Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
Weasley kinfolk Tree is in the author 's Note at the bottom.


Molly Weasley did n't make bold serve well dinner until after the Quidditch match had been completed because even she did n't have the ability to drag in Weasleys away from Quidditch. Teddy secured a win for his team by practically stealing the stool pigeon out James 's grasp and then everyone was off their brooms and sitting at the large crowd of tables in record clip. After all, Quidditch was one of the best things one could do to originate a big appetency. Albus was certainly quite thirsty and in a very near mood as he had been on Teddy 's team.

Albus and Rose sat succeeding to each early in the middle of the group of tabular array and unfortunately Percy sat directly across from them. other experience had taught them never to sit near Harry Hotspur due to his habit of talking politics during dinner, something that even bored blush wine. The two of them looked at each former as Harry Hotspur sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Percy said to no one in particular as he served himself some carrot,"something 's going to happen. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought affair would get a bit riled up survive twelvemonth when Bruno Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had similar views. more than similar than I expected anyway ..."

Leave it to Sir Henry Percy to try and find something faulty with the Ministry when all was exquisitely, Albus thought. He reached over Rose to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping portion onto his plate.

"What do you cogitate, Harry ?"Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting succeeding to him."Any stirrings in the Auror department that I may not have heard about ?"

"matter are middling quiet, Percy,"Harry replied.

"Of class they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Percy decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Harry Hotspur actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the Minister, but his genuine form of address was so recollective and complicated that Albus never bothered to remember it.

"Well, it 's an election year,"Percy pointed out."Things never stay calm air during election years. party announcement come first week of September and after that things will be chaotic around the Ministry. Loads of work to do. Let me distinguish you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Percy runs for minister of religion. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Percy,"mollie assured him."You would make a rattling minister. But this dinner is supposed to be about the Thomas Kid. St. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. yr ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must calm down a bit and study."

"grannie, really,"St. James muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the teachers. Uncle Percy, why do n't you differentiate us more about your running for Minister ?"

"well, as a thing of fact."Hotspur stood up."I have a rather exciting announcement to make and I feel I must differentiate my menage first, before the remainder of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for spectacular effect."I will be formally announcing on Monday, Sep second that I will be running for minister of religion for April 's election."

There was absolute silence for about five sec before a entirely lot of matter happened at once. Ron, George V, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, beak, and Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her foreland slightly and then jumped up from her chairman, running towards Walker Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for years and I think it 's high up sentence you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your other sons have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for Falco columbarius 's interest !"

"And you 're a fine good one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being Minister. You just do n't have the ambition Walker Percy does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

Gold was exchanging hands at the other end of the mesa. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sort of bet involving when Percy would run for Minister. That bet must have been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of course had been on the receiving end of many a Percy blah about what he 'd do when he ran for minister, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was honorable with himself, he did n't really require Percy running. His family was celebrated enough without having an genuine rector in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you imagine he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me incorrect, Hotspur, I 'll vote for you, but what about the respite of the wizarding world ?"

"Percy, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for X !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all barque and no bite,"Bill pointed out.

"I am not !"Hotspur shouted."And I would 've expected Sir Thomas More support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"male child,"President Arthur warned."Walker Percy 's right. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it unmanageable for him. You do n't receive to vote for him, but I wo n't sustain you arguing during dinner. You 'll disconcert your mum."

Everyone resumed their seats but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Percy running for diplomatic minister. They just continued to do so in lower voice. For once, Albus was felicitous he had chosen a seat near Percy.

"Do you know who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure,"Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had enough. But I 've got his livelihood. After all, I am the Senior Undersecretary for the drafting and editing of law to the Minister."

So that 's what Percy 's title was, Albus thought. He had no musical theme if that was a position that had a lot of power or not, but apparently it was enough to meet support for a pastor run.

"Hey, Dad,"Georgia shouted from a footling agency down the tabular array."I figure this is as good a fourth dimension as any to severalize you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Percy choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nest. I 've got a monotonous with a friend closer to the slant. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"piece of work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"Look, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to build yourself expect like a class man, so you 're not going to want to moot me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd better depart thinking of me as your girl who 's the new modesty Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll go better to the press."

Percy stared at her with his lip agape. He shook his headland slightly and resumed feeding, without another Word of God to Empire State of the South. Empire State of the South looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to Rose and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to pee Harry Hotspur 's track for Minister work to her advantage.

"blush wine, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the rest of his family in political conversation.

"Not yet."rosebush shook her head."Her mum might have wanted her to wait a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really subdued about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so untimely, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"rose muttered."It 's like I could go to Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault, rob a camber, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a bank ?"James shouted.

"Of course of study not,"Rose replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't risk talking about Lubar for the rest of the even. Sure, the rest of their family love about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their possibility with any of them.

The rest of the evening was rather out of character for usual Weasley syndicate dinner party. All the old eld'dinner party had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the grownup exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first time would get a middling bit of attention, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the tending was focused on Percy. The adult were talking political relation and Albus 's older cousins were placing bet on whether he 'd win or not.

Henry M. Stanley was the get-go to bequeath as he had to go back to Romania the comply cockcrow. Charlie and Katherine had finished their year in Rumania and had returned to England permanently the premature calendar month. Victoire and teddy left shortly after that since they both had to work the next day.

Hotspur was still discussing run tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousin-german were lowly and he had to pretend he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was sentence to leave. For the first time in his liveliness, he was actually happy to leave and get back to Grimmauld office. The before schooltime dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a meter to have fun all together before schooling started, and this prison term it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some stroke of luck or miracle that had never descended upon the thrower before, Saint James had packed his body the night before they left for school day. Albus was sure that some sort of apocalypse was going to come soon because Percy running for Minister and the ceramist arriving early for the Hogwarts expressage were two events that nonentity ever thought would happen. Albus did n't question it, though. Instead he just used the chance to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at Platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the roadblock, was not early, so the potter went through without him. Rose and her family were already there of course of action, so Albus said a nimble goodbye to his parents before getting on the train to find Rose. With any luck his friends would n't be there yet and he could verbalise to Rose alone. Usually there was aught he would n't spill the beans to his friends about, but the strange feeling he had had about his family was something he only wanted to talk to Rose about.

rose wine was alone in a compartment about halfway down the train, reading one of her new text. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't birth the thin idea what any of the symbolisation in it meant. He chose the seat future to her and waited for her to be done interpretation whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"blush wine said after setting her book down.

"James packed last nighttime,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is lucky if James IV packs earlier than five minutes before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the feeling matter are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three age, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the same clip. I know they 're really stupid when it comes to dueling but I think they 're smarter than anyone 's giving them reference for. Things are going to change, Al. The cosmos 's getting scarier,"Rose said quietly.

Albus swallowed hard. That was in the back of his mind of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to Rose about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all Rose said. Both cousins sat quietly for a hour before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at nanna and granddaddy 's ? It was all Percy. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are less of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"rosebush interrupted."And Eddie and the Gemini the Twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Sir Henry Morton Stanley, and Sakartvelo. We talked about Percy for merlin 's sake !"

"What do you think will happen if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't roll in the hay. I do n't think things will commute political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Georgia and Bradley and Cedric. Even the twins will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most important person in the wizarding humanity has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you conceive of if my dad ran for curate ?"

"Harry Hotspur would n't stand a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that affair are already different from last class. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's campaign."

"things never stay the Lapplander, Al,"pink wine said.

"What 's not staying the like ?"trick asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my Divination Mark, rose wine, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just stimulate to dish out with your murder, John, because that brand is not getting any eminent,"pink wine replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"Nothing,"rose said quickly.

"I 'll tell you once lustrelessness and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd narrate them about Harry Hotspur running for Minister.

"This is going to be the Best year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a while of parchment out of his bag."Look, it 's my Hogsmeade permission slip !"

"Excellent,"St. John replied."Now I do n't get to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this year ?"lustrelessness asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin unwashed way,"lavatory assured him."Our goal is to figure out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to work,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the early side of rose."You ca n't get into someone else 's vernacular room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smell like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should ingest just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"John told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All rightfulness, everyone 's here. Tell us what you and Rose were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a inscrutable breath."Well, my Uncle Hotspur 's running game for Minister."

"Seriously ?"John replied.

"aplomb !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"mat asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for years ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, it 's not that aplomb, I 'm honestly not sure why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and rose wine both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever want to do. He would n't want anymore powerfulness than he 's already got. Whereas Hotspur, all of my uncles have always said is variety of top executive hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you know who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a hint,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the candidates on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our kinfolk,"rosebush said quietly."Uncle Sir Henry Percy is so focused on the election and it has n't even really started yet. GA 's got it all figured out. Harry Hotspur 's going to make he 's completely felicitous with her Quidditch performing just to make himself seem like a family man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"St. John said."Georgia 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"pink wine pointed out.

"He 's right, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you mean, he 's correct ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, rose wine, and Matt are n't the only ones of us who have family in politics,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"trick replied.

"I never said the Ministry of Magic, Saint John the Apostle. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather quiet and rarely talked about her family. He always figured that was because she was so quiet and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle Earth as his was in the wizarding worldly concern.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's sidekick,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprisal when she told him that I was a beldame only to find out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Percy wins ...,"Albus began, his voice trailing off.

"He 'll fit my Uncle microphone,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Peach State does have it all figured out. If Christian Bible gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to occur off wrong in the imperativeness and lose him suffrage. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the movement row of every exclusive one of her peer, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so incorrectly,"rosebush muttered.

"It 's politics from the early English. The public wants people in power to have a certain image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"Rose went on."Just another cause I am not getting into politics."

"My full cousin Leanne went a little wild at university her first year, our first year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the cover of some tabloid, but that was the but one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not like Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch attainment and is using them to stool an honest life,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't require the public to know he 's not happy with her career alternative so he 's going to progress to himself expect like a devoted father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just wish I had a normal family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"Saint John the Apostle said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's true, Albus,"matt said."Amanda 's completely right. It 's the completely grounds why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a wolfman, which is region of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nonentity wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but Matt was decently. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before lustrelessness mentioned that. And now the same matter was happening with his family unit. Hotspur was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it take in before the public did n't like the image he and the respite of his cousins were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will go on on the world-class of every month and updates for Beyond the Shadow will happen on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter category Tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th year

Charlie-Katherine ( hag )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th class
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th twelvemonth
Cedric- 5th yr
Samantha & lindy ( twins ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th yr
Angie- 1st year

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th year
Hugo- 2nd year

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th twelvemonth
Lily- 2nd year

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no cite of politics or minister throughout the residuum of the train misstep. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime diplomatic minister and how it had affected her household, but Albus was still really rum about it. How had she managed to keep that a secret for three years ? judgment by Rose 's response, she did n't even know about it. lusterlessness had n't even managed to keep it a secret that he was a lycanthrope for a year. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the best clandestine keeper in their group.

The talk lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the familiar subject of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense instructor. John was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas Rose wanted someone who would actually teach, and not instruct like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really care, so long as the new teacher did n't wish to harm his educatee, physically or emotionally.

As the train neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his champion changed into their robes and prepared to exit the train for the bumpy carriage rag up to the schooling. The journeying was now so routine that they did so with little yakety-yak and transferred to the carriage with none of the fanfare of the previous two years. They were fourth twelvemonth now and Hogwarts was familiar soil. As fourth long time, they were well on their way to being the elder students of the school.

The Great hallway was filled with laughter and excitement as the students found their seats at their house table. Albus and his friends quickly found backside together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the staff table to find the new face that would be their defence mechanism teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar nerve they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the defensive measure teacher ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the slightest,"Albus replied.

There were two new wizards sitting at the board. One was deep in conversation with Professor Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the way, his oculus never resting on the same thing or individual for to a greater extent than a few seconds. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry robes, which made Albus marvel if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last year standing off to the side in his usual spot. The second new wizard was dressed in kick total darkness robes and had nearly no hair atop his caput, but instead had a large beard and mustache, as if he was trying to compensate.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a good polarity,"John the Evangelist replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad thing,"pink wine pointed out."Maybe they just want to create sure everything is back to pattern after the competition stopping point year."

toilet opened his lip to respond but was silenced by the threshold opening and Professor Patil entering with the new first base class. They looked scar and tiny, far small-scale than the late year 's first eld. It was unearthly how they seemed to get smaller every year.

As with the previous class, Albus did n't pay any care to anyone 's sorting unless their go name was thrower or Weasley. This year, of course of action, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's vauntingly family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the folk had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three second before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the fecal matter to the excited outcry of the Gryffindors, her brother Fred 's whistling plangency over the rest. Everyone at Hogwarts would have bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would do announcements before the banquet was served just so he could find out why there were two new wizards at the faculty tabular array, but like usual, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the duration of the feast was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent person to observe,"James said confidently."Look at the by three years. Every single one at least one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane wizards. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the teachers can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"pink wine pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't reckon that cuss is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to recruit people for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a twelvemonth with us 7th class and try to convince us that we should take on boring Ministry jobs. Bet Uncle Percy 's the intellect for it. Probably does n't want anymore of his kin to charter up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's ridiculous,"a seventh-year young woman replied."He 's probably just the new Defense teacher."

"Then who 's that other bloke ?"Matt gestured to the bald man sitting succeeding to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's prospicient lost Twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his beard and he 'll look just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite someone to the Welcome Feast,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as mere as that."

Albus doubted it. cypher was ever simple when it came to aliveness at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed like ages, the puddings disappeared and Kendrick stood to grant his usual start of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a warm welcome to our new first age and hope you have enjoyed your first gear Hogwarts banquet. I 'll remind everyone that the forest is out of edge as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their home Quidditch team can give their names to their header of menage. Now, you may give birth noticed that there are two new staff members this year even though only one locating is vacant. The first is simple to explain and the instant is a little more complicated.

"starting time, I would like to welcome Professor Elliot Young to Hogwarts. Professor Thomas Young is going to be taking over the Defense teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the whiskers, while scattered applause was received from the students and other professors.

"professor antediluvian if you ask me,"John muttered.

"Many of you may be aware and quite a lot of you I 'm for sure are not cognizant that this is an election class for the Ministry of Magic. Tomorrow the nominee running for Minister of thaumaturgy will make their speech announcing their candidacy, which will lead off a seven calendar month military campaign period. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the achiever shall be announced. The fact that this is an election year is a wonderful educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it pass us by. Therefore I have decided to add another class to the program. It will assemble once a calendar week and in it you will larn the ins and outs of our political organization and its history.

"This is professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the bloke sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to learn this new social class that we have designed. The form will seem on your schedules that you will receive tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as socio-economic class begin smart and early in the morning. Prefects, delight see the first years to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their seats while Albus and his champion rose. The joined the mob of bookman making their way out of the Great Hall and towards the main staircase. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the plurality to come down to their dormitory room and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his friends were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The common room was buzzing with treatment about the new professors when they arrived. well-nigh of the new bookman had gone to bed, but the older students were making no move to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up sheet for Quidditch try-outs on the notice board while Heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act Thomas More like co-captains since there was no way ling was going to let Fred make all of the squad decisions this class.

"So now we have another class,"John muttered as they sat down at a table near the fire."to a greater extent homework. More exams."

"It 's only once a workweek,"rose wine pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to take a class about politics ?"John asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take year on political science,"Amanda pointed out."My sis took one net year and my cousins have taken them. I really do n't suppose it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"Rose said."Can you believe that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next year ?"

John groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."They 're a long way off."

"fountainhead, I think I 'm going to call on in,"rose said as she stood up."form start tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

Rose and Amanda left for the daughter'dormitory a little while later. Albus and the early male child stayed up a patch longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the third years'dorm and then continued on to their own. It had been a recollective day and Albus was ready to go to catch some Z's, just so he would n't have to think about politics or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"St. John said at breakfast the following morning."We start off the day with Herbology and then have Defense rightfulness before lunch."

"When do we have that politics class ?"Matt asked as he scooped a spate of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right before dinner,"privy replied."Merlin, that would 've been dislodge time if we did n't have got that bally class."

"It could be fun, whoremonger,"blush wine said.

"I have n't got it until Friday morning,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle political science are boring but wizard makes everything better."

"Bad news is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course,"matt muttered."Would n't expect anything unlike. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his docket."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every yr now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would have got preferred they have no classes with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in Defense the old year. The last matter he and mat needed was more inter-group communication with Scorpius Malfoy.

"Good news show is that we 've got Defense Department with the Hufflepuffs this class,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on purpose after conclusion class,"John said."He 'd have to be an retard to give us that social class with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After the view that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpius Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in Defense stratum together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd spend the terminal few calendar week of his third year avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avoid him for the remainder of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling team.

The chemical group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted ways with Kaden before heading down to the greenhouses for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable year where they never had to worry about anything awfully happening when it came to subject matter or teacher. Neville was a bazaar teacher who made course of study interesting. Albus never had to worry about anything odd happening while in the greenhouses, unlike potions and defence.

Everyone was slightly suspicious of the new Defense professor and thus the fanny in the backrest of the room were in high demand. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had Transfiguration beforehand and had a much light walk, so they claimed all of the far seats. Albus, lusterlessness, and John had the bad luck of having to sit at one of the strawman tables and all three boys were on border.

The professor ambled into the elbow room just as socio-economic class was scheduled to set out. He had a very declamatory stack of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to call roll.

"I am Professor young,"he began after he finished with roll."And welcome to fourth year defense force Against the Dark Arts. This year we will focus on Dark swearword, jinx, and universal spells, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can take your Word out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his Christian Bible on the tabular array. Professor Young picked up the batch of parchment and began passing it out to the students. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank inquiry and dead result questions.

"Please read the first chapter of your books and complete the worksheet by the end of the socio-economic class,"Loretta Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said nix more and began to scan what appeared to be a novel while stroking his beard.

Albus glanced at Saint John the Apostle and matte, unsure of whether Lester Willis Young would shout at him if he spoke in whispers to his friends. Actually, Loretta Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the first-class honours degree day of class. Would n't a lecture make to a greater extent sense ? Albus could n't call back a sentence when a professor had n't lectured on the first day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the succeeding five arcminute everyone sent each other confused looks and glance before finally cracking open their textbook, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides show his novel.

Albus began to read the first chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most mundane of Dark hexes, if a wickedness hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even cite unforgivable jinx, which while horrible, were far more interest than the BASIC principles of what made a curse Dark.

Albus finished his worksheet a few min before Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the strangest class ever,"Albus said once they had left the room."Who gives a worksheet on the first day of class ?"

"Someone who just wants to read their book all day,"john replied."Works for me, since he did n't turn over any homework."

"Still, it was horribly boring,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm well-chosen it 's boring after dealing with Balladanis last year,"Matt said.

"Somehow I do n't think this feller is going to be bringing any Anamateks to form,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably finish him off,"John replied."I do n't cogitate he could handle one."

"Not many multitude could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great manor hall, they were surprised to see Sakartvelo hurrying Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's wrong ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Georgia was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her eyes."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What clock time is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Georgia replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the even Prophet."

"There is no way Georgia 's going to be able to affect everything is fine between her and Uncle Hotspur for the entirely election,"Rose said once GA and her chum had left."She looked annoyed already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to leave out practice for it,"Albus replied."I just want to know who he 's running against."

"regard we could go watch,"Rose said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of line they are,"Albus agreed."matte 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"matte said."Has n't got a clue as to who 's running, though."

"guesswork we 'll determine out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to catch one of them in between classes, but either their schedules did n't permit them to queer route or the announcement had gone until dinner party. The noise in the Great Radclyffe Hall was n't any meretricious than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the rest of the bookman cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor table, all of Albus 's cousins were clustered at one end of the tabular array, their heads leaned in to one another.

"Looks like a family meeting or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the common room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled John and Kaden towards the other end of the table, Matt following.

Albus followed blush wine to the far end of the table, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Victor-Marie Hugo and Saint James while Rose found a seat next to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"James IV said."Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a Christian Bible until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just hold to recount the taradiddle over and over again,"Omar Bradley muttered.

"Well, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a huge fancy company with a lot of boring speech,"Omar Bradley began."A clustering of Ministry people and their wives or husband and Dad was the center of aid, of grade. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his official announcement yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty boring,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many modification and how we need strong leadership to save the charming residential area together and patriotic. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of row. Then everyone clapped politely and the opposition stood up."

"The witch who 's actually carry flavor like she was a war hawk in a other biography. Her nozzle is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this silky Shirley Temple Black haircloth that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of people who she introduced as her campaign team,"Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the gang riled up. She kept putting holes in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a potent connect movement but she talked about how rupture are forming and the Ministry is slipping and change is needed again. She made all these subtle mentions of how the Aurors are n't as on top of thing and how if we do n't do something the wizard world will fall apart."

"That 's ridiculous !"Fred said."The magical world is fine."

"I thought they were just making their announcements that they were running,"Rose said."actor's line do n't startle yet."

"Neither of them are going to ware an opportunity to get votes,"Heather pointed out."So do you two have to relieve oneself anymore visual aspect ?"

"Yeah,"Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his first speech this weekend and he said there are going to be some debates here, so we have to sit up strawman with Mum at those."

"And the vaticinator wants to do a immense article on our family line,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the witch, too."

"What 's her name ?"Rose asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of consultant to the current Minister. Her title 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the candidates were working under the current Minister,"Rose said.

"Well the parties chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be please that I missed the first-class honours degree lesson."

Cedric and Bradley left, leaving the rest of the cousin to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a lilliputian and it was mostly because share of him thought she was right. Things were n't as perfect as his Uncle Percy thought. Willinson was still on the escaped and not to name the way out with Lubar was still undecided.

But Albus 's dad and the other Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the same Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the right mortal to be minister,"Heather said quietly."The Ministry has been working the Lapp way since the Final Battle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to realise power."

"But things ca n't always stay the Same,"pink wine pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to change that much ?"Heather asked.

"I do n't have a go at it,"Rose said quietly."I just do n't imagine people are as united as Uncle Percy thinks."

"I 'm going to the common room,"Albus said as he pushed his plate away. He was n't hungry anymore.

Footsteps behind him told him that blush wine was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? the great unwashed not being united ?"he asked once they were in an hollow corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"Rose said."Far from it. I think Uncle Percy 's slightly delusional about that. And recollect what you told me about that odd blighter who gave your dad a admonition at the Quidditch globe Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did have a peak. In an election twelvemonth everything issue. Uncle Hotspur 's aligned his beliefs with the current Minister 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to bear on doing things the same way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for trade good in the three years they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their grasp numerous clock time. It 's not going to be hard for that Laurentis lady to convince people we need to transfer manoeuvre, even if her maneuver are n't great either."

Albus said nil for a few moments."How do you make love all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda Sir Thomas More than you have,"pink wine replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that dissimilar in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

Rose laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to tell. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Sir Henry Percy needs to open his eyes a bit."

Albus did n't reply. He knew that his Uncle Harry Hotspur 's political views were slightly different than the relaxation of his kin 's, but they were still quite alike. If what rose wine was saying was truthful, that meant that his whole family line needed to open their middle and Albus was n't surely how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the tardily update. There were some internet site exit. See the assembly for to a greater extent contingent about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this political science category is taking away from our disembarrass point,"John said the following morning at breakfast. He shook his head as he loaded his home plate gamey with scrambled testis and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for rosebush 's reply about how they needed to study advantage of any learnedness opportunities, even if they meant lupus erythematosus release time, but it did n't come. Albus turned to look at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate high with eggs and goner. Albus raised his eyebrows at her.

"What ?"she demanded."Girls get athirst, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."lavatory just complained about having another stratum and you did n't groan and tell him off."

"I variety of agree with him."Rose shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

Rose pushed his hired man away."hitch it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't relish the class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourth days and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the metre we can get to take. Not that John would use the clip to consider, beware you."

"There 's the Rose we all know."John Lackland grinned as he stuffed his face with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a skillful variety,"lustrelessness put in."Something dissimilar. observance they gave us account of magic trick on two consecutive dawning. inquire who the idiot was who did that."

"Same one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"John said."threefold Potions this good morning and I 'd bet my right arm and both my legs we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your implements of war and ramification ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm incorrectly, I 'll want some sorting of branch to get around with,"John answered.

"I only had one class with the Slytherins last year,"Kaden said."You lot must have terrible luck. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"Good portion. That professor is weird,"can said.

"Ca n't be worse than last year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, flatness, rosiness, and Amanda waited for can to end up his slew of eggs before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the door was already open and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting at one of the straw man tables, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the book binding of the classroom, where he sat down in between Matt and John the Divine.

"Wonder what he 's so happy about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the students entered the room.

"I do n't know. But I do n't wish it,"King John said.

Slughorn chose that moment to totter into the room so Albus and St. John could not persist in their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite houses together again ! What luck. well, well, welcome to fourth year Potions. This is the class that things get unmanageable since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s next twelvemonth ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this year ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a twelvemonth off."

"... Since today is a duplicate class I thought we 'd set about brewing the first potion in your textbook and see where your skills lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to learn your text books over the summertime !"

Albus glanced at rose wine, who was sitting next to Amanda at one of the front board. She seemed to sit up higher in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can exploit in duet of your choosing. The pair that produces the in effect potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

whoremaster set off to operate with Janie Creevey who lacked a pardner while Albus and lusterlessness set up a cauldron at their table.

"Remember your mitt,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the cease product your script will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to dream up a Freeze solution with fire ?"Matt asked as he stuck his wand under the cauldron to light the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three age, have you noticed that he always starts the year with a competition ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Same syllabus every twelvemonth,"mat added."Ca n't guess that much changes in terminal figure of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the Lapp potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's possible for this potion to explode,"matte mused as he tossed a few pieces of chopped beetroot into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling articulation from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottles he must have gotten from the supply wardrobe."I 'm sure you two will manage it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own table. Albus was slightly surprised that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"Matt said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

Matt let out a joke."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a amend dueler than he is and he 's got to watch out. Speaking of which, you think you 're going to be captain of your dueling team this year ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that twelvemonth, the utmost thing Albus needed was to be captain of his dueling team, but he did not want Malfoy as captain either. He 'd take in the surplus work if just to keep Malfoy from being in charge. Malfoy needed business leader like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and lustrelessness did not bollix up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the Saame consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-color, it did handle to freeze the quill Slughorn stuck in it. rosiness and Amanda won the chocolate, which was no surprise to anyone.

rose wine and Amanda shared their chocolate with the boys as they walked up to the Great Hall for dejeuner. Albus and Matt told the girls and John about Malfoy 's bizarre demeanour and Rose told them that they should just be happy he 's backing down, rather than analyze his motive.

The Great Hall was buzzing with activity when they entered it a few minute of arc later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table and no Sooner had he grabbed a whorl did ling toss a copy of the Prophet onto his plate.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This first light 's vaticinator. The hooter were late delivering it. Something about a tempest in capital of the United Kingdom,"heather explained.

Albus set down his roll and opened the newspaper. There on the breast Page was a video of his Uncle Percy, smiling wide, in enlarge robe, shaking custody with a very tall woman, who was also smiling wide and wearing luxuriant robes. Above the video was the title,"candidate for government minister of deception Announced."

By this full stop Rose and Matt had crowded on either incline of Albus, while Amanda and John hovered behind him, all trying to read the clause. Albus 's heart traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In front of the intact Ministry of Magic,
Minister hopefuls Walker Percy Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
campaigner work under curate Hartwell, yet
are running against each early for opposite
parties.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
drawing and Editing of jurisprudence, has been
Chosen to run for the Merlinus political party,
which is the company that current minister of religion
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, elder
advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
official has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A large crowd turned out for the announcement,
which is only the first of many appearing
by both candidates. The first base argument is
scheduled for Sep 8th, at the
Ministry of deception.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running against,"Matt said.

"Guess so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a little like this maths teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a scary lady. I remember once I forgot to do my homework so I spent the entire morning in the loo before someone came looking for me."

"You can secern they both hate each early,"Matt said as he gestured to the characterization."Sure they 're shaking hands and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just weird that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposite company he is,"rosiness mused."Why would Hartwell take in hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched company ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"pink wine said."It just seems suspicious. Her switching company and hinting at all these root word change. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't help but have the same feeling. But all he could do was trust that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not make the chance to change everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that report ?"James I called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the prophet down, then settling in to eat tiffin. There was no breaker point worrying about the election now. It was calendar month away. Plus, the government class was later that day and Albus was incredibly rummy about it.

Transfiguration of Jesus seemed to drag by since it was the same as it was every year. prof Patil explained about that class 's program and how they needed to set off thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased workload. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to political relation since it was something new.

Finally August 6 was over and Albus and his friends hurried to the fifth floor to the schoolroom where politics was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the start to enter.

"We better not sustain this with the Slytherins,"John Lackland muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the door."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

Gospel According to John let out an hearable sigh of relief and Albus pushed the room access heart-to-heart as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the back, and the professor was nowhere in sight. rose wine immediately claimed a desk in the front and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the other boys headed to the group of Hufflepuffs in the book binding.

"Do you think there will be homework in this course of study ?"John Lackland asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his brow."Is that a severe question ?"

John shrugged."wellspring it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even have this class next year. So why would there be homework ?"

"Because it 's a class and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The rest of the course of study filed in, filling in the seats that remained in the midsection of the classroom. As the bell rang, prof Embry entered, walking with an air that this socio-economic class would be all study and no play.

"Good afternoon,"professor Embry began as he shuffled a few papers on his desk."Welcome to staple Wizarding political relation. I am prof Embry and you will call me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to yard the length of the classroom."I understand that almost of you know absolutely naught about politics and assume that the Minister of magic trick is born the rector and laws just magically come into creation. A select few of you,"his eyes rested on Albus, and then on matt, and on two Hufflepuff little girl,"have parents in the Ministry and may have slightly more knowledge than the rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put much stake in political training before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's education and wish to amend this year. The course of study will include history of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The course let out a collective grown at the word history. Albus glanced at Rose, who was on the edge of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly brave Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the history. We take chronicle of Magic."

Embry let out a short laughter."With Professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before about of the history happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the class dared to express joy."I 'm going to give you a proper chronicle of our modernistic government, starting with a legal brief overview of what the government was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a division period each to the way the government is run in France, the United res publica, and Commonwealth of Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this class would assume topographic point, you have not acquired Bible. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to cover them as depository library volume and pass them to me in standardised condition at the end of the year. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his wand and mickle of book flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in figurehead of the scholarly person. Albus glanced down and read the title. Politics and government in Bodoni Wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very commodity. Now, get out parchment and pinion. I 'm not going to let the rest of this stratum full point go to barren,"Embry said as he tapped his wand on the board. bank bill immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the remainder of the class about how the showtime political science was formed in Britain. It was incredibly dry. The only reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to necessitate notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a John not taking distinction and threatened him with hold this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."future socio-economic class we 'll fast forward in clock time and learn about the politics pre-Voldemort. Read the inaugural chapter for preparation and come up with three thoughtful questions to pose to the relief of the category. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts draw the most bizarre teacher ?"Albus asked once they were out of earreach of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the lean of job requisite,"Saint John the Apostle replied."Must be out of your freaking judgment to take up this position."

"I think he 's professional,"blush wine piped in."It seems like we 'll really read stuff."

"Why trouble ?"King John asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to have a say in the political science anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be honorable, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, John. Muggles get politics grade in school. It makes sensory faculty that we should, too."

"She 's got a point, mate,"Matt said."Who has the power in your body politic matters. If you elect the wrong people, thing can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their loss leader, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positions that Albus 's dad has and my dad have ? In the United state, those are elected positions. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our Minister,"rosiness said.

"How do you lot even know this stuff ?"John asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor common room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too young to care to eavesdrop."

"Wait."St. John stopped in the middle of the corridor and looked at his friends."wait. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family unit involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magical ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

John groaned."This is mad. Why could n't I have picked normal friends ?"

"convention is highly overrated,"Matt said as they reached the Fat noblewoman.

******


The rest of the hebdomad went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's notion. Everyone, student and teachers, fell back into their usual Hogwarts routines and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a batch of homework as high as his bed and was more than ready for a few daylight off. But when he saw the observe dining table in the rough-cut room when he got back from Charms on Friday afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch practice on Sabbatum at eight in the dawning.

"eight !"Albus exclaimed."In the morning ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the first week back ! Even Sakartvelo was n't crazy enough to do that."

"Tough luck, mate,"John said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby sofa."Eight in the forenoon. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, Matt ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning ? Flying through the rain ? Trudging through the mud to the rake ?"

"course of action not."mat grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an amazing dream where I 'm playing for the shank. In perfective conditions of course."

"The Cannons are the only team you 'd ever have Leslie Townes Hope of playing for,"John the Divine replied.

Albus threw himself down on the couch. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could apply for a professor position once he graduated. He 'd meet the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the the Tempter,"John said as Fred entered the mutual room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything pigeon hawk owns did you schedule practice session at eight in the morning on a Sat ? Not everyone 's a seventh year taking four classes. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked substantial all weekend except for Sabbatum morning and evening. All the other houses are having try-outs. We ca n't even hold our steward try-outs until next weekend because of it."

"Why not the even then ?"

"Bradley 's got to make an appearance at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his middle.

"Then why have drill at all ? We do n't necessitate to school anyone new until we get a new Keeper,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're rusty. We 've got to start training early. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summer,"Albus said flatly.

"looking at, Al, I 'm not changing it. Just pile with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his dormitory.

Albus spent the relaxation of the evening fuming about drill and cursing Fred under his breathing place, until Rose suggested they all go to the way after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the way he 'd be up half the night and would only get a few hours'sleep.

In the end he was sword lily Rose suggested it. They spent the evening playing Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to John and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to call it a night and headed back to his residence hall, leaving his friends to keep on discussing whether it would be better to plough Malfoy 's hair red or purpleness.

Only a few shortly hours later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his hall at an hour of day that was only meant to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his broom and went to meet his teammates in the common room.

No one looked well-chosen. James was nodding off on the lounge while Ryan attempted to tie his shoes without opening his eyes. Heather 's hair was sticking up at odd angles while she tried to tame it into a ponytail. Thomas Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a little worse for wear. But they trudged through the palace, only seeing Peeves loosening a few threshold hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a suit of armor.

The weather was at least courteous and the four hours they spent on the pitching went by relatively fast. Albus and his teammate landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch squad made their way onto the auction pitch. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory to change, Albus headed into the Great manse hoping there would be something good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his booster halfway down the Gryffindor tabular array and after stowing his heather underneath the bench, he sat down and grabbed the nearest dish.

"You could at least shower showtime, Al,"rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the table. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a patch of parchment."They want us to go to the argument tonight since it 's the first one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's study to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the letter."That gives me about four hours to relax and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to have to go to every debate ?"Rose asked.

"Hope not,"Albus replied in between bites."You do n't receive to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even require to go himself so he wo n't make us. And Mum probably expects that it would just take away from my studies."

"This says I have to wear get dressed robes,"Albus muttered.

"At to the lowest degree you can distinguish us if anything dear happens,"Matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, heroic to find someone else who could observe him company.

"He already told me over the summertime that I 'll only sustain to go to unity at Hogwarts. And then whatever company the candidates will throw for the officials. Does n't think an election should have much gist on my life,"matte explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the most of the rest of the day. He and his acquaintance took preparation down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech Tree while they sat by the boundary of the lake and dangled their understructure in. Kaden swore the hulk Squid tried to eat his foot, but nobody believed him. Rose and Amanda took a base on balls by themselves along the sharpness of the timber, insisting that none of the boys follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the girls left and the boys began tossing it around. This was great fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a section of Kaden 's hair's-breadth, leaving his fountainhead bleeding rather profusely and Albus, John, and lusterlessness having to pelt along him to the hospital offstage. By the metre Kaden 's caput had been bandaged up and all four had received a lecture on the peril of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the campaign ) it was time for Albus to head back to Gryffindor tower to get set for the debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a year left ! I 'm now home for the summer and am having way out getting my net to cooperate with HPFF. Things take a long fourth dimension to load and I can not reply to reviews. I will still read every critique, but reply will study a while since I have to be at the depository library to reply to them.

Since I conclusion updated I 've had some issues with people plagiarizing my story. I really hate that I have to tell you roast this, but it is against the rules to take anyone 's stories from here and put them on other sites. It 's also against the convention to take plots, role, etc without permit. I do not yield my permission for anyone to get my secret plan or characters. I 'm really happy that you guys like my tale, but please do n't ask them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry outcome. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's fame and Ministry billet because he hated the care. James IV had always been the character who would savour in the aid, enjoying when all the Ministry functionary proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was surely to be the star of Gryffindor 's Quidditch squad. Lily was rather unbiased towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever political party, she would go off and do her own thing. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old Lady and did not alike random hoi polloi telling him how tall he was getting. As he got older, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of lifetime and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald greenish dress gown. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sort of ironing charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Hotspur 's nighttime and it seemed like this entire year was going to be his Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's year.

Albus tamed his fuzz with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric in the common room. King James I looked debonaire and perfectly well-fixed in his blue dress robes, whereas Omar Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed shitty Pisces in their matching grayness robe. Lily was wearing a purple dress and as common, did n't seem to have an view about going to the argument.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter this cockcrow,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the first one."

"At to the lowest degree you do n't have to go to all of them,"Bradley muttered.

The rest of the trip to Kendrick 's study was understood. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robes as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would stay to watch the debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo pulverisation and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after James and soon found himself in the Ministry of magic 's entrance hall. The place was far restrained than it was the last time he had been there, the trace year, when he went with flatness to tell his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the ski lift and down to the court rooms."The simply position big enough to suit everyone witnessing the debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only result. It 's being broadcasted over the tuner, however. Kendrick stopped in front of court elbow room ten and opened the door. The room was about half full moon. Albus spotted his female parent 's bright red whisker in the first row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather sullen looking Georgia and the twins, who were both reading book of account. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. James II, Omar Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would express up for Keeper try-outs the following weekend. Georgia immediately perked up and began giving the male child advice on who they should keep an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the left side of the front row of the seating was reserved for Sir Henry Percy 's family line. They were joined by all of Albus 's auntie and uncles, as well as Victoire, teddy, and Stanley. In fact the only one of his older cousins that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the low gear row on the correct side was reserved for Laurentis 's family unit, although Albus did n't recognize a single one of the citizenry in that row. He turned around and focused on the multitude filing in. He recognized a few of them including mat 's parents and a few former Ministry officials he 'd met before. Matt 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that matt had been forced to go, but quickly erased that thought because what kind of friend would wish their good friend had to attend a political argument ?

The chatter in the room immediately subsided when Minister Hartwell entered followed by a few of his confining advisers. Behind them were Walker Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robe. Hartwell and his advisers sat along a tabular array at the front of the room while Harry Hotspur and Laurentis stood behind dais, also at the front of the room. The pastor spoke with his advisor briefly while Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the advisers rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose gown stretched very tightly across his center. He was completely bald and had no face fungus, but a very all-inclusive mustache. Aiming his verge at his own throat, he muttered a while and then set his verge down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the audience,"to the world-class debate of the 2020 election for Minister of illusion. Our two nominee, Percy Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, bring together us tonight for an basic debate on a variety of offspring. My public figure is Wendell York and I am the point of the department of Magical Transportation and will serve as moderator for tonight 's argumentation. I will pose the subject and each candidate will get five minutes to answer, then two minutes for a rebuttal.

"The first topic is how our man is concealed from Muggles. Do you imagine the current Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you bring up ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an charge topic like catching Dark superstar ? Or at least something relevant to his life, like the deficiency of ripe defence professors at Hogwarts. Now that would be a argument he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying attention to much of his uncle 's response.

"... current jurisprudence do a acceptable job of concealing our world from Muggles. conjuration sightings by Muggles are low in bit and when they do take place Obliviators do an excellent job of altering the memories of our Muggle neighbors ..."Sir Henry Percy droned on.

Albus turned to James IV who rolled his eyes. Could they have come up with a more drilling issue ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom thickness, which was a report Percy had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying aid that meant he was really world-weary but was trying to fake it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our form by Muggles is too many. Each meter a Muggle stop sight of an act of magic puts our entire humankind at risk, and not only United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 's wizarding world. We have a responsibility to the world that we keep open our legerdemain under wraps. According to lastly year 's statistics we were in the top five countries in damage of numbers of sightings. That 's not good ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various laws that could be enacted to ensure that Muggles did not see enactment of magic until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Hotspur have his two minute rebutter, during which he went on about how it was an insufferable end to try, to achieve no witching sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her premature parameter.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school year. He was a fourth twelvemonth, which meant he was no longer one of the vernal kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two old age and now he was hoping he 'd be able-bodied to own some say in how drill went and how mate were played. Then there was the Dueling Club. Each of the eight team had a police captain and the captains were fourth part years. Professors, mostly Neville, picked the police chief. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpius and as much as he did not really want the responsibility of being senior pilot, he did not want Scorpio to have power over him. He would use that to his advantage.

The debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay aid until he heard the words 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his attention. It was Laurentis 's turn of events to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the like way for propagation and while no one can deny that headmaster Kendrick runs a marvelous school, we also can not discount that modification could be made to profit the students. The macrocosm is a constantly changing place and education demand to keep up in parliamentary law for our student to be better set.

"The class choices for model. It is my reason that a new class has been added this class about political science, which I think is greatly beneficial to students. But other than that the same classes are offered now as have been offered for decades. New socio-economic class need to be phased in while old single that either no foresighted involvement students need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about essence category such as Potions and magic spell, but elective course.

"instructor also need to be kept up to escort with recent findings in their line of business. They should not be teaching the like information I or my opponent learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid entropy available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your clip is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opposite brings up an concern point, but even she admits that Headmaster Kendrick is running an first-class school. I believe that some government regulation is necessary, example being last year 's incident with professor Balladanis, but we as government official do not have the training nor experience needed to properly run a school. I, as well as my opponent, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a secure job running Hogwarts than prof Kendrick.

"Just as professors most probable believe it comfortably to entrust law making and the running play of the country to those such as my opposer and I, I believe it safe to allow for the running of Hogwarts to prof Kendrick and the other professors. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is ticket as is and if the headmaster thought he needed government assistance bringing about change in syllabus he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the students would benefit from more political science intervention. If the Ministry had been more involved with teacher selection, for example, we could have possibly avoided hiring Professor Balladanis final year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government officials would have found Professor Balladanis to be an inappropriate professor during his interview. In fact, I would lean towards the opposite word, considering that neither I or my opposer have ever hired a professor before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the fount. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsored debate could get so hot up. He craned his head teacher and turned around in orderliness to see what Kendrick 's reaction to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far better than either Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the room was paying rapt attention, including James and Lily. The only two multitude who were n't were Samantha and Lindy.

There was one final query about law making that Albus did n't really understand, nor did he care to understand. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts question. Percy 's argument was far better, in his public opinion. Hogwarts was hunky-dory the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to convert everything ? What sort of change was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the issue would be explored more specifically at the educational activity themed debate which was scheduled to take place at Hogwarts the following calendar month. But one thought that Albus could not get out of his head was that if Laurentis won, what would hap to Hogwarts ?
******


"The just modification I want to see at Hogwarts is less prep and fewer test,"Saint John the Apostle said as he walked with Albus and the rest period of their friends to the Great Hall.

A calendar week had passed since the low gear debate and bookman were still talking about the possible variety to Hogwarts. A very vauntingly wide page spread had appeared in the Daily vaticinator the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to exchange Hogwarts. This had both students and professors up in limb and affair were only beginning to calm down. The professor had been on edge the premature workweek, snapping at student for nothing and assigning extra homework. This resulted in the students being very distressed. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it touch on them so much. It 's not like Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Sat morning and Albus and his acquaintance were heading to the Great manor hall for the first Junior 's Dueling Club coming together of the year. Albus 's nervousness were on end. It was at this first-class honours degree confluence that the captains would be announced.

"If Scorpius gets captain I 'm going to dispatch something,"toilet muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his team,"blush wine said.

"I am and I could n't bear it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's captain, tournaments are going to be awful,"Gospel According to John countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great vestibule was in pile chaos, as it always was during the initiative meeting of the year. Two teams were congregated at each mesa and much to Albus 's disdain, his team was holding court at the Slytherin mesa. He weaved his way through the unconnected second year who had yet to be assigned a squad and stood next to his team. Scorpius was seated across the table from him.

"Well, Potter, ready to be under my captainship ?"Scorpius greeted him.

"I could say the same to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so sure as shooting you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the better duellist, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"placidity, quiet everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a come back and paid tending to Neville instead. Professor Patil stood adjacent to him. Albus supposed the new denial professor had not had a desire to avail with the Dueling Club. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."First I 'd like to announce that professor Patil has graciously agreed to assist me sponsor this year 's Dueling club. As a admonisher, all teams must have a professor present during practices and it is up to the squad captain to organize recitation sentence and locate a professor to sit in. The professor does not let to be myself or Professor Patil. However, this twelvemonth we are allowing 7th year Dueling lodge fellow member to manage as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a seventh year to supervise.

"First parliamentary procedure of business is this year 's arcsecond year. I 've already assigned you to teams and shall now learn off the list."

Albus let his mind wander while Neville read off the list. The only second gear long time he knew were his sis, and she was assigned to lusterlessness 's squad, as well as Victor-Marie Hugo, who was assigned to John and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking second twelvemonth had congregated at his own squad 's position and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take arse next to the aged scholar. There were five of them. Two male child and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could live with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the quartern years have been waiting for, master promulgation ! Let me cue you that I, as well as the other professors who have been involved with this club have been watching you over the past two years and have chosen not only exceptional duelers, but special leaders. Without far adieu.

"The captain of squad One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

Cheers erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff board, where her squad was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very nice and would shit an excellent captain.

"The maitre d'hotel of team Two is William Harvey Tucker."

John and Kaden 's squad. William Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every resolution in every single class.

"The captain of squad Three is dick Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His father had attended school with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of Team quadruplet is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpio. Scorpio grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The sea captain of squad Five is Jace Johnson."

Rose 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't look to ever be not happy. It was kind of bizarre, actually.

"The senior pilot of Team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't know well. He swallowed hard. team seven was next and that was his team.

"The maitre d' of Team Seven is Albus Potter."

John 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's cheering. Albus grinned. His entire squad ( save for Scorpio and his admirer ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made police chief ! All the uncertainty he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus Potter, was the new police chief of team Seven.

"The captain of team Eight is Dayton Coons."

Matt 's team. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedias in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, please build out a time for your offset pattern, which should take property during the next two workweek. Once you have a date, please see me to get a schoolroom. Then find a professor or seventh class to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one Son as Albus talked with the repose of his team and figured out a practice time that did not intervene with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones Club, and chess game Club. Eventually he settled on the follow Thursday eve. Neville assigned them to an empty classroom on the sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a one-seventh class to monitor rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his first gear exercise.

Albus 's friends joined him at the door to the Great Granville Stanley Hall. Scorpio brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was ready to mangle someone. Albus thought he looked far too angry over a lost captaincy. It was just the Junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"John the Divine asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a word,"Albus replied.

"Do n't think about him,"Rose said."What 's the point ? You made captain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."Most of the captains are fairly decent, too. I mean Lydia 's variety of irritating, but the rest are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a honest twelvemonth for dueling, that 's for certain,"Matt agreed.

The six friends discussed dueling all the way back to the unwashed room. When they entered they saw a sign that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the tables and all of Albus 's cousin-german were cracking them clear. Marina was surrounded by her friend and Albus was accosted by his cousins as soon as he entered. mortal thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the back. He smiled as he looked out at the common room, at the party that his cousin-german had thrown together for himself and Marina. Matt was not only rectify about the fact that it would be a good year for dueling. It was going to be a good year in universal.


A/N : So I bet you 're all confused about the name alteration ! Well, I 've been doing some thinking and a plot change was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The variety only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old title was n't going to work with the new plot, so I had to change it. I like the new one better anyway. And do n't worry, Percy will still run for Minister. Actually, the new plot focuses more on that.

To answer in advance, because I know this will come up, I wo n't tell what the old plot was going to be. I 'd rather mass not equate the old plot with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the meeting place, you 'll know about the disaster we had last hebdomad. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the forums ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus serial and told me once that they were the showtime chronicle she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this story to you, Mugil liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The adjacent day Albus found himself on the Quidditch sales talk staring at all of the new Gryffindor custodian hopefuls. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to begin in 15 minutes, yet the pitch had been packed since before luncheon. Albus speculated that some hopefuls, including Victor Hugo, had not even taken a rift for lunch. Poor Hugo need n't have bothered skipping his repast since even an excess one-half hour of practice would not let helped him.

Students from irregular through seventh year were hoping for a dapple on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized near of them, but there were a few older students whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were congressman from other team, surely there to hold out Gryffindor 's new Keeper.

Albus stood on the sales talk a few meters from the crew, with his squad. Fred was holding a clipboard and ling was standing next to him, gazing out at the students hoping for a spot. Saint James, Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"Quiet, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the ground and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a custodian this twelvemonth. And if you ca n't go on, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as custodian and then take another 's spot when they graduate, you might as well not neutralize your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both GA and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would joke around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in complaint, things had changed.

A few of the vernal student walked slowly off the pitch and into the stands, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to have you fly around the pitch to value your basic flying skills. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll actuate on to guarding the goal posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the wannabee fly laps around the pitch. Quite a few could not even carry off to fly straight or execute turns properly. About a quartern of them were eliminated during the starting time ten minutes. one-half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first ten minutes of goal keeping, including Hugo. He hung his heading as he walked to the rack, Scots heather trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The quietus of the of the bookman took longer to excrete. After about an hour the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the only fair way to do this is to eliminate anyone who misses a save. shoemaker's last one standing, er, flying, gets the maculation,"Fred announced.

It took another half hour to finish the try-outs. To Albus 's surprise, the winner was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no idea that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her broom and accepted the extolment from the rest of the team.

"Nice to suffer another girl,"Heather said."I thought I 'd be the entirely one after Empire State of the South left."

"I thought your cousin Victor-Marie Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the only Weasley who ca n't roleplay Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen Rose on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was little. So well-chosen to birth won the spotlight. When 's first drill ?"

"Right now,"Fred said."We 've got the pitch all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into GA. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a bright and sunny day, so it would n't be bad.

drill lasted a few time of day and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to take a shower and then set off to locate his friend. dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's booster were in the Marauder 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor coarse room when he had traipsed through after drill. John and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing trick, like usual. Rose and Amanda were sitting on the lounge discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. mat was not there since the entire moon had been the previous night.

"Albus !"john exclaimed after Al had shut the door."So, who 's the new Gryffindor keeper ?"

"You 're never gon na consider it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby chair."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for ages and was just waiting for the keeper perspective to open."

"Seriously ?"can asked."She never mentioned it all these geezerhood that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too interfering making for certain you do n't fluff anything up,"Rose replied.

"Hey, I 'm better than Al and lustrelessness are,"Gospel According to John muttered.

"Speaking of matte, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so Madam Pomfrey did n't let us appease. Figured we 'd go after supper,"John the Divine answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in agreement and they set off towards the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with pupil who had spent the day out-of-doors and Albus felt very contentedness walking alongside his ally, despite how every unmarried one of his heftiness ached from practice.

"Shhhh, expression !"lav seethed as he grabbed the back of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a threshold. Kaden, blush wine, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"rose wine asked.

"Shush !"whoremonger whispered."It 's Scorpius and Willinson 's cousin-german. What was his name again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his head around the door shape. Scorpius and Felix were standing next to a few suits of armour, headway leaned in towards each other. There was a girl about a head shorter than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the same color hair, except hers was long and curly.

"She 's a number 1 year. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't remember her name,"pink wine answered.

"I have half a mind to economise her from the two of them,"toilet muttered."She 'd be better off not getting mixed up with the the likes of of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpius began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girl followed. Albus and his friends watched them until they turned a recession, disappearing out of sight.

"Wyrd,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending low years, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoid,"rosebush said."They were just talking and they 're in the Same home. Maybe she had a motion or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."Rose let out an exasperated suspiration."Two weeks into the condition and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember finale year ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to keep off something like that again."

"amercement. But I 'm not getting involved,"Rose muttered.

Albus walked in quiet the balance of the way to the Great residence. Rose may have been right. Albus may have just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a impression that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


matt returned from the hospital wing two day later and the month wore on in its usual way. The professor were assigning more than and More homework and it took longer and longer to complete.

Once Oct arrived hullabaloo began to brew when the inaugural Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween and Kaden in fussy was very excited. He never did manage to make it to Hogsmeade under the Invisibility Cloak the previous year.

Albus 's first dueling praxis had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpius had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may hold been solely because Professor Cedonia had been confront during the practice. His squad was shaping up well and he had high hopes for them winning many tourney. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the start public debate versatile magazine and radio shows had been latching onto Percy 's statements about Education Department and his lack of willingness to change, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Bradley said one dark at dinner. The Weasleys and Potters were all eating together in ordering to talk over the election."Does n't write us as often and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to mention the five page gap that Wizards magazine is doing about our class,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a turkey leg."That 's sure to fire the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Bradley answered."Only adept part is we got permission to miss all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five Sir Frederick Handley Page ?"Saint James the Apostle asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's life story,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our lives. Just a happy article about how we all love each other and Dad 's a family man. That 's what his hunting expedition manager wants to limn him as seeing that Laurentis does n't induce any kids."

"And Uncle Percy has a whole lot,"James pointed out.

"Hey, you lot better watch out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the entire Weasley-Potter kindred,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"Saint James asked.

"Around Christmas, I think. Adds to the happy phratry atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to interview Uncle George when he 's had a bit too very much eggnog."Henry James laughed.

"When 's the next disputation, anyway ?"Albus asked."moldiness be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Thomas Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's focusing on law instauration and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we have to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't call back so,"James answered."Dad said we just had to go to the ace at Hogwarts from now on."

"Speaking of elections, what does everyone think of that politics family ?"Albus asked.

"Professor 's very intense,"James said in between snack."But it 's not nearly as nasty as the other classes. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my stream favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an advantage,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and clobber. A few of my friends have absolutely no idea about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a surd time."

prof Embry seemed to be teaching the class in chronological Holy Order and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the pin of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a footling boring but he had a feeling it would get more concern once Embry started on the fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the class is necessary,"pink wine said."Think about it. No family like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry officials learn the account of the Ministry ? Where did they discover about government ? They learned it as they went, but did n't bed much when they started. That 's a short chilling. citizenry should bonk how their nation is run."

Albus thought about what Rose had said as he chewed on his coil. She had a adept point. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Harry Hotspur really known cipher about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't have got. Harry Hotspur 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was Weird to think about.

Albus mostly listened during the rest of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't sure why. Nor could he project out whether he wanted Percy to win or not. Either way, life would be drastically different after Election Day, and Albus liked things the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to switch Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few days later. The law enforcement debate had taken seat the night before and the full strawman page of the oracle was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Hotspur Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement last night at the Ministry
of magic trick. Like the previous general debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each nominee
speaking passionately about the matter.

'I 've worked in law creation for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the licking
of Voldemort, I think we can all check that
things are running smoothly. I intend to
control that things preserve going the way they
are, with enforcement of Pentateuch that benefit
the integral wizarding residential area .'

Laurentis took a more theme stance, in
her reply to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the laws we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to take a thoroughly hard smell at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are clear. Far more outlaw
are being acquitted and even more than are
being released from Azkaban. In my work
at the prison, I see many criminals being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to change .'

Without a uncertainty, things are only going to
heating system up. The candidates seem to have
completely unlike opinions on everything
from education to laws. The next public debate,
which will be on instruction, will take post
at Hogwarts on Saturday, Nov the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"matte asked, taking the paper from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't experience the office,"Rose answered."The diplomatic minister has to sign off on well-nigh things, unless all representatives and functionary disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's people who do n't fit with her,"Matt replied.

"Think they 'll ever harmonise with each other ?"Albus asked.

"Doubt it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually pure opposites. What I do n't understand is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle agree on everything."

"Me either,"rose wine agreed."Guess we 're watching the next debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"lusterlessness said."Embry will probably pretend us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"rose said."That will be the debate that will directly impact us. The election 's in April which means we 're going to sustain over three years of Hogwarts under whichever prospect is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those alteration are going to affect us."

Tom Bradley sat down next to Albus and threw a copy of whiz powder magazine onto the tabular array."article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out proper around the debate,"Bradley muttered."You really ought to read it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Omar Bradley shook his fountainhead."This lady 's almost worse. Trust me."

Rose, Amanda, John, Matt, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the magazine. The clause was in the middle, with the two pages being a full vividness photo of Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their Thomas Kyd. Walker Percy and Corrine were sitting on their animation way sofa, with Peach State in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the couch and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the page and saw a very extended clause, interspersed with versatile moving-picture show of his family and boxwood about each of those five cousins. The article finished up on the conform to page.

Upon entering the dwelling of Minister of Magic
candidate Harry Hotspur Weasley 's Southampton menage
I am surprised to see that it does not count
like the dwelling house of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with deal and mass of papers and
Weasley 's run managing director is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the level is cluttered with
toys belonging to the youngest Weasley children,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and Lindy. A
plate of quick biscuit sits upon the coffee
tabular array and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the way carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to continue the campaign at the Ministry ,'
Percy explains after I ask where his cause
materials are. 'The drive is work. It is my
job. The house is for my home .'

"Really ?"Rose raised her eyebrows."She should 've seen his subject area. That 's where all his hunting expedition hooey is."

The article went on to talk about Percy and his fathering skills. Albus grew more and more sicken as it went on. Walker Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be father of the year. No wonder Tom Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more proud of Empire State of the South ,'
Percy said, speech production of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as military reserve custodian for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
routine of her mate and it is clean
that she could stimulate a long calling in
Quidditch .'

"What a load of droppings !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Harry Hotspur has never once agreed with GA 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that newsman just saying he did ?"Matt asked.

"Oh he said it,"Omar Bradley, who had taken a hind end a curt way down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the briny article. His eyes glanced across the page and rested upon the pocket-sized box that discussed Georgia.

Georgia Weasley, the eldest girl
of Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays Reserve steward for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Peach State said when the
issue was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full keeper one day .'
Georgia 's dream is to play for England.

Next to Georgia 's box there was one for Bradley.

Bradley Weasley, the firstborn son of
Sir Henry Percy and Corrine, is currently in
his sixth twelvemonth at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't want to
play professionally like Georgia. I
want to work for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his fifth yr
at Hogwarts and is the trickster of
the crime syndicate. 'Every Weasley family
has to have somebody who will encounter the
put-on. It 's like a ruler or something.
I come up with the easily ideas when I 'm
with my first cousin Henry James [ potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll focus on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( Lindy ) Weasley are
nine years old and attend a local anaesthetic
primary winding school for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't wait to enter Hogwarts in two
years .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my sister and chum ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't care what house I 'm
in, just as long as I can play Quidditch.
Well, okay, I do n't need to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the magazine,"was the mop up article I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to think what the one about our integral family will be like,"Rose muttered.

"Nah,"trick said."That one will be better because they wo n't hold to get as lots up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding world. They 'll just play that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are hoi polloi really going to believe all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nothing about your uncle 's kinsfolk. for sure, they know all about your dad, but really, how much do they have intercourse about Sir Henry Percy ? Not much. They 're going to want to believe it and why should n't they ? They have no idea Percy does n't approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career. It 's the same as in the Muggle world.

"It would be decent if the great unwashed voted on nominee who shared their same views, but it honestly comes down to who presents the effective campaign. hoi polloi are n't going to desire someone in mightiness who has issues with his own family."

"That 's stupid,"Kaden replied."glad my family 's not involved with politics."

"My family is your family,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still shout him Uncle Percy,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my blood uncle."

"wellspring, I can honestly say my family 's not in politics and I 'm very glad about that,"Gospel According to John said.

Albus could not imagine living without having kinfolk involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly overjealous of St. John. What would it feature been like to have parents who were n't celebrated ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guy rope are all amazing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't reply to reviews while I am home for the summer, but I read every single one. If you have some sort of interrogative that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the Author pageboy at the assembly or send out me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from vacation next calendar week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following hebdomad brought a storm so long and so acute that Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the irregular half of the week. It was thoroughly unacceptable to walk outside without being doubled over by the wind instrument and the new pupil could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would become sozzled within two proceedings. The scholar secretly rejoiced, for the superfluous dislodge flow were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch practice had to be canceled on Sat. Not that Fred would have canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doorway until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday evening and contemplated holding a strategy session in the rough-cut room instead, but heather convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to take the opportunity to spend the day at the library, something that Saint John and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. lustrelessness and Amanda joined them as well, for they had great deal of homework as well. rosiness had mentioned something about tutoring a youthful student and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with bookman, most probably due to the weather and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a undecomposed five minutes for Albus and his friends to locate an empty table. It was a lot louder than usual and Madam Pince was glaring at each table of students in turn.

Albus set his pile of record down and got to work on a Potions essay that was due the followers hebdomad. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few twenty-four hour period to do it. He thought he was ahead of the secret plan anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about prep.

John and Kaden, as usual, were ineffective to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by brothel keeper Pince twice before finally opening their books. Amanda immediately set to work on the same essay Albus was working on. Matt cracked clear his Charms text but stared at the same page for five minutes before Albus noticed that his middle had glazed over. The Oct full synodic month was the pursual dark, so Albus was not surprise.

"This is dead boring,"John muttered after they 'd been studying for an hour."political relation back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely different now, so why do we need to bother reading it ?"

"So we do n't constitute the same mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."Simple, really."

"You 're channeling rose now,"John Lackland stated.

"Someone has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my Divination predictions ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"lav exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the lead while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's rule against going out of doors ?"

"perfective. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can issue forth down with a nasty cold after being outdoors in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his oculus. The two of them had been insane to subscribe to fortune telling in the first property, but at least they seemed to enjoy making up their fake predictions. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some idiotic prediction.

An time of day later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration Reading. lav and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an elaborate prank that involved a wimp, birdseed, and the Slytherin usual room. lustrelessness had been dozing on his charm Scripture. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's appeal ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."matte glanced at his script and quickly wiped it with the arm of his robe."Great, really. Think I 'll head to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this reading done."

John and Kaden rose to join flatness. They 'd been yelled at two more prison term and figured they 'd do beneficial to plan in the Den.

"postponement,"lavatory said when he was only a few fundament from the mesa."Is that Rose ?"He pointed to a head of shaggy-coated red pilus at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the way and hid behind a book shelf to get a faithful look.

Albus craned his heading. Rose was sitting with a minuscule missy. John returned a few seconds later.

"I thought so. It 's that girl we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few weeks ago."

"Wait, that Slytherin first year ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly forgotten about her, finally deciding that Scorpio probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right,"John said."What 's mount doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring someone. Must be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Wyrd. Tutoring a Slytherin,"John replied.

"What 's it issue ?"Matt snapped."No distributor point in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his articulatio humeri and headed for the door, not waiting for John and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it matter if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpius but this you do n't wish about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring program. I do n't suppose you get to control who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."whoremonger sighed."well, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as John and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another hour before joining their champion in the Marauder 's Den. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were having a serious give-and-take on how they were going to receive a chicken and matt was speech sound asleep on the lounge. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of Exploding snapshot and played cycle after round while listening to john and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be easier to feature an senior pupil transfigure something into a chicken,"Kaden said a replete twenty dollar bill min later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousins will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our prank. We could just go take one of the chickens from Hagrid 's wimp coop,"toilet replied.

"Thomas More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to suspect if one of Al 's cousin-german is practicing their transfiguration. But sneaking a chicken into the castle ? They 're fairly loud with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no chance of getting caught ?"John the Divine asked.

"There will be passel of fortune of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin common room. Merlin only knows how we 're going to manage that."

The door opened and Rose walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin common room ?"

"You do n't want to know,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

rosiness rolled her eye and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few cards to link up in on the next round.

"How was tutoring ?"St. John the Apostle asked, abandoning the theme of chickens.

"mulct,"rose wine answered."Same as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"whoremonger replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"rosebush smirked.

Saint John the Apostle laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth years and above can be in the tutoring political program. The professors match you up with younger student and I 've been tutoring a first yr for a few weeks now."

"Yeah,"John said as he got up and walked over to where Rose was sitting."We saw you earlier. That fille you 're tutoring ? That 's the like girlfriend that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few weeks ago."

"waiting, that one time that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that meter. I was just wondering who she was."

rosiness sighed."She 's Willinson 's slight sister. Her gens 's Elsie. She 's really nice, actually. quiet, does n't seem much like a Slytherin to me but her unhurt category 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"John said."Guess that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"Rose answered."You lot want to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except mat, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. rosiness had been right. Nothing suspect about Willinson 's sister tagging after him and Scorpio. Albus 's inherent aptitude had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's life did he ever think there would be a professor who could top prof Binns in terms of drilling year. But professor Young had done the impossible. Twice a week Albus and his acquaintance traipsed to Loretta Young 's schoolroom to work on a I worksheet. Young did nothing else, except hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an integral social class full stop to complete, resulting in pupil using the remaining time to see up on other preparation, something that Young neglected to notice. The only undecomposed part about the stratum was that Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll last the year ?"lustrelessness asked as they were leaving Whitney Young 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected minister of religion and deems him disqualify to teach."

"He does n't really teach,"Rose pointed out.

"But still, he 's dear than Balladanis,"Matt reasoned.

The ease of Albus 's stratum were decent, although nigh assigned too practically homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of October drew nearer, Albus became very excite about the first-class honours degree Hogsmeade visit of the year. It would be the world-class time that all of Albus 's friend would get to go together and possibly the final stage, given how busy everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch practice session on that day in order to make up for the neglect practices due to the storm. However, the entire team was outraged and Heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not countermand the exercise. Albus was very alleviate as it was a nice day and perfect for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new mob of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the path from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up old age ago."

"That the pack I sent you over the summer ?"John asked.

"Sure is. Did n't shoemaker's last too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"John announced."And stacks of early stuff from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird seed if we 're going to do that japery,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and Matt exchanged aspect. privy and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's elderly cousins to transmogrify them a volaille that they would then somehow sneak into the Slytherin common room. The birdseed was to scatter throughout the property in order to nark the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't follow complaining to us when you get a month of detentions, because there 's no potential way you can pilfer into the Slytherin common way without getting caught."

"We 'll have Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Hallowe'en,"John answered.

"moron,"Rose muttered.

Weasleys'thaumaturge Wheezes was packed with scholar. Being the first Hogsmeade weekend, nigh students had a good want of pranking products and needed to descent up. George III was behind the counter ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his ally. They quickly scattered, each heading towards the display that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of Defense at least once and history of Magic a few times a month. lav and Kaden each had about five boxes and matt watched with a disgusted look on his face. Since he missed at least a day or two of category a calendar month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would give themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there utmost,"John said as he lugged his bags to the Three Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must think that for next time,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to give birth a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin had had Butterbeer before when multitude snuck it back to the Gryffindor common elbow room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The Three Broomsticks was crowded, but Matt managed to snap up a table in the book binding. rosebush set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about fifteen minutes before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"Potter,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's ally, glaring at Matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are make to duel next weekend."

"trend we are,"Albus answered."The team 's plenty prepared. Last practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpio replied."And I 'll be gear up to carry the team on Sat since the residue of our squad could n't win a duel against a first gear year."

"Shut it. Our team is exquisitely,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a comme il faut master ..."Scorpio 's interpreter trailed off."But the professor love anyone whose last-place gens is ceramicist or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on accomplishment,"Albus replied, staring him in the eyes."Not advert. pink wine did n't create captain and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a Potter and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpius spat, ignoring Albus 's comment."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the macrocosm likes that your integral category runs the wizarding world and that nothing gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my kinsfolk may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to help citizenry. And they 're only there because people voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpio muttered. Then he turned to lusterlessness."Or yours."

"hoi polloi voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpius took a stair closer to Albus."The point is that your family might not be running this commonwealth much longer. So you 'd better watch out."

Scorpius turned to allow for and his friends followed."My class does n't run the worldly concern !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his hind end after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the first place."He 's just so poor fish !"Albus exclaimed."My family does n't run the country."

"He 's just jealous,"Amanda said."You got made chieftain of our squad and he hates that. Your dad 's famed and he 's jealous of that."

"His dad 's famous too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the faulty reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was noted for the good rationality,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a renowned dad is n't always a honorable matter,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"Rose said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threats have worn off,"Matt said quietly."I liked it in September when he just form of neglect us."

"It does n't have in mind he 's going to tell anyone,"pink wine whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't weigh what he 's looking for. One pillowcase of the tongue is all it takes and my life at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his acquaintance."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a certified whizz, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be zip Thomas More than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you guess he entail by your family not being in charge of the wizarding world much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't mean much. My dad will still be in charge of the Auror department."

"No,"Rose whispered."Have n't you been paying attention in Politics ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you mean ?"

"O.K., I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New government minister can appoint new heads of the department if they want to. Most do n't because so many new hoi polloi makes for a bad transition point, but it 's happened a few fourth dimension. If Laurentis win, she could replace Uncle Harry,"blush wine explained.

"waiting, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

rose nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"Matt said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"rosiness replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new Minister was one affair, but having new read/write head of all the department ? The Ministry would be run in a completely different way. nil would ride out the Saame. nobody would replace Harry ceramicist as fountainhead of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his capitulum."No one would supervene upon my dad. He 's a great Auror."

"He 's a great Auror, that 's true,"pink wine agreed,"but great is an opinion. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Hotspur undoubtedly thinks he 's a great Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will weigh. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a neat Auror. And the doubt is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would mean my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a regular Auror,"blush wine said."Look, you do n't need to care about it. I 'm sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heads have condition like the Minister. When their terminus is up, the current government minister can replace them or keep them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a malicious gossip and they have a hearing. Like with my dad."

"Does n't seem fair,"Albus said.

"It works both ways. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to put back who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"rose wine pointed out.

"I 'm surprise Hartwell has n't done that,"trick said.

"She 's probably kept quiet down about her opinions so she could keep her position while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he replace her now ?"Saint John asked.

"It would look bad. Remember, half of political relation is how you look to the public,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a cloistered boarding school in the United States, just in case anyone asks why the parson 's niece disappears for most of the yr. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his head."It 's so fuddle. I do n't know how anyone keeps raceway of it."

"Luckily we do n't have to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the upshot of watchword wars with them. You two are awesome ! HPFF now loads properly on my Internet and I am able to reply to reexamine, so I 'm slowly working through them. Keep a look out for response !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Allhallows Eve,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor attic and tossing the awful ones into a pile on the floor.

"That 's stupid,"John countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a prank on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the stopping point mo essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll lose the match."

The first Quidditch peer of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to take place on Sabbatum, two sidereal day after Hallowe'en.

"Again, the Prefects and professors will be expecting it,"John said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a mate before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a sign you 've pranked them too much,"rosebush pointed out.

Albus and the quietus of his protagonist were in the predator 's Den, attempting to adjudicate on a day to put the chickens and chicken provender in the Slytherin commons room. They 'd been arguing for a half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and matte, who had been leery on whether to take part in the joke at all, had decided that they would wait on as look-outs while St. John and Kaden snuck into the common room.

"I think Wednesday would be a salutary option. Wednesday night. We 've got to do it really late, though. The first years have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to await until they 're back in their dorm,"Saint John the Apostle explained."Night before Halloween-"

"By the clock time you manage to do it after astronomy, it 'll technically be Halloween,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Allhallows Eve night,"John the Evangelist said."Pre-Halloween."

"Mischief nighttime,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another bean onto his pile and started laughing."You 're right !"

"devilment Night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull clowning and cause mayhem. It 's traditionally the night before Hallowe'en or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday night or too soon Thursday cockcrow, it 'll be on balefulness Night."

John grinned."Perfect. Wizards do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's Americans and Canadians who celebrate before Allhallows Eve, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Halloween,"John said."We have Astronomy on Tuesdays so the night before Guy Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except rosiness, who rolled her eyes.

"Do you have everything you need ?"Matt asked.

"Not yet, but we have plans. Tonight I 'm going to scupper by the Slytherin common room under the invisibleness Cloak to hear their word. Wed evening we 'll ask Bradley to glorify us a few chicken. Then, Al and Matt will stand precaution while Kaden and I let them unloosen in the common room,"Gospel According to John explained.

"How in the gens of Merlin are you going to keep the volaille calm while you bring them to the keep ?"Rose asked.

"Stun them, of trend,"Kaden answered."By the time they wake up, we 'll be long gone."
***


Wednesday brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather ominous Muscat and Oman for Operation Slytherin Chickens as the prank had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubtfulness about the whole thing. Previous buffoonery had been harmless and had not broken any major school pattern, but this one broke at to the lowest degree ten. This could get them worse than a few detentions.

John and Kaden seemed to let no such reserve. Both of them were particularly gleeful the full day and toilet even returned from soothsaying with a smile on his face, which never happened. mat seemed indifferent to the whole affair and acted as usual.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three time of day of slumber, tops, tonight,"Matt said after dinner, while they were attempting to do homework in the Marauder 's Den."And that we have account of deception tomorrow morning."

St. John the Apostle sighed."All right, maybe that was n't the best bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"matt agreed.

Albus had a very hard time getting any preparation done while they were waiting for the time to go far. He found himself drawing abominable photo of crybaby in the borders on his Transfiguration essay. No one else was having a lot luck either. John and Kaden were playing chess and flatness was taking a nap. Rose and Amanda had holed away in the depository library, neither one wanting to be associated with the son that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."lack to be seen by as many hoi polloi as possible so there 's no chance anyone will remember we were with you."

At one in the morning the male child left the Marauder 's Den and headed back to the common room, where Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering students were in the plebeian elbow room. All of them went to bed within fifteen minutes and the boys were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the couch and set them on a table."Three chickens going to be enough ?"

John nodded."I do n't think we 'll be able to handle any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid person,"Omar Bradley said as he pulled out his scepter."Even James has n't gotten into the Slytherin usual room."

"According to blush wine, we 're incredibly pudden-head,"John said."But I think it 's splendid. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common elbow room ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to deplumate a prank."

john, Matt, and Kaden turned to wait at Albus."I 'll explain later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an conjuration and flicked his verge at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One brownness one, one white one, and one heavy mordant and dark-brown cock. The rooster opened its rima oris to crow and Omar Nelson Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Bradley said."Want me to stun them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should endure about a half 60 minutes and then you 'll birth to re-stun them,"Thomas Bradley told them."I 'm going to accept off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the crybaby for you. Ca n't open another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his friends. lav was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two chickens."Back to the Den ?"

The boy spent the next two hours in the predator 's Den, playing Exploding Snap and re-Stunning the volaille every half time of day. Shortly after three in the morning Albus re-stunned the crybaby one more prison term and then threw the invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very unmanageable for all four boys to walk under the invisibleness Cloak.
Being fourth class, they were all a lot larger than they had been in back yr when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even remember the survive clip all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in particular had grown quite a few inches over the summer and was now as marvelous as john. The two of them had to take the air with their knees bent grass to check their feet would n't show.

The walk was uneventful. The boys did not even see Peeves or any of the ghostwriter out for a night clip stroll ( or float, which would probably be the more appropriate terminus ). flatness tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a chicken, but since the corridors were empty-bellied, no one heard the phone.

Once they had reached the entrance to the Slytherin park room whoremonger and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John whispered the password and it opened. Both son slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and lustrelessness stood against the wall a little direction down the corridor, giving them a panorama of the steps as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a word while Gospel According to John and Kaden were pulling their prank because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in front man of them.

The next five minutes felt like an eternity and Albus was very still when lav and Kaden exited the common way and hurried back under the Cloak. St. John 's bag, which had contained the chicken feed, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a word to Albus and matte as they walked back to Gryffindor tower, for veneration that mortal would hear them.

They were walking down the back floor corridor when Albus heard footstep behind him. He turned and saw professor Brigham Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the roof as he went. He appeared to be in deep view about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his booster were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four boys froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jumper and pulled them through the nearest door, while Pres Young happened to be looking the other way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A girl 's loo. And the trading floor was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a splash and then Albus felt the unpleasant sensation of a ghost floating through him.

"I know you 're there."Vinca minor giggled."Harry thrower had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well take it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a girl 's john anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry thrower 's son ! What brings you to my toilet ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"John announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully Professor Young had left by the time they exited the loo. The balance of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The common room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving glare of the Fat lady, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. John and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"heroic poem !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the park room and we spread the provender and put the chickens each on their own lounge and left. The Slytherins are going to induce a unmannerly wakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"matt said as he looked at his sentry."Almost four. We 'll get three and a one-half hours sleep if we 're lucky."

The boy headed back to their dormitories, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenalin was still racing through his system. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to hunt the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if someone saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would sustain gotten them in trouble right then and there, would n't they accept ? Albus pushed the cerebration from his head. He settled into bed and thought about the response from the Slytherins the be morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the next morning and he rolled over and went back to sleep. He woke up once more with 20 minutes left until story of Magic and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke matte and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in parliamentary law to make it to stratum on time.

They arrived with two minutes to spare and the room was filled with laugh and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his seat, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about crybaby and muttering about getting revenge. Turns out someone snuck a cock and two chickens into their plebeian room last night and gap chicken feed around. Apparently their common room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to daze the chickens and land them to Hagrid. Wish I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to pretend electric shock and excitement."Seriously ? That 's brilliant. Does anyone know who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never project it out then. That 's three-fourths of the school to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

professor Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on on about some variety of hobgoblin uprising. Albus rested his head on his manus and began to doze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the chickens. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other house tables. The teachers did n't seem at all upset about the unit thing, probably because the Gallus gallus had n't done that practically damage. Nothing that could n't be easily repaired with the picture of a wand.

"Six in the cockcrow !"Albus overheard a Slytherin mutter as he walked past the Gryffindor table."Can you imagine ? And the morning after we 'd been on the lurch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of stew. If the prank had messed with the Slytherins'training agenda, all the honest. Albus had finally begun to slacken. It did n't seem like they were going to get in worry after all.

As Albus walked to the dungeons with John, matte, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in story of magic was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the exhaustion and was very happy for the free full stop after potions. But he did n't dare skip potions because he was quite excited to learn Malfoy talking about the chickens.

During this particular social class they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking Solution was a rather simple potion that they had learned in their first year, its counterpart was more difficult and command stewing for forty-eight hours before the final ingredients could be added.

Albus retrieved all the requirement ingredients while his married person, Limbert, located their potion in the closet. Limbert, who was usually very nonchalant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their table.

Just as Albus was beginning to hack his celery antecedent, Malfoy appeared in presence of the tabular array. Albus looked up from his plant and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"ceramist,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't happen to know which idiot Gryffindor put chickens in our common room, do you ?"

Albus snorted."Chickens, Malfoy ? I 'd heard something about that."

"Bloody chick,"Limbert muttered as he began to powder the rat spleen they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bloody dawning. Eating chicken feed all over the common room. Getting their plumage and other stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."Point is, one of your lot got into our green room and I want to know who."He folded his blazon across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't find out his affection pound in his chest."We ca n't get into your uncouth room. Do n't take the parole. And even if we did, why would we want to ? It 's probably covered in ophidian slime."

"fountainhead it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupid and a Hufflepuff would n't be able to figure out how-"

Albus rose from his electric chair."That 's rude. I know plenty of Hufflepuffs that are smarter than you, Malfoy. And they 're enough hoi polloi, too."

"Boys, get to ferment now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's cauldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to lustrelessness and Malfoy 's cauldron, which was indeed overflowing. Matt was frantically waving his wand at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for Merlin 's sake,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own board.

Albus breathed a suspiration of sculptural relief and continued to chop up his celery base. Limbert retrieved another rat spleen, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't spill the beans to Albus for the difference of the class except for the occasional"base on balls the tongue"or"turn down the flaming ”.

pursual potions Albus, Matt, and bathroom immediately went upstairs to the. predator 's Den to take a much needed nap. Rose went to Muggle discipline and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and did not wake up until Saint John swatted him with a pillow when it was time for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner party and Albus and his friends giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner party, prof Kendrick rose from his stern. Albus turned to look at flatness, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner speeches when it was n't the start or end of term.

"Just a few announcement,"Kendrick said once the Great manse quieted down."First, I am sure as shooting you are all aware of the clowning that took place in the Slytherin common way last-place night. I, nor do any of the teachers, have any idea who is responsible, but if we do find out, be aware that those responsible for will be punished. Entering another sign 's unwashed way is not tolerated and all students should exact this as a word of advice, in case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your countersign has been changed. If you are not cognizant of it, please see a Prefect.

"Second. Next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry functionary including the government minister of Magic, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the Head of the Auror section, the Head of the Department for the Regulation and restraint of Magical beast, as well as a few of the minister of religion 's closest advisor. In addition, both candidates for government minister will be here as well. They will get in Friday night and stay until Sunday morning. Saturday they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All students will have the probability to watch the public debate by a random drawing since we can not reconcile all of you in addition to the Ministry officials and penis of the full general population that will be attending. The rest will listen via wireless in a few classrooms. All students are required to listen or look out. More information about that, such as how to find out if you 've been selected to see and what naming you will take in on the debate, will be distributed by Professor Young in your politics class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, instructor, or stave. You will not pull pranks, especially not like the one that was pulled final stage night. You will respect the Ministry representative. I will give you advance entropy next workweek. In the meantime, start thinking up a few interrogative to ask our candidates in case they have time to do a doubt and answer session."Kendrick resumed his seat.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so grievous,"John said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"Rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the school day properly. If she wins, chances are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a good display next week if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few first age looked over at him and he lowered his interpreter."I mean, Kendrick took over as headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped reconstruct the spot. How can she force out somebody who helped reconstruct Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to hope your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Georgia and Omar Bradley and Cedric wo n't be glad but can you imagine what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"lustrelessness said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to convert it."

"Guess we 're going to find out next Sat,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to watch it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to Matt and himself."Our papa are two of the congresswoman, so I bet we 'll have to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really fascinating, thaumaturgist politics. In some ways it 's completely the Sami as Muggle politics, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"Rose agreed.

"You can own my ticket if I get one,"Saint John told her."It 's going to be harder to doze off if I 'm in the Same room."

"Same here,"Kaden said.

Rose rolled her eye."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the evening in the library ?"

The boy reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their prep the previous night due to the caper and had multiple assignments due the next day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor pillar and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the subroutine library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome. Big thanks to all my writing friends that I word war with. There are now too many to name individually, but they are awing.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a trigger-happy electrical storm, one that Albus hoped would pass before Saturday, when he would have to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling lots better after a decent night 's nap, although he was dreading having to go to chronicle of trick first affair in the morning again. Whose bright estimate was it to render them that course of study two good morning in a row ?

The post owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his family owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his plate with intellectual nourishment. His parents only occasionally sent him post now that he was in one-fourth year and no longer needed a missive from them every former day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Hotspur 's shrieking owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his fork down and untied the letter of the alphabet from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his schnoz in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the letter of the alphabet and saw his face go from vague curiosity to slight horror and then finally extreme disgust. Walker Percy 's letter of the alphabet were always concern and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"unlikely !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James asked as he snatched the letter out of Cedric 's manus."Is he making you sit next to him while he debates adjacent week ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room !"

"Seriously ?"Jesse James asked as he settled down to scan the missive."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you better than this ... stunts like these could ache my chances for a win in April ... must learn to retrieve about the consequences of your actions ... 5th year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... clock time to develop up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his bacon with a bit too much effect."He really believes I did it. And with no grounds !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that article. The portion where you mentioned that you like pulling pranks. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh wait, hey ! He 's going to enjoin my parents that I was in on it too !"Jesse James slammed the letter of the alphabet down."No way they 'll believe him without substantiation though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the part where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without proof,"James said.

"Yeah but our records are n't exactly clean,"Cedric pointed out."merlin, I wish I 'd thought up this prank. It was account worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin vulgar room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before first year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd like to get some tips,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his savage blushing was n't detectable. He could not think that Hotspur actually believed Cedric pulled the prank without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in trouble without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt dreadful that Percy had even had the boldness to accuse Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to figure out who did it,"James decided."To clear our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that intemperately. No prank can be done without grounds left behind. It 's impossible to do in this place. We 'll look for hint around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are right. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should utter to the wraith, too,"Epistle of James said."They wander at all hours."

"Right,"Cedric agreed."topper be off to class now, though.

Albus turned to John after his comrade and cousin had left the table. trick and matte had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James to discover the full conversation. Both boys were pale than usual and Albus was trusted he was as well.

"Myrtle saw us,"Matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their suspect list."

"D'you think your own comrade would turn us in ?"John asked.

Albus laughed."Of course he would. He 's my brother."

"Good point,"John muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"Hope Myrtle does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."Matt sighed.

"On the plus side, we 'll be Hogwarts legends,"john said.

"Tell that to my parents,"lustrelessness replied.

Albus thought about James and Cedric 's quest to figure out who pulled the chicken prank during the entirety of History of thaumaturgy. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to myrtle. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the morning, not that they 'd left Gallus gallus in the Slytherin common room. sure as shooting, there might have been random crybaby feathers in the common room that morning but the star sign ELF would possess already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Bradley. Albus 's stomach dropped. Would Omar Bradley rat out Albus in lodge to save his own brother from potential trouble ? Albus liked to reckon not, especially since doing so would impeach Bradley as well. But it was possible that Bradley would call for Cedric to leave him out of it when he told Kendrick in rejoinder for the information in the offset post. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so jumble and there were too many possibility.

Matt and John looked equally disturbed by the possibility. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at Professor Binns but not looking at him. matte was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook computer. toilet was twirling his pinion around in his hand and had splattered ink all over himself and his story of Magic book.

Albus was grateful that they had Care of Magical animal future, despite the steady downpour. They would be capable to verbalise. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular lesson he had an genuine unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, can, and lusterlessness, unicorns did not like boys and thus had an excuse to fall back and talk.

"The lone way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Bradley and Omar Nelson Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to choose notation on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the missy of the class.

"Or if they talk to myrtle and put the clues together,"flatness pointed out.

"What clues ?"John asked."We did n't exit anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said nothing can be done at Hogwarts without someone knowing about it. For all we know there was another ghost lurking by the Slytherin common room while we were there that we did n't notice,"matte explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the common room last night-"

"We 're rarely in the usual room,"whoremaster said."Not since we found the marauder 's Den."

"True. They could also talk to Bilius or Ethan and find out that we got back at four in the morning. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, commemorate ?"Matt said.

"That would n't secern them anything more than myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few eminence about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find plume or chicken feed or something ?"Matt asked.

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The planetary house elves clean everyday,"John said."I think Albus is correct. The only way they 'll do it is if they talk to Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's representative trailed off. He knew how much of a rotten prevaricator he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking banker's bill on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"Matt finally said."We ca n't stop them or distinguish them not to investigate because that would count untrusting. All we can do is hold back and hope they do n't fancy it out."

Albus nodded. lustrelessness was completely ripe, of class. But what Albus did n't say was that James and Cedric would figure it out. They were the schooltime pranksters and for the foremost time they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the schooling 's prank experts and could easily keep an eye on the lead that would take them right to their own brother and cousin.
******


The fierce thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Saturday morning and the conditions could not give birth been better for Quidditch. It was gay, with slight cloud cover and little malarky. The temperature was mild for November. Weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch match. No, the team that won would win solely based on their skill.

The Hogwarts universe, both pupil and professors alike, were very excited for the friction match. household Quidditch had been suspended the previous year in social club for the Quidditch and Dueling contender with the schools from New York and Commonwealth of Australia, although the final match in the Quidditch event had been a tragedy. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for things to go back to normal and that included House Quidditch.

Normal also included the taunting that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right field before the mates. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to watch out else he find himself in the hospital extension for days. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't possess sufficiency Quidditch skill to be on a shaver 's squad. He tried his considerably to brush off the taunting from the actual Slytherin squad as well, but still found his belly was a bit too sickening to eat much more than toast.

The squad gathered around Fred in the changing way shortly before the match, set up to get a line his first team speech communication.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our pattern have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so watch yourselves. They also have two new players, a Chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new Chaser is a endorsement year and the new Beater is a 3rd year, so I do n't guess we 'll make much issue there. I 've seen them exercise and they still do n't work as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and play like we did two age ago and we 're sure to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the pitch. The priming was voiced beneath Albus 's feat, but not too muddy, which would gain for a good kick off. He stood in between Heather and James while Fred went to agitate mitt with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean mates and then the two master crunched each other 's mitt. Oteski released the Bludgers and snitch and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the ground and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Todd Smith announced."First sign match in two years due to the open frame finally year, during the competitions with the other schools. Both team have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new Chaser, second year John Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third twelvemonth Devon Fanny Wright. Gryffindor has a new keeper, fourth year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his attention from Smith as the fellow Gryffindor began to announce the names of the relaxation of the players. Leaning forward on his ling, Albus soared to the other side of the pitch, where Fielding was attempting to bemuse the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular save by Creevey !"Julia Evelina Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in self-control. Heather Weasley in possession, passes to Albus ceramicist ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other side of the pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's Chasers but was hit by a Bludger sent from Richard Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and trail Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to capture the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This time Albus made it to the Slytherin goal postal service and feigned aright before sending the Quaffle soaring through the left hoop.

"Score !"Adam Smith announced."Albus Potter scores the 1st end of the match. Ten points to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the match continued in the Sami fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging hands, rendering it very difficult for Smith to hold back up with the commentary. Gryffindor maintained a near unceasing account of twenty points ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two More end and assisted on five more. The Slytherin chaser looked more and more fed up as the match wore on.

An hour and a one-half into the match Albus saw King James desolate his position above the rest period of the role player and fly towards the undercoat. Hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's quester, followed.

"Looks like Potter has seen the stool pigeon !"Joseph Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin destination posts. William James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering target when Devon Wilbur Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving nothing in between the bat and James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with King James I 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the background. Albus stopped where he was.

The intact crew gasped, with the exception of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling stoolpigeon in his outstretched deal. Albus ignored this and flew directly to Henry James, who was clutch his leg on the ground.

Albus abandoned his heather once he landed and hurried towards James IV. He was surrounded by Madam Pomfrey, prof Oteski, Professor Kendrick, professor Longbottom, the ease of the Gryffindor team, and surprisingly, Devonshire.

Albus paused to take care at the young woman. She was pocket-sized, like nigh instant age are, but muscular. Her dirty blonde haircloth was in a mussy bun and her nerve was streaked with tears. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm distressing"over and over again.

"Foul !"Heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James to the Hospital extension and then we 'll worry about a rematch,"Neville said as Madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, someone with some signified around here,"dame Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The crowd quickly dispersed as Madam Pomfrey guided the copestone towards the castle, followed by the gathered professors. After a few min, professor Patil ordered the sleep of the students to get back to their rough-cut rooms. Albus walked back to the castle with his squad, who were heading straight to the infirmary Wing.

James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer breach. He no longer looked to be in painful sensation, but looked like he wanted to hex the entire Slytherin squad. brothel keeper Pomfrey appeared in straw man of them before they could hand William James 's bed.

"Ten minutes,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the first gear thing out of King James 's oral cavity."No one will tell me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"Fine, now. Just a short painful. brothel keeper Pomfrey said I can lead tomorrow afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two seconds from catching the stoolie when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she intend she is ? Does n't she know the rules of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their musician these days ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the live on second and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"James River asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"Calluna vulgaris agreed."I do n't get laid if they 'll give us a rematch."

The doors to the Hospital Wing opened, revealing the Beater in question. She walked tentatively in spite of appearance and stopped when she saw the stallion Gryffindor team. Madam Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in voices too quiet to take in before she walked slowly over to James 's bed.

"I know you probably detest me and I do n't blame you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an fortuity. I swear it. It was my inaugural match."

Albus glanced at the repose of his team. Their looks of disarray mirrored his own thoughts.

"Er, well, thanks for the apology, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"St. James replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. She handed it to Epistle of James, her optic staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the stallion clock time."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devon said and turned to run from the ward, before any of the Gryffindor team had time to respond.

"That was strange,"James muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone fancy some umber ?"

"She 's got a crushed leather on you,"Ryan announced.

"Does not,"Epistle of James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone give us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"well clearly some of them have consciences,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's dozen,"James said flatly.

"Girls mature faster than blokes."Heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about compensate for you."

"Shut up,"St. James the Apostle muttered."Not sharing my coffee anymore."

"Ten minutes are up !"lady Pomfrey announced as she returned to Saint James the Apostle 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few awful looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the relief of the team bade Saint James au revoir and left the infirmary Wing. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the common room. Albus found his Quaker at a table near the threshold to the dormitories and sat down to explicate the entire Devonshire Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken Epistle of James 's leg ?"can asked.

"And she apologized ?"lustrelessness added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John agreed."I 'm storm she 's on the team. Is n't it a demand for the Slytherin team to be a fan of fierceness ?"

"She might not be on a lot yearner, right ?"Matt asked.

"It was an stroke,"Albus said."I already said that. The ease of the squad saw it and so did half the prof. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not bonny,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

"It 's only the first match,"Albus pointed out."Plenty to a greater extent clock time to gain those points back. And their Seeker is awesome anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if James I had n't throw been hit."

Albus, matt, and john spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's probability of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the skill level of all the players on all the theater and the points earned so far, along with the possible weather preventive that were surely to get along. Kaden paid tending, but did n't add very much except for the periodic comment about how something was different in football. Amanda did the same, salve for the football remark. Rose sigh and dug a leger out of her bag and take it until they had finished.

Professor Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare natural event due to the fact that he has a wife and young fry in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castle for classes and Quidditch matches. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the stallion Hall silent.

"The other professor and I have reviewed the events at today 's match,"Oteski began."We 've taken into chronicle a few select students'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the prof'. I have come to the conclusion that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's searcher with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate person accident. No disciplinary legal action will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their tabular array and saw that Devonshire Richard Wright was the only Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her head on her hand and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't remember there 'd be a replay,"Fred said."But listen, we can still win. Losing the first of all match does n't have in mind we 'll turn a loss the Cup."

"Someone 's going to have to recount Saint James the Apostle,"Calluna vulgaris replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly sealed he can bet the number of prison term he has n't caught the Snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the time James had lost a lucifer against Linda the vampire and hid in the Shrieking Shack. Luckily his brother had come a long way from that and would not experience the need to hide after missing the Snitch.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the side by side month at least.

If you are enjoying this storey ( or any of my fib ), head over to the forums and appoint one for a Dobby honour ! Be sure to read the rule before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very lighten that he was not given the chore of telling Jesse James that there would not be a replay. Fred, being the skipper, took that job for himself and the eternal sleep of the team merely went with him. James was understandably upset, but did n't accept the news nearly as badly as Albus would have expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a pocket-size amount. On Billy Sunday, James was released from the Hospital Wing and lifespan at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a two-baser form of potions and single socio-economic class of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his admirer had politics and this was the day where they would find out who would get to sit in the Great Asaph Hall during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more talkative in the mo before professor Embry began social class. virtually of the educatee hoped that they would get to hang the argument, with the elision of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and Matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. rose had also found out that since she was Percy 's niece, she would also get to hang no topic what.

"settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how aroused you are for Sabbatum 's debate. It 's very turn on to see Danton True Young people so interest in politics. Since I know none of you will pay aid during family unless I announce who gets to serve before I begin, I will announce them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a piece of sheepskin on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to attend the argument without being chosen. matt Eckerton and Albus potter, since both your fathers are heads of section at the Ministry you will be able to attend. rosebush Weasley, since you are related to one of the candidates, you may wait on as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not shoot away spots from the fixture student body.

"One boy and one girl were picked randomly from each year, for each theatre. So eight students from each yr were chosen tot up. For Hufflepuff the lucky two are Olivia Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blonde haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was hush, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic call and the sleep of the division clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning bookman were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"Congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the only debate to take piazza at Hogwarts and for the next one, dissimilar students will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to report to the Great Hall at ten o'clock in the morning. The disputation will begin at eleven. You will give your name to whichever professor is waiting by the doorway and then a Prefect will show you to where you are supposed to sit. Saami goes for you, mat, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the parchment down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the tables of his student."Now, what Professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both prospect will be hosting two joint query and answer sessions. These will be for scholar and Hogwarts stave only. The same students chosen to advert the debate will be able to attend the question and answer school term. It will take place at three in the Great Hall. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the wireless. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration classroom. Please report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no affair whether they are attending the debate or listening on the tuner are expected to spell a foot long essay on which prospect you thought was more successful in making their percentage point. It will be due at the beginning of succeeding week 's class."

The total year groaned at the mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his lecture. They had finally made it into the twentieth hundred, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The rest of the week passed very slowly. The Hogwarts students were getting very excited at the expectation of the candidates arriving for their debate, with the exception of Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to attend the disputation, were catching a trivial bit of excitement. Albus was rather shocked at how the majority of the students were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with politics and the Ministry of conjuring trick, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when newsman from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"Want to take bet on how quickly they find you ?"privy asked as they passed two reporters on their way to care of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the newsperson. One was a very marvelous and lanky man, with messy brown hair and considerable stubble on his face. He was frantically writing down questions that the other newsman, an equally tall woman with huge red mouth and black hairsbreadth, was asking an uncomfortable looking first year.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak doors.

Albus had absolutely no desire to come along in any topic of the Daily Prophet. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental bill to warn Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric about them the next time he saw his two cousins.

In an effort to void the reporters, Albus, matte, and John spent their disengage period after magic spell in the vulture 's Den. With any luck when the Ministry official arrived the newsperson would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts educatee. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At dejeuner, after Care of Magical Creatures, he found out that no less than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that dawn.

The official were arriving just as Albus and his friends were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the grand staircase while the blue-robed witches and ace entered the Great Hall, gracefully avoiding the reporters that were standing following to the entrance to the Great dormitory. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Walker Percy, and mat 's dad.

The staff tabular array had been magically elongated enough to offer seats for all of the Ministry official, who had at sat down and began speaking with the prof. Albus and his supporter all found hind end at the Gryffindor table, near all his cousin. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter of the alphabet. He then crumpled it up and then set fire to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that prank, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to make prison term to utter with me before he leaves."

"We 'll find out,"James said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't fancy talking to her."

"She 's our last hope,"William James said."We 're going to determine her. After all this debate clobber is over."

Albus let out a suspiration of assuagement. He had two more days. In all honesty, he 'd nearly forgotten about Cedric and James 's pursuance to feel out who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room. But apparently his brother and full cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great Hall was broad."On behalf of myself, the eternal sleep of the Hogwarts staff, and the Hogwarts scholarly person trunk, I 'd like to welcome our Ministry representatives to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd wish to introduce everyone.

"First, our nominee,"Kendrick gestured to Harry Hotspur and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his leftfield."Our electric current diplomatic minister, Langston Hartwell."

The rest of the functionary were interlard amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired witch sitting in between prof Patil and Cedonia."principal of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to lustrelessness 's dad who was sitting future to Albus 's dad and prof Trelawney."forefront of the Department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

Half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at Matt, who gave a smiling and shrugged. Never one to talk about his mob, most of Gryffindor was incognizant of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm sure you all remember Harry ceramicist, head of the Auror section,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's other consultant, who had claim that were just as prospicient and confusing as Percy 's stream job claim. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his bridge player and food appeared on all the tables.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch practice for the next day since it was scheduled for the same time as the interrogative and resolution session. The residuum of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large amount that were related to Sir Henry Percy, were going to attend the debate. Both Gospel According to John 's footling sister, Asthyn, and Saint James 's honorable friend, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After afters had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the prison term of the next day 's debate and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry officials would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own rest home for the Night. Cedric took off for the common room as soon as he had finished feeding, in rules of order to deflect his father.

Albus and his friend decided to stay in the common way that nighttime since everyone was so lively and the excitement was catching. John brought a deck of Exploding Snap down from his body and the six friends sat around a remit performing for at to the lowest degree an hour. Kaden had just had the wit explode in his face when the door to the common elbow room opened and someone gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the commons room went silent. Percy was standing in the room access, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eyes landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his stock of Skiving Snackboxes with Jesse James and Nathan. Cedric went as pale as Moaning Myrtle.

"Cedric,"Hotspur said quietly."I need to address with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his nates, glancing at his friends. Rose was giving him a disapproving look while mat, privy, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrow. This was preposterous. Why could n't Percy let it go or believe his son ? Or at least deal with it privately ? It was unfair of him to storm into the Gryffindor common elbow room and call out his own son like that.

Percy shook his principal."Cedric, you 've pulled caper like this ever since you were little. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Sir Henry Percy said."This is not acceptable. Now I 'd like to utter with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed heavily and looked at mat, Saint John, and Kaden each in turn. prank were all in thoroughly fun, but not when unacquainted mass were punished for them. And Albus had no dubiousness that Percy would punish Cedric whether he had validation or not. Cedric 's by betrayed him and Sir Henry Percy was too focused on winning the election to give his son the welfare of the doubt. Albus did not like his full cousin taking the fall for something he and his Quaker did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a slight nod of his head. John and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to mean"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."Wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your concern,"Percy said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

St. James the Apostle burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's courteous and all of you to try and continue Cedric out of hassle, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin usual room."

"It was n't only him,"John said, standing up."Kaden and I did most of it. Al was just a look out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his Quaker suddenly jumped up from their rear and bowed in front of Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The entire unwashed room exploded in applause and whistles. Albus could n't avail but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in hassle. King James gave Albus an odd feeling before breaking out in a wry smiling himself. A few first days ran up and high-fived them. Victor-Marie Hugo was practically rolling on the flooring laughing.

"Enough, enough !"Walker Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd better come with me. You three as well."He gestured to Matt, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Percy out of the rough-cut room to Kendrick 's study. On the way there Albus could n't help but discover that his uncle did n't really take the air. He strutted, almost like he owned the place. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his head teacher Boy days. oral sex Boy was probably now well out of reach for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to become a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's study Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry officials were there, including his own sire. Matt had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the male child and then looked questioningly up at Harry Hotspur."I think we need a consequence of privacy,"Kendrick said to the officials,"except Harry and Walter."

The rest of the official left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his hind end behind his desk and conjured enough chairs for the remaining people. Albus took a seat in between Matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that prank last week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Walker Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a private talk, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chickens in the Slytherin park room prank ?"

"Yes,"Sir Henry Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

matt 's dad let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Gospel According to Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to deplume pranks."

"It was our idea,"bathroom said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was keep a aspect out while we were in their coarse room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his paw on his desk."All four of you broke school ruler and you will be punished. Fifty points from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As a good deal as I 'd like to start your detainment tomorrow we have other matters happening in this palace and none of the faculty is free to supervise. You will commence your hold on Mon evening and you will give it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and flatness said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple schoolhouse rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the hebdomad before the first tournament-"

"Your teams will take in to hold recitation without you, Mr. ceramicist,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"Matt asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, replete moon is Tuesday,"flatness muttered.

"Right,"Kendrick replied."Attend the custody that you can and whichever I you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Bruno Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. Matt 's situation is vastly different from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheeks reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his nap when he found out Albus would miss at to the lowest degree two practices for detention. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's post on Monday at seven. He 'll give you far statement on what your custody will entail. Now, get back to Gryffindor column,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his stern. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to possess to tell your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do want to tell you that I 'm proud of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As disappointed as I am that you pulled that buffoonery, I am very glad to possess such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. induce a good nighttime and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"making love you too,"Albus said quietly.

lusterlessness was having what was surely a interchangeable talk with his own father and once they were finished, the four boys left Kendrick 's field and went immediately back to Gryffindor tug.

"Seven detentions,"whoremaster muttered as they walked up a set of stair."septenary. This is spoiled than that time in second base year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to cite the full stop,"Albus replied.

"And custody with Filch no LE,"lustrelessness said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

John the Evangelist grinned."about definitely worth it."

Albus and lusterlessness gave each early looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 point from Gryffindor, seven custody with Filch, and no Quidditch drill for a hebdomad was not worth it.
***


In true Hogwarts fashion by the side by side morning at Breakfast the stallion school knew that it had been three Gryffindor quartern years and one Gryffindor tierce year that had managed to pussyfoot into the Slytherin green room and deposit two crybaby and a rooster, as well as cover the total billet in bird come. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's loss of 200 spot put them in the trail for the House Cup. Gryffindor was now dead death and the early Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his friends and their repugnance that the prank had cost them so many gunpoint.

rosebush and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boys told them their fate the previous night. They were angry about the loss of decimal point, though. Rose was especially disgusted by Saint John the Apostle and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry officials were at the staff table, whereas the house tables were not nearly as full as the late day. It seemed that some educatee had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed too soon.

There was a whoosh of annex and Albus looked up to see that the position owls had arrived. His heart started beating faster and he swallowed hard upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red envelope in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew closer. His friends glanced up and saw the howler just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in figurehead of Albus 's dental plate of eggs and he took the wow in his hand before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the nearest bathroom.

The gasbag was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully hollow loo. He reluctantly opened it and the room was soon broad with Ginny 's high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS thrower, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN commons ROOM AND putting volaille IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT charge THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE looking at OUT. YOU MAY AS fountainhead wealthy person BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY BREAKING MULTIPLE SCHOOL regulation INCLUDING organism OUT OF BED AFTER HOURS.

I AM VERY disappointed. THIS IS THE sort OF THING I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT EVEN JAMES KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE telephone line. AND YOU DID N'T JUST crown of thorns THE lineage. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO rich person PERCY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS while HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A debate ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP visual aspect IN ORDER FOR HIM TO HAVE A CHANCE AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS Energy Department NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND deprivation OF POINTS. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL HAVE MORE THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The letter exploded with a legal brief pouffe of roll of tobacco. Albus stood there staring at it for a few moment. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no citation of how she was proud about his honestness, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short laugh from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpius Malfoy leaning on one of the sinks, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't expect it to be you lot. Did n't recall you 'd be smart enough to project out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the howler, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a mysterious breath and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the argumentation coming in an hour, the residuum of the pupil would leave about the joke and the red ink of points and find something new to talk over.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing mathematical group. You guys are all amazing ! Thanks for all the amazing reviews ! The new banner was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a trivial under a week left to nominate level for the Dobby Awards, so if you like this story, head over to the meeting place and nominate it ! Just commemorate to interpret the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of pupil waiting to get into the Great Hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great anteroom had been completely emptied in society for the professors to groom it for the debate. Albus craned his head in attempt to see it. As far as he could tell it looked the Lapp except the long home tables had been replaced by quarrel of seating. He, along with flatness and Rose, were only a few students away from the front of the queue.

Once they made it to the front they gave their names to Professor Longbottom and then were lede inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. Adults were milling about talking with each other and scholar were already seated. The first few words were cordoned off with rope and the Ravenclaw Prefect tether Albus, Rose, and Matt to the third roped off row. He lifted the roofy and told them to file all the way in, to the very end of the unoccupied row. Albus sat in between Rose and Matt. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry officials and their families. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the front row along with the remainder of his aunts and uncles. Georgia was also in the front row and was handing out coloring books and crayon to Samantha and lindy hop.

James II, Ben, Lily, and Hugo filed in next to spring up a few minutes later. Albus saw that Cedric and Tom Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the front row. Fred, Angie, Calluna vulgaris, and Deutsche Mark finished out their row five minute of arc later. Albus gazed around the room and descry Victoire and Teddy sitting across the aisle. Sir Henry Morton Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took seat next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to take he was surprise to see them there. in conclusion he heard she was in France and he was in Romania.

The room soon became packed with the students who had won seats as well as other hag and wizards who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in shop in Hogsmeade including Madam Rosmerta. He turned to the forepart of the elbow room and noticed that the stave tabular array had also disappeared and had been replaced with two soapbox and a small tabular array, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the door to the Great hall were shut and citizenry began to sit down. Professor Kendrick entered the room from one of its entrance hall, followed by the diplomatic minister, Albus 's dad, mat 's dad, and the brain of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The other Ministry officials were seated in the front end row.

Kendrick lead them to the pocket-sized mesa near the podium. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the forepart of the pulpit and the audience quieted.

"Welcome to the third debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts school day of Witchcraft and genius. Today 's public debate will be on education. I 'd like to introduce today 's moderator, the Head of the Department for the ascendancy and regularisation of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to matte, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. lustrelessness shook his head no and the two looked back to the front line.

Kendrick had taken his seat and mat 's dad had rose."Now I 'd like to welcome our two prospect. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was More applause as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the anteroom and took their places behind the stump. Once the applause subsided, Matt 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past argument, with five arcminute answer and two minute rebuttal. All inquiry and prompts will be about education. The debate will run for an 60 minutes and a half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then lunch will be served. After lunch there will be a short breach and then the scholarly person inquiry and answer seance will shoot lieu in this same room. Without promote arrivederci, the first enquiry. Mr. Weasley, you will answer first.

"How do you feel about the Hogwarts physical environment ? Do you finger it is adequate and conducive to learning or do you feel changes should be made ?"

Percy took a step forward and smiled at the audience."I believe that the Hogwarts rook is very tributary to learning. Being in a seclude area provides little in the way of distraction to the student. Yet the propinquity of the castle to Hogsmeade Greenwich Village gives students in tertiary yr and above a much needed breach. The only when variety I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and animate what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"matte 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts castle is very contributory to learning and I see nothing amiss with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's points are very valid."

Albus turned to matte and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. Matt 's dad seemed a footling shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few second after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no indigence for rebuttals. Moving on to the following question. Ms. Laurentis, this clip you will go first. How do you finger about the current Hogwarts curriculum ? Do you palpate the classes adequately prepare today 's immature the great unwashed for living in British wizarding gild ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts curriculum has not been updated in ten. In fact, the only new stratum that has been introduced is this year 's grade on political sympathies. programme is something that needs to change with the times and be re-evaluated at least every early year. The world is a constantly changing post and what pupil learn needs to change with it. New class should be offered and outdated course of instruction should be removed. syllabus for classes that are kept needs to vary in parliamentary law to keep up with today 's research. Potions, for case, should not be taught the Saami way now as it was forty years ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The CORE curriculum of Hogwarts is standardized to that of magical schooling all over the earth. The classes taught here offer basic and progress statement in topics that wizards need in society to function in order. We can not resist here and preach getting rid of Charms or Transfiguration in favor of some new subject field that may or may not instruct our bookman anything. Yes, the globe is constantly changing, but the basic magic spell remain the same. bookman forty years ago used 'Alohomora'to open doorway and the spell remains the Sami today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of magic spell or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Percy 's accusation."All I am saying is that we need to attend at the electives that are offered. The basic core stratum should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the same text they used thirty year ago, which is ludicrous considering how a lot has changed in their fields-"

"Your clock time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to draw out his chest a bit."Those textbooks still teach the basics ! How is a school text written conclusion year going to be any better at teaching a student how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, onetime text edition have more use transcript uncommitted making it more affordable for students from lower income families to buy their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off issue from the proposed question, but neither prospect seemed to remark or care.

"Next question. How do you feel about the way that instructor excerpt and rating is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you palpate any change are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach to teacher selection and I believe this has worked well. Ministry officials do not have the expertise to pick out teachers and leaving this up to the Hogwarts staff has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded staff at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a small education department was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the small amount of rule has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."instructor pick, along with syllabus changes, is the the look of Hogwarts that needs the most group change, in my sentiment. While prof Kendrick is a fine headmaster, I think more guidance is needed when it comes to choosing prof. For the past four old age, Hogwarts has been ineffectual to secure a denial Against the Dark Arts professor for more than two years. One only lasted a yr. early professors have been here for decades and yet others have remained even beyond their own death. There is nothing wrong, of row, with older instructor, but Hogwarts appears to have no way of evaluating these faculty members. They remain here, teaching, year after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing students with an education."

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

Walker Percy 's side had gained some color that was not always there."I hardly think it is reserve to blame Professor Kendrick for the circumstances of previous Department of Defense professors. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would happen in the end. As for the other prof, if you would count at the statistic of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. upshot of the past few old age you 'll see that the majority of students are passing. Might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would check that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for one or two prof who should not have been hired in the first property, but Hogwarts has seen Thomas More than its clean part of inadequate professors in the past times few long time. Clearly something is wrong. Sir Thomas More people need to be involved with curriculum and teacher selection."

"Next question,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you finger that the surety at Hogwarts is adequate ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could have sworn he saw Laurentis suspire and give a slight eye roll before beginning."Let 's just scream it what it is, why do n't we ? deficiency of security at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can anticipate it that, is sorely lacking. mightiness I bring up the fact that for the past three geezerhood there had been a severe breach in security here ? Three twelvemonth ago, a mathematical group of initiatory years dueled the charm prof, a seventh class, and that one-seventh yr 's father on the grounds for a meaning period of time of meter before the prof stepped in. The pursual twelvemonth, another first base year was kidnapped by that same seventh year, who had then graduated. Last year, those Lapp students were kidnapped and taken to Commonwealth of Australia of all position ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your time is up,"Matt 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Sir Henry Percy was looking More and more disgruntled. His expression now resembled his haircloth."Might I remind my opposition that following the incidental three twelvemonth ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the pursual incidents resulted in any lasting damage to any of the pupil. Last class, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous challenger that took place here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantment and all the professors are capable of protecting the students. Last yr 's incident was an extremely unfortunate person accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in student deaths !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the integral room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding biotic community that the Aurors have yet to seize the originator of that incident. Which by the way was not the only incident endure year. Last year 's Defense Against the night arts prof kept a highly dangerous animal in the castling for month before anything was done. And by the sentence it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to have it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to stay, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating pupil in his class all year, not to remark the fact that his programme were not appropriate. Following that awful rear of tube in security, regarding the animal, the same prof proceeded to reveal information that could compromise the animation of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was unsure whether matte 's dad was cutting her off because her time was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about matt. Come to imagine of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly know about Matt 's condition, could she ? Albus glanced at Matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of time,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please way out the room while dejeuner is set up. You may return in a one-half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his crook to leave the elbow room. The stallion crowd was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and matte every so often. He was tempted to skip lunch all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any reporters before and during lunch, which proved difficult because they seemed to have multiplied during the debate. All seemed not bad on interviewing him, Matt, can, and Kaden in particular due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the food in movement of them vanished and the majority of the people in the room left in order for the question and reply session to take place.

Both candidates seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Percy 's side was no longer beet red and Laurentis had fixed her hair and was wearing a smile. The newsman had been banned from the room for the duration of the session, much to their dismay. Matt 's dad also looked dependable and was standing in the front man of the room in social movement of the podiums, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was much emptier now, considering that only the student chosen to listen to the public debate and the professors were allowed in the way. Albus and Matt managed to get a few seats in the front end row. James II and Lily joined them.

Once the room access had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the question and answer session. It will run for an hour and the candidates will answer as many questions as they can during that time. Please raise your hand if you have a question."Nothing about the outbursts during the argument was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to verbalize to Laurentis and anything that he would need to ask Percy he could just ask at Christmas Day or mail him an owl. Not that he really had any question for his uncle, either.

A grandiloquent Ravenclaw boy raised his script and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This interrogative sentence is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to do Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly positive that the most move on spells are already used."

"That is very true,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to count outside the humankind of go and leave professors basic grooming in defense lawyers against intruders. I think a program, similar to very basic Auror training, would profit all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a interrogative sentence for both candidate next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible curriculum alteration,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come later. Not for at to the lowest degree two years."

"Most likely, no,"Percy said."The statistic prove that they work well as they are."

The question and solvent seance continued in the same way, proving itself very different from the debate. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his brain drifting towards what both candidates had said during the debate. He was very queer about what the Prophet would say about it the next day.

"We have clock time for one more motion,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of stand-in. A coup d'oeil at mat told him that his best supporter was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his chairperson, his eyes nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't recognize her, but she had Ravenclaw gown on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving scholar data that they could use to endanger another student. Is that really true ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded Matt in the incline and whispered to him what the question had been. Given Matt 's reaction, which was a look of utter panic, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the educatee before turning to the campaigner."You may answer the first component part of the question and that constituent only."

"It is lawful,"Laurentis said just as Walker Percy had been opening his mouth to reply."Professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a line between teaching to broadcast knowledge and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Harry Hotspur said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe instructor need to be evaluated so we can avoid this character of office,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of selective information could endanger someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the question said."cognition is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be good for professors to have curricula that they stick to."

"I just do n't translate,"the Ravenclaw went on."If people are kept in the dark they just blindly follow authority. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing similar construction. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clasp on his robe. flatness looked like he wanted his chair to swallow him up.

"We 're all out of sentence,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The prof have requested that you all return to your common rooms and that you are free to decline commentary to the newsperson that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of chairwoman as the great unwashed got up and exited the room. Matt grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his begetter, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"lustrelessness said quietly, not waiting for him to cease his conversation with Laurentis and Hotspur.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his face became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Walker Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's report and I will be there shortly."

Albus, flatness, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Harry Hotspur, who had now begun to debate about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its lobby. The room was furnished with a few sofa and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while flatness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really no-account, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not expect last year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your fault,"mat replied as he picked at a loose ribbon on the couch."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she bang, Dad ? She seemed to know an awful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The but masses at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the rest of the Ministry did have to live why I was filing a report on Balladanis lastly year. I had to founder reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf deterrent example ?"Matt asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his oral sex."There are laws protecting minor league in this sort of situation and I was not legally required to mention your name. All I had to say was that an anon. student had felt threatened by a certain deterrent example that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to plunge the investigation. That alone would not let gotten him sacked, but enough evidence was found through interview students about his teaching method acting that nil else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third yr class in my original report."

"But she seemed to bonk so much,"flatness said.

"She does n't. Politicians grace what they know in order to get elected. You do n't have to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could reckon at the curriculum for Defense for that clip of year and inquiry and human body it out, but it would call for a lot of work. And trust me, she does not hold the clip for that. Nor does she really have any intellect to care what moral it was or why a scholarly person was threatened or who that student was."

"But she said my life story had been at hazard,"flatness said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only ones who are really curious are your fellow students and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"commodity,"matte replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd better get to the headmaster 's discipline,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while mat said goodbye to his dad and then the two male child headed back to Gryffindor towboat. The reporters had either scattered or had found pupil unforced to be interviewed, for the boys came across no one but Prefects and a few first twelvemonth setting off dungbombs on their way back to the coarse room. Albus was very gladiolus to hear that Laurentis did not know the specific about what had happened with Balladanis the previous year, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever bring it up again in a disputation. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the belated update ! Time has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing mathematical group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new sports meeting the author yarn on the assembly. There 's a link to it on my author Page. Please delay it out and ask me questions !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the Prophet on Sun proved to be just as outrageous as the actual public debate had been. It took up the total front page and was ripe with inverted comma from both candidates and a few scholarly person, although none of Albus 's cousins had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the enquiry about Balladanis at the motion and answer school term had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the second page. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, arrant with a picture of the Ravenclaw in motion. His champion quickly crowded around the paper to read it over his shoulder.

CENSORSHIP AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy debate at Hogwarts
schooling of witchery and Wizardry proved
not only to be a fourth dimension to study about the
nominee'dependable opinions on magical
education, but possibly uncovered an matter
of censorship that had been looked over
final year.

Following the public debate a doubt and reply
session was held for those golden few
Hogwarts students who had gotten to sit
in the Great Hall during the debate. The
live on question was asked by 6th year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth York. During the debate
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigating of prof Tethys
Balladanis, previous United States Department of Defense Against
the wickedness Arts prof ( see article on
front man page ). York then questioned what
information had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a student 's life."

'I just inquire what information was being
taught because I 'm a firm believer that
students should never be denied
data. If it was bad enough
to endanger somebody 's life, then sure as shooting,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the entropy was .'House of York
said in an interview following the
session.

After the query was asked, debate
moderator and Head of the Department for
the regularization and Control of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
candidates that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to note that Eckerton
is the star who filed the charge
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a comment,
Eckerton said'I 'm the drumhead of the
department for the Regulation and mastery
of Magical Creatures. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the place and had
to drive action .'

The situation provided more enquiry
than answer and it will be concern
to ascertain out whether this incident plays
a further role in Apr 's election.

Albus set down the newspaper and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the prophesier have to print that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's right wing,"Amanda said to flatness later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to pull in things into a cock-a-hoop mass so she can win more voter turnout. politico turn the dewy-eyed thing into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a pile of Bertie Bott 's Every tang edible bean."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life they 're making a big good deal of."

"Honestly, I do n't cerebrate it 's actually the information that people want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions school text."Think about it. If someone were to leak the data, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying werewolves that people could figure out you were one, they 'd receive cipher else to talk about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts,"lustrelessness said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"rosiness replied."They 're concerned in the bigger issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't care what the info is that 's been censored. They just deal that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all agree that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"mat said."But that 's the thing, no one 's going to really know what it is."

"It 'll all fellate over soon enough,"Albus said."Next debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that variety of affair, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of William Ashley Sunday afternoon on the Quidditch auction pitch, which was a welcomed relief from discussing the argumentation and the election and Percy and Laurentis. He loved his champion, but they all seemed to be able to discuss the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the pitch longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the eve.

The discussion of the security review article seemed to calm down down the next day, if only because a beneficial legal age of the professor had all scheduled exams that day and everyone was busy with last min studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and vindication Against the Dark Arts, although the latter was really no different from the common worksheets. Luckily there was no test in concern of Magical brute and then Albus had a destitute period.

matt slept the entire innocent catamenia and up until dinner in hope that he would be able to serve that nighttime 's custody. He had no desire to do custody on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able to get away with just missing the next night 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll possess to pass on,"Matt said as the four son made their way to Filch 's study."pigeon hawk I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"John said."Ground 's horribly muddy after stopping point Night 's storm."

"Bet the team will love that."Albus said They had practice that night and Albus was missing it.

The boys continued their way through the rook until they made it to Filch 's subject. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to unfold the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his limb when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the crinkle on his aspect showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to monitor the male child'custody. He let the cat down on the ground and she took a swat at Kaden 's robe before darting behind a nearby suit of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the doorway behind him, despite the fact that the four boy had n't had a marijuana cigarette detention with Filch since minute year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd flooring missy 's bathroom. With soup-strainer, of course."Filch reached into his air pocket and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning myrtle 's lav,"Albus whispered to his Quaker as they distributed their cleaning implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the room access, his arms across his thorax, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scrub the base, John and Kaden doing the Same. The three had agreed to make water the detention as easy as possible for lusterlessness and thus left him the sump.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for Sir Thomas More than two minutes when he heard a splashing behind him and a girlish giggle. He turned around and saw myrtle, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the surgical incision of flooring that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my lavatory. Oh, but this fourth dimension you 've been in trouble, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin green way, is it ?"Myrtle asked."Your brother asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the words"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some hearing going in his old age. The final stage thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't know you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Vinca minor continued."I like boys who pull pranks, you know."Myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so finis that his hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some years I hardly get any male child coming in here,"myrtle said as she floated towards John."And this year there 's so many. I think you should total visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being dead,"Kaden said.

Myrtle let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped past Albus and into one of the booth, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"Sensitive type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another cheap splattering and myrtle was suddenly right in social movement of Kaden."You would be too if you were bushed !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"St. John the Apostle asked."The other ghosts float about the palace all the time."

"leave-taking the loo ?"myrtle repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to opine about my death right hand here. right wing where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the former spook ?"Saint John asked as he began to scrub one of the stall doors.

"The early ghosts do n't empathize,"Myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Grey peeress and she 's always seemed slightly miserable. But no, none of them are as miserable as me."myrtle seemed gallant about that.

"Weird,"John muttered under his breath.

"tranquillity !"Filch shouted."You 're in detention. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boys, letting out a forte wail every so often. Kaden and lustrelessness continued to scrub the story while privy scrubbed the stalls. lusterlessness was still scrubbing the swallow hole, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look miserable !"Myrtle exclaimed as Matt 's hired hand slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to pick it up and leaned on the sump, squeezing his eye shut. Myrtle floated down to hover just above the sink next to him and smiled.

lusterlessness said nothing and turned from Myrtle, to get started on the sink on the other face. Myrtle followed."You know, I 'm suffering here all the time. I just sit here and contemplate my last ..."myrtle continued.

Myrtle continued to follow matte around the bath while he was clearly trying to discount her and put as much length between them as possible. He had no luck with this since he was exhausted and myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught John Lackland 's eye as myrtle giggled for the twentieth sentence and the two shared a mum laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hours Filch finally told them they could stop. Albus 's articulatio genus and hired hand were raw and he had a smell he smelled strongly of cleanser. Gospel According to John and Kaden looked equally miserable and Matt looked as bad as he did the morning after a full moon, only without the gash and insect bite. Vinca minor looked delighted at their misery.

"Visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to lusterlessness with another giggle.

"mortal has a compaction on you,"John said to Matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"Matt muttered.

"lustrelessness and Myrtle, what an adorable couple you 'd make,"John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be well-chosen knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"Matt shouted.

"Fine, was only making a jest,"bathroom replied.

The boys walked in silence the eternal sleep of the way to Gryffindor tug. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was incertain as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, Matt immediately went to the dormitory without saying another Holy Writ to Albus, can, or Kaden.

"Leslie Townes Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"john muttered as he sat down on the nigh president and pulled up his pant leg."Look at that. My knee joint 's all red."

"Matches my fingers,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the respite of the detentions would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch drill and the last dueling praxis before the first duel. Some captain he was, missing the final practice before their first tournament. Their final recitation was Thursday even and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the practice, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The door to the park room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of course, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a pang of guilt as he watched them head up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch match until after the holidays, seeing as the next match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't help but feel that missing dueling practice right before a tournament was worse than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's workweek did not better the espouse day, when he began it with duplicate potions. Matt, feeling too ill to brew potions all morning, stayed in the dormitory to sleep, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a partner to brew that day 's wart Removal Potion. Even worse, Albus 's partner was also not in class. Slughorn saw this as the perfect chance to pair Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his caldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the ingredients. He returned a scant piece later and began to hack a shrivelfig into perfectly sized while. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to stir it.

"tidings is you and your friends got a calendar week 's hold for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your business,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by luck get Thursday off from detainment, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breaths, trying to quieten himself down. He was stirring the caldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice session,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own maitre d', missing practice because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found someone else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat spleen into the caldron with more force than was necessity."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily true, as Albus had slept too tardily that morning to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeon.

"Tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the captain ought to feature at least some acquirement at dueling."

"Why does it matter so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one praxis would create you captain."

"When the professors see what a dear job of it I do-"

"One reason, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."Give me one reason why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's face broke out in a malicious grin."One reason ? The synodic month 's going to be in an interesting phase angle tonight."

Albus lowered his vocalism."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would throw out you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the attic,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the blood drain from his face. Why had he never thought of that ? Of course there were ways Malfoy could let it slip without anyone knowing it was him."Fine,"Albus muttered."amercement. You captain the team on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't have detention on Saturday afternoon."

"fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how matter had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to chop up it with as much effect as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking face upon the vegetable 's surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another intelligence to Albus throughout the entire class, which gave Albus the control not to hex him into adjacent century after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downwards coil when Patil had them work on transfiguring dirty dog into teacups and Albus 's teacup ran across his mesa and crashed onto the floor. Politics was no advantageously because prof Embry had the socio-economic class discuss the past Saturday 's disputation, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't serve but feel as if the entire class was staring at him for the unit 60 minutes since Embry brought up the topic of his kidnapping and the sacking of prof Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden an owl at dinner party informing them that their detention would take place in glasshouse Two, where Professor Longbottom needed help transferring his dragon dung fertilizer from a huge chain reactor outside to various lot inside.

"Disgusting !"Saint John the Apostle exclaimed upon reading the note."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."Matt will be missing this one, obviously."

St. John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dormitory. He was sound asleep when I went up there to snaffle my Transfiguration Scripture at luncheon,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to bear time to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his crotch down. He had been picking at his beef stew, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his friends that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling practice session later that workweek. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see matt before the full moon moon and it was just turning out to be an awesome evening.

pink wine seemed to take Albus 's mind."We 'll go check over on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the rest of their repast and then the three son set off for the greenhouse. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the grounds and Albus knew that meant that Matt would be heading to the Hospital Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would make out to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four excavator and four sets of glove.

"lusterlessness ca n't come in tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boys the shovels and mitt."All of this,"he gestured to a gravid stilt of manure,"needs to be moved into the gage in greenhouse Two. You can depart once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the pile. It must have been at to the lowest degree six feet high school and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch sales pitch. It would look at them at least an hour. He sighed as he pulled on his baseball glove and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boy working steadily it took them an hour and a one-half to move all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor Tower and pick out the mankind 's tenacious shower. He felt sorry than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rainwater.

"Two down, five to go,"Saint John said after Neville parted ways with them on the instant floor."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really like some lines."

"I just wish they 'd strike down Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling practice ?"John asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"waiting, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your squad. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some reason he did n't require to get into why Malfoy was going to be captain for the night."And it 's only for a night."

John gave Albus a unknown spirit."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to consume detention on Thursday and overlook that practice. I 'll remind you that this trick was yours and Kaden 's melodic theme. Not mine."

"I know,"can said."But Malfoy ..."his vocalism trailed off.

Albus spent a skillful one-half hour in the shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up up and rule out that the day had been an dreaded ambition. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to take away Albus 's captaincy and give way it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the only update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


lav got his wish the following eventide when the boys spent an 60 minutes doing line of descent with prof Young, which was slightly otiose since Pres Young paid absolutely no attention to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the infirmary Wing, as they had been unable to visit Matt earlier in the day.

lady Pomfrey was refilling potion bottleful when they arrived a inadequate while later. The curtains were drawn around Matt 's usual bed while all the other beds remained vacate.

"hello, boys,"the nanny greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten minutes, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led John and Kaden to Matt 's bed, where he pulled back the mantle and entered the small arena. matte was laying in bed with a patch around his left arm and another on his os frontale.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"flatness replied."But I do n't want to sing about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hr of job,"John said."And last night we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're lucky you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"lustrelessness lamented.

"Three ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually Matt got out of the hospital backstage two mean solar day after the wide-cut moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the detention is. If it 's production line then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to vamoose it. ma'am Pomfrey wants me to rest tomorrow."

"Ca n't think of what else they 'd have us do,"John said."guesswork what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling squad 's drill tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"lusterlessness exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One practice. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are other people on your team,"Matt pointed out."One of them could take in captained it."

"As I told John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't happen again."

matte shrugged, but he did n't seem convinced. The concluding thing Albus wanted to do was tell him the genuine reason why Malfoy was going to run the practice. Matt did n't need that on his plate.

"time 's up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The endure thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other thing that the professors thought of for the boy'detainment. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldrons without conjuring trick in Professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he become in other instead. Albus spent the integral detention thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling squad and counting down the proceedings until he would be able to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really smutty,"Amanda said once the boy were back in the common room after detention. Amanda had gotten out of dueling practice before they 'd finished detention."A few of the second age were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able to execute a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he expect ?"Albus replied."They 're second years !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't deal,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really glad Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd stop otherwise."

"I would 've depart if he was on my squad, period of time,"St. John the Apostle said.

"He would n't last as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."Professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to tell him to tone it down about five times and then once one of the second years was close to crying, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but experience a bit of atonement that Malfoy made such a bad police captain, despite the fact that he did experience bad for his mate. He doubted Malfoy would bar insisting that he should receive been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would stop that.

Saturday brought with it a loud thunderstorm that rendered it nearly unimaginable to listen what anyone was saying in the Great Hall at breakfast. Albus was quite well-chosen that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the tempest would simmer down down by the fourth dimension the tourney began since his squad would necessitate to be able to discover each former speak.

Malfoy was already seated at team Seven 's spot at the Hufflepuff table when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was pleased to see that the sleep of the team was giving him a wide berth, including a few of the jr. Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the secondly twelvemonth Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So gladiolus you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot gear up ?"

There was a Greek chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's squad. The end few duelist ran into the room and snagged the last few seats, which were unfortunately future to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five minute of arc until the tournament began. He felt like he should build some sort of words, like all of his Quidditch police chief did before matches. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The commencement tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent duelist, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing hard and you 've all made large betterment. We 're going to do great, but think of, just deliver fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in practice, I think we can definitely win this."

The rest of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheer and then turned to Professor Longbottom, who had just called for attention. Albus 's squad immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the first dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the yesteryear, with two affaire d'honneur happening simultaneously. prof Cedonia is coming around with the tournament schedule, which will be given to each sea captain. Please pay attention and know when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. prof Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling circle and will announce the winners. The first gear someone to disarm their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your classes. The offset duels will get going momentarily."

prof Cedonia handed Albus a composition of parchment and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be easygoing for me to let you know when you 're to duel. I 'll state you two duels before you 're scheduled. Alice and tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the tenth duel in Neville 's ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of prison term to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overcome, having to constantly be paying attending to the listing and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duels, he managed to get the knack of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two affaire d'honneur, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a countersign the entire tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the respite of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling pack, where he was set to duel John. Two Hufflepuffs from other teams were currently battling it out and Albus was next. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to demilitarise his opponent.

"full stop to Team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus whoremonger Brickston."

Albus and whoremonger gave each former excusatory grinning before bowing and raising their baton, waiting for Neville 's okay.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker curse at John, who easily deflected it. John sent the Lapp at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending turn at whoremaster, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs Curse and nearly lost his footing. In the fourth dimension it took him to execute the counter-curse, Albus was able to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as St. John fell over. He caught toilet 's sceptre in his right helping hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to Team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on John and the two boy left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling ring.

Malfoy dueled a secondly class and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre applause. It seemed that the eternal sleep of the squad was still bitter about Thursday 's practice.

The eternal sleep of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their 2nd duel, although Malfoy had a lot more than trouble since he dueled a familiar fourthly year.

"attending, I 'd like to announce the victor !"Neville shouted a dead spell after the terminal affaire d'honneur. The integral way immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In tierce place with 44 pointedness is Team four-spot !"

cheer erupted from the Ravenclaw board, where Team Four was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In 2nd position with 52 item is squad septenary !"

The residue of Albus 's team began to shout and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't consider it ! His kickoff ever tourney as maitre d'hotel and his team had gotten 2d place ! A few people slapped him on the dorsum and he broke out into a grin.

"And in number one spot, with 55 points is squad Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheerfulness from the other end of the Hufflepuff table, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own squad had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his equanimity."I knew we could do it !"

The mesa was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to lead the room. Albus was anxious to get back to Gryffindor tugboat where he could celebrate his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, Potter,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Asaph Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got second,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"First would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got second considering how horrendous you are at practices."

"bettor than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice on Thursday. Did you notice how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a dance step closer to Albus.

"well it does n't much affair because I 'm the sea captain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his scepter, which he was still brandishing in his left mitt.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's sceptre."If you keep getting in hassle I bet they 'll substitute you."

"C'mon, Albus."Matt had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the common room."

"punter listen to him."Malfoy gave a short laugh."You 'd call back it 'd the former way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a certain time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And take that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"Matt grabbed the back of Albus 's gown and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the gang in the incoming Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to bring it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"mat said.

"Of line it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's affront !"

"I 'm used to it,"Matt said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't mean you should have to spend the rest of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would have got solved everything ?"matte asked."You just would 've sire another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't have,"flatness argued."You 've just got to ignore him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that next year he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't opine he will. Did n't they go back to planetary house teams for dueling for fifth through seventh yr this yr ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the sixth geezerhood said,"Matt answered.

"good,"Albus said."Then I just have to stomach through this year."

Albus and flatness were the last-place of their ally to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. James had set a few fireworks off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating platters upon phonograph recording of biscuit.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with nothing to do. fountainhead, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"blush wine asked as she walked up to Albus and flatness. Saint John and Kaden were behind her, a cooky in each paw.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the ingress Hall,"matt explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore custody !"

"I know, but he said something really loathsome,"Albus said and turned to John."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"Rose asked.

"He said that he was storm I was n't attacking him,"matt said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth detention over,"Matt repeated.

"But if it continues,"Rose said,"you 've got to separate Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"flatness insisted."I think he 's got enough to vex about with the possibility of the entire school getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of Merlin are we doing detention in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the accompany morning.

"Seriously,"St. John agreed."That 's not really detainment, is it ? The timber is sang-froid. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all sort of creatures in there."

"My sister did detainment in the timberland once,"lusterlessness said."She had to harvest these works Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the good moon."

"well that 's one custody you 'll never have to do."John laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some early kind of plant ?"Matt suggested, ignoring john 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The alphabetic character they 'd received had not gone into specifics. It just stated that they were to meet Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At to the lowest degree you 're not going at dark,"rose wine pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his ally had until hold went by rather quickly. They spent the minute in the common way alternating doing homework while participating in very orotund stave of Exploding Snap with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousin. Everyone was covered in ash by the time three o'clock rolled around and the boy had to run up to their hall to launder their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was piffling and was slightly confused as to how custody with Hagrid could possibly be considered detention. Perhaps prof Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his protagonist visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed spending time with him.

Hagrid was already away when Albus and the other three boys arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his side. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simpleton detainment today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn tail hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't care boys."

Hagrid gave a booming laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a crime to make 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from Vannevar Bush and trees. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a loud barque as they made their way to the woodland. Collecting unicorn hair. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the forest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their meter the premature year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn hairs for ?"John asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot more'n wands, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. Seventh twelvemonth are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn hairs so prof Kendrick volunteered you four to gather up 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for indisputable,"john muttered to Albus.

It was very dark in the forest, despite the fact that it was day. All four boy lit their sceptre and Hagrid 's pinko umbrella was providing more than lightheaded than two wands combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't encounter any hair until they were at least fifteen moment into the woodland since unicorns rarely ventured near the border.

The forest was very dense and it was difficult for them to walk future to each former. Soon, they were forced to take the air single filing cabinet through a very minor route that was riddled with tree diagram branches and tilt. Albus stumbled every so often and Matt managed to fall over three times before anyone found any unicorn hindquarters haircloth. Galloping hooves could be heard in the length and Albus figured they were Centaur. His dad had told him that there was a herd of centaurs in the wood, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty minute walk. He gestured to a nearby George Walker Bush."Jus'have a expression around here and I 'm surely we 'll find pile. This is a known country where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with bucketful in which to pull together the hair. Albus set off for the nighest bush and found a few hairs snagged in the subdivision.

"Last detention,"John said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"lustrelessness called out from a tree a few meters away.

"Do you do it what you have to do for your next 1 ?"Albus asked.

"assembly line, all three night,"Matt said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"wagerer than cleaning bathrooms again. Or digging up dragon droppings,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole clump of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half hour Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their whole step through the forest. Albus found it a little LE scarey on the walk back and he was n't for certain whether it was because he had gotten used to the dissonance or because he could see the sunshine at the boundary. He was very relieved to find that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the forest, although now that the detention was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection Stone was no long there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You cat are awful ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a excited finishing of all the papers I 'd neglected during Nov. But I won NaNo and family are over so I 'm hoping to get a good bit of writing done within the next month.


The shoemaker's last few weeks of November provided the Hogwarts students and staff with a much needed menses of calm. The next election argument would not choose spot until December and the the censorship at Hogwarts matter seemed to have died out, with the Daily vaticinator no longer publishing clause on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournament were over for the terminus, leaving the students with a bit More meter to devote to their studies. The next Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the minute Saturday in December, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the sameness of those few weeks. His daylight were filled with homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling drill. squad septenary was very well-chosen to let Albus back as their captain and most continued to ignore Malfoy during practice. Malfoy still reserved a special brilliance of hatred for Albus and his friends, but he did not attempt to start anymore duels in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

December arrived with a snow storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch team to cancel two of their practice. This gave Fred the chance to Quran the pitch for two extra practices, something that earned him a healthy dose of U-No-Poo in his break of the day pumpkin juice courtesy of James and Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of school prankster had been rightfully returned to James I and his acquaintance. The calendar week of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore japery. The Lapp could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not have it away what.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda spent the start Sabbatum of December ignoring their homework in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the sales talk for the full day, which gave Albus a much needed prison-breaking from Quidditch. John and Kaden 's location would probably only be found with the Marauder 's Map and Rose was tutoring in the library.

There was a loud squawk from outside the room, which was rose wine 's signal that she was outside and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm worried about Elsie,"Rose said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the idiot for a brother and a first cousin and uncle who want to bring back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his biz.

"No, I 'm not worried about her dullard brother. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her depicted object ?"Matt asked.

"No, she 's actually doing practically better,"rosiness said."She 's just very quiet. She never talks about anything other than homework-"

"strait like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"rose wine said flatly."Her brother walks her to the library for our sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone other than them, either."

"That is kind of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"rosiness said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"rosebush said quietly."But if she 's having issues. We all know about her family. If her brother 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to keep an eye on his babe ?"If she 's doing something her family does n't like I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"Rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something skillful. Or he 's trying to form sure she does n't spill family secrets."

"You think they have More family secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"Matt asked.

"Of course of instruction they do,"Rose said."We only found out live on year that they were related by matrimony to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in low gear or secondly year."

Matt shuddered."Probably a good thing that I did n't. I probably would hold refused to hail to Hogwarts."

"virtually pure-blooded families like them have drear secrets,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquidity on his robes."The ones that want the blood to remain pure and gormandise. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to assure someone,"rosebush stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm for sure it does."

"The alone problem for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in pokey, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"mat said darkly.

pink wine got up and started walking around the elbow room."To be honest, I do n't know how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to take station in Britain. Think about it, live on year he had the excuse of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this yr. He 's a Ministry official. A horrid one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his best stake to be trying to convey back Voldemort."

"That did n't even wreak,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a ghostwriter of him, with the Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"matt pointed out.

"He was a secretary for the Obliviator billet. That 's a short different from a headland attitude,"Rose explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping unavowed and I bet it 'll ingest something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when Rose is tutoring her."Albus turned to Rose."You think you could try and get her to open up ?"

"Well she 's not going to just do out and recount me. I can try, but it 'll deal a piece,"Rose said.
***


Albus told John and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that Night. trick proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that missy from the moment they had seen her at the showtime of the yr. Both boy agreed that they needed to find oneself out what it was she was keeping confidential. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but John and Kaden mysteriously went quiet as soon as Albus brought the issue up.

Albus laid awake that night for a long time thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not shake the figure of speech of her with Felix and Malfoy in the origin of the twelvemonth from his idea. She had looked so shy and devoid, far too innocent and young to be involved with anything like what her family was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't certain why since Lily was anything but timid.

Morning arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only draw a few minute sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the usual elbow room. He knew he would n't be able to fall back gone.

Upon arriving in the rough-cut way, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his centre and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The picture before his eye was real, and it was painful to calculate at.

The Gryffindor mutual way was no longer red and gold. It was now decked out in green and ash gray. The comfy couches and chairperson were gone and had been replaced instead with banner classroom chairs. assorted banners were hung up in the way that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor unwashed room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common room to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the common way was not the weirdest alteration, by a recollective blastoff. The unknown new plus to the Gryffindor common room was a grey and blanched goat. It was standing in the middle of the room, its headway down and buried in a Book. The thing about goats, though, was that they did not delight book the way people did. Goats ate account book. This goat was currently munching on The touchstone Scripture of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's optic drifted from the goat and around the room again, where he now noticed remainder of other books, shaft, homework, and even a cloak.

The Goat looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the book. Albus crept a petty closer and noticed that a sign was affixed to the goat. It said 'The Gryffindor Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next metre, think twice about putting chickens in our uncouth way .'

Albus stood in the middle of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the note and back again. A Goat ? That did n't even earn any sense. Not only that, they were clearly trying to imitate King John and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his middle away from the goat and ran back up the coiling staircase until he got to his own dormitory. He flicked on the lights and Ethan, the clear sleeper of the bunch, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the dawn !"

"I know it 's six in the break of the day !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the common room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke Matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the common room. Their shouts of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and lustrelessness followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their retaliation,"Albus said, handing St. John the Apostle the Federal Reserve note.

Albus took a detour to the thirdly year 's dorm to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roommates got up as well and soon there was a large bunch in the common way. By the time Albus entered the room again, the offset, irregular, and sixth years were all there. The 7th and one-fifth long time were right behind him.

The vernacular elbow room was in chaos. James IV, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the Goat. The prefects were all congregated in one daub, clearly trying to enter out what to do. A tail of the students were standing wintry, with face of horror on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the prank had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the goat for the copy of the Standard Book of Spells : Grade Two, which evidently was his.

The miss'hall door opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. rose wine and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the relief of the son, who were receiving numerous stares and blaze from their fellow bookman. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his friends for the Slytherins'indigence for revenge.

"What in the name of Merlin happened ?"Rose asked.

John handed her the note."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to make out, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"John the Divine said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"rosebush said.

"All right, muted everyone !"Albus 's cousin, marking, shouted over the crew. He was one of the sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dorm. I 'm going to fetch prof Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

Mark sighed, as if thinking he should have known."Al, abide down here. The rest of you, back on a higher floor.

rosiness handed Albus the note back and she and the rest of Albus 's friends turned to go back to their residence hall. There was a general murmuration and voicelessness as everyone left. Soon, the mutual room was void except for Albus, the Goat, and the six Prefects. Mark left in order to go get Professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while chump was gone. Albus stood off to the side, as he did not know the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as booster of his cousin.

Mark returned ten hour later with Professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the goat to the banners and back to the Capricorn.

"Albus discovered it,"Mark said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Capricorn had been chewing on one of Victor Hugo 's Christian Bible so he took that. And soul 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can regain any clue to envision out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his hall, where he found not only all of his roommate but Kaden as well, discussing the prank. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"Find anything out ?"John asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boys whiled away the clock time until breakfast by trading Chocolate Frog wag, playing rounds of Exploding crack, and discussing the Quidditch time of year. matt fell back asleep after defending the cannon to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their door a few minute later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke Matt up and the boys went back down to the common room. It looked normal once More. All remainder of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in wad. The classroom chairs had disappeared and the regular comfy couch were back. Albus was relieved to see their plebeian way back to its usual DoS, although that did zippo to satisfy his oddment about who had done it.

"Wonder what they did with the goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"matt said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's chum. He owns the Hog 's drumhead in Hogsmeade. Keeps laughingstock in his pub. Wyrd bloke,"lustrelessness answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great Hall was populated only by Gryffindor students, which did not storm Albus in the slight given the early 60 minutes and the fact that it was Sunday. The prof were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No doubt that Longbottom had told them about the put-on. Slughorn in particular looked faze.

rose convinced the rest of the group that it would be a good idea to head to the library after breakfast to make advantage of the fact that it would be empty. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to make up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hours of studying Albus felt his aid showtime to stray. The library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the place like a hawk. The doors opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk in, followed by her brother and Scorpio. Scorpius 's eyes met Albus 's and he veered from his little radical in Holy Order to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your common room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course of study not. It 's all over the schoolhouse. Everyone knows that your common room looked like an extension of mine this morning. And that stooge, I heard it ate a few books. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the professors to try it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't have left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"Saint John said flatly."Albus confessed to preserve his first cousin and crony who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just recount me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the common room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his friends had used the invisibility Cloak to figure out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not ingest an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't state you how I did it."With one more glare at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our plebeian way ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No estimation,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first yr into telling him what it was,"bathroom said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't sleep together it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find out who it was, either,"rose said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"shot it does n't really weigh at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's time for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

Rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn into a huge prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the point,"John replied.

If John and Kaden were trying to start a put-on war Albus did n't want any percentage of it. He had had plenty detentions for a life-time and did not hope spending anymore of his Hogwarts career scrubbing lav or doing lines. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. toilet and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to work on their side by side prank.

Later that day at dinner Professor Kendrick gave a very rump lecture to the entire school about breaking normal, especially the rules about not entering common rooms that were not yours. It was very exchangeable to the lecturing he gave after the chicken prank, except this sentence Albus could tell that the headmaster was even more angry. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not look guilty at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's Goat ( as the antic had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. nearly of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip and then the winter holiday. prof Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those students who wished to stay menage during the vacation, although none of Albus 's friends signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to remain,"trick said as prof Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this twelvemonth since there 's some big Ministry Dec 25 party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"Matt said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the second year in a row,"Albus replied.

matte nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay succeeding year,"Kaden said."Then I can go a whole shoal class without seeing my grandparents. Or aunty Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good intellect to continue at Hogwarts over the vacation."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castle 's not bad at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Christmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's house was Jewish and celebrated Channukkah.

"You 're welcome to number to our grandparents'menage for Christmas this year,"Rose suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure as shooting they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got Wiley Post,"Albus said, gesturing to Rose 's kinsfolk 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, good !"pink wine said as she ripped spread out the missive. She scanned it for a consequence before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a quizzical look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's subject area at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how tryout are run. I think it 's going to be the most interesting one since both Uncle Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their horizon on that topic."

That was for sure. This disputation would probably be even more explosive than the one on Education."You 'll make to let us know all the details,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"blush wine replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything 2nd hand from the Prophet."

She had a point there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that Rose was the one going and not him. As much as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his friends than sitting in a courtroom listening to politicians all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with school ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update Thomas More often.


The week leading up to the Hogsmeade trip dragged by very slowly. Albus was certain that Midweek in particular was at least twice as long as a convention day and by the prison term Friday finally decided to make an appearance Albus was sure he would go insane from all the preparation he had to fill in. Tuesday had been the full synodic month, but luckily Matt left the hospital wing Th afternoon and had been cleared by Madam Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Saturday arrived there was a receive break in the blizzard that had blanketed the Hogwarts evidence in two invertebrate foot of snow. Albus and his friends slept late and by the time they woke up Rose had already left to go to that day 's debate. Albus, Matt, and bathroom quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to will."Albus ! Glad I found you. I booked the auction pitch for today at three since there 's a break in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As practically as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trip-up were rarified function and he had Christmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other team have booked the pitch shot. It 's booked solid the rest of the week and we need another practice in before break starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was mighty, of path. He glanced at his sentry. It was noon, so if they hurried through lunch he would still birth a good two hours in the village."All right wing. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to encounter James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to provide, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, St. John the Apostle, lusterlessness, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the library finally calendar week and overheard Saint James the Apostle asking some Hufflepuff fifth year out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."Wait, Jesse James has a day of the month ?"

"St. James the Apostle asked a girl out in the library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't distinguish him that Rose and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd murder us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They proficient not be in Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't project going in there to distinguish him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the musical theme of James River asking a girl out in the library of all places. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd make out to becharm a glance of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to entrust her to go to Quidditch recitation,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the common elbow room.

"He will if the escort 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"Well let 's hurry up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can estimate out who this girl is."

Albus hurried out of the common room followed by his friends. They ate a very rush along lunch in the Great dorm and then ran outside and down the path to Hogsmeade. As they neared the village Albus kept his eyes peeled for his pal.

"Where to first ?"Matt asked.

"Weasleys',"can and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a glimpse. They should accept known. They followed John and Kaden as the two mischievous boy led the way to Weasleys'genius Wheezes.

The shop was packed to capacity as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George who was behind the counter ringing mass up as fast as the till would let him. shimmy was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. John Lackland and Kaden each grabbed two as the boys passed.

Albus grabbed a few extendible auricle as his seemed to have disappeared and a box of Deluxe Whizbangs for James for Christmas. He joined the long waiting line at the trough and was joined by John the Evangelist and Kaden who each had arms overflowing with products. mat and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few pigmy whiff that were in a cage in the front of the memory.

"Neither of you have seen James IV, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"bathroom said."Bet they 're at the 3 Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. brothel keeper whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"brothel keeper Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying lieu. Covered in ruffled thing, and ping stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and John both agreed. They would look for James, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, can, and Kaden had their provision.

The following occlusion was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on confect and Albus bought a Christmas present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle shop and then the tierce broomstick. Albus had yet to see James, but his prison term was quickly running out. He had a one-half hour before he had to head back to the castling for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the eternal rest of the group found a table. Luckily Scorpius Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his brother 's companion red hair. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's table so all he knew was that she had very long, very straight brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to matte, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the young woman is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"John said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the fifth year prefects."

"Wait, so James not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"Guess so."John shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to have to look on his step."

"You realize that there 's a unspoiled chance one of us might be a prefect future year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll nibble Bilius or Ethan,"John said."They 'd never pick me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"Well pink wine is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just let to sneak around more next class,"John said."Ca n't own a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"lusterlessness said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's form of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a store where someone was murdered."

"Still, it 's just strange,"lustrelessness said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"somebody might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not desire to do anything with it or sell it."

"dead reckoning that 's a proficient detail,"Matt said.

"Look, James River and the girl are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his death chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side by side of meat out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to intromit. Her eyes were hopeful and her boldness were pink. Henry James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll demonstrate to Quidditch practice ?"King John asked.

"If he values his animation,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodbye to his friends and headed back out into the cold. The sun was out and there was no lead, but it was still bitingly cold. He trudged his way through the snow and back up to the palace, where he ran up to Gryffindor towboat to drop off his purchases and change into his Quidditch robes.

The ease of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the residuum of the squad stood off to the side.

"She 's not even on their team !"James II shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a closed practice !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the base and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slender wafture back.

"I could n't just impart her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to keep an eye on you play Quidditch ?"Fred asked."fine, fine. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the rest of the chemical group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warm up."

Albus mounted his broom and soared into the air. He joined the quietus of the squad in their flight around the auction pitch and lost himself in flying. It was nice to just fly and blank out about everything else that was on his brain.

The praxis went incredibly well. It was their best practice session in hebdomad since the weather condition was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not have any issues with playing, but the weather was usually awful whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a dependable thing since it would help them learn how to play in lucifer with bad circumstance but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to have a practice where the conditions were ideal. It made Quidditch so much Sir Thomas More enjoyable.

James II and Gabby hurried off as soon as praxis ended and the rest of the team walked back to the castle together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tugboat when rosiness, Matt, John, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's wrongfulness ?"Fred asked.

"It 's null,"rose wine said."We just need to verbalize to Albus."

"sports meeting us in the elbow room after you stash your Calluna vulgaris,"matte whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the mutual way and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no musical theme what was going on, but it must get just had to do with his friends because everyone else in the common room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his broom away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't strike him long to reach the marauder 's Den. All his friends were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the name of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two things,"Rose began."One, the debate. It was ... well ... insane is the lonesome give-and-take to describe it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the screaming Shack,"flatness said."After you went to Quidditch practice we walked around the village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"Matt said."There 's hospital ward. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Department of Energy he sleep together that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down adjacent to Rose.

mat shook his school principal."I 'm not really apprehensive about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is friends with Felix Willinson so anything weird that he does needs to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"John replied.

"He 's not the first one to be curious about the Shrieking hovel,"mat pointed out.

This was dissimilar, Albus thought. He would have expected matte to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not good that he 's trying to get in,"John said.

"Well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"Matt countered."Let 's just forget about it for now. What rosebush has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at rosebush, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly think a time when blush wine was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"pink wine said quietly."She wants to completely change the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to inquire every I Auror and regroup the department because she does n't think things are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in flush of the Auror section for years and there had never been any complaints. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to lose,"trick said confidently."No one 's going to vote for someone who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"Rose whispered."They will. There 's been editorials in the prophet for weeks about how the electric current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Walker Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"rosebush said."Talked about all the ripe your dad has done, but she argued mighty back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all civil about it and there was no way to differentiate who supported who,"pink wine said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to replace all the Heads of section who do n't concur with her. She 's going to desire citizenry in superpower who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Hotspur. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, mat 's dad 's job, straits of Magical Law Enforcement, Head of Magical Transportation, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingers."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"Rose said as she stood up and began pacing around the way."International Magical Cooperation, Magical chance event and Catastrophes, Magical biz and Sports, and then the Department of Mysteries."

"Do you know anything about the Heads of those section ?"John the Divine asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"pink wine said."But I do n't have it away much about the others. The gent in charge of charming Transportation moderated the first debate."

"That 's eight positions,"Matt said quietly,"and she could exchange all of them. That would wind up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"rose wine said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected minister of religion do n't supervene upon everyone. It 's too much uplift. But if she wants contiguous change, it would be the sluttish way to get it done."

"What 's the following argument on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"Rose said."Originally they were going to consider Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a break up Azkaban argument. She 's in bearing of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new twelvemonth,"blush wine answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then February 's debate is on wizard creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be good,"flatness said."guessing that 's when we 'll see out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in borderland they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the commencement of April,"rosebush continued."That one is going to take piazza here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't intend anyone 's going to vote for her,"lavatory muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry Potter would n't get enough votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's care. I mean, I have n't been in the magical humankind long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the stream Ministry and Auror department are too lenient and tip at the possibility of another war, and then claim that she could crush it before it became a war, she would easily get the voting. People are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"rosiness agreed.

The way descended into uncomfortable silence. At the first of the school year, none of them had much pursuit in the election or the Ministry in universal, but now, just a few months later, Albus and his friend were learning just how much the outcome of the election would feign them. The possibility of drastic changes to both Hogwarts and the wizarding world did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and matt 's pa were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and break from schoolhouse, hardly anyone in the castling was focusing on prep or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great Hall during repast was about Xmas and snowball fights and spending time with family. Albus was sucked into the Dec 25 sunshine as well, but the election was still on the back of his mind.

For Albus, rose wine, and the rest of the Weasley/Potter clan, the Xmas vacation would be wrapped up in the election. A New Year 's company at the Minister 's Mansion was scheduled for New Year 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking officials and their kin, as well as Hotspur, Laurentis, and their house. All of Albus 's extended family would be attending. But perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the holiday was the fact that Uncle Percy was going to allow a reporter from Wizards magazine to follow him for not only the Ministry party, but Christmas at the tunnel as well.

"This is just eldritch !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of term."A reporter ? At the burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his wand and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did grandma agree to this ?"James asked as he loaded his plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I kind of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't desire that Laurentis woman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't desire some reporter staying with us at the Burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the tangible Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to quell with rosiness for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big lot. With your category, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no idea,"Albus said."We 'd break get to account of Magic."

Albus got up and his Friend followed. Despite the fact that it was the hold up day of terminus, prof Binns still gave a lecture. nonentity paid him an ounce of attention. The rest of the professors did n't bother teaching any new material as they figured the scholarly person would just blank out it over the prison-breaking. professor Cedonia set them a practical deterrent example, but did n't scold them when they stopped charming their teacup to dance and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a turgid bonfire going to save them warm, but did n't instruct anything. Instead, he told the story of Norberta and bawled about how often he missed her. In antediluvian runic letter, there was an examination.

The watch dayspring Albus and his booster climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express for the trip back to London. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding public. He felt dependable from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't appear as big a deal. The train was like its own small universe with only students and sweet from the tramcar ; on the caravan, nothing bad could happen.


Long abatement ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the back half of June 's encampment NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so much for all the inspection !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"volition she really print anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the balance of the Potters had just Apparated to the athletic field behind the burrow. Albus was a bit skittish about being in the presence of a reporter from Wizards mag and was not at all keen about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the reporter would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even placard Albus.

"And Epistle of James, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at James."Seriously, James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"James Sirius Potter, listen to your don,"Ginny said.

Albus put his hand over his mouth to hide his laugh while his brother pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue toffee and a vial of Weasleys'Itchiest itch Powder out of his pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her wand. She brushed the ash onto the ground and St. James stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a lick in the shoulder from James. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"Boys, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas !"

"Happy Christmas, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his nanna a quick hug, grabbing a smattering of cookie on his way to the den. The first thing he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a ordure in the box. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy assembly, in her black skirt, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore bounder to the burrow ? Wyrd, Albus thought process. Her sooty pilus was done up in some sort of bun and her backtalk were smeared with bright red lipstick.

The second matter Albus noticed was just how make clean the Burrow was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many sight and dishes full of warm, steaming food, but out in the den, it was very obtrusive. The tunnel was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately neat like matte and Kaden 's houses were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with piles of books and stacks of dining table games and various Muggle and magic devices. Blankets and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairs, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was keen. The stacks of books had been shelved and the blankets folded. The sheer amount of stuff seemed to get been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a single Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the floor or table. It was bizarre. The Burrow did n't look like the Burrow without its clutter. You never knew what you 'd find at the burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his head slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the storey. They had a large phonograph record of nutrient in front of them, making Albus understand how thirsty he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of roll."I see person cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to score a good impression. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the jurisprudence he 's serve passing play,"rose said."But all the reporter wants to do is interview the rest of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"Aunt Corrine, nan, grandfather, Uncle posting, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and lindy,"rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"Rose said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

rose wine indicated to the step, where Percy was leading a scrawny feller back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"attire robes ?"rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few shooting of you playing a game with the twins,"the photographer said as he and Percy walked past Albus, rose, and Amanda.

"Wonderful estimate !"the newsperson exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she hear that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the reporter said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to set down the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the room, her eye finally coming to rest on Amanda."We 'll need a gibe with you and Percy as well. campaigner plays Exploding Snap with the bloom pastor 's niece ! unadulterated ! I could not cause planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the peak minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"rosebush said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a staged secret plan of Exploding Snap with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and lindy. The unhurt thing was very nonsensical since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's bout, but she was posed with a set of genius 's Bromus secalinus,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't have,"Walker Percy said jovially after the photographer finished."Photograph with the flower Minister 's niece."

"But nobody knows I 'm the blossom diplomatic minister 's niece,"Amanda said once she, pink wine, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmastide Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the doorway. He peered into the den and took stock of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, circular, and Charlie, were close to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the submarine sandwich .'All four had gull of eggnog in hand. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while aunty Fleur glared at the wireless. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and aunty Hermione. Most of his cousin were eating or laughing about one matter or another. Samantha and lindy were playing Exploding walkover for real now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the only one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Harry Hotspur, who was talking with the newsman and the lensman. aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their elderly kid were anywhere in sight.

"rich person you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Sakartvelo anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"pink wine said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed Rose out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each bedroom, Albus found out just where his grandmother had stored all the stuff that used to be in the den. Every undivided room had a pile of random stuff in it. They eventually found their three cousin-german hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedroom at the top of the star sign. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to find it was only Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the reporter,"Sakartvelo said,"and talking about how a great deal it will blow if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is fucking insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite bed."Uncle Percy has to win."

"wellspring, I do n't want him to,"Bradley said."Do you realize how much life-time will transfer if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down next to Albus. Rose sat on his early side.

"Before his movement started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would experience him, but he was just Percy Weasley. Do you know what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Percy Weasley, curate of conjuration. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."curate is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll leave at the federal agency at five. It 's more a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the diplomatic minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you know all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the Prime Minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Britain ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this mystic for four old age ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much farseeing since that photographer just took a flick of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're decently that your liveliness wo n't be the Lapplander if he gets elected. And even after his terminus is up you 'll still always be the Minister 's son."

"And we 'd give to go into the curate 's mansion,"Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Sakartvelo already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the yr,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a knock on the door and then it swung wide capable. Percy stood in the doorway flanked by the reporter and photographer. Hotspur had changed out of his gown and was now wearing a green Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the front. In his arms was a stack of what appeared to be More Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Hotspur said."We 're doing a impression of the whole sept in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his tiddler and then one each to Albus and blush wine."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jumpers this year ?"Georgia asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purple'G .'

"Must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jump shot he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was blue with a gold'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us appear like a cheesy family,"Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and Rose followed their cousins back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stair, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore picture.

Albus 's entire family was posed in half the den. The lensman was running around making small adjustments, which Albus thinking was pointless. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all feel at the television camera and smile nicely at the like time.

The photographer noticed Albus, pink wine, Georgia, Omar Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James and Lily, who were sitting right in the midriff, on the story.

"Lovely !"the photographer exclaimed a few minutes later. He ran to the former side of the room and stuck his head behind the photographic camera."Everyone smile ! Beautiful !"He took dozens of pictures and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the reporter shouted once the lensman finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a happy Christmas. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

Rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the reporter and photographer out of the burrow, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"mollie shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmastime Eve gathering the Weasley family had ever had and Albus was very often looking forward to tomorrow, when things would get back to some semblance of normal. Albus walked up to bed with rosiness and Amanda, wishing them both goodness night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. James, Ben, Cedric, and Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old elbow room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four son climbed into their beds.

"You 're going down, ceramicist,"Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot More normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Yule tradition for his family and nothing, even his uncle running for pastor, was going to prevent it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"GA exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into turn by the end of her broom."Kenmare Krazy Keeper motion !"

"You 're still going to lose !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got shimmy !"

"If chemise were a genuine Seeker he 'd be playing for a conference squad and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as good as James II,"Thomas Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught King James everything he knows !"Teddy said as he flew past, heading toward GA 's exit destination post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the fink clutched in his handwriting."Aurors have to have constant vigilance, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a goodness game, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the swarm were rolling in. It was a upright time to point back interior for Christmas dinner, especially since the scent of roast turkey and murphy had been drifting out-of-door for the preceding half hour.

table, already covered in numerous dishes of intellectual nourishment, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstairs to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tables. Albus hurried to the posterior Rose and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere close Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"rose wine asked.

"Good,"Albus said."We lost, but Teddy 's pretty much invincible, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't play professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had offers, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't sure. Then he just decided to unite the Auror Academy, because of his parents, you know."

"shuffling sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to make a toast,"Harry Hotspur announced after everyone was seated. He held up his glass of pumpkin succus."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the effort. We only have three months to go, so let 's make the almost of it. keep up all the bang-up work. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked ice with rosebush and Amanda and then served himself a large helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmas at the tunnel. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousins, auntie, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left field, his aunt Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study tips for their O.W.L.s. The boy were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and Teddy were holding hands under the table, which was kind of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left hand, a skill she clearly did not possess. James, Tom Bradley, and Empire State of the South were discussing Quidditch with Uncles Saint George and Ron. Eddie was showing the Gemini the Twins, Lily, and Hugo just how many peas he could fit into his back talk at once. Hotspur was, of grade, discussing the coarse-grained point of his political campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and Mark were telling Angie about the mystic passageway that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The rest of his kinsfolk was too far away for Albus to hear what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really same,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one other,"rosiness said while Amanda laughed."St. James put one of those wind-up pygmy quilt in Gran 's vainglorious pot, so while she was chopping veg it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was Henry James, too. He got chewed out while you were up the stairs changing."

"She had no cogent evidence !"James IV cut in."It could possess been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"James, did you hear me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to start with your weakest theme first. Honestly, you should 've started preparing last year. Albus, Rose, Amanda, are you listening ? You should start rescript now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"rosiness said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be lucky if James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stupid,"Rose said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll want sealed O.W.L.s to get into the in good order N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no theme,"Albus said,"except he wants to play Quidditch."

"He 'd meliorate get going,"Rose said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, Rose ?"James asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychopathology,"Rose said."Get my healing stage, specializing in psychiatry."

"Fine, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

rose wine nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really want I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit Young to have decided that ?"Albus asked.

"lusterlessness 's baby had it all figured out in quaternary twelvemonth and look where she is now,"rose wine pointed out.

She did let a point there, Albus thought. Matt 's baby was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a half more twelvemonth to go. Albus did n't even desire to think about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an announcement to make !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to expect at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to make spoken communication or announcements during kin dinner. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousins, certainly not coming near to the tier of boisterousness of Thomas Bradley, Saint James the Apostle, or Georgia.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just enjoin you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The way was silent, much like it was after Harry Hotspur announced his intent to run for minister of religion at the before school dinner. Then, as happened after Percy 's announcement, everyone began to spill at once.

"You 're what ?"poster exclaimed.

"Gabriella, dear !"Fleur shouted, dropping her spyglass of wine-coloured."What prompted this ?"

"The political mood in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault is very unfirm,"Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few week in France that fall and seemed to bask it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me talk !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one Thomas More."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my fundament. When I painted there this fall it just felt so powerful. My paintings there were so much substantially than the ones I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"Bill asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't desire to spend everyday in an office and miss out on life. No offense. Painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"pecker began.

"Bill,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the Lapp when you were her age. commemorate the earring ? The pilus ?"

Bill 's side reddened."It 's not the Same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer spot of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a undecomposed creative person ! I 'm not going to crave !"

"You know my parents would never let her hunger,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the point. The point is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the room, running up the stairs. A few moment later a doorway slammed.

invoice made to get up, but Victoire put her helping hand on his berm, forcing him back into his seat."Dad, I 'll go."

The elbow room lapsed into uncomfortable quiet after Victoire took off after her Sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's plan. Albus had always thought of Bill as his cool uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his kids wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Hotspur had about Sakartvelo 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, Bill,"Hotspur said pompously."Artist is not a career. You 've got to fight this. Went through the same matter with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the by few month of going to my games and making the press think you 're supportive of my dreams, you still do n't think I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like picture, is a sideline,"Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unbelievable !"Georgia exclaimed."The funding, the shouting, it 's all impostor, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the mesa in a similar manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's juke bread and butter,"St. James muttered.

"fountainhead, she did at first off but she probably thought there was no way he could fake it for so long and not begin to come around. She surely thought it was real by now,"rose said.

"You 're going to piddle a good psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Percy,"James said.

"Does anyone desire pudding ?"grannie asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews !


Never before had Albus experienced such an awkward Christmas Day dinner, and that included the sentence his Aunt Katherine went into confinement with Eddie at the mesa. After Gabriella and Georgia stormed out, Gran served pudding to the remaining family penis, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, Rose, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't think anyone else would go- the attic.

The Ionic dialect of the Burrow was alike to an archaeological site. It contained layer of Weasley family history and if you dug mysterious enough you could even find out pictures of Uncle Bill when he was a baby. It used to star sign a ghoul, but the graverobber died years before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic much anymore, but when he was lilliputian it had made an excellent concealment spot.

"I never realized how likewise Gabriella and Georgia were,"Albus said once they 'd close the attic door.

"I never realized how alike Uncle Percy and Uncle broadsheet were,"rose replied."I never thought Uncle invoice would oppose like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not sing about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's play Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle game. I brought it from my house."

Albus and Rose readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the noodle. It took Albus and rosiness a little piece to get the bent of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favorite matter about it was how foresighted it took. They spent hours on one biz and by the time Amanda beat him and Rose, almost all of his kinsperson was asleep.

By breakfast the next morning nearly everything had blown over. half of his aunts and uncles had left because they had to go to puzzle out and the other one-half were in the physical process of getting ready to impart. Some of his first cousin were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle Bill and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over record of sausage balloon. Albus paused in the doorway, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't want you to think we are n't supportive of your art,"account said."We are. Both of us. I just want to know you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"government note said."And I did overreact last night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't need you to recall I 'm anything like your uncle Percy,"circular whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"well, painting in France is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll defend you,"handbill said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm sorry for overreacting close Night. I think we were all on bound from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"Bill said."We want to avail you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

Bill stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"lovemaking you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausages and a Ceylon cinnamon bun on his way to the table. He was relieved that Uncle Bill and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he still wanted to think of throwaway as his cool off uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld topographic point later that day and it only took him a few hours of boredom to jump his holiday version. Rose and Amanda had returned to rosebush 's sign, so without them, he was forced to be productive. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the solitary ground that he 'd get to see pink wine and matte.

The few Clarence Day in between pugilism Day and New Year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmas day. Georgia and Uncle Walker Percy still had n't made up and Georgia came over for a candid with Albus 's mum the day before the party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to play professional Quidditch and would be the utter individual for Georgia to seek advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via extendible Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble charm on the kitchen doorway because he could n't get a line a thing. Dejected, he put away his extendable Ear and returned to reading his transfiguration Holy Scripture.

Shortly after Georgia left James walked in the back door with a grinning on his expression.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the windowpane,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, tell me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"Come on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't tell Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the slug at the party tomorrow."

"fine,"St. James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Hotspur and does n't need to go to the party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to conduct the eminent road and be supportive of Uncle Percy even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no hugger-mugger to getting him to recognize Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to realize it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the best player she can and bear herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that granddaddy was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"Nothing too charge up, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"King James I agreed."Going to make up for an interest party, though."

"That 's for sure enough,"Albus said.
***


"Is the Minister 's residence glowing blue sky ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding route to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the Potters were slightly recently for the party, as common. This time James had not been the grounds ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's gown last mo.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the inside. The election New Year 's Eve party at the minister of religion 's planetary house is one of the marvelous occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the company that will take place for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancier than the company for Mr. Eckerton live year."

Albus nodded. As they drew closer to the mansion Albus noticed that the blue angel light seemed to stem from the ground, illuminating the family as it went upward, but he could not see where the light came from. It looked to just appear out of the soil. The course itself was lined with silver candles.

The door was already open when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a full tuxedo with tails stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wraps while another man led the Potters into the lordly ballroom.

The ballroom was already filled to capacitance and Albus noticed that nearly one-half of the multitude in attendance were his auntie, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by ash grey taper alike to the ace that lined the itinerary outside. The window were draped in heavy United States Navy curtains tied with silver ropes and matching linen dressed the tabular array and professorship scattered throughout the room. Larger tables containing platter of food stood in the marrow of the room, each one holding an ice carving. The sculptures were of several diachronic buildings in wizarding Great Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

server dressed in the Saami black tie as the thaumaturge by the door walked throughout the room carrying plates of food for thought and drink. After taking a looking at at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything normal or if it was just illusion hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to come up your first cousin,"Harry began, staring more at his son than at Lily."Henry James, absolutely no harlequinade. Albus, no sneaking off to early parts of the mansion house or going outside this class. Promise me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James II each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And proceed an eye out for your young cousins. Make sure enough they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the bunch in lookup of lusterlessness, Rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunty Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the dessert mesa where he found both a turgid musical composition of chocolate patty and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an hour already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between bites of bar.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a human foot in the past year,"Rose commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to bar,"flatness said."You make me see like a secondment year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly empty mesa. Its only occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

rosiness nodded."Even Georgia showed up. But I did find out that the only reason we were all invited was to piddle Uncle Percy look like More of a mob man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because families of the candidate were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only immediate family members, plus all the point of section and top Ministry official and their families. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us look like a very confining knit family."

"You are a close knit kinsfolk,"lusterlessness said."It 's like you 're all blood brother and sisters rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Walker Percy never really involved any of us in his Ministry career before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, lusterlessness, how was your Yuletide ?"

"Good,"Matt said."Rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to visit and they went house yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't bring down them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes place except for vacation. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could contend over nothing."

"phone like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

lusterlessness shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm set to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and slip,"matt said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't drink the punch,"Albus warned them."Saint James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"Rose asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be gross,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousin will get to live here,"matt said as he gazed around the room."Weird to think about. This station looks self-aggrandising than my old house."

"It probably is,"rose said."And you 're right on, that is weird to think about."

The old man let out a bird and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, rosebush, and lusterlessness."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus potter and that 's Rose Weasley and Matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His face softened."Oh, skillful to satisfy you ! I 'm St. Gregory of Nazianzen Laurentis. My daughter 's running for Minister. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus potter, merlin 's face fungus ! I told patty, I told her she was junkie to run against Harry Hotspur Weasley what with him being related to Harry Potter himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was null I could do about it. And she could n't wrench down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at rose and Matt while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how gallant he was of his daughter, yet wonder at her stupidity for running against somebody related to Harry Potter. He was rather good story, Albus thought.

"This home is too red cent illusion,"St. Gregory of Nazianzen Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the food, my God, what I would n't devote for some cracker and mash ...."

Albus stifled a jest, but he did match with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousin calling me,"Albus said."We 'd break go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory Laurentis said."I do n't hear anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these days. Well, right luck to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll involve it !"

"Good fortune to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earshot of Gregory Laurentis. A few Ministry functionary looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't manage.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"flatness pointed to the far back turning point, where a man in unmistakable black robes stood with his limb folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few second."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"Matt asked.

"Probably in case of an attack,"rosiness said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every room access outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"lusterlessness said as he grabbed both Albus and rosiness and pulled them behind a large group of multitude."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked more than a little flighty. Albus did n't charge him. After terminal year 's scandal with Balladanis, it was no wonder matte never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the hope from his mind. If Matt did n't want to be in the Saami room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to have to crack his promise.

"seed on,"rosebush said before Albus could respond. She took Albus and lusterlessness 's hands and pulled them through the gang. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much tranquil than the ballroom. Albus had n't even realized just how loud the ballroom was until now. Between the music and hoi polloi 's representative, it was a wonderment he 'd even been able to think in there.

"Thanks,"lustrelessness said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No job,"Rose said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and find that depository library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and lustrelessness nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them XV minute of arc and three wrong turns to encounter the depository library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to finish using the same hiding places,"Peach State said with a laugh as they entered."Just joking. get along on in."

Rose shut the door behind them and they joined Georgia, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric on the other side of the room.

"Sick of the party ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"lusterlessness said quietly as he sat down."Did n't want him to notice us."

Sakartvelo shuddered."Do n't pick you there, especially since your dad is the understanding he got sacked."

"I kind of liked him,"Tom Bradley said.

lusterlessness looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was kind of cool."

"You 're mad,"Matt said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave off an controversy between his unspoiled booster and cousin.

"Decided to explore the family,"Cedric said."If we 're going to give to endure here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you consider ?"Rose asked.

"keep here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Omar Bradley and I would n't have to share a way. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can make my room,"Sakartvelo said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Thomas Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Peach State groaned."Really, the faith he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

GA burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the taradiddle. All three of his cousins were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interesting bloke,"Bradley said.

mat got up from his electric chair and began wandering around the subroutine library. He paused by the door, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"Matt whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Georgia immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's heart grew big and he hurried back over."mortal 's coming !"

"I do n't hear any-"Omar Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."combine him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a press,"rosiness said as she hurried to open the door."It 's not very big-"

"Department of Energy n't matter,"flatness said."Hurry, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the voices as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight liquidity crisis and pink wine was stepping on his left groundwork, but he said cypher as he shut the doorway. Two irregular later he heard the door to the library overt.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her voice was muffled ; Albus could barely prepare out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't find out anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this doorway solid mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"lusterlessness seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't bring any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The voices were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the totally kinsfolk man affair,"another voice said. This one was male."Not to mention he 's Harry Potter 's brother-in-law for God 's sake !"

"Harry ceramist is an unequal to idiot and you know it,"the woman replied."He 's celebrated for something he did as a child and the general public is pudding head to still think of him as the hoagie of the wizarding populace. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"Matt said.

"How can you tell ?"Omar Nelson Bradley asked."This door is so bally thick."

"I just can,"lusterlessness said.

Albus could n't tell that the part was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, mat was right.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to recall of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a workweek. I 'm certain you can think of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her campaign manager,"flatness said.

"She sounds awful,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that hard. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to recognise Potter 's not the hero they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the completely fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch career, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really know that-"

"I can,"she disturb."I can learn people, President Pierce. That 's why I got into political science. It 's all about reading citizenry and figuring out the lies from the truths. See what you can dig up. We 'd better return to the political party. I left my Father alone with Minister Langston. That wo n't sprain out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Pierce replied.

Albus heard the sound of high heels on hardwood floor, the door creak open, and then sink in shut again. He waited two total minutes and then opened the doorway to the closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"Matt demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you beguile all that ?"Omar Nelson Bradley asked."Do you have super human earreach or something ?"

"Or something,"lusterlessness muttered,"but never mind that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and wrick the wizarding Earth against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to evidence your uncle-"matt began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is blame me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his campaign,"Albus said.

"GA 's right,"rose said."It wo n't help anything. Campaigns are half about digging up dirt on the early campaigner. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will believe it unless they 're an idiot. Anyone with half a intellect knows he runs the Auror section well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Bradley added.

"Not to reference we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did stimulate me predict not to forget the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Georgia said."And I think we 'd all considerably get back to the dance hall, just in case anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reviews ! Remember to sustain them 12+. property to all who caught the 'mahogany'Hunger Games credit. cite for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are fellow member of the forums ( and if you 're not, you should be, link on the proper side of the page ! ), feel give up to check over out my Meet the Author Sir Frederick Handley Page ! It 's linked on my source page. Please ask me questions on my MTA page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the dance palace Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to patrol the reason. Albus did n't really care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crew in the room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more knockabout, well-nigh probable due to the drinks.

Percy accosted them before they were even capable to get to the desert table to reload their plate with cake. He walked with purpose, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his Quaker to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at home in the parson 's sign and it was n't even his yet.

"Sakartvelo !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Percy replied."I need you to make Samantha and Lindy home. It 's nearly eleven and your mother and I are going to be here well past midnight. Samantha ate too a good deal patty and flavor ill. I just think it would be scoop for them to go base and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby mesa, where Samantha and Lindy were sitting, both with their capitulum in their hands, looking extremely bored.

Georgia raised her supercilium, as if surprised that Walker Percy was actually going to not only let three of his children leave, but asking that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even suppose about the fact that it was n't really a political party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take them habitation,"Empire State of the South said.

"What about us ?"Thomas Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we use up them home plate ?"

"I 'd rather Georgia do it,"Percy said."You do n't even have your fantasm permit yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not cook to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do induce open fireplace here, Dad,"Bradley muttered.

"Empire State of the South 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Georgia said as Percy strutted off to tattle to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of hearing."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go get James."

Peach State headed over to the mesa her sisters were sitting at while Tom Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crowd. Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered over to the dessert board, piled a plate high with the biscuits a server had just set out, and then set off to find another table. They found one, which Victoire, teddy, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got early stave tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the dawn. If we 're lucky we 'll get four hour of sleep."

"I do n't see a lot period in staying if they 're not here,"Teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry ceramicist 's Godson, no one was going to complain me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, Teddy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his friends sat on either position. He absentmindedly chewed on a biscuit and watched the gang.

"Do these taste funny story to you ?"Matt asked, holding up a partially rust biscuit.

Albus took another bit. They did taste sensation Wyrd."Yeah."

rose wine burst out laughing and started pointing at their mind."I think James messed with the cookie instead of the puncher. Al, your hair's-breadth is gentle and Matt, yours is green."

Albus and matt both started laughing. Albus took another look at the crowd."Look, that lady 's hair is purple !"He pointed to a witch a few yards away. The feller she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the next few minutes people gradually began to realize that their pilus was turning various colors and that the cookie were the culprit. sceptre appeared everywhere, as the guests charmed each other 's hair back to its normal color. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the margin of the way, clearly looking for James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this caper,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hairsbreadth as is."

"Me too,"matte agreed. They both turned to Rose."You should eat one."

rose wine sighed."might as well."She took a biscuit and a minute later her formerly red hair was a adorable tint of garden pink.

The rest of the company was rather dull. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the remainder of the holiday, only being allowed out for meals. When midnight rolled around Albus, Matt, and Rose toasted to the new year with Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo. Matt and his parents left immediately later on and Albus and his family left a forgetful while later. Albus was relieved to be going base since the night had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the library out of his mind.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the next morning at breakfast, brandishing a copy of Wizards magazine. The nominal head cover was a motion-picture show of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Hotspur, Uncle banknote, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George V, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James I shouted back.

"I want to read it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Kids, finalise down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can read it next, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James or Lily who got thing first, never Albus. condemnation of being the midriff kid, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while King James I read the article. His brother let out groans and sigh and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more anxious to understand it. After what seemed similar forever, it was finally Albus 's twist. He yanked the powder magazine out of James 's hand and opened it up to the article.

The first Thomas Nelson Page ( or rather, first two Sir Frederick Handley Page ), contained the picture of his entire mob. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've gotten a picture that they all looked good in. Albus himself at least face halfway decent. He was smiling and kept turning to look at Rose and then back to the tv camera. Lily on the other hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that pose every few seconds. Across the photograph was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the Page and looked at all the early picture that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their kids. Another sport Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding Snap with the twins and Percy, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing chess. The caption on that read 'Minister wannabee Percy Weasley challenges the Prime minister 's niece to a game of chess .'Amanda was not going to be well-chosen, Albus thought as he turned his tending to the article.

When I first entered the childhood home of Walker Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the delightful smelling
that filled the air. Molly Weasley, Harry Hotspur 's female parent,
was hard at work cooking Christmas Eve dinner. The
modest, but cozy, home was filled to capability with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowded with
the comer of the Potters an minute later.

The Weasley category gathering for Christmas at the
base of Arthur and Molly Weasley every year.
Arthur, a draw back Ministry employee, says ,'I
bed having the intact family together. It 's
helter-skelter, but I would n't give it any other way .'
The evening begins with a meal, although eating
seems to strike property over many time of day. The atmosphere
is homely and happy, with every single fellowship
member enjoying their time with each early.

Percy Weasley, a loving Father of the Church of five, juncture in
on the fun and Christmas emotional state by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and lindy hop,
as well as nephew Albus Potter, 14, to a game
of Exploding Snap .'I feel it 's important to
spend clip with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such little
time with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My firstborn is already out on her own and my boy
only have a fiddling time left at Hogwarts. The
twins are still Lester Willis Young, so I try to pass clock time
with them every single day .'When asked
about their father 's hunting expedition, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's right at his job .'
lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be cool if he
winnings, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The home of Arthur and molly Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Dec 25 prison term. This
year they were joined by a friend of Albus ceramicist
and Rose Weasley, 14. Amanda Tagger, also 14, is
a fourthly year pupil at Hogwarts. tagger is no
unknown to political families since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, prime minister of religion of Great
U.K. .'I think it is just wonderful that
the Prime Minister 's niece is a witch ,'Hotspur
said. 'We are always trying to promote a
healthy relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help oneself .'

Before posing for the photograph found on varlet
20 and 21, the Weasley fellowship first donned
their Weasley jumper. Each member of the home
receives one of these jump shot for Yuletide
every yr. The traditional jumpers are knitted
by Molly Weasley .'I 'm not sure how it started,
really ,'molly said, when asked about the rootage
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when banknote and
Charlie were trivial, before Percy was born. I
wanted to entwine them matching sweater and they
outgrew them by the watch year, so I made
new ace. Then when Walker Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a each year affair .'

If I had to opt one intelligence to draw the Weasley
syndicate, I would select 'laid-back .'Spending a
Yule Eve with this family, you would never
think that they were far-famed for their elbow grease in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry potter, Head Auror, is just your
norm Church Father. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing games
with his children, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a typical Christmas day is like in the
Weasley family and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the weather condition we
get out there every Christmas and play a match or
two. Then we 'll get inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's simple, but perfect .'

There you have it. Christmas Day with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none early than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
Christmas Eve with Percy Weasley and his intact
family. Next clip I interview him, I really must
ask for his female parent 's shepherd 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the magazine to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the family and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the rest could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"William James pointed out."card how she only included glut Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to take film of us playing games with Uncle Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's news media,"Ginny said."Not good news media, nous you, but it is fairly mutual practice."

"I guess it could take in been uncollectible,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't delay for Christmas dinner."

James laughed."I wonder how she would 've spun that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Percy does n't really like that Sakartvelo plays Quidditch."

"Keep your mouth shut about that, James II,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a brainiac could see it,"James II muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely sure that saying nothing about Laurentis figuring that out was the right on affair to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his cousins and lustrelessness had agreed not to.

"James,"Ginny said."Enough. And I suggest you use the remainder of your fault to study for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot sooner than you think."

King James certainly did a good job of pretending to study for the rest of the vacation, while shut up in his room for his punishment. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked open nearby, to catch when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the same script, opened to the Lapp page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their thinker on Hotspur 's election. Albus finished all his prep before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing nothing. On Saturday he, along with his parents, King James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his kinsfolk for a late Christmas and New twelvemonth 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was clock time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite well-chosen about this because he had grown bored of staying at home and doing nada and was sick of being in such shut quarter with Jesse James and Lily. At least in Gryffindor tower they kept to their own group of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the government minister 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, Rose, matte, John, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to find you, just because masses kept wanting to speak to me. It 's that stupid magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime pastor 's niece."

"It was bound to happen Sooner or later,"rose pointed out."But I 'm drear. If I 'd known the reporter was going to blab about that, I would n't have invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's okay,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm gladiola I went. It 's just annoying. supposition I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"John said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're convention, John,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry thrower 's initiatory full cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me inquire how I got wrapped up in all this,"John said."My parents just are n't nearly as ambitious as yours all are."

"How was that political party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly boring,"Albus said."But we did roll up in a tiny water closet with my full cousin Georgia, Omar Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"john exclaimed."And you did n't think that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to tell you in somebody,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from lustrelessness, who had been capable to take heed it a bit More clearly. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be good,"John said."What do you think she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't recognise,"Albus said."And all my cousin and Matt agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're right, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just agitate up bother. Your uncle has got to center on convincing people he 's the right field one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convince everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't think she 's going to be able to win over all of wizarding United Kingdom that your dad 's incompetent by April."

"But what about the Sakartvelo thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politicians do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convert people the antagonist is bad for the job. As much as it should just be spent on trying to convince people they 're correct for the job, candidates just do n't do that. Trust me. My uncle 's on his second term. I know how these thing work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's impression, but he still felt uneasy."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban disputation, though. She wanted her campaign director to dig something up."

"Worst case scenario, she figures out that your uncle Percy does n't really okay of Sakartvelo 's Quidditch calling,"Amanda said."Then he 'll feed an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worried about her future but then he saw her play and now he realizes how good she is and rant, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right field, Albus,"rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you know all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a smiling."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"Saint John the Apostle agreed.

"It 's wide-eyed, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My old Sister is the dramatic event queen, so everything that happens to her, no thing how small, is a immense deal. My small chum is a terror who demands constant attention. Me ? I 'm the hush one. They 'll own whole conversations about hooey in battlefront of me that they 'd never have in front of either my brother or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a beldam became normal,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low pennywhistle."indirect request I had that acquirement. I still ca n't even go into the same room as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an exaggeration, but still."

"I think my parents expend too very much of their puerility eavesdropping on people to give me a decent luck at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can smell an extendible Ear a international nautical mile away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"John said.

"Same,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban argumentation ?"John asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

blush wine burst out laughing."Really, lavatory ?"

"Yes, really,"King John said, popping a dome into his mouth."Butter, Wyrd. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the flush parson's niece and all,"John said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always drive my spot, John,"Matt said as he got up to steal a smattering of John 's Bertie Bott 's."full phase of the moon moon 's on Fri, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince Madam Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

flatness popped a bonce into his oral cavity and then promptly spat it out."Ew, dirt. Does n't matter what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the good moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just birth to take notes and let me know what happens."

John groaned."I 'll pass on your daub if I have to charter notes."

"Someone 's going to have got to take notes either way,"lustrelessness said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll assume notes,"rosiness told him.

"Thanks,"Matt replied."Now, who 's wants this bean ? It looks just like grunge, but it could be chocolate."matt held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll take it !"John said. He took a tiny nibble, screwed up his face, and threw the balance of the dome back at Matt, hitting him square on the brow."Thanks, mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a handful of beans. The remnant of the misstep was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the crusade maneuver of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off John the Evangelist 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the same tone. The gearing ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's second home, just a short carriage mount away.


Sorry for the later update ! My cousin got married on Friday so I was gone the completely weekend and did n't have my computer with me. Thanks to my sister, Linda, who in my family, is just like Amanda and can eavesdrop on everyone. She gave me the estimation for that. Thanks for all the endearing reexamination !


"This term we will focus on how the get-go and instant state of war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"professor Embry announced after the Bell rang for Tuesday 's politics class."This part of the year will overlap with your account of Magic class quite a bit, although I 'd hazard a guess that none of you pay attending in History of illusion, not that I blame you. I never could stick awake in that class either.

"First, we will take a closer aspect at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to power and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."Part of the intellect why Voldemort was able-bodied to rise to magnate as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a takeover. Since then, precaution have been taken to forbid a similar site. Does anyone cognize the independent difference between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few hands went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the answer, but he did n't really desire to raise his hired hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, misfire Tagger ?"

"The parson was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle Minister is elected, sort of. It 's not like in the United States, but the public balloting on which political party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the shakeup of the Ministry of Magic in 1998, the parson was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone tell me why that is a problem ?"

Amanda 's hand nip into the air once more. She was even degenerate than Rose in this class.

"young lady Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the people had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any business leader in the Ministry, because they were the I who appointed the Minister, who then appointed all the other officials. No one had any say in anything."

"right again. Ten decimal point to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a radical of very influential beldam and wizards, mostly pureblood, who essentially ran the Ministry of magic trick. They also served as the judicial system. These witches and wizards inherited their seats on the Wizengamot from folk member because each influential kin in the British wizarding cosmos once held a rump in the Wizengamot. The problems with this are obvious because it meant that only pureblood and a pick out few half-bloods had any likeness of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the fundamentals of the political organization just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were blurry. Now that he was learning the gritty details, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on bloodline status and how much money soul had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explain the old Ministry and the various power that each person or chemical group of people in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the lecture Albus had just over a foot of notes, which was upright because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll denote who will be attending Saturday 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like last clock time, Albus potter, Rose Weasley, and matte Eckerton will be able to attend. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Dorothy Parker Wayland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will report to the Great Hall at ten and wait for instruction manual from the prefects waiting by the doors. Everyone else will be listening to the public debate via wireless in the Transfiguration schoolroom. I expect an essay on which candidate you feel made their point better by next class. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the argumentation after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be expert, though,"rose wine said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"compliments I got picked,"trick lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't think they 'll let-"

"Planning on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his friends stopped in the heart of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his munition crossed across his dresser. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as common, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some cause, that unnerved Albus.

"generate it a rest, Malfoy,"Saint John the Apostle said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped closemouthed, ignoring whoremaster and turning to Matt."How do you get into the shrieking hovel ?"he demanded.

matte 's face paled. John grabbed hold of Scorpio 's robes and dragged him into a nearby classroom. John had at least four inch on Malfoy, so it did n't seem hard. Albus and the others followed, blush wine shutting and locking the room access behind them.

"Why do you want to screw about the Shrieking Shack ?"toilet asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked room access. He slowly drew his wand.

John drew his own baton."Put your scepter away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to Matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like sin I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does transform in the Shrieking hutch,"Scorpio said with a sly grin. The looking at of sorrow Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"toilet !"lusterlessness exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"trick said."I did n't intend to-"

"Never brain,"Matt said, getting up from the desk and walking over to toilet and Scorpius."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you transubstantiate safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a piddling inquiry in the library and that was built the summer before Remus Lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a wolfman. No one ever lived in it, but people reported hear weird randomness from it. Everyone said it was ghostwriter, but they went strangely tranquillise seven yr later, only to reappear four and a one-half years ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a co-occurrence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was sort of shocked Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his champion gave him quotation for.

"fountainhead, you ca n't secernate anyone, just like you ca n't tell apart anyone I 'm a wolfman,"matt said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't like that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The point is that it 's evacuate except for one night of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"Matt said.

"Fine, I 'll calculate it out myself,"Scorpio said, pointing his wand at the door. The lock clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"mat said, sitting down on the approximate desk."Why does he want to get in the scream shanty ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's empty, but the motion is what is he planning on doing ?"rose wine asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"pink wine said.

Matt groaned."He better not actually figure out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be dense enough to go in there during a full moon,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to hop-skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

lustrelessness hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The live thing he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his phratry 's drama, was another issue with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like thing were heading in that guidance.
***


The survey morning when Albus and his Friend entered the Great Hall for breakfast the scholar already eating were much flash than normal. Albus turned to pink wine, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the way, students and instructor alike, were talking ominously. Copies of the Prophet were exchanging script faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin match.

"Albus !"James I shouted once they reached the Gryffindor mesa."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James IV was sitting. He took the newspaper publisher and his Quaker crowded around him.

"Not like shoemaker's last time,"James said darkly."High-profile captive and more of them. Death feeder. There has n't been a break-out like this in twelvemonth. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's sum began to lbf. as he unfolded the composition. There it was, right on the front line Sir Frederick Handley Page. A big photograph montage of five the great unwashed, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the midriff, with the words 'Five captive Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an clause below them. Albus 's stomach churned when he recognized the icon of the middle prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His centre drifted to the article so he could forecast out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban official
reported that five high security prisoners
escaped late death night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The prisoners, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as grievous and should not be approached.

Four of the five prisoner have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war criminal offense. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
eater. The fifth captive, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just stopping point
year.

'Finding and recapturing these someone is
our top priority ,'headland Auror, Harry potter,
said to reporters early this morning. minister
candidate and Head Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to annotate on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the article. Three Death Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that materialize ? How did five richly security prisoners just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't make good sense.

"This is not going to make Laurentis calculate skilful,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is iniquity, wrestle iniquity. My dad 's got cicatrix on his hired man from what she did to him when she was a instructor here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught nighttime artistic creation. Not defense, but literal nighttime prowess, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Greyback bites hoi polloi, for fun,"lusterlessness said, his fount pallid white."He 's the one who bit chemise 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird thing,"Rose said."The others are in prison house for living for war criminal offence. Willinson will be in there for a spell, but he 'll get parole eventually and the solitary reason he 's a senior high school surety prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he break out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminals who had been in prison since before he was born ? It did n't arrive at mother wit. Albus thought about it throughout all his classes that day, but did n't do up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low rustling when they thought students were n't around, students no longer wandered the castling by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling practice on Thursday.

All five prisoners still remained at large on Friday, when Ministry official began arriving for the public debate. Laurentis still had yet to point out on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her district and yet she said nada on the discipline.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were last clock time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, Matt, John, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from Care of Magical Creatures. It was slow going since the full moon was that night and mat was exhausted, but luckily the weather condition was unseasonably warm for January. They 'd just been passed by a grouping of rush looking newsperson coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"Matt said."Laurentis is going to have to finally say something about it tomorrow since the topic is Azkaban."

"doe anyone else think it 's weird that there was a break-out three days before the Azkaban debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"Well, it 'll be serious for your uncle,"John said."Laurentis is going to reckon like an idiot, not being able to keep five high school security prisoner in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one good thing that came from three death Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping spell,"matte said through a oscitancy."And Ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprised you did n't skip Care of Magical puppet,"John said.

Matt shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in History of Magic."

John laughed."I felt much better after my nap in account of Magic, too."

"Very funny,"Matt said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to digest on anything for the quietus of the day. By the time he went to antediluvian Runes he was ineffectual to think about anything besides the break-out and the fact that expiry feeder were now roaming free people. Deep down he knew he was perfectly dependable at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry officials to Hogwarts at dinner party that Nox and Albus thought back to the lastly debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very glad that this clock time he would n't be confessing to a antic to his uncle in the Gryffindor vulgar room. Neither John or Kaden had done their retaliation antic to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful slumber Albus woke early on Sabbatum forenoon and contemplated visiting Matt before everyone else woke up, but figured that matte would be numb and thus it would be pointless to visit. He 'd claver with everyone else later, after the debate. They 'd have plenty of time sine there was n't going to be a question and answer academic session this time.

At ten o'clock Albus, Rose, and Amanda stood in line of reasoning in front of the Great Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could learn mat 's place, since he did n't want to draw in any attention to the fact that Matt was not there.

"Albus,"Rose whispered, poking him in the side."smell. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where rosiness was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in line of products. He looked sullen and upset again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant prick, upset.

"Guess he won the Slytherin spot,"Albus said.

The doors to the Great Hall opened and Albus and Rose said bye-bye to Amanda before they were lead to the movement of the way by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the same row they were before, along with the residual of their Hogwarts cousins.

The Great Hall slowly filled up over the next half 60 minutes. The rest of Albus 's full cousin, aunt, and uncles arrived, taking spots in the forepart few rows. Albus caught Peach State 's eye as she took her buns in the row on the polar face of the elbow room from him and she gave him a thin grinning.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's campaign manager had actually found anything on Uncle Sir Henry Percy and whether she would say anything during the debate. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up often scandal or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the social movement of the room and watched a very short man accompany professor Kendrick to the moderator 's podium. He was dressed in Ministry blue gown and had very little hair on his head.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crew quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts and precede our moderator for this morning. Victor Farleigh, top dog of the Department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, Professor,"the short, balding man said."I 'd now wish to introduce our prospect, although I am sure you all know them. Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Percy and Laurentis walked into the way from one of the antechambers and took their places at each of the ambo. Hotspur looked as positive as always and Laurentis, despite the malicious gossip of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the discriminative system, specifically Azkaban prison house,"Farleigh announced."The usual rules apply. Five minute line, two minute rebuttals."

Laurentis inched closer to her soapbox, as if she was readying herself to swoop on whatever Percy said. Percy remained calm and collected, continuing to wager the role of the cool politician.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you feel that the juridical system as a whole is fair to both the accused and victims of law-breaking ? Are the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fair ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a carnival trial run by the Wizengamot,"Percy began."I have reviewed many type, and while I am not nor do I pretend to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fit the crime. However, there is always a hazard that a someone shamed of a criminal offense will go resign, as there is an equal opportunity that someone will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial system works heavily to give sure this happens as infrequently as potential and corrects wrongfulness when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opponent,"Laurentis said."Most of the condemnation handed out by the Wizengamot are not harsh enough. Ever since the frustration of Voldemort prison sentences have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war criminal offence. And one hangdog someone who roams resign is too many. If I am elected rector I will work hard to control that no guilty people get off. prisoner belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any shamefaced people get set free is desirable, it is unrealistic,"Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and wizards like you and me. They are not any more brawny than we are and do not own the ability to sleep with for sure that the accused are guilty. error fall out and while we should work to downplay them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering false hope."

"I am not offering false Leslie Townes Hope,"Laurentis said."There are magic spell, potions, way of life to ascertain out if people are guilty that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected government minister I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty outlaw are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no potential way Laurentis could assure that all criminal would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you feel the word organization is effective ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smiling before beginning."Much like the Wizengamot, the watchword system is too lenient. I have seen crook guilty of marvellous stealing get paroled after a simple two years in prison. The statistics are clear, most of these criminals who are paroled early on in their prison term wind up back in Azkaban within a year, whether for breaking the linguistic rule of their countersign or committing another crime. As Head of Azkaban, I am capable to give my input of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opponent has said, many felon are paroled too quickly. However, I do not believe that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solution. If I am elected I will make and keep going a safe organisation for integrating criminals back into order. Muggles have seen achiever with halfway menage and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway home ?"Laurentis said with raised eyebrows."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoner. Most are not fit for society and many never will be. Even with halfway house they will thread up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't work ?"

"It 's about giving people a chance,"Harry Hotspur said."Not everyone is a confounded grounds and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoners have made a few bad choices as a event of bad childhood and a bit of rehabilitation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."adjacent enquiry. Is Azkaban an allow place to house captive ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an reserve facility for in high spirits protection captive, but I have always felt that we need a less intimidate building to firm our lower security captive. Right now all criminals, from those who committed petty thieving or skipped bail to those who have murdered mass, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in ascendency of the dementors it is still a terrifying and high gear security place. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to make a minor construction located on the mainland to mansion depleted security prisoner, we would be able to decrease spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security system at Azkaban without wasting effort and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another facility going to save up money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the judicial system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in heraldic bearing of the prison, including its maintenance and it is in complete experimental condition. We are not spending an outrageous amount of money on the lieu. Further, I do not consider that less grave felon deserve a lower security prison. They are all criminals and if they did not care to be in Azkaban, they should not sustain committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Percy said."It is also extremely unmanageable to hire guards because of its localisation and full general smell of the place, not to remark the unsafe outlaw. If we housed less dangerous criminals in another construction, it would be slow to find safety to work there. We could then use the guard duty willing to hold eminent security prisoners only to guard mellow security prisoners. We would no longer possess to consume them on take down security prisoners."

"But we will still have got to assert Azkaban, and then another building,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far Thomas More sense to hold on all criminals in one place and an island is a good place to do that-"

"Obviously not that goodness, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of round. It is clock time to move on to the next question. In light of the Recent Azkaban break-out, what do you feel needs to be done to ensure it does not happen again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the gang. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to appear to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Sir Henry Percy and gave him one of those creepy grinning that seemed to have become her signature facial expression. Albus turned to rosiness, who raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained repose on the subject of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on intention. I see that all of the reporter in the back have their Quik-Quotes Quills poised and fix to write down my every word on this subject. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to put out my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will traverse that there is anything wrong with the surety at the prison and that the break-out was a mere trematode worm and it wo n't happen again. I am not going to say either. There is a problem and if we do not fix it, it will happen again. Every individual one of those break loose prisoners is highly dangerous and if we do not recapture them soon, who knows what will happen. When they are captured, we will ask to possess effective security measures in place. After all, what is more authoritative that the base hit of our children ? With those five prisoners roaming exempt, every person in this room, in this castle, in this country is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solvent. It is a controversial answer, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our mob, especially our children. That is why if elected parson, the first matter I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the cliff hanger ! I did n't want to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a in force place to split it. Thanks for all the lovely reviews !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the room. The Great Hall was suddenly in topsy-turvydom. Everyone was whispering and a few people had let out cries of outrage or excitement. Albus could practically hear the reporters'quill pen scratching across gyre of parchment, and Laurentis was grinning again. Walker Percy stood behind his podium, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a wide, gaping status. Farleigh was attempting to gain order of magnitude, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will people actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

Rose nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as drumhead of Azkaban will surely require the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupid to institute them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're dangerous and their allegiance changes so easily. But to be reliable, I 'm not sure everyone will palpate that way. Not with those prisoner on the loose."

"Quiet, silence !"professor Kendrick shouted. The crowd finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your bend to verbalise,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to regain his composure. He 'd lost his poise, equanimity, and collected politician look and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch career.

"Well, I, er, do not conceive that dementors are the result to the security department problems in Azkaban,"Sir Henry Percy said."What we need are more skilled sentry go in electric charge of gamy security prisoners as well as a revamp of the trance and fascination currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help to go over the organization of the safety docket because at the clip of the escape cock, only three safety device were maintaining that part of the prison. That was surely an oversight that could have been prevented."

"Human error,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the lives of our baby in the chance that another error will happen ? Dementors were proven sentry go who did not earmark prisoners to escape. During their reign in Azkaban, before their commitment changed, only one person managed to take to the woods. Since their removal we have had numerous escapes."

"open evidence that we need to revamp prison surety,"Walker Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are grievous creatures and as you said, their allegiance changed. What 's to say that wo n't chance again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to get up to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a better deal than we did they 'd have a all prison of grave criminals at their garbage disposal to do their command. It 's not worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to baron,"Laurentis said with a laugh."We have learned from our history and it wo n't happen again."

"You ca n't assure that,"Percy said."Even if there is a very pocket-sized chance of it happening, it is not Worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is prison term to propel on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five grievous outlaw have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side during the war, and are out there, wreaking havoc as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would throw happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain try to get both candidates to block off talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a deep laugh."Five prisoner escapism when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one individual was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoners are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are dangerous magic creatures. Not to cite the ethics of subjecting prisoners to their effects-"

"Prisoners have no rightfulness,"Laurentis said."They give up their rights when they commit crimes-"

"basic human rights !"Percy exclaimed."There are BASIC human being right that everyone deserves ! talk of the town about learning from our history. history tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not recall the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my mother to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell me that I do n't remember it."

Albus was on the edge of his keister. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to turn violet and resemble Kaden 's grandfather. Laurentis 's hair was breaking free from its nasty bun and there was a vein popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both candidates to barricade talking and failing miserably, while every other person in the Great Hall sat completely still, staring at Percy and Laurentis.

"secretiveness !"Professor Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Harry Hotspur and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's brow continued to throb, and Walker Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of time,"Farleigh said, in a part barely more than a squeak."Thank you all for coming."

"scholarly person, please take back to your common rooms,"Kendrick announced."tiffin will be in an hour. As a reminder, there is no question and answer session today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the racket horizontal surface rose very richly. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the queue of hoi polloi ambling to leave the Great Hall, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the Marauder 's Den, where they found bathroom and Kaden.

"What the bloody snake pit is she trying to do ?"whoremonger asked as soon as Albus shut the room access.

"She 's lost her mind !"rose shouted as she began pacing around the way."She has legitimately lost her nous. That 's the sole explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you think ?"rosiness asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't sound like a plan she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find oneself out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia cobbler's last year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to ward the prison ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"blush wine said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as guards. That and all the dementors changed allegiance and let decease Eaters escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched allegiance so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to course off of."Rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could offer. But right now they do n't have a good germ. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll hold if given the opportunity."

"Should n't people be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dim of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't announce anything if she did n't conceive it would get her votes,"Rose said."Most people our parents'age and older, who lost loved ones in the war, will have absolutely no sympathy for Death Eaters and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then warrant no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the sofa and started counting the number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor attic that were scattered on the floor. He got to twenty-three before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"toilet mused."Was n't his dad a Death eater ? So he should n't require the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the Three broomstick a patch back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of course he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His solid family dislikes my whole kinsperson and it goes the former way, too. But his dad was never found guilty of his offence so he never did prison term in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really deal what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Sir Henry Percy.

"We should go to lunch and then call matte,"rose said."Catch him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that flatness was still in the hospital wing, in the midst of Laurentis 's announcement. He felt vaguely shamefaced about it, but at least rosebush had remembered.

Everyone gathered for lunch in the Great anteroom was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bring back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry officials were still there, having dejeuner with the professors at the staff mesa, and all were cryptical in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be able-bodied to take heed in on their conversations, but wearing the Invisibility Cloak in the crowded Great Hall was n't a skilful idea.

"wagerer get used to the theme of your dad being pastor,"one of the seventh twelvemonth was saying to Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Omar Nelson Bradley muttered something under his intimation that Albus could n't take heed. Albus took a seat a few people down from his cousin and began to take a crap a sandwich.

"She 's got my whole category 's votes now,"one of the early seventh twelvemonth said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir Limnodromus griseus. If the dementors will catch him and continue him in there forever, it 'd make all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from other older scholar sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many scholarly person approved of her idea, a lot of adults probably did, too. And these were 7th years ; they could vote.

"Wait, the dementors find outlaw, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given license to give him the Dementor 's Kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out somebody 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his head."No, they live without a person. Everyone says it 's forged than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the first to fly the coop Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the time everyone thought he murdered XIII Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely atrocious !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and 7th years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you wish that on someone ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by dying Eaters you would, too,"one of the young woman snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't want the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"wellspring, Voldemort 's dead,"the girl said."Maybe if Johnny Reb were dead I 'd feel differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't think she 's going to lose as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of class she 's not,"Rose said."This is probably better for suffrage than digging up dirt on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her home plate forward."Sucking out individual 's someone ? And they just take up your glad memories out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the previous June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your worst memories."

"That 's all you can guess about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad 1 ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of track it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was storm Amanda had had such a secure reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even known such wight existed, it would be a bit of a electrical shock. He was even more storm that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting couple with a seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"pink wine said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

whoremaster and Kaden each grabbed the remaining halves of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great Asaph Hall. Amanda lead the way, stomping her foot a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrong on so many levels !"she said as she led them to the Hospital Wing."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. Emotional torture. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"Rose said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets word of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she halt Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is Minister,"Rose answered."Right now Mum 's the senior helper of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to pass now, my mum could avail break it. But pastor Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're foul creatures,"Amanda continued."Having them safeguard anything or anyone is a terrible idea."

Albus decided now would not be a good time to order Amanda that when his dad was a one-third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the hospital annex."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage magic in the front of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the kind of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a long-familiar fact,"Albus said."That the illustrious Harry potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a serious deterrent example of unjustness,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"blush wine said."It 's creepy-crawly. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do sound just like her mum."

"Your mum has the powerful mind,"Amanda said as they reached the Hospital Wing.

flatness was the lone patient role in the ward. The curtains were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a bowl of soup, which was a good sign. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"Fine,"matt said."trio cracked ribs and a lot of nasty stinger, but I 'm fine. Listen, I heard the debate. Madam Pomfrey had it on on the radio set. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should take heard Madam Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"lady Pomfrey said."But Albus and Rose, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my balloting. Always thought he was a little pompous when he was at Hogwarts but at least he 's not dumb enough to employ dementors as guards of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's form of funny remark,"John added.

"It is not funny !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that 7th year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh twelvemonth !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."privy 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her class were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Greyback and she wants to make sure he stays in prison."

matt toyed with his blanket and did n't foregather Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't tell me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the unit Rebel thing, I can sort of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scarey, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sorting of lucky. The blighter who bit me is in prison house and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard Matt talk about the wolfman who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out next year,"flatness said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you bonk much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his figure and how old he was,"flatness said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Australian prison house guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

matt shook his head."No, and it never has been. And I do n't think prisons should be guarded by dementors. But Rebel ... he 's scary. He 's spoiled than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an stroke. Greyback bit people on purpose. He 'd bite people and then raise them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for nipper. teddy bear 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to establish him up. They did n't, of course of instruction, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even sure if teddy bear knew that. slip 's dad 's parents died tenacious before teddy bear was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you encounter that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about slip 's dad when she was catching up on British account of Magic. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to make me feel better. But then I decided to enquiry former werewolf and found out about Reb in one of my dad 's playscript. It talked about his whole thing with biting kids. It never said Teddy 's dad specifically was one of those kids but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's horrible,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a whole pack of lycanthrope to do his bidding,"matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"morsel the great unwashed and make a pack ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."That or witness the great unwashed who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to find out you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the past few old age it really has n't. Remember last year ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castle when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the palace ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a guaranty,"Matt said."I wonder how many people he bit last night."

Albus did n't reply. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Limnodromus griseus did during the full moon, just like there was no way to guarantee that Hogwarts would be safe. All Albus and his friends could do was hope that it would be safety and that the miss Death eater would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors guard Azkaban was an absolutely terrible approximation, but after listening to lustrelessness talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Greyback, he form of understood why some people might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this time ! Thanks for all the wondrous followup ! If you like piranha era, please chequer out my new novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the keep up morning at breakfast, as he set down a copy of the Prophet.

The article on the disputation had been a long one, taking up nearly the full front page. It featured a photograph of Hotspur and Laurentis arguing with each former, and Albus was capable to see his uncle 's expression turning steadily more imperial, despite the fact that the picture was in disastrous and white. The article that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring the dementors back. She had put the proposition up for vote four sentence and it was shot down by Minister Hartwell each fourth dimension.

"Of form he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the article."It 's a unintelligent idea. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, Senior Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal, said, 'It 's absolutely barbaric. Everybody, including captive, have basic human rightfield that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the days when the Ministry sanctioned emotional vilification of its prisoners and the persuasion that a woman running for Minister is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my sincere hope that the people of wizarding Great Britain will think long and hard about the effects this will receive, not only on prisoners, but on our bon ton as well, before they cast their right to vote in April. ''"

"Always one to speak her idea, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't accord more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"Rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the Minister. If she were oral sex of the department, then yes, but she is n't forefront yet. It 's confusing."

"Good,"Amanda said."We 'll demand some sane multitude in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to spend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to lie with,"rosiness said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the mates on Sat against Ravenclaw. After the last match, we 've got to stimulate sure we we win by a decent sum of points if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's place for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia little girl ? She had a Brobdingnagian puppy love on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent Jesse James a box of chocolates for Christmas,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't hear that from me."

"I was there when he opened his presents,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went home for the holiday,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral stroller and meander up riding to the gear with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the whole time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit Matt before Quidditch practice,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to obtain me."

"And us !"trick announced."Marauder 's Den. buffoonery planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John Lackland shrugged."case yourself."

Albus hurried up to the Hospital Wing and managed to get inside without Madam Pomfrey noticing, although the nurse would n't have minded him being there. But she was very preoccupied with two students who had somehow fused their left arms together. Matt was already come alive and much cheerier than he had been the previous day, when talking about grayback. He was pretty sure Madam Pomfrey was going to let him out that night, so they agreed to meet in the Marauder 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch practice went very well and Albus was fairly certain they would beat Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to land back the dementors, which was a surely sign that things were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the rest of the day in the piranha 's Den working on his prep with Matt while trying to forefend hearing any part of John and Kaden 's new prank.

The calendar week went by quickly since Albus spent every moment he was n't in class on the Quidditch pitch. But the conditions remained decent so it was gratifying. The only day Albus was n't on the pitch was Th, when he had dueling practice session.

"When 's the side by side tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration Day classroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. Heather was there to supervise, sitting in a corner. A few of the team phallus were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sort of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying attending. Instead he was hunched over a recollective piece of parchment."Wonder what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last minute homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up true and crumpled the piece of parchment. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked sullen and averted his centre after only a few seconds.

"I do n't think that 's homework,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should praxis blocking."He took a sidelong glance at Malfoy, expecting him to scoff and claim that they already knew how to block, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student nearest to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even weirder was that the student he partnered with was a second year Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to make sure he was n't seeing things and then began shooting charm at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice school term got stranger as the night went on, in full term of Malfoy 's conduct. Not once did he second guess what Albus said and he did n't say one Bible to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Heather raised her eyebrows at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practices before and knew how much Malfoy usually tried to be the police chief. He ran out of the elbow room as soon as the recitation was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the debate.

"That was the strangest thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common room."And I witnessed my comrade effort to brew a potion this past summer and drink it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts alphabetic character ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no estimation,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No approximation, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during future week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awful ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't lie with that it is, so I do n't cause to reckon about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything good would make Malfoy keep out up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's leaning to bet Quidditch during really bad weather condition came up in total force on Sabbatum, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its property were freezing low temperature temperatures and a howling C storm that probably should stimulate resulted in the match being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a execrable equal. He wished they could have prissy weather, like they had when they played Slytherin in Nov.

The last time Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his second year and wound up in the hospital wing with the flu afterward. He certainly did not need a repetition of that so he was hoping that James would grab the stoolie Sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is half-baked,"Ryan said as they stood in the room access of the changing rooms, waiting for the friction match to lead off."There is literally no way to see the canary in this."

"There 's nothing I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could tell he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to run unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was the right way. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't tell if more blow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a stoolpigeon in it was going to be good impossible.

"I 'll fascinate it,"James I said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to learn the commentary,"Fred said."Just bewitch it as soon as you can. Do n't care about catching it after we 're up a sealed number of decimal point. We just ask a win at this point."

There was a very boring, quieten holloa of applause and Fred led the team out onto the pitch. The egg were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't bonk which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten minutes of meandering around the pitch shot, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no musical theme where the destination posts were.

Albus flew flat ahead, hoping it was in the right direction, but instead of reaching the finish posts, he reached the standpoint. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal C. W. Post. At to the lowest degree he now knew where they were. He managed to mark, mostly because Ravenclaw 's Keeper did n't see him.

The lucifer continued in bedlam, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a single Bludger the unit clip and assumed the Beaters were just trying to keep track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposite team 's players. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a match by himself. The only other players he saw were the Ravenclaw searcher, Fred, and heather mixture. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the goal posts as best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"someone shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't gain out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to figure out who it was. He did n't even recognise their vox, but it could have been distorted by the lead. Finally, he began to give out a figure flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The match has been canceled. We 're all to return to our commons elbow room flop now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his senses. It was just unimaginable to play a good game of Quidditch in a storm like this.

When Albus and Heather finally reached the changing room they found the rest of the team sitting in their wet Quidditch robe, their faces picket. Albus noticed that even ling looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so eminent, you probably did n't pick up,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That mate was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first long time,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing unvoiced."She saw Fenrir Greyback on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling nauseous."But it 's so snow-covered. How could she possibly know for sure as shooting ?"

"She ca n't, of line,"Fred said."But she went running to Professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitching and told him. That 's when they canceled the compeer and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred mention his public figure, Professor Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the rest of his teammates out of the changing rooms. They were all quiet on the walk back to the castle since the violent storm was still raging. No one would suffer been able-bodied to hear anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to let the cat out of the bag. The thought of Fenrir Greyback being loose was bad enough, after hearing what matt knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts grounds, was too amazing to even intend about.

As they walked up to the castle and then up to Gryffindor tugboat Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw girl had n't seen Fenrir Greyback. She was probably just thinking about the at large prisoners and imagined something. Albus had n't even been capable to make out his own cousin when she 'd been calling his gens in this tempest. What were the prospect of a 1st year being able to pluck out Fenrir Johnny ?

But still ... what if it had been Greyback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The plebeian elbow room was buzzing with cackle when the team entered a short piece later. Albus avoided everyone, including his friends, until after he went up to his student residence to take a shower. He was shivering and felt unspeakable and did n't want to talk to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his Friend were all gathered in his dormitory after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the Marauder 's Den,"Matt explained."We 're not allowed to depart our vulgar elbow room until further notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a little before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rose wine said."No one really knew what was happening because it was so snowy and the hint was so loud. We could n't see the match, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating charms and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing whisper about Greyback on the grounds. Then, probably two min later, Kendrick magically amplified his spokesperson and told us all that we 're to report back to our rough-cut rooms immediately and to take the air back with our wands out and in large groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for certain, we knew that someone had seen greyback on the flat coat. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw starting time years thought she saw him on her way to the match and told Professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't jazz much. No one 's told us anything for sure and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"matt said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three base in front of them and the wind is so garish no one can hear anything either. It was the double-dyed day for him to sneak onto the grounds, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"Matt said."No one knows the full story yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the lot, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"matt asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own werewolf army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; reckon how disturbed he is now. They do n't postulate dementors in prison to make people go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and calculate out how to best office himself to bite kids during the entire moon ?"flatness interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"Matt said. He looked more concern than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts kids. hold up time he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even know for certainly that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes sensation, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"Matt said."You have to anticipate me you wo n't go outside during the full Sun Myung Moon. I do n't need any of you joining me in the Shack."

Saint John the Apostle looked skeptical."There 's early reasons why he could be here."

"hope me,"matte repeated, staring directly at whoremaster."It 's not worth the risk."

lavatory shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the residue of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't experience,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Limnodromus griseus are with them. The Carrows were Death eater, but Greyback was n't technically a death feeder. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door spread and he followed,"privy said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in luxuriously security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right,"John said.

"Two end eater, a war criminal, a lycanthrope, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"speech sound like the beginning of a put-on,"John said."Two Death Eaters, a war criminal, a loup-garou, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next full moon. There was n't anything in the Prophet about him biting anyone this last full moon, but I do n't consider he 'd go two moonshine without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on Wolfsbane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"rose mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a knock on the door and then it opened. James walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to lecture to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to will the green way for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they catch him ?"lusterlessness asked anxiously.

"No,"James River said."But, Longbottom said the owner of lady Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw young woman probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no signboard of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the match ?"Albus asked.

James nodded."side by side Sat. dear thing, too, because I do n't think that one would 've ever ended. Do n't tell Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Limnodromus griseus being on the grounds, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't set on that little girl,"flatness said as James left."He attacks people even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle Bill,"Albus said.

"Really ?"Matt asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth class, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rare centre. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. Wait, flatness, do you like really uncommon kernel ?"

matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll gain me ill. And they do n't attend it here."

"My uncle eats it all the time,"Albus said."Aunt Fleur likes her steaks pretty rare, too. So does teddy bear for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's double-dyed,"Matt replied."I should ask the house elves to do me rare steak."

"They probably would,"Rose said."They make you pretty lots whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"Matt said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to induce to witness you eating a spell of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"Matt said."Slightly cooked, bit of parentage dripping out."

"Oh, gross !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the vulgar room."

Albus laughed and Matt grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was nothing like a trip to the kitchens to get their minds off of Greyback and the other escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Fri. Thanks for all the wonderful followup ! Please look into out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first year who saw Greyback on the dry land became an instant Hogwarts fame. By the next day her total story had spread throughout the student consistency like wildfire, and every ace person in the castle knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory of Nazianzen, a tiny girl who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her prospicient red fuzz and spraying of freckle across her face. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a crowd of people around her, asking her to narrate the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the story at least five time. Quinn had been running to the pitching, late, because she 'd expend a half hour trying to convince one of her roommates to go to the match, but in the end her roommate had decided she did n't need to brave the storm. Quinn then spotted someone lurking near the nursery and went to look into, but instead of finding another student, she found Fenrir Greyback. Apparently Johnny had said 'hi, trivial girl'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitching. Greyback then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the week progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Reb after a twenty minute duel and running to the Quidditch pitch in order to warn the rest of the educatee, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very felicitous that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his Quaker.

"Guess what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the marauder 's Den Friday evening, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the Marauder 's Map, which he 'd drop the last ten second studying. John and lusterlessness were in the room as well, matt studying and Saint John the Apostle sorting drinking chocolate batrachian cards. rosiness was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down side by side to Albus."She 's now saying that knot stole her scepter and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's farcical. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an exact replica,"Kaden replied.

"But no two verge are the same,"can pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to trust her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the marauder 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts sections, looking for grayback every so often since final Saturday. He 'd yet to witness anything remotely interesting on it, to the lowest degree of all Greyback or one of the other escaped yard bird.

"Scorpius is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common way, but instead slowly making its way across the curtilage.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his Bible."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."cum see."

lustrelessness, John, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot change of location further and further from the rook. There were no other dots on the primer, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't appear that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in Inner Light of his other odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should keep an eye on him,"King John said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at Night during a tempest for no grounds at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's immobilise,"matte added.

"We 'll take your Invisibility Cloak,"lav said.

"I do n't remember we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his name off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll confiscate it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"King John asked.

Albus laughed and turned to look at whoremonger."Of line you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will murder me."

"Your dad 's Harry ceramicist,"St. John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would know it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry Potter Murders Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"time lag,"lusterlessness said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that flatness was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree diagram, giving it a wide berth."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't guess he 's figured it out, do you ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"John said, standing up.

Matt nodded."Come on, Albus, let us call for your cloak."

"Fine,"Albus said, knowing that the battle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping Willow, which meant that this was now personal for Matt, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't make out if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dorm room anymore, since he and his friends spent far more clock time in the vulture 's Den than they did in the mutual room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his friends walked over to him. They stood close up and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"Half my dead body is showing,"John said, turning to face at his still visible arm.

"And all our feet are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and trick are hulk,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five column inch of space that separated his head from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have got to crouch down,"Matt said.

"But what about the fact that half my eubstance is showing ?"John asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"Matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do disillusionment charms,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't learn those until seventh year."

"rose wine could probably figure them out,"bathroom said."We should let her learn them."

"well we do n't get time for that now and we 're wasting metre arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"flatness said.

"There are wards,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"Fine,"St. John said."Albus and lusterlessness can go and Kaden and I will ride out here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to continue ?"

"Well, Albus is n't going to let anyone take the cloak without him going and Matt has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping Willow,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't think more than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"Matt said, yanking the cloak off of John the Divine and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to keep open up with Matt and keep himself crouched down enough to detain hidden, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much faster than matt. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the front door and were n't noticed by any of the students or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front room access."We do n't want to be locked out like back in second year."

"This is total deja vu,"Matt added."Two years ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping Willow. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't think we 'll wind up champion with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The grounds were very lull, the exclusively sound being the crunching of their feet in the coke. Albus carefully vanished their footprints as they walked, while matte led them down the path to the Whomping willow. It was very cold-blooded and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the time they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the shrieking Shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the piranha 's Map out of his air hole. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a circle around the tree."Yeah, he 's there."

Matt nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their verge, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the willow tree 's large branches. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his forefront always turned toward the tree. He had his scepter out and did n't seem to find that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at Matt as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to call his attention to their bearing. Since they were unseeable, they could just stand there and watch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every ward has a frail compass point. They do n't all last forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending assorted hexes and curse into the Ward, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree once more, a hex bounced off the Montgomery Ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to start out of the way to avoid it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to work,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"Matt mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another circle around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and this sentence one of the hex reflected off the hospital ward and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried corner root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. lusterlessness let out a current of curses and a cry of pain. Albus heard a sickening crunch as he fell and hoped it was the tree diagram root and not Matt 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and Matt. He lit it and his aspect visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. mat was still sitting in the snow."I could ask you the same thing, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his baton at mat and reached down to help him up. He was clutching his carpus and his face was as picket as Malfoy 's, although for unlike reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking silver dollar would be the outflank insurance here. After all, all three of them were breaking the rules. Not practically point in denying it or making up excuses.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His verge arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't screw if it was from the frigidity or fear.

"Saw you leave the castle,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you require with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?"lusterlessness demanded. His voice sounded pained.

Malfoy 's back talk turned up in a sly smile."Once again, you just confirmed my misgiving. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking hut. I did a little more enquiry, and turns out this thing was planted the same class the shriek shanty was built. The Lapp year Remus lupine started going to Hogwarts. That hut 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some sort of tunnel leading to it and what better way to hide a burrow than to put a murderous tree above it ? difficulty is, I ca n't invalid the ward. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"lustrelessness asked. Albus heard him breathe in sharply and began to wonder if his wrist was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't state you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the Aaron Montgomery Ward,"lustrelessness said.

"I 'll visualize it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behaviour at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another pattern the premature day and again, Malfoy had n't said two words to anyone. It was just strange. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't suffice.

"It 'd be dumb, you know,"mat said."Going into the screech Shack."

"fountainhead I would n't go in on a broad moon, retard,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nothing to do with you or your evil side. I could n't deal less that you 're a cruddy lycanthrope. I have better things-"

Albus jabbed his scepter into Malfoy 's chest, nearly knocking him over in the cognitive operation. His center was pounding and he could experience heat rising up in his body."You. hire. That. Back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"matte said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's true. I do n't handle. It was the mystery that I liked and nothing more than. You do n't know the one-half of what 's going on or why I want that hut. He only uses it one Night out of twenty-eight. I want it the other twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a huge deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a loud spokesperson boomed over the grounds."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his baton and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the dry land after darkness but another to be caught threatening another scholarly person. He pointed his wand in the direction of the voice and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his English.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."flatness ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, zip,"Albus muttered.

"Well, yer breaking the prescript so I 'm going to take to adopt yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll have to see Slughorn."

"infirmary wing,"lusterlessness said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his wrist."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the backbone, a gesture clearly meant to soothe him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castle, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a short-circuit distance. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping willow again, although Albus had a spirit he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that Matt was a werewolf.

The castle was much hollow when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their bout and realized that curfew must have passed. So much for not getting in trouble.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital annexe and left Albus and Matt there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's study. Malfoy had remained placid during the entire walk of life, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted Matt.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"Madam Pomfrey said as she examined Matt 's wrist."This sneaking about in the dead of night, following mass. At to the lowest degree you did n't get locked out this time.

"Yes, your wrist is definitely broken. But I can mend it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her wand out of her gown and pointed it at lusterlessness 's articulatio radiocarpea. She muttered a spell and instantly, his wrist was healed.

"Thanks,"Matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a console and returned with a goblet of potion."Take this for the bother and you 'll be good as new. No need to stay the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to expect here until Professor Longbottom comes to collect you."

Matt nodded and downed the potion in one with child gulp. Albus sat down succeeding to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't retrieve Hagrid had seen him with his wand pointed at Malfoy, so his penalty should n't be too bad.

"You do n't retrieve he 'll pee-pee you neglect Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would kill me."

The room access to the Mrs. Humphrey Ward opened and Professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his chief when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the background after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt weird calling professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this place.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his capitulum, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detainment, nor would it block Malfoy from trying to image out how to get into the Shrieking Shack.

"I 'll make this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten points from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both serve detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch match. credit line, in my agency. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave alone. He nodded to madam Pomfrey as he walked to the threshold."proficient dark, Poppy."

"Good night, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and matte said good night to the nurse and then left the hospital ward, both automatically going back to the rough-cut room rather than the vulture 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tug twice in one night they 'd get a much regretful punishment than twenty lost compass point and a detention. Albus thought they 'd gotten off loose, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. John and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a word,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an hour,"St. John said."What 's your penalisation ?"

"Detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten points,"Albus said.

"You got off promiscuous,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and privy we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took pathos on us because Matt broke his carpus while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of course he did."

"Shut it,"Matt said."It really hurt. I was dodging a nemesis that Malfoy sent to the willow tree that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything utile out ?"rosiness asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and Matt explained what had happened, including the function where Malfoy insulted Matt and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"Rose mused."What can he possibly want the hut for ? And what did he mean when he said he had former stuff going on ? What other poppycock could he possibly have going on besides school day ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"trick suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousins are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he ask the Shack ?"

"Who knows,"John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"Speaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting weird,"Rose said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't seem to possess any friends."

"Energy Department her buddy still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"blush wine replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to cling out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another time and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd know to have it away what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in contact with Quinton."

"They 'd be stunned to be,"Rose said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two age ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to figure out what 's up with Elsie,"John the Evangelist said.

"I 'm trying,"Rose insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd imagine. She hardly talk of the town at all."

"Just keep trying,"John said.

"team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the common room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second prospect at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't argue. Turning in too soon was a good melodic theme and he was actually quite tired after his excursion to the Whomping willow. He bade good nighttime to his admirer and went up to his quiet, empty dormitory. It did n't take him long to fall asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping Willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! I am doing refugee camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a commodity estimation ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather for the rematch was vastly different from the former Saturday 's weather. The sky seemed to be all out of nose candy and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly cold, there was little fart. Albus hoped the match would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to attend detention with professor Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Hall by himself for breakfast. His early night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was nice being able-bodied to loaf over breakfast, though, and focus on the upcoming match rather than interact with his admirer. As he ate, the Great Charles Martin Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the hold out of his egg when the Post owls arrived.

Albus observed the hooter and did n't recognize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any Emily Post today, which was a good thing because he was fairly sealed Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very big owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a howler monkey and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin table. Albus continued watching it and saw it down right in front of Scorpius, who yanked the gasbag off the owl 's leg and tripped over the work bench in his hastiness to leave the room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was tremendous opening a howler in world. From the sound of it, Malfoy did n't quite relieve oneself it to a loo or vacate classroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the entering Hall.

Malfoy did n't pass to the Great dormitory. Albus figured it must have been a particularly awful riot and was wondering what it could possibly have said when his friends sat down future to him.

"Malfoy got a howler monkey,"whoremaster said as he started loading his plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"wellspring, we heard the tail end of it,"John said.

"It was awful,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"St. John said."It was a man 's interpreter. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in trouble for poor fish things when he should be studying and concentrating on his school piece of work and keeping his head down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more of import things on their judgement than worrying about Malfoy getting in difficulty in school day. And how they ca n't vex about him at school when they 're engaged worrying about other things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the former matter were ?"

"Nope,"toilet said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeons after the sidesplitter blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at practice was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his home,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to bring together up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"lustrelessness said."His dad was a expiry Eater, was n't he ?"

"sorting of,"Albus said."His gramps was, but his dad form of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his grandfather, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is Wyrd,"Matt said."Maybe his grandfather is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't vocalise right. Listen, I 've got to get to the tar. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"lustrelessness muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wishing for a long match came true. Since the weather was cooperating, William James put off catching the Snitch until Gryffindor was up by 200 points, instead focusing his movement on faking dives to keep Ravenclaw 's Seeker away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a half time of day later St. James the Apostle caught the Snitch and won the mate for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely disappointed that he 'd have to drop the resulting party in the common room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detainment for right field after the match.

Matt was waiting for Albus in the Great Hall and the two of them grabbed a quick lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's business office. They spent the following two time of day writing'I will not sneak out of the rook after dark'over and over again. By the time they were done Albus wanted to curl up up and take a nap, since the Quidditch catch itself had exhausted him. He and Matt decided to spend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found toilet and Kaden in the middle of plotting their new buffoonery. rosiness and Amanda were in the subroutine library, apparently avoiding John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure you do n't require to be involved with this ?"John asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the custody,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"lustrelessness agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to mean a lot of detentions."

"Fine,"Gospel According to John said.

whoremaster and Kaden lowered their voices, but Albus distinctly heard the words 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm clocks .'At that pointedness, he really did n't want to experience. He and matt decided to start a plot of chess and attempted to tune out Saint John the Apostle and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other Night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Commonwealth of Australia,"Matt said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that intend you 'd locomote again ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't reckon so because the real reasonableness we moved here was so I could go to school, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of Matt 's bishops.

"But if he does miss it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on lycanthrope issues,"lusterlessness pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's early things your dad mint with that they might disagree on."

"But my dad 's the most outspoken on werewolf rights. Everyone knows that,"matt said."If they 're going to disagree on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll have to wait until the argumentation,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"matte said quietly."It might be tremendous, but I want to know what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three week,"matte said."February 15th. That 's the alone thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when rosiness went. Sucks that they do that."

Matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. speaking of that, is Saint James the Apostle still going out with that Hufflepuff girl ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no idea, to be honest. I guess we 'll recover out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch exercise for that day again,"Matt pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too much since the weather was so nice, but I think if he did it again the whole team would hate him."

"That would make an inept house dinner, considering over half the squad are your cousins,"flatness said.

"class dinner party with my family have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the next one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a little over two calendar month to go,"Matt said."You can defecate it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his queen in the direct line of Matt 's baron."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the in conclusion Minister of Magic to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"prof Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the first week of February and the course of study had finally gotten to the point where they were beginning to discuss the second war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the to the lowest degree competent rector ever to hold office,"Embry continued."He refused to conceive grounds that was laid out plainly in front of him, for veneration of being known as the Minister who held situation when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right in front of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of class, because he is now known for being the to the lowest degree competent parson.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly comfortably light than Fudge, although he was Minister when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in Aug of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course. He 'd grown up listening to his parents joke at the incompetency of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a minister at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed musical note since the essays Embry set were often foresighted and difficult.

"The time of the arcsecond war was a time of fear and bedlam,"Embry said as he reached the social movement of the elbow room again."No one knew what was going on or who to believe. Many people heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even doddering. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't know what to do or who to turn to, or even what to trust. They 'd been fooled for a wide-cut year, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a class, what were they to do ? They did n't trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. well-nigh people 's end were to protect their family and champion and that was it.

"It was the fear and topsy-turvydom that allowed Voldemort and his following to take control of the Ministry. Without the funding of wizarding Britain, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a takeover. It was simple for Voldemort to slip in and takeover in a matter of weeks."

"Excuse me, professor ?"Olivia cost said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Price ?"Embry replied."You have a question ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to serve, but what were you doing during the endorsement war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a dubiousness about his personal life, he did n't evince it. Instead he gave a rebuff smile and began to take the air around the classroom again.

"I do n't beware answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war effort, so of course you 're queer. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six years. I got a job as an undersecretary in the Department of Magical Transportation when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the social station.

"I 'd received a promotion shortly before minister of religion Fudge resigned and worked to draft jurisprudence, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was faint and corrupt and no longer wished to coordinate myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would like to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what form of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no mind he had been so tangled with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so of import to educate all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."feeling like we 're out of clip for today so please write an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's full term as Minister for preparation, due next Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor tug with his protagonist. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the notice control panel, which was strange. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other notices garner such a crowd around the card board.

Albus shrugged at his Friend and they squeezed through the crowd until they could record it. It was a tumid poster, covering the bulk of the board, imposing an early curfew Sunday dark. Everyone, first through seventh years, were to be back inside the castle by five in the evening, no elision. Below that it warned that Filch was going to lock the front man doors at exactly five and that everyone was to report to their common way at five-thirty.

"That 's Wyrd,"Albus said as he and his friends retreated."I do n't consider they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because greyback has n't been caught,"flatness said quietly."William Ashley Sunday 's the full moon."

"They must think he 's going to come back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't bonk,"matte said."But I 'd bet my parents'whole Gringotts vault that he 's going to sting someone William Ashley Sunday night."

"delay,"rose wine said."You do n't usually go to the screech Shack until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"Matt said."In case some people do n't stick with it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a head counting. That 's why we all have to come back to the green room at five-thirty."

Rose nodded."Then you 'll have to impart later, after the threshold are locked."

"Either that or dame Pomfrey will have me go ahead of time,"matt replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the shrieking Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his Friend were probably the only students who knew the reason why a curfew had been imposed on Sunday. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to figure it out. More than a few bookman were raging about it, although Albus had no estimation why since it was n't common for scholarly person to take a stroll on the priming on a Sunday dark in February. He supposed they liked the option, though.

As Billy Sunday drew secretive lusterlessness became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in first yr, before rosebush figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and Rose tried to get him to spread out up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was delicately. John and Kaden did n't seem to notice any departure in Matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Saturday 's Dueling tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the intact few hours worrying about matt because he had elected to skip the tournament in order to slumber, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life easy by remaining calm down throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in third place. Albus himself won both of his duels, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his Quaker spent the day in the predator 's Den, working on homework and playing games. flatness slept for lots of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the reason lusterlessness was so quiet was Greyback. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to recall to Gryffindor to essay they were in the palace. Matt was still asleep, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"lustrelessness,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the rough-cut room."

"This is stupid,"matte muttered."They 're counting everyone to make sure no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one living in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so tranquilize this week ?"Albus asked as Matt got up. He did n't reply."You and Greyback are n't the same."

"I know,"lusterlessness said as they left the elbow room. The corridor was empty-bellied, so he continued to blab out."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew thing every entire moon, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not life-threatening because you 're in the screaming Shack. It 's all certain up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Greyback are unlike because he wants to bite citizenry. He purposely transforms near mass, not on wolfsbane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a immense difference."

"But what if he does come in to Hogsmeade,"flatness continued."He 'll hear me howling and know there 's a werewolf in the Shrieking hovel and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does bite someone, and let 's face it, he will,"matte said."It 's going to look bad for all wolfman. All it 'll study is a few attacks and masses will bulge out believing we should bear our rights taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the common room."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to bechance. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat lady said as she swung her portrayal open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the mutual room the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to quiet down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an early curfew had been set. The room was so push that Albus and Matt could n't find the rest of their friends and since being in a crowded room was not the best thought for matte right hand before the full moon moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the student residence doorway.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"Scots heather announced in a magically amplify representative. The elbow room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even state us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a deal since it 's February, wickedness, and freezing outside. None of you would be outside anyway. Now just remain quiet while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner party. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to stray the castle until your convention curfew."

ling began calling out figure in alphabetical order by year. It took her XV or so hour to get to the fourth days and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen min after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The vulgar room emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great residence for dinner. matte had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him arouse, he went up to the dormitory to slumber until he had to go to the hospital annexe.

When Albus and his booster returned from dinner party mat had already left for the hospital wing. They decided to just stupefy around the common elbow room since it was fairly evacuate and spent the evening working on their essays for Professor Embry.

"Any chance you lot eff why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the last president at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glance with blush wine. He supposed it could n't bruise to secern James the rationality why, just so long as he did n't tell him why they knew. Of course, as soon as he told St. James the Apostle it would disperse around the castle like flying dragon pox at a wizarding nursery shoal, but again, that would n't really smart anything.

"We 've got a suspicion,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory of Nazianzen saw grayback on the land during the Quidditch mate ?"

"Yeah,"Jesse James said.

"Well, tonight 's a full moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

King James was silent for a moment and then his eyes grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to make out here tonight ?"

"That 's our hypothesis,"Albus said and his protagonist nodded.

"make sense,"James said."Can you think what kind of trouble Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a lycanthrope on the grounds ?"

Albus did n't want to mean about it. He doubted lusterlessness wanted a fellow in the shriek hut.

"Scary,"King James said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the dry land. I wonder why they did n't just tell us. No one would be angry about it if they 'd enjoin us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"Guess so,"James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Johnny would be common noesis in the castling within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish his essay and decided to squall it a night shortly after. He did n't feel like talking, not with the possibility that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts grounds or setting himself on some unsuspecting small town, wanting to taint small child with lycanthropy. It was horrendous to cogitate about. Albus laid awake for time of day, trying not to think about it, but try as he might, he just could not push the mentation from his mind.


It was a rare occasion that Albus witnessed the sun hike. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to sleep until the very tardy morning or early afternoon, but this particular good morning he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his worry about Fenrir Greyback and matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and sleep when he 'd just feature to be up in an time of day anyway.

Albus sat at the windowpane and watched as the sun slowly rose over the purview. The grounds looked peaceable, and not at all like the property where a wolfman could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The moonshine had set and both Matt and Johnny Reb would be back in their human forms by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was null anyone could do to alter it. Albus wondered just how long it would subscribe for the Prophet to publish some sort of article on any attacks Greyback might 've been the lawsuit of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before John did and busied themselves with talking of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken piazza Sat, completely carefree about grayback. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the lam wolfman. But they at least eff that the former Nox had been a full synodic month, since James had spread that information around the castling.

John the Divine finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now speak freely.

"What time is it ?"trick asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got clip to visit Matt before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no degree in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The moon just set two hours ago."

"Yeah, but he might sleep with something,"John said as he closed the hangings on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Reb survive night."

"He never remembers anything about replete moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still worth a shot,"trick replied.

Albus thought it would be kind of pointless, but they did n't accept meter before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory and down to the Great Hall for a ready breakfast before stratum. blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

blush wine shook her head and swallowed her Viscount St. Albans before answering."No. Absolutely zip, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for enough details to have emerged."

"Well, we 've got a unfreeze full point this afternoon, so we can go ask matt,"toilet said.

"I told you that he 's not going to make love anything,"Albus reminded him.

whoremaster shrugged."You never know."

The residue of the bookman trunk seemed to accept already forgotten about the early curfew and the full moon. Albus did n't try anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at lunch later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an tone-beginning, it was old news for the Hogwarts educatee. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, rose, and Amanda.

Albus, John the Divine, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to tending of Magical tool that good afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by coop filled with small, blackness, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone differentiate me what makes nifflers unique ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find hoarded wealth. They like glistening things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got watches or jewelry on, take it off. I 've buried a load of leprechaun gold and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to find it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever pair finds the most gilded gets a large number of coffee Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to take off their jewelry and find a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly gem hunting watch. Albus took off his watch, shoved it into his air hole, and followed John and Amanda over to the nifflers. With Matt in the hospital annexe, Albus was without a married person and decided to just join privy and Amanda.

John grabbed the niffler with the recollective snout and held the end of the star while they followed it around the grounds. Every so often the niffler would break off and dig through the Charles Percy Snow, revealing a small agglomerate of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The entire function was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the eternal rest of the family 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, funny tool. At one decimal point, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniff out a set of shell in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his scale of measurement in there anyway ?"John asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, look !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figures walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few s, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a young Auror from his dad 's department. His name was Paul Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to aid when Kaden was kidnapped two class ago. The indorsement man was none early than Matt 's dad.

"What 's matte 's dad doing here ?"whoremonger asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other gent ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two wizards walked past Albus, lavatory, and Amanda without making any sort of eye contact, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the class was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and John Henry Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's lead and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a Vannevar Bush. John and Amanda crouched down on either side of him.

"I s'ppose I did discover some funny dissonance las'dark,"Hagrid said."More'n usual, that is. Always funny randomness from the timberland. A bit more howling than normal las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"Matt 's dad asked. His vocalism sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outdoors late. What 's this about ? knot ?"

lustrelessness 's dad and Newman glanced at each early."Yes,"matte 's dad said."We have reasons to believe Greyback was in the region last night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."wish I could help yeh. But yeh know, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a prompt glance at Newman."We 've had composition of more barbarous, louder howling. Howling that seems to change location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could help. I 'll pay a bit more than attending next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

matte 's dad and Cardinal Newman turned and left, without a second coup d'oeil at Hagrid or the class. The rest of the class had long since returned to their nifflers and all had grip of gold far larger than Albus, John, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate salientian. It seemed that something did happen last night, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the class, Albus, John, and Amanda came in dead end for measure of coins collected. Hagrid seemed discomfited, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the castle, anxious to stow their bagful and go visit matte.

"If Johnny is n't on wolf's bane should n't he be easy to come up after the replete lunar month ?"lav asked as they walked to the hospital wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."Matt only bites and attacks himself because he has nothing else to set on. If Greyback 's out roaming the countryside, he can aggress brute and people."

"But what about the actual transmutation ?"St. John the Apostle replied."Even werewolves on Wolfsbane are achy the side by side day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the last matter on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. lustrelessness would probably know."

Matt was the merely patient in the hospital offstage and Madam Pomfrey was occupy in her report, so Albus and his supporter were detached to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was happy to see that Matt was awake, although he did await slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the oracle ?"mat asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken seats on his bed."And I 'm mulct, so do n't annoy asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last night was weird,"matte said.

"Told you he 'd know something,"John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"Matt replied."It was just Weird. I do n't know how else to distinguish it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"matt said quietly as he pulled his hands out from under the blankets. They were completely bandaged."aspect. My hands are the just part of me that 's bruise. I mean, I ache all over from the transformation, but I did n't sting myself at all terminal night."

Albus looked at the bandage."But your hands. You did n't burn them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"splinter,"Matt said."Madam Pomfrey thinks I spent the nighttime scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the wolf, but I do sometimes call up feelings. Like if the wildcat was really raging or something. Last night it was desperate, although I have no approximation what for. I guess to get outside, if dame Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking Shack for three and a half days and the beast has never done that before."

"I 'll separate you something weirder,"St. John the Apostle said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"matt exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During Care of Magical Creatures, he and some Auror came to talk to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of trend,"lusterlessness cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything Wyrd utmost night. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than common from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may have just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been report card of more vicious howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Greyback was in Hogsmeade last night,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the Shack ?"Matt asked."Nothing good. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll retain coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to elude from the hutch. The wards are too good."

The door to the ward flew open and Matt 's dad came striding inside, still looking as serious as he had earlier. After a quick glimpse around the room, he strode over to matte 's bed.

"Dad,"Matt said.

"You do n't look surprise to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right wing,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. Well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a dead laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. adjacent sentence you 're trying to hide, do n't blot out with a niffler. They 're notorious game show. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"Matt asked, clearly disappointed.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're better, though."

"I need to talk with you about live dark, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In private, perhaps ?"

Matt shook his head."I already told them about lastly night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and commemorate if you heard or saw anything foreign endure night. I know you never think of anything, but try."

matte held up his bandaged mitt."lady Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the shack in conclusion night. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the wolf occupied all night. I did n't set on myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's center grew boastfully and Albus noticed that the serious look had dissipated. It was replaced with a look Albus had seen quite often on his own Father of the Church. It was a Father of the Church 's jolt and worry.

lusterlessness explained the residue, including the part about the wolf tactile sensation desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to contemplate this for a few minutes before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"mat asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't suffer to enjoin you. It 'll be in the seer tomorrow anyway. Two nestling were attacked in Little Shingleton conclusion night. It 's a town about five mil away, on the other side of that mountain next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to reckon out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"Matt asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me conceive that this was a carefully planned flack. lilliputian Shingleton is a Muggle small town, with these two tiddler and their parents being the sole crone and superstar in the arena. It 's too coincidental. And why approach both children ? Most werewolves take off immediately after biting someone, their instinct telling them to get as far away as potential, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... go ?"Matt replied.

"They 're both in stable condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their collation heal, they 'll be amercement, lay aside for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The insect bite were houseclean and minuscule, not normal lycanthrope chomp. These bites were inflicted just to infect. Another mark toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"quint miles is not an inconceivable journeying for a werewolf in a night,"Mr. Eckerton explained."near likely Greyback heard matte 's ululation finale nighttime and followed the sound. Once there, he probably spent the sleep of the Night attempting to get inside the Shrieking hovel, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"Matt asked.

"I do, and Auror Paul Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's sketch, after telling him I needed to inspect you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"John asked."He ca n't be that far. No law-breaking, lusterlessness, but if you were outside you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so unmanageable to study, and also most potential the reasonableness why Wolfsbane does n't work for all werewolves, is that each person 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its outcome depend a lot upon a mortal 's survey toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Johnny has spent his life sentence embracing his lycnathropy and living for that one night a month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his wolf English so practically that he even attacks people when the Moon is not full.

"You, matte, on the former hand, identify most with your human face. As you should, considering you 're only a wolf one night out of 28. Therefore, you resist the translation. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. Greyback embraces it, and probably pitch a lot easy than you do. His transformations most likely do not cause him the same pain."

"I guess that makes sense,"Matt said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the afforest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. Trust me. They have the stallion werewolf ascendance social unit searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally dispatch Aurors to enamour varlet werewolves, as that 's usually the Werewolf Control social unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to enquire werewolf attacks. But this is a high profile cause, so they want many people on it, including people in charge. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if Teddy was on the case. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing Teddy, he 'd need to be on the case since greyback had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and fill out a write up,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chair."If you think of anything else, Matt, ask to use professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

matt said goodby to his dad and soon the male child and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't know what to say. Fenrir Greyback, it seemed, was up to his old tricks and somehow lustrelessness had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Rebel 's onrush on the two tiddler took the whole battlefront page of the Prophet the watch over morning time. The full Great Hall was talking about it, professor, bookman, and wraith. Copies of the newspaper publisher were being passed faster than record of Francis Bacon. Albus managed to snag a copy from his full cousin Ben.

FENRIR greyback plan of attack IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Greyback, escaped convict and werewolf,
was sighted last night in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, save for one
wizarding family. The family, whose
names have not been released due to the
Underage Lycanthrope shelter Law,
suffered an extreme disaster utmost night,
when Fenrir Calidris canutus attacked both of
their children. Both kid are
reportedly in stalls stipulation at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror section and the department for
the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures, headed by head of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded late yesterday.
'We 've interviewed several eyewitnesses
who saw or heard a werewolf in Hogsmeade
during the full moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five Roman mile from Little Shingleton .'
research worker said that numerous other
clues led them to trust that the attempt
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not groom to disclose all details
of the investigation. But we are confident
that this was an attack by Rebel. A team
of Aurors and werewolf Control whole employees
are working around the clock to capture
Johnny Reb .'

The article was followed by a recap of Greyback and the criminal offence that had landed him in Azkaban in the maiden place, along with a filthy pic of him. Even in his man form he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic contrast compared to Matt, who did n't resemble a Hugo Wolf at all, save for his middle. Albus glanced up from the article and his eye fell on mat 's. They had a yellowish tint to them, with flecks of gold amidst their natural downhearted color. They were indeed the only wolf-like trait he possessed when the moonshine was n't good.

"This is why people want stricter werewolf control laws,"flatness said quietly.

"eve those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't imagine about that. All they 'll suppose about is how their child are n't secure, and they 're compensate. It 's just dirty timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure Matt that everything would be all decent, that Laurentis would n't blow everything out of proportion, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was right, that Laurentis would once again use a terrible tragedy to draw Thomas More support from the wizarding world. If his uncle Percy was going to stick out a prospect against her, he was going to give to drastically commute his campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the faulty chapter live on Friday. This is the material chapter 25 and the one I uploaded survive Fri is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The thing about lycanthrope onset was that they were only capable to happen once a calendar month. There was absolutely no chance of a lycanthrope blast during the sleep of the month, so it was easy for the Hogwarts students to soon forget about Fenrir Rebel, or at to the lowest degree push him into the furthest corners of their mind. After the initial article about Greyback 's fire on the two untried shaver, the composition returned to its usual election reportage, although both candidates were being very quiet about the attack. Neither Sir Henry Percy nor Laurentis made a statement, which did n't surprise Albus. The debate on regulation of magical animal was scheduled for Sabbatum, so both prospect would hold statements then. There had been a few column in the paper written by mass pushing for stricter werewolf police force, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the future Hogsmeade trip, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed distraction from the exterior human beings. Word spread amongst Albus 's full cousin that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his early cousin had particular date as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with can, Kaden, pink wine, and Amanda. mat had arranged to assist the public debate with his dad, and would miss the trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked matt as they played chess in the Marauder 's Den.

"What ?"Matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the guise of taking his turn for the preceding five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that debate Saturday."

matt had seemed distracted all week and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his shift or the upcoming debate, Albus did n't know.

"Yeah, I 'm indisputable,"mat said."I 'd rather discover it straight from her than read it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to speak out against her if she wants strict law of nature ?"

matte shrugged."I do n't recognise. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The doorway to the Den burst receptive and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing superposable grins. It was slightly uncanny, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a good foretoken when whoremonger and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any proffer ?"John asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to Matt, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect adjacent class. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want custody again,"lusterlessness explained."Honestly, I could n't care less if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't desire to get it on what it 's going to be ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a probability,"Matt said.

John shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just time lag and see when the prison term feeling right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

whoremonger and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John the Divine said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and Matt exchanged a coup d'oeil.

"We could evidence you why that was so comic,"John said.

"Or you could just wait and see like the sleep of the castle,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not odd enough to possibly twist up with another week 's detainment.

Whatever the japery was, John and Kaden did n't go through it before the next day. Sat brought blue skies and bitterly frigidness temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in cookery for walking around Hogsmeade.

matte left early for the debate, Flooing from prof Longbottom 's study. Albus and privy slept late and met Kaden, blush wine, and Amanda in the Great lobby for a quick lunch before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The Feb Hogsmeade trip was always an interest one. The small town became filled with young dyad either snogging passionately in front of the workshop or staring awkwardly at each other across a tabular array in the Three broomstick or madam Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a particular date before in his lifespan, Albus found it really funny to watch. John Lackland and Kaden found it amusing as well, but Rose and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the couples and did n't find them at all singular.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not Madam Puddifoot 's,"John said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck couples headed toward the place.

"I plan on never setting invertebrate foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't give care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John the Divine laughed."You 'd have to get a lady friend to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The eternal sleep of the grouping agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the solitary empty mesa in the troika Broomsticks. Albus was hoping to arrest a glance of James because despite the fact that James River had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his brother was going out on particular date. It was just Weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the grouping went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to stock up on Skiving Snackboxes and umber salientian. By then it was nearly dinner party time and they decided to call it a day. The wind was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"whoremaster shouted just as they were setting off on the path back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what John was pointing at.

"James and Gabby Ellis,"John the Evangelist said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his mouth attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so close that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"Rose added."I could 've gone my entire life without seeing someone snog James."

lav and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the path."Let 's go."

"I think it 's safe to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in William James ..."Rose muttered.

"Well, he does play Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my cousins,"Rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we transfer the issue ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet Matt 's back from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'minds off of James 's romantic life. Albus himself wanted to put the prototype of his brother kissing someone out of his head forever. At least she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never give birth to see them kissing in the commons room. If he did he may have to expend all of his time in the Marauder 's Den.

Dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the castle, so the mathematical group decided to go find oneself lusterlessness first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the piranha 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the debate, but matte was sitting on the couch casually reading his spell record book, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"mat asked as he set his book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down next to Matt. John, Rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

lusterlessness raised his eyebrows."Disgusting ?"

"We saw St. James the Apostle snogging his new girlfriend,"rosiness said with a shudder."corporate trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a miss while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

Matt laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll take your Word for it."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Matt said."Well, okey, component part of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those court rooms in the basement. Mostly it was the great unwashed who work at the Ministry there, but there were some other people there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not for sure how much you know about the Department for the rule and controller of Magical Creatures, but every brute is divided into one of three category. beingness, Spirits, and animal. feeling are touch and poltergeists and boggarts. Beings are brute that are n't human, but have man tidings. wolf are everything else. The feller who was running the argument started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the rightfulness given to existence. You know, hob, house-elves, Centaurus, those sorting of creatures. They did n't accept much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should accept their rights taken away. And Rose 's mum has worked so hard to get them right.

"Then they moved on to the Spirit sectionalisation and there was n't much argument with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about spirits. They 're just sort of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the topic of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to accept an view on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much controversy with the Being division. There had been a lot of debate back and forth about the rights of being back when his parents had been in school and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her oeuvre life toward giving rights to Beings, especially house-elves. Over the old age she 'd done a very just job with it and had n't met much opposition. As for the Spirit division, Albus did n't believe there had ever been much argument there. Ghosts were just touch. They pretty much did as they pleased.

flatness paused."Then there was the Beast division. Throughout account both werewolves and vampires have sometimes been in the being division and sometimes been in the Beast division. Classification in the Beast division is the rationality why werewolf have been stripped of their rightfield and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as Beings, then legally, they do n't give birth to be given the Saami rights as humans. It 's a technicality, really.

"A long sentence ago werewolves were in the beingness division, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a huge lycanthrope attempt on an entire town. It was horrible. But ever since then, no one has wanted to separate them as beingness again. My dad has been an advocate for classification as Beings ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about compartmentalisation is that, for the almost part, Ministries all over the world have to agree. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult affair to do. person has to bring it up and align negotiations between countries and it requires a lot of sweat. When Voldemort came to tycoon no one in Britain had the time or energy to put toward the reclassification of werewolves. Not to citation they could n't spare the people to put the time into it. Since the brute blast in the 50s happened in England, the former countries have n't wanted to touch on the mind. Although I 'd wager that Australia would put up a good battle if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for ages, but he does n't have the documentation. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to concern it since it 's such a controversial number and he does n't have much clock time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't learn us any of that in History of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"lusterlessness said."It 's not a well-known proceeds since almost people probably do n't care to put in the effort to reclassify werewolves. The only masses who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the public debate ?"

"The star in charge of the debate dodged the head of Calidris canutus for a while, asking questions about early animate being like thestrals and dementors and the comparable. But he finally brought up the topic of Greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a thing of werewolf control laws, but a matter of Azkaban security-"

"Well, that 's good,"Albus said. He would n't ingest expected that of Laurentis.

"Sort of,"Matt replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Johnny would n't have escaped and those kids would 've been condom. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the gent in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of lycanthrope as Beings for years and how he 's got the reenforcement of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to help oneself house-elves and goblin, then why could n't she do it for werewolves at the same time ?"rose asked.

"House-elves and hob have always been classified as Beings,"Matt explained."They were being denied right hand that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the Pentateuch and enforcing them properly. None of the werewolf right wing law can be changed unless their assortment is changed-"

"But that 's just stupid,"King John said.

Matt shrugged."It is, but there 's nothing anyone can do about it."

"Well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying loup-garou as beingness would fork out the electric current werewolf control laws unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far less ascendency over lycanthrope. Which is true,"lusterlessness said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if werewolves were currently classified as Beings it would make it difficult to even bewitch Greyback and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purple at this pointedness. She really knows nothing about the way his section works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"Rose asked.

lusterlessness did n't say anything for a to the full minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to change anything. I 'm sure you 've noticed that he says everything 's fine the way it is and we do n't postulate to change anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the same about werewolves."

"What do you entail ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

flatness averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and pink wine."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying loup-garou as being would be a wretched idea, given the other outlet facing the big wizarding community .'And that is a conduct inverted comma. I ca n't ever forget that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't wish to stir the cauldron, so to speak. If thing were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather keep things the Same then speak out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him hold or votes.

"Then he went on to explicate,"matte continued."He said that loup-garou classification does n't affect a prominent number of witches and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would require a lot of effort, which is true. But it 's like he did n't think it was worth it, just because it would n't touch a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise me,"rose said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"mat said, turning back to Albus and Rose."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologize,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't have to choose between the two candidates.

"It 's like he does n't even have a strong opinion on it. He does n't desire to deliver a strong opinion on it,"lusterlessness added."Laurentis at least has a reasonableness. Your uncle does n't even feature that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no estimate who my parents will vote for now. Same with Amy."

"I do n't know who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't think werewolves will get reclassified,"Matt replied."Nothing will occur without support of the British people Minister at this point."

"That 's just not fair,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

Matt averted his gaze once more. This was another topic that Matt had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"lusterlessness began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The rest of his friends let out similar exclamation of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"pink wine began.

"Not effectual,"matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. prof Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the mind of allowing me to take care. It 's kind of murky, to be honest. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend Hogwarts, but at the same time, Hogwarts headmasters have gross control over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"rose asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would expel him,"Matt explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be detrimental to another scholarly person 's education for him to reveal my precondition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The rest has mostly to do with usage,"flatness said."fountainhead, that and the Ministry is allowed to preserve lycanthrope for questioning about broad lunation fire without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no right hand.

"But anyway, employment. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potential employers of my condition. If loup-garou were classified as existence, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical experimental condition and employ can not be terminated based on a somebody 's health check conditions."

"That is the most confusing affair in the world,"Albus said. His head was spinning."How do you keep all that straight ?"

Matt shrugged."It 's my life story. That 's the early thing, Albus, your uncle really has no idea how things are run in the Department for the regularization and Control of Magical animal. He 's not really certified to say what issue the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only affect werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So someone can not take you just because you 're a wolfman ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

mat nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on wolfsbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No musical theme,"lustrelessness said."I 'm trying not to recall about that. But this all pretending to be normal thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's irregular. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would patronage the reclassification of wolfman as Beings, despite the fact that it might miss him a few votes. It might even cost him a few not to possess spoken up, because now, Matt 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a turgid effect than just the election. mat was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Walker Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to drum up to a greater extent voting. Maybe Uncle Percy was n't the correct man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would pass off after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the awesome revue !


The public debate on the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures did not look to be a hot issue of discussion amongst the Hogwarts pupil. Unlike the disputation on Education, this particular debate did not relate directly to Hogwarts students, and thus there was n't much treatment beyond a few thought at breakfast the future day. The clause on the debate was much more tame than the former clause, almost likely because Hotspur and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his friends kept closelipped watch on the seer in eccentric there were any updates on the get away prisoners, but the residual of February passed without any sightings or gaining control. It was kind of strange since the captive had to have been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two calendar month and the only one who had been sighted was Johnny Reb. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the interim, Laurentis used the deficiency of capture to her advantage, by publishing a new statement every few days declaring how unqualified the Auror section was. These statements were usually followed up with another declaration of how the prisoners would n't accept escaped if the dementors had been in ascendence of Azkaban.

When March arrived, the oracle began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the breast pageboy, every single day.

"April sap 's Day,"trick commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 mean solar day .'“ Does n't that seem a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A minuscule,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our frivolity that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"Rose said."Hogwarts is a polling place. You 'll mess up it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John said as he exchanged a prankish grin with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll find out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Energy this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all evening yesterday ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Possibly,"lavatory said."Oh, expression at the time. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's sentence for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at flatness and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every credit of 'time'or 'clocks'for the preceding few hebdomad, but had yet to share why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their japery.

Albus, mat, can, Rose, and Amanda said goodbye to Kaden and headed for the dungeons. Since it was a double class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and matte partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the arcsecond class they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never mind,"Matt muttered."Could 've sworn ... speculation I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and matte stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing outside. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nobody else seemed to accept heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except john, who was staring at the door for some unusual reason. Then Albus heard it. The faint-hearted ringing.

"Do you hear it now ?"lustrelessness asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The rest of the social class was beginning to notice as well, and privy suddenly turned around to front at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their trick,"flatness hissed."It 's got to be."

nobody was paying any attention to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a word to the division. He returned a few proceedings later.

"Bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sort of alarm going off all over the castle. After you 're done cleaning up you may leave early."

Albus and lusterlessness worked quickly, wanting to spill to John Lackland as soon as they could. They met him, along with Rose and Amanda, outside the schoolroom a few second later, and headed to the Great Hall. toilet still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alarm system started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, to a greater extent mad than she already is."

"Are you going to recite us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every one suit of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's superb !"

"That 's actually really good charm study,"Rose said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be able to sour them off with one patch. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to take them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration succeeding,"Epistle of James said as he sat down next to Albus."There must be twenty dollar bill suits of armor across the corridor from the Transfiguration room. It 's so forte in there you can barely discover yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got Transfiguration next."

"facial expression, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."Saint John pointed to the staff tabular array.

"tranquillity !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing prank. It would seem that the alarm clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling family for the good afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a cheap cheer as Kendrick resumed his rump. The staff tabular array was only half-full, as the remainder of them must have been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't look untune,"Albus said."This is actually form of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John the Evangelist grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll come another day."

After luncheon Albus and his friends went to the Marauder 's Den with the design of spending the day there, but the unceasing alarm system quickly grew too annoying. Despite the frigidity, they decided that outside would be preferred to inside. The snow had melted, so they were able to ascertain a dry spot to sit.

"I still hear the ring,"Matt said as they settled down under a huge beech tree by the lake."It 's like my head is an warning device clock. I think if you had done this around the full lunation I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon,"John said.

"Really ?"Matt asked skeptically.

John the Evangelist laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a account of thaumaturgy exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will blank out about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John Lackland asked.

"The full moon ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"lusterlessness answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to get along back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an idea,"Matt said quietly."I think we can help arrest them, using my wolfy side."

"As bait ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"matte said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the screech hut like usual. Albus, the piranha 's Map labels Animagi as their homo names, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how teddy 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"Well, should n't it be the Sami for werewolves ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his prison term of having the second edition predator 's Map, he 'd never checked the screaming shack during a full moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is check the new version of the Marauder 's Map during the full moon, wait for Calidris canutus to show up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few here and now. It seemed so dewy-eyed, almost too simpleton to work."flatness ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you believe of this ?"rosebush asked.

"Few weeks ago,"Matt answered."grayback was there by the Shrieking Shack for nearly the entire night. It would 've been easy to capture him if someone just knew he was there."

"postponement,"Rose said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of class not,"matte said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't think my dad 's in heraldic bearing of the Greyback capture,"Albus pointed out."It 's that other Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my architectural plan then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a loup-garou. Newman does n't. I do n't know what he 'd do if he knew there was a wolfman at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what Matt had told them about how it was n't clear whether admitting werewolves to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come back to this Saame spot ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to adopt our wolf-selves and live together in packs. I do n't conceive he 's going to present up easily on finding me. He did the Same thing with shift 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those Thomas Kid he attacked last-place month,"Rose pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

Matt nodded."Let 's go send some owls."
***


Albus and lustrelessness did n't say much in their alphabetic character to their don, wanting to lay aside nigh of the item for later. Both of them replied saying they would meet the male child at Hogwarts Friday even in gild to put to work out the details.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that Matt drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out loud, but Albus had a feeling he was incredibly anxious about the plan and his role in it, despite his saying he would be amercement. By the clock time Friday arrived he was completely silent, except for the few times he snapped at John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and Johnny Reb is captured it 's going to get to Uncle Harry calculate very good,"Rose said."Which will be skillful for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three week away, it 's perfect timing."

"When are you meeting your papa ?"John asked.

"Seven,"Albus answered as he glanced at his watch."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the stopping point bite of his patty into his backtalk and left the Great residence hall with Matt at his position. professor Longbottom had leant them his sketch for the get together, so Albus and matt walked up to the 4th floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the door was partially open. Albus led mat inside and they sat down on a couch to hold off. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's study. It was filled with all sorts of alien plant that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the unscathed place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Bruno Walter walked in a few minute later and shut the door behind them. Both looked very scheme and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quick hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own Fatherhood. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can catch Greyback,"Matt said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the entire architectural plan."See ? Good plan, right ?"

Harry and Bruno Walter exchanged glances. Walter looked incredibly worried."matte, looking at, I know you want to avail and I know the fact that Johnny Reb 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"Matt interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."Look, he 's going to get along to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the job ? I 'll be in the Shrieking Shack with all the Aaron Montgomery Ward up."

"There really is n't a problem,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the aerofoil, me using my son as sweetener. What do you cerebrate, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in explosive charge of this hunting. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Cardinal Newman ca n't be there,"matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't recognize about me."

"He 's right,"Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a wolfman at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to footstep the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll convey Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"Matt asked.

"rose 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a sigh of ease."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be fine,"Walter said."Four of us should be able to handle it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll assign Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can pick a few people form your department to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't cling around the Shrieking shack all night. It 'll look suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his scoop and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can watch until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd blank out about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Sirius Black, Remus lupine, and Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should record us when knot turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's mind until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the reputation ? In the paper the next day ?"Walter asked.

"No mention of lustrelessness or his being in the Shrieking shanty,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anonymous tip that he 'd show up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll continue in the castle, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatary other curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up bill sticker in the common way a few days ago. This fourth dimension, no one seemed discomfit about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"Well, if people are hurt they 'll stick around inside with wards up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many people talking about the broad moon. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard soul mentioning either the full moon or Reb or both. Suddenly, lycanthrope were the hot topic of give-and-take at Hogwarts.

virtually people, from what Albus could gather, did n't have a strong opinion on werewolves one way or another. But a few citizenry, nearly having had a relative murdered by Fenrir Johnny Reb, told anyone who would listen how felicitous they were that neither candidate wanted to convert the compartmentalisation of loup-garou from Beasts to Beings. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to decide to spend the rest of the weekend in the piranha 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three workweek,"Amanda said."Once the election takes berth no one is going to care as much. But these preceding few workweek have certainly made me wonder if I should go into the department for the Regulation and ascendance of Magical Creatures."

It was Sunday night and Albus and his friends were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their homework that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"lustrelessness announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"wellspring, it 's just awful,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sensory faculty. Why should goblins and house-elves be Beings but not werewolves ? You 're more human than a house-elf."

Matt laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that life-threatening. Werewolves are."

"I do n't eff,"Albus began."When my dad was a second year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to break his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"rosebush asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"Vampire are Beings,"Matt explained."It 's because they do n't have to booze man rake to survive. It 's a choice. wolfman, when we bite someone, it 's not a choice. We ca n't control it."

"Except with Wolfsbane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if mortal invents Wolfsbane that works for all lycanthrope we might get reclassified,"matt said.

"What about lamia who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"Matt said.

"So can vampires go to school and hold Book of Job ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so well-nigh do n't need to go to school or already have, because most lamia are older. As for jobs, they do n't make to say employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so all-fired confusing,"John said."Does n't seduce a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"lusterlessness said with a yawning."But it 's life."

Matt slept the rest of the evening and about of the adjacent day, not attending any of his form. Albus could n't blame him, what with all the werewolf talk that was going around the shoal. Albus himself found it difficult to condense on any of his classes or homework since there was the discrete theory that Fenrir greyback would be captured that night.

Albus and his ally reported to the common elbow room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. matte did n't connect them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the night and played a few half-hearted cycle of Exploding Snap with King John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory room early. He knew he would n't sleep, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was cleared, giving him a very good view of the sensation. After locating a few constellations Albus watched the visible horizon and the swoon gleam that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may receive noticed that I screwed up death week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( full-of-the-moon Moon Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( Spirits, existence, and Beasts ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the genuine chapter 25. The tarradiddle will make much more sense after that.

I am delight to announce that I have finished this report ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may start updating this twice a workweek, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in reviews when the next update will be, so I 'll ingeminate that I update every Friday. The exact fourth dimension will vary. Thanks for all the reviews !