Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the Potters went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely dismal by the meter they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was plenty of short streaming out of the marvellous planetary house 's windowpane. As they walked closer to the home, Albus could learn the roars of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the tunnel flew open and George stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his bridge player. `` How are ya, pair ? ``

`` I 'm peachy, George. I see you 're already tope, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can bring, '' George went back into the house and Albus and his kinsperson followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Yuletide Eve at his grandparents'household. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Yuletide at the burrow. He grabbed a couple cookie from the nearby table and went to find Rose. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the haphazardness, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Georgia and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi Rose ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not often. Uncle George IV, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is Aunt Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Dec 25 Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` grannie 's been refilling the biscuit phonograph record and talking with my mum and Aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' blush wine gestured to the nearby wireless that Molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her manus up in the air and glared at Molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her top dog, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as mollie settled down to listen to the receiving set. She was the only when one listening, though. Albus could listen turn and patch of a ignite Quidditch discussion going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George III, Aunt Alicia, and Heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and auntie could deport on a fully understandable Quidditch word while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Christmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple Clarence Day. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Commonwealth of Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the flat, it would 've gotten awfully boring. ``

`` You would n't hold had to be alone, '' shimmy winked, `` And it would n't have been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` shift ! Do n't let Mum hear you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' rosiness began, `` Both John and Amanda can do to my business firm on the 28th. Well, they can only descend over for the day, but that should be adequate prison term. lustrelessness 's still not indisputable. He said he wo n't know until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can play Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his head away from his chocolate Gaul cards, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' Teddy commented, `` I 'll make out over, too. I do n't have to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a tangible biz going. I 'll just distinguish my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the thick of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all right if I go to pink wine 's house on the 28th, right ? And persist a couple days ? ``

`` That would be ok, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's family for New Year 's Eve, so we 'll number get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a one-half smile, `` aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a good melodic theme, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really desire to see aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really have a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at to the lowest degree, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to return his Quidditch discussion.

`` well, at least I can come over for a few days, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' teddy screwed up his cheek in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an worry day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm trusted it 'll be fine, '' Rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll make it even more matter to, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' rose wine gestured to the loud and boisterous Weasley sept around them. `` Except without the red hair. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red tomentum ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' slip laughed as he changed his hair from its usual blue to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' Rose commented.

`` close adequate. And anyway, who knows what 'll materialise in the next few yr, '' shift winked at Victoire, who giggled. Teddy threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

`` Better not let Gran see you doing that, '' Rose warned.

`` Always a stickler for the dominion, huh Rosie ? '' teddy laughed and lengthened his haircloth until it was the perfect replication of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' rosebush groaned, `` And I do intermit rules. Just ask Albus. ``

Teddy shortened his pilus again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few times, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to try. ``

`` Maybe another clip, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to tell slip about the new map. Most of rose wine 's and Albus 's most recent rule breaking was done in order to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to state his cousins about it, but he was n't for sure about Teddy and Jesse James. One persona of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their male parent and grandfather were both Marauders, but on the other hand he kind of care keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, fare on, evidence me. ``

`` Another time, '' rose wine said adamantly.

`` Oh, amercement, '' Teddy huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the evening talking and playing secret plan with rosiness, Teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the time off from school and getting to pass prison term with his entire menage at once. By the time he climbed up to the bean bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their full cousin, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuit.

******

`` James I ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his eyes open at the sound of his gens the adjacent morning. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her step bounding into the room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmas ! come alive up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! Saint James ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got presents, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' Henry James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top bunk to his pile of presents.

`` I 'm going to unfold mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's early wake-up telephone call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to give his own bundle of presents with the other boys. The first few boxes were filled with sweets and diverse Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes products. The next was this yr 's Weasley jumper. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a USN blue devil background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James II replied, `` Red with a green flying lizard on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few presents, which consisted of legion account book and other clothing point. He also got a Broomstick servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for end and was about to spread it when James gave an commove shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to William James 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his first cousin. `` What ? '' he asked.

Saint James had a huge grin on his aspect as he held up a blank man of parchment. `` count what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is sodding ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't believe he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's expectant, King James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but sense a slight left wing out, even though he now had his own piranha 's Map that would potentially be better than the original. But his dad did n't know about that, so why did he kick in the Map to James IV ?

`` Dunno, '' James shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the package from his parents and snap off the wrapping.

What he saw made his sass fall subject in jolt. This would explain why William James got the Map ! Sitting in the eye of the torn wrapping, was the invisibleness Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` well, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' St. James the Apostle replied, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and Rose went through all that trouble of stealing it earlier in the calendar month and now he got it for Yuletide. `` surmise this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to pass it to me. I think we ought to share them. ``

`` That 's a goodness idea, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would hold his own map working soon.

`` And ploughshare them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' Saint James the Apostle assured them. `` We just have to be underhanded about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go Tell rosebush, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the tunnel before and he thought it was really funny that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even notice him. He pushed open the door to the elbow room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and Calluna vulgaris and waited for the girls'reactions.

Heather jumped when she heard the door open and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. Rose got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five girls shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' pink wine demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really corking. ``

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' Rose grinned, `` I 'll bet King James I is jealous. ``

`` He got the piranha 's Map, so he 's fine. ``

`` Wow ! '' Rose shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can parcel them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't believe that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't consider Harry would ever fall in it up. The Charles Herbert Best part was that he was now even more like his granddaddy had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a Marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the burrow. A few of his cousins, auntie, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His nan was tending to multiple cauldrons at once, while simultaneously bringing several items to the mesa. Albus watched them all for a few here and now before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` felicitous Christmas ! ``

Bill choked on his java and spat it across the tabular array at George I, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth astray open. mollie dropped the bowl of rolled oats she had been bringing to the table. Everyone else looked at Albus with various looking at of shock and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spilled oatmeal with a wave of her wand, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a huge hug, `` thank ! ``

`` You 're receive, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able-bodied to enjoy it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, thinking of when he snuck down to the Whomping willow tree with it only two week ago. `` James and I are going to portion it. Same with the Map. ``

`` Wait, you gave him the Marauder 's Map, too ? '' St. George stared at Harry.

`` No, James got that. ``

`` I did n't opine you 'd ever commit that away, '' George II laughed.

`` Well, I can cheat on the castle whenever I want and it wo n't count who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't want to deny them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's safe, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The rook is perfectly safe, even at nighttime. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at night, '' Harry gave Albus a fundament gaze, `` But there are More enthrallment than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from wizards already in the rook ! '' Molly commented, `` Remember that Willinson kid finis class ? ``

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to choose risk in rules of order to hold out a footling. I trust the boys enough to have intercourse they wo n't go wandering around late at Night very often. And if you see anything funny on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` enjoin me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` Sure. '' He took a buttocks at the tabular array, with the Cloak on his lap, just as King James I ran into the room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' King James I shouted, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'll tell you what I told Al. Do n't use that to die too many pattern and if you see anything abnormal on it, differentiate me right away. ``

`` how-do-you-do, Weasleys ! '' Teddy strolled into the room, his hair half green and half red. He sat down future to Albus and pulled a phonograph recording of eggs towards him. `` well-chosen Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Christmas Day discolor, but those two people of colour just should n't be paired together, '' James shuddered as he noticed Teddy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the Lapplander metre ? ``

`` It 's festive, '' Teddy grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and light-green, too ? Just learned some excellent magical spell for that sort of thing in training. Not that I 'll postulate them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a look of disgust on his cheek. `` I 'll keep the knit red. ``

`` Is that ... '' Teddy looked at the parchment James was holding, `` The predator 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' Jesse James handed it to slip, `` Got it for Xmas ! ``

`` That 's great ! '' chemise grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't think Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

shift turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! bid I had an invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can throw off those Disillusionment charms, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' shift commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to make to contribution those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' Jesse James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just steal them, '' Lily smirked, `` And hide them in my student residence, which you two wo n't be able to get into. ``

`` She 's got a gunpoint, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll share, '' Albus assured them. He would n't mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak mystery. The last matter they needed was the entire castle knowing about it.

`` good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, Saint James, teddy bear, and mostly everyone else shouted at the same time.

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to amount in because they were too cold to play any longsighted. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and nobody wanted to mislay the stoolie. Albus spent the rest of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new Quran. The Cloak was passed around between his cousins, and about of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little covetous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Noel dinner came and went in its usual helter-skelter state. It was gimcrack and mirthful and Albus enjoyed every arcminute of it. He went to bed tone very to the full and very content. The next day Albus 's aunty, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and rosiness 's syndicate stayed for a couplet more daytime, but they soon had to provide so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to give because he would be going to rose 's star sign and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in rosiness 's living room after Flooing from the burrow. His Uncle Ron, rosebush, and Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was right behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to retrieve the missive. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the letter of the alphabet, `` He can come, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to meet him at the Leaky Cauldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will operate. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a reaction on the spine of the varsity letter and sent it off with the owl. He and blush wine ran up the stair and into rosebush 's room to talk about plans for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some idea, '' Albus said as he shut Rose 's door.

`` Of course I do, '' pink wine grinned. `` We 'll tell my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the timberland and we 'll take care for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

`` What about the underage magic natural law ? '' Albus definitely did n't desire somebody from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a hart. The finis matter he wanted to do was explicate why he had done it.

rose laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't recite who 's done the conjuring trick, only that thaumaturgy 's been done. The Ministry has no way to tell if it was us or my parents who performed the illusion. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summer he could have done thaumaturgy and the Ministry would n't birth found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their youngster use magic exterior school. So I would n't hint doing it a lot. I 'm for sure we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really want to die the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a stag photographic print if the stag was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do stimulate a couple days. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four days to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John and Matt want to aid, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog mark by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty much halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the charm to stay fresh Kaden tranquilize, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to severalise him everything after I find that charm ? '' Rose asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the charm works he ca n't tell anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a better one. But it 's up to lusterlessness whether he wants to say Kaden he 's a werewolf. ``

`` Is n't it kind of necessary for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly secernate Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' Rose agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the stag print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll figure out the Kaden thing. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did state of matter in an interview that Harry was n't going to give the map and the cloak to James & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus, pink wine, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the future day to adjoin Matt and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` How was your Yuletide ? ''

`` It was superb, '' Albus replied, `` wait till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't picture you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll shew you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade auf wiedersehen to his auntie and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's endure room. A few transactions later all his friends were back as well.

matte and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice house, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` Kind of looks like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Dec 25 ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak sac. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

lusterlessness let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to think we slip it just a few weeks ago, '' John snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Victor Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` James got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' St. John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so favourable, '' matt replied.

`` But we 'll own our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crumpled piece of sheepskin with a paw print on it that was slightly smaller than the werewolf print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll make for. Newton would n't stay still and the parchment is variety of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm sure enough it will work, '' Albus said.

`` Good matter we did n't have the print go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

`` So today we get the stag photographic print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after lunch. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the approximation of making behemoth sandwiches and were soon eating aboard Ron. Albus thought John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled gamey with turkey, pickles, and goober pea butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him bite into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't believe you ate that entire thing, '' Rose screwed up her face in disgust after John ate the last bite of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the woodland. ``

`` All right wing. Have fun. But try and be back by three. chemise 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to playact Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when slip was there.

Once they were all done with lunch, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The woods was situated next to the big open field that was side by side to the menage. Albus and blush wine went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the snow laden line of business until they came to the forest 's sharpness. rose wine found the way they usually took and lead the chemical group down it. `` Keep your heart pealed for a hart, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old house in Australia, '' Matt commented after a few arcminute of walking.

`` How was Commonwealth of Australia this yr ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his friend just returned to Britain the former day.

`` It was all right. No unlike than common. It was boring of course, and my grandmother kept telling us how we should travel to more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle sea dog in New York this summertime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The grouping continued walking into the woodland until rosiness announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to take the air by. She said their bm would scare the creatures away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a shrub with his friend and watched and listened for creature. After a one-half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a hart to cross their path ? He would much rather just walk around to happen one. Rose seemed perfectly content to sit still, as did matt. john had made a large pile of lead by the nose balls, along with a play false genius. Amanda was meddling creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' John sighed as he made yet another snow ball. `` How long is this going to involve ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' pink wine shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his vigil, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't rule one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the forest and willed a stag to add up. Albus was getting frustrated by this breaker point. They needed that stag mark for the map ! There was no office else to get hold one. What if they could n't feel a stag before the end of the vacation ? They would have to wait until the summertime to search again. Albus could n't wait that long. He wanted the map now.

`` waiting, '' lustrelessness stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of Dubya a duet meters away.

`` I do n't try it, '' John replied.

`` Shush ! '' lusterlessness whispered, `` You know I can hear thing you ca n't. ``

matt started slowly making his way towards the clump of bushes. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a word. `` Wands fix, '' Matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with turmoil as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag print ! Part of Albus 's idea knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? nearly of the animals in the forest were too humble to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the footprints of the animal, and they were much too brassy to be a coney or a squirrel. There were n't many heavy beast in the forest, stags being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The radical was now only a couple feet away from the Bush. Everyone had their sceptre pointed at them, waiting for the animal to take a leak its appearance. The second Albus saw the leaves part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' blush wine, John, matte, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the shrub jumped to the side of meat and missed all five stun magic spell. `` Whoa ! What the bloody Hades do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was shimmy. The disturbance Matt had heard in the George Walker Bush was teddy bear. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So much for finding a stag. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able to look. Albus turned to his friends and saw them all put their wands away.

shimmy fully emerged from the chaparral and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered looking at on his expression. `` Do I even want to know what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to think up an self-justification fast.

`` We 're just taking a walk of life in the forest and you scared us ! '' Rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` screeching, maybe ? '' teddy bear gave them a lopsided smile, `` But not assault me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare off us ? '' Rose said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' chemise laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' pink wine muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever grateful that his cousin-german was a better prevaricator than he was.

`` It 's kind of cold to be going for a hike, '' teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could get you. '' He eyed John 's flock of sweet sand verbena and grinned, `` Planning on having a snow glob fight ? ``

Teddy did n't await for an answer and picked up a few of John 's snowballs. He threw one at Albus and the other at pink wine.

`` follow it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact with his font. He spat out the snow and deform down to cause his own Snow ball. He aimed it at Teddy but teddy bear jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted as he picked up one of John 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few moments later, a vast snowball fight broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowball. He tried to get teddy bear back, but Teddy was too promptly for him. Instead, Albus decided to pore on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of Teddy. blush wine eventually joined Albus in his endeavor to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining matte 's side. whoremonger, who seemed to be the only one with enough acquisition to hit teddy, was having a one-on-one fight with the Amytal haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the fight ended. lustrelessness and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousin-german decided to create about twenty snowballs and lob them constantly at their two friends. lav surrendered to Teddy a few mo later, once Teddy decided to charm a tidy sum of Charles Percy Snow to turn itself into snowballs, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammunition for shimmy. bathroom did n't know that spell and was stuck hand making his coke ball while chemise continuously sent Abronia elliptica at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' Teddy asked as they were walking back through the forest to blush wine 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The snow had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friend nodded in agreement.

`` audio skillful, '' teddy replied, `` Harry and James should be at the household by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at rose wine 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch catch to set off. Albus, along with his friends, ran upstairs to dry off and interchange quickly.

`` Ready ? '' Teddy jumped up from the chair he was sitting on once Albus and his friends descended the stair. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the simply one. can and matte, who both had brooms, had brought them knowing they would play Quidditch.

`` We 've got spares, '' Ron announced, holding a couple brooms in his hand.

Once everyone had a Calluna vulgaris to use, teddy bear started to take charge of creating squad. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James IV, Albus, privy, Matt, Amanda, Hugo, and rosiness, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' rosiness shrugged.

`` goodness, then we 've got ten actor. That 's five per team. So each team will sustain a Seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll function. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the early ? ``

`` You can, James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few instant of organizing, the two team were created. Albus 's team consisted of Teddy as quester, Ron as custodian, Hugo as the only Beater, and lusterlessness and himself as the two Chasers. On the other team, James was Seeker, Amanda was custodian, St. John the Apostle was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two teams trooped outside into the insensate winter day. It was just starting to snow a little, but Albus did n't beware. He would keep warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal hoops and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the formal ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chair to watch.

The mate was nothing like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much more intimate, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly competition between the two squad and no one got angry when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing skills. Albus, who was the only real chaser on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a decent pursuer, but it was clear that Seeking was his real skill. rosebush was absolutely dreadful and was the beginning to admit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the foremost place and did n't wish to subscribe her work force off her broom in order of magnitude to catch and hurl the Quaffle. lusterlessness was break than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and Matt scored more peak than Harry and Rose did.

Ron, of course, was a very skillful Keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was form of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor squad once Georgia left. John was an amazing Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Victor-Marie Hugo was also a very proficient Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his family. Then, of row, there were the searcher. Both shift and Epistle of James were amazing Seekers and by far the two outflank players on either team.

After about an hour of acting, during which Albus was certain both shimmy and James had seen the Snitch but ignored it in order to sweep the plot on longer, both Seekers flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few seconds later, they both came flying back down and King James I had the canary clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your squad ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' Henry James exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the sleep of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, Teddy ! '' King James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, adept job, '' shift sighed, `` Knew I should n't have trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' Henry James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' chemise laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his kinsfolk, even more than playing on his theatre squad. It was even better with his friends there, too. He walked back into the home with his champion and mob, frigid but very mental object. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his house and Albus, Rose, and Hermione went with Matt and Amanda back to the Leaky cauldron to gather their families. It had been a shortsighted visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag print. He and Rose were planning on trying again the next day, and the next if it was necessity. They had three more than sidereal day to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and blush wine spent as often sentence as they could in the woods looking for stags the future day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their time in the program library in blush wine 's star sign, looking for a appealingness to keep Kaden quiet.

`` There 's Word of God in here that are n't in the school depository library, '' rosebush announced as they walked into the room after a particularly frigidity excursion in the forest.

`` I 'm still not trusted we should admit a break from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any honorable if we get lost out there. '' rose went over to a Word of God ledge and Albus followed. He had been in this way plenty of clip before, just never to look for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to find one appealingness hidden in all these Word ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even cognize what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' rosiness slammed a heavy book of account down on the board nearest to the shelf she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the book, `` An Encyclopedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for magical spell, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose confirmed as she opened the cover, `` It 's a rather ingenious estimate, really. All I 've got to do is take my wand, point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep person quiet'and it will flip to the right Page. ``

`` That would certainly speed things along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All rightfield, '' rose pointed her wand at the rule book, `` I need a charm to sustain mortal pipe down. '' The book of account 's Thomas Nelson Page immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the book. stand up peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silence charm. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more specific, '' Albus suggested.

rose wine nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent mortal from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. originate sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a person 's mouth shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely keep Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` the great unwashed might notice, though, '' pink wine smirked, `` Although it does stimulate it 's reward. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better tell the book exactly what we need the charm to do. Tell it that Kaden has to not talk about a specific affair. ``

`` Good idea, '' Rose poised her wand above the account book, `` I need to go on Kaden Durlsey from revealing secret about lustrelessness Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these secrets with five other masses and not observe them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about early topics. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few bit and then plough its pages to one of the hold up ones. Both rosebush and Albus leaned over the Good Book while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus charm is the most complex and intricate of the silencing charm. This charm has the ability to keep a person from revealing one specific piece of information to others, unlike other silencing charms which prevent a soul from speaking at all. The spell also has the ability to need others, which will result in the someone the charm is cast on to be able to converse about the secret with those specific citizenry. When done correctly, this magical spell will close forever or until the counterpunch magic spell is performed. The Sileo Altus magic spell keeps a person 's mystic dependable much like the Fidelius magical spell keeps a person 's location secret and is said to be just as condom .'

`` Then there 's a totally lot of spells that are required, '' Rose scanned the residuum of the ledger entry. `` There 's a spell that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a enigma keeper ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall appealingness, '' rosiness continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a listing of spell. ``

Albus glanced at the first appearance, `` Oh, it says there 's more data in magical spell of security by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the Good Book again and read the form of address of the urge Word of God. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' pink wine jumped up from her seat and ran across the elbow room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no musical theme how she could possibly know if she had that book or not. The entire room was filled with shelves and shelves of script. Albus would n't even know where to look to find the book they needed.

Rose returned a few minutes later with a record in her arms and a smile on her face. `` We do deliver it ! This was light than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the actual charm is going to off-set the rest of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

rose shrugged, `` I think I can compute it out within a few weeks. '' She sat back down and opened the playscript.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the varlet of the leger until she found the appeal they were looking for. He was very happy that rose was so eager to learn new charm. It certainly helped that she was proficient at it, too. Albus had made a lot of forward motion in charms ever since professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still average. pink wine was easily the comfortably in their social class. That and her keenness to learn would certainly help if she was going to dominate this charm.

Rose read in secrecy for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. get-go, of course, we 've got to tell Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to pick the hush-hush keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the mystic keeper since the secret keeper is the one to execute the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm all right with that. We 've just got to reach for certain Matt is. What does the secret keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the mystery steward is the merely one who can perform the counter charm on Kaden. Normally the secret keeper would be the merely one the someone could talk about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another charm to see that Kaden can blab about the secret with you, toilet, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds skilful, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` well, the undercover keeper performs a charm on themselves, which turns them into the secret keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will retell the secrets in detail. After that, the clandestine keeper performs another charm on Kaden. Then charms are performed on the rest of the the great unwashed involved. Then a final sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The thought of all those dissimilar patch made Albus 's brain distress. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done ones that are a combination of multiple appealingness. ``

`` The transference charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the rejoinder appeal involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would mature and they would n't experience to swear on thaumaturgy to keep him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the literal charm, '' Rose looked back at the Koran, `` You pretty a good deal go backwards, using dissimilar appeal. ``

`` Makes sentiency. ``

`` I 'll take off practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' pink wine shut the Word and got up. `` I 'll work the ledger. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to maintain track of. ``

`` All right, '' Albus got up and followed her to the threshold, `` Now we 've just got to incur that stag. ``

`` It 's going to have to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was White with swirling snow and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the sentence late afternoon arrived the next day. He and Rose spent the intact cockcrow in the timberland, taking a severance for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his sentinel and saw that they would have to be starting to return to the house soon. `` We 're never going to find a stag ! '' he groaned.

rose wine, who had brought the charm Holy Scripture they had found the previous day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't come if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been calm down for the yesteryear two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being quiet now, '' rose whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no less than ten coney and four owls, but no stags. He was getting very cold seance in the blow and his cloak had hanker since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's planetary house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at first, to stun a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the laborious print to get. Looking back, even the wolfman one seemed easier. Sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog photographic print had been the promiscuous, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be promiscuous, too, once John managed to captivate one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the snow wizard he had constructed earlier. The baton melted holes into the snow virtuoso until it started to resemble a piece of coke swiss cheese. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the wiz when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, facial expression ! ``

Albus raised his head and looked in the way pink wine was pointing. Directly in front line of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left of where the two cousin-german were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a stag around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his wand lining towards the doe. Rose did the Saami and the two of them did n't propel for a right five proceedings. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left wing of Albus and blush wine. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge hart appear from behind a cluster of tree. `` This is it, '' he whispered to rosebush. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her mate. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' rosebush shouted at the Saame time.

The doe shot off like a rocket as soon as the cousin shouted the spell. The stag started to comply but was hit by Albus 's ravisher. rosiness 's spell hit a nearby tree and burned a small hole into the bark.

`` Excellent stroke, Albus ! '' rose grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hurry. We wo n't consume lots time before he wakes up, '' rose reached into her robe and pulled out a piece of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The hart was even bigger up close. Its eyes darted around nervously as pink wine painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A sodding leg it photographic print appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` trade good, '' she put the stopper on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be glad when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't call for telling twice. He blew onto the sheepskin a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousins ran through the trees and back to the planetary house. It only took them a few minutes as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The only photographic print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : Extra long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry Potter pattern from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Sunday and although I 'll have my laptop with me, I might not have a chance to respond to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's family came to pick him up from rose wine 's theatre the succeeding afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a minuscule uncomfortable in his Muggle courtship. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minutes of visiting with blush wine 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to admit that he was a bit flighty about this dinner, but there was cipher he could do about it now. `` See you at school, rose wine. ``

`` Bye, '' rose wine smiled.

The rest of the Potters and Weasleys said adios to each other and then Albus disapparated with his house. They appeared in a dark alley near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family started down the street. They made a few more round until they came upon a neighborhood of mean size home. The sign of the zodiac all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few people out and about. There were a couple hoi polloi outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their private road, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his kinsfolk.

Eventually, Harry led them up a drive towards a gray-headed mansion Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the door, it was thrown subject and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell you how much I 've missed shoal. It seems so boring here compared to school. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on vacation, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so boring without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a joke and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the sustenance room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowls of grape and junkie and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything thoroughly for Yule ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football game, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` video game system, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll show you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, books, a shipment of sweets, hooey from my Uncle George 's shop class, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's backtalk fell open, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a spell ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's smart as a whip ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` Look, I 'm inconspicuous ! ``

All the adult looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd ameliorate put that away before Uncle Vernon and aunt genus Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be less than enthusiastic about any kind of magical object.

`` Er, public speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't cognisant that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at Dudley. `` What do you stand for, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't get if they knew you were here, so I did n't tell them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` wellspring, I was kind of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head teacher and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a small smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at James IV. Albus could only ever recollect seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the time and the only affair he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a nut like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to drop the evening with him.

The voices of Dudley greeting his parents started to become louder as they came into the sustenance room. Albus got up from the lounge and stood next to James, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the grownup. Vernon 's nerve turned various shades of red and royal as he tried to get the picture what was happening. petunia clung to her hubby with a coalesce look of disfavour and fear on her face.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his ability to speak coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her grandfather 's shouting. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the grownup, paying rapt attention to the unfolding logical argument, but not saying a Son. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit scary right now and Albus had no desire to cross paths with him. Dudley looked nervous as he tried to do heartsease between his relative. His voice was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and petunia 's shrieking.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in strawman of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's instructor. ``

Vernon 's grimace turned from ghostly lily-white to a oceanic abyss refinement of purple. `` What could he possibly teach ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` Magic, Dad, it 's called magic, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that junk you learned as a fry ! Do n't stand for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't trick me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to have to live with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing good will come of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' Petunia put her hand on her hubby 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do realize that this kind of abnormalcy is what got your sis killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully cognisant of what happened to my baby, '' genus Petunia snapped. `` This does n't have anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drinking ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a bottle of wine, and a some glasses, along with fizzy drinks for the kids.

Vernon and Petunia regained their composure and Petunia gave Dudley a bone crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Same with both her grandchildren, making trusted to completely ignore Albus, James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few moments of awkward secrecy, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school day, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see manners are n't high on their antecedency leaning. What classes do you drive there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic, and defence mechanism Against the wickedness Arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to shrink at the sound of those names. `` I see. And are you any good at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing more and more that he could throw just stayed at Rose 's theatre instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James or Kaden ?

`` What study does your father teach ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the Dark Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive attitude spells, dueling, hooey you use to shoot down Dark wizards like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and professor ceramist defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his full cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a great teacher, grandfather ! I love my new school. It 's much break than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few instant later with his verge. `` front at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his eyes and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could render you some magic, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, prof potter can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' genus Petunia shouted at the Saami time.

Kaden looked disappointed. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

cypher said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very well-chosen that Uncle Vernon appeared to have given up his doubt and solvent seance. Christina announced that dinner was fix a few transactions later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining elbow room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting future to Vernon and relaxed a petty as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner conversation, with Vernon and genus Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lifetime. They wanted to know every in conclusion particular, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her modish Holy Scripture reputation in schoolhouse. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the board descended into an awkward muteness before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a sustenance ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the Head of the Auror section at the Ministry of trick, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A wickedness wizard catcher, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't have guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the hassle you caused as a nipper. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know most of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like hell it was n't. It was all due to your abnormality, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just drop it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his fist on the mesa, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to score him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most ridiculous affair Albus had ever heard. A wizard could not wrick a Muggle into a wizard. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the human beings, and there would certainly be More wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a mavin ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his face turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to convert him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't turn over someone into a wizard, it just does n't work. Kaden was born a star, which does n't surprise me at all. There is sorcerous in his ancestry, the same magic that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon squabble, `` And I suppose you 're going to tell me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a hazard she 'll be a Wiccan, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to stomach for anymore abonormalness in this family ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nothing we can do ! '' genus Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't wish it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my nut of a sister told me it 's not possible, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't call her a freak ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant tyke. I asked her if individual could deform me into a enchantress before I knew any beneficial. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to change Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be smarter than my Sister was and not get killed just out of school. ``

`` mulct, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't wish it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the next, hoping that the fight was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's nanna had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a mavin. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't consider Vernon would still blame Harry for affair he did n't like, this many years later.

`` You 'd be dear off just keeping him out of that school, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of silence. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly nonsensical, '' Vernon muttered, `` postponement boulder clay margarin hears about it. ``

`` I hate aunt margarin, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his juice. `` All she talks about is breeding weenie. ``

`` Do n't say that about your aunt, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` professor thrower must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his glass, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not gracious to say you detest hoi polloi. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of course I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his vocalization, `` Can you conceive of what she is going to conceive ? That someone, like, like you is actually related to her ? She takes comfort in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to receive Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should retrieve so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the same time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the binding, trying to verify his own laughter. Harry told them this story a long meter ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's DoD, `` He could n't see it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely rotten and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you mean, blew her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were cretin and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his father so angry before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a stamp out rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should give just ignored him and minded their own commercial enterprise, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling individual to mind their own business, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't ignore Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the same time.

`` Can someone please secern me how aunt oleo got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just forget about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't lazy, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` lead this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a huge sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my life once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy things ? They would n't get even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The spot is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safe while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't have to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy affair ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these drape wight that suck out your person. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` suck out your mortal, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy thoughts, until you 're only go out with the sad 1. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound all-fired horrible. Professor ceramist saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a charm, the Patronus appealingness, that drives them away. It 's really supercharge magic not taught until 7th class, but Dad learned in his third year. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't envision running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been fine without those weirdos 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be dead ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdy like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five grownup who were arguing turned to the root of the new voice that rang out tawdry than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't transfer, in front end of your child. What kind of good example are you setting ? Put aside your conflict, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

The adult said nothing for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to tell you, '' Dudley commented.

`` Fine, '' Vernon bicker, `` I 'll stick out the boy. But you are making a grave mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` good, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The relief of the dinner was much more gratifying. Harry quickly told the write up of when he blew up oleomargarine to douse Kaden and Bethany 's peculiarity, but there was no more mention of conjuration throughout the rest of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally congeneric to Muggles and superstar, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adult'strained conversations. He was just well-chosen that they were no longer arguing with each former.

After dinner, Albus, King James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to present off. The entire affair was decorated with diverse football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James River found this highly flirt with and expend quite a few minutes laughing at the poster, in which the player remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas presents to Albus and James and soon wanted to point them how to play his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and William James back downstairs, where the adults were discussing cars over chocolate. Albus was very happy that he did not have to sit through that word. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of steps of stairs and they descended into the basement. The cellar was clearly the playroom of the family, as it was cluttered with all sort of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much tending as the boys entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the center of the room and attached to a telecasting that was against the wall. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of queer about it. St. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote control controller car. He drove it all over the room, completely amazed at how the car seemed to move by magic.

`` The thing Muggles come up with, '' James IV grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the next 60 minutes teaching James and Albus how to wreak the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the advantageously part of an hr to see out how to bet it. St. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his home. Once they successfully learned the racing secret plan, Kaden went on to teach them how to wager a couple more secret plan. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing secret plan and Albus was having a big time.

Albus was kind of disappointed when his dad called them back upstairs to count down to the new year and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living room. It did n't really look like the adult were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was good enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was sentence to allow for. Albus had no parameter against this because he was tired and did n't really require to expend anymore time in the same house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook deal with Vernon, said goodbye to genus Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon form of flinched at the citation of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory good day were said, Albus and his mob left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Miguel, Moonylupin, Denas, Ginny, Luke, and drownzer for their reviews !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to intromit that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his time working on homework or goofing off with St. James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually variety of bored and happy to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the sooner he got back to schooltime, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The thrower met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's crossbreed and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both families were running late again and Albus, blush wine, William James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James II immediately left to get his friends while Albus, rose wine, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

toilet and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the center of the train. Albus opened the room access and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down next to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could tell can and Amanda that he and Rose managed to get the hart mark. All the photographic print were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your family dinner party ? '' John Lackland grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged coup d'oeil. Rose stifled a laugh. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... eventful, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' John Lackland asked eagerly.

`` My grandpa went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my grandma sort of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, they kind of did n't know we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to school here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a charm to sour Kaden into a wizard, '' Albus explained.

Gospel According to John and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John the Evangelist exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was capable to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did appear mad, and not nearly as scary as Albus first thought.

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the best constituent was when grandad brought up Aunt margarin. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandpa 's babe, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently prof Potter blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

John and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' John shouted.

`` This I 've got to find out ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his aunt Marge. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the whole thing.

`` What happened next ? '' John asked once he had calmed down.

`` Well, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle video game, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the grownup stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably bloody awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. Grandpa tried to convince Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to harmonize without you lot there. Dad told him to break off and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' John asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house future, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a hotshot household. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia in the sign, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to come. ``

`` Over the summertime, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come in, too, '' blush wine announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And lustrelessness. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, Healer appointments, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would gratify Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a thing about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't tell anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll hold away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` commodity, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few daytime, Albus kept trying to determine some time to tell Saint John and Amanda about the hart print, but it was voiceless to stimulate Kaden off. It seemed the only prison term they were away from him was when they were in class or in their dorm at night. Neither were unspoiled opportunities to talk about the map.

In the interim, Malfoy was trying to figure out why Matt was n't in schooltime. The full moon was n't until the accompany week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. nil seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this entire moon. He was kind of worry about matte taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the students and instructor seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch drill started up again. Both Kate and Peach State were working their teams hard and Albus was feeling the essence. Between that and the increased amount of preparation the teachers were purpose on assigning, he had hardly any prison term for anything else.

A duad days into the condition, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring academic term. Albus and his champion seized the chance and ran to the way of necessary as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' trick exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the lounge in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of curiosity ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down side by side to him.

`` It 'll be easier once rosebush digit out the charm to keep him muted, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' lavatory sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' rose wine grinned and pulled the al-Qur'an of charms from her firm out of her bag. She opened it to the proper page and handed it to John and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few instant. `` This is unbelievable, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` given a bit of praxis, sure, '' rosebush replied. `` We just have to realize sure Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' John said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely keep Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll start working on it now, '' rosiness took the playscript back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't need anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

`` So, did you get the stag print ? '' John the Divine asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three prints. `` We just take the rat now. ``

King John picked them up and looked at him. `` excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can transmit them. ``

`` We should hold off for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a component part of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good melodic theme, '' John set the prints down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the first sentence we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're proper, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the former times they had been in the way, Matt had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could say that everyone was thinking the like matter he was, what would encounter with lustrelessness 's new potion.

`` wellspring, he 'll be back soon, '' John said after a while.

`` As long as aught goes haywire, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just reckon if this potion works. That would be gravid, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't serve but recall the new potion would n't work any right than the old one. Why should it ? If flatness was resistant to Wolfsbane potion, why should a different sort of it form ?

The four of them spent the end of the eve in the Room. Rose worked steadily on figuring out the magical spell, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult charm, after all. Albus, John the Divine, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the replete moonlight approached. His friends seemed to as well, and Saint John the Apostle especially developed a very unforesightful primer. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in pace. The Night of the actual full Moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so distracted during it that Georgia called for a intermission during practice and demanded to recognize why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration of Jesus exam the succeeding day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried extra hard during the second half of practice but still missed a lot of easy passes.

Albus entered the vernacular room after practice session feeling incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his lack of engrossment. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a praxis but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their usual table which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. John, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into nothing with their untouched homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his broom in his dormitory room and joined his friends at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down next to Rose.

`` Hi, '' Rose mumbled. Saint John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm gladiola you 're back. This lot has been incredibly dumb. ``

Even at a time like this, Albus could n't help but laugh at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that great. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see dame Pomfrey, '' rose suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a cover girl purple blue color in the sentence since he had received the blow. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll do with you. ``

Albus did n't palpate like telling Kaden not to rile, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common elbow room. Albus did n't mouth much on the way to the hospital annexe, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his division that day. Kaden must have felt the need to parcel it even though nil particularly charge up had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully forte. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his Invisibility Cloak. Of course, none of the teachers could pass on him custody for being out of his common room in gild to go see lady Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the room access to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the windowpane every few indorsement. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the bed. There were n't any patient role in the ward, which Albus thought was variety of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the situation empty. He walked quietly up to ma'am Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even seem to have noticed them come in.

`` Er, excuse me, brothel keeper Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple foundation in figurehead of the desk.

The nurse jumped and looked up, clutching her heart. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about lustrelessness as well, since she usually took care of him after the full phase of the moon moonlight. `` I got hit with a couple bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, variety of distracted. ``

madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic expression. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and madam Pomfrey clucked her knife as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a spell as she did so. Albus 's arm felt tender and tingly, and then normal again. The painful sensation was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No job. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it kind of hurts. I 've got no approximation if it 's bruised or not. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at Albus 's binding and performed the Saami healing appeal. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm sure I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to leave behind. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during practice ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` metamorphosis test tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why toilet, pink wine, and Amanda were so quietly. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the vulgar room until they practically bumped into two other people as they turned a corner.

`` Watch it ! '' a cold vocalization shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his sceptre and lit it, shoving the light in the faces of the two strangers. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your scepter out of my cheek, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your patronage. ``

`` You just answered your own head, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin. ``

`` Do n't telephone him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with ceramicist around anyway. I 'll just wait until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such matter, Mr. Malfoy, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fright and turned around to see professor Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to hoist up in hold. Why did they always wind up in hold with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after hours. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't bother, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to convince me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a stroll with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the infirmary wing. I got hurt at Quidditch exercise. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that true, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, lady, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, prof ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his quill while we were doing homework. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and affirm all your stories. ``

Any people of color that had been in Malfoy 's cheek drained. The four boy quietly followed Professor Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very assuage. lady Pomfrey would state Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the door to the hospital wing, but dame Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the boys to stick there and she strode over to the nurse 's function. She knocked lightly and waited for lady Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once Madam Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't deceased. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four boys, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

madam Pomfrey gazed at the boy. `` well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen mo ago, but I have n't seen the other two in quite a piece. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a problem, '' the entertain replied.

`` I 'll take you two back to your common room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will come back to my power and we shall arrange for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breath as the five of them exited the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring daggers at Albus and Kaden the whole way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their detention and Albus would have to watch out the future few days.

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Night, despite his weariness from Quidditch exercise. He fell asleep in the wee time of day of the morning and woke up only a few minute later. whoremaster was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the usual room, only to find rose wine slumped over a book at their common table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder, `` inflame up ! ``

rosebush slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the sight of Albus and toilet. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' blush wine jumped up and pushed her bushy fuzz out of her human face.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't sleep, '' blush wine shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus charm. I just ca n't count on it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really high level charm, rosebush. You know it 's going to take you a patch, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' Rose sighed, `` I guess I 'll go alteration and find Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few moment later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great Hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin tabular array as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting dagger at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor tabular array and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this morning ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too happy. ``

`` Wonder when his hold is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly care when Malfoy and Willinson were going to serve detention.

Kaden began to talk about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to think about at the minute was whether the new potion Matt had taken worked.

As if on cue, a heavy brown owl flew down and landed neatly following to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his center and pulled the letter off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few mo of toast and the large bird flew off.

rosebush, who was on Albus 's other side, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the envelope. John and Amanda were leaning over the table and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

`` Wonder who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from matt, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, John, rosiness, and Amanda said at once.

`` Well, we 'd better be off to August 6, '' Albus said and gave Rose a significant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' Rose stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the tabular array. He could n't afford that letter of the alphabet in front of Kaden. Rose, John the Evangelist, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great lobby. Kaden was right hand behind him, but Albus did n't dare spread it yet. Kaden stalled in the entree entrance hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

`` fountainhead, now we have n't got clock time to record it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his sentry. `` Why could n't he have left sooner ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' Saint John the Apostle shook his head.

`` We 'll just learn it after History of deception, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The morning dragged by at an extremely dim tempo, in Albus 's opinion. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a hard-nosed example. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to know where matt was. Albus lied and told him mat was having a previous vacation with his grandparents and then took off for History of Magic, ignoring Malfoy 's ailment about detention that followed.

History of thaumaturgy was as tiresome as common. Albus thought he saw the clock 's paw go backwards at one stop. He passed notes with bathroom and Amanda while Rose took notes. She seemed to have inherited her mother 's power to stay awake during that social class. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to prod him awake with his flight feather. prof Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After chronicle of conjuring trick finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall to grab a agile luncheon. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the next Slug social club meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin vine juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The adjacent meeting is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousins go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any Slug Club meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch praxis or too much homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this yr. Albus was n't sure enough why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to see anyone famous to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too busy to go, '' Kaden said, `` Will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't know .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` fine, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one confluence. `` But just this once. And if Sakartvelo calls for Quidditch drill, I wo n't go to the group meeting. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his future class, Albus and his supporter went straight for the elbow room of prerequisite. Albus and Rose sat on one of the sofa while John and Amanda sat on the inverse one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' John said.

Albus tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

love Albus, Rose, bathroom, and Amanda,

Last nighttime lusterlessness told me to publish you
and tell you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` Damn ! '' can shouted.

Matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not unsound
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's right now so
the therapist can observe the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's all-night
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at plate. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the adjacent Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the varsity letter and looked at his admirer. `` well, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At to the lowest degree it was n't any worse, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few transactions. Albus felt very disappoint that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure it did n't even come close to what matte was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us become Animagi now, '' John suggested.

pink wine glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that discipline, which means he 's still got to take that potion for the next two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` Well, it would still be cool to become an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're old, '' Rose said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advanced. ``

`` Albus 's grandfather did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth twelvemonth, '' rosiness reminded him.

`` mulct, three to a greater extent years then, '' John the Divine shrugged.

rosebush sighed, `` lustrelessness wo n't let you fall in him on the full-of-the-moon Sun Myung Moon, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his spinal column. ``

`` I wo n't, '' John assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun matter to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and his friends spent the better section of the adjacent hour talking about what they would do if they could transform into animate being. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, Rose insisted that they all start their homework, which took them nigh of the eve to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no thirster at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the lick baseball club meeting on Saturday. His rational slope told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the other hand, spent the days leading up to Sabbatum talking non-stop about the Slug Club meeting. Albus had already explained in contingent what they involved, but that did n't stop Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the get together would be like.

Sat arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Empire State of the South had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the sales talk all daybreak and the Slytherins had it all good afternoon. The two houses were scheduled to trifle each other the take after Saturday.

`` It 's clip for the Slug Club merging, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few minutes before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the common room. `` See you lot in a picayune spell, '' he said to bathroom and Amanda.

`` Have loads of fun ! '' John laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the donjon. Albus hoped he would only have to stay for a small while, maybe an hour at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the get together were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions schoolroom and a few scholar were milling about when Albus, rosiness, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized virtually of them from live on year 's meetings. A few of his first cousin were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also felicitous to note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of trend, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the Slug Club.

There was a tabular array wax of food along one of the incline walls and almost everyone was crowding around it trying to get some lunch. Slughorn had a home plate of food in battlefront of him and was sitting at a large table in the front of the room.

Albus led Rose and Kaden over to the table and picked up a plate.

`` What is this stuff ? '' Kaden pointed to a phonograph recording of some sort of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his get together. Albus tried it last twelvemonth and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his friends had gotten enough food, they sat down at the board across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` goodness to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and pink wine ! I 'm very well-chosen that you two decided to come ! How have classes been going ? ``

`` good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have someone new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's genes must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads safe than Transfiguration. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let Professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a with child raciness of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd like it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big grin appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one affair Albus had learned about his cousin over the past times six calendar month, it was that he 'd eat pretty much anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy account of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent prison term with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the totally thing rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to give ear on Slughorn 's every word. Rose seemed to be paying care as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. lusterlessness was supposed to reelect to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four hours, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could sneak away to the room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped pink wine would get that magic spell working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would build it a unscathed lot promiscuous. Of course, matte still had n't said that he agreed to enjoin Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that parting. But why would n't he agree ? The charm seemed like it would put to work well.

Albus, Kaden, and rosebush wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the stallion thing and Albus knew he would turn away to go away former. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the thing was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the merging was finally over, the three of them said goodby to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so coolheaded, '' Kaden grinned.

`` boring 's to a greater extent like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you opine it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many famous people. ``

`` Trust me, it gets old after a piece, '' Albus said.

`` Well, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at rosiness. She did n't look like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might have Quidditch practice. ``

`` And I 'll probably bear too lots prep, '' Rose explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did have too a lot prep, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a full idea, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discussion about how important prison term management is and how homework should always issue forth first. The three of them were nearly to the plebeian room by the clock time rose wine finished and Kaden was wearing a blank shell flavor on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any idea what metre he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after lunch the future day in the common room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual table in the common elbow room. Rose and Kaden were playing chess game and it was patent that rosebush was going sluttish on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the Saami plot for fifteen minutes. If Rose wanted to, she probably could receive beat Kaden in five minute. John and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that picky essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` female monarch to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen regnant gave Kaden a menacing glare and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' Rose 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to objet d'art. `` Checkmate, '' rosiness grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his king dropped its steel in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' rose said as she repaired all the piece with a wave of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch pattern today, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to reserve the pitch for an hour after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Georgia got it first. ``

`` I hope lustrelessness gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to have a load of preparation to take a leak up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, pink wine, '' whoremonger laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, Saint John the Apostle ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' can grumbled.

`` I 've only got one to a greater extent to go, '' Amanda said.

`` deficiency to spiel again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

pink wine shrugged. `` sure, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny story to watch the two of them play chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what move to make and once he made it, pink wine would smile and move one of her own musical composition within seconds. Rose 's move usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portraiture hole to the common room opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. matte was just climbing through and headed straight for Albus 's table once he noticed them.

`` Hey, lustrelessness ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' lustrelessness grinned back. He looked exhaust, but happy. There was still a yellow contusion on his forehead, but other than that he looked fine.

privy, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted mat as well. flatness grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said flatness 's got a lot of homework to take in up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as Rose declared checkmate once again, `` Crap ! ``

`` fountainhead, it would probably be a good musical theme for him to go see all the teacher now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his grade. We 'll facilitate. You can remain here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to start up on anyway. ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, Rose ? You can come with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' John closed his al-Qur'an and stood up.

Once they were out of the common room and into the corridor, flatness turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my prep are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to recall of an excuse for Kaden to stick there while we went to the elbow room. ``

`` Good, '' privy said, `` I do n't really want to go collect your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't have to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` You 're farther along than Saint John the Apostle, then, '' Rose laughed.

`` Shut it, rose, '' can said.

The five friends continued their paseo to the Room of Requirement, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the elbow room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` well, it did n't process the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it serve at all ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still have to keep taking it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' mat sighed. `` It did n't cultivate the way it was supposed to, but it did other stuff. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to have any bad effects, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really dangerous side effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full moon, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at least go to morning classes on the day of the wide moon but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a hebdomad before the full Moon, just like the regular Wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an entire hebdomad ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` The therapist are trying to find a potion to counteract the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll have one in time for adjacent month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to keep taking it if it does n't even form, '' John Lackland shook his head.

`` Because they have to make sure it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these report, they have to do multiple trials to analyze the result and poppycock. ``

`` There 's a chance it might form next calendar month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't seem that upset or anything, '' Rose commented.

`` I honestly did n't reckon it was going to exploit. My parents told me not to get my hopes up about any of these experimental potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll fall up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' King John replied.

`` Me, too, '' flatness agreed, `` You 've got no idea how much I wish that.

`` Let 's not mouth about it anymore now, though. You 've got to severalize me if you got the grass mark ! It 's been driving me mad for week now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key word. The new map was always on Albus 's mind now. `` We got it. Rose and I did. ``

`` smart as a whip ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference charm all worked out, '' rosiness told him.

`` bathroom 's just got to get the rat print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` It 's harder than you 'd think to make out a rat during Potions. ``

`` Well, we 've got Double Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the unscathed category probably, so just keep your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay More attending to potential rats than to my potion, '' whoremaster grinned.

`` I would n't paint a picture that, '' rose wine smirked. `` It 'll burst forth or something, since you 've got Goyle as a partner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing grade if I can get the rat print, '' John shrugged.

`` Well, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' rosiness sighed.

`` Just think, this time tomorrow, we may have got the map working, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

`` We 'll cause to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely sure the map will mould after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too simple. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few days now. They had had an incredibly wanton time getting the prints. Almost too easy a time. Dogs, stags, and rats were quite unwashed and anyone who could cast a simple Petrificus Totalus appeal could get those print. The only one that would be difficult for the average virtuoso to get was the werewolf print. Even so, Albus did n't think the Marauders would work it this sluttish to access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the same thing, '' Rose agreed.

lav groaned, `` That would blow. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the Marauders. We have n't done anything that only the piranha could have done so far. We got a bunch of paw photographic print. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf print, '' trick pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the predator could have done, '' Albus told him.

`` speaking of the Marauders, '' John turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus magical spell coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' Matt asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to recite you about that, '' John said. `` Want to explain it, Rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my star sign. It 's a way to relieve oneself sure someone keeps something a secret. Kind of like the Fidelius magical spell, only it 's for verbal secrets, not topographic point. Whomever performs the appealingness is the Secret Keeper and only that person can undo the spell. After the magical spell is performed, the person ca n't spill about the secret with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the magic spell acting. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a loup-garou. ``

Albus held his breathing place as Rose explained and hoped that Matt would reckon it was a unspoilt idea. Albus watched as lustrelessness thought about what Rose had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. mat looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't recollect Rose would own ever found a appealingness to do that.

`` well, what do you think ? '' Albus asked after a few moment silence.

`` I 'm not sure, '' matt said quietly, `` Will it really lick ? ``

`` I 'm middling for certain it will, '' Rose said, `` The only thing that will overcome it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' Matt asked.

`` When would he drink that ? '' John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't be intimate, '' matt sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't cerebrate he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the middle of the Great hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to drink any Veritaserum, '' Rose said,"And even if he did, somebody would receive to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly start telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the castle ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's private Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden drinking any, '' John said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't know ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really require to differentiate him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave Matt a half smile.

`` All right, '' matte sighed, `` We do n't need Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure when we 'll postulate him. The map just said we had to be like the Marauders, which means we 'll need someone to be Wormtail at some peak. ``

`` And I want to screen that charm out before we use it on Kaden, '' matte said.

`` We will, '' pink wine assured him, `` I 've got to practice it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any enigma we can practice with ? '' John Lackland grinned mischievously.

******

`` settle down, settle down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his keister. He had been talking to Saint John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and matte was looking thoroughly measly next to Maloy in the next row over at the movement. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house collaborator in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to fall the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the trump that had happened was silent abomination during hard-nosed moral and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the little duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous hebdomad, it was only a subject of meter before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the blackboard, `` charge are on the add-in. You have the entire class. ``

`` Light the fire, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his baton. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken arrangement with brewing potions. Limbert would collect ingredients while Albus lit the fervidness and unpacked all the various plate and knives. Then, Albus would prepare the ingredient while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a better Potions brewer than he was.

Limbert returned with the ingredients and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the occasional 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up element. He thought it was especially amusing to heed to John and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` stir it the early way ! '' Saint John shouted.

Albus stifled a gag and glanced to his left, where Rose and Leigh Montague were having a exchangeable conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped finer than that. It says minced, not diced, '' blush wine instructed.

`` They look ticket to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't work like that. Let me do it, '' rose grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` Fine. You do the all thing if you 're so impertinent, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can stir the cauldron. Clockwise, '' pink wine replied.

Albus was n't close enough to either Amanda or Matt to hear what was going on at their tables. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the same way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their oral fissure were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at matt for something, but Albus could n't quite wee out what it was. mat got up from the mesa with a bowl total of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was More of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to John and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the feeling he was listening to lavatory and Goyle, too.

`` donjon stirring CLOCKWISE for another bit, '' bathroom said slowly and clearly, `` Then swap to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the stirring. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard John get up. Albus felt a spurring in his face and looked up to see John standing following to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

bathroom pointed to a quoin of the room, near the cupboard of ingredient. There was a magnanimous rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' John winked at him.

Albus tried to concentrate on his shrivelfig, but he could n't intercept glancing up at lav. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't hear what spell out John was using due to the haphazardness in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attending to lav. Albus grimaced as St. John the Apostle picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly happy that whoremaster was uncoerced to do the rat mark. The thought process of putting a rat in his robe creeped Albus out.

Gospel According to John went into the cupboard for a few moments and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a back floor, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' John whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud explosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid landed estate on his headland and drip down the vertebral column of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the Same time.

`` Boody Hell ! '' John exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the front of his robes.

Pandemonium erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the detonate potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a stupefied expression on his boldness and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His hair was singed and there was a small fire on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his back and it hurt like hell. It felt like his skin was on fire. He got up from his chair and felt his backrest. His robes were burned straight through. St. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to John and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouth, '' Slughorn shook his head. `` infirmary Wing. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, John the Evangelist, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John and Goyle ) said at the Lapp time.

`` infirmary offstage, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could delight make sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the room with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a little way behind them and Karina behind them.

`` Idiot, '' John muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clew, '' trick shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty straightforward. ``

`` Well, he 's dumber than a troll, '' toilet groaned, `` Merlin this stuff burns. ``

`` At to the lowest degree we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' John laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That thing 's not still in your robe, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a chance to choose it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the infirmary Wing.

Madam Pomfrey was already busy taking tending of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in Care of Magical Creatures and told them they would induce to wait. Once she had finished healing the little girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't capable to sit still and was wandering around the way tripping over things. She took upkeep of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and John were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprised it 's only the two of you. ``

`` wellspring, lusterlessness, blush wine, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your grandfather and his protagonist, '' ma'am Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

whoremonger, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. well, Albus thought, that was the cosmopolitan thought of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her scepter the potion was cleaned up. `` pledge the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

Madam Pomfrey applied some sort of unguent to their burning and a few minutes later they were allowed to leave. The nurse told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new robe and that she did n't want to see them in the Hospital wing for the next few weeks.

`` Fat chance that 'll happen, '' King John smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the Hospital Wing. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to shoal after the Christmas holiday.

`` Next Quidditch friction match is what, in three calendar week ? '' toilet asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' John joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't land myself there concluding match. ``


A/N : supernumerary long chapter ! Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Luke, and drownzer for the limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or Frank Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the common room. Rose, Amanda, and Matt were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really explode ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' John replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's shift, really. I gave him directions as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the salutary potion beer maker either, John. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. brothel keeper Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John to the dormitory doorway.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a agile dinner with his friend after he changed robe, and then head to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( privy had gone up to the dorm room ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't desire to know what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire evening with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that dark his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a good excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden survey. So they spent the evening in the common elbow room, working on homework.

Albus and his friends were far too busy the next few Day to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling practice on Wednesday. Rose had dueling practice on Friday. John normally had his exercise on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch lucifer, it had been rescheduled for Dominicus. Any bit of sentence where neither Albus or his friend had any exercise, Kaden was around. It was n't until Sabbatum, following Slytherin 's spectacular loss to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a beau first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` cum on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his friends after Kaden left the usual room.

`` Got the mark ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common room and ran for the Room of essential. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

mat paced three meter in front of the vacuous wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the mesa and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four prints and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're good with the appealingness, right ? ``

Rose nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every sentence. ``

`` good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to begin, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did terminal meter to get it to tell us we 've got to prove we know the marauder ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` hold ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this meter ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed privy the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his verge at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as practically as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' John shouted, `` But it worked live time ! ``

Albus 's Bob Hope plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timekeeper ? Like it could only work on a certain day of the calendar month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to figure out, and now it would n't even narrate them to raise they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' matt grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This suction, '' John muttered, `` It worked endure metre. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' rose wine suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own verge at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the surface of the parchment and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, Second variant .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' John asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean value we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his acquaintance would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without someone to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the minute Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four son, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the adjacent multiplication of Marauders. These four Quaker must each represent one of the piranha, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may continue along the path of discovery .'

'The course of uncovering ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

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

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

'The piranha wish you good luck .'

`` wellspring, now what ? '' King John asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

pink wine picked up the paw print and the map, setting them down in forepart of her. She pulled out her sceptre and muttered an incantation at the lycanthrope mark. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other piece of parchment.

`` That, was bloody amazing, '' john said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his cousin was so brilliant. Albus did n't imagine he 'd ever be able to pull off something like that. At to the lowest degree not until he was at to the lowest degree in fifth year.

Rose repeated the subprogram with the dog, stag, and rat mark, positioning them in the take same way that the little mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five supporter stared at the map for a few endorsement, waiting for something to happen. The paw mark were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw photographic print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to severalize the map that we know the vulture ? ``

`` Worth a injection, '' John the Evangelist shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his scepter to it, `` I, Albus Severus Potter, the second Prongs, know the vulture. ``

The paw photographic print quickly faded until there was nothing leftfield but a blank parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his ally before returning his regard to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do jazz the Marauders, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a werewolf paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the Marauders'secret, we shall now severalise you more about this map. When the Marauders were seventh year, they realized that within a few short month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the schooltime would be left without their chief mischief makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the tertiary individual, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a diagonal of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the account, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the vulture could find a way to ensure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' rosiness shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to create another map. The first off map was only the showtime. The predator wanted to find a way to put themselves into a map, in order to help the adjacent generation of devilry Godhead. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't need any old dunderheads stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even unfit, having Slytherins get their slimy mitt on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the predator had to figure out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The predator 's Map is actually quite simple to figure out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a sure person to open it.

'You may or may not have figured out that in order to get the get-go bit of data out of this map, you have to be a blood relative of one of the Marauders. However, not everyone representing the piranha must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kids .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any factor, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt Brobdingnagian rilievo from this. can and flatness would be able to map Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James I, Lily, shift, my dad, and I could get it out-of-doors, '' Albus said.

'The residue of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the marauder. Your succeeding step is to demonstrate that you are the next Marauders .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the sheepskin was as vacuous as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to work yet. He had been so trusted that all they 'd birth to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to prove that they were the side by side Marauders. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was Weird, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really enjoin us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make sure they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a part of them, '' John replied.

`` To be true, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, rose wine, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the Marauder 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' trick muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fairly ! We spend hebdomad getting those paw photographic print and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' rosiness said, `` Otherwise it would n't count if there were four of you to represent the Marauders. If it was just this, Albus could own done the unanimous thing himself. ``

She made a good stage. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to play one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to prove we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` Wonder what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the marauder would have done, '' matte suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' John the Evangelist grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' Matt sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't recollect that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of paper that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to pull a immense frivolity or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you shew that to the map ? '' rose asked.

`` fountainhead, does anyone possess any other approximation ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of course of study their is ! '' Rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the library and see if we can detect anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, pink wine, '' Albus pointed out.

`` rightfield, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just demand to get some practice. Anyone want to be my quizzer ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, come here, '' rose got up and went to the other incline of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to recollect up a secret, which took a undecomposed bit of time. John finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch like to trip the light fantastic toe in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra music playing in the ground .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' St. John the Apostle said in a good quality, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop headland to his face and had on a flavor of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be capable to state anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a disgrace. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John laughed. `` You lot can still fan out it around, though. ``

`` Ok, lavatory, let 's try it, '' rose said.

rose pointed her verge at herself and recited the charm that would prepare her the secret custodian. Then, she pointed her wand at John and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the secret, John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a retentive handle mop with Frank Sinatra music playacting in the background, '' bathroom smirked.

`` Good, '' rosiness replied and then performed another charm on John. `` I 'm not ready to try including other people yet, so John will only be capable to talk about Filch 's little habit to me. ``

rose wine waved her wand around in an intricate formula and then said one final incantation. She lowered her verge and stared at whoremonger. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All right. So, whoremonger, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted, `` Actually, just the other dark I saw him and he was- '' bathroom 's mouth continued moving but no auditory sensation was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a fish out of water. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

rosiness was staring at lavatory with a little facial expression of dashing hopes. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his mouth. You know, in case the great unwashed can read lips. I guess it 's a outset, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really pass on spell. You ca n't take expected to get it on the for the first time try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think Rose expected to get it on the first try.

`` I suppose, '' Rose sighed, `` I 'll just unmake it. ``

rose waved her sceptre around and muttered some more incantation. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything rum about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a retentive handle mop by moonlight while hotdog Sinatra plays in the background, '' John told her.

`` Looks like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' Rose pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's secret pleasure of life. ``

******

Over the next few days, St. John actually did share that Filch liked to dance with a long handle mop by the moonlight with Frank Frank Sinatra playing in the backdrop. All he had to do was mention it to a few early Gryffindors at meal prison term and the bit of gossiper was soon spreading throughout the school day. The chemical reaction from students ranged from hysterical laughter to raised brow to exclamations of 'Who the hell is frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't avail but smirk every prison term he heard his fellow students mentioning the story.

Filch, on the former bridge player, was actively trying to observe the perpetrator. There was n't really any power point, since he would n't be able to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the halls and listening in on bookman'conversations, trying to find out any sorting of information regarding the false level. Whenever the students noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would cause Filch to get down muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to slash them all'.

Filch 's briny suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of trend had laughed the trashy when he heard the narration. Since Filch had developed an intense dislike for Kaden since their custody month ago, he gave Kaden sinister stares every metre Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew John had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a nice break from the vivid perusing that all the scholarly person were occupied with. Like usual, the teachers had increased the homework after the holiday. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't ideate how he would manage to make do with that in three short yr. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling pattern. Both Georgia and Kate had increased praxis times in order to prepare for the coming match and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to take property the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the undermentioned weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday. Dueling practice session were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wednesdays, but on Fridays as well. The only day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't commit much time for him to try and enter out how to show he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling tourney was cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very well-chosen the Quidditch mate was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't await until I can duel next class, '' Kaden said in between bites of egg.

`` It 's not really as cool as it 's made out to be, '' John commented, `` A lot of waiting around sentence during tourney. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' rose explained, `` In the regular Dueling guild, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth part year or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd make the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting better, '' Albus assured her, `` You might pass water it by the time you 're a one-fifth year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the point of the Jnr 's night club, '' rose said, `` So you can get better. They do n't expect us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's superb. ``

Albus felt his nerve turn red, `` Well, I 'm not that not bad ... I mean, there are incumbrance of people who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's beat almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to beat Malfoy during their exercise duels.

`` That 's commodity, though ! '' rosiness sighed, `` You 're both fantabulous duelers, so you 've got a good squad ! ``

Albus shrugged. He kind of would rather just be able to exhaust Malfoy than beat the other squad, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his friends continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the rough-cut room afterwards. Soon, it was time for them to go down to the dueling sleeping room for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` hoot kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me whisk them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the year, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with scholar, just like the past two tournaments. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crew to their common board, where their squad was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` Ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the past two tourney, with a lot of sitting around fourth dimension. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the Sami team so they were able-bodied to babble out to each early in between duels.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the last two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of glad and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her duels, which Albus was very happy about. He knew one-half her dueling issues were from nerves and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, John, and Matt each won one of their duels as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other teams, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't give care, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to end Albus from cheering for his friends.

The points were tallied after the last affaire d'honneur and John 's team was declared the winner. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three more tournament before the last. Harry announced the point totals for the entire year and pink wine 's team was in kickoff position so far. In secondment was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in third base was King John 's team, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't cerebrate that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between sign. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the source of the yr. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and frailty versa. He was n't exactly sure how it was working with the habitue dueling baseball club, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his squad were. But that was month ago and he did n't have it off what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reviews !

I wrote my starting time predator Era narration, slope Effects May Include Gratitude and feelings of Well Being, which is a one-shot from lady Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my source page, if you 're matter to. I 'd have a go at it it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's birthday was a few days after the Dueling tourney. Albus and his friend did n't contrive him a party like they had lowest year. That had mostly been done to urge on him up since he had been in the Hospital offstage at the sentence. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a patty, and then ate it in their dorm. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His response was peculiar to watch than Amanda 's the previous year. He stood there with his sassing half unresolved and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the metre the Quidditch match arrived the following Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice session and homework, he hardly had anytime to sleep. throw away in a trip down to the kitchens for lustrelessness 's natal day after Quidditch practice the other night, and Albus was cook to sleep through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would suffer let up, but it had n't. wondrous, he thought, James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his admirer goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch. His friends had bundled themselves up in as often scarlet and atomic number 79 clothing as they owned and were ready to huddle together against the howling idle words for a few hour of Quidditch. lavatory, Matt, and Amanda did n't seem to bear in mind the conditions at all and were excited about the match. blush wine, on the other hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a feel he would n't have minded the violent storm if he was watching a football game game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few arcminute after Albus entered the changing way, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the atmospheric condition is n't nonesuch, '' GA began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worse than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during tertiary year, '' Fred muttered, `` But former than that .... ''

Empire State of the South glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her finally year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll possess trained her team even harder. They 've got a new custodian, though. Someone named Tanner Royce. He 's a fifth yr. former than him, the team 's the Saame as hold out year. So, with that, get out there and plain some Badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the doorway. Georgia was a groovy maitre d'hotel, but was n't practically for long scent address.

`` Albus, '' Sakartvelo whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less spooky this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the last compeer. In realism, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. for sure, he 'd been a little nervous, but not as much as GA thought he had been. This equal, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit flighty. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as much. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the doorway and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the emphatic winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff peer ! '' Todd Smith 's voice sounded over the lurch. It sounded faint and sort of far away in the wind. `` It 's bally cold out here so let 's make it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain GA Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, Jesse James Potter, Omar Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! skipper Jessica harper, followed by Ted Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and tanner Royce ! ``

professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and Harper to shake hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the instrumentalist rose into the air. Oteski released the lump and Calluna vulgaris immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And Heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so dreadful. He could hardly see two feet in front of him. His robes were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to stop shortstop and toss the Quaffle back to broom, since he almost flew consecutive into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

Scots heather caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest period of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` Goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and captivate that Snitch, St. James the Apostle ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Joseph Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` Watch your language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in play and was in Hufflepuff ownership. Albus was n't even sure which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to ask it to the Gryffindor finish, but Sakartvelo saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the sales talk, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The secret plan continued this way for the next one-half hour. Hufflepuff managed to nock two goals, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the goal. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` Goal ! Albus thrower has scored against Hufflepuff ! The grade is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first destination he had ever scored in a Quidditch match. Up until now, all he 'd done were assistance. Albus took a triumph lap around the auction pitch and then caught the Quaffle from Heather.

Albus managed to mark another goal and ling scored two more in the next half 60 minutes of the mate. Hufflepuff scored a few More goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of of flying around in the frigidity. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd know if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snow. The rash seemed to be getting unsound by the mo. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would let called it off a while ago.

A few mo later, cheers broke out in the standpoint and Albus was sure as shooting person must have caught the Snitch. He was very glad to land his Scots heather and knew he 'd be even felicitous when he finally got into the warm green room.

The rest of his squad was shouting in glee and were surrounding James. He must deliver caught the snitcher, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James was lifted onto a few multitude 's articulatio humeri. Albus joined the throngs of his house and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the rough-cut elbow room, legion people stopped him in order to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was discover his friends and get into some ardent robes. Henry James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch couple, but Albus could take it or pull up stakes it. Right now, he could leave it since his worry was getting worse.

The party in the common room was just getting started when Albus entered a few mo later. somebody must own snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

person shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the crowd. William James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the goal position. Galivant was on the early end of the pitch, so I knew she had no promise ... '' James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the intellectual nourishment that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those boldness ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his student residence.

Albus quickly changed out of his common cold, wet robes and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the vernacular room and it was even fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitching and the party was in wide swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their usual tabular array and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` Brilliant performing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' matte agreed.

`` You 're quite a good Chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't sleep with why they did n't cancel the equal with this rash ... ''

`` natural the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football game, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two feet of snow, '' St. John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` will you two just cease arguing about football ? '' rose sighed.

`` Just trying to wrench Kaden into a proper ace, '' John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a right superstar, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's faulting, '' can muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just fall by the wayside arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His brain was pounding and listening to his friends'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past tense two hours ? '' Rose suggested, `` If they 'd just have canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' matte agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial things like rash. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more matter to, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` Well that 's boring, '' whoremaster replied.

Albus leaned his head on his mitt and closed his oculus while trying to drown out his friends conversation. lav, Rose, and Kaden continued to contend about the virtue of Quidditch and football game. lusterlessness and Amanda stayed out of it for the virtually part and seemed variety of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just keep out up. Albus 's school principal was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the equal and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a decent summercater if it were played on brooms, '' can said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be serious ! You ca n't play football game on brooms. How would you give up the bollock ? ``

`` Not to bring up that Muggles make for football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by wizards, it should be done on broom. ``

football game on heather, Albus thought, what an insane theme. His ally were now trying to flux football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' lusterlessness asked.

Albus opened his center and lifted his head off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't depend that great, '' lusterlessness said concernedly.

John, rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look big than matt does when he gets cast, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do bet horrendous, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a cephalalgia, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really log Z's much the past few Night. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dorm room door, feeling worse than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't sure how much time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his heading still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to sleep for a few Day straight.

right when he was about to drift off again, mortal threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his eyes with his paw. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an stallion day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his deal and slowly opened his eyes. privy was standing over his bed with a facial expression of concern on his case.

`` And I 'd wish to sleep a bit more if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner party shoemaker's last dark, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked, `` Rose sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure he was ok. He could n't commend the last time he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John the Divine.

`` If you 're indisputable, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't get Albus long to return back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved Teddy telling him his broom broke and he 'd have to roleplay Quidditch without it by running around on the footing. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the mate was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these aspiration, only to obtain that the student residence was disconsolate. He could hear Ethan 's muffled snoring and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any better than he had when John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his sinew were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the lucifer. But Albus could n't recall falling from his broom. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even know what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And block up smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor thrower. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any Seekers in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll take to play defense, William James, '' Albus mumbled in his slumber. `` There is n't a sneak in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, lavatory 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll deliver to play defensive measure, too. ``

`` What 's wrongfulness ? '' mortal new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the couple, Professor Potter. I think he 's barf. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two day. ``

`` The friction match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's sleeve. He rested his principal on their shoulder and shivered as his cover fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sleep and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't cook out what they were saying. somebody poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his centre and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was sure he had fallen asleep in his residence hall, but now it looked as if he was in the Hospital fender. The place was nearly deserted, relieve for madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The safe thing was that his head felt much better. However, his body still ached.

dame Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottleful and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` Good, you 're up, '' lady Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What sentence is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nursemaid said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed course ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any better and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around lunch time. ``

`` Oh. Well, how long do I have to stay ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' Madam Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that trough of soup. ``

Albus nodded and Madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely remember being taken out of his dorm, but it was only a foggy store. The lowest affair he could really think back well was the Quidditch couple. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the first potion that the doors to the infirmary Wing swung open and John Lackland, matt, Rose, and Amanda came bursting through. Madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few proceedings. But calmly ! He needs to rest ! ``

`` Albus ! '' pink wine shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank pigeon hawk you 're all right ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing just ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Well, '' Matt said with a one-half smile on his picket face, `` This is a substitution. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a meter where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would trust so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably sleep another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to remain another two twenty-four hours. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his ally, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' matt sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than common. ``

`` He fell asleep in story of trick and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' trick said.

`` wellspring, you did n't kip through two whole Clarence Shepard Day Jr. like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through More than two days actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right ! '' lady Pomfrey announced, `` meter for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, lusterlessness. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friends left the room.

`` Sure will, '' matte replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the following break of the day. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the adjacent morning. His dad had stopped by early before family, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to drink. Albus was the only patient in the entire ward, so the nursemaid 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth spyglass of water supply that morning when the doors to the ward opened. Matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water system pitcher and descended upon lustrelessness.

`` You 're here before than usual, '' she said as she felt his head, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once Madam Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` Fell asleep in Defense and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly help much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to counteract the part of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave Matt a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really fag out, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John the Divine, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and Matt, but Madam Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. mat had been benumbed anyway. Shortly after their friends left, Madam Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, St. Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the adjacent morning, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his capitulum felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast brothel keeper Pomfrey provided.

The Sami could n't be said for lusterlessness, who was looking a lot worse than the previous day. He was either asleep or unconscious mind, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scrapes on his case. His veracious arm and forehead were covered in a tumid bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some variety of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be capable to allow for that morning. He was starting to experience incredibly bored with the Hospital fender, although not bored enough to start the homework Rose had brought the former evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the forenoon drifting in and out of nap out of lack of anything else to do. brothel keeper Pomfrey gave him a few to a greater extent nasty savouring potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two mean solar day without intellectual nourishment, he was starving.

The doorway to the infirmary Wing opened just as Albus was finishing his tiffin. John, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her post and did n't look to note the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' Rose grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. dame Pomfrey wo n't let me allow for until later, though. Wish she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to make trusted you 're completely better, '' blush wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing form since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing much upright poppycock on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' John asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to look for mode of proving who we are. ``

St. John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of lambskin. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll ascertain out somehow. ``

`` fashioning anymore progress on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again concluding nighttime on Saint John the Apostle and this metre he could n't even move his mouth like live on fourth dimension. Now I 've just got to figure out how to imply former people in the enigma. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince mat that the spell is foolproof, '' St. John the Apostle said.

Everyone glanced over at mat 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

Matt groaned and opened his center, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' flatness said flatly, `` My forefront is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that charm for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to find some way to evidence to it that we 're like the marauder. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Matt yawned.

`` When do you get to leave alone ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No approximation, '' flatness said, `` Not until at to the lowest degree tomorrow night. Might be out in time for uranology. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the Moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll project on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will grab it, '' he added gleefully.

`` Gospel According to John, that 's not funny, '' rose wine scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a door capable and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the gang around Albus and Matt 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to lustrelessness 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, can, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My fountainhead hurts and so does pretty very much everything else. ``

`` You must stimulate hit your caput much forged than common live nighttime, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to allow for, '' madam Pomfrey said to rosebush, John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

ennui set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. Matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a rule book shut.

Albus, John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded table in the library. It was covered in Book that covered all kind of issue. The five of them had spent the last time of day searching for ways to prove to the new map that they were like the Marauders. So far, nobody had found anything useful.

`` I do n't know, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might test that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an total Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some skillful, '' pink wine said.

`` want we could just use that book that you used to find the other charm, '' Albus said to rose wine, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted department, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor ceramicist to establish us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' Rose interjected, `` It might not be a appealingness we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to have to retain looking, '' Albus said as he opened another playscript. `` But I 've got Quidditch recitation in a one-half hour. ``

`` We 'll just look every time we can get away from Kaden, '' matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of strange since Kaden spent every waking instant of his day ( when he was n't in course of instruction ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' mat pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the depository library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' ma'am Pince shouted even tacky, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an abandon chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` testament you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the vernacular rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' whoremaster and Matt shouted.

`` tranquillity ! '' dame Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on dry land for ? ``

`` I would n't take care having a TV in the common elbow room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's surd enough for us Muggle-borns to aline to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would make it well-situated. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' John the Divine laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of signatures already. I 'm not really indisputable how many I 'll demand, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few twenty-four hour period and then give it to professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to repress his grin, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get televisions put into the common rooms was just too risible. There would be no way any of the teachers would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you signalize it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for computers next. ``

`` Computers, '' lustrelessness laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't wound to sign the thing, and he was sure as shooting Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

John and matte signed as well, although they were laughing the unit time. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` prep, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the heavy pile of book, `` Second class must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' whoremonger said, `` You wo n't have any time to watch any TV. ``

`` I 'll do fourth dimension, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get more signatures. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from table to postpone trying to get multitude to ratify. Some of them liked the idea and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, Madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your cousin is the weirdest gent I 've ever met, '' whoremonger said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the Good Book he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the common room and found his supporter sitting around their common tabular array doing prep. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help oneself them to essay that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to enquire if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did retrieve a way to prove they were like the piranha, what would they induce to do next ? How many things would they have to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no thought, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to make this easy.

******

The rest of February passed quickly. Albus and his admirer continued to scour the depository library for any sort of charm, piece, or potion that would help them in their call for to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing prep as they searched the rule book every weekend. rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus good luck charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. pink wine was sure she 'd deliver it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said much when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to tell apart Kaden once blush wine perfected the charm.

Kaden 's petition to let tv put into the usual room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't seem in the least bit deterred by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the televisions would benefit the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' pink wine said at dinner one night, `` Even if the teachers accepted your petition, the video would n't even sour here. There 's too much thaumaturgy. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a charm that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't act upon, '' Matt said, `` Magic just does n't agree with electronics. This one prison term when we were visiting my Uncle seafarer in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal sensing element at the airport. It was n't her fault or anything, the conjuration just interrupted it or something. The matter started beeping and would n't hold on until they turned it off. ``

privy laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was XIV. ``

`` well, I still say they could find a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, feel, '' Albus pointed to the Head table. professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` wonder what he 's got to say ? '' John asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' Rose said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attending ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell soundless. `` Thank you. Do n't worry, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll find this announcement most arouse. ``

There was a world-wide murmuring of excitement throughout the Great dormitory at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll commend at the beginning of the year, when I announced the changes for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one part of the household unity exploit. I am announcing today that the former professor and I have organized another unity event. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the schooltime needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the case. It will not be like a even scavenger Leigh Hunt. It will take place on the future three Saturdays. This Saturday will be for the first and second days. The following will be for 3rd and twenty-five percent years. The last will be for one-fifth, one-sixth, and seventh old age.

`` The other prof and I will be organizing the teams, which will lie of phallus of other years and former planetary house. Each squad will have about ten extremity. You will sustain one hour to dispatch the tasks given.

`` You will receive a listing of items to obtain before this hour is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these items will be required to obtain without magic. We will be performing charm on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the 60 minutes they will be disqualified.

`` However, the pack rat hunting will not only include a list of item to get hold. You will also receive multiple trivium sheet of paper. These will include both wizard and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will incur a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will lead them on a pursuit throughout the castle and evidence. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of selective information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point bonus. However, there is also a false trail that will chair you to worthless selective information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed list of normal on the day of the case. Until then, keep open your brains shrewd and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his ally, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an fantabulous thought, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a unmarried somebody would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a expectant idea for House unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin commons way or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

John groaned, `` I guess you 're properly. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. question what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some voucher to get out of homework or something, '' lav said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfect clip for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be corking, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that list and if there was anyone in the school day that had loads of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few daytime seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the rest of the low gear and 2nd days. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the teachers were getting a bit annoyed that nonentity was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the initiatory and second years to persist sitting after they were done eating. Once all the aged students left, Kendrick got to his metrical unit once more.

`` Now, the moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The pack rat search will set about shortly. First, I have a few More linguistic rule to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are token on this inclination that are not allowed to be created using legerdemain. You may not conjure, transfigure, spell, or magic spell any of those items. Asking an sr. student to do so is also against the rules. We have spells that will observe if any item was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The token must be found within the shoal and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden timberland, the Whomping willow tree, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not look for for point in or around them. You may not ask older bookman or instructor for help, nor may you owl kinsperson members or other masses. However, you may ask elder students if they have any of the items on the list. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be punishment. You are permitted to use the library for assistance with the trivia. ``

Rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight squad of approximately ten bookman each. Your house prefects have your squad assignment. squad one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. team three and four at the Gryffindor tabular array, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minutes to get organized in your teams and then the other professors will hired man out the reserve fabric. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, elusive lot. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his acquaintance wound their way through the crew until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good team, right ? ``

`` fountainhead, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his Friend to get their squad assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on Team One, John is on team Four, Matt 's on squad Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on team Four, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` guess we 'll see you after. in force luck. ``

Albus and mat worked their way through the crowd to the Hufflepuff table along with rose wine. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his squad, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The opportunity were n't great that he would have two of his friends on his same team. He was just lucky he had one of his friends on the Saame team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with masses from teams one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the stave table, so Albus and matte made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly tied number of each house at the table. Besides Albus and Matt, there was one former Gryffindor, a first yr girl Albus had seen but did n't recognize her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't lie with, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the incisive quill pen in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and lustrelessness coming over. Albus found seating area far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger hunting to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few second gear later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel underwood and I 've been assigned as team captain. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

prof Patil came over a little while later with a smattering of lambskin. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to appear for and the trivia.

`` The hunt will start out in one hour ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will give you your tilt as soon as I say go. You 'll experience one minute to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A moment later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue sparks from his sceptre and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All rightfulness ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decipher the riddle and run around to get the incentive points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the early Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the lambskin. He ran out of the Great dorm while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Witches and wizard, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You Know About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the people who thought they 'd be able to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivia weather sheet, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of detail to get, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team fellow member, which were Albus, Matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the small beer. Oh, but I 'll acquire care of the costumes. You 'll just have to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't get to fall apart anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

particular Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five disgorgement flavored Bertie Botts dome
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robes
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robe
-light saber
-Dumbledore drinking chocolate frog card
-twenty shoe lace tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood
-Shooting Star broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum joystick
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons jersey
-six Extendable capitulum
-Muggle playing cards
-receipt from brothel keeper Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A account
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation picture show
-band AIDS
-green empty potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple parchment
-two stamp battery
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the lean and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody netherworld is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to euphony, '' Albus explained, `` One of my full cousin might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Horatio Nelson Rodner, said.

`` good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this clobber ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the hooey we know we 've got and then meet back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can work on on the poppycock we do n't. ``

The other three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with lustrelessness. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't take course credit for the scavenger hunt idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch pine that I go to every summer and they have pack rat hunts like the one in this chapter. dispatch with costumes, trivia, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to St. Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or the melodic theme for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a escape of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` Kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the coarse room completely out of breath. `` magpie hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousin Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our good turn next Saturday. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting items when Albus and flatness entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched assailable his tree trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts Beans, a Dumbledore chocolate frog card, his transcript of Hogwarts, A History, one Extendable Ear, and the photograph album he found in the attic of his theatre. The commencement impression in the dorsum would cultivate for the Hogwarts commencement picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked matte once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, set economic aid, Chudley cannon jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to bring it since it does n't exercise here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great mansion. ``

When Albus and Matt got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a pile of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, color changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing menu, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a dependable outset, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's stuff to the pile. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the older scholarly person to take over the repose.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light sabre, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Sir Henry Wood, a Shooting Star broom handle, drum sticks, a receipt from Madam Malkin 's, foe chicken feed, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a ash gray goblet, tortilla bit, a tea cozy, the figure of five House Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` somebody 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the skid laces, empty commons potions bottle, purple mitt, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, purple lambskin, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five more extendable Ears. Oh, and Filch 's John Hancock. ``

`` We 'll do that one in conclusion, '' matte shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the uncouth way and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boys set off at a run back to their unwashed room. Luckily it was still packed with bookman and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` goodness, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a clustering of stuff to obtain. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt and want some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, majestic baseball mitt, a toad, empurple lambskin, a natural rubber duck's egg, batteries, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need XX shoe laces. I promise we 'll turn back it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their dorm room. A few transactions later they came back down with versatile items for Albus. He managed to borrow a rubber duck, purpleness parchment, and a few extendible spike. Plus he got at least twenty skid laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his forehead, `` I should possess grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the unwashed way. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dorm room and back down to the uncouth room. Albus ignored them and pointed his sceptre to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the library and spotted Filch a few thousand away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' mat said back.

Albus 's heart sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` thrower. Up to no soundly again ? In motivation of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to encourage Inter menage Unity and we have to retrieve all this stuff throughout the rook and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' lusterlessness interrupted, holding a bit of sheepskin and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should rag ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went full than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really envision out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' Matt grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few thing. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the Room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's superb ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the elbow room. Albus slowly walked back and forth in forepart of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to get his third gear bye, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right wing. ``

`` Of course, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that ruler because then everyone would find out about the room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed mat the list and he looked it over for a few seconds. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got cat valium potions nursing bottle. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better rush, there 's only fifteen minutes left. ``

They made it to the Hospital annexe in phonograph recording metre. Albus pushed the room access assailable and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to tend to ! '' ma'am Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw number 1 class, `` I have n't got time for this scavenger Hunt nonsense ! You 're the twenty percent person I 've had come in here looking for potions feeding bottle and lot aid ! I have n't got any ! ``

The little girl nodded and ran quickly out of the way, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' matt whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nurse, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` hi, Madam Pomfrey, '' mat greeted her.

gentlewoman Pomfrey turned around and her irritated brass softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, matte, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit rosy, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said and put her script to his forehead.

`` I 'm exquisitely, '' matte assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger Richard Morris Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an empty common potions bottleful. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions console. `` I suppose. Just be indisputable to return it. ``

Albus watched in jolt as she returned with the exact detail they were looking for. flatness grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

brothel keeper Pomfrey shook her head, `` No trouble. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the room access, still in shock that the nurse had actually given them the feeding bottle when she had yelled at that first twelvemonth only mo ago.

`` You 're certainly on her good side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a calendar month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd improve get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and matt ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The rest period of the team was working hard to finish the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, unadulterated with a pseud whiskers. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as funny as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor finest, with gown, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, ceramist, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin gown, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are best'hat. It would only be for a few instant and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit foreign in the Slytherin gown. He could n't help but think back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robe all the fourth dimension. He might have even been Sir Thomas More favorable with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended St. John, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his top dog and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robe to assist his team win.

Rachel took stock of the items on the listing as lusterlessness tied all the shoelaces together. It turns out that the only matter they were missing were the twinkle saber, Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Sir Henry Wood, Shooting Star broomstick, foe glass, Milton Snavely Hershey 's bar, batrachian, and one shelling. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The early Ravenclaw returned a instant later and told everyone that he had finished the penetrate pursuit and had managed to get the bonus spot.

`` fourth dimension is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will be around soon to check your lists. They will also gather your trivia sheets which will be marked later today. The achiever will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few present moment later and looked over their inclination. She took a impression of the four citizenry who were dressed up, much to Albus 's disheartenment. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin minute. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the gown and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the composition of parchment, `` You can leave alone. Please revert anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from diverse Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital Wing to return the feeding bottle and then headed back to their park room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and then went to sit down at their usual table. rosiness, King John, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rose wine said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's in effect, '' John Lackland said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin single, '' Albus replied.

John burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be capable to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a photograph. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the tilt of stuff to ascertain ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` I 'm pretty sure my team was the only one with a abstemious sabre ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so happy I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right field, '' Rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of form you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to happen the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't cause any green I and madam Pomfrey looked set to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was unsufferable to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` We got it, '' Matt told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` lady Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing someone 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` Matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

Matt shrugged, `` Simple, really. ``

Gospel According to John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the shoal who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that whole secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John the Evangelist said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle thing ? ``

`` I did, '' rosiness said, `` Want to pick up it ? ``

`` Of grade, '' lavatory said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' rosiness said. She pulled a piece of parchment out of her robe and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by virtuoso worldwide
Where good and evil are forced to collide
A terrible force can now no longer lodge in.
A place where just one region of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at St. John, Matt, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't think it was childlike, but rose wine was upright at those sorts of things.

`` No thought, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' matte shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't look at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great anteroom ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the plaza where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' rose wine grinned, `` That was the john part. It 's actually that repository outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even reckon of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to visualize it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to follow the clues to find the bit of information to return professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' rosiness grinned, `` Herbology segment. ``

`` Wonder how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` wellspring, my team did, obviously, '' pink wine said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John the Divine sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out this evening how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to remember about it now. Might as well get some prep done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. rose wrote an entire essay and did a set of preparation dubiousness. Matt helped Amanda with her Astronomy and still got his Herbology done. lav and Kaden on the other hand, spent he rest of the good afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to rule during the Scavenger Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the faculty table to see when Kendrick would establish the proclamation, but he seemed to be waiting until the concluding minute to do so.

After what seemed ilk forever, Kendrick got to his base. `` Good evening, everyone. I hope all the first and 2d years enjoyed the scavenger William Holman Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm sure the older bookman will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any foster waiting, I shall announce the results. The first, second, and one-third place squad will all be awarded medallion.

`` In third station, with 572 points, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the extremity of team Two please come up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` third base office, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty proficient, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and matte joined the rest of their squad in front of the staff table. Kendrick put a bronze laurel wreath over each of their neck opening and pulled out a camera. He took a few pictorial matter and then told them to give to their seats.

Rose, Amanda, toilet, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousin patted him on the back and told him good job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get offset spot next week. ``

`` I 'll consider it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in bit place, with 580 tip, is team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The appendage of squad Seven ran up to the faculty mesa to get their silver medallion and have their picture taken.

`` And in 1st home, with 673 points, is Team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` Congratulations to the winning squad ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` well, he does take a very large amount of random clobber in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light saber that put his squad over the edge, '' john shook his head, `` I mean, I think his team was the exclusively one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medal a few minutes later.

`` extolment, '' Albus grinned, `` At to the lowest degree one of us got number 1 home. ``

`` We were so snug to 2d, '' lusterlessness groaned, `` octonary measly points ! ``

`` Well, third 's in force, '' King John muttered, `` safe than not getting a palm at all. ``

`` Oh, toilet, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The point is that we all had fun. ``

`` extolment to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the next round, one-third and quartern years, a calendar week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze decoration from his bed post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very contented with one-third place. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The pack rat William Holman Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would retain it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the intact day. He made a genial promissory note to ask rosiness about the Sileo Altus charm the adjacent day. They would throw to distinguish Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore progress on the map. Plus, they 'd own to inquiry more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to feature a light cavalry sword, a object lesson that my chum agrees with since he brought his wanton cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few the great unwashed told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can determine part profiles and a blog about news and updates about my committal to writing. The link is on my visibility page here. I 'd have a go at it for you to hold in it out and leave commentary in the intelligence and Update section.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in conclusion summer 's magpie Holman Hunt. Big thanks to my friend, blush wine, for coming up with the enigma. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest period of the month, rosiness continued to make advancement on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the time April rolled around, she was confident in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to raise to the map that he and his friends were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch recitation, or dueling praxis, in the library trying to incur out a turn or appealingness that would mold. His drive were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his affaire d'honneur as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch match was the first Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to tell who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his head as he walked into the changing room.

Georgia gave the team the common pep public lecture, which this time included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the final exam. Georgia did n't particularly care who they played in the final, just so long as they won.

The match went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much upright than the previous match, in which Albus got queasy partway through. The conditions was better for this match as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was secure since it was a very high-scoring match for both incline and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hour of romp, James I went into a nose dive and caught the Snitch, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual company in the unwashed room ensued after the students returned to the palace, but Albus was n't really occupy in it. Now that the lucifer was over, all he could cerebrate about was trying out the Sileo Altus magic spell on Kaden. Albus figured the best time to do it would be in the evening and the skilful place would be the Room.

Shortly after rosebush had succeeded in performing the magic spell on Saint John, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only stipulation was first trying it with a harmless enigma, and if that worked, to move onto the bounteous one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' Gospel According to John asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The remainder of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly slow rate. clip seemed to go by much like it did in account of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to show you a dissimilar room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What sort of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the rook, with a unceasing watercourse of interrogative sentence that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to go ? '' lusterlessness whispered nervously as they stopped in front of the blank space of wall where the Room of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' rose assured him, `` It will work. ``

Matt nodded and started pacing in front of the wall.

`` Why did we hold back ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this stead ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` elbow room of necessary, '' Albus told him, `` Room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to assure anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still superb. ``

`` Kaden, come sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a hind end on the couch next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` fountainhead, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to test something. Rose found a spell that 's supposed to make someone not be able to tell apart other masses 's closed book. If it works, we 're going to tell you a bunch of stuff and you wo n't be able-bodied to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to take certain the charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. rosebush is going to perform the appeal, using your cognition of this elbow room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by next Sabbatum, we 'll tell you the rest of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't trust you wo n't tell me without this magic spell. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to narrate anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my shift ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the secrets, you 'll have to have Rose do the magic spell. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` commodity, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten instant to execute the good luck charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and Rose 's ability to do it.

`` Let 's exam it, '' rosebush decided once they left the Room. She pointed to a missy who was walking towards them. `` Go recount her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the young woman. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to handle up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, amercement, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never mind. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to imagine I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's skillful that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a shut eye on Kaden throughout the following week. As far as he could differentiate, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the Room of essential. They tested the good luck charm a few more times, telling Kaden to recite someone about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus magical spell was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the time Saturday arrived. Albus was variety of excited as well, because they would officially let Wormtail in their group of new Marauders. lavatory, rosebush, and Amanda were excited as well. The only thing left to do after this would be to find a way to prove to the map that they were like the Marauders. mat did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a loup-garou. It probably did n't help that the full Moon was only a few Clarence Day away. Albus could n't really blame matte for his brass, but Albus was sure the charm would continue to work.

After dinner party, Albus led his acquaintance back to the Room of essential, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the elbow room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And mat 's going to tell you the offset one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A spirit of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get sick every calendar month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' mat said, `` First, you ca n't recite anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the appeal like we 've been doing all workweek. You ca n't even try to evidence anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` Good. Now, you know that loup-garou are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting sick ? ``

`` Everything, '' flatness said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a loup-garou. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen film. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' Matt told him, `` I get sick a few days before the full moon, and then the Nox of the full moon, I turn into a wolf and seize with teeth myself because there 's nada else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a woman chaser ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is cool, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a foresightful time, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life, '' mat explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone recognise that ? ``

`` Because about wizards do n't like werewolves, '' matte explained.

`` Well that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to pee-pee you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' flatness sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying Tell you for the altogether yr, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the wolf's bane Potion, that 's supposed to stimulate it so you keep your homo mind when you turn into a brute. So you do n't desire to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' matt told him, `` Actually, I take a unlike variety than near werewolves take. For some intellect, wolfbane does n't play for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to fancy out why and right now they 've got me taking a new variety of Wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every total Moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might retrieve a potion that will play ? ``

matte shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hope up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few here and now of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his gown, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the next half time of day showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the best affair he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to represent peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That malefic fellow who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to list me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to have the same public figure as that half-wit, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my middle figure. ``

`` Perfect, '' lav grinned, `` You even sort of contribution his name. ``

`` Will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to put to work. And you are because you 've kind of got the same epithet. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to work ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to evidence to it that we 're like the predator. Somehow we 've got to bear witness the map that we are exchangeable to the predator, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a fingerbreadth print. Everyone 's is different, but your finger print is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find citizenry and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify torso. ``

`` A finger's breadth photographic print ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't conceive I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the marauder'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger prints, '' pink wine said, `` Wizard single. There 's a turn to get your Wizard 's digit Print. It reveals your figure, relation, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can come up that poppycock out if they 've got your digit print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` promise so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an theme about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger's breadth publish thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll search for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her sceptre, `` Now let 's do the appeal. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in month. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course of action, there was a shrewish doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the fingerbreadth print thing.

******

`` What are you going to signalize up for ? '' John asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second old age had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` Care of Magical animal, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his sheepskin. `` Hagrid teaches it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` sign of the zodiac me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun division. ``

`` You ought to think about what will be useful in your future tense careers, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no thought what I want to do, '' John said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a dependable job, but he was n't sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five old age at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do Care of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' rosebush announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' John asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really like to take forethought of Magical animal, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do fortune telling, '' John Lackland shrugged.

rose snorted, `` soothsaying ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no real scholarship involved. ``

`` But is it easy ? '' toilet asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up prevision about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John Lackland scribbled onto his lambskin, `` I 'll remove that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` fine, '' Rose sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Ancient runic letter, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's gentle than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you think you 'll demand ? ``

`` Ancient Runes sounds unspoiled, '' matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's ameliorate here. ``

`` I 'd contain everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two plaza at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty sure that 's inconceivable, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most division you can take is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll take three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing socio-economic class ? '' rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd better get to Transfiguration Day. ``

Albus spent the full Transfiguration class trying to turn his plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. rosiness, of grade, did it within ten moment and spent the remainder of the course of study helping Albus and the eternal sleep of their friends.

story of Magic was as boring as ever. lustrelessness slept the full grade, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. flatness had seemed very shopworn in Transfiguration and probably would let fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical moral. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the full moon was the succeeding day. The healer still had n't found something to counteract the side effect of utmost fatigue of the new Wolfsbane that lustrelessness was on.

double Potions was after lunch, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the elbow room. This was odd since he had felt alright a mo before. He did n't seem to be the sole one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even rosebush 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. matte laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` Good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm trusted you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking caldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a commonwealth of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll decrease into an almost sleep-like state for about a half time of day. Of course of instruction, you 'd acknowledge this if you did the reading material that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the Reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too interfering with Quidditch pattern, dueling practice, and all his other homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can complete it. Instructions are on the board. lick with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The entire class was moving at a slower pace than common, and everyone was yawning every few bit. It was form of strange. cypher was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular potion for a reason. The past week, a duel had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the Hospital Wing for suntan and then being assigned a calendar week 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredients and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the caldron and began to agitate it. He watched mat and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding Matt with his wand to get him to wake up up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` chop shot up those cherry roots, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how calm Malfoy seemed.

lustrelessness nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the overhang eyes he was mincing. Matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to flatness and Malfoy 's table, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook matte 's shoulder. `` lamb boy, you might want to go to the infirmary annexe. I do n't mean the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a mysterious sopor. ``

lustrelessness nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could see him. I 'm sure enough Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right wing, '' Albus laid down his tongue and went over to where Matt was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the threshold. The sleepiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' flatness mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down next to him.

`` I dunno, '' lustrelessness shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd ameliorate get to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

Madam Pomfrey wanted Matt to stay for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure as shooting if she 'd let him go away at all before the total lunar month. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

lustrelessness never came back from the infirmary Wing that night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon. Albus and the rest of his friends decided that as soon as flatness was out of the Hospital annex, they would start looking for the Wizard 's Finger Print charm. Rose was pretty trusted she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't think of where. That meant that they would spend hours scouring the entire subroutine library for it. This was in gain to all the spear carrier studying they had to do now that the end of terminus examination were less than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be capable to figure out the map before school day was over. It would be pointless to figure it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Gospel According to Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !