Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't return to the common elbow room until William Ashley Sunday afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent nigh of the weekend doing homework and playing daily round of Exploding snatch. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a probability to tell matte about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few scholarly person had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming catch while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused gentlewoman Pomfrey to have an terribly lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the vulgar room with the others, doing homework, when mat returned from the Hospital offstage. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his grimace were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his Bible and glanced at his Quaker when lustrelessness came through the portrayal hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' Matt asked, `` You 're awfully quiet. ``

`` We 've, er, got to say you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the common room. His friends all followed, not saying a news. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the house painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in battlefront of it and opened the room access that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couch, a hearth, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' Matt asked immediately, once the door was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' Rose suggested.

Matt sat down on one of the couch and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to school in Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` well, we 're obviously not going to secernate you that, '' Albus gave a tepid laugh as he sat down on a death chair. rosiness, whoremaster, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` well, get on with it, '' Matt said.

`` All right, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' flatness commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really love the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some reasonableness was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' Matt interrupted with a tone of shock on his face.

`` It gets spoiled, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get pale every once in a patch, so he would exclude up in conclusion month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him promise not to tell anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some reason he told Malfoy. ``

flatness sank back into his chairperson and his face went chicken feed white. Albus was glad rose wine told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the selective information. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some sort of wizard disease that Madam Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your sick gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his eye and started rubbing his top dog, `` This is n't good. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and make certainly he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really check him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of enquiry and he 'll be intimate everything, '' Matt moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too lazy to bother, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may own also told him about the Whomping Willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't possess, he just ca n't, '' matt whispered.

`` We do n't know for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the predator 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

lusterlessness nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and tells anyone, chances are I 'll sustain to leave. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' pink wine assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is correctly, '' Albus agreed, `` When the vulture were in school, Snape found out about teddy 's dad and he still got to stay in school day. Dumbledore made him forebode not to assure anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the same matter. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' mat sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` rose had to kibosh me and John the Evangelist from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him a good deal since and I do n't really require to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin, '' flatness said.

`` Does n't matter, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell anyone and he did, so I ca n't confide him anymore. And no one 's going to convince me to apologize this time. ``

`` All right hand, '' lustrelessness replied. `` Let 's halt here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd birth to hex him. ``

Rose groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex mass to lick your job ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing kit and caboodle best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' Rose commented.

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. nonentity argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very excite one for the educatee at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the sure-enough students were very excited about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a secondment year. James made sure to lord this over him at every moment possible during the week preceding the sojourn. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was for sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the green room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that night, the student organic structure was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his friends had managed to filch a potion into the Slytherins'nutrient that caused their whisker and fingernails to move around orange red and gold. The relief of the school day laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to become their hair and nails back to normal.

`` nil will change it, '' Henry James informed the Gryffindor board in between fits of laughter, `` Uncle George III told me it will wear off within 24 hour, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' John the Divine laughed.

`` I was going to save it for the day of the Quidditch match, '' James IV explained, `` But I just could n't waitress. ``

`` I ca n't blame you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff tabular array and saw his dad trying to muffle his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The former extremity of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the sight of his theater decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The follow day was the first dueling tournament for the Junior dueling club. The elderly students had already had their first base tournament the previous weekend. Albus 's cousin Henry M. Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to take place immediately following dejeuner, at one o'clock, and the mo, tierce, and fourth days were filled with excitement about it.

`` What if we have to duel each other ? '' Albus said worriedly at lunch. `` I really do n't want to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might accept to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any spells that could do any hold out damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed.

`` I almost wish first old age could connect the dueling nightclub, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in front end of the entire schoolhouse. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to mislay, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only matter I can do is demilitarize somebody, and I 'm not even that just at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a 2nd year, or even a one-third year, you 'll have got a hazard at winning. Fourth years, on the other hand, I 'm not indisputable any of us have got a chance at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorts of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' rosebush began, `` Remember that the teams have people from all eld on them. I do n't cerebrate any team has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still care there were House team. I do n't like being on the Sami squad with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up practice dueling with each early every confluence, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really well duelist, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to drum anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not sure about that, '' Albus said.

`` care ! '' prof Kendrick stood up, `` The third-year dueling tournament will lead off shortly. Please spend a penny your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, good destiny everyone. '' Albus 's Quaker all wished each other safe luck as they got up and left the Great Granville Stanley Hall. It was a bit odd being on secernate squad, Albus thought. He wished his friends good luck, but he wanted his own squad to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of bookman filing into the dueling bedchamber near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to hold back at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a slice of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing flame drawn on it. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hair still smart scarlet and Au. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the diametric end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to utter.

`` attention ! '' she shouted and the tabular array became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will come out in a couple hour. I 'm certainly we 'll do great. Everyone remember what you 've learned within the retiring month and you 'll do fine. Just do your secure and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next time. I know this inter-house team affair is tough, but I think everyone here has really come together to run as a team, and I 'm lofty of all of you for that. So, with that, sound luck ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other fourth twelvemonth on the team.

A minute later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his men for quiet. The way fell silent and he began to verbalize. `` receive to the first Dueling tournament for the Juniors Dueling lodge. This is the first of six qualifying tournaments of the year. At the end of the twelvemonth, the top two squad will front off in a final tournament. There will be two duels going on simultaneously, with professor Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The succeeder of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most decimal point will be declared the winner. The gunpoint will theatrical role over to each tournament, after the 6th tournament, the two teams with the most points will present off in the final examination. Now, each sea captain was given a list of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the master to inform their team of the docket. Good luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her team. Albus 's first affaire d'honneur was about halfway down the list and his second was the third base to last. The simply thing he could do now was wait until his good turn came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as fourth dimension wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him hold out that down. Albus watched the first duet of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, Jesse James 's turn came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. Rose was up next and she easily beat her third year Slytherin adversary. Quite a few of Albus 's mate had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second yr Hufflepuff and the first part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spells sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarise her opponent and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

lusterlessness was up adjacent against a Slytherin fourth year. The duel hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an make headway tour that caused mat to mosh into the rampart behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. professor Cedonia took matt to the infirmary wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a duo detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope Matt 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be fine, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use spells like that. ``

`` I could stimulate blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the hair ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A minute later his name was called and he was off to duel a fellow Slytherin. It was a very fast pace duel. Both of them were excellent duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be glad about this or not. He did n't take long to dwell on it, though, because a moment later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling band where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a fellow second class.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can start when I let out red electric arc. ``

Albus and Carter bowed to each early and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand shot out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarmament spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to close up it as well. This went on for five minute of arc, each of them sending charm that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Jimmy Carter with a tickling hex that had him knack over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` tip goes to ceramicist, '' Neville announced. Albus and carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

`` thoroughly job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` President Carter 's good, too, but that tickling thing was great. He could hardly travel. ``

`` I 'll have to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit blase with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. Saint John the Apostle dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an fantabulous dueller. blush wine and Malfoy each won their second duel, while Saint John and Amanda lost theirs. lusterlessness returned from the infirmary annex in time for his second duel, but wound up losing to his third year Ravenclaw opposition. Albus dueled a third year Gryffindor in his bit duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not count well-chosen about this. Malfoy also won his 2d duel, which was against a thirdly or fourth yr Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the duel finished and prof Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wonderful job. Now, to announce the succeeder. I am pleased to announce that the Flying genus Phoenix, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in first home with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will learn plaza at the end of November or starting time of December. Your captains will be informed of the exact day of the month as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win side by side time, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at practice on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the way, but realized they would never find their friends in the bunch. `` We 'll get together them in the common room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common way, it was already full-of-the-moon with educatee rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's chronicle of his duels. James had won his second affaire d'honneur and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found Gospel According to John and lusterlessness sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by rose wine, who was glowing.

`` praise ! '' Albus announced as his first cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied, `` I was n't certain we were going to win. Heath is n't the greatest captain. I think we just have naturally skilful duellist on our team. Carter is awesome, although not as unspoiled as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just glad I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't ingest shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` gladiola I 'm not on his team, '' St. John muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duels. ``

`` You 'll do better side by side sentence, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wind up in the infirmary offstage, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

can laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some sort of attraction for that spot. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' Matt replied.

`` That was n't your fracture, though, '' rosebush pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' Matt assured him, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey healed my arm in an New York minute, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second affaire d'honneur. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the teachers I had in primary school. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives detention. ``

`` And no test ! '' bathroom grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the exclusively score they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a 1 in class test.

`` I 'm not certainly I like that, '' Rose sighed. The four early educatee looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to get it on if we 've mastered the charm if she does n't test us ? ''

`` She watches us in class to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' Matt commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' Rose reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exams in charms. ``

`` Those are three days away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' blush wine corrected him, `` And it 's ripe to come out preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned to a greater extent magic spell this year than finish class, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' rosebush replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the like time. Albus liked Cedonia 's dash of teaching and he did n't want her to originate giving them exams like the other teachers did. Without good luck charm exams, Albus had less to care about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore rose 's plea for exams and continue the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin vine juice when the post arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a small brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed adjacent to his shell. Albus took the varsity letter and gave the owl a small-arm of goner before it flew off.

`` Look, it 's addressed to all of us, '' blush wine commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couple letters so far this twelvemonth, near of them sent along with Amy 's letters to matt. These usually arrived a couple days after the wide-cut Sun Myung Moon, as Amy always wanted to get it on how Matt was. Since the full moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the letter and began to read it. rosiness, Matt, whoremaster, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

honey Albus, Matt, rose, privy, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying classes and not making too
lots problem. extolment on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, rose wine. I hope there are many great triumph to make out. unspoiled
hazard in your first Quidditch peer, Albus. We hope to be able to give ear, but
it depends on work and healer training schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending classes in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. Teddy has been
very busy with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual metre to write. We 're not certain if you read the prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the missive and glanced at his booster. As Albus fell back into his school routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his eyes to the missive without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle Village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his butt and are tracking him this very
minute. teddy heard about it while he was at grooming, and we decided to
give you a capitulum up. Uncle Harry will probably evidence you as well.

Do n't occupy about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. effective luck with Quidditch, dueling, and stratum, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, shift, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly forgotten about Willinson, '' St. John said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why prof ceramicist is n't here, '' matte commented.

Albus looked up at the stave tabular array and noticed that his don was missing. `` guessing so. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's kind of beneficial that individual spotted him. Before they had no leads, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the other two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted shipway ? Albus just hoped his dad and the former Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the Prophet ? '' Rose asked one of the older students who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the newspaper publisher. `` Let 's retrieve the article. '' Rose scanned the front page and found a unforesightful article on the go forth English of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday daybreak. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror section since his flak on head word Auror and Defense Against the iniquity Arts instructor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry ceramist, last Spring. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the one-time Charms prof, Jameson Washburn, attacked thrower and the five student on the grounds. Potter declined scuttlebutt for this article. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are dangerous and not to attempt to fight them. If any of them are seen, hoi polloi are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' Rose said once she 'd finished reading the article, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm glad he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to add up back, '' rose sighed, `` To feel the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully Professor Potter will catch up with them before they get the hazard, '' flatness replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in old age. ``

Albus looked over and saw that Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how dissimilar it must be for Matt this year. Albus did n't think Matt had ever gone this hanker without seeing her. `` They 'll probably issue forth, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd better get to magic spell, '' rose announced. The five second years got up from the table and made their way out of the Great antechamber. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to James, talking animatedly about something. James I did n't seem too happy about this and had the face of someone pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the first half of class teaching the charm for tying shoes, and during the second one-half, the class practiced. Unlike last class, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical lesson in charm. Professor Cedonia did not listen them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` apology me, Professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

`` pink wine, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to have any tests.

`` Yes, Rose ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied shoes. `` Oh, tremendous job ! ``

`` Thank you, Professor, '' Rose replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any exams in this class ? ``

Everyone in the intact room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. Most of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would have any exam. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this school, do not believe in testing students in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of class, where you are unfreeze to use your books, to evaluate your knowledge of hypothesis. As far as practical exam go, I prefer to assess your progress in socio-economic class. If I have any notion that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will feed you redundant facilitate until you can master it. However, in accord with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical test at the end of the semester. The possibility exam will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd like an exam, I will create one for you, but no one else will feature to take away it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all rightfield, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, rose, that you will stimulate a perfect understanding of second year spell by the time the twelvemonth is up, and you will be in fantabulous configuration to move on to third yr. ``

pink wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exam ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed, `` I really thought blush wine was going to convince her to test us. ``

`` well, I suppose she variety of is testing us, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Just in a different way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' King John said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in primary shoal had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with conventional exam and prep. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teachers gave us exams. arise went to the same one. ``

`` Saame here, '' John replied, `` formula Muggle school. ``

`` Not me, '' Matt announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably pretend why. Amy went to Muggle school, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the boys. `` We did n't cause examination or grad or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to schoolhouse. Except when I made strange stuff happen. multitude thought I was uncanny. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will work, '' Rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a dissimilar way. At least she 's squeamish. Everyone seems to care her. ``

`` We do n't really accept any think teachers this year, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' whoremaster said, `` But you 're right. ``

`` Who knows about next year, though, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll set about new depicted object and who knows what those instructor will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches Care of Magical puppet and he 's corking, '' Albus told them.

`` What form of magic beast ? '' trick grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' flatness grinned back. `` Amy says the Ancient rune teacher is overnice. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't want to have it away what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' rosiness said, `` And Peach State told me the teacher is strict, but not signify. ``

`` Well, right, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got month before we have to settle what new subjects we 'll consume. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' rose wine sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would change by reversal out well. '' Albus and rosebush shared a laugh that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's thirdly year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's defensive measure class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after category. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any reference of it in the vaticinator that dawn.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the former pupil left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a letter of the alphabet and I read it in the vaticinator, too. ``

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm happy Victoire told you before you read it in the vaticinator. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't acknowledge what happened. ``

`` Well, did you catch him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't want to hold back any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his handwriting around his son 's berm. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wizard who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a subject of time. ``

Albus 's face fell and he became more apprehensive as he realized that not lots progress had been made. He had been so for certain that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come back here. But there is a large sum of money of protection around the schooling. end year, it was easy for them to be on the flat coat since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't have that going for them now. And I do n't believe any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without somebody alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a here and now and felt a bit better. `` All right. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The other Aurors have it under command. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the school.

`` Well, we 'd better head to the Great Hall, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't speed, John the Divine will eat all the food. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the way together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the common elbow room the adjacent week completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The first match, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them recitation every evening. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his Bible and went back to the rough-cut room to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory room, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the push green elbow room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby board. `` Have you seen John and lustrelessness anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his record book. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to outwit Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a tired grin, `` They 're pathetic. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think Saint John and Matt left an hour or so ago. I 'm not surely where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. matt did n't depend so honest. Maybe they went to the infirmary wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full-of-the-moon moonshine was the following night. They must accept gone to the Room of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the elbow room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to have sex about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrayal of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a corner and then he started pacing in front of the wall. Three footstep later, the door appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the common room. ``

rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on small-arm of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. matte was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't observe Albus.

`` We were, '' blush wine said, `` But it was awfully tatty in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd start coming in here again. ``

`` speech sound in effect, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down next to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration Day, '' whoremaster groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inches so far. ``

`` History of Magic, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a while ago, '' Rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the History of Magic hooey to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his chronicle book. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' whoremaster answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to research the Whomping Willow tomorrow night. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at dark ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more trouble if he 's out past curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' Rose explained without looking up from her book. `` I think he gets sort of frantic and does n't opine straight at this clip of the month. ``

`` You 're probably rightfield, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you blame him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' blush wine sighed.

Albus started to riffle through his History of Magic Quran, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't retiring curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree right now ? Albus closed his book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the Marauder 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no commodity, '' Albus pointed his baton at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few moments before his heart rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin green room. `` He 's in his usual room. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to investigate that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' blush wine reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't stop me, '' lav laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow tree, but he did agree with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the chances of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high gear. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` devilment managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't require to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a pocket-sized mark on one of the turning point made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the niche. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it plum before. But this stigma was so small it could have easily been missed. He peered at the midget grading until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A wolf, dog, stag, and rat print. It obviously meant the marauder. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw photographic print, wracking his brain to try and commend why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' Rose was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the sound of her voice, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a wildcat, dog, stag, and rat invertebrate foot print. Here, look. ``

rose, Saint John, and Amanda all leaned in to front at the mark. rose furrowed her brow and tilted her pass as she looked at it. `` Why did the predator have this thing check on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random spell of parchment with these paw mark on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The piece of parchment that fell out of the photo album in the noodle of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of study of the school twelvemonth. The symbolic representation were exactly the Saame. They must imply something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his butt. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my business firm, John ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photo record album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the patch of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

Realization dawned on whoremonger 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd forgotten about that ! Do you still take in it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the way, leaving a very excited John and a thoroughly confused rose and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the future chapter is recollective and I had to part it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's instruction panache and the school Amanda used to go to came from a schooltime that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the students did n't have tests or receive gradation. They also got to take whatever they wanted to study. It was a really concern idea and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Gospel of Luke, and Moonylupin for their critique !

Be on the sentry for my new floor, Life Is commodity, which is a prequel to closed book Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, mat, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to brand the first chapter sometime next workweek, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor unwashed room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his trunk, and found the lambskin. He was so gladiola he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the commons elbow room, ignoring the unusual stares he was receiving from his buster classmates. When he got back to the Room, whoremaster was in the process of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the sheepskin out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' rosebush grinned, `` Exactly the Lapplander mark. ``

`` But it 's just a white patch of sheepskin, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mystifying about it. Why would the piranha put this symbol on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're veracious, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't know much about the marauder, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random piece of parchment. ``

Rose looked from the map to the new piece of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to wreak ? Maybe it 's an reference of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That form of made gumption. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full synodic month expedition. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no undecomposed. ``

Ink cattle ranch across the map and Albus 's heart jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the table and watched the ink. But there was something different about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming words. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to felicitate you, as you have obviously found the Marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the same conjuration for this finicky item .'
Albus and rosebush burst out laughing. This firearm of parchment was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the Saami as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared wide-eyed at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was dead ? How can he be talking through parchment ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of appeal that enabled the marauder 's Map to communicate with people who try to use it and they 've done the like thing with this. '' Albus pulled the vulture 's Map in front man of him and tapped his scepter to it, `` check this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to show yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the common ink. John and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and rose wine had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to secernate Mr. Potter to keep his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. ceramicist ploughshare a for the first time gens with the master, it does not have him the self-assurance do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. potter 's middle name has got to be the most opprobrious figure he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to affront Mr. ceramicist 's cobbler's last gens, but feels he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's first name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the vulture were in schooling, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the Marauders hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my gramps, he 's never capable to do it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive magic, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' blush wine began, `` If the Marauders did n't need anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to read it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually get hold out how to say it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rosiness was probably right. The Marauders were always pranksters, and they would probably want others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you think they might own wanted another token that only they could say ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That former firearm of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the vulture did n't want anyone to be able to show. ``

`` But then we could n't translate it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of make good sense that the Marauders wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the same scar on both lambskin ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' can said adamantly.

`` We do n't even know if Rose is right, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the marauder could read it, would they still have to say something to count at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not surely, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some sort of magic that only enables a few mass to scan it. Kind of like a Fidelius Charm for leger or something. ``

Albus grabbed the sheepskin and pointed his wand at it. The only way to get hold out if something would unwrap it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make trouble. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to stool mischief. I am going to pull a clowning on individual. I promise I will make water hassle. '' Albus tried many unlike version on the conjuration for the vulture 's Map, but naught worked.

`` It wo n't exploit, Albus, '' Rose said after a piece, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

Albus did n't want to do his homework. He wanted to have the parchment work. Right now, he did n't manage about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the Marauders can read, then you 've got to be a predator to translate it, '' John the Evangelist sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the vulture 's Map, but it must be something that would prove you 're a predator. `` I solemnly swear that I am a vulture. '' null happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would have worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which vulture you are, '' whoremonger suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' rosebush shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of spell on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this compass point, but he was unforced to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandpa. If this was going to work for anyone, it would form for him. He was related to one of the predator. Albus pointed his wand at the parchment with his inwardness beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breather as he watched the parchment. John, Rose, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friends nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to register as the words formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the predator 's Map, mo Edition .'
`` Second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the lambskin as more words appeared across it. St. John, rose wine, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` Merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could recognize different people.

`` Wait, '' Rose pointed at the parchment. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the s Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusion. Was this some kind of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that s Prongs ?

`` What is this sheepskin ? '' John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a trick or a highly encourage magical object, '' rosiness remarked. The four ally continued to watch as more authorship appeared.

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and devilry, they may demo themselves as the next generation of Marauders .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the sheepskin. The next generation of Marauders ? What had his gramps and his friends done ?

`` This is incredible, '' Rose whispered.

'These four admirer must each represent one of the predator, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must bear witness that you know the secret of the predator. Prove that you know, and you may continue along the itinerary of discovery .'

'The way of life of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, believe me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that hale affair .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the wording to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and start proving that they know the vulture .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no idea who the Marauders are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The marauder wish you safe circumstances .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his friends. `` What in the name of pigeon hawk is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the marauder invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this schoolhouse, '' blush wine said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best charming thing I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't remember we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to find out the rest ? '' John asked.

`` wellspring, I think we 've somehow got to prove that we know who the Marauders are and that we know their secrets, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their biggest mystery, '' Rose said, `` But how would we prove it to a slice of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no musical theme, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just tell the sheepskin. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' John asked.

`` Seems too simple, '' rosebush said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' privy argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't recollect it would influence, but he did n't recollect it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a shot. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a part of lambskin. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the sheepskin. A few words appeared on it. Could it have got actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't turn, '' rosebush smirked, `` It 's got to be more subtle than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to intend on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the vulture'secret, but he had to chance out. This parchment was perhaps even more occupy and magical than the vulture 's Map, and he was going to cipher it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' lusterlessness sat up and was looking around with a confused look on his face. `` What time is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard Matt 's vox. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the excitement of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hr until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new mystery on our men. ``

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda spent the adjacent few minutes explaining about the new map to lusterlessness. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the piranha 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to show the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'secrets. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is splendid, '' Matt commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to figure out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new piranha. ``

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to figure it out how to prove we know the predator, '' John announced, `` We 've got to compute out who we 're going to represent. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the Marauders. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' Matt said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' John laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to give to represent Wormtail. cypher was going to want to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' King John replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a pursuer, just like he was. ``

`` That makes sense, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' Matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that detention last-place year in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

John grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' rose said disgustedly.

`` You do n't throw to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boys, four Gryffindor male child to be particular. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our break the piranha wanted it to be boys, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can serve us fancy the whole thing out. ``

`` right hand now, we 've got to rule a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three practiced friends with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' john explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to feel out about Matt. ``

The friends all looked at Matt, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't desire anyone who resembled cock Pettigrew finding out about lustrelessness. If that 's what it took to find out the secrets of this map, then the map would just stay secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to find out that Matt is werewolf. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' Matt yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No trouble, '' John the Divine smiled.

`` You know, '' rose wine began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a Marauder. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is find soul who you lot are friends with, not necessarily individual who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need someone who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could believe enough to break Matt 's privy ? Or, did they even have to give away it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the fourth person ? `` Let 's just sustain our eyes out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them know about mat, at least not for a while. Is that all rightfield, lusterlessness ? ``

Matt had fallen asleep again and jerked his head up when he heard his gens. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

`` audio like a architectural plan, then, '' John the Divine said.

`` We 'd ameliorate get back to the vernacular room, '' Rose looked at her lookout, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the room and walked back to Gryffindor tug. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more regard map than the marauder 's Map. Albus could only guess what was actually on it. The candidate of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the probability of them finding someone who would be will to comprise Wormtail ? And if they did find that individual, could they figure out the map without telling that soul that flatness was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their critical review !

The prequel to mystery Within, Life Is Good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, most belike on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few twenty-four hours, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the meter and found himself looking at it whenever he got the chance. He read the clew again and again, hoping to see something he missed before that would tell him how to test that he knew the piranha'mystery. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions run on Friday because he had so much trouble settling down to study the night before.

His school work was n't the simply thing hurt, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying attention during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the peer against Slytherin was on Sabbatum, this could n't have happened at a regretful time. Sakartvelo had to yell at him at to the lowest degree five multiplication during drill on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Peach State said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` halt here for a second, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Empire State of the South. She had a gruesome look on her human face that made Albus finger awful. He knew he had played horrible during drill, but he just could n't get the map out of his brain. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what GA wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a terrific chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the other people who tried out played respectable than you, they would deliver gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not play pet. ``

This was avowedly. Georgia was ruthless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew to the full well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the team.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and ling, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your acting has declined over the past few years, '' GA softened her gaze, `` You 're flighty. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To enjoin the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being spooky. But he was more than leave to blame his dreadful playing on nervousness. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my first match as well. But you are going to do delicately. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those multitude wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Empire State of the South grinned.

Albus gave a lukewarm grin. He had to bar thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his shoes on the squad. `` Thanks. I 'll try to settle down down a bit. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castling. ``

******

Despite Albus 's deficiency of nerves the retiring few days, he was certainly making up for it on Sat good morning. He woke up with butterflies in his stomach and could n't bring off to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this match. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked. He had returned from the Hospital Wing the former evening and was looking much better. Judging by his tone of vocalisation, Albus suspected that matte looked beneficial than he did.

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his friends about Georgia 's lecture lastly night.

`` Well, you 'd meliorate win, '' Gabe Bourne, the senior who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Georgia made a big mistake in choosing one of her first cousin over me. ``

`` Shove off, bourn, '' Thomas Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Bradley and then stalked off to the early end of the mesa. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's best at everything. We 'll show him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as convinced as Omar Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would have to divvy up with bourn, and he did not need to do that. Albus never thought so much would be resting on one equal of Quidditch, let alone his initiatory match.

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the squad needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's friends wished him luck as he left with the team. The majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in silence while the relaxation of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the solitary one who was anxious about this match.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his ling and followed the eternal sleep of the team out onto the pitch, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to bring Quidditch during practice, but in front of everyone ? Albus was sure he 'd light off his ling and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Lord Todd Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus thrower, Jesse James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus ceramist has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be capable to hold out up to her bequest ? alone time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Sir Alexander Robertus Todd experience to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood adjacent to James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field. James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris fielding, Talan Flint River, lance Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since last twelvemonth. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered GA telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin quester from survive class, had been utterly incapable of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as ill-chosen, but he doubted it.

`` Mount your brooms, '' prof Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few deep breaths to clear his head and tried to block up out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other face of the airfield in rules of order to get away from Odele, who was flying right adjacent to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no clip. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the pitch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin goal posts. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't appear to be broken. It was just a little painful. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to give it past both Bludgers and was heading uncoiled towards Georgia. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left hand most hoop.

`` mark ! Slytherin scores the first goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other participant, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very beneficial at maneuvering his ling and avoiding other players. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the GA to throw the Quaffle back into play. GA faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his tight new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to arrest it.

Albus turned his broom around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin pursuer were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus Potter is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that Empire State of the South has. I believe they are the solely two in the school day to experience one, '' Smith called out.

Albus ignored Smith 's comment and continued flying. He passed Jesse James, who gave him a ovolo up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to hap the Quaffle. ling was unfastened and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard flip. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin end mail. She threw it at the midway hoop and it sailed through.

`` grudge ! '' Captain John Smith announced, `` broom Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin goal posts. He waited for Goyle to pitch the Quaffle back out, and let his head wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was goodness. Who could they get to play Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the meter. Every soul he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never observe anyone. Albus, John, and lustrelessness were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to operate for the new map. Why would n't it just accept rosiness or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of track, neither girl would agree to representing the traitor that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud voice jerked Albus back into the match. He looked up and saw that Scots heather was glaring at him. He shook his pass and started flying again.

During the end of the lucifer, Albus found his psyche drifting to a greater extent and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle to a greater extent than a few times, earning disapproving looking from GA. Although he had n't scored a ace goal, he did help Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Adam Smith shouted, `` Making the musical score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammate. Georgia looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Tom Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and St. James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor destination post. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to rack up.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the pitch shot. He could do this. He just had to get his nous off the map. There would be plenty of time to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring destination, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his tail again and he passed the Quaffle to Heather, who was open.

All of a sudden, William James whooshed past Albus, heading heterosexual person for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that James must have seen the fink. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't quick enough. James grabbed the snitch, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the honkytonk. He held it up with a victorious grin.

`` thrower has caught the stool pigeon ! '' metalworker announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

sunniness erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily side by side to James. It was over, his first Quidditch peer was over. He breathed a sigh of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the residue of the team as their young man Gryffindors clapped them on the rear and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' john broke through the bunch, followed by matt, rose wine, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' lustrelessness grinned.

`` You were amazing, '' Rose agreed.

`` commodity match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even make any goals. ``

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all commodity. ``

`` party in the unwashed elbow room ! '' one of the onetime students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a immense grin. `` You did swell ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do better next clock time. ``

`` Of trend you will. The first gear compeer is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although boldness were only a office of why he had n't played one hundred percent that day.

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her fuck you 're all right, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so worry about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did have a good ground. His family line always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first peer with only a small-scale bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the common room with his friends and when they got there the common elbow room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a Brobdingnagian grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the randomness. `` Did you see the mate ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an excellent pursuer. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the sales pitch. ``

`` We left right after James caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the large quantity of food for thought and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't hurt much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robe and pulled out her baton. `` I 'll heal it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't spite at all now. ``

`` good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to mend small fry cuts and contusion right now, although near of the stuff and nonsense we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite enchanting, though. ``

`` I 'm beaming you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're Healers ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two years. It 's a long cognitive operation. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight class of schooling after secondary schoolhouse. ``

`` That is mad, '' John shook his head, `` Why would anyone want to be in school that long ? ``

`` I would n't mind, '' Rose grinned.

`` Of course you would n't, '' whoremaster laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle practice of medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in font we ever have to cover Muggles. sorcerous healing does n't sustain much of an force on them. ``

`` I much prefer magical healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. Incantations and potions are a great deal near. ``

`` If Muggles use needles, then I agree, '' John said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather sustain individual wave their baton than have soul bind me with a needle, '' Albus shook his principal. Sometimes he just did n't interpret the things Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' Matt grinned mischievously.

Albus, pink wine, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the account of their grandpa 's experimentation with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't twist out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted look on his face, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's genial. ``

`` Bloody awful, too, '' lustrelessness commented, `` I had them once. I 'll tell you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James walked over to their mesa with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great 1st catch ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` Excellent haul. ``

`` Thanks, '' Jesse James grinned, `` Ca n't believe Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunlight. Oh, well, better for us if their new quester ca n't see the canary. ``

`` Ca n't argue with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' James lowered his vocalisation and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few solar day. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own protagonist. Albus had not really paid much care to his little cousin-german since he told Malfoy that mat gets sick every calendar month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' Henry James sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his friends, who were all paying close care. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at lusterlessness and then back at James, `` He kind of told soul something that I told him to keep silence about. ``

`` wellspring, whatever that was, you should make up with him, '' Saint James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my nerves. ``

`` What do you desire me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be champion with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to begin with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own booster since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' James groaned, `` Oh, face, here he comes. ``

`` James ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` unspoilt job on the catch. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` well, see ya later, Albus, '' James stood up. Albus and the others said goodbye. Kaden followed James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't think he 'd startle annoying King James I, '' pink wine commented.

`` make sense, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to separate and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't tell us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his vocalisation, `` I would, if you 'd get to the Room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the elbow room of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's unknown. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to miss it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if somebody told me that you 'd miss Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never have believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would receive disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old Friend. small did I know that I would come to enjoy this place even more and pee even comfortably Quaker. ``

`` All right wing, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the couch, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down adjacent to her, while his friend and Amy took seats on diverse other chairs and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` well, he 's very annoying, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magical world is wonderful and that magic can work out everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to recount him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to read, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very nettle, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the start full Moon, Kaden got puke and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the common room praising Madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at flatness, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that conjuring trick could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to hold back going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the Hospital extension, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the combat did n't hold up long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that illusion could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that thaumaturgy could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked lustrelessness anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' Matt assured her, `` He 's still got no musical theme. ``

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the prison term and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the precise same time. Amy 's side lost all people of color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch recitation and Kaden wanted to investigate it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a brace times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her Brother with a face of fearfulness on her nerve. `` Did he pursue it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting dark of detention, which you already know about. ``

The girls nodded their header. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the uranology Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's office, we took Kaden up to our dormitory and persuaded him not to ever reckon for that tunnel again or to tell anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell anyone that Matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're in good order, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange understanding, known only to my stupid cousin, he decided to tell Scorpio Malfoy that flatness gets sick every once and a piece, and secern him about the Whomping willow tree ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girls shouted and stood up with flavor of anger on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find out where I go every calendar month and now he 's got more clew. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to confabulate my pallid nanna, but that wo n't work anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a matter of time before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpius Malfoy knows about the tunnel under the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not dear, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teacher ? ``

`` No, '' Matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go tell Kendrick now. follow on, Matt. ``

mat stood up, his face as pale as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a question, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a month now. ``

They all sat in silence for a few moments, all lost in their own cerebration. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past tense few sidereal day. He 'd been much too busy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that Matt could n't last out in schooltime anymore now that mass knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his admirer being kicked out of school because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was atrocious. netherworld, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is more than to this than meets the eye. I do n't know why he told Malfoy, but I do n't remember he just randomly decided to tell Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a endorsement. The in conclusion thing he wanted to do was spill the beans to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the reason one of his Quaker is forced to leave the school ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be true. There might be some kind of underlying ground why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't reckon he really meant to fall in Malfoy hint about matte 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even get laid about it ! But I told him not to tell and he did n't take heed. We ca n't desire him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's assure somebody, and it was Malfoy of all mass ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll take up following us around again. He 'll get more suspicious about Matt and eventually he 's going to get out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll differentiate him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably severalise Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' pink wine snapped.

`` Just suppose about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. Teddy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where teddy bear was.

`` He had some kind of Auror training affair today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is pretty vivid. And it 's at all form of unbalanced hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random multiplication, only to devolve in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the strangest hours he had ever heard of.

`` Of grade, my hours wo n't be much beneficial when I 'm a Healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hour, we 're never going to get to see each other. well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and rose wine. I 'm not for sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Noel. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the Room of Requirement for the side by side half time of day, waiting for Matt to derive back. Nobody said much, but Albus could secernate that they were all worried about what was going to encounter. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

lusterlessness ran over to his friends with a grinning on his face. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't have to bequeath ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Nope ! '' Matt grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd take fear of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passage anymore. ``

`` That 's big ! '' Albus replied. He was very protruding. It would not sustain been fair for matt to bear to forget Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should have got just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really reckon of it at the time, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me custody or anything, '' Matt told them.

`` trade good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` cypher can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty a great deal. Kendrick did n't really explicate, but he told me no one would be able to get in, '' Matt explained, `` Just me and lady Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' lav said, `` I was kind of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

Matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you harebrained ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the Shrieking hut. ``

`` It could have been like our own rough-cut room, '' John the Divine continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to occur, '' Matt said flatly.

`` All rightfulness, all right, '' Saint John sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

The future day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so different from the original Marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would read Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old Lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff board. There was a shortstop old crone with a patch up and frayed hat sitting where professor Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some cause she looked rather intimate, but he could n't put his finger on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's Professor Longbottom ? '' mat asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the mail owls started to arrive. Rose 's family owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to claim the letter off.

Rose took the letter and gave her owl a while of toast. She opened the alphabetic character and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a immense grinning on her face. `` Professor Longbottom 's wife has had her babe ! Her figure is Lucy capital of Maine. That explains why Professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's great. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summer, and she 'd been quite pregnant then.

`` You know, I never really think about the teachers having sept, '' Matt commented.

`` well, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky cauldron over the summertime, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really remember her that well, '' Matt explained, `` I did n't experience too great that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' John remembered, `` And professor ceramist obviously has a crime syndicate. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a look of role player impact. `` I never knew ! ``

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the former teachers, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' rose told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not trusted about the others. ``

`` May I have your attending ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoonful against his chalice. `` Thank you. I have two declaration this morning. The first one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must tell you again how severe it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him sour a burnished shade of red.

`` As an added precaution, I have put a few ward around it that will inform me when somebody neglect my formula. There will be austere penalisation for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a lighter short letter, I 'm sure you all have noticed that Professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the other students started whispering among themselves, no doubt wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to worry. Professor Longbottom 's wife has had a child girl and he will be gone for a few workweek. professor Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the elderly witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much youthful.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a skillful Sunday and is well rested for family tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is overnice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the terra firma after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and almost of the students were outdoors enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did most of my aunts and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' lavatory said.

`` I 've met her a few times, '' rosebush commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' matte smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean teachers this year. ``

The group spent the morning wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should birth been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any ideas as to how to get it to work or who could present Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot easier than trying to forefend him, like he had been doing the by month and a half.

`` I do n't think we 're going to be capable to ignore Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' Rose asked, smirking.

`` fountainhead, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' rose sighed, `` He 's your cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to avoid him all the meter. ``

`` I still do n't like him, '' John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut his mouth, I 'd like him better. ``

`` Maybe there 's some variety of while we can use to get him not to tattle about affair he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be nice, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' Matt replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of sentence. He 'll get hold out whether Kaden gives him clue or not. He 's smart. Kaden wo n't figure it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a matter of when. ``

Albus stared at his acquaintance. Albus did not opine flatness would ever be well-disposed with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sense. Malfoy was going to detect out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any first cousin, I 'd want to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the decent thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would obtain his own booster. But it did n't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

`` lack to go back to the castle ? '' lav asked a little while later. It was starting to get wordy and clouds were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to get hold Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to utter to him about that survive essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two missy took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' John laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three son started walking back to the castling. They joined the orotund group of educatee now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' St. John the Apostle asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` deficiency to go to the Room ? '' matt suggested.

`` phone beneficial, maybe we can figure out how to work the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to sneak off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' John groaned. `` Maybe you should n't lecture to him. ``

`` I 've got to, trick, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my first cousin. ``

`` How are you going to keep him from knowing about the map ? '' Matt asked.

`` No approximation. I guess we 'll just have to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The male child continued their journey up to the seventh trading floor corridor. They were halfway down the sixth level corridor, heading towards the stairs, when Matt stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's damage ? '' he whispered.

lusterlessness said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby empty classroom. He shut the door and turned to confront his friends. `` There 's masses whispering just around the corner. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' King John stared at him, `` We were the only ones out there. ``

`` I 'm serious ! '' Matt said.

`` No you 're not, '' John laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Canicula. You 're Remus. ``

Matt groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My earreach 's near than yours. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did have superior hearing. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two people out there and one sounds scared, '' Matt explained.

`` Do you think they 're scholarly person ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to line up the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely scholar. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' privy said mischievously.

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the niche or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't want to get glamour. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his awe. `` All right hand. ``

`` retain out your wand, '' mat instructed as he opened the room access. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could embark on to wee-wee out bits of conversation.

`` come on ! '' an icy voice seethed, `` You know more. Just tell us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' somebody croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his footstep. Someone was going to hex someone. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the articulation, but he could n't quite post them.

The boys rounded the recession and Albus saw why he recognized the representative. Scorpio Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their sceptre pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the rampart, his bridge player shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his runway, and John and Matt did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just tell me what 's beyond the burrow, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't screw ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` prevaricator, '' Malfoy raised his wand a trivial higher.

That was it. Albus could n't stomach to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin-german like that. All his bitter thought process toward Kaden flew out the windowpane the import Albus saw Kaden 's terrified face. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's baton sailed out of his hand and landed on the story a few fundament down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and matt stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't ceramist, '' Malfoy fuss. `` What can you possibly want ? ``

`` Quit threatening my cousin-german, '' Albus growled. He pointed his wand at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping Willow goes. ``

Albus did n't break in eye contact lens with Malfoy, but he knew matte had gone white adjacent to him. `` Why would you mean I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no approximation where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't phone him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the like clock time, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into John 's hand.

`` Looks like you 've got your cousin 's dueling skills, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the tunnel goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't tell you where it goes. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` Guess your cousin-german will get hexed. ``

St. John burst out laughing, `` in force portion with that, seeing as I 've got your verge. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each other. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a trousering phonation behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the voice and turned around to touch it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, Matt, John, and Kaden all exchanged glance as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't give birth our wand. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the days, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never devoid. ``

Albus stifled a jape as he followed Filch down the hallway. Nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped power. It was very hard for the six boy to fit inwardly and everyone was too close for comfort.

Filch went through his common modus operandi of filling out contour and filing them in the correct cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's mannequin. `` Seems you 'll cause a file nearly as big as your father and granddad 's by the clip you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and file his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two Night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. run into me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the 1st one out the door, followed quickly by Matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to head his friends up the step. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor Tower. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking good luck charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping Willow ?

When they got to the common elbow room, it was packed. There was hardly any room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dorm and shut the door behind them. John and Matt sat down on mat 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't certain where to set about. Should he just narrate Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could decide, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm sorry, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a double takings. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything wrong recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm sorry, '' his vox cracked. `` And I 'm drear for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's break. oral presentation of them, want to enjoin us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an apothecaries' ounce of attention to his cousin since their big fight over a calendar month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to know if I knew anything about Matt 's, er, illness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm deplorable, Albus, '' Kaden 's heart watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't know any good hexes, and I just got mark, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be hardy, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't enjoin them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping Willow. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should feature just listened to Victoire. There was a reason Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too late, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't have sex where it went. They did n't trust me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a calendar week and I get bewitch every meter. ma'am Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to evidence me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's voice wobbled, `` I figured you did n't wish anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't realise, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my first cousin and nothing can change that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really sad about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to continue it all a undercover, but- ''

`` It 's all right hand, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously sorry about what he had done. Albus was starting to find really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm sorry I did n't take heed to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, bust starting to pour forth out of his optic. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just tell apart me adjacent time they do that. And try not to tell apart anyone the things I tell you in common soldier anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to John and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

King John and Matt looked at each other and then didder their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' matt told him.

Kaden smiled through his tears and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't speculate you 'd severalise me where the tunnel goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his usual curious self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually tell him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't mean so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a dead reckoning. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to severalize you, but I still think football is better than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' lav and mat shouted at the same time. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's near. You ca n't recoil the Quaffle around like they do in football game. ``

John turned his gaze from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll take him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No affair where it is. We 'll go and prove to him that Quidditch is proficient. ``

`` It wo n't change my mind, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the shank play, you 'll change your mind, '' matt told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' whoremaster laughed and walked over to the doorway, `` Are you the mad one now ? ``

`` Not at the minute, no, '' matt smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of Holy Writ and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to know ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other boys said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the room, `` The shank are the worst team, you do n't require to see them bet. It 's not like they 'll lay down it to the League Cup. ``

matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my team like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing lots break. ``

This time it was whoremaster 's turn to perforate Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever hope to be. ``

St. John the Apostle and Matt continued their controversy all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying ecstatic attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebecca, Moonylupin, Luke, and lilausty for their review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't claim prospicient for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of friends. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their common subprogram of doing prep in the common room after dinner party. Of course, that did not embark on until after the son served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean house almost every toilet in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detainment alongside them. Albus was quite glad when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his class and Quidditch and the Dueling clubhouse were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Sakartvelo greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his early friends could n't really sneak off to the way of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bestow Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the immature boy to know about the Room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even roll in the hay about the steady vulture 's Map. So, Albus had no pick but to just suppose about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, snow fell upon the grounds and student of all ages flocked to them to suffer snow ball fights. Albus and his ally took division in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these battle immensely, but idea of the new map were always in the dorsum of his mind. He just wished they could have got some metre away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that spring up one day in the outset of Dec. Kaden was not doing too well in metamorphosis and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other 1st eld in the library.

Albus immediately shut his good luck charm Koran after Kaden left the common room. `` All right hand, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

`` You 're awfully aegir for him to leave, '' St. John smirked, `` I thought you did n't listen him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, John, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess up around with the map. ``

`` Do you opine you know how to work it ? '' flatness asked.

`` I 've got an idea, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose announced.

The group left the push uncouth room and followed the comrade route to the Room. Once there, they took their usual ass and waited for Albus secernate them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to tell the map last metre ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your nous ? '' John exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but Rose did n't appear fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` Remember the diary Horcrux ? well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' Saint John said.

`` Have you got any adept estimate ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' Rose announced.

`` Thank you, rosebush. ``

`` At least spell it really little, '' mat suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right-hand way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All right. '' He took a deep breath. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he have it off all the Marauders'closed book. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing looks of prevision. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very tiny missive,

'Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in complete silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few moments later, new words appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a aloud groan as the word of honor dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to figure this out, '' John sighed.

`` Does n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' Matt pointed out.

`` I think that would have been too obvious anyway, '' rose explained, `` It 's got to be something Thomas More subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a patch of parchment that we know the Marauders'mystery ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Well, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to remember that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure as shooting they wanted to form it hard for whoever found this map. ``

`` secure point, '' John said.

`` This most potential holds Sir Thomas More selective information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' rose continued, `` So we 've got to cogitate about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the Marauders would n't give birth just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` Right, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably require us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And near likely dangerous, '' Rose added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts career causing trouble and doing grievous thing. They obviously would require masses just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be dangerous to turn out that we know their secrets ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this lambskin. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a loup-garou ? '' mat asked.

`` We could draw paw prints on it, '' John laughed.

rosebush 's face lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` Drawing paw photographic print ? '' Saint John stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' rosiness grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a lycanthrope, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The theme sounded absurd to Albus, but it did look like the variety of thing the marauder would do. It would definitely be life-threatening to get the paw prints, and unmanageable as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would have any idea what the paw prints would think of unless they knew the Marauders'closed book. The lone thing he did n't care about it was the idea of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite happy with the estimate. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you trusted ? ``

`` Not positive, '' Rose answered, `` There 's only one way to get out. What do you lot think ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a word ? '' Rose laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` good melodic theme, rosebush, '' John agreed.

`` Sounds like it might work out, '' Amanda said.

`` Makes sense, '' Matt replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' rose wine announced, `` We shall put paw prints on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the idea of creature stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` Good point, '' rosiness sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few second, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use different pieces of parchment and then use a transference charm to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how smartness his cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each former and agitate their heading. `` Er, that might be a trouble, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm jolly sure that appeal is well preceding O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll teach it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm trusted I can find it in the program library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a Bible louse, Rose, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` All rightfulness, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't work, they would still be making onward motion. `` pink wine, you start figuring out the transference charm, and the remainder of us will get the paw prints. ``

`` The dog will be easy, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, think ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog mark over Christmas. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Christmastime ? '' whoremonger sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

`` It might take me a patch to compute out the charm anyway, '' rose commented.

Albus had wanted to image out the map before Christmas as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any firedog in Hogwarts, that would n't be potential. `` I think we can find a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the keep. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' John groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions classroom, '' Rose said, `` All we 've got to do is throw away Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and mouse it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his booster. He was n't actual fond of lowlife and would choose not to bear to stockpile one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' Saint John the Apostle said after a while, `` It should n't be that hard. I just hope the spell lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' Rose replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as potential. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more unmanageable. ``

`` There are probably hart in the wood, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in worry. ``

`` That 's what the predator would have wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden timberland, '' Rose announced, `` We 've just got to go to a timber. I live right near a wood, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmas. ``

`` That is a brainy idea, rosiness, '' Albus smiled. He did not really desire to go wandering around the Forbidden woods and not just because it was out of bounds. It would be very serious to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The lycanthrope one, '' lusterlessness whispered. Albus and the others turned to look at matt. He had been very tranquillize over the past tense few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could realize why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most life-threatening one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw print matter makes so a great deal sentiency to me. I highly doubt a fixture brute print is going to form. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the solitary way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made perfect sense. This would be one way for the Marauders to make sure that the new piranha would birth at least one similarity to the pilot. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screaming shanty the night of the full lunation. ``

The room fell quiet down as everyone tried to recollect of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw print. Albus had no theme. They could n't exactly try and stun mat while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All right, '' matt sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an idea. ``

Albus and the rest of his friends said null but watched as they waited for mat to exposit. Albus could tell that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the scream shanty a span days before the broad moon and bind a few pieces of self-inking sheepskin to the floor. Hopefully I 'll pace on one of them and we 'll deliver a paw print, '' lusterlessness explained quietly.

`` That could knead, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' Matt told them, `` So we 'll have to go at night. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' Rose said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibility cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll lift into his work sometime when he 's in class and borrow it. ``

`` Really ? '' Matt half-smiled. `` That would be great. ``

`` We wo n't all be able to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at most. ``

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, matte, and lavatory, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up cellblock on the Whomping willow tree. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' Matt explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be capable to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next full moon ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next hebdomad, '' matte sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` Might as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got class in the good afternoon but we do n't. Then we can cabbage down to the Shrieking hutch this weekend. ``

`` perfect tense, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll set about searching the program library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close to figuring this out ; he could feel it.

`` Well, I 've got prep to do, '' pink wine announced as she pulled out a few Good Book from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The group worked silently on their preparation for a piece, only talking when they needed to ask question about it. Albus tried his substantially to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of line, they still had to find someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to agitate that idea from his mind.

`` It 's so quiet, '' John said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' Rose smiled.

`` Not really, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` It 's too tranquillize. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had variety of gotten used to Kaden 's invariable bearing over the past few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become booster with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' Matt laughed, `` He kind of follows us around like a puppy dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' Rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything legal injury. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill pen and stared at Rose. Of path ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically worship the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his pass and looked at Rose. `` I 'm fine. serious than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't understand it. It made perfect sense to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` low gear, we 've got to think of what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and mischievousness'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to John and Matt. `` But we need a one-quarter person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just pick a random student. Can you consider of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in trouble with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said after a few here and now muteness.

`` rightfulness, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're friends with him now. Would you ? ''

can and flatness nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his booster for a minute before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the former Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a deeply hatred for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to blab out about him. So Albus 's Friend really did n't bang a hale lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to remember that when the vulture made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did deliver ripe qualities, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these qualities ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the Marauders were dead by the meter I was born, so there 's not really anyone to tell me what they would be. But my dad has told me some stuff, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Sothis and my grandfather. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' rose wine commented, a look of realization appearing on her typeface.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, felicitous that somebody was finally empathize, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` phone like Kaden, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under scourge and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't want to believe about it. Albus did n't ever think his cousin would betray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` Well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to recount him ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still parts of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not sure how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that exalt about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rose said, `` I think he wo n't take care as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to have to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to find out what I am. ``

This was the parting that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to defend Wormtail was going to line up out that lustrelessness was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the grounds that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew matte did n't want anyone else to observe out. He never even really state Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never rule out on his own ; he was just too forgetful. He needed to cognize, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to go on secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will stimulate to fuck. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' Matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't enjoin him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will recognise and then soon the completely school will know and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will deliver to kick me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Great Britain will know and no one will want to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` Calm down, that 's not going to fall out. ``

`` How do you do it ? '' lusterlessness whispered in a shaky voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't secern anyone, '' pink wine interjected.

`` Not if I do n't distinguish him, '' flatness replied, `` And I 'm not going to enjoin him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' matt said in a slightly forte voice.

`` Just listen to me for a minute, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` wellspring, I 'm pretty sure there is a spell like that, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` Magic just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a Word of God. I 'm sure if I went to the library I could find it, '' rosiness explained. `` I 'll just count for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's hopes soared in high spirits again, `` Excellent ! Would you be bequeath to tell him if blush wine found this spell ? ``

Albus held his breathing spell as he watched matt think about it. `` I, '' Matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less important secret first. ``

Rose nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could finger it. They would unlock the secret of this new parchment. Albus was so shudder with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that nighttime. He was n't the just one, either. Albus heard Matt and King John tossing and turning all dark, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected lusterlessness 's sleepless night was more due to nerves than agitation. Judging by the look on his face as they went back to the usual room that evening, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his big secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the succeeding morning, he found that he was overcome with nervus about stealing his Fatherhood 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a endorse thought. But now that the mind had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the late twelvemonth. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to nobble it back right after he was done with his late night stroll to the Shrieking shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even be intimate where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as James IV had done to retrieve the vulture 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew King James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's persuasion went to the original Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to Jesse James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his break of the day category and by the metre lunch came, he was almost as uneasy as he had been for the first Quidditch mate. cipher said much as Albus picked at his food for thought, well cipher except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his sunup year until he had to go out for Potions a light while later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to spill the beans about their plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

`` It worked for the Marauder 's Map, '' blush wine reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to solve, '' John insisted, `` How else will we creep down to, '' he lowered his vocalization, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' matte replied, `` We 'll get caught if we do n't birth the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to steal it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' can assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in trouble with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to sneak out at night without the cloak, '' matt whispered.

`` rightfulness, '' John agreed, `` So we 're off to slip the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not work ? ``

`` Trust me, Albus, '' rosebush said, `` It 'll operate. We 'll purloin the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff table, `` We 'll just hold off a couple to a greater extent minutes. ``

`` I do n't cogitate we should all go, '' rose wine announced, `` It 'll look suspect if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` Good melodic theme, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his bureau. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would establish decent dissonance to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that blush wine was going to go, though. She was much in effect at summoning appealingness than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the way, '' flatness stood up. John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' rosiness grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few minutes longer at the Gryffindor board before rosebush gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and rosebush had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty, save for a few straggling scholarly person who were much more absorbed on making it to class than giving Albus and blush wine a irregular glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning myrtle 's can. Judging from the loud outcry that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of miserable Myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's office was in was entirely deserted when Albus and blush wine descended upon it. Albus was very well-chosen about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to give the threshold, but it was locked. `` Merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

Rose did n't look in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would hassle bother to lock his door with a appealingness that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his wizard key signature. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll give for you, too. It worked with James last twelvemonth. It wo n't make with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The whorl clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The cousins quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's government agency looked much like it had the final time Albus had been in it. sheepskin, Bible, and other miscellaneous object were strewn around all over the stead, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chair. The bedroom door had been left loose and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and copy of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Energy Department he ever houseclean up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is bad than James River 's room. ``

`` Henry James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the chamber and started walking towards it. Rose followed and soon they were in the petite bedroom. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

Rose must have been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the proboscis undetermined and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` Wait, '' rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm somewhat sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summons magic spell on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a present moment and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. fountainhead, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the toilsome way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the press, I 'll read the trunk. ''

Albus shook his chief as he stepped over to his dad 's closet. This was going to guide forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's stuff and nonsense, being measured to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' rosebush announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense relievo as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! naught was stopping them now. They were going to find out the mystery of the moment map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' Rose grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, happy to do as Rose said. He certainly did n't want to get caught in his dad 's business office with the Invisibility Cloak. rosebush handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and blush wine were certain that the room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a parole as they walked quickly to the room of Requirement.

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's affectionateness still beat degraded with epinephrine as he ran into the Room and grinned at his friends. The thrill of what he and rosebush had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibleness Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the marauder had wanted him to do. To break pattern and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmering of excitement in his eyes. lustrelessness and Amanda were right behind him sporting identical grins on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly slow, '' Rose laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's tree trunk. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' Matt asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is incredible, '' Matt whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could tell my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to hump him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from view. He reappeared a few sec later. `` That is so cool. ``

`` Let me try, '' King John took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few minutes passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' pink wine announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John and lusterlessness stood following to him as he threw the cloak over their oral sex. Albus had been under the cloak with James IV, Lily, and his cousins before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his admirer weren't.

`` Watch it, '' St. John snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' mat muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' pink wine said, `` Walk around the room a few times. ``

The boys walked slowly around the room, making sure not to expose any of their limb. John and flatness started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able-bodied to go a picayune faster.

`` perfect, '' Amanda announced after the fourth time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What dark should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice session that morning and I 'm going to have to get some eternal sleep Friday nighttime or Georgia will pass the whole meter yelling at me to awaken up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. Matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sat nighttime, we sneak into the screeching shanty. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the fuss maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The future day rose wine decided to start her research on the transfer good luck charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't assume yearn to find the right Koran. Rose found it in a copy of Advanced Charms and after she read a bit about the magic spell she decided that it was going to be difficult but not unsufferable for her to do. She decided to master that charm before trying to notice the appeal to celebrate Kaden quiet. That one was going to be backbreaking to find since they did n't even have it off the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms book under the menacing spotlight of lady Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to call for what they were up to and traverse them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

pink wine spent the side by side few days trying to count on the charm out. There was n't a good deal Albus could do to help her, so he just did his homework and watched her. Albus thought the spell looked incredibly complicated and he was gladiolus that rose had volunteered to learn it. rose wine was having a bit of difficultness mastering the charm, though. By the fourth dimension Sabbatum night rolled around, she still had n't managed to procreate much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The magic spell was well beyond the O.W.L. point and it stood to reason that it would be severe for her. This did not suit rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one matter that drove Rose mad, it was having bother learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common room on Saturday night. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the past minute to reproduce her name onto another piece of lambskin. `` I 'll just make relaxed for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration of Jesus book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't know how you can study that relaxing, '' King John screwed up his brass in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` Extra credit charms homework, '' rosiness lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that blush wine would need surplus credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're impertinent. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that blush wine would figure the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no spate because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw photographic print they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas Day. John had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the common room for another yoke hours, waiting until it was completely evacuate. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his weariness and went up to his residence hall. Eventually, Albus and his supporter were the only unity left.

`` prepare ? '' Albus asked. John and lustrelessness nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' Gospel According to John stood up.

`` commodity chance, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' rosebush told them as she held the portraiture open for them to pull up stakes. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as aflutter about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more rules this evening than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his sire would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in fuss with another teacher.

Whatever the intellect, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The only time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency pipe dream the premature class. Tonight 's dangerous undertaking was a much right context. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the burrow to the Whomping willow and seeing the inside of the screaming Shack. He felt sort of shamefaced about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to block before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a pair bit. Filch was currently striding along the third gear floor corridor. They would cause to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the quarter floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teacher to fix in the first light. Luckily, all of the teacher were in their offices. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, john, and Matt continued their timid trek down to the entering Charles Francis Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few transactions. The boys made it down to the third base floor corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about brassy children. Albus gave his friends a worried look as they quietly moved towards the nearest stair case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible boys. Albus was very well-chosen when they made it onto the second floor and even felicitous when they got to the front doors and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could possess gone unseasonable with their program. Rose had tried to teach him a few More coordination compound unlocking charm but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't involve to use them.

`` Made it ! '' Gospel According to John let out a huge intimation once the rook room access were shut.

`` Not quite, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can spill now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can use up the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teacher is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to have to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the way of life that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of Charles Percy Snow on the priming coat and the air was bitingly insensate. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every couple of arcminute, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk faster once they were on the primer coat, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moonlight. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his protagonist 's run down aspect to the sky. The almost entire moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it adequate that Albus had n't bothered to light his scepter. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm fine, '' flatness assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to match mat 's, although Albus thought it would be just for them to quicken up in order to contact the Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three son paused just beyond the stretch of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the maw wearing the cloak, '' lusterlessness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All rightfield, '' flatness continued, pulling out his scepter. `` I 'll just disable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his verge at the tree diagram. Albus strained to mind to the spell but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' privy asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

flatness walked around to the other side of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with Albus and St. John the Apostle following. flatness knack over, searched through the Charles Percy Snow, and picked up a long stick, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his caput, wincing a little. `` Headache, '' he answered to Albus and Gospel According to John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's branches and stuck the recollective stick into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's trunks. The branches immediately froze and the Whomping willow looked just as meek as any of the other tree on the priming coat. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for John to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the hole just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and John the Evangelist lit their wands and looked around the cramped tunnel while Matt put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly middling cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but aplomb. '' flatness sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the whole wolfman thing, '' King John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was kind of a neat burrow, although very benighted and sort of damp. The good thing was that it was slightly heater than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to crouch down a little in order to take the air. There were rocks and stem along the course, but the whole atm was quite charge up. Albus loved wandering through hidden passage and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able-bodied to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the screaming shanty legion time, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a twelve school formula to do it, but it was Worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at to the lowest degree a half hour. The tingle of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of Dec was not a convenient sentence to be doing this. By the time they reached the Shrieking shanty, Albus was ready to crawl into his strong four-poster bed and go to sleep. Saint John the Apostle 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the farsighted, chilly walk. lustrelessness, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't count much substantially than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly realise it here before the full Sun Myung Moon ? '' Gospel According to John asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, next time I ca n't sleep I 'll just walk up and down this a few time, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and lavatory quietly followed him through it, into a very creaky looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dehydrated blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. piece of music of table, hot seat, and couches were all over the place with bit fool on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' lavatory asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the broken furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right wing, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the story near the fireplace. He leaned his question against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to have sex what I am, '' lusterlessness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his interpreter trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the scream shanty during the full moon moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the woman chaser. ``

`` I guess, '' mat said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the Same time.

`` Become Animagi, '' Saint John repeated, `` If we 're trying to turn the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Saint Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did intersect his thinker every once in a patch. But really, it was n't very naturalistic. Yes, the marauder had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a rationality that hardly anyone could suit an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only indorsement class. The marauder had n't done it until their fifth yr. They were exceptionally smart, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at transfiguration to pull it off. pink wine was probably the only one of them who had a probability at succeeding. And even though Rose did not hesitate to breach rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, John the Evangelist, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' lavatory asked, `` The marauder did it. ``

`` They were really smart, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smartness. And what did you get on your last transfiguration tryout ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' St. John the Apostle corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. climb up could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple-minded as figuring out a turn for social class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rosebush does n't recognize everything. Even she would consume trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' St. John the Apostle said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the luck to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over death class because he knew the opinion would track my idea. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be cracking if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new piranha then. conceive of if we could even change into the Lapplander animals the predator were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that Gospel According to John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the government issue. `` I do n't cognize if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a bantam chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't pain to inquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for additional quotation. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Does n't matter, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since lav had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't get Animagi with me on the full moonlight. ``

`` Why ? '' trick asked. `` We know it 's unsafe. I do n't worry. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to give birth me do the wolf's bane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full moon, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up up the study big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would work than to make to bank on other people 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a slight relieved. He did n't need to become an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one affair to steal the invisibility Cloak for a couple twenty-four hour period, but to sneak around as an beast every full lunar month ? That was just too close for Albus 's liking. He hoped that Saint John would give up on the musical theme now.

`` But if the subject field ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` Sounds fair, '' John replied, `` How long does the bailiwick go ? ``

`` No theme. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different forms of Wolfsbane people come up with, '' Matt closed his middle and leaned his chief against the wall again.

`` headache still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hastiness up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` room behind the stairs, '' flatness shakily stood up. `` That way lady Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' lavatory gently pushed his admirer back onto the floor. `` How a good deal parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a one-half rolling wave, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of sheepskin out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are near of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with St. John following and saw the small elbow room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with various let on objet d'art of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even remember about the lunation. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head word as he bent down to strike some of the article of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detainment. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped composition off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sentiency. ``

Albus finished ripping the lambskin and the two male child each took a push-down store to affix to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't require dame Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely enkindle some interrogative, '' Albus lit his own baton. `` Let 's just hope this industrial plant. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a loup-garou 's paw print. ``

The two boy took one more flavour at the parchment coated room and then went back to the large primary elbow room. lustrelessness was right where they left him, leaning against a partially broken chairwoman. Albus nudged him waken.

`` Finished ? '' Matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his booster up and the three of them left the shack.

The head trip back through the tunnel took a lot longsighted than when they were going to the shack. All three boys were incredibly tired and the charge had worn off for Albus and whoremonger. Albus glanced at his spotter as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very happy they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's voiceless getting out than getting in, '' Matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the arm and then push the Calidris canutus on the trunk for the early two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew matt was too exhausted to be able to dodge the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the bulwark and crawled out of the jam. He was immediately hit in the articulatio humeri with one of the flailing subdivision. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the tree trunk for the knot. His hand made striking with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the trap first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John the Divine was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the berm, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could finger some rake dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no dubiousness importune on knowing what they were up to.

The boy trudged along through the coldness dark air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thick cloud were moving in. It would probably bamboozle soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the next day to enjoy it, so it did n't much matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few Clarence Day they would have one of the four paw print needed to unlock the enigma of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castling threshold. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth trading floor and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the door and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to operate it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those piece Rose taught you, '' St. John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his verge at the handle. He muttered a magic spell but the threshold remained engage. He tried a few More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panic-stricken tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' lav questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' lusterlessness groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't persist out here all Night ! '' Matt 's voice cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his organic structure. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the persuasion of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the chances of the door being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would hoodwink soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conspire a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the merely way he knew to adjoin Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' lav asked. `` We 're only s long time. ``

`` Well, have you got any bright thought on how to recount Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the broom shed and steal a Scots heather. Then fly it up to Gryffindor tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by person. What if one of the professor is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Gospel According to John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would receive to go to Hagrid's.

`` well, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' St. John the Apostle gestured to mat who was leaning against the room access and breathing heavily.

`` The moon 's almost covered by cloud, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in mint of Charles Percy Snow like Wolf do and continue warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in bother, but how very much ? Would they just get detention or would it be worse ? compass point would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the early Gryffindors.

`` Hey, delay ! '' St. John 's brass brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking hovel ? We could just go back there and expend the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow good morning after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

lavatory grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' Saint John explained.

`` Great, '' lustrelessness said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another Night there. You two could n't come up with a different idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a salutary one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' can laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' Matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't facilitate but sense a flyspeck bit excited about spending the nighttime in the Shack. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt nervous about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get worried and told someone about their programme ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. pink wine would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in bother. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would spend the night in the shack and that would be that. When morning came they would sneak back into the castling and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit life-threatening. Something the predator would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a look of fervor in his centre when the three of them entered the shanty once more. Matt looked like he did n't handle where they were, as long as there was some situation he could sleep.

`` This is pretty cool, '' whoremonger grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be dusty, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating charms in here. ``

`` warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' matte replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our wands lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a look of mischief on his face, `` So many possibility in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' mat suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the dark in the shack, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any layer here ? ``

`` One, '' Matt answered. He led Albus and John up the stairs and into the merely bedroom. There was one turgid bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' mat answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' matte joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're right, it is quite a nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was good for jumping. Even better than James 's. James IV, Albus, and Lily had spent many hour jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their female parent. The son continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a span minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his auntie Hermione had told him about rapscallion jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so curious ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall off and relegate his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and mat started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to differentiate John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for narrative, '' can shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his fundament like a cat. `` I do n't intend any of us are going to break our heads. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't shoot down as gracefully as Saint John the Apostle and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No parentage. ``

`` good, '' John Lackland replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can cabbage back in before a lot of masses wake up. ``

`` There 's More blankets in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a couple blankets and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a unspoilt thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much magnanimous than the four-poster bed in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already at rest, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good nighttime. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to slivers of Light shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windowpane in the student residence. Albus 's eyes shot unfold and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, right. The memories of the previous night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this morn than he had the late Night. One tone at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his gown and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably septic and would require a misstep to the hospital wing. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sopor, '' Saint John the Apostle groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John Lackland over to the boundary of the bed. He gave him one concluding nudge and John the Divine fell off the edge of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' whoremonger shouted, sitting up with a dazed look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us come out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the supernumerary blankets and stowed them back in the press so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping anatomy as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' whoremaster muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll slumber more there. ``

matte groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't suggest it, '' Gospel According to John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boys left the shack quickly and started the retentive journeying back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't have any class today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hours of sleep. One speedy halt of the map told him that the sea-coast was clear before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as flatness was finished warding the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the only one on the undercoat was Hagrid. There were respective more in of Baron Snow of Leicester and by the time they boys were back at the castle doors, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castling, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two loony toons on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance Hall, so I think we 're beneficial. '' Albus pushed the doors unfold and the three unseeable son slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robe. `` We should probably go talk to blush wine and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' lustrelessness told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robe up and showed them his Negroid and puritanic arm. `` I do n't consider it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My articulatio humeri still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll possess to go, too. ``

At that second, blush wine and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a couple up feet away from the boys. privy pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girl had a combination of substitute and angriness on their faces. rosebush was fuming by the meter she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his full cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, St. John, and lusterlessness followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the infirmary extension were driven from Albus 's idea. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with interrogative sentence about his shoulder than going to the room with his cousin.

nonentity said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and Matt sat position by side on the couch, but pink wine and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` explicate yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rosiness cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the shack in the middle of the nighttime, but it had to be done. What other choice did we have ? It was safer than the option. How else were you going to get the paw photographic print ? I thought the programme would work. We had it all set. You three would pinch down there and put the parchment on the floor and then sneak back up. simple. '' Rose stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all kinds of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorting of animals wandering around at nighttime. Not to mention the Whomping willow tree itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to call up when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her phonation even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a word of advice look. He knew it was never sound to break up rose wine when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some kind of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all night worrying, when you probably just decided to sustain some fun endure dark. You know I was this finale to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to last dark, but Amanda convinced me to wait until morn. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would learn you not to detain out all night ! ``

`` rose wine, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did go night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The door to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the charms you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the night in the Shrieking hutch. And you 're veracious, it was kind of fun. ``

rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the next hour. Albus and the other boys did n't dare say a word either. `` Well, '' rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain affair. I 'm, uh, regretful I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' blush wine began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick distinction telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least known what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and lusterlessness turned to look at each other. Albus felt his boldness turning red. Of form ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the result was there all along, a simple owl. He could get just made a quick stumble to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're cretin, '' John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' rosebush laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your little risky venture ? ``

Albus, bathroom, and matt spent the next half hour relaying every detail of their trips to the Shrieking Shack the previous Nox. pink wine and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the part about Albus pushing John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the infirmary wing so Albus and mat could get their lesion healed. brothel keeper Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of early affected role. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' lavatory pointed at Albus and Matt.

gentlewoman Pomfrey took one arduous looking at matt and announced, `` You were outside last Night. Was person giving you custody ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at him for a few endorsement longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and lusterlessness sat down on one of the seam and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' lusterlessness pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a book. ``

lady Pomfrey clucked her clapper and pulled out her verge. She had his arm healed in an second. `` I trust you 'll get some quietus today ? Or do I have to pass water you detain here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' lusterlessness replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my articulatio humeri, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the theme. He pulled up his arm to uncover his bruise shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a mo, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nanny looked at the injury for a little while retentive and she looked from Albus to lusterlessness and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did final stage night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't tell Professor Longbottom this prison term, or your male parent, '' she said to Albus, `` But side by side time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of rilievo as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift undulation of her sceptre. He 'd throw no trouble keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat last Night. fountainhead, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow tree succeeding time.

`` You 're all set, '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common way and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory room. Albus changed into his pyjama and climbed into his fond four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel of Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the clock time Albus woke up it was already dinner clock time, which was good because he was starving. John and matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling a great deal expert now that they 'd perplex a in good order quantity of sleep.

`` prepare to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did have got fun on their adventure last nighttime, he did not want to reduplicate it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

`` You do clear that we 'll have to go get the paw print, '' lustrelessness reminded them.

Albus and bathroom looked at each former. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just add with you back to the castling ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' matte replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be capable to get the paw print. What were the chances that they 'd be able to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't leave to lock the doorway twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, John Lackland, and Matt descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his common look of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked rosebush if you were in your dormitory and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do strange things, '' King John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing preparation survive night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first twelvemonth. They bombard you with even More homework. ``

`` Guess I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their full evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole time, no doubt cerebration of succeeding twelvemonth, when he would stimulate to pass his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his second year, but he 'd chance out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until rose found the appeal to keep him calm about it.

******

The day of the wax moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his course. He could only think about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another trip to the shack was going to be necessary. Of course of instruction, it may be that more than one more trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to retrieve about that, though. He just clung to the idea that they would be able to get a paw mark tonight and that Matt would be able-bodied to work it back the next morning.

flatness skipped his afternoon year and spent the time sleeping in the Room of requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the way. They did n't have much time before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how recollective that tunnel is, I feel even sorrier for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't fuck how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital annex. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital extension, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His full cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to centralize on his preparation. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very commove about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a look even if Kaden was n't running a cyclosis comment about his potions socio-economic class he still would n't be able-bodied to concentrate. His hale brain was consumed with cerebration about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his prep was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really palpate like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's case lit up, `` adept have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be decently back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a Bromus secalinus plank, his chessmen, and an old set of chessman for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty a great deal like Muggle chess, but with some differences. You remember how to encounter Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` well, with maven 's chess everyone has their own chess piece. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of mordant chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess game ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as in force as James IV, and not nearly as good as rosiness. My Uncle Ron, rose wine 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able-bodied to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own while. `` Elwyn Brooks White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your piece. Just state the firearm which blank space to prompt to. ``

`` secernate them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, tell them ? ``

`` Just watch, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered instructions for his pawn to proceed two lame ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the flannel pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not need to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to act forward two second power and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than steady chess. ``

The game continued for a few more mo and then one of Kaden 's pawn wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to look at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a while to repair them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my composition vote down yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few crook later, Kaden got the chance to ordination one of his piece of music to kill one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was to the full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The secret plan continued and Albus started to get the flavour that Kaden just liked watching the small-arm destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his king, a knight, his castles, and three cat's-paw left. Albus was only missing one palace, both bishops, and five or so cat's-paw. Kaden 's chess piece were not very happy about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated up parameter about whether or not they were going to continue to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king flavorless out refused to act and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most mirthful plot of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even rose gave up on their homework and watched the last part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessmen, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be volition to hear to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no admiration, '' blush wine commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into demise traps. ``

`` It 's amusing to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe adjacent prison term you 'll actually try and win, '' rose wine smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a near idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them better than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't slumber very well that night and he was very commonplace the next morning. All he could call up about was the paw print and whether or not their program worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the infirmary wing after this, right ? '' bathroom whispered to Albus during a mind numbing History of Magic deterrent example. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of business firm Elves. Rose was the sole one paying attending, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of mansion Elves, having been lectured about it by blush wine 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of form I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How lots recollective until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his sentinel. `` Fifteen minutes. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we require to do it about family Elves anyway ? '' John the Divine asked

`` They 're an authoritative function of wizarding history ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's drilling, though, '' Saint John responded and flicked a piece of sheepskin at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk following to him. `` We should con about something more stir. Like the hulk Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's honorable than this. ``

`` Even the history of caldron and their gist on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That moral, which had taken place the premature class, had been the worst one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including Rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' trick groaned. `` I do n't even want to think about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to publish on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and missy Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the year ? ``

`` No, sir, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` Good, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British family Elves started to have contact with the American language House elves, which resulted in a kind of House Elf single .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John the Evangelist muttered.

`` Five more than min ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf poppycock, '' Amanda whispered.

can snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes story. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' trick agreed, `` I 'm happy we do n't have to consume them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy succeeding year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that course either.

`` No way, '' toilet shook his heading, `` I 'll bet Kaden would care it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this class. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' King John sighed, `` There 's something awry with that kid. ``

`` twelve inch essay about the Society for the promotional material of Elfish Welfare for next course, '' Binns droned a minute before the social class was over.

The moment the buzzer rang, Albus and his Friend shot up out of their chairs and ran out the doorway. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` trade good, you can do mine ! '' Gospel According to John told him.

`` Sorry, one oil production essay per night, yours would put me over my boundary, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd care to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Charles Martin Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor mesa and Albus and the others were able to shovel down food at the face-to-face end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried lunch, they ran up to the infirmary annexe. `` I hope he was capable to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't image walking through that tunnel again, '' John the Divine agreed.

The curtains were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. cypher was in any of the other beds. Madam Pomfrey was in use preparing potions when the mathematical group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll possess to wait. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' John commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the linguistic rule, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse phonation came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the mantle, `` You know he needs to breathe ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can abide, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` mulct, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the drapery again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lusterlessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a total moon, with various bandage all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he make out to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit Matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in stratum and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. ma'am Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last nighttime. Madam Pomfrey came to pay me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to separate Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in metamorphosis this dayspring, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't weigh then. ``

Albus was just itching to acknowledge if mat had managed to get the paw print. He had thought Matt would bring it up right away, but the Kaden matter must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' matte smiled, `` I did care to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn part of lambskin. But in the midriff was a very large paw mark consisting of a variety of ink, mud, and line of descent. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And variety of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfective tense. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit comfortable. '' Albus was feeling very right about their program now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the charm is working a good deal better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the bent of it concluding night. I 'll probably ingest it done before Yuletide. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that charm to hold back Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Friday aurora, probably, '' matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip over Astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' John faked a facial expression of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at headliner. ''

`` We 'll be for sure to get all the preparation for you, '' pink wine told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' matt laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not often, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted Mandragora officinarum again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the account of House Elves in History of conjuration. It was one of the most boring classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling praxis, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely draw a blank about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf mark for the map that the dueling cabaret had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, rosiness, '' whoremaster grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't forget him. ``

`` You should dispute him to a chess peer, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll outfox him in two minutes vapid, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's Bromus secalinus ? '' mat asked.

`` Albus taught him last nighttime. You 've got to ascertain it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the pieces get smashed so by the end of the game, his while refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the subject, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't cause to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't desire to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John the Divine suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` time for you four to leave. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd close the doorway to the infirmary wing.

Albus nodded and started to take the air to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid much aid as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's business office and result his friends inside.

`` Looks like my house, '' Gospel According to John, who had never been in Harry 's office before, announced, `` A fill out deal. My unscathed family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a not bad monster. She 'd possess a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` supposition it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various hooey and went over to the chamber room access. He pushed it open and went inside, with his friend following. The trunk was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one Sir Thomas More fourth dimension before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd recover it. `` fountainhead, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the way. `` Wonder what else we could find in here ? ``

`` St. John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` wait at this ! '' can leaped over a passel of Holy Scripture and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of Gospel According to John 's hired hand and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, Saint James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James River, who must ingest been three or four, was holding a tiny baby with a prominent amount of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's deal and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm indisputable you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the pic back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Sabbatum was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow tempest. Albus was very happy that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own hands in battlefront of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going out-of-door, but he need n't have bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling elbow room and waited for the tournament to lead off. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their Quaker and sat down at the mesa they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining seat, which happened to be next to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the previous time, only this sentence everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around sentence and Albus was very felicitous that Amanda was on his team so he had mortal to talk to. So far, there were still latent hostility between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hr, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first affaire d'honneur and tick his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling orbit. He was up against a Hufflepuff tertiary yr. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two curse at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a tripper jinx and then disarmed him. The all affair took about a minute.

`` level to Potter ! '' Neville announced.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first year could 've baffle that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same thing. ``

`` Your short supporter is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling orbit that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that matte was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't search that good. ``

Albus personally thought matte looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital backstage the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was throw up. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid first cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him dazed. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't narrate Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd wish to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the like squad. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the rest of Matt 's duel. It took him a patch, but Matt did eventually wash up the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky scene, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both boys won their future duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her second. John won his first and lost his second. Matt lost his endorsement one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best efforts, none of their team won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the percentage point were so close. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining Clarence Shepard Day Jr. until the end of terminal figure went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this class because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two more than of the paw print needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transference appealingness and had already started searching for the good luck charm to keep on Kaden quiet. After Yuletide, the just thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the smallest and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the longest. John had yet to manage to bewitch a rat during potions category and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every prison term I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the way of Requirement, enjoying some peace and subdued while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just sandbag it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to bedaze them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would point out that ? '' blush wine said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rosiness. ``

`` Well, you 've got raft of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag photographic print. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' blush wine replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can come over to my house after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds skillful, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' rose smirked, `` Gran and gramps are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to think about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and expend new twelvemonth 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' can said immediately, `` All my cousin coming over at various multiplication. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your planetary house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't call back your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm certainly it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this year. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a couple up firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa beverage firewhiskey ? '' lustrelessness laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling preposterous stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should sneak him up with auntie Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the peculiar thing ever, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa sound like our auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and dearest to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My category sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' Saint John replied, `` I mean, who would n't wish eight 24-hour interval of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the proficient matter ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get present tense on every night of Hanukkah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get modest presents each night and then one big one on the last Nox, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still coolheaded, '' Saint John said, `` So, Matt, do you give birth to go visit your grandparents this twelvemonth ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five daytime this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few Day before term starts. ``

`` That 's effective, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't accept to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can act as Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can make out over to Rose 's home with me. Then we can encounter Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should get too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm indisputable my parents will let me, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this year and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll go. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good idea, '' Saint John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably distinguish you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's house, '' matte began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a lilliputian forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the showtime of the term. The full Moon 's on the 9th and someone has to observe me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stay a couple days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just discover a potion that would mold for him.

`` Look on the smart side, '' John said, `` At least you do n't have to transform at your grandparents home again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his fountainhead, `` But let 's verbalise about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the Cannons almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for pattern. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' lustrelessness grinned, `` They 're making a replication, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a name like 'Finches', what do you require ? It would n't deliver surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The terminus ended the next day with a smash, literally. Henry James and a few of his Friend thought it would be rummy to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suit of armor and enamour them to go off at certain prison term during the day. After the tenth explosion the teachers gave up trying to teach anything and just let their scholar do what they wanted during class, within reason of track. Unfortunately for James and his friend, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second flooring corridor with freshly fireworks and gave them one of her rarified hold. For this one, they had to clean every single suit of armour on the second base corridor that evening. James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few respectable put-on, '' St. John the Apostle decided as they were traveling through the pitcher's mound on the train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was prank mass, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very goodness at coming up with pranks. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the event of such prank was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't want to pull a whole lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few minor unity, that do n't get us in immense bother. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff and nonsense we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the initiative dueling tourney, '' matt laughed.

The rest of the caravan ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at King 's interbreeding. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with rosebush 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can assemble my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very imperfect, completely bald, old man with a long E. B. White beard standing next to privy 's parents. John lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave King John a tight hug, `` How 're things at that schooltime ? How is professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, grandfather, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! spine in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new master .... ''

`` granddad, '' Saint John shook his oral sex, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to meet my Friend. This is matte Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry ceramist 's son ! I remember back in the Day of You-know-who and cipher thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry potter and faggot ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should occur again ? Harry ceramist makes 'im disappear again and for practiced this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this form of attention but not individual shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to ignore the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, prissy to converge you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girl ? Have you got yourself two lady friend, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't urge it. I did it once and twine up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' trick laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda tagger and blush wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just hold trough you 're elderly. ``

`` Just acquaintance, Grandpa, '' John 's cheeks turned red.

`` He 's like the virile version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to hear him. `` I used to cognise a Muriel ! Went to school day with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decennary ! ``

Albus looked at rosebush. What a happenstance. `` Er, Albus and I have an auntie Muriel Weasley, '' Rose giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure as shooting she 'd love that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to take in to go now, '' Gospel According to John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' St. John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld home with James and the rest of his family. Lily was thrilled to possess both her brothers and her dad home and she had been demanding to get laid everything that had gone on the past term.

`` That way I 'll bang everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Yule Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to order you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprisal. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to love ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the untested. I should make out everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few age ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me questions and I 'll be able to respond them. ``

`` You 'll recover out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 calendar month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` dawning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the tone into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the seer, `` Have you seen the Marauder 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned burnished red.

`` Ew, catch it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` amercement. The clause on the forepart of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch Tries to Decrease size of it of Her pinna, appeal Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. multitude ought to be more thrifty ! '' Jesse James sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me up the stairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go modification, '' Albus jumped up and followed James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to birth to contribute it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a subject of prison term before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing room and shut the threshold. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to abstract it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to pick looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't get hold it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' St. James insisted.

`` You did n't misplace it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't want to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' William James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd drop off it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't weigh now. We 've got to hand it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the commencement place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a distributor point there. If Albus had n't suffer been in Kendrick 's office the late class, James never would hold taken the map in the first property. `` All right. I 'll just go creep it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to add it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's promise so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At to the lowest degree he had n't noticed it was missing at schooling. Albus threw undetermined his torso and rifled through his school stuff. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the tunnel. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the predator 's Map to decode the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a voltaic pile of defensive conjuration books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' St. James the Apostle asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a mountain of book of account, with one niche sticking out. ``

`` perfective tense. You might require to go vary your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered T-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James IV laughed, `` ejaculate to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his oculus as he left the room to shift his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reviews !