start discussing, I 'm going to ask Professor Washburn to come in in. Along with your dad. Hopefully we 'll be able to get to the tooshie of this, '' Kendrick got up from the desk and went over to the fireplace. He threw a fistful of floo powder in and lunge his head into the emerald flames.

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A/N : Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former sister and my brother. Thanks to Moonylupin for the critical review !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` Now, do n't look to produce much more than than a wisp of silvery fog on your first endeavour, '' Harry told his family of bore seventh years, `` Patronuses are difficult for even the best wizards to conspire. ``

`` But my mum and dad said you managed it in your third year, '' Christina Sir Humphrey Davy interrupted.

`` Well, yes, I did, '' Harry told his year, `` But I had wonderful teacher and the motivating I needed to manage it at such a young age. Now, everyone think of a felicitous memory board, just as we discussed- ''

`` Excuse me, Harry ? '' The flames in the schoolroom fireplace turned a smart emerald common and the headmaster 's face appeared in it. The totally class turned to look towards the hearth and were shocked to see Professor Kendrick 's head.

`` Yes, Professor ? '' Harry answered in a throw tonicity. Fireplaces had been installed in all the classrooms during the rebuilding of Hogwarts after the fight in decree for the teacher to intercommunicate faster in the consequence of an pinch. Harry had never used his fireplace before and was a bit worried when he saw Kendrick in it.

`` Your son caused a hoo-ha in Charms just now- ''

`` What did Jesse James do this time ? '' Harry sighed.

`` No, not James. It was Albus, '' Kendrick told Harry.

`` What ? ! '' Harry was baffled. He never imagined Albus would stimulate enough trouble to be sent to the schoolmaster 's office. Even Saint James the Apostle had avoided that so far.

`` Yes, it was Albus. He 's in my post right now and I 'd like to discuss it with you and Professor Washburn, '' Kendrick said

`` All right. I 'll come across you in your part in a few minutes. ``

`` I 'll see you then, '' Kendrick 's head disappeared and the flame returned to their common orange.

The 7th years all turned their heads back to Harry, with expression of electric shock on their faces.

`` What did Albus do ? '' Victoire asked, `` I ca n't imagine him getting in trouble. ``

`` I really do n't jazz what happened, Victoire, '' Harry answered.

`` Were his friends in on this, too ? '' Amy asked anxiously. Harry could tell she was worried about her brother getting in trouble.

`` I 'm not certain. I just heard about this now, '' Harry responded, `` I 've got to go. I 'm dismissing social class now. I trust you 'll all use this time responsibly, '' Harry grinned, knowing they 'd all use the time to goof off. `` We 'll stay with Patronuses next class. ``

Harry left the classroom as his student were packing up. He made it to Kendrick 's office in record fourth dimension, gave the password, and entered the elbow room. Kendrick was sitting behind his desk, with Albus and Washburn sitting in movement of it. There was an discharge chair between them. cypher was saying a word. Both Dumbledore and Snape 's portraits seemed to be paying close attention. Harry walked over to the void chairperson and he noticed that Albus was shaking and he looked extremely scared.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry whispered and gave his son a quick hug before taking the middle seat. Albus remained quieten and he was staring straight at Dumbledore 's portrait.

`` Daddy wo n't be able-bodied to salvage you this time, Potter, '' Washburn sneered.

`` That 's enough, Jameson, '' Kendrick said calmly, `` Now that Harry is here, could you please explicate to both of us what happened ? ``

`` I was trying to learn and all of a sudden, there was an plosion and a firework emerged from the table he was sitting at, '' Washburn pettifoggery, `` He set it off to cause a disruption. He 's been doing it ever since the beginning of the year. ``

`` Is this true, Albus ? '' Kendrick asked. All three adults turned to count at Albus, who was sinking lower in his seat. He did not say a word.

`` Of path it 's true ! '' Washburn growled after a few consequence of silence.

A loud battering disrupted their discussion. Harry turned away from Albus and looked at the billet room access. `` Do you require me to get that ? ``

`` Yes, I suppose, '' Kendrick replied.

Harry got up and went over to the doorway. He opened it and rose came bursting in. She was out of intimation and looked flushed. `` Do n't. Expel. Him. '' she panted.

`` What ? ! '' Kendrick said, `` I was n't planning on expelling Albus. ``

`` You should ! '' Washburn stood up and glared at Kendrick.

`` Sit down, '' Kendrick responded, `` You have to respect my decisiveness. I will not expel Albus, but there will be a punishment. ``

`` No ! '' rose wine shouted. She walked towards Kendrick 's desk and stood in front of it. Harry followed and stood behind Albus 's chair. `` It was n't him ! '' she announced.

`` What do you have in mind ? ! '' Washburn exclaimed, `` Of course it was him ! I saw him ! ``

`` No, you did n't. You saw it came from our mesa, there was no way you could separate who actually did it. King John, matt, and I were also sitting at that table, '' rosebush explained.

`` What are you getting at, Rose ? '' Harry asked. Now he was thoroughly confused about the completely event.

`` It was me, '' rosiness said simply, `` It was my pyrotechnic. ``

`` You set off a firework during a course of study ? '' Harry was mystified. If there was anyone who was less likely than Albus to cause trouble during class, it was rosebush. rosebush did love causing problem, but she never did it during classes.

`` wellspring, not really, '' rosiness glanced shiftily at Washburn and then returned her regard to Harry. `` Not intentionally, that is. It was one of those new firework that Uncle Saint George is working on. They 're still in the testing degree. The ones that are supposed to actually disappear if you vanish them, but then reappear an hour or so later. Only right now they permanently disappear. ``

`` That 's good, '' Harry breathed a suspiration of relief. There were much unsound observational products that could hold accidentally gotten set off.

`` Anyway, they 're very unstable right now and they go off if there 's a lot of magic around, and we were practicing charming theme razzing, '' Rose told him.

`` Why did you give it ? '' Harry asked.

`` I, um, took it during Christmas prison-breaking, '' Rose mumbled while looking at her feet.

`` What ? ! '' Harry exclaimed.

`` I found it at the burrow and did n't realize it was one of the observational 1. I just realized that the early day. ``

`` And why was it in your bag ? ``

`` I was meaning to establish it to you during pappa, but I forgot, '' pink wine confessed.

Harry sighed, `` All right. I guess that mystery is solved. ``

`` What about penalization ! They need to be punished ! '' Washburn shouted while glaring at Rose.

`` Rose will get lines, but seeing as Albus was n't actually involved, I ca n't punish him, '' Kendrick explained.

`` But, but, '' Washburn sputtered.

`` And that is final examination, Jameson, '' Kendrick said firmly, `` Now, Albus and Rose, you should get going to your next course of instruction. Rose, you can do your lines with Professor Washburn tomorrow Nox at seven. ``

Albus and rosiness nodded. Albus got up and gave Harry a hug before he followed rose wine out of the room. He still did n't say anything, but he looked a bit less scare away than he had earlier and he had stopped shaking.

Kendrick stood up, `` I 'm gladiola we got this all straightened out. I shall see both of you later. ''

Washburn glared at Harry and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Harry turned to leave as well, but stopped when he heard a intimate voice. `` Harry, I would like to discuss something with you, if you have time. ''

Harry turned around and saw the familiar case of Albus Dumbledore looking at him. `` Yeah, I 've got time. ``

`` I 'll go away you to your conversation, then, '' Kendrick said as he left his office.

Harry walked over to Dumbledore 's portrait, `` What is it, Professor ? ``

`` I had an interesting conversation with Albus earlier. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry was very curious as to what the two of them would have talked about.

`` Oh, yes, '' Dumbledore continued, `` He has been wondering about the Hallows. ``

`` The, the, Hallows ? '' Harry stammered. He did n't think his kids had ever even heard of the Hallows.

`` The Hallows. He overheard you talking about them over Christmas holiday. He, King James I, and rosiness have been attempting to research them in the library ever since. ``

`` They have ? ''

`` That 's what Albus told me. Naturally, they did not happen any solvent, '' Dumbledore went on, `` So, Albus asked me what I knew about them. ``

`` And did you differentiate him ? '' Harry asked anxiously.

`` I told him I do know about them, but that I could not render him the result he wanted. I believe that is your duty, Harry, '' Dumbledore responded.

Harry breathed a suspiration of relief, `` Thank you. ``

`` Why have n't you told them, Harry ? ``

Harry stopped to suppose. Dumbledore gazed at him while waiting patiently. `` Well, I guess because I do n't want a whole lot of multitude knowing about them. The conclusion thing we need is to possess someone seeking them out. ``

`` But you fear that is what 's happening. ``

`` Yes, I do. I 'm afraid that 's what the woolgather mean, '' Harry told him.

`` Are you afraid the kids will tell the whole school ? ``

`` I guess I am, '' Harry confessed, `` Especially James. He 's always so eager to state everyone he meets stories about me. ``

`` He is gallant of being your son, '' Dumbledore said, `` And I think if you expressed your concern about others knowing about the Hallows, they would keep the hush-hush. ``

`` You 're probably right, '' Harry sighed, `` But I 'm also afraid about whoever 's doing the Legilimency finding out about them. If I tell the kids, then whoever wants the Hallows will be able to happen out where they are. ``

`` Perhaps. It is a baffling cry. But I 'm certain you 'll always piddle the right on decision in the end, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Were you ever planning on telling them ? ``

`` Yes, I was. ``

`` When ? ``

`` I 'm not sure, I guess, '' Harry responded, `` When they were a bit older, I suppose. But I was waiting for the proper moment. ``

`` And that present moment might be approaching earlier then you thought, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Albus thinks you do n't swear him. ``

`` He does ? '' Harry sighed. This was getting more complicated by the moment.

`` Yes, he told me. He is a bit upset about it. But it is aided by the fact that you are n't the only one keeping a big secret from him. ``

Harry paused to think. Who else was keeping secrets from his son ? `` Oh, his friend, matte, right ? He has n't told Albus yet, has he ? ``

`` No, he has n't. But Albus and Rose have figured it out on their own. I do n't guess he fully understands why lusterlessness has n't told him. He just sees it as the people he loves are n't trusting him. ``

`` Oh, no, it 's so much more complicated than that, '' Harry responded.

`` That 's what I told him. But that is an issue that 's between him and Matt and there is n't a great deal you can do about it. What you can do is reconsider when you are going to state your fry about the Hallows. ``

`` Yeah, I guess I will. I just do n't require to rush into it. Maybe at the end of term would be expert. That way they can work the estimate over the summertime at home where they wo n't be tempted to tell others about it. ``

`` That would be wise, '' Dumbledore smiled.

`` Thanks for telling me, professor. I should probably get going, '' Harry said.

`` I shall see you soon, Harry. ``

`` Bye, '' Harry turned around and left the authority. He thought about what Dumbledore said on his way to the Great Hall for lunch. What Dumbledore said made sense, but he was still loth about telling his kids about the Hallows.

******

`` That was an telling lie the Weasley girl told, '' Snape said curtly to Dumbledore after Harry left.

`` Yes, it was, '' Dumbledore agreed.

`` But you did n't tell thrower about it. ``

`` No, I did not feel it was necessary. I do n't intend anymore penalty would throw accomplished anything. I ca n't imagine Albus or rose wine will do anything like that again in the near future, '' Dumbledore explained.

`` They did lie, though. They lied to the headmaster. That deserves punishment, '' Snape responded.

`` Perhaps, perhaps, '' Dumbledore said calmly, `` But, Severus, you did not order Harry either. ``

******

`` That was crazy, '' Albus shouted after he left the headmaster 's power with rosiness. As soon as the gargoyle closed behind them, James appeared in front of them.

`` Well, are you in huge difficulty, Albus ? '' he asked anxiously.

`` Luckily, no, '' Albus told his brother.

`` What happened, then ? '' William James pushed, `` Are you going to tell us about your public lecture with Dumbledore ? ``

`` Of course ! '' Albus said, `` Just not here. What if someone heard us ? ``

`` There 's still an time of day until our succeeding class, why do n't we go up to the unwashed way ? It might be empty now, '' Rose suggested.

`` goodness idea, '' Albus agreed. He started walking towards Gryffindor tug. James and rose wine followed, neither of them saying a word.

The commons elbow room was empty. Albus, James, and pink wine hurried inside and snagged the well armchairs near the firing. Jesse James and Rose looked at Albus expectantly, waiting for him to begin.

Albus launched into a prolonged explanation about his conversation with Dumbledore. James and Rose sat quietly and did n't disrupt him. Albus told them every bit of the conversation, except for the character about Matt. Albus would order mount about that later, after Jesse James left.

`` So, Dumbledore knows ? '' King James I said after Albus finished.

`` Yes, he does, but he wo n't narrate me much, '' Albus explained, `` Just assure me to ask my ally. ``

`` That 's so unusual, '' Rose furrowed her brow, `` Why would they have sex anything about the Hallows if we do n't ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Jesse James commented, `` He was a bit mad, though. ``

`` Yeah, but he was brilliant. He has n't been wrong about much, '' Albus reminded them.

`` So, you think we should tell our friends ? '' Rose asked.

`` I 'm not really sure, '' Albus confided, `` I 'd be willing to try anything right now to picture out what the Hallows are, but what if Dad 's mad that we told citizenry ? ``

`` He ca n't be mad if we do n't even experience what they are, '' James IV reasoned, `` As far as he knows, we 've never even heard the parole 'Hallows'. ``

`` That 's unfeigned, '' Rose said.

`` wellspring, Dumbledore seems to recall that Dad 's going to tell us soon, possibly this year, '' Albus reminded them.

`` Maybe we should reach it another month or so ? '' rose suggested, `` Maybe something will call on up in the program library. ``

`` Dumbledore said we wo n't find anything in the library. The Hallows do birth to do with Voldemort 's downfall. He told me that practically. And hardly anyone knows about that part, of course. ``

`` I guess we could give it a trivial while longer, to see if he tells us about them, '' James sighed.

`` Ok, then, we 'll wait a bit longer, '' Albus agreed, `` Anyway, if Dad wo n't tell us, he certainly wo n't need our champion to experience. ``

`` Yeah, '' James said, `` Oh, what punishment did you wind up with ? ``

`` I got detention tomorrow night, '' Rose told him.

`` I got nothing, '' Albus grinned.

`` What ? ! '' King James shouted, `` Nothing ? ``

`` Nope, nothing. ``

`` I convinced them it was me. Well, I convinced them the firework went off accidentally, '' Rose explained the tarradiddle she told about the experimental firework.

`` That 's puzzle, '' James grinned, `` You must be an excellent liar. ``

pink wine blushed and suppressed a smile.

`` speech production of amazing, '' Albus started, `` How did you feel out where Kendrick 's office is ? ``

`` That would be all me, '' St. James continued smiling, `` All my brilliance. ``

`` What did you do ? '' Albus asked suspiciously.

`` wellspring, I expected to obtain Uncle Harry in his part after class, but he was n't there. I was so disturbed you 'd get expelled before I was able-bodied to explain. So I went to happen Saint James the Apostle so we could figure out what to do- ''

`` Let me secernate him, blush wine, '' Jesse James interrupted, `` We ran back to Dad 's role and that 's when I thought of how we could ascertain the office. Mind you, I wish I 'd thought of it earlier and then you would n't have had to do the whole firework affair. ``

`` Well, what was it ? '' Albus asked impatiently.

Saint James reached into his robes and pulled a rather old looking piece of lambskin out. `` The Marauder 's Map. ``

Albus stared at it and smacked his forehead. `` Of course ! Why did n't we cogitate of it before ? ``

`` I dunno, but the sentiment just popped into my brain. I 'm so happy Dad told us how it worked. We were able to see Kendrick 's post, but of course the door was closed and we did n't know the password. But then we looked at the map and the little dot labeled 'Rose Weasley'had a speech bubble that said 'Rubber duck's egg'. So Rose said that and she was in. Easy as that. ``

Albus continued to stare in awe at the map. `` So now you 've got the map ? You 're going to be in immense bother. What if Dad 's using it ? ``

`` I do n't think he is. It was n't sitting out or anything. We were n't even sure it was there, thought he might suffer left it at habitation. I summoned it. It came flying out of the bottom of a proboscis that was shoved in the binding of the storage cupboard, '' King James explained.

`` Are you going to keep it ? '' Albus asked.

`` For now, '' James told him, `` At to the lowest degree until I hear anything about Dad wondering where it is. ``

`` I hope you do n't get in difficulty, William James, '' Rose warned, `` Be deliberate. ``

`` I will, do n't worry. I 'd just like to get some mischief in, '' King James grinned.

`` Be careful about who sees it, too, '' Rose insisted.

`` I 'm just letting Nathan and Bradley see it. And Cedric and Ben, of course of action. They know all about it. And they keep asking when I 'd manage to nick it. ``

Rose sighed, `` Fine. Well, we 'd scoop get going to form. '' She stood up and walked towards the portrait hole.

Albus got up and followed rosiness, `` See ya later, James. ``

`` Bye, '' James II waved.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my blood brother. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Peter for their reviews !
Please learn and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter

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As the week progressed, Albus fell back into his usual Hogwarts procedure. His homework drove well-nigh of the sentiment about the Hallows out of his head. He occasionally thought about telling whoremaster, Matt, and Amanda about them, but he decided not to. King James, who was even more than busy than Albus, did not seem to be lingering on thoughts of the Hallows either. Between preparation, Quidditch drill, and Occlumency lessons, he hardly had any leisure meter at all. Albus had yet to hear about any amazing frivolity that James II had been able to deplumate off with the assistant of the piranha 's Map.

Towards the end of the hebdomad, Albus and his supporter had something else to worry about that succeeded in Albus momentarily forgetting about the Hallows all together. The full moon. It fell on a Monday this month. The Sunday before it, Albus and his friends were enjoying a snowball combat on the grounds.

scag ! john had sent a snowball at the back of Albus 's foreland and the force caused him to devolve face first into the deep snow. `` I 'll get you ! '' Albus shouted as he stood back up and formed a expectant snowball. He sent it flying across the nearly abandon Quidditch Pitch towards privy. But toilet was too quick. He jumped aside and the sweet sand verbena hit mat instead.

`` Ha, ha ! '' John shouted gleefully. They were having a team snow chunk fight. It was John and rosebush versus Albus, matt, and Amanda. bathroom seemed enrapture that Albus had hit one of his own mate instead. john rolled another snow glob and threw it at Amanda. It hit her lame in the dorsum. She in bit quickly made a snowball and threw it at Rose. rosiness jumped aside and the Abronia elliptica sailed into the ground behind her. Despite the fact that Albus 's team had three hoi polloi and John and rose wine were only two, John and rose wine seemed to be doing much better. toilet had a good arm and very good aim and was great at dodging snowballs.

Albus quickly made another snowball and was about to throw it, but he noticed that lusterlessness still had n't gotten up. He dropped his sweet sand verbena and ran over to Matt and was hit in the head by a snowball sent by John.

`` plosive the game ! '' Albus shouted and pointed to matte. St. John, rosebush, and Amanda glanced over and immediately dropped their snowballs.

`` matt, are you all right ? '' Albus poked Matt 's arm, but he did n't respond.

`` mat ? '' can rolled him over onto his back. matte groaned. St. John the Apostle pulled him up into a seated position. `` We should probably go inside, '' King John said to Albus.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed Matt 's other arm and he and John the Divine pulled mat to his feet. `` I 'm sorry, I did n't think I threw it that hard. ``

`` I did n't call up you did either, '' John agreed. They walked back towards the castle, supporting Matt between them.

`` Maybe we should go to the infirmary annex, '' blush wine suggested.

`` No, no infirmary Wing, '' Matt whispered, `` I 'm exquisitely. I 've just got to lie down. ``

`` Are you sure ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll be ticket. Let 's just go back to Gryffindor, '' Matt said.

They walked slowly back to Gryffindor towboat. By the time they were at the uncouth room, lusterlessness was able to take the air unsupported, although he still did n't look good. Once they were in the room, Matt made a beeline for the dormitory. Albus and John went with him so they could dump their wet cloaks and scarves.

`` Are you going to stay up here ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` I think so, '' lustrelessness said as he climbed into his bed.

`` Ok, well I hope you 're feeling better, '' Albus replied.

`` Me, too, '' St. John the Apostle said. But by the metre the two son left the room, Matt had already fallen asleep.

Albus and John headed back down the circular staircase and back into the commons elbow room. The room was packed and very noisy. rosiness and Amanda had already settled themselves to doing prep at a small secluded table in a nook of the room. Albus and John sat down across from the girlfriend and took out their books.

`` So, '' Albus whispered, `` Is the total moon sometime soon ? ``

`` Yep, '' blush wine told him without looking up from her preparation, `` It 's tomorrow. ``

`` D'you think it 'll be as bad as last time ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose answered, `` I really do n't cognise why his translation are so bad. ``

`` I think he 's part of that bailiwick Uncle Bill was talking about, '' Albus told them, `` When I was in the Hospital backstage last calendar month, the Healer mentioned a study, but lady Pomfrey shushed him before he elaborated. ``

`` Then that might explain it. But why would he be in the field of study if it 's just earn matter worse ? '' John asked.

`` Who knows what it was like before it, though, '' blush wine commented.

`` respectable point, '' trick responded. The four friends sank into their thoughts and continued working on their prep in secrecy for a half hour. The disturbance in the mutual room made it difficult to carry on a conversation. Albus managed to cease his appealingness preparation, but it took him longer than usual since he was distracted by worrying about Matt.

Albus closed his charm record and put it back into his bag. When he looked up, he was surprised to see matt coming over towards them. Albus sat back up and poked John, who was still working diligently on his Herbology essay that was due the next day. John looked up as matte sat down side by side to Rose.

`` What are you guys talking about ? '' matte asked.

`` Not much, really, we 're just doing prep, '' John told him, `` I guess I 'll have to finish this after dinner. '' He closed his Herbology book and stuffed it in his bag.

`` You coming to dinner ? '' Albus asked Matt, `` We were n't sure enough if you 'd be up. ``

A look of affright flashed across Matt 's face, `` Why would you think that ? '' he asked quickly.

Albus glanced shiftily at trick, `` Er, just because you did n't bet too good after getting hit by that snowball. ``

matt visibly relaxed, `` Oh, um, I 'm feeling better now. ``

`` That 's just, '' Albus answered. Matt did seem a bit better, although he was still often paler than usual. `` Let 's go eat, then. I 'm starved. ``

Rose and Amanda packed up their work and the chemical group headed down to the Great residence. Even though flatness went to dinner, Albus noticed that he did n't eat much. After dinner, they headed back up to the common room to finish their homework.

`` I 'm still three in shortly, '' St. John announced after he worked for another twenty minutes on his Herbology essay.

`` Let me see it, '' pink wine reached over and took lavatory 's essay. She read it silently for a few moment. `` You can flesh out on the uses of Devil 's side drum in Potions. ``

`` Devil 's snare has the States in Potions ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, in more come on Potions. It 's in the book, '' Rose told him. John flipped through his Word of God and began working on his essay again.

Albus had finished his Herbology essay the previous day and was currently working on a DADA essay that was also due the future day. `` Have you guys all finished the dad essay ? '' he asked.

`` Yes, '' Rose responded without glancing up from her book.

`` Yeah, '' Amanda answered while working furiously on her star chart.

`` Huh ? '' lusterlessness picked his principal up from his book. He had fallen asleep in his DADA book.

`` Have you finished the DADA essay ? '' Albus repeated.

`` Oh, no, but I 'll get it done, '' Matt said tiredly and put his fountainhead back down on his book.

Albus glanced at Rose, who gave him a worried aspect. Albus had a feeling that Matt would not be getting the essay done. They both went back to their work without saying a word. A few minutes later, someone tapped Albus on the shoulder.

`` Hey, '' someone said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Victoire standing behind his chairman. `` Oh, hi, Victoire. What 's up ? ``

`` Not much, '' Victoire sat down in the chair next to Albus. `` Amy and I just have to recite you something. '' Amy had sat down future to Matt and was trying to awake him up.

`` What is it ? '' Albus asked. whoremonger, Rose, and Amanda had all looked up from their body of work and were waiting for Victoire to get on with it.

`` Quinton Willinson has finished his detentions, '' Victoire told him.

`` Oh, great, '' Albus groaned.

`` I just thought you should sleep together, '' Victoire said.

`` Do you guess he 's going to trouble me anymore ? '' Albus asked.

`` He might. detention certainly deterred him for a month, but who knows what could bump now that he 's done with detention. I 'd just watch out, if I were you. All of you. ``

They all nodded, except for lusterlessness, who was sleepily paying attention to something Amy was whispering in his ear.

`` Well, I 've got studying to do, '' Victoire stood up, `` You coming, Amy ? I still have n't finished that Arithmancy material. ``

Amy stopped whispering to flatness and looked at Victoire. `` Uh, yeah, I have n't finished it either. '' She said something else to matte and then stood up and left with Victoire, while glancing once more at her brother.

`` fountainhead, this could be bad, '' Rose said once they left.

`` I know. He 's going to be livid after having detainment for a month, '' Albus replied.

`` You 've got to be careful. He 's going to want revenge again, '' John said.

`` Yeah, he will, '' Albus agreed.

`` Has Slughorn mentioned anymore parties ? '' privy asked.

`` No, surprisingly not. But I 'm not going to any even if he does. ``

`` I think that 's a good idea. I wo n't either. We should try and deflect Willinson, '' Rose responded.

They worked on their homework for another hour before going to bed. matte had fallen asleep again shortly after Amy and Victoire left, and Albus had to poke him rather hard to come alive him up. Once they got up to the dormitory, flatness collapsed onto his bed and was asleep within minutes.

Albus lay awake for a spell before he managed to return asleep. He was worried about flatness and about what Willinson was going to do now that he was free from custody. Albus tried to clear his judgement, but there were so many things worrying him that he found it impossible. His rest was filled with strange dreams, involving Willinson, along with the usual nightmare about the Hallows.

Albus went down to breakfast the next sunup with John the Divine and mat. They were running late because it had taken John and Albus a patch to waken Matt up. By the clip they made it to the Great G. Stanley Hall, rosebush and Amanda had already finished breakfast and were getting quick to go to DADA.

`` There you are ! '' rosebush said when Albus sat down next to her, `` You 'd meliorate eat fast. We 've got to go to class in five minutes. ``

`` I know, it took us forever to get him up, '' Albus gestured to Matt, who was leaning his straits on his arm and not eating anything. rose wine nodded and glanced at Matt sympathetically.

Albus and Saint John shoved a few slices of toast into their mouths and then the group was off to DADA. They managed to run into the room before the buzzer rang, but they were the last unity there. There was only one table useable, the one in front, which happened to be powerful in front of the mesa Scorpius Malfoy and his friends sat at. Albus groaned silently and sat down at the mesa, hoping Malfoy would n't mention mat 's fatigue.

`` I 'll take in your essays now, '' Harry announced once he 'd finished taking attendance. He got up and went around the room to collect the essays.

Albus handed his dad his essay and Harry moved on to matte. lusterlessness was laying his point on his volume and seemed to be asleep. Harry lightly tapped him on the shoulder. `` Huh ? '' lustrelessness glanced up.

Malfoy snorted loudly behind them and Albus turned around and glared at him.

`` Do you have the essay done ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` Oh, no. I 'm bad, Professor, '' mat whispered, `` I tried to get it done last nighttime, but I just ... '' his representative trailed off.

`` It 's all right, '' Harry replied, `` Try to have it done by following week. I know I did n't dedicate you a great deal sentence, since I just assigned it Friday. ``

Matt nodded and put his oral sex back down on the table. Harry went back to his desk and started the day 's lecture. `` Today we are going to continue- ''

`` Sir, '' Malfoy interrupted, `` Sir, why does he get supererogatory time for his essay ? '' Malfoy pointed at Matt.

Harry sighed, `` I do not think that is any of your concern, Mr. Malfoy. ``

`` But it 's not very sightly, is it ? Why ca n't I have surplus meter ? ``

`` You handed in your essay today, did n't you ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yes, why ? ``

`` Well, then, you obviously are in no indigence of extra prison term. If you ever think you need superfluous time for an assignment, just tell me why and I may accord it to you. ``

`` But- ''

`` That 's the end of this discussion, Mr. Malfoy, '' Harry cut him off, `` Now, back to the example .... ''

Harry lectured for the total class. Throughout the first half of class, Malfoy repeatedly poked lusterlessness with his wand to try and wake him up. Albus turned around and glared at him numerous sentence but Malfoy kept doing it. Eventually, Harry noticed and threatened Malfoy with detention if it continued. Albus was relieved when class was over, but they still had to work it through appeal with the Slytherins. Although Albus knew even Malfoy would n't intrude anyone with his sceptre in Washburn 's class.

`` So, first you get particular treatment from dame Pomfrey and now from prof Potter, too ? '' Malfoy glared icily at matte after they left the dada room.

`` Just leave him alone, '' Albus growled.

`` I will find out why, you can depend on it, '' Malfoy stared at Matt, who had gone as blanch as a ghost when Malfoy said this.

`` Is there a problem ? '' Harry had just left the classroom and was standing behind Malfoy.

Malfoy jumped as he heard Harry 's articulation, `` No, Professor. '' He gave lusterlessness one more glare before taking off for the spell classroom.

`` I 'll see you later, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before going back into the classroom.

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus hugged him back. Albus and Matt started to walk to magical spell. John, Rose, and Amanda had gone on ahead, but Albus was staying behind to take the air with matte, who was walking considerably slower.

`` Late again, Potter, Eckerton, '' Washburn growled as they walked into the room. They headed for their usual back defer and passed Malfoy on the way. He was smiling smugly at them, noticeably happy that they were late. The course of study went by in its usual agony. Washburn seemed to possess increased his hate for Albus since the firework incident, if that was possible. He called on Albus for every question, even though Albus never raised his handwriting. The only when times he did n't do this was when he chose to call on flatness, which was every fourth dimension he fell asleep.

Much to Albus 's surprise, Matt made it through double Herbology without going to the hospital Wing. Albus was surely that Neville would take in made him go after he tripped over a pot and banged his arm on the terrace. But Neville just asked if he was all right and continued teaching.

After dinner, Albus and his Friend found themselves taking a much needed interruption from studying. They had all finished the homework that was due the next day and were relaxing at their usual table. Albus was losing horribly at superstar 's Chess to Rose, whose knight was currently beating up Albus 's queen. John and Amanda were playing a rather loud game of Exploding Snap.

`` You want to wager, mat ? '' St. John asked as he was dealing bill for the future round.

`` No, '' Matt groaned. He was curled up in an armchair near the table and was wincing every few minutes.

`` All right, '' lav gave him a worry look, `` Do you need me to go with you to the hospital flank ? ``

`` Not right now, '' Matt whispered and closed his middle again.

Albus glanced up and looked at his friends. They all had worried looks on their faces. Albus watched Matt downfall back asleep, which only took two minutes.

`` queen mole rat to D4, '' Rose announced, `` And mate. '' rosebush 's fagot moved to the public square, beat up Albus 's remaining bishop, and won the biz. `` Good game. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Have you ever lost ? ``

`` I 've lost to my dad quite a few times, '' rosebush said as she put her chessmen away.

Albus put his chess piece back in their shell and folded up the board. He looked up once he was done and saw Amy coming over. She walked over to Matt and started gently shaking him awake.

`` Hi, Amy, '' Albus said.

Amy looked over at Albus, `` Oh, hi, Albus, '' she said quietly and went back to waking Matt up. Matt opened his eyes and groaned.

`` C'mon, it 's time to go, '' Albus heard Amy susurration. Albus looked at blush wine, John, and Amanda. They were all watching Amy, too.

`` Ugh, no, '' flatness whispered. But he sat up and winced.

`` It 's ok, come on, '' Amy grabbed Matt 's arm and pulled him gently out of the death chair. Matt got up and let Amy leave him out of the common room.

`` Has she ever taken him to the hospital annex before ? '' Albus asked once they left.

`` No, I do n't guess so, '' Rose said.

`` She must think it 's going to be bad this metre, '' Saint John said glumly.

`` surmise so, '' Albus responded quietly.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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The four acquaintance were very subdued the relief of the even. They all joined in a game of Exploding snapshot, but none of them were very into it. Although they did n't talk about mat the rest of the evening, Albus knew they were all thinking about him. Eventually, they just decided to go to bed.

Albus climbed into his four-poster bed and tried to fall asleep. He tossed and turned for hours, but sleep would n't issue forth to him. He was too worried about matte.

`` Are you awake, Gospel According to John ? '' Albus asked once he was sure as shooting Bilius and Ethan were asleep.

Albus heard the bed to his in good order creak as John turned over. `` Yeah, ca n't sleep. ``

`` Me neither. ``

`` Maybe this calendar month wo n't be as bad, '' St. John suggested.

`` Hope so, '' Albus said, `` But even if it is n't as bad, he wo n't be in socio-economic class tomorrow. ``

`` Which means that Malfoy 's going to say something, '' King John groaned.

`` Yeah, we 've got to do something about that, '' Albus decided.

`` We could hex him, '' John suggested.

`` That 'd be good, but I do n't mean like that. I mean something that 'll fox him off the trail. We ca n't let him observe out, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, right, '' John thought for a moment, `` How about, since Matt wo n't lie about where he is, we 'll do it for him. ``

`` That 's what I was thinking, too, '' Albus said, `` I know, if someone asks, we 'll just tell them lustrelessness 's visiting his sick gran. ``

`` trade good mind, '' John agreed.

Albus yawned, `` Well, I suppose we should try and get some sopor. ``

`` Probably. estimable night, then. ``

`` 'Night. '' After another hour of laying awake, Albus finally fell asleep.

Albus woke up feeling very tired, after only a few hours sleep. He went down to breakfast with John and met pink wine and Amanda there, who were looking worried and not eating much.

`` Have you heard anything yet ? '' Rose asked once Albus sat down.

`` No, have you ? ''

`` No. I have n't seen Amy at all and have n't had metre to go to the infirmary extension. ``

`` We could try and go during tiffin, '' John the Divine suggested.

Everyone agreed to that plan and managed to eat a bit of breakfast before heading off to Potions. By the time they got there, Slughorn was make to pop course of instruction, which meant Malfoy did n't consume any metre to ask where Matt was. Since it was just a single period, Slughorn lectured during the intact class and Albus had a hard time staying awake. He managed to hire a few notes, but by the fourth dimension the class was over, he felt in motive of a nap.

`` Hey, there, ceramist, '' Malfoy ran up beside Albus just outside the door of the Potions classroom.

`` Malfoy, '' Albus mumbled and kept walking.

`` Could n't help but notice that Eckerton was n't in form today. You gon na tell me where he is ? ``

`` Visiting his grannie. She 's not doing too well, '' Albus lied.

`` Really ? That 's interesting, '' Malfoy raised his eyebrows, `` After seeing him yesterday, I 'd have guessed he was the one who 's ill. ''

`` Maybe he 's just worried about his grannie, '' bathroom said shortly, before turning down the corridor towards the Transfiguration of Jesus room, `` Now we 've got to go to class. ``

`` See you, then, '' Albus said to Malfoy as he followed trick to Transfiguration. Malfoy turned around and left without saying a Word. `` I hope that worked. ``

`` Me, too, '' John agreed.

After Transfiguration, Albus and his supporter ate a hurry tiffin and went to the infirmary fender. When they got there, Albus noticed that the doors were open up. `` wellspring, that 's a good sign of the zodiac. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed and walked inside. Albus, privy, and Amanda followed her. The bed at the far end of the ward had the curtains drawn and all the other layer were evacuate. `` He must be in there, '' blush wine pointed to the curtained bed.

`` Where 's lady Pomfrey ? '' Albus whispered. The nursemaid did n't appear to be in the room.

whoremaster pointed to the curtain, which started to rustle, `` She must be back there. ``

A gap appeared in the curtains and brothel keeper Pomfrey came out from behind them. She was carrying an empty Methedrine and a clipboard. When she noticed the group of Gryffindor first of all long time, she came rushing over to them. `` I thought I 'd be seeing you lot here. ``

`` Is matt all right ? '' pink wine whispered anxiously.

`` Yes, he should be ok in a couple days, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey smiled.

`` So, it 's not nearly as bad as finale metre ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, no, he 's much better this month, '' Madam Pomfrey set the vacate spyglass down on a board and started writing on the clipboard.

`` Well, can we see him ? '' John asked tentatively.

`` Sorry, but no. He 's sleeping right now. And I do n't think he wants visitors. He has n't told you yet, has he ? ``

`` No, '' John answered.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` Of course of study. well, I do hope he tells you soon. I have a look this unanimous matter would be easier on him if he was n't keeping it to himself. ``

`` I guess we 'll just see him when he leaves, then, '' Albus said.

`` I think that would be best. He should be ready to leave on Th or Friday. You 'd best be off to class, '' Madam Pomfrey picked up the empty deoxyephedrine and strode into her office.

As Albus walked to the plebeian room to collect his Word, he thought about what lustrelessness was going to do when he found out that they knew about his secret. Matt seemed so piercing on keeping it from everyone. He did n't even want his friends to visit him in the Hospital backstage. Yet, he had n't done a very dependable job at hiding it. Or had they found out so easily just because Rose knew so much about werewolf ? Albus was n't sure he would have figured it out without her. But even so, if Albus had found out so quickly, how long would it be until Malfoy found out ?

******

`` Hey, Potty, '' a cold phonation from behind Albus said. It was Friday Nox and Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda were eating dinner party while wondering when Matt would come back. Albus turned around at the voice and choked on his autumn pumpkin juice when he saw who it was.

`` Willinson, '' Albus coughed.

`` What do you want ? '' John said shortly as he slapped Albus on the back.

`` Oh, not a lot, '' Willinson replied, `` Have n't seen you much since our little duel in conclusion calendar month, stool. ``

`` Yeah, I hear you 've been quite occupied with hold, '' Albus laughed.

`` gag now, but the detainment is over. I 'll have plenty of time on my handwriting now. ``

`` And what are you going to do ? You could n't even hex me. Your friends did it. ``

`` Energy Department n't weigh. I 'm not the one who wound up in the Hospital Wing, am I ? '' Willinson snorted.

`` And I suppose you 're proud that a first year could demilitarise you ? '' Albus grinned, `` Because if I were you, I 'd be a bit abashed. ``

`` Shut it, Potty, I planned that. ``

`` No, you did n't. Quite the expression of shock on your face after I did it, '' Albus responded. Willinson glared at him.

`` What 's going on here ? '' someone from behind Albus asked.

`` N-nothing, prof, '' Willinson said quickly.

`` Then I 'd suggest returning to the Slytherin table, Mr. Willinson, '' Neville replied. Willinson turned on the spot and headed to the Slytherin board without saying another word.

`` He was n't bothering you, was he ? '' Neville asked once Willinson left.

`` Not really, '' Albus told Neville.

`` Good. If he 's causing hassle, just let me acknowledge. I think the custody may take in set him true, though. He 's not nearly as smug when he 's in the forest, '' Neville responded and left for the staff table.

Albus laughed, `` I guess he 's not as brave as we thought he was. ``

`` course he 's not ! '' King John exclaimed, `` He 's a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor. ``

`` Yeah, we 're the courageous ones ! '' Albus agreed.

After dinner, Albus and his friends went to the common room to pass the even. The elbow room was quite a bit emptier than common. There was a big dueling cabaret get together and most of the Gryffindors were attending it. First years were not allowed to bring together the dueling social club, so all of them were in the coarse room, along with some sr. students who were n't component of the club. Since it was so empty, Albus and his Quaker were able to snag a few of the good armchairs in front of the fire. They were all putting off homework, except for Rose who was reading a book, since it was the weekend.

`` You going to fall in the dueling club next twelvemonth ? '' Albus asked, while sorting through his Chocolate frog cards. `` I ca n't look to join. King James I says it 's awesome. ``

`` Of course ! '' John shouted, `` Hey, have you got any Snape calling card ? ``

`` Yeah, I 've got quite a few, '' Albus shifted his pack of cards of wag and pulled out five Snapes, `` Want one ? ``

`` Yeah, I still have n't gotten any, '' St. John told him. Albus handed him one of his cards.

`` Is it normal to get injured badly in the dueling club ? '' Amanda asked.

`` It 's possible, but it does n't usually take place, '' Albus told her. `` The teachers make sure as shooting nothing bad happens. ``

`` Then I might join. How about you, Rose ? '' Amanda said.

`` Sure, probably, '' Rose responded absentmindedly.

`` Are you ok ? You 're awfully hush, '' Amanda commented.

`` I 'm all right, '' Rose answered, `` I 'm just thinking about lusterlessness. ma'am Pomfrey said he was supposed to be back today. ``

`` I 've been thinking about that, too, '' Albus told her, `` I hope he 's ok. ''

`` fountainhead, even if he does n't come back until tomorrow, it 's still better than last calendar month, '' John whispered, `` But I wonder when he 's going to separate us. ``

`` Why do n't we go up to the hall and peach about it, '' Albus suggested, `` It 's too still in here, someone 's going to get word us. And Bilius and Ethan are down here anyway. '' Albus pointed to a table to their left, where the other two Gryffindor first year son were sitting playing gobstones.

`` Good idea, '' rosebush agreed and closed her ledger. The mathematical group got up from their chairs and followed Albus to the boys'dormitory.

When they got up to the dormitory, Albus sat down on his bed. Rose and Amanda looked around a bit before sitting down next to him.

`` I ca n't remove it anymore, we 've got to tell him ! '' John shouted and started pacing around the elbow room, `` I 'm not certainly he 's ever going to narrate us ! ``

`` He will, we 've just got to give him some Sir Thomas More time ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I 'm not so surely, Albus. He has n't told us yet, what makes you so indisputable he 'll ever do it ? '' John questioned.

`` I do n't know, I just think he will. ``

`` Well, I do n't. And I 'm not so sure I can sustain pretending I have no clew why he leaves every month. I mean, how long has it been since we 've known ? And we 've known him since Sept. Is n't that sufficiency time for him to trust us ? '' King John stormed over to his bed and threw himself on it.

`` Honestly, John, that 's really not a foresighted time. September was n't even six month ago, '' Rose reasoned.

`` So you 're on Albus 's side, then ? You think we should just pretend we 're clueless about his disappearances ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` Yes, I do. I think he will secernate us, once he realizes he can trust us, '' rosiness told him.

`` wellspring, what more do we experience to do ? '' John the Divine huffed.

`` It 's not that bare ! '' Albus shouted, remembering his conversation with Dumbledore. `` Do you know how hard it must be for him ? He 's probably had multitude abandoning him because of this his solid life ! ``

`` And I suppose you know more than about it than I do ? close I checked, you were n't a werewolf, '' whoremaster shouted.

`` Yeah, I do know Thomas More than you ! '' Albus shouted back, getting up from the bed and walking towards John.

`` Really, and how would that be ? '' John the Divine got up and stood in figurehead of Albus, staring at him.

`` Because shift 's dad was a werewolf ! I 've told you that ! And my dad 's told me all about what he went through ! You know he was n't even going to be allowed to come to Hogwarts, but then Dumbledore became headmaster and let him ! And then he could n't even preserve a job because no one wanted to hire a werewolf ! So, yeah, I do do it a bit Sir Thomas More than you do ! ``

`` Fine, so you know more than about it than me, but how do you know that lusterlessness will tell us ? ``

`` I just do, ok ? '' Albus insisted, thinking of what Dumbledore had said.

`` fountainhead, I think that it might be wanton if we just told him we know. Then he could just talk to us about it and we could block keeping secrets ! '' whoremaster shouted.

`` Albus, '' rose wine said from behind Albus and started tugging on his robes.

`` Not now, Rose, '' Albus pushed her bridge player away, `` It probably would be promiscuous, but it 's his surreptitious, so let 's just let him tell us ! ``

`` But what if he does n't ! '' lavatory threw his hands up in the air. `` Are we just going to go our whole seven years at Hogwarts pretending we do n't live ? ``

pink wine poked Albus more persistently and Albus pushed her hand away again. `` Of course not, because he 'll recite us soon ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shouted louder and pointed to the doorway.

Albus turned his fountainhead away from John and glanced at the doorway. Matt was standing there, looking tired and run down, with a scandalise looking at on his face. He stared at Albus for a few indorsement before turning and running back down the stairs.

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A/N : I know it 's forgetful than usual, but I wanted the cliffhanger. The succeeding chapter will be quite a bit longer, as I 'm planning on combining two chapters again.

Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my buddy. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their limited review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Albus turned back to whoremaster and they stared at each former. `` How long had he been standing there ? '' Albus asked quietly.

rosiness sighed, `` Since right after you finished talking about teddy bear 's dad. ``

`` So he definitely knows we know, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd say so, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and St. John the Apostle looked at each other again, and with their contestation forgotten they both turned and ran out of the dormitory to pursue Matt. Albus did n't look back, but the sound of step told him that blush wine and Amanda were n't far behind. Albus did n't cognise what he was going to say to Matt when they found him, he just knew he had to do something. This was not how Albus imagined matte telling them about his lycanthropy. And he was sure that it was not what Dumbledore had in mind. But what 's done is done, and Albus could only hope that lusterlessness was n't too mad at them.

When they reached the common room, it was packed. Albus realized that dueling cabaret practice must have just let out. He glanced quickly around the room, thinking they 'd never find Matt amongst all the other Gryffindors. John elbowed Albus in the side and pointed towards the Fat noblewoman 's portrayal. It was opening, and then it closed again, but they did n't see anyone enter or leave. individual abruptly must sustain left. Albus knew it was lusterlessness. He motioned for his ally to accompany. They pushed their way through the concourse of senior students and eventually made it to the portrayal. The group scrambled through the hole and landed in the seventh floor corridor.

`` Where is he ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, glancing around. mat was no where in sight. `` I wish we had the vulture 's Map. ``

`` The what ? '' John asked.

`` The piranha 's Map. It 's that map of Hogwarts my grandfather and his friends made. Remember ? I told you about it. ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` well, we do n't have it. But we 'd ameliorate get going if we have any hope of finding him, '' Rose started running down the corridor.

Albus, whoremonger, and Amanda followed Rose down the corridor. After a hour or so, Albus spotted Matt. `` There he is ! '' he whispered to his Quaker. They continued running and it did n't take long to enamor up to matte. Since it was right after a full lunation, Matt was going wearisome than usual.

Albus and his protagonist stopped a few meters in forepart of him. `` matt ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

flatness turned around and walked slowly towards his friends, past a tapestry of
Barnabas the Barmy trying to teach trolls to dance concert dance, and stopped a few pes in figurehead of Albus. `` So, you know ? '' he asked in a vocalism so soft, Albus could hardly learn it. He stared at the ground.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered in an equally serenity voice.

Matt did n't reckon up and turned around and paced slowly down the hall. He seemed to be thinking hard. When he got just past the tapestry, he stopped and walked back towards Albus. Albus knew he was trying to think of something to say. Albus glanced at his friends and all of them looked very uncomfortable. They stood completely still, not saying a intelligence, while flatness continued pacing up and down the hallway.

On his tierce or fourth time returning to Albus, Albus was n't sure as he had lost count, Matt finally looked up at him with a scared expression on his face. matte opened his mouth and was about to say something when he stopped. He turned and looked at the wall facing the tapestry.

Albus turned to see what lusterlessness was staring at. When his regard reached the wall, his sassing fell open. A door was sitting upon the wall, where there had n't been a doorway before. Albus turned around and looked at Rose. Albus had a tactile sensation he knew where the doorway came from, and Rose 's knowing look of awe confirmed it. John was staring at it as if he had been stupefied. Amanda was blinking and rubbing her heart, as if the door was just a figment of her imagination.

lustrelessness glanced at Albus and then he walked towards the door. When he reached it, he grasped the handle and opened it. He walked slowly inside, leaving the door open behind him. Once mat was inside, Albus nodded to his friends and walked inside. Gospel According to John, Rose, and Amanda followed.

When Albus got into the room, he gazed around in awe. The entire room was decorated in Gryffindor scarlet and gold. The heights ceiling was painted gold and the bulwark were covered in scarlet drape. The floor was covered in scarlet and gold patterned rug. In the back of the room was a large fireplace utter with a crepitation attack. In front of the fire, were three large comfy looking vermilion armchairs and a big atomic number 79 couch.

`` What is this berth ? '' Amanda asked as she walked around the room.

`` I think it 's the Room of necessary, '' Albus told her, `` It 's also called the cum and Go Room. It only appears when you 're in motivation of it. And it changes according to your motive. ``

`` Dad 's told me about this before, but he would n't tell me where it was or how to see it, '' John told them.

`` Saame with me, '' Rose said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's incredible ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Looks just like the Gryffindor common elbow room. ``

`` Only better, '' John responded, `` We can sit near the fire. ``

`` It looks like it was made for us, '' Albus commented.

`` It does, '' pink wine agreed, `` Matt, did you ... bespeak this ? ``

`` Yeah, '' flatness sighed.

`` So, you knew about the elbow room ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Yes, '' flatness answered, `` Amy told me about it before I came to Hogwarts. She thought, it well, might be useful, for me. '' He sighed, `` Sometimes I come here after I get out of the Hospital Wing, if I want to just be alone and sleep. ``

`` And does it attend like this then ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, usually it 's got a four-poster bed and the fireplace, and that 's it. ``

`` So, it 'll give you whatever you ask for ? '' Amanda responded.

`` Er, I think so, within reason, '' Matt told her, `` Like, if you wanted a room fully of Galleons, I do n't imagine it would be able to do it. And it ca n't present you food. Something about the laws of Transfiguration or something. ``

`` Is this where you 've been all day ? '' John asked as he wandered around the room. `` Because we went to see you on Tuesday and brothel keeper Pomfrey said you 'd get to leave Thursday or today. ``

matt sighed and slowly walked towards one of the armchairs and sat down in it. Albus followed and sat down on the couch. rosebush sat down succeeding to him while John and Amanda took the remaining chairs. `` Yeah, I was here, '' Matt said quietly after a few moments of silence. `` I was just so commonplace and I could n't look going to Charms and dealing with Washburn and Malfoy. ``

Albus could realize that. Looking back on the previous months, he realized that Washburn did tend to call on lustrelessness more right after he got back from the Hospital Wing.

`` You were still tired ? Even after spending three day in the infirmary Wing ? Why ? '' John asked while he pulled a Chocolate Frog out of his sack and opened it. `` Oh, feeling, Albus. Now I 've got Snape ! ``

`` I dunno. That 's just how it is, '' Matt mumbled.

The group sat in secrecy for a few moments. John pulled out a few Sir Thomas More frog and offered them around. Albus, Rose, and Amanda each took one and ate them. Albus got Minerva McGonagall, which he gave to Amanda since he already had about seven of her.

`` You guys have to predict me something, '' mat broke the secrecy, `` Do n't secernate anyone. ``

Albus stared at him. `` Of row we wo n't, '' he said solemnly. lav, Rose, and Amanda nodded their top dog in agreement.

`` Thanks, '' lusterlessness whispered, and got up from his chair.

`` Where are you going ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno. I just figured you would n't want to hang out with me anymore, '' flatness looked nervously at Albus.

`` What ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` Of course we still want to pay heed out with you ! ``

`` Really ? '' Matt asked, while a smile slowly crept up on his face.

`` Definitely ! '' John assured him.

`` Of course, '' Amanda smiled.

`` We wo n't abandon you, '' rosebush said adamantly.

Matt visibly relaxed and sat back down in his chair. `` I guess I just thought that you would n't. Since, well, everyone I 've ever been friends with check talking to me once they found out. ``

`` That wo n't befall with us, '' Albus assured him.

`` But does n't it scare you, just a bit ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

`` Nope, '' Albus replied, grinning. He glanced at rose, who grinned back.

`` What 's so funny ? '' lustrelessness looked from Albus to Rose.

`` Did professor Kendrick tell you that you are n't the first werewolf to attend Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah ... '' lusterlessness responded warily, `` He said there was one other, a couple decades ago. ``

`` And I 'm guessing he never told you who that was ? '' Rose replied.

`` Er, no, he did n't, '' Matt answered, `` But Amy told me that Teddy 's dad was a werewolf and he went here, so I assumed it was him. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned, `` And my dad 's teddy bear 's godfather. ``

`` Really ? '' mat asked.

`` Yup, '' rosebush said. `` I 'll let Albus tell apart you the rest. ``

`` You mean, there 's more ? '' Matt stared in awe at Albus.

`` Yup, you want to bonk why my dad 's shift 's godfather, do n't you ? ``

`` Of course ! ``

`` well, here it goes. My granddad, the one who was killed by Voldemort, went to Hogwarts the same prison term Remus Lupin did. Along with Sirius Negroid and Saint Peter the Apostle Pettigrew. They all became pretty respectable booster. Remus lupin tried to keep back the fact that he was a werewolf enigma, but eventually, my grandfather, Sirius, and prick found out. And they did n't abandon him. In fact, they all became illegal animagi and spent the wide-cut lunation with him. ``

`` Really ? '' lustrelessness glanced around at his friends.

`` Really, '' Albus continued, `` They stayed friends mightily up until Pettigrew betrayed my grandparents. And you know that story. Then, Remus met Nymphadora Tonks, who was somehow related to Sirius, I think she was his cousin 's daughter. Anyway, they got conjoin and had a son, teddy, right in the height of Voldemort 's reign. They both were killed in the conflict. But Remus had made my dad shimmy 's godfather, so he 's kind of like a Brother. So, you can see that no way would I abandon you. ``

`` Wow, '' mat grinned at Albus, `` But what about the eternal sleep of you ? ``

`` Nope, you do n't give to care about me, '' Rose answered, `` slip 's like my full cousin. ``

`` I 'm not related to any werewolves, heck, you 're the showtime one I 've met. But do n't worry. You 're my acquaintance and nothing can change that, '' privy replied.

`` Honestly, it scared me a bit when I first found out, '' Amanda admitted, `` But I 'm Muggle-born, so the just idea of lycanthrope I 'd had were in Muggle queen tales. ``

Matt looked at her and the smile on his face disappeared. He glanced nervously at Albus.

`` But I 'm amercement with it now. Rose taught me a lot. I know now that real werewolves are n't anything like the one in fairy tales. And besides, just because you get furry once a month does n't mean you 're a different person the rest of the month. I was friend with you before I knew and I 'll stay booster with you now, '' Amanda assured him.

mat relaxed, `` Thanks, guys. I 've never had better friends. But how long have you known ? ``

`` Well, Rose figured it out in November, but we were n't positive until I wound up in the hospital flank at the same time as you last calendar month. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt 's mouthpiece fell capable, `` How did that fall out ? ``

Albus explained the affaire d'honneur with Quinton Willinson and how he had overheard brothel keeper Pomfrey and the Healer talking early the next morning.

`` Why did n't you tell me you knew ? '' matte asked quietly.

`` I thought it would be better for you to tell us when you 're cook, but I guess that did n't occur, '' Albus answered.

`` Guess not, but thanks anyway, for the thinking, '' Matt replied. Everyone sat quietly for a few moments, before Albus broke the silence.

`` Could we, er, ask you interrogative sentence about it ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

mat sighed, `` Sure, I guess. ``

`` If you do n't want to- '' Albus started.

`` No, it 's fine, it 's just I 've never actually told anyone about it. It 's always been my parents or Amy. But yeah, ask whatever you want, '' lusterlessness told them.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus paused, `` Well, when did it go on ? ``

lusterlessness took a recondite hint. `` When I was five. We were Muggle camping at the metre. My mum 's Muggle-born, and she had gone camping when she was a kid, and she wanted me and Amy to get the experience. You guys do know what Muggles do when they camp, right ? ``

`` That 's when they live in those cramped, bantam tents that are just big enough to sleep in, right ? And they do n't use electricity or any of that stuff they use instead of magic ? '' John asked.

Amanda stifled a giggle at his description of camping. `` Well, that 's the general idea, I suppose, but it 's usually a lot funner than you describe it. ``

`` rightfulness, '' lustrelessness said, `` Well, that 's what my mum wanted to do. So Dad agreed because he thought it sounded crazy enough to be fun. And it was, at first. We did n't use any illusion. I do n't remember a solid lot, but I do remember Dad playing with matches trying to get the campfire lit. It took him a half hour. Amy says that after that world-class campfire, Mum lit all the rest of them.

`` We were going to camp for three nighttime, I think. The second night was a full moon. It was a blue moon. You know, when there are two moonshine in a calendar month, they call the second one a blue moon. They do n't materialize often. Only every 2 or 3 years. It was the end of December, remember that the seasons are opponent in Australia, so it was tender. We were all in one tent, and in the middle of the night I had to go to the bathroom. There was a foresightful walk to the can, through the Natalie Wood. I was halfway there when I heard this abstruse growl. The last affair I remember is a huge animal pouncing on me and a searing pain in my back, and then I blacked out. ``

Albus listened but did n't say anything. He heard Amanda gasped. Albus sort of felt sick to his belly. Ever since he found out that matte was a werewolf, he knew he must have been bit, but he never really thought about the point. Now, hearing about it, he felt awed that his admirer had been through it.

`` And then what happened ? '' John whispered.

`` Well, my parents told me what happened a while after I woke up. Amy is a really brightness tie and she heard the growls and my shriek. She woke up my parents and my dad went noticed that I was gone and he ran out of the tent with his scepter. There were a bunch of Muggles who had woken up and were running around screaming. They told my parents that a kid was being attacked by a savage. That kid of course, was me. My parents kept running towards the growl until they found me. Dad saw what was happening and started shooting off all kind of while that somehow had great upshot on the werewolf. Then my mum started trying to stun the werewolf, too. After a few spells, the werewolf was stunned. ``

`` Muggles saw it ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt continued, `` My mum post word to the Ministry and they sent Obliviators and congresswoman from the Werewolf ascendancy building block. Dad was head of that department at the time. None of the Muggles remember anything from it of path, but it was in the paper, so all the thaumaturgist and witches found out about it. But they did n't know it was me who got attacked. The law prevents the public figure of underage werewolf from being released. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus said, `` I guess that 's good that no one knew it was you. ``

`` It did n't really avail, though, '' Matt replied bitterly. `` But there 's more before I get to that. After the Ministry people showed up, my dad Apparated with me to Eastworth, that 's one of the hospitals in Commonwealth of Australia. I spent nearly a month there. Right up until the following full moonlight. I woke up two calendar week after it happened. Spent the next two workweek waiting for all the injuries to mend, but they did n't cure all the way. That took a twosome month. Anyway, the first full synodic month was awful. I hardly remember any of it. Just the bother and illness in the few daytime before it and the two workweek it took to heal after it. ``

`` But what about the wolfbane Potion ? '' rose asked tentatively.

matte sighed, `` The thing is, that does n't work for me. The therapist have n't been able to estimate out why yet. I took it during the showtime few full moons and it had no effect on me at all, so my parents stopped giving it to me. ``

Albus could n't mean of what to say. He now knew the tale. flatness had told them the whole thing. It seemed like once he started, he just did n't stop. Maybe it felt good to finally tell individual about it ? Albus figured that was it. He could n't opine carrying around a unavowed like that for XII old age. Then Albus remembered something Matt had told him on the train. `` Um, Matt ? Why did your menage movement to here ? '' Albus had the belief that had something to do with his being a werewolf. Matt had n't mentioned much about moving to England, and when he talked about it on the railroad train, he changed the depicted object quickly.

`` Um, well, because of me, '' lustrelessness replied glumly, `` I never told you before, but my parents were really long-familiar in Australia. Not really famous like your family is, Albus, but just kind of upper berth class types. Both of them were. My dad comes from a retentive seam of pure bloods. But not the kinds who despise Muggles and Muggle-borns. They were just always involved in the Ministry and had a payload of gold, that kind of thing.

`` And my mum, her kin is really productive. They were always involved in all form of celebrity case clobber. They knew all form of far-famed people and hosted figure political party and things like that. Then my mum got her letter telling her she was a witch. My grandparents were horrified and excited at the same clip. They obviously could n't tell any of their friends about it, and they had a hard sentence keeping it a privy.

`` My parents met in schooling and got married a few year later. Put together, they were the ideal magical couple. My dad got a job at the Ministry in the loup-garou restraint whole. Eventually, shortly after I was born, he worked his way up to Head. Then, a few month after I was bitten, he became head of the full department for the ascendency and Regulation of Magical brute. Kind of ironic, is n't it ? ``

`` That 's how he knew how to stupefy the werewolf, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, and it 's a good thing he did, '' Matt said, `` Anyway, my family was involved in all sorts of fondness upshot and committees, both magical and Muggle. My parents were living the utter spirit. Then, I got bit. ``

`` And it all had to stop, did n't it ? '' Albus said softly.

`` Yes, and slowly it did. outset, they stopped doing the Muggle things. Muggles do n't know lycanthrope are real, so they could n't do much Muggle stuff anymore. The Muggles would ask what was untimely with me and my parents could n't distinguish them. If they lied and said it was some sort of Muggle disease, it would have been all over their news. So, my parents just told everyone that they were going to unwind and raise their kin away from all the fame.

`` The magic stuff was a little more rarify. Everyone who worked in my dad 's berth knew that I had been bit and they kept it a secret for a long sentence. For over two years, no one knew it happened. Then, there were Thomas More werewolf attempt down there. So people started drafting anti-werewolf legislation. My dad immediately rejected all of it. People got suspicious, and one of his confrere got pretty fired up about it. He was all for more confinement. So, he leaked that I was a lycanthrope to other parts of the Ministry. Of course, they could n't really arouse him for me being a lycanthrope. But powerful before that happened, the Ministry managed to make it a law requiring all places of transformation to be disunite construction. The section overruled Dad 's veto and the government minister signed it into law. Dad refused to comply and got fired for breaking the law. ``

John let out a low whistling, `` matt, I 'm so bad, did you think it was your flaw ? ``

`` Yeah, I did, actually, '' Matt said darkly, `` Mum and Dad kept telling me it was n't and not to think that way, but I could n't serve it.

`` But it was just all downhill from there. My parents had already sent a missive to Amy 's schooling, the Aussie shoal of Sorcery, to see if I could still attend. They would n't let me. So they were planning on moving anyway. ``

`` They would n't ? ! '' bathroom shouted, `` But why ? ``

`` Said it was too dangerous. I was really depressed after that. The transformation got worse. I always held out hope that I 'd be able to go to school. Amy would come home with stories and I looked forward to when I 'd get to go. So, just to try out the option, my parents sent letters to a few other schools. The Salem Witch Institute in Massachusetts, Hogwarts, and the Adirondack academy of Magic in New York body politic. And a mates others that I do n't retrieve the names. Hogwarts, Salem, and Adirondack both said I could still wait on. Adirondack had never had any werewolf attend, but they said they would work it out. capital of Oregon turned out to be a really bad idea. My parents and Amy did n't like it.

`` By then, my parents were definitely willing to move so I could go to school. They were debating which school I should go to when they read about a study St. Mungo 's was doing. It would try to figure out why Wolfsbane would n't work for some people. That was the determinant factor. They decided on Hogwarts and signed me up for the subject. We moved that summer. ``

Albus sat and thought. He now knew what Dumbledore had meant by 'true horrors in his past'. It was n't just being bit by a werewolf and becoming one himself. It was the fact that matte 's family 's whole life sentence was drastically changed because of what had happened. They moved halfway across the human beings because of it. `` What about Amy ? She had already been at school in Australia for a few geezerhood, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, she had. She was 14 when we moved, going into her fourth year. And she was n't too happy about it. I know you guys just see her as a protective older sis, but she was n't always, '' Matt paused, `` She was really overturn when my parents told her that we had to move. She did n't want to go forth her friends. She blamed me. ``

`` But she 's always looking out for you ! '' rose replied, `` I ca n't imagine her being mad at you. ``

`` I know, '' lustrelessness said, `` But it 's straight. You see, my parents did n't let her be anywhere near me when I transformed. She stayed with my grandparents every to the full moonshine that she was n't in school. She stayed with them for a few Clarence Day after the wide moon, too. By the time she got back, I was mostly better. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose said, `` But what happened ? ``

`` well, once we moved, she could n't go detain with my grandparents every full lunation anymore. We moved in June, right after the full moonshine. There were two more full lunation before she started schooltime. Dad still had connections with the Ministry in Australia, so he managed to set up portkeys for her to take to my grandparents'house, even after we moved. She was still mad at me when she left for school and it made me feel horrible. But after a few weeks, she settled into Hogwarts and made new friends, including Victoire.

`` Then the summer came and my parents had to face that she would be there during full moons. Something happened and Dad could n't get portkeys to Australia anymore. By then I 'd been a loup-garou for over three days and she still had n't been there. She was 15, then, so my parents figured she was old enough anyway. Anyway, the dark came and I, er, went to the post where I transform when I 'm rest home. In the cockcrow, my parents always came and got me really other, so they could take me to my bed and make me my potions and poppycock. wellspring, apparently that night Amy had n't slept at all. She told me later that she could n't once she heard my shriek and howling. She stayed awake all night, waiting for the lunation to set, and once it did, she went and got me even before my parents did.

`` Well, once she saw me, she realized what I was going through. That morning, she saw me unconscious, with broken bones, and covered in blood and cutting off. It made her realize how bad it really is. She told me later that once she saw me, she started crying and she started trying to heal my cuts. Then my parents came and found her. They started crying with her and let her help them do everything they do after a transformation. When I woke up, we had a longsighted talk, all four of us. Amy completely forgave me for moving here and she 's been very protective ever since, especially when it comes to person being rude about my condition. ``

`` Oh, lusterlessness, '' Rose whispered, `` I 'm so glad that Amy is n't mad at you anymore. I just ca n't think you have to go through all this. ``

`` It 's all veracious, I 'll survive, '' Matt assured her.

`` I know, it just does n't appear fair, '' pink wine said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Do you cognize what happened to the werewolf that bit you ? ``

`` My dad told me, '' flatness answered, `` He got in a load of fuss, because of what did happen and what could have happened. He could make attacked some of the Muggles that were there, instead of me. It was only by chance that it happened to be me, a hotshot, he bit. We were probably the only wizards anywhere near that campsite, but there were loads of Muggles around. Anyway, he got sentenced to ten year in prison. ``

`` So he 's still there ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' lusterlessness replied. He paused for a few import, watching his acquaintance. `` So, now you know the wholly story. ``

`` Were you really planning on keeping it a secret the whole sentence you were at Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I 'm not sure as shooting. I guess so. That 's what my parents told me to do anyway. They told me not to distinguish anyone, and I did n't need to severalise anyone either. I did n't really suppose anyone would ascertain out. ``

`` rose wine is pretty smart, though, '' Albus said, `` I would n't throw figured it out without her, well, until I wound up in the Hospital Wing with you stopping point month. ``

`` I guess I would n't have been able-bodied to go all through school without anyone finding out. ``

`` So who does have a go at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` Hardly anyone. The instructor, of course of action. nearly of them have been really courteous about it, especially your dad, Albus, '' Matt answered.

Albus grinned, `` Yeah, like that essay that was due the other day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten about that, '' Matt groaned, `` I 'll possess to do it this weekend. Washburn 's been pretty rude, but he 's rude to every Gryffindor. Amy had warned me about that. ``

`` What about over Christmas holiday, did you really fall out of a tree, or was that just another cover-up level ? '' Albus asked, suddenly remembering that.

Matt blushed, `` Er, yeah, it was. There was a entire moon over the holiday. The bit one of December to be exact. It was a blue moon. Only the second one since the one when I got bit. The first one was when I was 8 and it was awe-inspiring. practically unfit than the regular broad synodic month. And the one in December was just as awful. Plus, I had to transform at my grandparents home. In their garret, which my dad phone proofed and strengthened the bulwark with magic. So, yeah, those injuries were from the wide-cut moon, not falling out of a tree. ``

`` I had a feeling about that, '' Albus commented, `` So, no former educatee sleep together ? ``

`` Nope, '' lustrelessness answered, `` You 're the exclusively ones, besides Amy. She 's not allowed to tell apart her acquaintance. She has n't even told Victoire. ``

`` Thanks for telling us the unit story, '' rosebush said.

`` You know, it feels good to finally tell someone. form of like I can make relaxed now. I was always afraid you 'd find out and tell someone and I 'd have to leave. ``

`` We 'd never do that, '' Albus assured him.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Just then the door to the way burst unresolved and Amy came running in, out of breath. `` There you are ! '' she shouted and ran towards Matt.

`` How 'd you get in here ? '' John asked. `` We 're already using the room. ``

`` I made all the requests for it and I always request that Amy be able to find me, but to go on everyone else out, '' mat answered.

`` And it 's a salutary affair, too ! It 's half yesteryear midnight ! I was worried cat ! Madam Pomfrey said you left years ago, but I have n't seen you all day, '' Amy gave him a hug.

`` Ouch ! '' lustrelessness winced.

`` Oh, sorry ! '' Amy released her grip, `` Have you been here all day ? ``

`` Pretty a lot. ``

`` You skipped course ? Are you indisputable you 're adept ? '' Amy asked in a disturbed tone.

`` I 'm just tired and I did n't want to face Washburn today. He always calls on me when I 'm wear upon, he does it on purpose, '' matt yawned.

`` Oh, he 's such a git, '' Amy replied, `` But are you sure you 're ok ? I could pack you back to the Hospital backstage. ``

`` I 'm fine, honestly, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` How did they experience how to get in here ? '' Amy glanced around at Albus, John Lackland, Rose, and Amanda, and then leaned over and whispered something in Matt 's ear.

`` It 's all rightfield, Amy, '' mat sighed, `` They know. I told them. I told them everything. ``

`` What ? ! '' Amy opened her optic extensive and stared at lustrelessness. `` Mum and Dad told you not to ! ``

`` I know, but it 's all right. They figured it out months ago and were just waiting until I was make to order them. ``

`` They 'd improve not tell, '' Amy glanced around at Albus and the others.

`` Do n't worry, they wo n't, '' matt assured her, `` Albus 's dad is chemise 's godfather. So, they definitely wo n't separate. Albus 's granddad was really skilful friends with chemise 's dad. ``

`` I knew that, '' Amy said, `` Guess I just never really put it together. ``

`` Yup, and you know, I 'm really beaming I told them everything. I can slow down a little bit. ``

`` Just be sure no one else finds out, '' Amy warned.

`` I know, I 'll be heedful, '' lustrelessness said, `` But you know, you could tell Victoire, if you want. I do n't think she 'd secernate anyone, do you, Albus ? ``

`` No, she would n't tell anyone, '' Albus assured them.

`` Yeah, I know she would n't. I 've been tempted to tell her ever since she told me that her dad was attacked by Fenrir Limnodromus griseus, '' Amy revealed, `` But Mum and Dad do n't desire me to secernate anyone. ``

`` I know, they did n't want me to tell anyone either, but that did n't make for out, '' matte replied, `` I just wanted you to eff that I would n't mind if you told Victoire. ``

`` Ok, I 'll reckon about it. But thanks for telling me that. It 's hard keeping it a secret. Sometimes I just want to mouth about it. ``

`` Me, too. That 's why I 'm kinda relieved they know now, '' mat gestured to his friends.

`` I guess you should let Mum and Dad know that you told them. ``

`` I will, I 'll direct them a varsity letter this weekend, '' matte yawned.

`` You really ought to go to bed, '' Amy suggested.

`` That 'd probably be a respectable thought, '' Albus agreed, `` Quidditch is tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten ! '' Matt said excitedly.

`` Should be a good game, '' St. John the Apostle commented.

`` Ravenclaw will probably win, '' Amanda predicted.

Albus and his friends walked back to Gryffindor tug with Amy, and the common way was practically deserted by the clip they got back. Victoire was there, along with Samantha Meyers, and a couple other seventh years who Albus vaguely recognized. Amy bid them goodnight and went to sit with her friends. When Albus, John, and lusterlessness went up to their dormitory, Bilius and Ethan were already asleep. Albus climbed into his bed feeling very subject. He was happy that matt had finally opened up to them, but still felt a bit worried about what Matt was going through. Albus was also quite thrilled with the idea of having the Room of requisite usable to them. He did n't conceive he 'd manage to find that until he was lots erstwhile, but now he would be able to use it during all his years at Hogwarts. With that and the Marauder 's Map, if James let him borrow it, Albus and his friends would certainly be capable to stimulate some fun. If only he had the invisibility Cloak. And with cerebration of his dad actually giving him the Cloak, Albus fell into a surprisingly restful sleep.

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A/N : So, there it is ! The chapter you 've been waiting for ! I really hope you liked it. I wound up re-writing a bunch of it, since parts had contradicted my early chronicle. It was originally two chapters, but I combined them to draw up for the stopping point chapter which was quite inadequate !

public speaking of my other story, I will be posting it very soon ! It 's called In moonshine 's Shadow and it 's basically the product of me having too much background story about matte to possibly put into a story that focuses on Albus. The history goes into peachy contingent about why mat and his family moved to England. It 's done in offset soul, from Amy 's period of eyeshot. I have thirty chapters written so far. I hope you 'll all check it out once I post it !

Thanks as usual to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, Moonylupin, and mamaykay for the followup !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Albus woke up late the adjacent break of day, but he was still up before John the Divine or lustrelessness were. Bilius and Ethan 's seam were empty, so they were already up. Albus was surprised that John was n't up yet. He rarely ever missed breakfast, even on the weekends. The Quidditch match was n't for another two minute, so Albus quietly got attired and read a bit of his Quidditch in the Twentieth one C book. He had been reading for a one-half minute when he heard someone come into the room.

`` Albus ? '' a vocalization called out, `` Are n't you up yet ? ``

Albus looked up from his book, `` Oh, hi Rose, Amanda. I 've been up for a while, but those two are still asleep. '' He jerked his head towards whoremonger and Matt 's beds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen John pretermit breakfast before, '' Rose commented while looking at his sleeping form.

`` Me neither. But we did detain up pretty late lastly night, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah. We 've been up for a while, doing homework, '' Rose responded.

`` Still have oodles Sir Thomas More to do, though, '' Amanda sighed, `` I have n't made a lot progress on my phases of the synodic month essay for Astronomy. ``

`` Bet Matt could consume that done in fifteen mo, '' Albus commented, `` He could probably help you. ``

`` good approximation, I 'll ask him after the equal, '' Amanda decided, `` We should probably get them up, though. ``

Albus agreed and pulled back the curtains on flatness 's bed while rosiness and Amanda prodded Saint John the Apostle awake. Albus looked down at Matt, who was sleeping soundly. Albus almost felt bad waking him up, but he knew flatness wanted to watch the match and would be mad if no one woke him up in time. Albus pulled back the blanket and gently poked his arm.

`` Wha 's going on ? '' lustrelessness mumbled. He sat up and rub his eyes.

`` We almost slept through Quidditch, '' John replied sleepily as he got up out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

`` Oh, right ! '' matte yawned and got up immediately.

fifteen minutes later, Albus headed down to the Great Hall with his protagonist to birth lunch before the lucifer. The usual excitement that accompanied a Quidditch match was in the air when they walked into the room. Harry had been right when he said that Quidditch would ask people 's judgment off Rita Skeeter 's article. Albus had n't heard anyone mention it in twenty-four hour period. It seemed as if everyone had finally forgotten about it.

`` Why ca n't the conditions be like this when we play ? '' James groaned as he sat down following to Albus.

The weather was unusually good. It was still bitterly dusty, but it was relatively sunny.

`` wellspring, it does n't matter, because our squad can play in any weather ! '' Samantha Meyers announced. `` The Hufflepuffs on the other hand .... ''

`` They 're substantially than the Slytherins this class, '' James commented.

`` True, but the Slytherins have n't totally lost the Cup yet. Ravenclaw only beat them by 30 breaker point in their match. Now, if they lose to Hufflepuff in the next mates, they 'll be out of the running, '' Samantha explained.

After lunch, everyone made their way to the Quidditch pitch. Albus and his champion managed to get good seats, but none of them really knew which team to take root for. The mate lasted almost two hours before the Ravenclaw Seeker finally caught the Snitch. Both searcher spent nearly of the match hovering above the other players, neither of them managing to see the sneaker. St. James was sitting a few seats down from Albus and Albus heard him shouting to the seeker on legion occasions because he had seen the Snitch. In the end, the Ravenclaw Seeker saw it hovering near the Hufflepuff goal posts, caught it, and won the game.

Albus and his friends spent the remainder of the day working on their prep. matt was able to help Amanda finish her essay, and everyone helped him view up on all the work he had missed the old week.

******

`` Fifteen instant left ! '' Professor Slughorn announced during look-alike potions one borderland good afternoon, a few workweek later. `` bring a sampling of your potion up to my desk for grading and clean up, delight ! ``

Albus poured a bit of his boil-cure potion into a vial and took it up to professor Slughorn while John cleaned out their cauldron.

`` Albus, m'boy ! '' Slughorn grinned at him and took his potion. He held it up to the light and didder it. `` Near perfective tense, I think ! Could have done with a few more than hedgehog quills, but very good.

`` Now, I am planning on having another little meeting this Sunday even, '' Slughorn went on, as he put Albus 's potion on his desk with the others. `` I was hoping you and miss Weasley would be able to advert. ``

Albus inwardly groaned. He did not require to go to another Slug social club meeting. The thought of being that close to Quinton Willinson again made him shudder. `` Er, well, actually, I 've got moral with my Aunt Hermione every Billy Sunday. rose does, too. ``

`` Oh, what a shame, '' Slughorn replied, `` Maybe next time, then ? ``

`` Er, maybe, '' Albus shifted nervously. He had no intentions of ever going to another Slug nightspot meeting. At least not while Willinson was still at Hogwarts.

Albus went back to his table, got his bag, and left the room with his champion. As they walked up the stairs to the entree Hall, Albus told them about the bullet lodge meeting.

`` You 're not going, are you, Albus ? '' whoremaster questioned.

`` Definitely not, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` Plus, I 've got Occlumency that night anyway. ``

`` I 'm glad he made the confluence for a Sun, then, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, me too. But he wo n't do it again, though. Now that he knows we have lessons that night. I guess following meter I 'll just throw to say I 've got too much homework or something, '' Albus said.

`` Or use a Puking Pastille or pyrexia Fudge or something, '' John suggested.

`` That could influence, '' Albus replied as they emerged into the Entrance residence hall. They started to cross towards the Great Hall when Albus noticed someone walk towards them. He grabbed the spine of rosiness and matt 's robes and stopped them.

`` What ? '' matte turned around and looked quizzically at Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` come here. '' Albus lead them over to a broom closet and pulled them inside it.

`` What are we doing in here ? '' John asked loudly.

`` Shush ! '' Albus said again and opened the door a crack. `` Look at that man. He 's who I saw arguing with Washburn ! ``

rose, lav, Matt, and Amanda each took a turn peering out the threshold to look at the wizard. `` Are you sure ? '' rose wine asked.

`` positive, '' Albus replied.

`` Wait, you saw him arguing with Washburn ? '' Matt asked.

`` Oh, right, you were in the Hospital extension then, '' Albus remembered. He quickly rehashed what he had overheard while doing detention for Washburn.

`` So Washburn 's doing some kind of job for that maven ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` And I think they 're up to something. I say we follow him. ``

`` But it 's sentence for supper ! '' John whined.

`` Exactly. Which means no one will be around to wonder what we 're up to, '' Albus reasoned. `` Plus, we 'll get supper after. ``

John the Evangelist sighed, `` amercement. Where do you conceive they went ? ``

`` Probably Washburn 's office. ``

Rose opened the door. `` Let 's go then. ``

Albus followed Rose out the threshold and they crept up the stair towards Washburn 's office, with St. John the Apostle, matt, and Amanda following. The corridors were empty since everyone was in the Great Granville Stanley Hall. They reached the magical spell schoolroom and Albus peeked inside. Washburn and the other wiz were standing near his desk, arguing in hushed voices. Albus motioned for his friends to move closer and the five of them huddled near the outdoors door, being careful not to make too practically noise.

`` You have n't done it yet, '' the strange man hissed, `` Why have n't you done it ? ``

`` I 'm no-count ! '' Washburn replied, `` I have n't been able to yet ! ``

`` well, why not ? It does n't seem that unmanageable to me. ``

`` It 's surd than you 'd cogitate ! I do n't know where they are ! '' Washburn answered.

`` I 've told you how to find out ! ``

`` I know and I 've been trying. I have, really ! '' Washburn moaned.

Albus looked quizzically at his protagonist. He had never seen Washburn like this before. Usually, it was Washburn who was doing the intimidation, not the other way around. But this man was obviously angry that Washburn had n't finished whatever he wanted him to do.

`` Well, hurry up then. Try harder ! '' the strange hotshot insisted.

`` I will, I will. ``

`` You know we can not proceed without them. I 'm confident I know where one of them is, but it will evidence very difficult to get. Once we find out where the others are, we 'll do them first. They 're the more of import I anyway. So, you must do it soon. Just retrieve out where they are. I 'll retrieve them. You 've obviously had difficulties with even doing the simple task of finding them, let alone retrieving them, '' the ace growled.

`` Yes, I know. I will try harder, I will. It 's just ..., '' Washburn trailed off.

`` What ? ! '' the champion demanded.

Albus leaned his straits closer to the door, but Washburn remained silent. Then Albus felt a wet object collide with his fountainhead. `` Argh ! '' he screamed and turned around.

`` Ickle firsties ! '' Peeves was bobbing up and down in the air, cackling madly. `` Spying on teachers ? Very naughty !

`` Peeves ! '' Rose shouted as the poltergeist heaved a pee balloon at her psyche. Peeves cackled and threw another pee balloon at Albus.

`` What is going on out here ? ! '' Washburn appeared in the doorway, his vocalization returning to the usual rage that Albus was used to.

`` Firsties spying on your meeting, Professor, Sir ! '' Peeves saluted Washburn and flew down the hallway, laughing hysterically.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn spat, glaring at Albus. Albus stood trembling and soaking wet, waiting for whatever was coming next. At the time, spying on Washburn seemed like a corking approximation. But now that he thought about it, it was inevitable that they would be caught.

The strange wizard came sauntering out of the room with a smug looking on his expression. `` I think that concludes our word. I shall be speaking with you shortly. '' He walked down the corridor and disappeared around a corner.

Washburn watched him allow for and once he was gone, Washburn turned back to Albus. `` Just what, do you lot, opine you were doing ? '' he seethed.

Albus stood still, but said nothing. rose wine, John, matte, and Amanda remained mum as well. Washburn looked at each of them in routine and returned his gaze to Albus. `` 100 points from Gryffindor. And detainment, this Monday at 7 pm, all of you. I 'll accept you polishing the trophies, '' he spat.

Albus nodded. 100 points, that was the most Washburn had ever taken from them before. The detention was no big mint, but the gunpoint would set Gryffindor quite a room back in the running for the House Cup.

`` Um, Professor, '' matte whispered, `` Is there any hazard we could do it this weekend, maybe, instead of Monday ? ``

Washburn turned to glower at Matt, looking livid. `` NO ! I 've got early detentions scheduled for the weekend ! You 'll receive me in the Trophy room at 7 pm on Monday, or I 'll describe you to the schoolmaster ! '' He gave flatness one Sir Thomas More piercing stare and went back into his room, slamming the threshold behind him.

Albus turned and looked at his admirer. They all had shocked facial expression on their faces and flatness looked quite disturbed. Rose 's hairsbreadth was dripping with water.

`` Told you we should have gone to supper instead, '' John commented, as they started walking down the corridor.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` We may give gotten detention, but we did hear some utile information. ``

`` He 's got a pointedness, '' rosebush said, `` Washburn 's definitely up to something. That man wants him to observe something out, ascertain out where something is, and then they 're going to try to slip it. ``

`` I guess, but we do n't even recognise what they 're trying to find out. We ca n't really do anything about it, '' King John responded.

`` And Washburn 's even more furious with us, '' matt said dryly.

`` Yeah, but he already hates me so much that it does n't matter, '' Albus pointed out, `` By the way, why did you want the hold switched ? That 's not the, you know, is it ? '' Albus asked, not wanting to say 'full lunation'out loud, in causa anyone was lurking around.

`` No, '' Matt whispered, `` But it 's two nighttime after the detention, so I 'll already be feeling pathetic. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, remembering how tired flatness always was in the solar day preceding the good moonshine. `` Maybe you could talk to my dad or Professor Longbottom ? They 'd piddle Washburn switch over it. ``

`` I know they would, but then word would get around to Malfoy. The last thing I need is him wondering why I can choose when I have my detentions. You know Washburn would somehow acknowledgment it in year. ``

`` Yeah, he would, '' Albus said darkly.

`` We 'll just polish your prize for you, '' John assured him, `` Just lay down it look like you 're doing something and we 'll cover for you. ``

Matt smiled weakly, `` Thanks. ``

`` So, we going to go eat supper or not ? '' John turned towards the stairs.

`` You guys go ahead, '' Albus answered, `` I 've got to go change out of these wet robes. '' He gave rose a meaningful glance.

`` I 've got to deepen, too, '' rosiness told them and gestured to her soaking robes.

`` All right, '' St. John said, and started down the stairs with matt and Amanda.

Albus and rosiness set off for Gryffindor column. Once they entered the desert common room, Rose turned to look at Albus. `` You thought of the Hallows when you heard Washburn talking, did n't you ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Did you ? ``

rosebush nodded, `` It does seem suspicious. ``

`` It 's got to be him. It fits. That 's why he hates me. He thought I 'd live where the Hallows are, but I do n't. ``

`` I dunno. I mean, it does fit, but still, Washburn 's a teacher. ``

`` So what ? instructor can be Dark mavin, too. ``

`` I know, but we do n't have any proof ! We did n't even hear him say 'Hallows', '' Rose reasoned.

`` I know, so I do n't consider we should tell my dad yet, we ca n't get him in trouble, but it 's a start. And we learned more about the Hallows, '' Albus pointed out, `` They already know where one of them is, but it 's going to be unvoiced to get. Maybe it 's heavily guarded ? ``

`` Probably. Anyway, I think we 'll probably birth to look at Dumbledore 's advice and talk to can, Matt, and Amanda about it. We 've got to receive out what they are. ``

`` Yeah, we should. We 'll do it soon, '' Albus assured her.

`` Albus, do you think that Washburn, or whoever is trying to get the Hallows, will be able to institute back Voldemort ? '' rose asked quietly.

`` I do n't intend so. I mean, he 's bushed, right ? So how could he come back ? Plus, in my pipe dream, the magician said he was going to wreak about Voldemort 's 'ideals'. ``

`` Well, his 'ideals'are passably scary, '' blush wine shuddered, `` And the estimation of a second Voldemort 's almost as scarey as the offset one. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Which is why we 've got to go along Washburn from getting the Hallows. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my baby and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, my early sister, and my brother. Also, thanks to Moonylupin, XXEveryinchXX, and TheNobleHouseofPotter for their review article !

I 've posted my next account, In Moonlight 's tail. Please check out it out on my author page !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Word spread like wildfire that a grouping of first base years had lost Gryffindor 100 points in one night. Quite a few older bookman were very angry about this, especially since the loss of period placed them below both Slytherin and Hufflepuff in the running for the menage Cup. After classes the succeeding day, Albus and his admirer were bombarded by a couple up fifth years, including his full cousin Peach State and Gabriella, demanding to have it away why the breaker point were taking away. Albus quickly explained what had happened with Washburn, and quiet fell around the common room. After a few present moment, person started clapping. Soon after, a distich Sir Thomas More citizenry joined in and eventually the entire common way was cheering and slapping Albus and his friends on the dorsum. Albus stared quizzically at everyone, wondering why they were all cheering that he had lost them so many points.

`` Why 's everyone hand clapping ? '' Albus asked James.

St. James grinned, `` Because you made Washburn so angry ! Everyone hates him ! No one 's had the nerve to spy on him before. It 's brilliant, really. I 've heard people have been trying to get him to fall by the wayside since he first started teaching when Victoire was a 1st twelvemonth. You 've done so much stuff and nonsense to him this year. First you set him on fire- ''

`` That was a complete stroke ! ``

`` Energy n't matter, the level is, he 's frightful to everyone, except the Slytherins. And you 're rebelling against him. Honestly, you 've got more nerve than I thought, '' Epistle of James stared in awe at his brother.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled at James I. Albus had felt ugly about losing so many points, but if the other Gryffindors were n't going to worry, than maybe it was n't so bad after all.

For the future few mean solar day, whenever Albus and his acquaintance were in the green way, the other Gryffindors would ask Albus for help in planning harlequinade to pull out on Washburn. Apparently, the other Gryffindors saw Albus 's catching as inspiration to figure out their own fashion to drive the good luck charm prof crazy. Albus, however, wanted goose egg to do with it. He was far too distressed about the idea of Washburn and that other wizard trying to chance the Hallows and use them to complete Voldemort 's plans. He spent the weekend trying to do prep, but always wound up thinking about the Hallows and trying to intend of something that was heavily guarded that could be used to gain power.

By the time Mon arrived, Albus had exhausted every potential powerful object and could n't believe of anymore. Monday meant that it was clock time for their detainment with Washburn. After dinner, Albus and his acquaintance walked slowly to the trophy room. Albus was not looking forward to being in close vicinity with the somebody who was most likely performing Legilimency on him.

`` Are you all right, matt ? '' pink wine asked, jolting Albus out of his thinking. He turned around to look at Matt, who was lagging behind the rest of them, even though they were all walking slow.

`` Yeah, '' flatness yawned, `` Just tired, no big lot. ``

`` You should go to Madam Pomfrey. She 'll attain Washburn reschedule the detention, '' Rose suggested.

`` And have Malfoy find out ? No. Plus, if I do it another prison term, I 'll have to do it alone, '' lustrelessness shuddered at the thought of being unequaled with Washburn.

No one said another countersign the relief of the way to the trophy elbow room. When they got there, Washburn was already there, looking homicidal, and standing side by side to a large pail of cleaning supplies.

`` It 's 7:05. You 're late, '' he growled.

`` Sorry, sir, '' lustrelessness mumbled, `` It was my fault. ``

`` I do n't care who 's fault it was. It just means you 'll be here later, '' Washburn barked, `` You 'll be staying until every one of these prize is spotless. No thaumaturgy, of form. ``

Washburn strode over to a magnanimous armchair that was sitting near the door, sat down in it, and started his usual glaring. Albus picked up a bottle of Polish and a rag and wandered over to a prize for the Gobstones golf club. John and lustrelessness started polishing trophy on either English of Albus, while blush wine and Amanda started on the other side of the way. The prize room was quite large and Albus guessed it would take them at to the lowest degree two 60 minutes, perhaps more, to smooth all the trophies and display case. They polished in silence for a one-half minute, moving along the wall of trophy as they went on. Albus was polishing a Wizard 's Chess backup trophy from 1922 when he felt a needlelike poke in his incline. He turned to his right and saw John, who had stopped polishing his trophy. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John silently pointed to Albus 's other face and Albus turned to look. lusterlessness was standing with his oral sex slumped up against the trophy case. He was fast departed. Albus glanced nervously back at John. Albus did n't want to know what Washburn would do to Matt if he discovered that he was n't awake.

`` lustrelessness, '' Albus prodded his booster gently, `` arouse up. ``

matt groaned a little and lifted his head off the field glass. Albus glanced nervously at Washburn. Luckily he was currently pointing out a slur of grunge that rose had missed on a Quidditch trophy. Albus poked Matt again, a little harder this time.

`` Ouch ! '' mat winced and opened his eyes. He glanced around with a confused look on his face.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered. `` You fell asleep. Keep polishing. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Matt picked up his rag that had fallen on the floor when he drifted off and went back to polishing.

The three boys continued polishing in secrecy for the next hour. Occasionally, either Albus or John would consume to wake flatness up. matte was not getting a hale lot of polishing done, but since he was working right next to Albus and bathroom, Washburn did n't seem to notice.

`` Albus, '' John whispered a while later.

`` What ? '' Albus looked over at John. John pointed at the trophy he was polishing. Albus looked at it and saw that it was a plaque of everyone who received an award for special table service to the schoolhouse.

St. John the Apostle pointed at two names on it, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. `` What did they do ? '' he whispered.

`` Saved my mum from Voldemort and a basilisk in the Chamber of secret, '' Albus whispered back. `` And discovered that it was Voldemort attacking educatee in the low billet. He possessed my mum through a diary he wrote when he was 16. ``

John the Divine stared wide-eyed at Albus. `` Whoa. I think I remember my parents telling me about that. They were n't in Hogwarts yet when that happened. ``

`` Quiet back there, '' Washburn growled.

matte jerked awake at the auditory sensation of Washburn 's voice. `` Wha 's going on ? '' he said a little too loudly.

`` Oh, heat up, Eckerton ! It 's only 9 pm ! '' Washburn shouted, `` The Oklahoman you finish, the sooner you can go to bed. ``

`` Sorry, sir, '' lustrelessness replied and went back to polishing a trophy.

As Albus continued polishing, he thought about the award his dad had gotten all those years ago. He had been a hero every class he had been in school. He still was a hero. 'Will I ever do anything like that ?'Albus thought. 'Will I ever live up to what the great unwashed think I will do ? Everyone thinks I 'll do outstanding things just because my dad did, but what if I ca n't ?'Albus doubted that he would ever get an accolade for special services to the school.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted, causing Albus to come out of his thoughts. `` Why ca n't you quell arouse ? ! Get up ! ``

Albus looked over at matt. He was slumped yet again on one of the methamphetamine hydrochloride display cases, looking very sick. He opened his eyes and started slowly dragging his rag along the Methedrine with his center drooping.

`` Why do n't you lay off him already ? '' John the Divine shouted disgustedly. `` You know perfectly well why he 's weary. ``

Washburn got up from his chair and started towards John. Albus glanced nervously from one to the early. Rose and Amanda both stopped polishing and were paying airless attention. Matt had fallen asleep on the field glass again. `` What did you say ? '' Washburn spat once he was within two feet of John.

toilet stared at him, not breaking eye contact. `` I said, why do n't you leave him alone ? You knew he 'd be tired today and you still made him do detainment ! Just let him sleep and we 'll finish the cleansing. We 're almost done anyway. ``

Washburn 's typeface turned a shade of purple that Albus had only seen on his Great-Uncle Vernon. He stepped closer to John, but John did n't look away. `` 50 more percentage point from Gryffindor for talking back. And another custody, I think. Tomorrow night. Lines. My office. But just you. Sleeping Beauty will be even worse tomorrow and as much as I 'd love to give Sir Thomas More detention to ceramist, Weasley, and tagger, they have n't done anything. This was all you. Go on, get out of here ! '' He shouted stormed out of the room.

Albus stared in shock absorber as he left. He glanced around at John, who was still glaring at the door, his font as red with ira as rose wine 's hair. `` C'mon, let 's go, '' he said quietly as he prodded Matt awake.

`` Huh ? '' Matt mumbled.

`` Detention 's over, '' Albus told him as he walked towards the door.

`` Oh, ok, '' matte yawned and followed the rest of them out of the door.

`` He 's kept us past curfew, '' Rose commented as they made their way through the corridors.

`` physique, '' John grunted.

`` That was brilliant, by the way, '' Albus said.

`` What was brilliant ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` John flipped out on Washburn while you were asleep, '' Albus told him.

`` What did you do ? '' Matt asked trick in an astound interpreter. `` Why do I always miss the good stuff ? ``

privy was still too angry to say much, so Albus explained. `` He told Washburn off for yelling at you. It was after Washburn woke you up that 2nd time. And you had just fallen asleep again. King John started yelling at him about how he should n't own shouted at you when he knew why you were tired and how he should n't receive assigned you detention for today. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` Are you mad ? What did he do to you ? ``

`` Detention tomorrow Night. And L points lost, '' John replied.

`` You are mad, '' Matt said quietly, `` You did n't bear to do that. I do n't need you getting in trouble for me. ``

`` Yes, I did, '' Gospel According to John said, `` It 's not fair what he did. He should give birth made the detention over the weekend, like you suggested. He 's deliberately trying to run you down. It 's just not fair. ``

`` Yeah, well, life story 's not fair. I found that out six years ago, '' matt said bluntly.

`` Yeah, but it does n't imply it 's okay for people to treat you like droppings, '' St. John replied softly.

******

By the time John trudged back into the usual way after his detention the side by side Night, most of the remainder of the Gryffindors had gone to bed. There were a few fifth years huddled up at one board, studying for their O.W.L.s, and Victoire and Amy were up talking quietly while studying for their N.E.W.T.s. Albus and his friends had managed to get the skilful armchairs near the ardor once the quartern geezerhood occupying them had gone to bed. rosebush was reading a Koran while Albus and Amanda played gobstones. lusterlessness was sound asleep in his chair.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Albus asked as John collapsed in one of the chairs.

`` It was flaming miserable, '' John the Evangelist groaned, `` He stared at me the wholly time. Had me write'I will respect my elders and not verbalize back'about 300 times. ``

`` Yeah, that 's what he does. I 've gotten used to it, but it drove me mad during the first few custody, '' Albus told him.

`` He 's an evil git, '' lav growled.

`` I know, '' Albus agreed.

`` wellspring, I do n't require to babble about him anymore. I just spent two time of day with him. Anyway, what have you been up to ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Not much. We finished all our preparation a spell ago. We 've just been sitting around waiting for you, '' Albus said.

`` When did he fall asleep ? '' Saint John the Apostle jerked his head towards Matt.

`` About an hour ago, '' Amanda answered.

John sighed, `` You know, it 's almost like he expects everyone to be rude to him. ``

`` I 'm pretty indisputable he does, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, it 's probably because most people have, '' blush wine commented, `` I mean, nigh people are n't exactly courteous to, well, people like him. ''

`` I know, but he should n't just accept it. I 'm going to puzzle up for him, '' bathroom said.

`` We will, too, '' Rose agreed, `` But he 's just not used to it. ``

`` I guess, but I 'm not going to let anyone treat him badly. Especially not individual like Washburn, '' St. John replied.

`` Me neither, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda replied.

`` We should probably go to bed, '' Albus said after glancing at his spotter, `` We 've got Astronomy tomorrow. ``

Amanda groaned, `` Oh, yeah. Should be a miserable night. ``

`` Yours wo n't be as miserable as his will be, '' John the Evangelist pointed to Matt.

******

The next day went by fast for Albus. charm was thoroughly measly for Albus and all his Friend. John the Divine had made it onto the list of people Washburn clearly disliked more than the others. Now, the only if one of Albus 's friends who was n't, was Amanda. However, Washburn did dislike her More than the other Gryffindors, just because she was admirer with Albus. Washburn spent the whole class lecture and shouting at Matt whenever he fell asleep. Albus could narrate that lavatory was trying unvoiced to behave himself whenever this happened. It did n't help that Malfoy spent the altogether class with a smug look on his typeface, clearly enjoying that Washburn was shouting at matte every five minutes.

`` immorality git. We ought to sneak a few regurgitation pastilles in his pumpkin juice, '' John muttered under his intimation after Washburn woke Matt up for the fourth time.

`` What did you say, Brickston ? '' Washburn shouted.

`` zero, sir, '' John answered.

`` Did n't vocalise like nil, '' Washburn growled, `` Ten level from Gryffindor. ``

Matt wound up skipping Potions because he could n't face up a second class with Malfoy that day. Malfoy interrogated Albus again as to where lustrelessness was, and Albus told him that Matt had left after lunch to visit his sick gran.

After dinner, Albus and his friends decided to see if lusterlessness was in the way of requirement. He never showed up at dinner. When they arrived in the Room, Amy was already there, trying to wake Matt up.

`` Hey, Amy, '' Albus said quietly.

Amy turned around, `` Oh, hi, Albus. ``

`` Are you going to the hospital fender now ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll see you guy tomorrow, I guess, '' flatness yawned as Amy helped him out of the bed.

`` All right, '' Albus replied.

`` Bye, '' John, Rose, and Amanda said quietly.

`` Bye, '' Matt winced as he followed his sister out of the room.

Albus and his friends spent the balance of the evening in the Room, working on their homework. After a few hours, in which Albus managed to get the latest Potions homework done, it was metre for Astronomy.

prof Polo announced that they would be finishing their March wizard charts that night. Albus, Saint John the Apostle, pink wine, and Amanda set up their telescopes and got to work.

`` This is the number one full synodic month on a Wednesday, is n't it ? '' Albus whispered to Rose after a few minutes.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Rose said, `` I 'm just glad we do n't give this with the Slytherins.

`` Where 's your friend, lustrelessness ? '' Jackie Franklin Pierce, the Hufflepuff on Albus 's other face asked.

`` He 's visiting his sick grandma, '' Albus said automatically.

`` Oh, I hope she 's in effect soon, '' Jackie replied.

Albus focused his telescope and marked down a few stars. He moved his telescope and pointed it towards the moon. He sighed as he thought about how something as beautiful as the moon could control someone 's life as much as it controlled Matt's.

Albus managed to finish his asterisk chart just as the course of instruction was ending. John and rosebush were able to finish theirs as well.

`` I hope he does n't take off a whole lot of points for not getting all the stars, '' Amanda sighed as they climbed into the portrayal hole.

`` If you only forgot a couple, I do n't think you 'll loosen that many full stop, '' Rose assured her.

Albus sat down in one of the armchairs in front of the evacuate hearth. `` Are any of you tired ? ``

toilet sat down next to Albus, `` No, not really. ``

Rose and Amanda shook their heads and sat down. `` Let 's stay up. We can go see Matt in the morning, '' rose suggested.

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed. The champion spent much of the night playing numerous games of chess, Exploding Snap, and Gobstones. Eventually, the sun started to rise and morning came.

`` Should we go, then ? '' John asked once they finished their biz of Exploding Snap.

`` Yeah, it 's probably a dear time, '' rose said. `` But maybe you should go get the map, Albus. I do n't envision running into Filch. ``

Albus agreed and ran up to James 's dormitory. James and the relaxation of the second year male child were all sound asleep. Albus ran to James 's torso and rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He left a ready billet to James telling him that he took the map, quickly left the room, and went back to the park room.

Albus spread the map out on the level and tapped it with his verge, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no unspoiled. ``

`` Blimey, that is brilliant !, '' John grinned as the authorship appeared on the map. Albus had told his booster about the map before, but he had never showed it to them.

`` Wow ! '' Amanda stared in awe at the map. `` That is awesome. ``

`` Let 's see, '' Albus scanned the map, `` Filch is still in his office. ``

`` What about Washburn ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Hmm, '' Albus looked back at the map.

`` There he is ! '' Rose pointed at the map, `` He 's in his function, too. ``

`` trade good, '' John said in a take over voice, `` Oh, and there 's dame Pomfrey. She 's walking through the entree foyer. ``

`` Let 's go, then, '' Albus stood up, `` Mischief Managed. '' He stuffed the map into his robe pocket and left the room, with Rose, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda following.

When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, it was completely deserted. Albus and his protagonist settled themselves on the bed next to the one Matt usually stayed in. The threshold opened a few bit later, but it was n't Madam Pomfrey who came through. It was Amy, followed by Victoire.

`` What are you doing here ? '' Amy asked when she saw Albus and the others.

`` We had uranology last nighttime and were n't tired, so we just stayed up and figured we 'd add up see Matt, '' Albus told her.

`` Oh, all right hand, '' Amy replied. She walked over to the bed where Albus and his champion were sitting and Victoire followed. `` I told her, '' Amy said to Albus, `` about Matt. ``

`` I still ca n't trust you kept this from me all these years, '' Victoire said.

`` You 're not mad, are you ? '' Amy asked quietly.

`` No, of course not, '' Victoire assured her and sat down following to rear on the bed. `` It just must stimulate been so surd to keep that a secret. ``

Amy sat down next to Victoire, `` It was. But I did n't really deliver a pick. My parents forbid me from telling anyone. ``

`` wellspring, I 'm glad you told me now. Your parents are n't going to be mad, are they ? ``

`` No, I asked them a couple calendar week ago and they said it would be all decently if I told you, '' Amy answered.

`` goodness, '' Victoire said and turned to Albus, `` How long have you guys known ? ``

`` Since January. Well, rosiness put the clues together in Nov, but we did n't have it off for trusted until January. But we did n't verbalise to Matt about it until lastly month, '' Albus responded.

The group sat in silence for a few moments, before Victoire asked, `` When 's he coming back ? ``

`` Should be any prison term, '' Amy stood up and glanced at the door. `` But just to let you guys sleep together, he 's not going to be in any condition to talk to you. ``

`` We know, we just want to be here for him, '' John replied.

`` I honestly do n't even know if he 's going to want you here. He never likes anyone seeing him right after a transformation. ``

`` We do n't care what he looks like, '' John said adamantly.

`` I know you do n't, but I think he 's still afraid you 're going to abandon him. He 's never had such supportive friends before. The few friends he had went running in the other direction once they found out, '' Amy explained.

`` Gits, '' John muttered under his breath.

The door to the Hospital Wing opened and Albus looked up. brothel keeper Pomfrey came bustling through while using her sceptre to float a stretcher through the doorway. Matt was laying upon it, covered in a thick green blanket. Amy immediately rushed over to them. `` How is he ? '' she asked anxiously.

`` Not that bad, actually, '' Madam Pomfrey replied, `` A few broken bones and a clean bit of track and contusion, but not as bad as past times months. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Amy replied.

brothel keeper Pomfrey directed the stretcher towards the bed next to the one Albus and his protagonist were sitting on. `` What are you lot doing here ? '' she asked briskly once she noticed them.

`` We, er, just wanted to see if flatness was okay, '' Albus answered nervously. He suddenly was n't sure if they should feature gone to the hospital wing after all.

`` He knows you know, then ? '' gentlewoman Pomfrey asked.

`` Yeah, and he explained everything survive month, '' Albus told her.

`` And you know, too ? '' brothel keeper Pomfrey gestured to Victoire.

`` Yes, I do, '' Victoire answered.

brothel keeper Pomfrey smiled, `` Good. It 's about clock time he had some fast Friend. Now, I 've got to mend him up a bit and then if he 's awake, you can see him. '' She pulled the drape closed behind her and Amy. A minute later, she came out, went to her authority, and came back with numerous potions and bandage. Albus watched as she went back through the curtains and listened to the various healing trance she was performing.

Victoire, Albus, and his friends all sat on the bed, no one saying a news. Albus was still a bit worried about Matt 's response to them being there. He had n't thought about it before, but now he realized that Amy was proper and matte probably did n't require them to see him like this. He glanced at his friends, who were also looking a bit neural. They did n't have long to dwell on it, though, because a little while later, ma'am Pomfrey and Amy appeared from behind the curtains.

`` He 's awake, '' ma'am Pomfrey told them, `` You can see him for a few minutes, but not very long. He needs remainder. ``

Albus glanced at his friends and they stood up. He walked through the curtain, with blush wine, King John, and Amanda following. mat was laying on the bed, looking thoroughly hapless. His face was covered in cuts and there was a big bruise on his left impertinence. Both of his arms were heavily bandaged and he looked very tired.

`` What are you guy rope doing here ? '' he asked hoarsely when he saw Albus and the others.

`` We wanted to come see you. Are you all right ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' flatness answered bluntly.

`` I hope you do n't mind that we came, '' Rose said softly.

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` I just thought you would n't have wanted to. ``

`` 'Course we do, '' John said, `` You 're our Friend. ``

Matt grinned tiredly at them. `` Oh, did you tell Victoire ? '' he asked Amy, who had just come back through the drape with Victoire.

`` Yeah, I told her this morning, '' Amy replied.

`` And it does n't bother me in the least, '' Victoire assured him. lustrelessness yawned and smiled at her.

Madam Pomfrey came back with another steaming potion in a goblet. `` clip for you lot to go, '' she told them, `` He needs to sleep. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said, `` Bye, mat. Hope you feel better. ``

`` We 'll follow see you tonight, '' Rose told him.

`` Ok, have fun in class, '' matt yawned. St. John the Apostle and Amanda waved as the group left. Amy and Victoire followed behind them, whispering to each former.

Albus walked to the Great vestibule for breakfast with his friends. He was feeling quite tired after staying up the whole Nox. Albus was gladiola that Matt did n't seem to bear in mind them coming to see him so soon after the full moon, but he could tell that Matt still was n't completely comfortable with them knowing his secret. Albus figured that after a couple weeks or so matte would gradually relax about it. Now, all Albus had to do was make up one's mind when to recite his protagonist about the Hallows. He had been putting it off, but decided to direct Dumbledore 's advice and see if they knew anything about them. It was the only cue he had, and if he was going to stop over Washburn from getting the Hallows, he he had to use it.
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A/N : Thanks to my baby and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other baby and my brother. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Mamaykay for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or any of The fib of Beedle the Bard.

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Albus did not have a fortune to ask John, Matt, and Amanda about the Hallows until after the easter holiday. Matt spent the repose of the hebdomad in the hospital Wing, and Albus did n't require to spill about the Hallows there. He preferred to do it in secret. The Easter holiday began the day after flatness left the infirmary annexe. Neither Albus nor his friends stayed at the castle over the holiday. Albus quite enjoyed the break and spent much of it playing Quidditch with King James. rosiness and her menage came to detain for a few days, but Albus did n't see the respite of his extended family. Albus, Rose, and St. James did spend a bit of clip sneaking around Grimmauld Place, looking for cue that would top them to finding out what the Hallows were, but they did n't see anything useful.

By the prison term Albus was back at Hogwarts, the snow had melted and it was relatively tender. April was upon them, which meant that the end of term exams were only two month away. The teacher made sure to remind them of this during every course of study. Albus had not thought it possible, but they were being assigned even more prep than before. Of track, no one was feeling the pressure more than the twenty percent and seventh years, who were preparing for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. All of them could be seen studying in the common way and library until deep at nighttime. A few of them were already cracking under the pressure. Albus was glad that his O.W.L.s were still four age away, but he was not looking forward to them. Even Victoire was becoming nervous about the exam and had started threatening younger pupil with detainment if they were too aloud in the common room. Usually Victoire was very level headed and not much bothered her, but she was afraid she would n't give birth enough N.E.W.T.s to get her into the Healer program.

`` I am not looking forward to my O.W.L.s, '' john sighed as he watched as a twenty percent year nodded off while reading her musical note.

`` Me neither, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 'll be fine if you study, '' Rose assured them.

`` That 's the part I 'm not looking forward to, '' John laughed, `` I 'm having enough problem studying for this year 's exam. ``

`` Have you finished your Herbology ? '' Albus asked John.

`` I 'm working on it now, '' John told him.

`` I have n't even started it, '' Amanda commented. lustrelessness was helping her finish this week 's astronomy assignment.

`` Well, it 's not due until day after tomorrow, '' Albus told them.

`` Good thing ! '' John shouted and threw down his calamus, `` I need a suspension from all this ! ``

`` Shush ! '' Victoire came storming over to their mesa. She looked very tired. `` This is take clip ! ``

`` Sorry, Victoire, '' John said, `` I 'm just sick of studying. ``

`` Just wait until seventh class ... '' Victoire muttered as she went back to the tabular array she was sharing with Amy.

`` Want to go to the room ? '' Albus whispered.

`` Yeah, let 's go, '' lustrelessness replied and got up. Albus, Rose, Amanda, and John all picked up their books and followed lusterlessness out of the common way. They walked to the Room and mat paced three times in nominal head of it. The door appeared and they all walked inside. The Room looked just as it did when matt told them about the night he was bit.

Albus walked inside and sat down on one of the chairs. His friends followed and they all resumed their studying, except for toilet, who was wandering around the Room.

`` I 've got to tell you guys something, '' Albus said quietly after a few mo. Everyone looked up from their account book and John Lackland came over to the fire and sat down on the couch following to Matt.

`` Are you going to assure us where you disappear to with Rose and your crony ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Er, yeah, you noticed that ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Yes, we all did, '' Amanda told him.

`` wellspring, I 'm going to tell you why, '' Albus said. `` I guess first I 've got to tell you that this past summertime, I thought my dad had told me everything about the frustration of Voldemort. ``

`` You mean, he did n't ? '' John asked.

`` No, I do n't cogitate he did, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Over Christmas, Rose, Epistle of James, and I, and a dyad of our full cousin, overheard mine and rosebush 's parents whispering about something in the kitchen. They were talking about whether or not to tell us something, something they 've been hiding from us. I do n't know what it was. I just heard them say one word, 'Hallows'. James, Rose, and I researched in the program library to try and find out what 'Hallows'were. But we did n't find anything. The only thing we had to go on was the fact that I heard the Son 'Hallows'in those Legilimency dreams I have. Someone wants to chance the Hallows and steal them, whatever they are.

`` Rose came up with the idea that I should talk to Dumbledore 's portrait about it. We figured that the Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall because they seem to be something just our parents know about. Since Dumbledore told my dad about the Horcruxes, we figured he 'd know something about the Hallows. So, rose came up with the completely idea to set off a firework in Washburn 's class in order to get me into the master 's government agency so I could talk to Dumbledore. ``

`` Wait, you did that on purpose ? '' can asked in awe.

`` Yeah, we did, '' blush wine grinned.

`` That 's, that 's vivid, but pudden-head ! '' John laughed.

`` We know, '' Albus said grimly, `` It could deliver gone much forged. Anyway, Dumbledore did know about the Hallows, but he would n't secernate us about them. He said it was something my dad had to tell me. But he did impart me a clue. He told me to ask you about them, '' Albus said.

`` He thinks we 'd know what they are ? '' Amanda asked.

`` well, yeah, that 's what he said. He said to specifically ask lavatory and flatness about them, '' Albus replied.

`` He got that right, I 've never heard of Hallows before, '' Amanda responded.

`` You have n't heard of them, stimulate you ? '' Albus turned to John and Matt.

St. John the Apostle and lustrelessness looked at each other and then glanced at Albus. `` Well, I 've never heard of them, '' privy said.

`` I have, my dad told me about them once, '' Matt commented.

`` You know what they are ? '' Albus asked in cushion. He looked at blush wine. She looked as clueless as Albus did.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Matt repeated, `` Have n't you two ever heard The Tales of Beedle the Bard ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus nodded.

`` The what ? '' Amanda looked quizzically at Matt.

`` The fib of Beedle the Bard, '' he repeated, `` A playscript of Wizard faery narration. The Warlock 's Hairy Heart, Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling podium, The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, The Fountain of bazaar Fortune- ''

`` My parents read me those when I was small. Mum 's actually got the original written matter ! '' pink wine interrupted excitedly.

`` doe she really ? '' Matt stared at her in awe.

`` Yeah, Dumbledore left it to her in his will, '' blush wine told him. `` But what do a crowd of pansy tales have to do with 'Hallows'? ``

`` You did n't let me finish. There 's one more. The Tale of the Three crony, '' Matt told them. `` And that has everything to do with the Hallows. ``

Albus and rosiness glanced at each early. Like Rose, Albus had been read those fairy tale when he was little, and he remembered The Tale of the tercet brother. He remembered his Aunt Hermione reading it to him from the original written matter. He had n't been capable to show a parole of it, since it was written in runic letter, but he definitely remembered the floor.

`` But I do n't remember anything about any Hallows in that story, '' Rose commented.

`` You would n't, '' Matt told her, `` The story does n't mention the password Hallows, but the story itself is about the Hallows. ``

`` That does n't nominate sense, '' toilet announced.

`` Could soul explain this fib, please ? '' Amanda asked with a flavour of confusion on her face.

`` Sure, '' mat leaned back on the sofa and gazed around the room. `` This would be easier if I had the book. I have n't heard it in ages. '' Matt got up from the couch and walked over to a Quran shelf that was behind Albus 's chair. `` thoroughgoing ! Here 's one, '' flatness picked a book up off the shelf, walked back over to the lounge and sat down.

`` 'There were once three comrade who were traveling along a lonely, winding road at twilight, '' matte began. He read the unscathed story straight through. It was just as Albus remembered, with no mention of the watchword Hallows.

`` 'And then he greeted Death as an old Quaker, and went with him gladly, and, as equal, they departed this spirit .''' matt looked up at Amanda and closed the book. `` That 's the news report. ``

Amanda stared at him, `` That 's quite a bit unlike than Muggle fairy tarradiddle. Although I 'm still confused. ``

`` So am I. What 's that got anything to do with 'Hallows'? '' Albus asked.

`` Everything, '' Matt sighed, `` Just let me explain it. The Hallows, or the Deathly Hallows as they 're really known as, are the invisibility Cloak, the Christ's Resurrection Oliver Stone, and the senior verge. Some people believe that the story tells of the universe of the Deathly Hallows, but well-nigh people think it 's just a fib.

`` My dad told me about it ages ago. He 's one of the few people who think they actually exist. When he was younger, before he got espouse, he actually tried to find them. Looked in loads of leger all over the world, trying to describe where they might be. My Uncle Jack went with them, too. They kept searching even after my parents got marry. Mum went with them. He gave up his lookup after he and Mum wanted to set off a family. They never did get hold out anything about the Hallows that would tell him where they were. Uncle diddlyshit kept looking for years afterwards, but eventually settled in New York. He still thinks they 're out there, someplace, and has n't truly given up. ``

`` You mean, those three objects actually exist ? '' rose wine asked skeptically.

`` I dunno, '' mat replied, `` My dad seems to think so. And he 's met a few other people who think so. ``

`` But if they do n't live, why would my dad want to keep me from knowing about them ? '' Albus asked quietly. Albus was not sure what to call back about what Matt had said about the Hallows. It was a far-fetched idea, but there was one thing Albus knew might prove their existence. His Father of the Church 's invisibility Cloak. Albus had not really connected The Tale of the Three Brother to his dad 's Cloak, but now that he thought about it, the connection made sense.

`` Oh, make out on, Albus, you ca n't honestly be thinking that they exist ? '' Rose said exasperatingly.

`` We already know one of them exists ! '' Albus told her, `` What about Dad 's Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Your dad 's got an invisibleness Cloak ? '' Matt asked. `` Really ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus told him.

`` But that does n't mean it 's the one from the story, '' John said, `` I mean, there are loads of invisibility Cloaks out there. One of my uncles used to receive one. But it wore out and he never got another. ``

`` Exactly !, '' Albus said excitedly, `` My dad 's Cloak is different from all other Invisibility Cloaks. It does n't have on out ! I know most invisibleness Cloaks just have a charm or something put on them and it wears off eventually. That must have got been the variety your uncle had, John. But my grandpa had that cloak before my dad did, and my dad still has it. It still works as good now as it ever has. ``

`` Whoa, '' flatness stared at Albus with a glint of excitement in his center, `` Then that could be the Cloak from the story ! ``

`` But what about the other Hallows ? '' rosiness asked. `` I do n't intend they exist. ``

`` They might, '' John said, `` I know I 've heard of super wands being passed from wizard to wizard one C ago. ``

`` Ok, '' rosiness began, `` Say there is a 'super sceptre'out there, and Uncle Harry 's cloak is 'The invisibleness Cloak'. But how on earth would a 'Resurrection Stone'workplace ? ``

Albus could n't resolve that, but he did think that the Deathly Hallows existed. Why else would his dad have kept all this hush-hush ? The Deathly Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall, and Albus was going to find out what. `` Well, if these three objects are the 'Hallows'that I heard mentioned in my dreaming, than somebody is trying to find them, '' Albus realized.

`` That ca n't be skilful, '' John the Evangelist said, `` Whoever 's been doing that Legilimency wants to retain what Voldemort was doing, right ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed, `` Do you get laid if anything peculiar happens if you 've got all three Hallows ? ``

`` Dad said that if one person unites all three, they will be the Master of expiry, '' Matt answered.

`` Master of destruction ? '' Albus repeated, `` Well, I can imagine that Voldemort would have loved to have them, then. Especially that wand. ``

`` That 's a scary thought, '' trick said, `` Voldemort with an unbeatable baton. ``

Albus silently agreed. `` Anyone iniquity with that wand would be scary. Remember that time we spied on Washburn ? ``

matte shuddered, `` How could I not ? That resulted in one of the worst custody ever. ``

`` I know, and I 'm sorry about that, '' Albus said quietly. He still felt a bit guilty about causing all his friends to end up in detention with Washburn. `` But that strange necromancer was yelling at Washburn because he had n't found out where something was. ``

`` And we did n't even hear what it was he had to rule, '' matt interrupted.

`` But I think I know what it is. I think that Washburn is trying to find out where the Hallows are, '' Albus told them.

`` What ? ! '' John shouted, `` I know he 's horrible, but you think he is trying to unite the Hallows and proceed what Voldemort wanted to do ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` I told him it was idiotic, '' Rose sighed, `` But he still thinks it 's Washburn. ``

`` It makes sentiency, Rose ! '' Albus shouted.

`` It does fit, but still, he 's a teacher, '' rosebush replied.

`` So what ? He makes it clear that he hates me and James, and you, and matte. He 's been giving lustrelessness a hard time since the starting time of the year ! And now he hates whoremaster, too. ``

`` I know, but maybe he just does n't like Gryffindors. He was a Slytherin, you know, '' rosiness commented.

`` Yeah, I know that. But what if he hates us because he was on Voldemort 's side ? '' Albus suggested.

`` But do you really opine he 'd do this rightfield under your dad 's nose, Albus ? I mean, come on ! Your dad 's head Auror ! '' King John argued.

Albus shrugged. He really had n't thought of that. `` Dunno. Maybe he 's just stupid ? Or maybe that bloke he was arguing with is threatening him or something and he has n't got a selection ? ``

`` fountainhead, I suppose it could be that, but still ... '' St. John replied.

`` Ok, so what if it is Washburn ? '' lusterlessness said, `` What do we do about it ? ``

`` I dunno. I do n't conceive we have enough trial impression to separate anyone, '' Albus answered. `` We 've just got to hope that he does n't find out where the Hallows are. I only know where the invisibility Cloak is, Dad 's got it in his berth somewhere, and Washburn probably already knows where that is, if he 's the one doing the Legilimency. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt replied, `` But this is mad, I never thought I 'd actually find out the Hallows existed, let alone know where they are ! Do you think you could show me the Cloak sometime ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus told him, `` But please do n't differentiate your dad about this. Not yet. I know he 'd desire to cognize, but I think you ought to wait until after my dad tells me their implication in the war. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' matte sighed, `` I wo n't tell him yet. ``

`` Swear you wo n't ? ``

`` I swear, '' matte said, `` I 'll keep it secret. I 've got years of experience keeping things closed book. Do n't worry. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other baby and my brother. Thanks as well to XXEveryinchXX, Moonylupin, inkheart, and leezdz for their reviews !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Over the future few weeks, Albus thought a lot about the Hallows. He found it hard to concentrate on his homework, and rose wine would often scold him for not spending decent time studying. He continued having his foreign pipe dream almost every night, but he did n't retrieve that Washburn had found out anything new about the Hallows. Washburn continued to shout at Albus during every Charms family and give him at to the lowest degree a detainment a week. With detention, homework, and Occlumency lessons, Albus had hardly any fourth dimension for anything else. animation at Hogwarts was just as chaotic as ever. Albus did manage to detect prison term to order James about what Matt had told him about the Hallows, but James did n't have got any ideas as to where the early Hallows could be either. He did consort with Albus that it was highly possible that Washburn was the one trying to connect them.

Before Albus knew it, exams were upon them. The night before they began was very tense. well-nigh all the Gryffindors were either in the vernacular room, studying, or in the depository library doing the same. Albus and his friends were studying at a table next to the one Victoire and Amy were at. Both the one-seventh class girls were extremely nervous, and Victoire insisted on absolute quiet in the common room. Albus did not mind this, because he needed to study anyway. Their outset exam was Charms, and Albus was particularly nervous about this exam.

`` I 'm not sure I 've passed, '' Albus groaned as he walked out of the way with rose, whoremaster, Matt, and Amanda after the appealingness exam.

`` I 'm sure as shooting I 've failed, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Washburn was breathing down my neck during half of it. ``

`` I hate when teachers do that, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Well, I think I passed, but- '' rose wine started.

`` Of course you passed, '' John interrupted, `` You 've been preparing for examination since Sep. ``

Albus thought the sleep of the examination went fairly well. He thought he at least passed Potions. Herbology and DADA went extremely well, and Albus thought he got decent marking in astronomy, Transfiguration, and History of legerdemain. However, even though exams were over, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were still going on, and Victoire was still mandating a quiet common room in the evening. The night of their terminal test, Albus and his friends decided to just go to the way of Requirement and celebrate.

`` What a relief ! '' lavatory shouted as he flopped down onto the couch, `` No more exams until next twelvemonth ! ``

`` Yep, a written report destitute summer ! '' Matt grinned as he pulled a umber batrachian out of his pocket.

`` You 've got homework, you know, '' rosiness laughed.

`` I know, but I 'll save it for the last hour, '' mat replied, `` So, anyone got architectural plan for the summertime ? ``

`` I 'm going to Emerald Isle with my family, '' Amanda told them, `` For two weeks. I ca n't waitress ! ``

`` Are you going on an aeroplane ? '' John asked, excitedly.

Amanda laughed, `` Yeah. ``

`` brainy ! '' John shouted, `` Maybe I can convince my parents to take us on an airplane. ``

`` It 's not that great, '' lusterlessness commented. `` Are you doing anything ? ``

`` Erm, not sure. We usually visit all my full cousin, '' John the Divine said.

`` Well, you 've all got to come stay at my house, '' Albus told them. `` Rose and I always have a big birthday party at the burrow. ``

`` My birthday 's at the end of August and Albus 's is the end of this month, '' rose said. `` So we always have a party together. But usually it 's just our kin. And our parents'protagonist and their Thomas Kyd. ``

`` 'Course I 'll come ! '' John smiled, `` I want to see your house and the burrow. ``

`` My parents should let me issue forth. We 're not going to Hibernia until the middle of Aug, '' Amanda answered, `` As long as they meet your parents first. ``

`` They can play at King 's hybrid, '' rosebush replied.

`` Can you come, Matt ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I dunno, '' Matt said slowly, `` My parents have never let me stay over at person 's star sign before. Not that anyone would has ever wanted me to remain over at their house before. Do you know when it will be ? ``

Albus looked at Rose, who shrugged. `` I 'm not surely. I do n't think our parents have planned it yet. But we 'll bring in sure enough it 's not around the full-of-the-moon synodic month. ``

`` Then I might be able to go, '' lustrelessness smiled.

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` We 'll possess oodles of fun ! We can play Quidditch. ``

`` I ca n't believe this year is almost over, '' rosiness began.

`` Yeah, I mean, a yr ago, I did n't even recognise I was a witch, '' Amanda laughed, `` Going to be strange to go back nursing home. ``

`` And stopping point class, I never even knew about the Hallows, and now Washburn 's trying to steal them, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Well, at least over the summertime you wo n't be anywhere near Washburn, '' rose said, `` And maybe Uncle Harry will assure us the hale taradiddle. ``

`` And then you can tell it to us ! '' John the Divine replied. `` And to stay on topic, this sentence live yr, I was about the Saame as I am now. '' Everyone laughed.

`` wellspring, this sentence finis twelvemonth, I did n't have any acquaintance, '' Matt said quietly.

`` But you do now, '' King John pointed out.

Matt grinned, `` Yeah, I do. Never thought I would, though. It 's been a great class. ``

`` I have n't showed you the Marauder 's Map, have I ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` No, I do n't reckon so, '' lusterlessness answered.

`` It 's bright, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned, `` Saw it a twosome months ago. ``

`` Yeah, you were in the Hospital wing, '' Albus remembered, `` But I 've got it now. '' Albus pulled the Map out of his robe pocket.

`` You have n't given it back to Jesse James yet ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't really want to founder it back. Maybe we 'll just share it. '' Albus got up from his chair and set the Map down on the table.

`` flavour just like a regular man of parchment, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` That 's what 's so great about it ! '' Albus grinned, `` Anyway, this is the map that my granddad, putz Pettigrew, Sirius Black person, and of course, Teddy 's dad made, when they were at Hogwarts. ``

`` Yeah, I remember you telling me that, '' flatness replied.

`` Here it is, '' Albus tapped his wand on the sheepskin and said, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink cattle ranch across the map while lustrelessness stared in awe at it. `` That 's bright ! '' He stared at the map and all the labeled window pane milling around it. His oculus stopped on the Whomping willow tree. `` This shows the passageway to the shrieking Shack ? '' he asked nervously.

`` Sure does, '' Albus said, `` It shows all the passageways out of the school. But do n't concern, hardly anyone knows about the Map. Just us, James, my parents, Rose 's parents, my Uncle George, and probably some of my first cousin. But none of them, except my parents and rose wine 's parents, jazz how to get in the tunnel. ``

`` Do you eff how to get into the tunnel ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus answered. Harry had told him all about the passageways, but had n't told him how to get into them. Harry had told Albus that he did n't want to ruin all the fun of discovering thing for himself.

`` Good, '' matte breathed a sigh of respite and went back to inspecting the map. `` Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, '' he murmured. `` Are those, their nicknames ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus confirmed, `` Moony was- ''

`` Teddy 's dad, I figured that one out, '' Matt said, `` But what about the others ? ``

`` Wormtail was Pettigrew, he was a rat in more ways than one, '' Albus said grimly, `` And Padfoot was Canicula, because he was a big shaggy dog. And Prongs was my grandfather because he was a hart. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt said softly, `` This is amazing. ``

`` See ? '' Albus began, `` Moony had amazing friends, well virtually of them were, '' Albus said, thinking of Pettigrew. `` And they did n't dessert him. We wo n't dessert you. ``

`` Yeah, you 're our Moony, '' John agreed.

matte smiled at them, `` Thanks, guys. I know you wo n't, now. ``

The grouping quietly watched the map for a few bit, noting that all the fifth and seventh twelvemonth were still cooped up in the program library, studying for their examination. `` Who 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a dot that was lingering near the forest.

Rose leaned in closer and read, `` Jarett Willinson. Never heard of him. ``

`` Willinson. Do you remember he 's related to Quinton Willinson ? '' Albus asked.

`` Probably, '' john said, `` But Quinton does n't have any sibling at school. ``

`` What 's that bloke doing here, then ? '' Albus wondered.

`` search ! '' Matt pointed at a dot that was traveling from the castle towards Jarret Willinson. `` It 's Washburn ! ``

Albus looked at the dot, and sure enough, it was Washburn. He was heading towards Jarett Willinson. `` What are they doing ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Matt answered.

`` What if they 're going to try and notice the Hallows ? '' Albus asked. `` We should go see what they 're up to. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` cobbler's last time we went to see what Washburn was up to, we wound up in detention. ``

`` But what if he is trying to steal the Hallows ? If he is, then we wo n't get in fuss from him. He 'll get fired, '' Albus pointed out.

matt sighed, `` I guess. Let 's go before they leave. ``

`` Are you coming, Rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` I suppose, '' blush wine said. She looked at Amanda and the two of them stood up.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' John grinned. He was clearly excited about spying on Washburn again.

Albus and his friends left the room and set off towards the strawman room access. They saw hardly anyone on their way down the stairs. Peeves was lurking on the second flooring corridor, but luckily he did n't notice the first years sneaking off.

`` Are they still there ? '' Rose whispered as they walked onto the grounds.

Albus checked the map. `` Yeah, they 're there. They must be talking or something. ``

`` You ought to wipe it white before we meet up with them, '' pink wine suggested.

`` Good estimate, '' Albus agreed, `` maleficence managed. ``

Albus walked slowly towards the edge of the woods, where he could just make out two cloaked figures. The sun was setting and it was nearly dark. Once Albus was a couplet metrical foot away from the two adept, he recognized who Jarret Willinson was, and stopped abruptly.

`` Ouch ! '' Amanda shouted as she ran into Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, and he pulled his friends behind a tree.

`` What is it ? '' blush wine asked.

`` That wizard ! Jarett Willinson ! He 's the cuss that was arguing with Washburn when we spied on him ! And the fourth dimension I had detention and they argued in Washburn 's bailiwick. I 'm sure of it. ``

`` That means- '' Rose replied.

`` That they 're going after the Hallows. Remember, when we spied on them, that Jarett Willinson told Washburn that he would come and they would steal the Hallows together, '' Albus said.

`` We 've got to hold back them, '' John replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Let 's go. '' Albus walked out from behind the tree diagram, with his ally following. They slowly approached Washburn and Jarett Willinson. They were soon close sufficiency to hear what the two wizard were saying.

`` You 've discovered the location of one of the Hallows ? '' Jarett asked.

`` I believe so. potter finally cracked. I 'd hear that his Occlumency accomplishment were abysmal, but I did n't think it would take me this foresighted. The two kids do n't know a affair about the Hallows, '' Washburn stated.

Jarett laughed, `` They will soon. Which one did you discover ? ``

`` The Resurrection Stone, '' Washburn said.

`` Perfect. And where is it ? ``

`` In here, '' Washburn pointed to the forest. `` But I do n't be intimate where. ``

`` How are we supposed to observe it ? ! '' Jarett shouted angrily.

`` Do n't ask me ! '' Washburn shouted back.

`` It was your job to find out where it is, '' Jarett said icily and took a gradation closer to Washburn. `` And you have n't found the exact billet. ``

`` Sorry, but Potter did n't be intimate either, '' Washburn answered nervously. `` Should n't we just start searching ? ``

`` We will, but I 've told Quinton he could come with us, and he 's not here yet, '' Jarett answered. `` And we 've got another job to do tonight, anyway. ``

`` And what is that ? '' Washburn asked.

`` putting to death Potter, '' Jarett said.

Albus let out a gasp. They were going to pour down his dad ? But why ? Albus turned around and looked at his protagonist. They were all standing bloodline still and wearing feeling of give tongue to fear on their faces.

`` I do n't cogitate we 're alone anymore, '' Washburn informed Jarett and a grin appeared across his face.

Albus turned back around to face the two maven and backed up. Jarett and Washburn turned towards Albus and started walking towards him and his friends.

`` I believe you are rectify, '' Jarett responded, `` Mr. Potter, how dainty of you to join us. ``

`` What are we going to do with them ? '' Washburn asked while glaring at the five fist years.

`` Oh, I do n't sleep together, what do you remember ? '' Jarett replied.

`` Well, potter seems incapable of doing the bare charm. The Weasley girl is a right-hand know-it-all. Eckerton is asleep half the time, so I doubt he 's capable of doing much magic. Brickston does n't know when to keep open his mouth shut. And the other girl does n't seem too vivid either, '' Washburn said, `` I say we just let them hang around and if they interfere, I 'll take care of them. '' He stared Albus in the eye, with a look of complete loathing.

`` Very well, '' Jarett agreed, `` You know them better than I do. Now, let 's get back to business. ``

`` rightfulness. Now, why do we suffer to kill Potter ? Is n't he the one who knows where all the Hallows are ? '' Washburn asked.

`` I know that ! '' Jarett shouted, `` But he 's the one who 's got the Elder wand ! And if we want it, we 've got to pop him. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Washburn responded.

Albus watched the two wizards and glanced nervously at his friends. He had no idea what he was going to do next. Albus had been right, Washburn and this former necromancer were after the Hallows. Albus heard footsteps behind him and turned around, pulling out his wand at the same time.

`` Quinton, '' Jarett said, `` You 're late. ``

`` Sorry, Father, '' Quinton mumbled, `` Filch was lurking around. I had to expect for him to leave. ``

Jarett Willinson was Quinton 's dad. As Albus watched them, he only hoped that Jarett was as hopeless at dueling as his son was.

`` Put your wand away, Potter ! '' Washburn growled at Albus.

`` Leave it out, Al, '' a interpreter said from behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw his dad pulling off the Invisibility Cloak. Albus let out a suspiration of ease. His dad was there, everything would be okay.

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A/N : Thanks to my babe and Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks to my former sister and my brother, too. And thanks to inkheart, TheNobleHouseofPotter, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` Nice of you to join us, Potter, '' Jarett stepped towards Harry. `` How did you incur us ? ``

Harry drew his wand and stared at Jarett. `` Followed your son. student are n't supposed to be out of their commons rooms after hours. ``

`` I do n't recall it matters what he does now, '' Jarett replied icily. `` Once we have the Hallows, we will have power you know zilch of. ``

`` So it 's you, '' Harry said, `` You 've been after the Hallows. And you 've been doing the Legilimency, Washburn ? ``

`` Yes, I have, '' Washburn confirmed. `` Only your Logos do n't hump anything about the Hallows, so it proved pointless. You, however, provided us with a with child peck of selective information. ``

`` No, I have n't told them about the Hallows yet. But I suppose I 'll have to after tonight, '' Harry said.

`` I do n't think you 'll have the probability, potter, '' Jarett growled.

`` You 've found out where the Hallows are, then ? '' Harry asked.

Washburn nodded, `` The resurrection Stone is in the forest. I managed to break through your pathetic Occlumency. The Invisibility Cloak is in your hand. And you 've got the Elder Wand, we already knew that. ``

Harry held up his wand, `` I 'm afraid I do n't. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jarett shouted and looked at Harry 's wand, `` But you had it ! That 's how you defeated Voldemort ! ``

`` Maybe so, '' Harry began, `` But I have n't got it now, have I ? ``

`` You 've got it somewhere ! '' Jarett growled. `` Enough talk of the town ! Give me the Cloak ! ``

`` Do n't believe so, '' Harry shoved the Cloak into his pocket and raised his wand gamy. `` We 'll duel if you want, but if you come with me now, you 'll sustain less clock time in Azkaban. ``

`` I do n't give care about Azkaban ! '' Jarett shouted. `` Crucio ! ``

`` Protego ! '' Harry shouted at the same time. A shield formed in front of Harry, protecting him, Albus, and Albus 's Friend from Jarett 's spell.

Washburn and Quinton ran from behind Jarett, holding their wand out. Harry stepped towards Jarett and Jarett stepped stuffy to Harry. Albus watched them, his nitty-gritty beating fast. Jarett sent More spells towards Harry, but Harry blocked each of them. Albus smiled a little as he saw how much better at dueling his dad was than Jarett.

Jets of light flew out of both Harry and Jarett 's wand, lighting up the night around them. Harry sent a magic spell towards Jarett and he flew back and landed on the priming coat. Jarett stumbled back to his infantry and sent a stunning magic spell at Harry.

`` Just tell me where the wand is ! '' Jarett shouted as he dodged Harry 's curse.

`` No ! '' Harry shouted back and leaped out of the way of another sweetheart. The two wizards continued dueling, each one sending spells and hex towards the other. Albus stared at them. He had never seen dueling like this before. Neither wizard seemed to be slowing down. Harry was noticeably faster and dodged go more easily than Jarett, but Jarett did n't appear to be giving up anytime soon.

`` What do we do ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

Albus turned away from the duel. `` I dunno ! '' Albus heard footfall behind him again and turned to see Quinton standing with his baton facing Albus.

`` So, we duel again, Potter, '' Quinton smirked. `` Impedimenta ! ``

Albus dodged the spell easily, but did n't bang what to do next. He had n't learned many dueling spell yet. He held his wand up higher and watched Quinton.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted. Albus jumped to the side and dodged the new spell.

`` Ahh ! '' someone screamed behind Albus. He turned around and saw King John, Rose, and lusterlessness standing around Amanda, who was laying strict on the primer. The charm meant for Albus had hit Amanda square toes in the chest.

Quinton laughed. `` One down, four to go ! ``

`` spotter out ! '' Albus shouted to his booster. They held up their sceptre and stood next to Albus.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted again. Albus and his friends darted to one side and Quinton 's piece hit a nearby bush.

Albus regained his balance and turned to Quinton. He raised his verge and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Quinton dodged the magic spell and smirked at Albus, `` Think that 'll work again ? Petrificus Totalus ! ``

Albus and his friends dodged the piece yet again. `` Do n't you know any other magic spell ? '' John laughed.

`` Shut it ! '' Quinton shouted, breathing heavily.

Albus whispered to Rose, `` We 'll all unarm him at once. On the counting of three. tell them. '' Albus waited until Rose had passed the Scripture on to John and Matt and began to calculate. `` One ... ''

`` What are you doing ? '' Quinton asked nervously.

`` Two ... Three ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' All four first years screamed the charm before Quinton realized what was going on. He was knocked off his feet and his wand flew out of his hand and sailed through the air, landing near flatness. Matt picked it up and stowed it in his robe.

`` Urgh, '' Quinton picked his head up off the ground.

`` Let me rent it from here, '' Washburn stormed over to where Quinton was laying. `` piteous ... ''

Albus 's heart started beating even faster. He had never seen Washburn duel before. It would surely be a entirely lot harder to disarm him than it was to demilitarise Quinton. Albus had no desire whatsoever to set off dueling with one of his teachers.

`` So you four, well five, if you count Tagger, '' Washburn began, `` Decided to find out what I was doing. cerebration that it was a goodness approximation to meddle in my business ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Do n't deny it, Potter ! '' Washburn shouted. `` You came here tonight ! You spied on me months ago ! ``

`` If you 're going to kill my dad, than it is my business ! '' Albus shouted.

`` You could see it that way, if you 'd like. But if it 's your business concern, and you get in the way, we 'll stamp out you, too, '' Washburn growled at Albus.

Albus 's breadbasket churned with fear and he looked over to where Harry was dueling Jarett. Harry had just sent a spell at Jarett that had completely knocked him off his metrical foot. Harry looked over to Albus while Jarett was trying to get up. `` Do n't do anything to my son, Washburn ! '' Harry shouted. `` Protego ! '' He sent a shield charm in between where Albus and Washburn were standing. `` You 'll regret it ! ``

`` I do n't cogitate I will, potter around ! '' Washburn shouted back, aimed his wand at Harry, and sent a silent oath towards him. Harry easily dodged it.

`` Crucio ! '' Jarett had regained his balance and was pointing his wand at Harry. Harry turned back and ran out of the way of the unforgivable curse just in sentence. He returned to his duel with Jarett, sending more squirt of light at him.

`` Are you decease eater ? '' Saint John asked once Washburn returned his gaze to the mathematical group of first years.

Washburn smirked at King John. `` You still have n't learned to close your mouthpiece, have you ? No, we 're not expiry eater. Although Jarett 's father was. He 's in Azkaban now. Albus 's bloody father captured him ! ``

`` So, what are you going to do ? If you were planning on killing us, you would 've done it by now, '' John replied.

Washburn stepped unaired to John, `` Maybe I like to tangle it out. But adequate of that. potter ! '' He looked at Albus and pointed his sceptre at Albus 's chest. `` I do n't hypothecate you know if your father has any spare wands laying around ? One that might be the Elder Wand ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus whispered, `` I do n't think so. ``

`` 'Course not, '' Washburn growled, `` And you probably would n't tell me if you did. ``

`` Do n't think so, '' Albus said.

`` Now, I think you four would be a whole lot well-to-do to deal with if you did n't make your wand, '' Washburn seethed. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he pointed his wand at Matt. Harry 's shell charm had worn off and disappeared moments before.

Albus looked over to where lustrelessness was. mat collapsed to the ground when the patch hit his chest, and his wand and Willinson 's wand flew through the air, landing adjacent to Washburn. Albus darted over to where Matt was laying to see if he was ok.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted at Washburn after he realized that mat was knocked out cold. `` What did you do to him ? ! ``

Washburn deflected the trance and picked up the two wands. `` I just disarmed him, that usually does n't knock you out unless there are multiple people casting it. Always knew he was weak, '' Washburn sneered.

`` Shut it ! '' John the Evangelist shouted as he bent down to try and wake matte up, `` Why do n't you ever leave him alone ? ! ``

`` Ahh, looks like you 'll be next, '' Washburn pointed his scepter at John, `` Expelliarmus ! '' John 's wand sailed out of his hand and Washburn caught it. `` Now for the Weasley girl. Expelliarmus ! '' Rose 's sceptre left her hand and landed in between Washburn and Albus.

Albus ran forward to pick up Rose 's wand. `` I do n't remember so, Potter, '' Washburn reached the wand first and picked it up. `` You 're next. Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand leave his hand and saw Washburn arrest it. He glanced nervously at his friends. They were n't doing too well. No wand, and two of them were unconscious. Albus looked at Washburn, who had started pacing in a circle around them.

`` Defenseless students, '' he smirked, `` I think you 'll be much more willing to do what I say now. Time to go into the afforest, we 're going on a little scavenger hunt. ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` We 're not. ``

`` You 're not in a position to negociate, ceramicist. You 'll serve me retrieve the Resurrection Stone, '' Washburn barked, `` Now, follow me ! '' Washburn started to walk towards the timber, but Albus did not surveil. `` Let 's go, ceramist ! ``

`` We 're not going, '' rosebush said, crossing her sleeve across her chest.

`` You 'll regret that, '' Washburn said icily. He walked back to where Albus, Rose, and John were standing. `` Crucio ! '' he shouted at Rose.

Rose screamed and jumped to the side, just missing the nemesis. Washburn started sending whammy towards all three of them. Albus jumped behind a tree to avoid a jinx that wound up hitting the tree. He looked over to where Harry and Jarett were dueling. As far as Albus could tell, Harry was winning. Jarett appeared to be slowing down, but Albus noticed that his dad was limping a bit as he dodged Jarett 's spells.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Rose asked anxiously.

`` I do n't screw ! '' Albus shouted back. He peeked his psyche out from behind the tree and saw John Lackland running towards them. Washburn pointed his wand at privy 's back and hit him with a Trip curse. John fell forward and he landed on the ground with a sickening crunch. `` John ! '' Albus shouted and ran out from behind the tree.

`` Just you and the Weasley girl now, Potter, '' Washburn growled. `` Sectumsempra ! '' he shouted at Rose.

`` No ! '' Albus shouted as the oath hit one of her arms. She sank down onto the reason, screaming in pain. Albus could see line of descent seeping out of her robe. `` bar it ! '' Albus shouted again. Albus glanced over to his dad again. Both of the wizards were slowing down. Willinson was definitely the defective off, he was leaning against a tree, trying to restrain up his wand with a divulge arm. `` Dad ! supporter ! ``

Harry turned away from his affaire d'honneur and came limping over when he heard Albus 's shout. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he shouted at Washburn, and all five verge the Charms instructor was holding sailed out of his hands. Washburn turned away from pink wine and looked at Harry. `` Do n't go near my niece, '' Harry growled at Washburn.

`` Let 's go, '' Washburn lifted Quinton onto his metrical foot, `` You all right ? ``

`` Fine, '' Quinton grunted. The two of them took one look at Harry and ran off into the night. Albus saw them disapparate just as they left the Hogwarts grounds.

Albus glanced over to where Jarett had been moments before. He was gone. `` Are n't you going to go after them, Dad ? ``

`` Ca n't, '' Harry lifted his robe and revealed a nasty cut on his leg, `` Took all my strength to get over here and save you. '' Harry sank down onto the ground, breathing heavily. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm fine, '' Albus sat down next to his dad and leaned up against him. `` But I want to screw the completely story about the Hallows. ``

`` I know, and I will tell you, '' Harry sighed, `` After we get back to the palace. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus whispered. He looked over to where rosebush had collapsed and saw her getting up. She walked slowly over to Albus and Harry and sank down on Harry 's early side.

`` Uncle Harry ? Can we go back to the castling now ? '' she asked quietly. Her voice was shaking. She was holding one of her hands down over her arm, stopping the bleeding that Washburn 's curse had caused.

`` I think that would be a good idea, '' Harry replied.

`` Harry ? '' a new voice said from behind them. `` What happened ? ``

Albus, Harry, and Rose turned around. Neville was standing behind them. `` Bit of a smutty duel, '' Harry answered, and went on to explain the entire evening.

Neville shook his head, `` Blimey, Washburn 's always been a little cold, but I 'd never take expected that. What was he after ? ``

`` I 'll explain that later, '' Harry said, while trying to stand up, `` But right now we 've got to get back to the rook. ``

`` Right, '' Neville agreed, `` break me your hand. '' Harry extended his arm and Neville helped him up. Albus and Rose got up after him.

Harry leaned on Neville and Neville helped him walk over to where John was laying. Neville conjured a copestone and with a moving-picture show of his wand, John was laying upon it. He did the Same with Matt and Amanda. `` What happened to them ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` toilet got hit by a trip whammy and hit his head on a rock candy, Amanda got a full-body-bind curse, and Matt just got hit by Expelliarmus, '' Albus explained.

`` That 's naught Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix, then, '' Harry replied. `` Let 's go. ``

The radical slowly made their way back to the castle. It took them quite a while. Albus was exquisitely, except for a few gash and being completely worn out. The bleeding on Rose 's arm seemed to stimulate slowed down, but it would need to be magically healed or else it would surely open up again. Harry was walking quite slowly, and Albus could tell by the way he winced every time they went up the steps, that he was in a great hatful of infliction. Eventually, they made it up to the hospital flank. When they got into the ward, Madam Pomfrey was already bustling around, and when she saw them come in, she immediately descended upon them.

`` There you are, Harry ! '' the nurse shouted, `` I 've been trying to touch you all evening. James got into a awful duel with a couple Slytherins and he 's been unconscious mind ever since. '' She gestured to one of the beds at the far end of the room and looked back at Harry. She gazed upon the group and her mouth fell unresolved. `` What in the name of merlin happened to you lot ? ''

`` Quinton Willinson 's male parent, Jarett Willinson, tried to kill me, '' Harry said simply. `` Had quite the affaire d'honneur with him down near the afforest. Him, along with Quinton, plus professor Washburn. ``

dame Pomfrey 's eyes became expectant with stupor. `` professor Washburn ? And where are they now ? '' she asked quietly.

`` They took off, disapparated once they left the primer, '' Harry told her, `` I could n't catch them with this nasty cut on my leg. ``

`` well, come on, then, '' the nurse said, `` Harry, you go in bed one, since it 's confining. Albus, bed two, and Rose, bed three. '' Madam Pomfrey gestured to the bottom and then approached the stretchers that Neville was holding up with his scepter. `` And let 's see, Neville, ingest them to hump four, five, and seven, since King James I is in bed six. ``

Neville nodded and directed the capstone to the empty bottom. Albus walked over to the arcsecond bed and lay down. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about what had happened. Washburn thought Harry had the senior Wand, but Harry did n't. Where was it ? Who had it ? And why did Washburn think that Harry had it ? At least Harry said that he would tell apart Albus everything. It was only a topic of time before Albus knew the whole story about the Hallows.

Madam Pomfrey came bustling over to Albus 's bed. `` Here, tope this, '' she handed him a potion. `` Dreamless nap. '' Madam Pomfrey turned away from Albus and strode across the room to one of her cabinets. She rummaged around inside. `` All the Potters in the Hospital Wing at once, it was bound to happen Oklahoman or later ... '' she muttered.

Albus gratefully took the potion, and a few minutes later, he fell into a restful sleep.

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A/N : Thanks to my sis and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight and my other sister and brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, inkheart, Moonylupin, and MiZzPrInCeZz for their review article !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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When Albus awoke the sun was shining into the windowpane next to his bed. He sat up and peered at the clock on the wall. It was two o'clock. Albus looked over at rosebush 's bed ; she was still asleep.

dame Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains around one of the seam. She walked over to Albus once she noticed he was awake. `` How are you, dear ? ``

`` I 'm very well, '' Albus told her, while trying to peek at the former beds, to see how everyone else was.

`` Are you sure ? '' dame Pomfrey asked, `` nil hurts ? ``

`` No, I 'm OK, '' Albus answered truthfully, `` But what about everyone else ? Where 's my dad ? ``

`` They 're all fine, too, '' madam Pomfrey assured him, `` They 're asleep. And your dad left a few hours ago. He had to call for tutelage of some things at the Ministry. He said he 'd be back later. Now, do you want something to eat ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, suddenly realizing how hungry he was. gentlewoman Pomfrey left the way for a few min and came back with a tray filled with sandwiches and pumpkin succus. She set it down on Albus 's bedside table and Albus started eating. rose wine and James woke up a few minutes later, and they joined Albus in his lunch. William James immediately asked them what had happened net night. Albus and Rose explained the whole thing.

`` Blimey, '' James said quietly, once they had finished, `` I always knew Washburn was evil. ``

`` Explains why he hates us so much, '' Albus replied, `` We knew naught about the Hallows, and he thought he 'd be able to feel out where they were by reading our judgement. ``

`` shot so, '' James agreed. `` So, Dad said he 'd tell us about the Hallows ? ``

`` Yeah, he did, '' Albus told him, `` I guess he will when he gets back from the Ministry. ``

John, Matt, and Amanda woke up an minute later, and Albus and rosebush told them the rest of what had happened the previous Nox. They were all happy that Washburn, Jarett, and Quinton had n't gotten any of the Hallows, but were worried that they had gotten away. They spent much of the afternoon discussing what would come about next.

Albus was indisputable that, somehow, the rest of the schooltime already knew what had happened the Night before. They had no idea what Washburn, Quinton, and Jarett were after, but they knew about the duel that had taken place on the grounds. Madam Pomfrey spent a lot of time keeping curious student out of the infirmary Wing, and eventually she locked the door. Victoire and Amy were the first unity to confab Albus and the others in the hospital wing, followed by the rest of Albus 's cousin-german. They all wanted to know what went on, and Albus told them to the highest degree of the chronicle. He left out the part about the Hallows, since none of Albus 's cousins knew about them. Amanda, St. John, and Matt 's parents showed up for a few hours each and were all relieved that their kids were ok.

Once evening arrived, Madam Pomfrey made all of Albus 's cousin-german and Amy leave, and she gave Albus and the others a large platter of food for their dinner. After they finished eating, Albus heard individual trying to get into the room.

`` Bloody hellhole, I think she locked it ! '' a voice shouted out.

`` Oh, Ron, honestly. Just knock, '' a female voice said. Albus heard a flash knock, and Madam Pomfrey came running out of her office. She flung the doorway open and Ron and Hermione came running in. `` develop ! '' Hermione shouted and descended upon her girl. She wrapped rose wine in a big hug. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yes, Mum, '' Rose hugged Hermione back. Ron sat down on the bed and wrapped his arms around pink wine as well.

`` Where 's Harry ? '' gentlewoman Pomfrey asked, `` I thought he was coming with you ? ``

`` He was behind us, '' Ron glanced at the door.

`` I 'm here, '' Harry appeared in the doorway and limped over to Albus 's bed. He sank down on it and gave Albus a hug.

`` I told you not to walk on that leg yet, '' lady Pomfrey scolded.

`` Did n't take in much of a choice. I had to alarm the Ministry. I 've got Aurors looking for Washburn and both Willinsons right now, '' Harry explained.

`` trade good, '' Madam Pomfrey handed Harry a goblet of potion, `` Drink that. ''

Harry took the potion and downed it in one mouthful. `` Disgusting. ``

`` Dad ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` Are you going to secern us about the Hallows now ? ``

Harry sighed, `` I suppose. ``

`` You 've got to let bathroom, flatness, and Amanda listen to, '' Albus insisted.

`` I know, they 've got to know what happened, too, '' Harry agreed, `` We just need some place private. ``

`` How about the way of Requirement ? '' Albus suggested.

`` You 've found that already ? '' Harry grinned.

`` Well, Matt showed it to us, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, '' Harry replied, `` Well, that would be the everlasting place. '' Harry stood up. `` Poppy, I 've got a bit of explaining to do to the kids. ``

`` Ca n't you do it here ? '' brothel keeper Pomfrey asked, `` It really would be scoop for them all to stay here a while longer. ``

`` I promise we 'll all come back once I 'm done, '' Harry said.

`` Really, Harry, they need rest ! '' madam Pomfrey insisted.

`` I owe them an explanation, Poppy, '' Harry said quietly.

`` Oh, fine ! '' ma'am Pomfrey threw her helping hand up in disgust, `` But do n't have them out too long. ``

Harry grinned. Albus got up out of the bed. James IV, blush wine, John, flatness, and Amanda all got up as well. They followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the door.

`` I 'm getting too old for this, '' madam Pomfrey muttered as they left.

`` You 're not give, are you ? '' lusterlessness asked nervously.

Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` Of line not, dearest. Do n't you worry. ``

The group made their way slowly to the 7th floor. Once they reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, Harry started pacing. After a few moments, a door appeared where it had n't been previously. Harry opened it and everyone followed him inside. The elbow room looked a lot like it did when mat asked for it. The only obtrusive difference was that this time there were more armchairs and another couch.

Harry sat down on one of the lounge. Albus and James sat on either side of him. Ron, Hermione, and rosebush took the other sofa, while lav, Matt, and Amanda took the chairs.

`` Dad, '' Albus began, `` We already know about the Hallows. ``

`` You do ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, yeah, we know about the joining to the Tale of the trine Brothers, and we know that the Deathly Hallows are the Elder Wand, Christ's Resurrection Isidor Feinstein Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak. We just do n't know why you 've kept it a secret. ``

Harry sighed, `` How long have you known ? ``

`` A few months now. Since April. lusterlessness told us about them. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry looked at mat, `` You knew about them ? ``

`` Yeah, my dad told me, '' Matt answered, `` But I was n't sure as shooting if I believed they existed or not, until Albus told me about the Cloak. ``

`` Not many the great unwashed think they 're rattling, '' Harry replied, `` I first heard the narration of the Three Brothers when I was 17. It was the year that Ron, Hermione, and I were hunting Horcruxes. When Dumbledore was killed, he left each of us something in his will. You already know that he left Hermione the master copy copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, written completely in ancient runic letter. Ron got the Deluminator, and I got the offset sneaker I ever caught.

`` Hermione decoded the rune and noticed a symbolisation in a drawing that went with the fib of the Three Brothers. '' Harry pulled a composition of sheepskin and a quill out of his sack. He drew a triangle, with a circle inside it, and a line connecting the top of the triangle to the tush. `` This was the symbol. We recognized it because at pecker and Fleur 's wedding, Xenophilius Lovegood was wearing it on his gown. Viktor Krum approached him about it because this symbol is also Grindelwald 's symbol. ``

`` Grindelwald, that evil wizard Dumbledore defeated ? '' Matt asked.

`` Yes, '' Harry continued, `` But at one pointedness, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were friends- ''

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted.

`` They were, '' Harry said. Albus already knew this theatrical role of the story, but it must experience had relevance to the Hallows, if Harry was telling it again. `` They were friends, who were obsessed with uniting the Hallows. That symbol is the symbol of the Hallows. The triangle is the Cloak, the circle, the rock, and the line, the senior Wand. Grindelwald and Dumbledore 's friendship fell apart after Dumbledore 's sis was killed. Eventually, Dumbledore had to confront Grindelwald and defeat him. Grindelwald had the Elder Wand, and when Dumbledore defeated him, the Wand changed its dedication, and Dumbledore became the new captain. ``

`` Dumbledore had the Elder wand ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, he did, '' Harry said, `` Now, after Hermione decoded the story, we went to see Xenophilius Lovegood, and he explained the Hallows to us. We were doubting, but we knew that the Cloak existed. You may possess already guessed this, but Voldemort found out about the Elder Wand and he wanted to get it, because he believed it would enable him to kill me. That is why he wanted individual to bolt down Dumbledore. However, before Snape killed Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy disarmed him. The wand changed allegiance once again. You see, the senior baton does n't exchange loyalty when a wizard kills the hotshot it belongs to. That hotshot just needs to be defeated. licking does n't always equal death. Since Snape killed Dumbledore, Voldemort assumed that the wand had shifted its commitment to Snape, but in actuality, it belonged to Draco.

`` When we got captured and taken to the Malfoy manor, I disarmed Draco. I defeated him. Even though he did not have the Elder Wand in his self-possession at the sentence, it was still his wand. But when I disarmed him, it became mine. The Elder scepter had been buried with Dumbledore, but Voldemort stole it. Voldemort assumed that the scepter had allegiance to Snape, so Voldemort used his snake to obliterate Snape.

`` After Snape died, I viewed his memories in the Pensieve, and found out that I was a Horcrux and I would accept to die in order for Voldemort to die. As I was walking into the forest, I tried once again to afford the Snitch that had failed to open earlier in the year. It opened, and inside was the resurrection Stone. In the forest, Voldemort tried once again to pop me, but he only succeeded in killing the Horcrux inside me. When I came back, Voldemort and I had one final duel. He had the senior wand, but it 's loyalty belonged to me. He tried to kill me with a verge that was mine. A wand will not function properly against its lawful possessor. So, when we dueled, Voldemort 's killing oath bounced off my disarming go, and hit him. ``

Albus stared at his dad, `` But what about the fact that Voldemort used your blood to add up back to aliveness ? Is n't that why you survived ? ``

`` That 's section of it, Al, '' Harry told him.

Albus did n't know what to say. He finally had the solvent he had been looking for. This was why no one else knew about them. The Hallows did have to do with Voldemort 's downfall, a big part.

`` Where 's the elder verge now ? '' James asked, `` Do you take in it ? ``

`` No, '' Harry answered, `` That sceptre is too a lot trouble. It 's back with Dumbledore. And if I die a raw demise, it will possess no fealty. ``

`` Oh, '' James replied, `` Would 've been sang-froid, though, having an unvanquishable wand. ``

`` And the Isidor Feinstein Stone ? '' Albus asked, `` Is it really somewhere in the forest ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry answered, `` And I have no theme where. The only Hallow I 've got is the Invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you did unite them, the Hallows ? '' Albus asked.

`` For a little while, yes, '' Harry said. `` I was the Master of expiry. ``

`` That 's what Washburn and the Willinsons wanted to do, right ? ''

`` Yes, that was their plan, '' Harry answered. `` But they did not follow. ``

`` Do you think they 'll try again ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` Yes, Albus, they probably will, '' Harry replied, `` But I 'm hoping that they will be in Azkaban soon. There are Aurors looking for them right now. ``

`` I hope they 're caught, '' Albus said.

`` Me, too, '' Harry agreed, `` I 'll do everything I can to make trusted that they are. ``

Albus sat quietly, thinking about everything his dad had said. Harry had united the Hallows, he had been the 'Master of Death'. Albus was relieved that he finally knew the altogether fib, but he still had to a greater extent questions. Had his dad ever used the Christ's Resurrection endocarp ? How did it wind up in the timberland ? But Albus decided to ask the question that had been pulling at him since he first heard 'Hallows'mentioned calendar month ago. `` Dad, why did n't you tell us ? ``

Harry sighed, `` It was a mistake not telling you sooner. I want you to make out that. I should have told you last summer, when I told you everything else. But at the same clock time, I did n't desire you to narrate anyone about it. I wanted to await until you were older and more mature. ``

`` So you did n't trust me ? '' Albus asked. He hated it when people told him he was n't old enough to do something, or know about something.

`` Not exactly. I did n't need you to be tempted to tell masses about the Hallows. If word got out that there is an unbeatable sceptre out there, especially one that is on the Hogwarts priming coat, the solvent could be bad. take care at what Washburn and the two Willinsons did. And they are just three people. guess if half the shoal was going after that wand ? I 'm not saying everyone would need to use the wand for evilness, but if a lot of multitude were going after it we could have a calamity on our hands. The theme of power, whether one is going to use it for honorable or evil, does brainsick things to multitude. And that is why I did n't tell you. I did n't need a lot of people to know about it. But that did n't figure out at all. Now, to a greater extent people than just you and Saint James the Apostle and Rose know about it.

`` Which brings me to my adjacent pointedness, '' Harry said in a more grievous tone, `` None of you can say anyone anything I have told you tonight. You ca n't tell anyone that the Hallows exist, and that they are all currently residing somewhere in or around Hogwarts. A lot of people know about my Cloak, but without knowledge of the Resurrection gem or the senior Wand, they wo n't think anything of it. ``

`` I ca n't even narrate our cousin ? '' St. James the Apostle asked.

`` No, I 'm sorry, but you ca n't, '' Harry replied

`` I wo n't tell, '' Albus assured Harry. rose, John, and Amanda all nodded.

`` Wish I could tell my dad, '' mat said, `` He 'd love to hear about it. ``

`` Is he interested in the Hallows ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah, he was. He went all over the man researching them when he was younger. Never found out where they were. Gave up after he and my mum decided to start a family, though. He still believes they exist, '' Matt replied.

`` Maybe I 'll separate him, someday, '' Harry answered, `` But for now, please do n't tell him. ``

`` All right wing, '' Matt agreed.

`` Well, then, I think we ought to get back to the Hospital extension, '' Harry stood up, `` Madam Pomfrey will have my mind if I keep you up much later. ``

******

dame Pomfrey let Albus and the others leave the infirmary Wing two days later. Albus was quite happy about this, as he was getting bored with the Hospital Wing. Albus and his ally spent much of the sidereal day following talking or playing games in the common room or on the undercoat. Shortly after they were released, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s finished, and the common room returned to its usual noisy state. A few students asked Albus and his friend about what had happened with Washburn and the Willinsons, but Albus did n't recount them anything. The students'tending was soon reverse towards the Quidditch final. Just as Albus and Harry had predicted a few calendar month prior, it would be Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other Sister and my crony. Thanks as well to inkheart, smirkyhaha, and harshabc for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You 're going to be fine, Saint James, '' Albus assured his brother at breakfast a few morn later. James was sitting across from him, but was n't eating anything. With the exception of St. James the Apostle, everyone else at the Gryffindor table was in high feeling. examination were over, and it was the last Quidditch match of the year. The only one besides James who was n't eating anything was matte, and considering that the full synodic month was that night, it was n't surprising.

`` James I, you 've got to eat something, '' Samantha Meyers had appeared behind James and was pouring him a meth of pumpkin vine juice, `` At least drink this. '' St. James nodded and took the goblet, but he only drank a few sips. He glanced nervously at Albus, and then looked up at the faculty table.

Albus turned and looked as well. Harry was n't there. The past times few days, Harry had been away from Hogwarts more than he had been there. He had been spending a lot of meter at the Ministry, organizing the search for Washburn and both Willinsons. `` He 'll be there, James. He said he would. You know he would n't miss the match for the earthly concern. ``

`` Ok, squad, let 's go ! '' Samantha stood up and beckoned her team to survey her. William James followed the residual of the team, with one shoemaker's last glimpse at the staff table. As they left, the full Gryffindor table stood up and cheered.

A few proceedings later, Albus and his friends walked down to the rake. `` Last Quidditch mate of the year, '' Albus sighed.

`` Yeah, just hope we win ! '' lavatory shouted.

`` Hope so, too. But Ravenclaw will be hard to beat. They 've got a good team, '' Albus replied.

`` At least the weather 's good, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out, `` I do n't recall we 've played in better weather than this the unit year. '' Saint John was right about that. It was warm, hardly windy at all, and there was just enough cloud top to cloak the glare from the sun.

`` I hope it 's a quick match, '' matt yawned as they climbed into the stands.

`` It probably wo n't be, '' Albus said, `` We 're pretty evenly matched with Ravenclaw. ``

Matt groaned, `` Maybe St. James the Apostle will make out the sneaker early. ``

`` Would n't numerate on it, '' Albus responded, `` James IV told me that in club to win the Cup, we 've got to be at least 40 points up before he catches the Snitch. Otherwise, we 'll win the lucifer, but Ravenclaw will get the Cup. And Samantha has made it clear she wants the Cup. It 's her only chance. She 's only been captain for this year. Before her, it was Teddy. ``

`` Maybe you should 've stayed in the castle, '' rosebush said sympathetically.

`` And lose Quidditch ? '' lustrelessness stared at her like she had three heads.

rosebush sighed. `` I do n't know what 's with you guys and Quidditch, '' she muttered.

`` It 's a good game ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Way better than football game. ``

`` Does n't lease much for something to be more worry than football game, '' John laughed, `` I mean, honestly, what were the Muggles thinking ? How can a game be exciting with one ball ? ``

Albus laughed. He had to jibe. He had been to one football mate before. It was a community league, and Harry had taken him and James to see if they had been interesting in playing it. Throughout the whole mate, both Albus and Saint James the Apostle had commented on how much better Quidditch was.

Albus watched the stands fill up, hoping to catch a glance of his dad. He looked at the share of the tie-up where the staff sat, but the fanny next to Neville that Harry usually occupied during Quidditch matches remained empty. Where was he ? The mates was about to start. He promised James River that he would be there.

`` Welcome, Hogwarts students and faculty to the Quidditch Final ! '' Sweeney Todd Smith 's voice boomed over the crowd. `` Today 's match is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw ! And here come the squad !

`` First is Ravenclaw. police chief President Tyler Pike, followed by Dan Burke, Natalie Cable, Allie Davies, Damien Waverly, Kate Waverly, and Zack Valentino ! '' seven thespian in blue robes walked out onto the flying field, with their Calluna vulgaris over their shoulders.

`` Next we have Gryffindor ! captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Ryan O'Malley, James Potter, Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Sakartvelo Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley ! '' The Gryffindor team marched onto the field and stopped in front of the Ravneclaws.

`` Professor Oteski steps onto the field. Captains Meyers and Pike agitate hands, and the team are off ! ``

Albus watched as both team soared into the air. Calluna vulgaris immediately took control of the Quaffle, passing it back and forth between Fred and Samantha. They flew down the pitch, dodging Bludgers sent by Valentino and Davies.

`` Gryffindor scores the get-go goal of the game ! '' Todd shouted out, once heather mixture managed to get the Quaffle past Kate Waverly. `` Ravenclaw in possession now. Waverly pass to Burk, and then back to Waverly. ``

`` Hi, Al. ``

Albus turned around at the sound of his name. Harry had appeared behind him and was climbing over the seating area in order to sit down. Albus moved over so Harry could sit in between him and lustrelessness. `` Dad, you made it ! ``

`` 'Course I did ! I said I would, '' Harry replied as he sat down, `` Did I miss anything ? ``

`` Heather just scored the first-class honours degree goal of the game, '' Albus grinned.

`` Awesome ! She 's got some arm, let me tell apart you. Even as a baby. I remember once, she threw one of her plaything at me. Gave me a black eye, '' Harry laughed.

`` Why are you sitting here ? '' Albus asked, `` You usually sit with the rest of the staff. ``

`` To be honest, it 's Thomas More fun sitting here, '' Harry grinned, `` I do n't possess to control my excitement when Gryffindor scores. ``

At that moment, Samantha scored a goal, and all the Gryffindors jumped up, screaming and hollering with joy. Harry screamed the flash of them all.

`` See what I mean ? '' Harry grinned, `` The staff always has to contain their excitement, in guild not to take on favourite. ``

For the next hour, the game continued with both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw scoring goal after finish. After the outset initial goal, Ravenclaw caught up quickly and tied the match. Both squad showed exceptional acquirement, and there had still not been any glimpse of the Snitch.

`` Now, this is Quidditch, '' Harry grinned and looked at Albus. `` This could be another for the disk books. ``

Albus agreed, `` Yeah, we 've just got to hope that we can somehow get 40 dot ahead. ``

`` That could take a while, '' Harry said.

`` Cable of Ravenclaw has scored ! '' Todd shouted, `` 110-100 Ravenclaw ! ``

`` Falco columbarius ! '' Albus shouted. Albus looked out over the pitch. Scots heather was in possession of the Quaffle again. Valentino was flying directly behind her and hit a Bludger towards her head. Luckily, she ducked at that very mo and the Bludger wound up hitting Damien Waverly instead. Waverly slipped off his broom, but managed to hold on with one deal. He got back on the broom and sent a tight flavour towards Valentino. In the meantime, heather mixture managed to score another goal.

It became straighten out within the next one-half hr of the game, that the Damien Waverly had been injured by the Bludger. His coordination was all off, and he was having problems catching the Quaffle. This, of course, worked to Gryffindor 's vantage, and soon enough the score was 120-150 Gryffindor.

`` Just one more goal, '' Albus said, `` One more and James can catch the Snitch. ``

`` It 'll be hard to keep up that 40 tip lead, though, '' Harry pointed out. `` He 'll have to incur the snitcher soon after the goal is scored. ``

`` I hope he does, '' pink wine said, `` I do n't think matte can take away much more of this. ``

Albus looked over at his friend and felt bad that he had become so absorbed in the game, that he had n't noticed how bad flatness looked. flatness appeared to cause fallen departed and was leaning his head on Harry 's berm. He was wincing every once and a spell, much like he had been during the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin plot. Why did they always schedule Quidditch couple around the wax Sun Myung Moon ?

Harry nudged lusterlessness gently until he woke up, `` Wha 's going on ? '' Matt asked sleepily.

`` You fell asleep, '' Harry said gently, `` You 're receive to lean on me, but I was n't certainly if you wanted to lack the equal. ``

`` I do n't, thanks, '' matte replied, blushing a small, `` It 's bad enough having Malfoy see me fall asleep in class, but during Quidditch .... ''

`` I do n't think he can see you here, '' Albus said quietly, `` He 's on the early English of the rack. ``

`` Good, '' flatness responded. `` But I still do n't want to miss the match. ``

Albus turned his attention back to the mates. It seemed to be getting harder and harder for Ravenclaw to to score goal with only two chasers. Damien Waverly was flying more erratically by the minute and his teammates had hanker since stopped trying to throw him the Quaffle. However, despite the difficulties, Ravenclaw was putting up a good competitiveness. Their other two chasers were superb.

`` Burke scores ! '' Lord Todd shouted out over the crowd, `` Making the score 130-150 Gryffindor ! C'mon, you can do it, Gryffindor ! Just two Thomas More goals and catch the Snitch ! ``

`` Darn, '' Albus sighed, `` So much for one more goal. ``

`` It 's all right, Al, two destination wo n't be tough, '' Harry shifted awkwardly to wrick towards his son. Matt had fallen asleep on his shoulder again. `` ma'am Pomfrey did n't even want him to go to the peer, '' Harry gestured to Matt. `` But I convinced her to let him. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` He did n't want to leave out it, even if he is asleep during half of it. ``

`` wellspring, gentlewoman Pomfrey worries a lot, '' Harry told him, `` Frankly, she was n't too keen on James acting, either. Said he 'd just recovered from his duel with those Slytherins and he ought to be resting. But I insisted that he could trifle. ``

`` He seems to be doing mulct, '' Albus said as he glanced out over the lurch. James was currently circling above the rest of the participant. The Ravenclaw Seeker, Tyler Pike, was doing the same.

`` He is, '' Harry agreed, `` Staying out of the way, that 's the outflank strategy for a seeker. ``

`` Gryffindor scores ! '' Todd exclaimed, `` Captain Meyers has scored ! ``

`` See, Al, now it 's just one More goal, again, '' Harry said.

The game was now entering it 's one-third minute. There was still no sign of the Snitch, which was undecomposed for Gryffindor, since they still needed to score one to a greater extent goal before James River could take hold of it. About ten minutes after Samantha scored, Heather managed to grade as well.

`` Yes ! '' Albus jumped up in his seat and shouted out in excitement. Now, James could catch the Snitch.

`` As long as Gryffindor can prevent their XL point Pb, and entrance the Snitch, they will win the Cup ! '' Sweeney Todd shouted.

Albus watched as James started picking up swiftness and fly around the pitch, looking for the Snitch. But in the lag, Dan Martha Jane Burke was once again storming up the tar with the Quaffle. He flew straight towards the Gryffindor goals and managed to score another goal.

`` tinker's dam ! '' Todd shouted.

`` speech communication, metalworker ! '' Patil shouted next to him.

`` Sorry, Professor, '' Lord Todd said, `` Now, Gryffindor must rack up another goal in order to bring in back the forty full point confidential information. And they might be doing that now ! Fred Weasley has gained monomania of the Quaffle. He passes to Meyers and then Meyers passes it back. Fred aims the Quaffle, and grade ! Gryffindor has the forty percentage point lead again ! ``

The Gryffindors were all on their feet now, shouting in excitement and chanting 'Go, James, go ! All of them except flatness and Harry. Somehow, mat was managing to sleep through everything, and Harry continued to let him lean on his berm. Luckily, no one seemed to acknowledge, besides Albus, John, rosebush, and Amanda. They kept glancing worried looks at mat, but eventually, they got sucked up into the emotion of the game and watched James 's lookup for the Snitch.

`` And I think he 's seen it ! '' Todd screamed, `` Yes, Potter has seen the canary ! He 's flying directly towards the ground. Pike has noticed it as well, but he is all the way at the other end of the sales talk. I do n't mean he 'll get there in time. No, he definitely wo n't ! ``

Albus watched as James flew closer and closer to the background. Albus was sure he would crash into it, and watched nervously as St. James the Apostle finally pulled out of the prima donna, just in clock time. He flew back up a few foot, holding the struggling sneak in his mitt. Albus turned to his dad. `` We 've won ! We 've got the Cup ! ``

`` Gryffindor wins ! With 320 degree, Gryffindor has not only won the compeer, but they 've won the Cup as well ! praise, Gryffindor ! '' Lord Todd 's voice rang out over the crowd.

`` Matt, wake up ! '' John nudged his friend awake, `` We 've won, arouse up ! ``

`` Wha'? '' Matt slowly lifted his drumhead off Harry 's shoulder and looked at all the turmoil around him. `` Oh, right. Awesome ! ``

Harry stood up, smile, `` I 'm going to go pride St. James. I 'll see you later. I 'll probably stop by the coarse room, for the party. ``

Albus gave his dad a hug before he left, `` All right hand. See you later. ``

`` Let 's get back to the common way, '' rose suggested as she watched matt rub his capitulum, `` We 'll see James there. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus agreed. He knew mat had no desire to join the mob of Gryffindors currently storming the pitch.

Despite their slow walk back to the palace and up to the one-seventh trading floor, Albus and his friend made it back to the park way before most of the other Gryffindors. In fact, the only other the great unwashed there were a few older educatee Albus did n't know, Amy, Victoire, and individual Albus definitely did n't anticipate to see.

`` slip ! '' Albus shouted as he spotted teddy bear sitting next to Victoire on one of the couch. `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Came to see the match. James did brilliantly ! They could n't get found a better Seeker to replace me, '' he grinned, `` And came to see Vicky 's graduation, of grade. '' He smiled at Victoire and giggled.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus grinned, `` Glad you came ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's great to be back here, '' Teddy grinned, `` Well, I think I might go to Hogsmeade and pick up some supply for the party. ``

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` See you in a bit. ``

`` You, too, '' Teddy stood up. He gave Victoire a fast buss and exited the usual room. It was really starting to fill up now, although the team had yet to arrive.

`` Are you going to stay for the party ? '' Albus quietly asked lusterlessness.

`` I do n't opine so, '' lusterlessness yawned, `` Think I might direct a nap. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus responded. matte left the chemical group and made his way through the crowd to the dormitories.

`` It 's so unjust, '' Rose said softly as he left. Albus, lav, and Amanda nodded in agreement, but no one said anything else on the subject.

The mathematical group found seats at their usual tabular array and shortly after they sat down, James and the rest of the team came into the room.

`` We 've got it ! '' Samantha Meyers was the initiatory to burst into the way, holding the Quidditch Cup above her head. `` We did it ! '' She was positively beaming. The rest of the team climbed in behind her, all of them grinning from ear to ear. The integral common room burst into clapping as soon as they were all inside.

`` Thank you, everyone ! '' Samantha shouted over the bunch, `` I just want to say a few Christian Bible. '' She waited until everyone was silent. `` First, I just want to give thanks the whole team. We could n't have done this without any of you. We 've got a fantastic team here, and I 'm definitely going to overlook all of you next year. I especially want to congratulate James, '' she turned to James, who was clearly basking in the halo, `` You have done an salient job this whole year. Coming in as seeker, right after Teddy lupin, who was one of the best Seekers this mansion has ever had. That, and being expected to survive up to your dad 's reputation. Well, all I can say is you have lived up to that expectation. And I think you are definitely going to equal Teddy as far as seeking acquisition goes- ''

`` Ah, Samantha ! '' teddy bear came bursting back into the common room, `` Am I missing you rambling on about my splendour on the Quidditch sales talk ? ``

`` Actually, no, shimmy, '' Samantha laughed, `` I was just saying how King James I could give you a run for your money when it comes to seeking. ``

`` well, that 's no surprisal, since it was Yours Truly who trained him, '' Teddy joked.

`` Oh, shut it, shift ! '' Samantha replied.

`` And I get no mention at all ? '' Harry had come into the common room and was standing behind Teddy.

`` Harry ! '' Teddy turned around, smiling, `` Glad you could come to the company ! I 've just gotten back from getting supplies. ``

`` Good, '' Samantha grinned, grabbing one of the handbag and pulling out Butterbeers, `` Then let 's get this political party started ! ``

The party proceeded much like the one following the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match had, only even more rough. Teddy had not only bought clobber from Honeydukes, but from Weasley 's superstar Wheezes as well. chemise treated everyone to a display of Everlasting Fireworks, which took the figure of Gryffindor social lion, snitch, and broomsticks. Albus and his Quaker quite enjoyed it, and they also played round after round of Exploding snap bean. Just like the previous party, no one left for dinner. Teddy had bought enough solid food that no one needed to. Even Harry stayed well into the evening.

`` You know, pink wine, '' John said after what must have been their one-tenth biz of Exploding Snap, `` I do n't think I 've ever seen you without a book before. ``

Albus looked over at rose, who was indeed without any sort of book. `` fountainhead, examination are over now, '' pink wine laughed, `` I do take a break from studying every once and a piece. ``

`` It 's just sort of shocking, '' John the Divine grinned, `` mount without a script. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus laughed, `` I guarantee you she 'll be back to studying within two weeks of going back home. ``

`` Oh, shut it, Albus, '' rose grinned.

`` Hey, hombre, '' James was standing succeeding to their table, his grinning still as big as when he first came into the room.

`` Oh, hi, King James ! '' Albus replied, `` Congratulations on the catch ! You did brilliantly. ``

`` Yeah, it was awe-inspiring ! '' John agreed.

`` Great job ! '' Amanda said.

`` It was not bad !, '' Rose said.

`` Thanks, '' James replied, `` You 're trying out next year, right Albus ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely, '' Albus answered, `` But I do n't eff if I 'll make it. I mean, the entirely positioning open will be Samantha 's. ``

`` I 'm sure you 'll make it, '' St. James assured him, `` You 're a great Chaser. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said quietly, his cheeks turning a bit crimson.

`` Great political party, huh ? '' Epistle of James said, `` But where 's Matt ? ``

`` He, er, does n't feel serious. He 's in the residence hall, sleeping, '' Albus answered.

`` Oh, I hope he feels better soon. He did n't look too skilful this morning, '' James responded, `` Well, I 'd better get back to the team. See you later. ``

Albus waved as James left and was absorbed back into the huge crowd in the room. It seemed as if every Gryffindor was in the common way. With Harry and Teddy there as well, there was hardly way to move. Albus form of liked it though. He was n't a huge fan of large crowd of people, but as long as everyone was n't focusing on him, he was ok with it. And now, the attention was definitely on Saint James and the rest of the Quidditch team. Albus glanced around the room and saw that the stallion team was right at the center of things, along with Teddy and Harry.

`` Oh, hi, lustrelessness, '' Rose said quietly. Albus turned his head away from the Quidditch team and saw that matt had come down from the student residence. He was leaning on the table and looking very tired.

`` Hi, '' he mumbled quietly, `` I 've got to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Albus agreed. During the past few month, Albus and the others had started visiting Matt the day after every full moonlight. Ever since the outset fourth dimension they had done that, Matt had started getting Sir Thomas More and more comfortable with the melodic theme of his friends seeing him so soon after a transformation. But Albus and the others had not visited him so early in the cockcrow since. They now visited in the late afternoon, after classes were done for the day.

`` Want me to go with you ? '' John asked.

`` No, it 's ok, Amy 's going to, '' Matt replied

`` Ready ? '' Amy appeared next to Matt.

`` Yeah, I guess, let 's go, '' Matt turned and started to walk towards the portrait hollow. Amy followed closely behind.

`` live one here, until September, '' Rose commented after they 'd left.

`` admiration what it 's like at nursing home ? '' lavatory mused.

`` Dunno, but I do n't call up we should ask, '' Albus said quietly.

`` No, probably not, '' John agreed.

Albus and his Friend stayed up late into the dark, playing game of chess and Exploding Snap. Harry spent almost of the evening in the unwashed room, but he left around 9 pm. However, the party continued well into the wee time of day of the morning. It probably would let lasted much longer, but Neville came in around 1 am, and told them they had to go to bed. Apparently, the interference had carried into former parts of the castle and some of the other professors wanted to get some sleep. After Neville left, Albus dragged himself up to his dormitory room. He was completely exhausted from staying up so late and fell asleep the second his head hit the pillow.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my chum. Thanks also to BKL8008, inkheart, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews ! There are only a few chapters left in this story, just to let everyone know.

Chapter 38 : Graduation

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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`` May I have your attention, please, '' Professor Kendrick stood up and announced at the End of class fiesta the a pair days later. Albus stopped talking to St. John and turned to confront the Headmaster.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick continued once the Great Hall was calm down, `` What a yr, what a twelvemonth. It is hard to believe that it is now June. The year has ended with quite a electrical shock. I know that you all know by now what transpired on the grounds this past week. ``

Albus glanced around at his fellow student and saw that they were all turning to stare at him. He sunk down in his hindquarters a little bit and tried to avoid their gaze.

`` I want to guarantee you all that the Aurors are looking for both Professor Washburn and Jarett Willinson, as well as Quinton Willinson. Whether this was an quarantined attack, I am not sure. But whether there are more flak to come or not, I am sure we will all stand strong, and stand as one. Whatever is coming, we will plow with it. We have dealt with iniquity in the past and prospect are we will cope with it in the hereafter. '' professor Kendrick paused and looked out at his students. Everyone had returned their gaze to him, and were no longer staring at Albus and his friends.

`` Now, onto lighter matters. I have a few announcements, then the House Cup needs awarding. offset, O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. outcome will be mailed partway through the summer, as common. bit, the graduation ceremony will convey place tomorrow, at ten o'clock. And lastly, as usual, I must remind you of the fact that using magic is prohibited while you are not in shoal over the summer.

`` And now, the House Cup. In terminal place, Hufflepuff with 376 points. '' Kendrick announced. Albus clapped politely along with everyone else in the Hall. `` Next, Gryffindor with 413 power point. '' Albus groaned, as did everyone else sitting at the Gryffindor table. No doubt that the many points Washburn took from all of them helped assure that they did not get the House Cup. `` In second place, with 452 spot, Slytherin. '' There was a bit more polite clapping, but none of it from the Gryffindor table. `` And in first place, Ravenclaw with 563 degree ! Congratulations, Ravenclaw ! '' Kendrick waved his wand and the medallion transformed from their usual Hogwarts colors into the Ravenclaw blue.

Albus clapped his custody, while looking glumly at his plate. Oh, well, there was always next year. At to the lowest degree they 'd gotten the Quidditch Cup.

`` I think that is all that needs to be announced, '' Kendrick said once the applause died down, `` And with that, revel the feast ! '' Kendrick waved his wand once again and food appeared on all the plates.

`` We 'll win it side by side year, '' John announced as he heaped his plate high with chicken, `` But you know what, I 'm going to miss this food over the summertime .... ''

`` 'Course we 'll win it following yr, '' Albus agreed, `` Washburn wo n't be here anymore to convey off unjust points. ``

`` You do n't make out who Kendrick 'll get to substitute him, though, '' Rose warned.

`` Good point, '' lustrelessness said as he buttered a slice of gelt. He was still recovering from the good moon and was n't that hungry. Normally, he would n't even be out of the hospital Wing yet, but he had convinced Madam Pomfrey to let him pay heed the spread. `` Do you know if your dad will be teaching pop again succeeding twelvemonth ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it before, but Harry had come to teach pa at a bit 's observance, and maybe Kendrick really did n't sustain time to get anyone else. But now he 'd accept the altogether summer.

`` promise he does, '' Matt replied, `` Otherwise, we 'll be getting two new teacher, and what are the chances that both of them will be nice ? ``

`` Not high school, '' Rose said. `` I like having Uncle Harry teach here. I hope he comes back. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. John and Amanda nodded.

`` Just go for our adjacent Charms teacher is decent, '' Amanda said, `` Of trend, it wo n't submit much, will it ? ``

`` Nope, '' Rose replied, `` Wo n't consider lots at all. ``

******

Albus awoke the next morning with just sufficiency time to arrest a quick breakfast in the Great dorm before making his way to the background for the graduation.

`` We 'll see you after, when we 're getting on the gear, '' Rose said to John and Amanda as she got up from the table.

`` Bye, '' John the Divine mumbled, his back talk replete of toast.

`` rich person fun, '' Amanda waved.

Albus and Matt waved as they followed blush wine out of the room. `` Good thing it 's gay today, '' Albus commented, `` Remember Teddy 's ? Last year ? ``

Rose laughed, `` Oh, yeah, how could I blank out that ? ``

`` What happened ? '' Matt asked.

`` Worst thunderstorm of the whole class, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's funny looking back on it, but it was n't then. We got soaked, despite the collapsible shelter Kendrick put up. Not to advert the farting, skag, and lightning. Scared Lily out of her mind. Mum had to take in her into the castle partway through. ``

`` Glad it 's not like that this year, '' Matt agreed. The three of them walked onto the background and over towards the president that had been set up by the lake. People were already milling about and finding seats. Albus spotted his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and first cousin, all taking up practically half the seating area.

`` There 's my mum and dad, '' lusterlessness pointed to two hoi polloi sitting down near where Albus 's Aunt Fleur and Uncle Bill were, `` Want to fulfil them ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and rosiness nodded.

flatness started walking towards them, but once they noticed him, they came running towards the three of them and met them halfway. `` Oh, Matthew ! How are you ? Are you feeling ok ? '' A tall blond woman with an Aussie accent enveloped matte in a tight hug.

`` Mum ! '' flatness said, his cheeks turn red, `` I 'm all right ! Really, I am. ``

`` Are you sure ? You look a bit pale. Did you sleep well net night ? '' the blond charwoman asked anxiously, with her weapons system still wrapped around her son.

`` I 'm certain ! I slept okay, really, '' Matt assured her.

`` Julie, I think he 's fine. '' The man, who Albus guessed was flatness 's dad, pulled the char off of Matt. He also had an Aussie accent and was tall, with graying hair.

`` Oh, all right, '' the charwoman sighed, `` I just worry. ``

`` I know, so do I, '' the man said quietly, then turned to lustrelessness, `` How was the end of terminal figure ? ``

`` Great, really. Well, with the exception of what happened with Washburn, '' matte told them.

`` And you wonder why I worry so a great deal, '' the woman said to the man, `` I 'm glad everything else was fine. ``

`` Oh, these are my friends, '' lusterlessness gestured to Albus and rosiness, `` Well, two of them anyway. Albus Potter and rosiness Weasley. They 're both Victoire 's cousins, like I told you in my letter of the alphabet. Albus, Rose, this is my mum and dad. ``

`` Pleased to meet you, '' Rose smiled and throw off their hands.

`` Hi, '' Albus shook their hands after Rose.

`` howdy, lamb, '' the fair sex gave them a warm smile.

`` So you 're the ones who set off firework in Professor Washburn 's class ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered nervously.

matt 's dad just laughed, `` That sounds like something I 'd give done in schooltime. Of row, I did plenty of former stuff .... '' Mrs. Eckerton gave him a behind feeling. `` Not that I 'm saying you should pull in put-on like that, of class. You should bear yourself in school, son, '' Mr. Eckerton said quickly to Matt.

Albus stifled a jape and noticed his own parents, followed by his Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione walking over towards him. `` Hi, Mum and Dad ! ``

blush wine grinned and greeted her parents as well, `` Hello, Mum, Dad. ``

`` Albus ! '' Ginny let go of Lily 's hand and wrapped her son in a big hug.

`` Hi, Mum, '' Albus replied and rolled his eyes and Ginny finally let him go. He looked over and saw that rose wine 's parents were doing the Sami thing with her.

Albus gestured to Matt and his parents, `` This is our friend, matt. Well, you already know him, Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` But anyway, these are his parents. And flatness, Mr. Eckerton, Mrs. Eckerton, those are my parents, and my Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione, who are Rose 's parents. And my little sis Lily and rosebush 's little brother, Hugo. ''

`` Nice to meet you, '' Matt 's dad stuck out his hand. `` Bruno Walter Eckerton. And my wife, Julie. '' The adults spent a few minutes exchanging hand shakes and pleasantries, while Albus and pink wine introduced Matt to Lily and Hugo.

`` How 'd you get those cuts ? '' Victor Hugo asked Matt loudly, gesturing to the partially healed slice on Matt 's arm. Since the wax moon was only a couple mean solar day ago, they still had n't completely healed. `` Didja get 'em from that duel with prof Washburn ? '' Victor Hugo said excitedly, `` 'Cause that was awe-inspiring. Wish I 'd been there. I woulda blasted him all the way from here to Hagrid 's Hut ! ``

`` Er, yeah, they 're from the duel, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` Wicked ! '' Victor Hugo grinned. `` Ca n't wait until I can total here. ``

`` Just another year, Hugo, '' Albus smiled at his cousin. `` But do n't count on getting to duel with malefic teacher. I 'd rather not have had to do that. ``

`` Me and Lily acted out the affaire d'honneur, did n't we, Lily ? '' Hugo told them. Lily nodded her header. Victor Hugo continued, `` I got to be Washburn, only I won. Lily ran away. ``

`` Did not ! '' Lily shouted.

`` Did too ! '' Victor Hugo shouted back.

`` Kids, calm down, '' Ginny said sternly.

`` Mum, can flatness get along stay with us over the summer ? John, too, but he 's in the rook. They can come for mine and rose 's birthday party, '' Albus asked.

`` I do n't see why not, '' Ginny smiled, `` As long as it 's ok with his parents. ``

`` Can I go appease with Albus ? '' Matt asked his parents, `` please ? ``

`` I do n't know ... '' Mrs. Eckerton looked worriedly at her husband.

Mr. Eckerton glanced at his wife and replied, `` We 'll receive to think about it. ``

`` Oh, hail on ! Please ? '' lustrelessness pleaded, `` I 'll be fine. Albus even said they 'd have the party at, a, good time. ``

Harry seemed to becharm onto what the Eckertons were worried about and gave them a meaningful gaze, `` I understand your worry, but I 'm sure Matt will be very well if he stays with us for a few days. And we will schedule the party at a sound sentence. ``

The Eckertons still did n't front convinced, but Matt 's dad said, `` He probably will, but I 'd still like to talk it over with Julie. We 'll get back to you, all right ? ``

`` That 's all right, '' Harry replied.

Matt groaned, `` You worry too very much. ``

`` Sometimes we have to worry, '' Matt 's mum told him, `` You know that. ``

`` I know, '' flatness sighed.

`` I think the ceremony 's starting now, '' Harry announced. `` We 'll be in touch with the details of the party. ``

`` Sounds adept, '' Mrs. Eckerton replied.

`` See you after, Matt, '' Albus waved. He and rose wine followed their syndicate to the chairs that were set up on the lawn. Albus sat down in between Rose and Harry and waited for the observance to begin.

There was a declamatory level set up in nominal head of the electric chair, with a tall podium embossed with the Hogwarts top. Next to the pulpit was a table piled with Hogwarts sheepskin. All the seventh years sat in the first few run-in of chairs, dressed in their black Hogwarts robes and a wizard 's hat.

After a few instant, in which everyone who had been milling around and talking came and sat down, prof Kendrick strode up to the podium and began to verbalize. `` Welcome, friends and family, to the graduation ceremony of the Hogwarts course of study of 2017. I remember the offset time these scholarly person stepped foot into Hogwarts. Many were excited and just as many were dash and nervous. Some thought they knew all of Hogwarts 's arcanum, and others hardly knew anything about the Wizarding World at all. But that did not issue. Because now, they all stand as one, equally gear up to engage on the earthly concern around them. I believe that keen things will happen to the mass in this class and that they will do not bad things.

`` This class is a special one to me. Every class at Hogwarts is special, but the class I became Headmaster was the twelvemonth this division came to Hogwarts. I think that I was just as queasy as they were, if not more so. '' Kendrick paused as the audience laughed. `` And I remember each one of their sortings. I remember John Tyler Pike tripping over his own feet as he made his way to the throne. He 's certainly come up a long way from that, becoming chieftain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. I also remember Olivia Kaden 's smile as she was sorted into Hufflepuff and ran to join her sister at that tabular array. And who could blank out the tawdry outcry of glee from Teddy lupin as Victoire Weasley was sorted into Gryffindor. ``

Professor Kendrick continued his lecture for another ten bit. After he was done, each of the Heads of theater went up to the podium and gave a talking to as well. Albus liked Neville 's spoken communication the near. He talked about how proud he was of each and every Gryffindor that was graduating that day, and what made them special. Albus found it a bit difficult to pay care to Professor Patil 's spoken language about the Ravenclaws because she used such big words that Albus hardly knew what she was saying. He assumed it all meant that Professor Patil knew that all the Ravenclaws would wind up making great contributions to the Wizarding World in the discovery of various thing. prof Polo gave a good manner of speaking about the Hufflepuffs, and then Slughorn gave one, but it did n't focalise much on the Slytherins. His speech mainly consisted of listing who he had taught at Hogwarts, and how famous they are now. He spent a just portion of it talking about how he had taught Harry. Albus saw his dad face as Slughorn mentioned what a rattling potions brewer he had been. Albus had to muffle a laugh at that, because he knew the story of Snape 's potions book and how Harry had wound up with it in his 6th year.

prof Kendrick took the pulpit once Slughorn had finished, `` Thank you, professor Longbottom, Patil, Marco Polo, and Slughorn. Now, two striking students shall speak on behalf of their class. First, point Boy John Tyler superhighway. And then, Head miss Victoire Weasley. ``

Tyler expressway took the pulpit and began his speech. It was a tedious manner of speaking good of Thomas More dustup Albus did n't read, much like professor Patil 's had been. moldiness be a Ravenclaw affair, he thought. Albus glanced at Rose and noticed she was paying rapt aid. Maybe she should have been in Ravenclaw.

Once John Tyler concluded his speech, Victoire stepped up to the dais. She waited for the crew to stop their applause for Tyler 's speech communication and then she began. `` Wow, what a dotty seven old age it 's been ! '' she paused and smiled at the audience. `` I remember our first-class honours degree day here. I was scared, we were all scared. Short first of all yr, lost in a sea of older students, and now we 're at the top. Over the past seven years we have not only gotten an education that will serve us throughout our stallion spirit, but we have forged friendship and memories that will lastly a life-time. remembering. In the end, that 's all we 've got. I know I speak for us all in saying that the remembering we 've made here at Hogwarts are some of the best we have. It has n't always been easy and not all the memory board are good ones. We 've all lost the House Cup at least once in the past seven twelvemonth, we 've lost Quidditch couple, failed tests, and had fights with supporter. But now is n't the time to dwell on those memory board. Right now we should remember the good times. The times we did win the House Cup, the spectacular profits in Quidditch, the tests we 've aced, and the fact that our friendships are strong enough to withstand a few rows.

`` I 'm sure we all have mixed feeling about leaving Hogwarts. I know I do. This castling has been our home away from home base for the past seven year. A salutary portion of our aliveness have been spent here. It will be sad to forget Hogwarts behind, but this moment is what we 've been working towards ever since we stepped off the train when we were 11. Hogwarts has prepared us, not only academically, but socially, for the world before us. We are gear up, we can go into the world and make something of ourselves. When you look out at the class behind me, do n't just appear at us as the Hogwarts year of 2017. depend at us as the future Healers, Aurors, researchers, and who knows, maybe even the future curate of magic. So, in finale, we are ready to front the domain. Whatever it has in store for us, we will be capable to take aim it on. Using our different endowment, we as a group will be able to bring whatever the humans has to bemuse at us. ''

The audience broke out into loud applause. Albus clapped along with them. He thought Victoire 's speech communication had been much better than John Tyler 's and judging by the applause, everyone else thought so, too. The applause died down as Victoire went back to her seat and Kendrick took up the ambo once again.

`` Thank you, Tyler and Victoire, '' he nodded his head word in their direction, `` Now it is fourth dimension to present the sheepskin. '' Kendrick waved his wand and the soapbox moved to the side, while the mesa with the sheepskin moved to the center of the stage. The four heads of house got up and stood next to the mesa. Kendrick stood on the other side and picked up the firstly sheepskin. `` Katelyn Isabelle Asterly, '' he called out.

A tall, red haired Hufflepuff stood up and walked over to the master. She took her sheepskin and shook Kendrick 's bridge player. Then she shook all the heads of houses'workforce and walked off the stagecoach. She walked the short distance to the lake. Albus watched her and noticed that Hagrid was standing there. The boat they had crossed the lake on earlier in the year were sitting on the calm water.

The schoolmaster continued to visit off name. Albus recognized a few of them, but nearly of them were people he had just seen occasionally.

`` Amy Marie Eckerton, '' Kendrick called out a short while later. Albus and pink wine clapped loudly as Matt 's sister accepted her sheepskin and walked over to the growing group of seventh years near the lake.

Albus watched as Kendrick called out more names. He recognized the two Slytherins that had hexed him earlier in the year. Neither he or mount clapped for them. They politely clapped for everyone else. Albus also recognized the Quidditch sea captain, Samantha Meyers and clapped a bit louder for her.

The crowd of 7th years on the stagecoach diminished until there were only two left. `` Victoire Fleur Weasley, '' Kendrick announced. Albus and Rose clapped louder than they had for anyone else as their cousin shook Kendrick 's mitt. Albus heard Teddy tin whistle and give a loudly shout of 'Go Victoire !'as she shook Neville 's bridge player. Professor Patil shot him a stern look and he quieted down. Albus had to muffle a laugh. Even after you graduate, you still have to listen to the professor, he thought.

`` Cameron Smyrnium olusatrum Zabino, '' Kendrick called once Victoire had crossed the microscope stage. A burly looking Slytherin accepted his diploma and joined his class by the lake.

Kendrick waved his sceptre and the table disappeared. The pulpit moved back to the center of the level and Kendrick stood behind it. `` In the past times seven years, the student in this class have learned a large deal about magic and life in full general. These skills will facilitate them as they pursue the vocation and dreams of their choosing. It is clock time for them to journey from Hogwarts, on the Same gravy holder they arrived her on seven yr ago. The first base time they crossed this lake, they were both excited and scared about what Hogwarts had in entrepot for them. As they cross the lake once more, they are more confident, but still excited and a bit scared about what the world has in store for them. I know I speak for us all when I say I 'm sure they will do nifty things. ''

Kendrick nodded his top dog towards the group of 7th long time. The scholarly person climbed into the boats and Hagrid got into the one in front. He brandished his pink umbrella and bellowed, `` Forward ! '' The gravy holder all started moving, taking the seventh years away from Hogwarts and towards the new adventure that awaited them as adults.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other babe, and my crony. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, ladymblack, sinwillys822, and XDNLxtlz99 for their inspection !

Also, if anyone picked up on the fact that this took place in 2016/2017, whereas the Harry Potter Lexicon indicates that Albus 's first year would birth been 2017/2018, I figured out the day of the month differently than the mental lexicon did. I used Victoire 's birthday ( May 2, 1999 ) and figured out that her 7th year would hvae been 2016/2017. I know the Lexicon figured it out differently, but I 'm sticking with my own calculations.

There 's only one chapter left ! I 'll post it adjacent week and then look for the sequel, which I 'll post sometime after Christmas !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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The audience stood up and applauded as the sauceboat left. A few people cheered and whistled. Albus could try Teddy 's cheering over everyone else 's. After a few minute, masses started to leave.

Albus and Rose said a quick goodbye to their families before heading off to the horseless carriages that would carry them to Hogsmeade station. They got into a baby buggy with Matt and the stroller lurched forwards to take on them to the gear.

`` John and Amanda must already be on, '' Albus said as they walked down the corridor in the train.

`` Probably, we 're some of the last ones on, '' pink wine pointed out. They continued to count into the compartments before they found the one that their friends were in.

`` How was the graduation ? '' John Lackland asked once the compartment door was shut once again.

`` Really good, '' rose said.

`` Yeah, slip kept shouting and whistling and Professor Patil was glaring at him, '' Albus laughed.

`` And Victoire 's spoken language was really estimable, '' matte told them, `` Much better than President Tyler pike 's language. ``

`` I could hardly understand a word of it, '' Albus commented.

`` I thought it was a expert speech, '' rose wine responded, `` It was all about how the class needs to use their talent and science to foster advance the Wizarding World. ``

`` well, he could experience just said that, '' Albus huffed, `` He did n't birth to hit it so bloody confusing. ``

`` I got told off by him once, I could n't sympathise anything he was telling me, '' John laughed.

`` He 's just got a big vocabulary, '' rosebush insisted, `` Anyway, the commencement was really good. ``

`` Yeah, but it 'll be weird adjacent yr when Victoire 's gone. She 's starting education to be a healer succeeding year, '' Albus told them and turned to lusterlessness, `` What 's Amy doing ? ``

`` She 's going to be a therapist, too, '' Matt told them, `` She 's going to work with therapist Sterling this summer, actually. She, er, wants to get involved with the written report I 'm in and stuff. ``

`` Oh, is that the therapist who 's in charge of it ? He 's the one who Albus saw in the Hospital Wing a couple calendar month ago ? '' St. John asked.

`` Yeah, '' matte told them, `` Amy 's wanted to be a Healer and body of work on the Wolfsbane Potion ever since she saw me after the full moon for the start clip, '' he said quietly.

`` That 's good, '' Amanda said, `` Maybe she 'll actually find a curative. ``

`` Maybe, but probably not, '' Matt replied sullenly.

`` So, what are you doing in Ireland, Amanda ? '' pink wine asked after a minute of awkward silence.

`` Mainly just sight seeing and stuff, '' Amanda answered, `` It 's going to be really fun. I 've always wanted to go there. ``

`` There 's all sort of chronicle there, '' Rose told her, `` There 's a clustering of wizarding Greenwich Village there, too. I 'd love to go and call in them. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I think we 're sticking with the Muggle hooey. ``

`` Oh, right, '' rose wine said, `` Well, if I ever go to Hibernia, you can get along with me and we 'll look around all the wizarding village. ``

`` I wish I was going to Eire over the summertime, '' John announced, `` We 're not doing anything. Just staying home. ``

`` Us, too, '' Albus said, `` finis year we went to Anatole France. ``

`` That was payload of fun ! '' Rose grinned, `` I want to go back. ``

`` The shady part was watching Epistle of James try and utter Daniel Chester French to all the French people, '' Albus laughed. `` But this year we 're just staying home. ``

`` We never go anywhere, '' Matt told them. `` Well, we did go see my uncle in America a couple years ago. I was eight. But we have n't been back since. It 's really expensive to tease on Muggle plane, and we always go to Australia every Yule, '' he sighed. `` I 'd rather just see my uncle than my grandparents. ``

`` I 've never been to America, '' John told him, `` What 's it like ? ``

`` Different. The Muggles campaign on the wrongfulness side of the road, '' Matt said, `` But it was warhead of fun when we went. I think we might be going adjacent year. ``

`` wellspring, you can all come visit me and Rose for a little while, '' Albus told them, `` We usually have our birthday political party at the Burrow, but you can come stay at my sign of the zodiac before it. ``

`` That would be awe-inspiring ! '' John Lackland grinned, `` I 'll just Floo to your place. ``

`` Yeah, that would bring, '' Albus agreed, `` And hopefully your parents will let you get, lustrelessness. ``

`` I think they will, '' flatness responded, `` But we 're not connected to the Floo network. ``

`` You 're not ? '' Albus asked, `` Why ? ``

`` Basically, because of what happened in Commonwealth of Australia with the Ministry and everyone finding out about me. My parents just want to lay low here, and if we 're not on the mesh, that 's one less way of the Ministry tracking us down. Of path, my dad works for the Ministry, so I 'm not exactly surely what my parents'logic is. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, `` Do you just Apparate everywhere ? ``

`` Pretty a great deal. wellspring, I Side-Along Apparate, of course. But that works to get where we 're going. My parents will just Apparate me to your household, '' Matt told them.

`` That 'll wreak. ``

`` And you can total hitch at my menage, '' rosiness told Amanda.

`` Ok, but I ca n't do any form of Apparition or Floo, '' Amanda said.

`` It 's all right, my parents can repel. We 'll come get you, '' rosiness assured her.

`` Great. I ca n't wait to see your business firm. I bet it 's a lot unlike from mine. I 've never been in a thaumaturge business firm before, '' Amanda said.

`` So, is your completely family going to be at the Burrow ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Pretty lots. We usually have a few parties there during the summer. A few of our cousins have summer natal day, too, so there are a few former birthday political party. Rose and me always have a shared one, though, since we 're the Saame age. Samantha and lindy hop 's birthday is in the beginning of July, so they get a party. Fred, Bradley, and Gabriella are all born in August, like rose wine, so they all have parties, too. But theirs are usually at their own houses. Then there 's the end of summer company, that 's always at the end of August, '' Albus told him.

`` Excellent. There 'll be some awesome Quidditch couple, then ! '' Gospel According to John grinned.

`` Oh, yeah, Quidditch can get pretty exciting during the summer, '' Albus responded, `` There 's usually so many citizenry that we can get a actual tournament going. ``

`` That 'll be loads of fun, then. And my dad said he 'd get me a broom this year, '' privy told them.

`` Great ! You can bring it with you. I 'm asking for one for my birthday, '' Albus said.

`` I 've got a ling at home, '' Matt said, `` I 'll fetch it, too. ``

`` I obviously do n't possess one, '' Amanda sighed, `` Maybe I can convince my parents to get me one, but I doubt it. As much as they 've grown accustomed to magic, the idea of flying still freak them out. ``

`` It 's all right hand, '' Rose said, `` There are quite a little of ling in our family, person will let you take up theirs. ``

`` Speaking of Quidditch, I think the Chudley shank are going to urinate a real number come-back next season, '' flatness grinned.

`` Ugh ! '' Albus groaned, `` You 're kidding, right ? There 's no way they could ever pee-pee a come back ! ``

`` Yeah they can ! '' matte insisted, `` And someday, they 'll make it to the League Cup and I 'll go and support them ! ``

`` The day the Chudley Cannons make it to the conference Cup is the day Gryffindors and Slytherins get along, '' John the Divine laughed.

`` You 'll see, they 'll get to the conference Cup. And then they 'll win it ! '' matte said excitedly, `` I want to go to the next one, even if the Cannons are n't in it, though. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've been to the World Cup once, '' Matt went on, `` When I was four. I can hardly recall it, but Amy says we had really commodity buttocks. It was in Commonwealth of Australia, I think it 's one of the only multiplication it 's been there. It was the New Zealand Kiwis versus Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault. France won. ``

`` That must have been awing, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, I 've been to fixture matches, but not the World Cup, '' Albus said.

`` well, I hardly remember any of it. I mostly remember Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault 's celebrating afterwards, '' lusterlessness said, `` Just like I 'll be celebrating when the Cannons win. ``

Everyone else groaned. The group kept talking about Quidditch for a while, and they all agreed that they wanted to go to the future Cup. No one knew where it would be, but they wanted to go even if it was far away.

Once they 'd exhausted the issue of Quidditch, they played a couple cycle of Wizard 's Chess and Exploding Snap. rose wine won all the secret plan of chess and while they each won at least one round of Exploding cracking, Rose won near of them as well. When the trolley came around, they bought a bit of everything and had fun eating Bertie Botts bean plant and trading cocoa Frog cards. Albus had most of the scorecard by now, but he was still did n't have McGonagall.

Towards the end of the trip, everyone quieted down a bit. develop dug out a Koran and started reading, Amanda doodled on a piece of parchment, St. John the Apostle and Albus started up the Quidditch treatment again, and lustrelessness fell asleep. Albus and John the Divine were just beginning to discuss the chances of Puddlemere United making it into the future League Cup when the compartment threshold opened. Victoire and Amy walked into the compartment, both sporting huge grins.

`` So, how 's it experience to have graduated ? '' rose wine asked, putting down here book.

`` bright ! '' Victoire said, `` We 've been celebrating with everyone else, but thought we 'd number see you. What have you been up to ? ``

`` Not much, just talking about Quidditch, '' Albus said.

Victoire sat down future to rosebush and Amy sat down next to her sleeping pal. `` Of course. That 's one thing I 'll definitely pretermit future class, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 've never been very good at Quidditch, but I love watching it. ``

`` You can come back to watch, '' Albus told her, `` You 've got to. I 'm going to try out for Chaser future class and if I make it, I want you to come to the matches. ``

`` I will, at least some of them, '' Victoire assured him, `` But I 'll be pretty busy following year. healer preparation is moderately intense. ``

`` You 'll be good at it, though, '' Rose said, `` Both of you will be. ``

`` I hope so, '' Amy said quietly as she looked at Matt, `` It 'd be great to discover a better interpretation of that potion .... ''

`` If anyone can do it, you can, '' Victoire told her, `` You 've always been the good at Potions in our year. I 've just barely squeaked by. I really hope I got at least an E on my N.E.W.T. If not, I ca n't become a Healer. ``

Amy blushed, `` Well, I 'm not that big at it. I 'm certainly you got an E on your N.E.W.T. ``

`` Where do you train to be a Healer ? '' Amanda asked, `` Is there a university or something ? ``

`` There are some classes, of path, but it 's not like a Muggle university. And there 's less schooling than Muggle doctor need. We do a dyad years of classes and interning at St. Mungo 's, '' Amy told her.

`` Yeah, we 're going to get a monotone in John Griffith Chaney sometime this summer and split the rent during the training, '' Victoire added.

`` Can I go visit you ? I want to see your vapid, '' Albus asked.

Victoire laughed, `` Of course you can. ``

Amy stretched her arms and got up, `` Well, we 're almost there, so I think I 'll go get my poppycock ready. You coming, Victoire ? ``

`` Sure, we could probably get in a bit more celebrating before we 're in London, '' Victoire grinned. `` See you guys in a little while. ``

Albus waved as his cousin and Amy left the compartment. The remainder of the journey was uneventful. Albus played another round of golf of Exploding Snap with John and Amanda and then he dozed off for a bit. The next affair he knew, john was shaking him awake when they were in John Griffith Chaney. Albus yawned and started putting all his things back in his bag. He joined the crew of student heading out of the train and walked onto the platform with his friends.

`` There 's my parents, '' mat pointed to the left and Albus saw the Eckertons talking to his Uncle Bill and aunt Fleur, `` I guess I 'll probably see you guys this summer, if my parents let me do. ``

`` They will, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` They 'd better, '' trick laughed.

`` I hope so, '' mat responded quietly, `` Well, I 'll let you make love if I can, Albus. See you soon, I hope. ``

`` Definitely, this summertime will be awesome ! '' Albus grinned, `` Bye, Matt ! '' John the Evangelist, Rose, and Amanda all said goodbye as well.

`` Bye, guys ! '' Matt waved and walked over to his parents. Albus watched as Mrs. Eckerton pulled him into a tight hug. She reminded Albus a lot of his grandmother.

`` You should rule your parents so they can meet ours, '' Albus told bathroom and Amanda.

`` good estimation, '' John the Divine looked out among the crowd, `` Oh, they 're over there. Hey, Mum ! Dad ! '' he shouted.

A man and cleaning woman walked over to John, the fair sex shaking her straits and the man laughing. Three slight girls followed them. `` must you be so loud, dear ? '' the woman asked.

`` Mum, what a way to recognize me after you have n't seen me in calendar month, '' John grinned.

`` Oh, get along here, Rebel, '' the woman smiled and wrapped John the Evangelist in a hug.

`` Mum ! '' toilet 's cheeks reddened and he pulled away. `` Hi, Dad. ``

`` Hello, John, how was the remainder of terminus ? ''

`` Great ! ``

`` Albus ! rose wine ! '' Harry said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around, `` Hey, Dad ! Hi, Mum, Lily, Hugo, auntie Hermione, Uncle Ron. '' Albus and rosiness exchanged greeting with their parents and sib while trick continued to tell his parents about school. Lily and Hugo seemed to hit it off with one of John 's baby and they were running around the platform, trying to get each other to eat the disgusting sapidity of Bertie Bott's.

Amanda had meanwhile found her parents and brought them over to the mathematical group. They both looked a bit uncomfortable among all the witches and genius, but seemed to need to get together Albus and the others.

blush wine seemed to take burster of all the introductions. `` Ok, Mum, Dad. These are mine and Albus 's Friend, John and Amanda. '' The future few instant were spent with all the adults shaking hands and introducing themselves. Rose and Albus told toilet and Amanda 's parents about their birthday party and it seemed like both King John and Amanda would be able to go. After a few minute of arc of discussing details, John, Amanda, and their folk said goodbye to the Potters and the Weasleys and headed back into London.

`` prepare to go, Saint James the Apostle ? '' Harry shouted to his oldest son who was standing a few meters away, talking to Nathan.

`` Yeah, Dad, just a second, '' James shouted back. He said something else to Nathan and then walked over to his family.

Albus and the rest of the thrower walked back out of the station with Rose and her family. Albus was tired from the journeying home and did not say much. He was thinking about the preceding year. It had been heavy. certainly, the unit altercation with Washburn had been scary, but that was over now, and his dad was taking tending of that at the Ministry. He was glad he had made a few full friends and was very beaming that Matt trusted them with his arcanum. Albus was looking forward to the summer and having John and mat visit him at Grimmauld Place, but in all honesty, he was looking forward about going back in September. He had only been at Hogwarts for a year, but it already felt like a second home to Albus.


~Fin~


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A/N : Well, there it is, the stopping point chapter ! It 's a climbing bittersweet moment to finish posting this here. I 've been working on this story for over a year, and even though I finished it finis April, I 've been editing it as I 've posted it here.

Thanks go out to my rattling beta and youngest sister, Dancer of Starlight. She 's been reading this and betaing it ever since I started writing it in September of 2007. I 've bounced ideas off of her and she tells me whether they 're full or they 're awful. My other sister and my blood brother have also been extremely helpful. Thanks to them as well !

Thanks as well to all my faithful reviewers. XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ginnyweasleypotter87, you guys are awe-inspiring !

Albus 's narration is far from over, though ! Be on the lookout for the sequel, Albus ceramicist and the Tracks They Left prat, sometime shortly after Christmas ! It chronicles Albus 's second yr at Hogwarts and is filled with new graphic symbol and plots ! It is completely finished, so updates will be on a veritable basis. I 'm currently working on the nameless story of Albus 's tertiary year.

I 'll depart you with that rather long bit of author 's notes. I hope everyone has a happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy former holiday !