Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the crapper and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last clip. Ketchup on the olfactory organ, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupefied. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just call on that around on him and recite him it was his own fault for staying up too late the old night.

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the window at the overcast sky. It was inconceivable to severalise the time of day since the sun was blocked by swarm, but his clock said it was nearly one o'clock. It would probably rain later, which only worsened Kaden 's mood.

Ever since Kaden awoke at midday, he had been trying to think up a in effect excuse to skip going to dinner at his grandparents'sign of the zodiac later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable people on the side of the planet, lay aside for his Aunt Marge.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. Sure, they 'd showered him with endless talent on his birthdays and Christmas, but that was the only way they showed their affection. Well, aside from his grandmother 's bone shattering clinch, which were surprisingly tight considering her small frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather condition to what the future door neighbor were doing that morning.

However, the absolute bad matter Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the tumble. Smelting 's was an elite school that his grandad and his founder had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous times and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the kids who constantly argued about whose father had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't need to go. At first, his father was willing to consider letting him attend public school with all his supporter, but after his grandfather had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same recitation company that his grandfather and forefather worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried real hard, Kaden would be capable to give himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few yr ago. His parents had wanted him to hang some sort of work related political party for his grandfather, and Kaden had been dreading it. one-half 60 minutes before they were supposed to provide, his temperature spiked to five degrees above normal and he 'd been able to pass over the party. The unspoilt part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no thought how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot things such as volcano and the Equator, but even after 15 proceedings of mentation, he still felt perfectly normal. It must have been a good fortune, the other time. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the threshold, revealing his mother standing in the door. She was a shortly cleaning lady with uncoiled brown hair's-breadth, the same color as his own, that was stage with her chin.

"Kaden, good, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your gramps wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's gotten a new digital camera and needs to occupy some pictures of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it last clock time I saw him."

"I know,"she said."But it 's really not a big mint, is it ?"

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the door again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old baby, Bethany, or easing the tensity between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the peace of mind.

Not ten minutes later the threshold fusillade open and Bethany practically flew into the elbow room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally yell at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her coming into court to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, complete with sparkly brake shoe and a treetop. She was grinning ear to ear and her farseeing blonde hair was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly type and preferred to fall apart denim and a t-shirt while kicking a football game around with Kaden.

"Grandma petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so a good deal amend than the early princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can take pictures of me, too."

"regard he 'd just take pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

"momma did my hairsbreadth. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

"I-"Bethany began, but stopped as the bell rang."I 'll get it !"she shrieked as she ran out of the room.

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the doorway, and not only because of the rationality most parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughter answer the door. A few week ago she had purchased over 50 deep brown streak from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

"Bethany, move !"Kaden shouted as they reached the door.

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the window. There was a man standing on their front porch wearing an getup even stranger than Bethany 's. In fact, it variety of looked like Bethany 's. It was a frock. A blackness robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laughter as he opened the door.

"Hello,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's founder, but marvelous than Kaden. His blond tomentum looked windswept and he had a felicitous smile on his face.

"Er, hi,"Kaden said, still trying not to laugh.

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

"Yeah,"Kaden answered."Bethany, go get them."

"Why are you wearing a dress ?"Bethany giggled.

"Not a dress,"the man said."Go get your parents and I 'll explain."

More curious than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoop. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the type, then he 'd take in no hazard at the Dursley 's house. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly admit men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt that was stretched over his rather vauntingly belly. His blonde hairsbreadth was neat and tidy, which Kaden was sure was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't fret around with his fuzz.

"Dudley and Christina Dursley ?"the strange man asked.

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his brow."Can I help you ?"

"My name is professor Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to talk over with you. May I come in ?"

"I suppose,"Dudley said as he shook the professor 's hand.

Kaden held the door subject and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents result them into the aliveness room. Christina ran to bring in boozing while Neville settled himself onto one of the lounge. Dudley sat in the chairwoman across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chairwoman on the base and waited for the grownup to start talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the way. He hated when they did that. It was rather senseless anyway since Kaden had become very hotshot at listening in on his parents'conversations.

Christina returned with drinkable and passed them out. Neville took a sip of his, set it down, and then turned to Dudley.

"This may come as a bit of a electric shock for you,"Neville began."But I am a prof at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his washing soda and started coughing. Christina let out a small gasp and turned to look at Dudley, who had gone pale white. The two shared a aspect and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more illogical than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a professor from a school he 'd never listen of show up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

"That 's a stupe figure,"Bethany announced.

"You do n't mean,"Dudley began, ignoring Bethany."You ca n't be serious. This has got to be a gag !"

"It 's not a joke,"Neville assured him."I 've come to proffer Kaden a place at Hogwarts."

"But, but,"Dudley said faintly."Oh my God."

Kaden was fully spanking now. What sort of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to pull in a place ? He had n't applied to any other school besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a plaza, he wanted to go. Anything was improve than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

"Dudley,"Neville said quietly."What have you told your children about Harry ?"

Harry ? What did Harry have to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's cousin-german, Harry Potter, only a few prison term. All he knew was that Harry had three Kyd around his own age and that they lived in London. For whatever reasonableness, Kaden 's kinsperson rarely visited them. Kaden found this rather odd since his grandparents had raised Harry after Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash.

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

"You told them Harry 's parents were killed in a car clash, did n't you,"Neville said, more as a assertion than a question.

"What else was I supposed to say ?"Dudley groaned.

Kaden stared at his Father-God, who was looking more and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car crash ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

"well, you 're going to have to excuse now,"Neville said."I 'll await. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

"No, no, I 'll do it !"Dudley exclaimed."But only if we decide that Kaden can attend this school."

"Of course of action I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't want to go to Smelting 's and here 's the perfect reason not to !"

"I do n't know,"Dudley sighed."What will my parents say ?"

Nobody said anything for a few bit. Kaden continued to glare at his father. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own father joystick up for him ?

"enough,"Christina said loudly."aspect, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the gene ! He 's been making odd things happen for years. We tried to discount the signs, but we knew it might bump. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't give been happy going to Smelting 's. I also could n't handle less about what your parents think. You 're a grown man, Dudley, make conclusion regarding your tyke based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be news. Kaden knew he was average, no better than well-nigh of the nestling his age. Maybe it was football skill ? Kaden was a fair football participant, but no one else in his family was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

"All right,"Dudley said quietly."He can go."

"Excellent !"Kaden exclaimed."Now can somebody severalise me what Hogwarts is ? And what exactly I 've got running through my genes ?"

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a schooltime. A special school that Harry attended when we were small fry. It 's a shoal of magic, for witches and wizards-"

"hold,"Kaden interrupted."magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and magic trick verge and poppycock ?"

"Wands yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a tour,"Neville said as he pulled out a farsighted spliff which Kaden assumed was a wand.

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his wand at his glass of soda ash. He muttered something in a different language and the glass began to float. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the room and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

"holy place shit,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got magic running through my factor ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how come I ca n't do magic, like have my homework magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be able to make homework do itself. conceive, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't explain ?"

Kaden thought, then his middle opened wide and he stared at Neville."What if a person really did n't want to go somewhere and they got a fever all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't have to go where they did n't want to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be legerdemain. Did that happen to you ?"

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his father 's centre."But I did n't do it on intention. Trust me, I 've tried to do it again and it does n't work."

"Of course of action you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."things like that happen to a lot of young hag and wizards."

"But what about Harry ?"Kaden asked."You said his parents did n't die in a car clank ?"

"They did n't,"Dudley said."They were murdered by an evil wizard, Lord something or the other-"

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"right field,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to inhabit with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car clank. They told him naught about conjuration or his parents. They thought if they ignored the deception, they could stamp it out of him. They hate magic. When he turned eleven a man showed up to recite him all about it and offer him a place at Hogwarts."

"So, do James, Albus, and Lily go to Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked."And is this Voldemort bloke still around ?"

"James and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no need to worry."

Kaden nodded. Quite a few enquiry were going through his head, but he could n't figure out which to ask first.

"So,"Dudley said."He 's going to experience to get a- a wand ?"Dudley 's facial expression paled a bit when he said 'wand'.

"Yes,"Neville smiled,"Everything you need can be found in Diagon Alley in London."He rose from his hot seat and pulled a letter out of his robe, handing it to Kaden."Your acceptance letter and tilt of supplies."

Kaden took the letter and ripped it open. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the form of paper he imagined people wrote on 100 ago.

He unfolded it and read it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his toleration and was signed by the deputy headmistress, professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would leave from King 's Cross station on Sep first, from a platform 9 3/4.

"9 ¾ ?"Kaden asked questioningly."That 's not a real platform, is it ?"

"It is,"Neville laughed."It 's hidden from Muggles."

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"People who ca n't perform magic, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of supplies. It was broad of odd books such as Magical Herbs and Fungi, governing body scales, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't consume already known about magic, he would 've thought the unharmed thing was a joke.

"I can read you to capital of the United Kingdom and show you where Diagon Alley is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

"No, no, I think I 'll ask Harry,"Dudley said.

"That 's amercement,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore doubtfulness ?"

"Am I a beldam ?"Bethany asked.

"Well, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a letter of the alphabet the summertime you 're eleven then you 're a witch. If not, then you 're not a witch."

"Oh,"Bethany said disappointedly."I want to be a witch."

"I 'm sure Kaden will tell you all about Hogwarts once he 's there,"Neville assured her as he stood up."I 'm going to have to go, but if you 've got any questions, just get ahold of Harry."

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's hand. He still looked in shock absorber and not all the color had returned to his face.

"I 'll see you at Hogwarts,"Neville said to Kaden.

"What do you learn ?"Kaden asked.

"Herbology,"Neville replied."Magical plants."

Kaden watched as Neville left the house and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the good chair and let out a small moan.
***


The lone sound at dinner party was the chink of utensils hitting the china plates and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a methamphetamine hydrochloride of soda, earning him a rear gaze from his grandma. It seemed that nobody could think of anything to babble out about. Even the usual subject of the atmospheric condition, variation, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given rigid orders by their father not to observe anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or conjuration whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated wizard with a passion, something that sort of amused Kaden but seemed to frighten his male parent. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a adept, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his children.

Vernon and Petunia were still under the notion that Kaden was going to attend Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his photo taken by his grandfather while wearing his Smelting 's undifferentiated.

"You should get involved with boxing at Smelting 's,"Vernon said in between bites of potatoes."Your dad was a friend boxer when he was there."

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would feature football game. Wizards would still bring sports, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than aught, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an first-class football team. I 'll commit the coach a ring and let him know you 'll be joining."

"well I 'm not sure enough yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his carrots around his plate.

"You 'll join a sport, though,"Vernon insisted."boy grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll necessitate to bulk you up, too,"Petunia commented as she placed another pork chop on Kaden 's crustal plate.

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another large draft of brandy."Spoke with all your professors and they 're quite frantic to fulfill you. prospicient line of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five meter,"Kaden said under his breath.

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"zero,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't care lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was unseasonable, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his whole biography about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he have to keep lying ?

"Dudley had a wonderful time at Smelting 's,"petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy field glass."Another glass, Dudley ?"

"No, no, I 'm fine,"Dudley said. His own brandy meth was still half-full.

"Every holiday, coming home with marvelous tarradiddle of your admirer and all you 'd done during the preceding term ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

"And that 's where he started his boxing calling !"Vernon said proudly."You 'll do us proud, Kaden. You 've got the Dursley blood."

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the ceramicist profligate. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the Potter side of the class, just the Evans side. So he had Evans blood line.

"You know what ?"Christina said."That 's it. Dudley, we 're telling them."

"singing us what ?"Vernon asked, setting down his brandy glass.

"We ca n't,"Dudley hissed."We said we would n't tell them tonight."

"This is ridiculous, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not reasonable to the kids."

"Tell us what ?"Vernon asked, more loudly this time.

Christina stood up."I 'd like to mouth with you in private, Dudley."

Dudley got up and followed Christina out of the room. The two of them disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kaden and Bethany alone with their grandparents. Petunia was sitting straight up, wearing a pinched facial expression, and staring at the kitchen door. Vernon was sipping on his brandy again. It was all very awkward. Kaden pushed his uneaten food around on his home and tried to avoid his granddaddy 's eye.

Christina and Dudley returned a few minute later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking anxious. They resumed their behind and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

Dudley sighed and glanced at Vernon, before staring at his dental plate."Mum, Dad, we 've got to state you something. Kaden 's not going to Smelting's."

Vernon dropped his brandy glass and it shattered onto the board. genus Petunia looked so traumatise that she did not even prompt to clean it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

"He 's not going,"Dudley said quickly."It 's not for him. He has n't wanted to go there from the start and we 're not going to force him."

Kaden felt his gramps staring at him, despite the fact that he was not looking up from his collection plate."That 's not true, Kaden,"Vernon said.

"It is,"Kaden muttered. Kaden finally looked up and saw that his uncle was staring love feast at Dudley. Petunia looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Then where 's he going ?"Vernon asked."Not populace school. You know the issues that exist with them."

"Yes, public school,"Dudley said immediately. Christina turned and glared at him.

"populace school ?"Vernon roared.

Public schooling ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to alternate one lie for another ?

"He wants to stay with his friend, Dad,"Dudley said."We just ca n't squeeze him to go somewhere that he does n't want to go."

"Every boy in our house has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his fist down on the board."You ca n't stop that tradition."

"Vernon ..."genus Petunia said quietly."Kaden is their son. It 's up to them."

"It 's horrid, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a proper education in populace school,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the priming would open up and swallow up him all. Was that the sort of thing he could do with deception ? It would be very useful for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."scratch my words. Smelting 's is the solitary suitable school out there. He 's going to lose out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his gramps, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school day besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't require his grandad to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that awful if they told him ? Did he really detest trick that much ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A maven just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all mavin. Did that mean his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feel in the pit of his belly and he pushed his scale away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

"Yes, that 's fine,"Christina said as Vernon continued to shout.

Kaden escaped the dining room and ran upstairs to the diminished bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's bedroom, although it no longer contained any remnants of his wizard cousin. It was neat as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so excited about finding out that he was a maven. It explained all the unusual things he 'd done in the past. The febricity was not the sole meter something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bike, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no Sir Thomas More than a mark. Another time he 'd left a depository library Good Book at home that he had meant to land back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a whiz ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing wizards telling Muggles about magic ? That would explain why well-nigh Muggles did not recognise about magical. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must have done strange matter as a child and Kaden wondered if his own Father of the Church had realized what Kaden was when he did foreign matter.

There was a knock on the door a few minutes later. Christina popped her head into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked angry. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the threshold, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The next few calendar week were both exciting and inept. Kaden put up a calendar on his rampart to enumerate down the years until he got to get out for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon Alley a few weeks before condition started and Kaden was very much looking forward to that.

Kaden 's parents had a very big row in the days following the dinner party at Vernon and Petunia 's. Christina insisted that they tell Vernon and petunia about Kaden attending Hogwarts and Dudley still wanted to keep it a mystic. In fact, during those few weeks, they did not see Vernon and Petunia at all, when they normally saw them once a week.

It took a long fourth dimension for Christina to convince Dudley that he should severalize his parents about Kaden attending Hogwarts, but she finally did. In fact, it was the even before Kaden and his family were to go to Diagon alleyway with Harry that they went over to Vernon and Petunia 's for dinner party once more.

The affair was very quiet at commencement, with cypher knowing what to say and the only musical phrase mentioned being"bye the salt"or"could I ingest some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a single word, which even he knew was rarified, since he liked to talk a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the silence."Still set on this public school, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged glimpse."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend populace school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small, private school in Scotland. He did n't apply, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you recite us-"

"He 's going to Hogwarts, Dad,"Dudley interrupted, clearly wanting to get it over with."There. I told you. He 's going to Hogwarts. Kaden is a champion, just like Harry."

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy Methedrine. Petunia let out what could only be described as a small squeaker. Vernon 's face then turned the violet color it did when he got angry.

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the table."That place ! That place where the boy went. Where unnatural people go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't have it, I wo n't !"

"It 's not up to you,"Christina said shortly."He 's our son."

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said quietly."Christina and I, we had a feeling ...."

"A feeling about what ?"petunia asked.

"Kaden 's done strange matter,"Dudley answered."Like Harry did when we were tyke. We never told him about magic, but we half expected this."Dudley left out the division about him debating whether or not to let Kaden attend.

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange look, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a uncanny mix of confusion, anger, and the slightest bit of horror, as if he could not stand to call back that someone actually related to him was a wiz. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

"You do n't have to send him there,"Vernon said, after he tore his middle away from Kaden."It 's not required. You 're under no obligation-"

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said."It 's what 's best for him."

"No, it 's not !"Vernon exclaimed."He 'll get miscellaneous up that same bunch that your aunt did and you know what happened to her."

"She was murdered !"Dudley exclaimed."You ca n't charge her for being murdered. And the madman who did it is gone."

"He 'd be better off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new glass."Smelting 's wo n't be happy to hear this."

Kaden could n't handle less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never have to set foot in the place again. Anything would be better than Smelting 's and what little he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a petty More accepting. Kaden may not feature particularly liked his grandfather, but he still loved him and hated belief as if it was not mutual.

Vernon sighed and stared at Kaden once more. Kaden immediately looked down at his plate of uneaten food.

"Vernon,"Petunia said quietly."He 's still your grandson. You may not like that he 's a wizard, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to neglect this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable silence once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few bites of chicken before Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very with child helping of pud, but he only ate a few chomp before stopping.

Kaden and his family did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed prepared to visit any longer. Vernon and genus Petunia walked them to the door, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the keep way before they left.

"Er,"Vernon began."Your grandmother 's right. You are still my grandson. I ca n't say that I 'm not disappointed you 're not going to Smelting 's and I absolutely hate that other ... shoal ... but you 're still my grandson."Vernon gave Kaden an uneasy one-armed hug.

Kaden nodded, smiling. As far as he was concerned, that was as beneficial as an apology from his grandfather. He caught up with his parents and Bethany, gave his grandmother a hug, and they left.

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very content. His grandparents may not cause been well-chosen about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not appear to hate him for being a wizard, and that was as good as he expected. Plus, the next day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the repose of his magical full cousin. It would be his first taste of the magical domain and he could not waitress.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing group who helped me come up with a title for this ! Especially to Mikayla, who came up with the rubric I used.

If you enjoyed this, check out Albus ceramist and the cut They Left Behind, in which Kaden 's story is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus ceramist stared out his chamber window and watched as an owl flew stuffy and closer to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the view and was already shining brightly into Albus 's elbow room. Albus ran a hand through his messy black haircloth as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the only one awake at this hour anyway. His blood brother James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the first few workweek, but after a while the bangle wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his green optic as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a tumid Robert Brown scream owl that Albus immediately recognized as his acquaintance, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's August 6 book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to undo its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its fender and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the envelope. It had been calendar week since he had last seen his Friend from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. can Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a pair times. Albus unfolded the letter and silently register it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and pink wine 's birthday political party !
I really was n't sure if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your theater a couple days before
the company, in about three weeks, and I can stay a couple days after,
too. But then I 'll have to go dwelling ; you know why.

We 're going to contact up with you in Diagon bowling alley, since we 're not
on the Floo net. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousins right before your political party, but that he 'll be able to stay at
your house after.

I ca n't wait until the political party. things at my house are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last week. You probably already have sex that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her infant is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few weeks !
Your supporter,
lustrelessness

Albus grinned broadly as he set Matt 's letter down next to lav 's most recent one. He was thrilled that both of his expert friends would be able to go to his birthday party. Saint John the Apostle had said yes decent away, but Matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would wind up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't wait. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld office. Albus had only met the fair sex twice, but he got the tone that she was even more protective of her fry than his own grandmother was. He could only conceive of what lustrelessness 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a week before, matt 's sis, Amy, and Albus 's cousin-german, Victoire, had moved into a flat in London. The two of them were beginning their Healer grooming in September.

Albus heard step running down the hall that he recognized immediately as his trivial sister Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His mother must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the threshold and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his mother standing near the fire tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the table in her pajamas, playing with her pet pygmy puff.

Albus sat down following to her and watched her as she fed the small-scale creature wizard O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na feed Mary Martin ? ``

`` Er, no thanks, '' Albus told her.

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the caldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some rolled oats. ``

`` phone estimable, '' Albus said as his tummy growled, `` I got a letter from lustrelessness just now. He can come to the company and he 's coming a few days early. ``

`` That 's wondrous, '' Ginny smiled and went back to stirring the cauldron.

`` Would young skipper like any pumpkin juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side of meat carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the menage elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to help whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this nice, but Albus could hardly reckon it.

Albus took the looking glass of pumpkin juice and grabbed the transcript of the break of the day seer that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if Matt 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's shout and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley Cannons just lost another game. Their novel Seeker tripped over his own broom as he was kicking off from the land and gave himself a grim eye, '' Albus laughed. `` Matt supports the Cannons. ``

`` Who supports the Cannons ? '' Jesse James came slowly down the stairs, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` lusterlessness does, '' Albus said and he tossed James the paper, `` Read that. ``

James read the newspaper silently for a few minute and then split out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in arrangement as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his mother for the next half hour. All of them agreed that the Cannons had no chance of ever making it to the conference Cup. When Albus had finished his burgoo, Harry came stumbling down the step in his pajama.

`` There 's oatmeal in the cauldron, honey, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the tabular array. She planted a quick kiss on his side as he reached for an empty bowl.

Albus twisted his face up in disgust as James shouted, `` Mum ! Ca n't you do that when we 're not looking ? ``

`` Someday you 'll understand, William James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, little girl wo n't have cooties anymore. ``

`` That 's already happened, '' James River muttered quietly so only Albus could find out him, `` It 's just I 'll never need to see my own parents doing that. ``

`` Do you feature to go into body of work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down next to her at the table.

`` No, thank Merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Sabbatum off in a calendar month. I had n't realized how far I got behind when I was teaching. ``

`` Have you decided if you 're teaching yet next year ? '' James asked. He and Albus had been asking their father this over and over again for the by month, but he had yet to make a decision.

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not sure. Professor Kendrick is looking for another teacher, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would seem as if people think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't find anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

`` I hope you do instruct, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` I like having you for a instructor. ``

Harry grinned, `` I 'm glad you like it. What do you say we have a whizz 's cheat tourney after breakfast ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted excitedly. `` mightiness actually have a chance at winning since Uncle Ron and rose wine are n't here. ``

The whole ceramicist family played secret plan after secret plan of cheat, until James was declared the superstar. By the time lunch rolled around, Albus was nauseated of the game. `` Can we go trifle Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between bites. Harry often took them to dally Quidditch at Rose 's house. Since the Potters lived in London, they really could n't make for Quidditch at their own house. `` rose wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all rightfulness, '' Albus said, `` rose does n't really corresponding Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never understand that, '' Saint James the Apostle sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a high pitched ring coming from the kitchen parry. He looked over and saw the minor mobile speech sound that always sat next on the window sill. The Potters did not have many Muggle devices in their sign of the zodiac, but they did possess one telephone set in lawsuit they had to get through any Muggles. Usually the headphone was just used when Harry talked to his cousin-german, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the number to their Muggle Born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to tell him that she would be able-bodied to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a outcry. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the phone. `` howdy ? '' he said. He went quiet for a few moments while whoever was on the early end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock absorber and a grin spread cross his expression. `` What ? Are you grievous ? Dudley, that 's smart as a whip ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holiday and natal day. Even then, the conversations tended to be short and not filled with excitement like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this percentage point and he glanced at St. James the Apostle, who looked just as curious.

Harry 's excitement calmed down a bit as he continued the conversation. `` Well, you 'll receive to tell apart them sometime. Yes, I know they wo n't be thrilled, '' he paused, furrowing his forehead as he listened. `` No, I 'm not going to tell them for you ! ``

Harry listened for a few moments as he started to pace alongside the sideboard. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll take him to Diagon bowling alley with us when we go. You can come, too, of class. ``

Harry talked for a few more minutes and then advert up the telephone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the table. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

`` Yes, I 'd guessed that ! '' Ginny said quickly, `` What about ? ``

`` You 'll never think .... ''

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

`` Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry grinned.

Albus 's oral cavity fell open. Harry 's cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The quondam one, Kaden, was a little vernal than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only opine what he would remember of his own son being a wizard.

`` You 're kidding ! '' Ginny shouted.

`` Nope, he got his varsity letter this morning, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his married woman about magic, but had not gone into great particular and neither of the Thomas Kyd knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and Petunia. ``

`` I would think not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to twitch. ``

`` Dudley actually asked me if I 'd tell them, '' Harry laughed, `` I told them definitely not. ``

`` Good, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even desire to be in the like room as your aunt and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

Harry and Ginny continued to talk about Kaden even after James River and Albus left the mesa. The two of them went up to James IV 's room, where they spent a few minutes discussing it themselves.

`` curiosity what star sign he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of King James I 's practice Snitches.

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to agree with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd look the Hufflepuff sort. James had managed to pull quite a few prank on him over the twelvemonth and he did n't seem to be the acute flight feather in the box. Albus remembered the endure metre they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a duad years ago. Albus and his family tended to visit the Dursleys every couple of years, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his babe did n't know about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

`` Think he 'll be any good at Quidditch ? '' Albus asked.

`` Who knows ? '' James shrugged, `` He 's never been on a broom before, but look at Dad. ``

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's bean plant for the first time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The first time Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John 's face. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon alleyway with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' James said, `` That 'll be matter to. ``

`` Yeah, I ca n't wait to see what Dudley thinks of the post, '' Albus laughed.

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his first ling, '' James grinned.

Albus burst out laughing, thinking of the face on Dudley 's face when Kaden announced he was going to play Quidditch, `` We 'll take to instruct him how to play Quidditch ! ``

`` Definitely, '' King James agreed. `` This is going to be a with child year, I can feel it ! ``

`` That 's because you get to go to Hogsmeade this yr, '' Albus reminded him.

`` I know, '' James grinned, `` I ca n't wait ! ``

`` asset, Washburn 's gone, '' Albus commented, `` Wonder who they 'll get to replace him ? ``

`` Hopefully soul who 's not a Slytherin-loving git. ``

`` Or who wants to steal the Hallows. ``

`` Or who 's goal in life is to go the following Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even perform the unproblematic enchantment. ``

`` Or who gives you detention every other day. ``

James and Albus continued to name off Washburn 's faults, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in tear. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the room a while later.

`` What 's so mirthful ? '' he asked.

Albus stopped laughing and looked up at him, grinning, `` We, er, were talking about Washburn. ``

`` Ever notice how he 's kind of got a unibrow ? '' James asked, laughing.

`` I guess, '' Harry smiled. `` Anyway, do you two want to go bring Quidditch ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' the boy shouted at the Sami meter. James grabbed his Calluna vulgaris off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice snitcher.

Albus ran out of the room and grabbed one of his mother 's old ling from the nearby closet. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new broom if he made it onto the Quidditch team this year. `` Ready, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

`` Are Mum and Lily coming ? '' Epistle of James asked.

`` No, they 've got some shopping to do in Diagon Alley, '' Harry told them as he left the elbow room, `` I think we 'll Floo. ``

Albus followed his dad and William James down the steps and into the drawing room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's firm ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and auntie Hermione 's living way. Their planetary house was a small, cozy office in the heart of a field of operations with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely calm down without anyone else in it. Albus, King James I, and their dad headed out the door and into the battleground. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his verge and muttered a few charm that would go on the stoolpigeon from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle Mandrillus leucophaeus, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his Calluna vulgaris, `` I need to exercise for try-outs. ``

Harry and James IV agreed and mounted their heather as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior brooms. Albus saw King James release the Snitch and wait a few moments before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his deal and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his sceptre, Harry conjured a large wooden ring and suspended it in mid-air.

`` There you go, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` Try and put the Quaffle through that. I 'll Keep. ``

`` You 've got to conjure two Thomas More, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too easy for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few more hoops. Albus flew around him for a little while before sending the Quaffle into the leftfield most basketball hoop. Harry was too boring and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` unspoilt one ! '' Henry James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the other side of meat. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking short breaks to take a breather. Albus managed to seduce a lot of destination, with Harry only blocking a duo. After a while of catching and releasing the fink, Saint James the Apostle joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to deliver many finish with both his Word passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to call it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld office tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the maiden chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a musical note to any new readers out there, I highly recommend you read Albus potter and the arcanum Within, which can be found on my author varlet.

Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to meet flatness at the Leaky Cauldron in five minutes, but Harry was on the sound talking to Dudley.

`` Dudley, you just have to tell them, all right ? '' Harry sighed, `` You ca n't keep it from them forever. ``

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would film Albus to Diagon Alley a half time of day ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past thirty minutes.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to take Albus to Diagon Alley. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the phone and set it down on the windowsill.

`` Finally ! '' Albus sighed, `` Can we go now ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry told him, `` Sorry about that. Dudley still has n't told Uncle Vernon and Aunt genus Petunia about Kaden. I 've told him he 's got to do it soon. ``

Albus followed his dad to the open fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was very crowd since it was a Saturday. Albus tried to glance through the crowd in monastic order to recover his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry Potter ! '' someone sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly drunk. `` Hi Harry Potter ! '' he waved lazily.

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the hearth that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken wizard as he and Albus walked past the bar. The gang parted in decree to earmark them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted matt and his parents at one of the tables in the binding. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

`` Matt ! '' Albus shouted as he sat down, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm great ! How are you ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so gladiola you could come in. ``

`` Me, too. I 've been bored out of my mind, '' Matt told him, `` I 've even started some of my homework. ``

`` Wow, you must 've been bored, '' Albus laughed.

Harry sat down next to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them shook work force. `` Why do n't we get some dejeuner ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

`` Hi, Harry ! '' A meaning Hannah Longbottom walked over to their table.

`` Hannah, how 've you been ? '' Harry asked.

`` Fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a twain Thomas More calendar month and there will be another Baby Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The radical ordered their food and a short while later it arrived. Albus and lustrelessness spent the whole time telling each other about their weeks apart while the grownup talked quietly with each other.

`` So guess what ? '' Albus said while eating a bit of his sandwich.

`` What ? '' matt asked.

`` You know my cousin, Kaden ? '' Albus grinned.

`` Is he your dad 's cousin Dudley 's kid ? ''

`` Yeah, and he 's a wizard ! ``

`` What ? ! '' mat spat out a mouthful of pumpkin juice.

`` Matthew, '' Mrs. Eckerton scolded, `` Be polite. ``

`` Sorry, Mum, '' Matt wiped the autumn pumpkin succus up off the board and turned back to Albus, `` Are you grave ? ``

`` Yup, he got his letter a couple calendar week ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously magic in the phratry. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt laughed, `` But what did your Uncle Vernon say ? ``

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a little late. Dad was on the phone with Dudley trying to convince him to tell Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few days, Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, Matt, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to lusterlessness, `` Have fun, and do n't make too a good deal problem. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged lusterlessness tightly, `` I love you, Saint Matthew the Apostle. Do n't hesitate to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be delicately, Mum, '' mat replied once his female parent stopped hugging him.

`` Do n't care, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton put an arm around his wife, `` Let 's go visit Amy before we go home. '' Mrs. Eckerton nodded and the two of them left the pub.

`` We 're flooing plate, '' Harry said as they walked over to the fireplace, `` Have you ever done that, matt ? ``

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple twelvemonth, '' Matt eyed the hearth nervously.

`` You 'll be fine, '' Harry told him, `` Just flip the pulverisation in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld space .'''

`` 12 Grimmauld home, '' matt repeated, `` Got it. ``

`` You can go first, Al, '' Harry handed him the bag of floo powder.

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` Number 12 Grimmuald piazza ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of green fervour and came out in the draught elbow room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

A few minutes later, Matt fell out of the fervency and landed on the floor. He was coughing and sputtering. `` I did n't like that, '' he groaned as he stood up.

`` You 'd meliorate ill-use away, '' Albus pulled Matt away from the fire just before Harry appeared.

`` Are you all right ? '' Harry asked when he saw matte coughing.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt coughed, `` But I think I prefer Apparition. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` Come on, you can throw away your stuff in my room. ``

`` Wow, this is a pretty big house, '' Matt gazed around as he followed Albus up the step. `` Reminds me of the star sign we had in Australia. ``

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and dark hooey in it. The Shirley Temple Black family was pretty involved in the Dark humanities. Except for Sothis, and his brother Regulus changed his views at the end of his life and tried to destruct a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get most of the wickedness stuff out. ``

`` wellspring, that 's good, '' Matt said as they entered the next floor.

`` My room 's the last-place one on the right field, but kickoff I 've got to show you something, '' Albus led lustrelessness into one of the former rooms, `` This is James 's room. But it used to be Dog Star 's. ``

`` Your brother 's not very neat, is he ? '' lustrelessness asked as he stepped over a slew of dirty school robes and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the rampart, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a picture of four son, `` Sirius put a clustering of characterisation up on the paries and no one can get them off. My dad covered up nearly of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandpa, Sirius, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt stared at the picture, `` So that 's Moony, the only other, you know, to have gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` Thought you 'd care to see it. ``

`` Yeah, thanks, '' Matt said, still looking at the picture.

`` wellspring, do you desire to go to my way ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' Matt replied, turning away from the impression. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few days later, John arrived at Grimmauld stead. The boy spent their time playing games and talking. John was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a mavin. Harry took them to rose wine 's theatre to play Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of preparation after rosiness prodded them a few times.

`` So, what do you want to do now ? '' King John asked. The three boys were lounging around in Albus 's room, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

`` I dunno, '' flatness threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you require to do ? ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to call back. He had given his friends the grand tour of Grimmauld blank space as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one space he had yet to show them. `` Want to explore the noodle ? '' he grinned mischievously.

`` Yeah ! '' John jumped up from the bed. `` What 's in it ? ``

`` All sorts of old material, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's great for exploring. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Matt agreed and got up.

Albus led his ally down the mansion house and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the threshold. The attic of Number 12 Grimmauld Place was a very large room, filled with old boxes and furniture. It was dark, cramped, and stale and hard to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' St. John exclaimed, `` What is all this stuff and nonsense ? ``

`` Mostly old Black family line heirlooms and other stuff and nonsense that belonged to the Shirley Temple phratry. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the material that was here originally into the dome, '' Albus explained.

`` It 's not dangerous, is it ? '' lustrelessness asked as he peered into one of the boxes.

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the grave and dark stuff. ``

`` Wicked ! '' St. John shouted as he pulled out an old silver grey tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is worth loads of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to examine the tray, `` It 's got the Black home tip on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' lustrelessness had walked over to the only threshold leading off the room, besides the one they had come in.

Albus jumped over three boxful and threw himself against the door. `` Do n't go in there ! '' he shouted.

`` Why not ? '' Matt asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's horrible. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a move charm to get it up here. He could n't ostracize it from the house, though. There 's some form of charm on it that keeps it in the household. ``

`` What did she do to ca-ca you maintain her up here ? '' privy asked.

`` She insults everyone who comes into the mansion. The screaming 's awful. My Uncle Percy came up here once looking for some spare kitchen utensils and we had n't told him not to go in there. It took three time of day to shut her up. ``

`` She sounds atrocious, '' Matt agreed.

`` I bet she was bad when she was alive, '' Albus commented. The two of them walked back over to the box John was rifling through.

`` Look at all this ! '' St. John grinned, `` The unscathed box is filled with visualize stuff. Goblets, silverware. '' John pulled out a very large candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, snakes ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabra that would hold back candela. Each of them was a serpent 's head, and the cd would sit in the Snake River 's mouth.

`` I think so, '' Albus took it from John and stared at it, `` That 's form of creepy. No wonder it 's up here. ``

`` Not to mention the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and trick bent down and continued to appear through the box, while Matt watched them. `` funny remark, '' privy announced as he picked up yet another ash grey item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not much amber up here. If the Blacks were so rich, why did n't they have any Au ? ``

`` It 's too Gryffindor, '' Albus laughed.

`` True, '' Saint John replied. He examined the teapot more closely. `` Hey, matt, could you hand me that tray ? '' He pointed to the tea tray that he had set on the storey earlier.

`` Erm, '' lusterlessness glanced from the try and then to John, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm allergic to silver. ``

`` Really ? '' privy asked as he picked up the tray himself.

`` Uh, yeah, all werewolf are, '' Matt explained.

`` That 's concern, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` How did we go a unharmed yr without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` fountainhead, '' mat grinned, `` There 's not a great deal atomic number 47 in the Gryffindor common room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boys all laughed.

`` These definitely go together, '' John announced, holding up the tray and teapot. `` I 'll bet there 's a whole set. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and stood up, `` Let 's witness another box, one that does n't birth silver in it. ``

John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. Matt looked very grateful as they started wandering around the bonce. Albus and John peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't have any flatware in it.

`` Are there any without silver ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked after they 'd looked at at least ten different boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a large box at the far end of the elbow room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the slope. I 'm sure there 's no silver gray in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Dog Star hated his fellowship. ``

`` Excellent, '' John sat down and opened the box. Albus and Matt joined him and started pulling stuff and nonsense out.

`` depend at these old robes, '' Albus held up a very old set of Gryffindor robes.

`` And this, '' John pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical Herbs and fungus kingdom. `` Bet it has n't changed in the to the lowest degree. ``

`` Broken Snitch, '' matte announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken flight feather, nothing too exciting. ``

`` time lag, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small, worn out leather book at the bottom. It did n't look much like a school text book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in muteness, while John and mat looked over his shoulder. On the first page was a picture of four son. `` It 's pic record album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few pages, noticing that the pictures were always of the Saame four boys, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' can asked.

`` I think they 're the predator, '' Albus pointed to a film of a messy haired boy with eyeglasses, `` Because that is definitely my grandad. ``

`` make sense, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' John agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the short chubby one has got to be St. Peter the Apostle Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the cheeseparing boy.

`` Wow, '' Matt whispered, `` Wonder if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to sour the pages, looking at each ikon. It was a bit strange looking at all these movie and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were scene of them in their residence hall, in the uncouth room, on the background, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping willow tree in the background. There were also a couple of James playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, John, and lusterlessness. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to know that only a few years after these pictures had been taken, St. Peter would rat James and Lily. The piranha had trusted each other with their lives, literally. form of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never shit each early. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a missy started appearing in a lot of the pic. She would have her implements of war wrapped around James and would snog him every once in a while.

`` Who 's that ? '' matte asked, pointing to the girl.

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their year of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very concluding page and saw that the last picture was of all the vulture, plus Lily, standing in movement of the lake in their school robes, holding diploma. They all wore immense grin on their faces.

`` commencement exercise, '' John commented.

`` Yup, '' Albus replied, `` They look very glad there. ''

`` What are you going to do with it ? '' John asked.

`` I think I 'll hold it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to miss it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the picture album and a folded up firearm of lambskin fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` Looks blank. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost white. In one of the box were four very small paw prints. `` No it 's not. search, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

John and Matt peered at the parchment and looked at the paw photographic print. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to represent the Marauders. I 'm guessing they 're a skirt chaser, dog, hart, and rat prints. ``

`` It 's blank, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep back an old piece of sheepskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a smell that it was n't a nonmeaningful piece of parchment. After all, to the average someone, the marauder 's Map was just a meaningless spell of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the record album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his torso once the son returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids ready to result ? '' Harry shouted up the stairs, the day of Albus and pink wine 's birthday party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the step with John and lusterlessness following him. They ran into the drafting room, where Albus 's parents were, along with Henry James and Lily. `` We 're set up ! ``

`` Good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

`` I think so. I took most everything to the burrow earlier. ``

`` Like my confront ? '' Albus hinted.

`` Yes, like your portray, '' Ginny laughed.

`` Are we going by floo ? '' Matt eyed the fireplace warily.

`` I thought we would, '' Harry told him, `` Do n't worry, it 'll be better this time. ``

Harry was right. This fourth dimension, Matt did not breathe in nearly as a good deal locoweed and managed to not come down over as he arrived at the Burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' Molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` Happy natal day ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, are these your champion ? '' Molly asked.

`` Yeah, this is bathroom Brickston and Matt Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to match you, '' Molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your assistant in the kitchen. Harry, would you help Ron set up the tables in the yard ? ``

The adult quickly left to set up for the political party, leaving Albus and the other nipper alone.

`` I 'm off to get hold Cedric and Ben, '' Jesse James announced, `` See you later. ``

`` Let 's go to the yard, '' Albus suggested.

`` Is everyone here related to you ? '' flatness asked as they walked through the sign towards the back door.

`` Pretty much, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red hair, chances are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't envisage having this many cousin, '' Matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any full cousin. ``

The group managed to pee-pee it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the board magically. A few of Albus 's cousin were in the air on brooms and a few others were playing with the dwarf in the garden. Albus spotted rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` rosiness ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` howdy, '' rosebush and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' pink wine asked.

`` Yeah, have you been here for a while ? '' Albus asked as he sat down.

`` For about a half minute. We flooed, '' pink wine told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` exact me fifteen second to terminate coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' mat assured her, `` I had n't done it in twelvemonth, but I did it to get to Albus 's menage. lease me forever to arrest coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

`` Did Kaden come in with you ? '' Rose peered around at the yard like she was looking for Albus 's cousin.

`` Oh, no. Dad invited him, and Dudley, too. But they were having dinner with Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, '' Albus explained.

`` Did Dudley assure them ? '' Rose asked.

`` Sure did. Apparently Uncle Vernon went mad. He was shouting and swearing. Said he was n't going to bear anymore monstrosity in the family. But Aunt Petunia got him to quit. She 's actually ok with it. ``

`` Wow, '' Rose replied, `` Still ca n't think it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, small fry ! '' Bill had appeared next to the table, holding what appeared to be a gigantic Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Albus grinned.

invoice set the pinata down on the table and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! teddy bear ! want to do the pinata ? ``

slip, who had turned his hair scarlet and gold for the function, came running over to the table. `` Sure ! We doing it in the middle of the curtilage ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' broadsheet replied. The two of them set off to clear a lieu for the pinata.

`` There 's no trees there, '' Amanda commented, `` What are they planning to hang it on ? ``

`` knack it on ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, yeah. That 's what you do with pinatas. You hang them on tree so they 're in the air, '' Amanda said.

`` Oh ! That 's how Muggles do it ! '' Albus realized, `` Teddy 's just going to levitate it. He 'll move it around and it 'll be really backbreaking to hit. ``

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' teddy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousin ran over to Teddy. Albus, Rose, and their protagonist managed to tug their way through the bunch to the front.

`` All right hand ! '' Bill shouted, `` Albus and rose first, then youngest to oldest. ``

rosebush went first. greenback put a blind-fold charm over her oculus and handed her an old broom. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around rose. After a few poorly aimed collision, her turn was over. Albus was up next. He took the heather from Rose and was blind-folded. He loved this parting of his natal day parties, but he was never very unspoilt at it.

`` To the right ! '' individual shouted. Albus swung the heather around to his right field, but did n't make up inter-group communication with anything. slip always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to burst it surface, '' Albus said once his turn was over. `` He does at everyone 's parties. ``

`` wellspring, this is the kind of matter a beater would be good at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a spell and no one had managed to even contact it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the fiddling tike had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the first one to actually stir the pinata with the broom, but she did n't shit any advancement in smashing it unfastened. Matt actually managed to hit himself in the headspring with the broom, instead of the with child Gryffindor lion.

`` See, I was n't exactly lying when I told you I was clumsy endure yr, '' he whispered to Albus as he rubbed his head.

John was up succeeding and he hit the pinata with a flash crunch that sounded like it should have smashed the unhurt thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' shimmy grinned, `` It 'll take a few more of those. ``

As common, Bradley was the one to grant the last snow to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to grab the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friends each got a large bagful of sweets.

`` time for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and rose wine sat down at one one of the tables next to two great piles of present tense. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, Sweet, Weasley star Wheezes products, and versatile clothing token. Soon, there was just one introduce left.

`` It 's from us, Al, '' Harry smiled as he handed Albus a long, rectangular box.

Albus took the box and tear the wrap off. Excitement washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is fucking brainy ! Just like Peach State 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be gross for when you get on the Quidditch team this class. ``

`` If I get on the team, '' Albus replied.

`` You will, '' Saint James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the midriff of the yard with his friends and cousin-german following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The eventide breeze felt cool as he soared higher and gamy. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The quickening was wonderful and it turned at the slim touch. Albus flew around the yard for a few transactions, enjoying the thrill that only flying could bring. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his first toy broom on his number 1 natal day. He promptly crashed into a tree the future day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as King James was. After a few More proceedings, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' john asked.

`` Completely tremendous, '' Albus grinned, `` Want to try ? ``

`` Of form ! '' whoremaster took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the following half hour lending his broom to his first cousin and friends. They all agreed that it was a superb Scots heather and that Albus was sure to make pursuer on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

mollie served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a expectant number of people, there was always a secure bit of disagreement about which squad were the outdo. matte was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their team to the rest of the group.

The eve ended with a splendid Gryffindor Lion shaped cake that mollie had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was first cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's class were some of the last to leave.

`` I 'm going to Apparate base with Lily, '' Harry said as they walked to the hearth. Lily was asleep in his arms.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied. Harry turned on the spot and disappeared. `` You boys go first, '' Ginny gestured to the pot of floo powder.

Albus stepped out of the hearth at Grimmauld place and waited for John and mat. They appeared a few proceedings later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' mat yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your house is fun. Makes me wish I had some cousins. ``

`` You 're welcome to share mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' John agreed, `` If you think Albus 's family is nuts, you should gather mine. You 'll run across one of my cousin-german this year. It 's her low year at Hogwarts. All my cousins are younger than me. ``

`` The only one of my full cousin coming to Hogwarts this twelvemonth is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

`` wellspring, one-half of Gryffindor is your cousins, Albus, '' bathroom laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch squad, Ryan will be the only non-Weasley and non-Potter on the squad. ``

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, good night. ``

`` night, '' John replied.

`` Night, '' Matt said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early Sister and my brother. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Do you see them yet, Dad ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, not yet, '' Harry replied.

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John, and Matt were all standing outside the Leaky Cauldron. The Muggle position. It was a few mean solar day after Albus and Rose 's natal day political party and matte was meeting his parents to go menage in a couple hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few time of day early so they could buy their new books. Harry also decided that it would be a unspoilt time to contain Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplies.

A few minutes later a blue sedan pulled up to the curb. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short brunet woman, and two tike. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so taller than mat, and a bit on the chubby slope. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's immature Sister, Bethany, had inherited her father 's blond hair and was about a brain unforesightful than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` hullo, Dudley, '' Harry extended his helping hand to his cousin.

`` Hi, Harry, '' Dudley took his mitt and shook it.

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk to a greater extent there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in wad while they followed Harry out the gage door. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon skittle alley appeared in front line of them. `` This is Diagon back street. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your magic stuff ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The 1st thing you 'll want to do is set up an story at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large white building at the end of the street. `` lbf. wo n't buy much here. You have to use charming money, Galleons, sickle, and Knut. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about superstar money. `` Dad, can me, bathroom, and lustrelessness go look at the shop class by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a second, `` I 'll take Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and show them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can meet you at fanfare and Blotts in an hour. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not take to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really trusted where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a judiciary outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my booster, John the Divine and mat. ``

`` Are your parents witches and whizz, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' John replied. Matt nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of kids whose parents are n't witches and sorcerer ? ``

`` A fair few, '' Albus answered, `` Our friend Amanda has Muggle parents. ``

`` I wish I 'd known about conjuration earlier, '' Kaden told them. `` What 's a Muggle, anyway ? ``

`` Do n't worry, you 'll pick up up fast. Muggles are citizenry who ca n't do magic. Like your parents, '' Albus told him, `` Let 's go into the Quidditch shop. ``

`` What 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked as they walked into the store, `` Whoa ! There 's ling in here ! Are we going to be clean something ? '' he asked skeptically.

John burst out laughing, `` make clean with brooms ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` Like hag do in movies ? ``

John laughed even harder, `` Yes, just like that ! ``

`` So what 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked again as he inspected a Firebolt 2000.

Albus, can, and mat spent a good 20 moment telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

`` That sounds very complicated, '' Kaden announced once they 'd finished.

`` I suppose, '' John shrugged, `` But it 's fun, better than that mutant Muggles play. Football or something ? ``

`` Hey ! I play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` And it 's fun. ``

`` Well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' whoremaster told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just wait until you first fly a Calluna vulgaris, you 'll switch your mind about football. ``

`` Do you recreate Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not on my House team. First years are n't allowed to make for. And this yr the only opening is for a pursuer. My position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

`` Oh, really ? '' Kaden looked at Albus.

`` Yup. I hope I make it. James is already on the team. He 's the Seeker. One of the in force Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Does n't make love much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' John whispered to Albus.

Albus shook his point. `` Gryffindor is one of the Houses at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your first day into one of the four sign. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave, Ravenclaw if you 're saucy, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're evil. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` fountainhead, technically Slytherins are cunning, but most of the evil crone and champion were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's piece of the fun not to know. ``

`` Are you all in Gryffindor ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my cousin-german are, too. ``

`` I hope I 'm there, '' Kaden replied. `` Can we go somewhere else ? I 'm sick of looking at brooms.

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' John suggested. Although he looked a minuscule taken aback that Kaden did n't desire to seem at Calluna vulgaris anymore.

The boys left the shop class and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a invariable flow of interrogative the solid way there. By the clip they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit tired of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather silence, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be more outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this place ? '' Kaden gazed around at the inside of George III Weasley 's shop with a smell of awe on his face.

`` trick shop class, '' John the Evangelist told him, `` Best store in Diagon bowling alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John Lackland ! '' George greeted them. `` how-do-you-do, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

`` Hi, Uncle George VI, '' Albus grinned, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. Dudley 's son. ``

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a champion, '' George V turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in pauperism of any pranking token at Hogwarts, just send me an owl, I 'll have what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at George II. After a few moments, he asked, `` What on globe happened to your ear ? ``

`` Lost it during the war against Voldemort, '' George IV told him, `` I 'm a bit holey now. ``

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a ideal ! ``

Saint George turned to Albus, `` You sure he 's not a Weasley ? ``

`` positive ; he thinks football 's amend than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm sure that 'll change after he sees Quidditch, '' George replied. `` wellspring, I 've got to get back to employment. See you later, Albus. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George III went back behind the parry. Albus started looking around the shop with Gospel According to John and Matt while Kaden bounced from one video display to the future, announcing how bright everything was and asking the other son more questions.

`` What are these ? '' Kaden pointed to a few Skiving Snackboxes.

`` Skiving Snackboxes, sweets that make you ill, '' Matt told him.

`` Why would you require to do that ? '' Kaden grimaced.

`` To get out of boring classes, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's classes, you 'll interpret. ``

`` And what are those ? '' Kaden pointed to a presentation of Extendable Ears.

`` extendible capitulum, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Christmastime only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

`` wish I had some money, '' Kaden sighed as he put back a package of Extendable Ears.

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` Speaking of which, we should probably head up back to fanfare and Blotts. ``

The boy waved au revoir to George and left the workshop. Albus, matte, and John listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more used to the Wizarding creation. They continued their walk to brandish and Blotts while explaining about magical forms of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that superstar could come out and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

When they got to the Flourish and Blotts, Harry and the Dursleys were already waiting for them outside. `` Are you having fun ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and shadow and Flooing and all variety of magical practical joke items, '' Kaden grinned.

`` well, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the workshop. Flourish and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few early people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boys'tilt to a sales agreement person while the boys started looking around.

Albus, John the Divine, and Matt had been to this book store legion sentence and did n't find anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in Quality Quidditch supply. Kaden, on the former manus, seemed as excited there as he had been in George 's shop. He ran all over the shop, picking up random books and bringing them back to show the other boys.

`` bet at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must suffer been the tenth time, `` It 's a rule book about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this solvent in response to questions about good luck charm, transfiguration, and justificatory spells.

`` I ca n't wait ! '' Kaden shouted and disappeared into another row of books.

Albus turned to his ally and groaned. `` I do n't imagine he 'll ever run out of fervour. ``

John stifled a laughter, `` Just wait until he gets his inaugural Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` calculate at this Koran ! '' Kaden came running back a few minutes later with a book entitled, Dark Creatures : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampires and werewolves in it ! I did n't screw those were real ! ``

Albus felt flatness stiffen next to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the book from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the one in Muggle queen tarradiddle. And you do n't want to register this volume. It 's too throw out. You 've got to part out with the BASIC. '' Albus quickly stuffed the Good Book onto a nearby shelf. He did not want Kaden to show about the prejudices wizards had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another section of the store and Matt relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

`` I 'm not going to let him buy into that loup-garou prejudice, '' Albus assured him, `` Even though he 'll probably never find out about you. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` I 've got everyone 's books ! '' Harry announced as he, Dudley, Christina, and Bethany walked back to where the son were standing.

`` Can we go get my baton now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he ran back from the early section of the store.

`` Sure, '' Dudley replied, `` You lead the way, Harry. ``

Harry, Kaden, and the quietus of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his acquaintance on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his baton. In contrast, flatness was starting to wear upon out due to the approaching full phase of the moon lunation. By the time Albus, John the Evangelist, and matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his low gear sceptre. He gave it a wave and one of the empty wand boxwood on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the explosion was not bad, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wands for the following 15 minutes before finding one that created Au sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the radical left the shop. The next stop was the pharmacist and then Madam Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his inaugural yr at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone was hungry, so they all decided to eat dinner together. Albus, john, Matt, and Kaden sat at their own table while the adult and Bethany sat at the other.

`` Ca n't believe the summer 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a swig of butterbeer. `` What are you make fun doing for the eternal rest of it ? ``

`` I 'm going to chit-chat some more of my cousin-german after I go base, '' whoremaster told them.

`` That 's probably what I 'm doing, too, '' Albus told them, `` And the big company we have at the end of every summer. That 's always awesome. What are you doing matte ? ``

Matt glanced up from his food, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a sensation at the side by side table cut his steak with his wand. `` I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's, '' he whispered.

`` What 's St. Mungo 's ? '' Kaden asked loudly and turned his tending back to the other boys.

`` thaumaturge infirmary, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't press for to a greater extent information. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platter of intellectual nourishment. Kaden immediately turned his attention to the levitating trays and did n't name ask anything about St. Mungo's.

`` Why have you got to go there ? '' Albus asked very quietly, as he leaned in finisher to matte. John the Divine leaned over as well.

`` I 'll explain sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful glance at Kaden, `` Maybe on the railroad train. But do n't worry about it, I 'm alright. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't think mass went to St. Mungo 's when they were exquisitely. But he did n't press for Sir Thomas More selective information, he knew flatness disliked discussing his shape, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's board. Mrs. Eckerton sent a worry look at her son. mat was resting his head on his hired man and had his optic closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

Matt lifted his head up and nodded. `` I 've just got a head ache. I 'll see you on the train, Albus, whoremaster. Nice to gather you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to lustrelessness 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew matt into a tight hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the shoes that matte and his parents had been just consequence before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth class, you can carry lessons. And then when you 're 17, you take a mental testing to get your licence. ``

Kaden sighed, `` That 's so far away. But how cum Matt got to do it now ? ``

`` He just did side-along phantom. Someone who 's got their Apparition permit can take other people with them while they do it. ``

`` Have you done that before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' John told him, `` But mat likes side-along spectre better. ``

`` Time to go, Kaden, '' Christina Durlsey came over to the table.

`` All right, '' Kaden sighed and stood up, `` I 'll see you poke fun on the train. I ca n't wait ! ``

Albus waved auf wiedersehen as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle world. Albus was n't indisputable what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in long time, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a globe of energy, that was for sure. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding globe was great. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other immorality wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley menage Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( beldam ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Sir Henry Morton Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th twelvemonth
Gabriella, 6th year Scots heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd year Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & lindy hop ( twins ), 7 class old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year Rose, 2nd twelvemonth James I, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Victor-Marie Hugo, 10 yr old Albus, 2nd yr
Lily, 10 years old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st twelvemonth
Bethany- 7 years old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their follow-up !

I also want to invite everyone to check out my Meet the writer page on the forum. There 's a link to it in my visibility. tone unloose to ask about my stories or writiing in oecumenical there.


Disclaimer- As always, I do not own Harry Potter.


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to James River and Albus, `` It 's already quarter to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley car through the crowded big businessman 's crisscross station. St. James was redress future to him, pushing his own streetcar. Their parents and Lily were in straw man of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The ceramicist were running late, very late. It was September low gear and the Hogwart 's expressage would be leaving in exactly fifteen minute. The hale morning had been very rush. Albus woke up late and St. James the Apostle woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the night before working on his Transfiguration essay, and James always woke up late. Then, James I could n't detect his practice Snitch and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure enough how it got there.

But because of all this, the Potter mob was now practically running through King 's crown of thorns, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many strange looks from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated owls on their trolleys.

`` James, you first ! '' Ginny shouted as they reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Albus watched as his brother disappeared into a seemingly solid wall.

`` I 'll ride out here and wait for the Dursleys, '' Harry said as he glanced at his lookout man. It appeared that the Dursleys were even later than the Potters.

`` All right hand, '' Ginny replied, `` Albus, you next. ``

Albus nodded and ran through the roadblock. A few consequence later, Albus was standing on chopine 9 3/4, and Rose was running up to him.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted, `` There you are ! ``

`` Yeah, we 're running a bit late. ``

`` A bit ? ! The gearing 's leaving in seven hour ! ``

`` I know, '' Albus said as Ginny and Lily appeared behind him, `` But Kaden 's even later. ``

`` I 'll stretch your trunks, '' Ron appeared and took James and Albus 's tram to the train.

`` Be good, James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always good, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the vertebral column, `` Right, Al ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus grinned back.

Ginny gave them a stern looking, `` I do n't want any owls from professor Kendrick. ``

`` Aw, do n't worry, Mum, '' William James laughed, `` You have n't gotten one yet. ``

`` Five minutes until the string leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

`` Kaden better hurry up, '' Albus replied.

At that moment, Kaden burst through the barrier with a vast grin on his facial expression. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley car. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

`` That was vivid, '' Kaden announced as he joined the group.

`` You 've got to get on the train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the train door. She gave King James and Albus a quick hug and snog. `` Bye, kid ! Be good, all of you ! ``

`` I 'll see you later at the banquet, '' Harry gave each of his Word a hug.

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the train. Kaden and Rose got on after him. James jumped on just as the train was starting to impress.

`` That was faithful, '' Rose sighed as the string left the station.

`` Yeah, '' James agreed, `` But we made it. I 'll see you lot later. '' He ran down the train corridor to chance his friends.

`` C'mon, blush wine, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John, Matt, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that workplace ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and pink wine, `` I mean, how on worldly concern can you go through a self-coloured brick bulwark ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's conjuring trick, you know. ``

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Kaden shrugged.

Albus and blush wine continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed close behind, still wanting to sing about the barrier. Anything remotely magical seemed to energize him, and Albus had to asphyxiate a gag as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the categorisation Hat.

`` There they are, '' Rose announced when they were halfway down the train. rose wine pulled afford the doorway and they walked inside. King John, Matt, Amanda, and a girlfriend with foresighted, black, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would picture up, '' whoremaster grinned.

`` Barely made it, '' Albus told him as he sat down side by side to John.

`` I was on time, '' Rose announced, smirking at Albus.

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. James I would n't leave until he found his practice stool pigeon. ``

`` Well, you made it, that 's all that matters, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, good affair you did n't lose the train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' privy told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin-german, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the girl Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` how-do-you-do, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus ceramicist. ``

Isabelle 's eyes opened full and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

Albus sighed, he was sick of going through this with everyone he met, `` Yes, really. ``

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

`` I 'm Rose Weasley, '' Rose told her, `` Albus 's first cousin. '' Isabelle nodded, but did n't say anything.

`` Oh, Amanda, Isabelle, '' Albus said, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. He 's Dudley 's son. ``

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Amanda smiled at him. Isabelle again just nodded.

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied and sat down succeeding to Amanda. `` You 're, what 's the news ? Muggle-born, too, right ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Were n't you amazed by the roadblock, too ? '' Kaden asked, `` I mean, it was just so strange, going through a solid brick paries. ``

`` I suppose. It was kind of scary at first, but it does n't rag me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the barrier for the past ten minutes, '' Albus whispered to can and Matt.

`` Just wait until he first gets witch, '' John whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's glorious then. ``

`` How was your holiday in Emerald Isle, Amanda ? '' Rose asked.

Amanda grinned, `` It was wonderful ! We went all over the place, just wandering around and seeing everything. I kissed the sweet talk Stone, too. ``

`` I 've done that ! '' Kaden announced.

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really ripe metre, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the rest of your summers ? ``

`` Mine was good, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon Alley together. aught too exciting. ``

`` I love Diagon bowling alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't hold back to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty neat place, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with William James after you left, John. early than that I spent the rest of my holiday doing homework and playing Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' Rose said, `` Although I mainly watched James and Albus play Quidditch. ``

`` How about you, Matt ? Do anything exciting ? '' Albus asked, looking at his friend. Albus really wanted to know why matt had been in St. Mungo 's, but he knew that mat would not elaborate on it while Kaden and Isabelle were in the compartment.

`` Not really, '' mat replied quickly, giving Albus a look that meant he would tell him later. `` So, I wonder who the new Charms instructor will be ? '' flatness asked, changing the subject.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Anyone will be better than Washburn. ``

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` And what happened to him ? ``

`` He was the magical spell teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to slip, er, certain affair that would aid him achieve Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, trick, Amanda, mat, and rosebush. One of his supporter dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

`` Who 's Voldemort ? '' Kaden asked, `` And what thing ? ``

Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who shrugged. It was going to be a long trip. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the division about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure if his dad would require him to severalize Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizards are goodness, '' Albus finished.

Kaden stared at his cousin, lost for Good Book for the first sentence. After a few bit he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your sept 's famous ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't tell me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the residue of the journey talking about who the next Charms instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling nightspot ( which they 'd be allowed to join this twelvemonth, as second class ), and a great deal of other stuff. Around lunch clock time, the witch came around with the tramcar and everyone bought large amounts of nutrient. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard sweets. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every smell Beans intimately, despite the fact that the offset one he tried was a nauseant flavour. When he opened his number one Chocolate toad, he was shocked that it could hop and even more shocked when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the posting that came with it.

After they polished off the residuum of the sweet, the conversation turned to which houses Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John and Isabelle 's kinsperson consisted of an equal number of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really wish if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't desire to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some place where her family had been. Kaden on the early mitt, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd wind up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't distinguish Kaden this.

Soon the railroad train made it to Hogsmeade station and it was prison term for everyone to get off. Albus and his Quaker joined the large bunch of student exiting onto the platform.

`` fir'years ! Firs'years ! '' Hagrid called out.

Albus lead his chemical group over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

`` 'Ello, Albus ! '' Hagrid greeted him.

`` My full cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John 's cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two world-class years standing near him.

Kaden gaped at Hagrid, `` Are you the one who gave my dad a pig 's buttocks ? ``

`` Oh, yer Dudley 's son, then, '' Hagrid turned to Kaden, `` Tha'was me. ``

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't wait to learn how to do something like that. ``

`` Soon enough, soon enough, '' Hagrid told him, `` Le 's go, then, '' he said to Kaden and Isabelle. The two of them waved to Albus and the others, and followed Hagrid to the lake.

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his ally to the baby carriage, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his unceasing companionship to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' John laughed, `` He 's got nerve. ``

`` Well, you 're form of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest empty coach. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' Saint John laughed and sat down next to Albus. Rose, Amanda, and Matt followed after, and sat down on the seat across from them.

`` So, flatness, you were awfully tranquillise on the gearing, '' Albus began, `` Something encounter during the last part of the summertime ? ``

matt sighed and glanced around at his friends, `` Yeah .... I just did n't want to tell you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus replied, `` What happened ? Are you all right ? ``

`` I 'm fine, honestly. It 's just, remember over the summer when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And remember that report I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where Matt had briefly explained about a study as to why wolfbane Potion had no event on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the reasonableness I was at St. Mungo 's. Someone has to maintain me after every transformation. Usually madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the Healers like to do it at least twice a year. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus replied, relieved that Matt being severely injured was n't the reason he was in the hospital.

`` That makes sense, '' rosebush commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably tell you a bit more about the cogitation. It started when I was 8. For the low gear 2 years, I did n't get any wolf's bane potion. The next 2 years, I got regular Wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a deviation. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been curious about this discipline ever since lusterlessness told him about it the previous term, but Albus had been reluctant to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' matte told them, `` But anyway, the therapist and Potion beer maker that are working on the Wolfsbane have come up with anther variety and I 'm going to get trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas respite. I 've got to guide it a couple days beforehand and it 'll be better if somebody can watch closely, '' Matt told them.

`` Has it been tested before ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, '' matte said quietly. `` That 's the peak of the study, to prove the potions. ``

Albus glanced at lustrelessness. He looked a bit daunt at the chance of taking an untested potion. No wonderment he had been tranquilize on the wagon train. Albus was n't sure as shooting if he would desire to take an unseasoned potion. Of course, if the potion worked, Matt 's life would drastically vary for the good. But what if it did n't go, what if it had horrible side of meat effects ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' rosiness asked, `` I mean, they 're pretty certain it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't consider it 'll offend me. They 're just not sure if it will get the effect it 's supposed to, '' lusterlessness assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' rose agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

`` It 's worth it, though, if they ever find one that works for me. ``

******

`` Brings back storage, does n't it ? '' John said as the first days filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how cowardly he 'd been of being in Slytherin the premature year. He still had n't told his supporter that the Sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't for certain if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' pink wine pointed to Albus 's first cousin, who was standing right at the nominal head of the group.

`` And Isabelle 's right hand behind him, '' John told them.

professor Patil motioned for the way to be still and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to stifle a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth give in blow. Albus knew that hat would amaze his cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, professor Patil started the Sorting. The number one two bookman were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John Lackland 's cousin-german walked over to the stool. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few import later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her blighter Hufflepuffs.

`` Dang, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` I thought she 'd be here. ``

`` well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your home, '' Rose pointed out.

`` Yeah, I know, '' John sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's good, too. But it 's not nearly as good as Gryffindor. ``

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the stool, with a big smiling on his face.

Patil put the hat on his head and after a few minute of arc, it opened its brim wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to look at James, who was sitting a few tooshie down, wearing an selfsame looking of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his headway. He was so sure that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` Well, the hat did take an awfully long time to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got aspects of all the family. ``

Like me, Albus thought to himself. He looked up and saw Kaden running over to the Gryffindor table. Albus did n't reckon it possible, but his grin was even extensive now. A few of the former Gryffindors congratulated him as he wedged his way in between Albus and Matt on the bench. `` Good job, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Thanks ! I still ca n't consider that hat can babble out. Weirdest thing I 've ever done, have a conversation with a hat, '' Kaden laughed.

`` Wo n't be the eldritch affair you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless snick, the portraiture on the wall ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous early panorama of the castling that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting continued and the group of first years dwindled until there were only a brace students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other first yr, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must take in been the foremost year in a yearn clock time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining boys walked sullenly to the stool and waited for the hat to sort him. A few seconds later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to look at his champion, who were all starting at each early, `` You do n't think- ''

`` Must be some relation, '' John shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an lone child at one of the Slug golf-club encounter last year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last year, but now we 'll have to carry on with his first cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin, '' Rose pointed out.

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' John said adamantly.

`` May I have your attending, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do have a few start of term promulgation, but I think they can hold back until after the feast. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his arms and food appeared on the gold platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's bloody smart as a whip ! ``

`` That 's how the intellectual nourishment always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a vauntingly portion of steak and kidney pie.

`` I could definitely get used to this, '' Kaden grinned as he piled his plate high with everything within reach.

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to Saint John as John filled his own home base with as very much food as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John the Divine replied with his lip wax of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' pink wine screwed up her fount in disgust.

`` Wut were you wis'ring abo befo ? '' Kaden asked with part of a roll in his mouth.

`` Ugh, he does it too ! '' Amanda commented.

`` What ? '' mat asked Kaden.

Kaden swallowed, `` I said, what were you whispering about before ? You know, when Felix Willinson got sorted. ``

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to enjoin Kaden. Albus glanced at his former champion, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` retrieve what I said about the Charms instructor on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his typeface with the rest of his roll.

`` well, Professor Washburn was n't the merely one in on that affaire d'honneur. Some wizard named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in charge. He has a son, Quinton, who was a seventh year conclusion year. Quinton drove us mad all last year and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to image out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a first cousin because Quinton does n't have any siblings. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied and served himself another helping of chicken. He clearly was n't too interest about Felix Willinson.

Throughout the balance of the feast, Albus talked to his friend about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. rosiness wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. trick, on the former hand, was set to hex him as soon as the banquet was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. flatness and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his full cousin, but did n't remember they should start hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to mean, and he just thought they should deflect Felix, not trying to be favorable with him or hex him.

Kaden received a nice jolt when Nearly-Headless Nick decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the banquet. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his huge smiling appeared on his case shortly after. He gazed around in astonishment and watched all the ghosts circling the room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghost teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just History of Magic, '' Matt told him, `` Boringest course of study in the school. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd know, would n't you ? '' St. John the Apostle joked.

`` Oh, shut it, John, '' mat laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most bore professor here. ``

Kaden looked a bit disappoint at this, `` Really ? How can a class be boring if it 's taught by a ghost ? ``

`` trust me, the flush wears off after the number 1 day, '' Matt said.

A few moment later the food disappeared and deserts appeared just bit later. Kaden and John immediately piled their photographic plate with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the eternal sleep of their professors and they all speculated about the new Charms instructor. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the staff mesa and assumed she was the new Charms teacher. She was an old beldame, with her Thomas Gray hair pulled back in a blotto bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was hard to tell as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your tending, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the scholarly person quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a good summer and are ready to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term declaration, as well as one rather big annunciation. ''

voicelessness immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big proclamation could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to introduce you to our new Charms instructor, Professor Cedonia. '' The old beldame stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very grandiloquent. She gave a small moving ridge and sat back down again. `` I also need to prompt you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of leaping, as is the Whomping willow. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping Willow ?', with another spirit of amazement on his typeface. Albus chose to ignore this and went back to paying attention to the headmaster 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is interdict. Also, that the listing of nix objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung bomb calorimeter'that have just been released at Weasleys'ace Wheezes. All other products available for purchase there are also forbidden and bookman may inspect the replete list on Mr. Filch 's threshold. ``

Albus, who had experienced the effects of one of his uncle 's new dung bombs, could understand why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the facial expression on his nanna 's look when Uncle George I brought one of the droppings bombs to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch team, please turn over your name to your point of house. I think those are all the usual announcements. Now, onto the more exciting announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a word, `` It has come to my tending that the latent hostility between the mansion have been increasing over the past few years. I know that sealed family have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too large. I believe we need more integrity. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our sign is n't divided, '' Cedric Weasley shouted out, `` Gryffindor is perfectly unified. ``

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a unit. I, along with the other prof, believe that their is too much mansion rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking tone this year to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be good, '' John muttered under his breathing time, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to sustain to be favorable with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to change the Dueling lodge, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past years, we will have inter sign of the zodiac team. ``

`` What ! ? '' to the highest degree of the Great Hall erupted into shout of utter astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

`` No way am I dueling with Gryffindors ! '' an former Slytherin shouted, `` I 'm only dueling against them ! ``

`` fountainhead, we do n't want any bloody Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my level, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The way quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much contention. I believe this will help facilitate it. You will have to work together with extremity of other household in order to win the dueling championship. There will be Sir Thomas More point to accompany during the first group meeting of the Dueling Club. As always, the club is open to back years and above. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted loudly and turned to Albus, `` I ca n't join ? ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. First years do n't love enough spells to conjoin. But you can join future year. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' Saint James the Apostle asked, `` That 's not inter star sign, is it ? ``

`` Of course not, Mr. Potter, do n't worry, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the castle if I tried to start inter house Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his ally could hear him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a good night 's relaxation for category tomorrow dawning. First years, please follow a Prefect to your common elbow room. safe night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' lav sighed and shook his read/write head as he stood up, `` Inter sign dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' flatness agreed, `` I 'm not sure it 's going to cause the impression Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't have sex, '' Rose shrugged, `` I form of think it 's a good melodic theme. ``

`` I do n't think it 'll make us get along with Slytherins, '' Albus commented as they exited the Great Hall.

`` cipher could do that, '' John said.

`` Are you guys still joining ? '' Matt asked.

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. John, rose, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` trade good, me too, '' mat told them, `` Just have to go for I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

`` We 've all got to trust that, '' Albus agreed.

Albus and his friends continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower, and the conversation turned to the new Charms teacher. None of them could think what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was rigorous. She had a very unrelenting look about her all during the feast. When they got to the plebeian elbow room, they all decided to guide Kendrick up on his advice and twist in early. They were all tired from the journeying to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with professor Washburn gone, he would n't consume anymore of those Legilimency ambition he had last year. With that happy view in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



A/N : Thanks to my babe and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my sidekick. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their reviews !

inverted comma that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Abraham Abraham Lincoln and all recognition goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Night, which is about the night Matt got bitten. If you want to hold back it out, the linkup is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got succeeding ? '' Gospel According to John asked at lunch the succeeding day. The Gryffindor endorse years had just gotten back from a particularly boring history of Magic category. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as History of Magic.

Albus looked at his schedule, `` Double Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this yr. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for metamorphosis, '' Matt groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his plate with intellectual nourishment, `` The classes are splendid here ! There is n't any maths or English class ! ``

`` English ? '' John laughed, `` Why in the figure of Merlin would they teach us to mouth English ? ``

`` Muggles postulate English social class in schooling, John the Divine, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read lit. ``

`` Oh, '' St. John replied, `` Sounds boring. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for United States Department of Defense first this morning ; it was so tasteful. ``

`` sword lily you liked it, '' Albus responded.

`` I ca n't wait to use my wand for something, '' Kaden pulled out his wand and started waving it around.

`` check it ! '' Matt shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden put his wand back in his robe.

`` You 'll use it soon, '' Albus assured him.

`` We 'd meliorate get going to Potions, '' Rose stood up and grabbed her bag.

`` Potions ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That sounds fun ! Like chemistry. '' He pulled out his own schedule, `` I 've got it tomorrow, I ca n't wait ! ``

Albus stood up, `` We 'll see you later, Kaden. ``

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great Hall and towards the stairs that lead to the keep.

`` Is there anything Kaden is n't excited about ? '' flatness asked.

`` I do n't think so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when test prison term comes. ``

`` Oh, Falco columbarius ! '' John shouted once they reached the dungeons, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

`` Of all the family to accept with them, '' Albus muttered.

The students stood outside the dungeon, in separate radical of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to arrive. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, future to matt.

`` Ah, my two ducky Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his helping hand together, `` Just let me run through attendance genuine quick. '' Slughorn read off the name of all the educatee, `` Excellent, splendid, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a doubling class today, I thought a slight contest would be appropriate ! Let 's see how very much you remember from last year. The partners that brew the best Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his student. The Gryffindors were on one incline of the elbow room, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the premature class.

`` I 'm sure you all heard Professor Kendrick 's speech last night, about the fact that the school day needs to be more merge, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically serious shade, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a right mind to make inter-house cooperator this class. ``

Albus turned to lustrelessness and mouthed, practiced idea ? Matt was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a ripe idea ? Albus thought it would most likely cause more explosions than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the master in that there needs to be less tension between the star sign. So, please stop moaning. I 'm sure you 'll find that you can function together for the afternoon. I will read off the pairs and then you may be active. ``

Slughorn picked up another piece of sheepskin and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda Tagger, bathroom Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, Matt Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at mat who had a expression of utter repulsion on his face. He was shaking his head and mouthing the word 'no'. Albus knew that Matt would give birth rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a self-satisfied look on his brass. He probably thought he 'd obtain out flatness 's secret now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

Slughorn continued reading names, `` Celeste Faxon is with Karina Jordan-Bell, Marina Jordan-Bell is with Elle Yeardley, Ethan Kesse is with Garth Octavius, Jackson Limbert is with Albus ceramist. ``

Could be worsened, Albus thought. He did n't really know Jackson, although he did screw that Jackson was an fantabulous Potions brewer. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with Rose Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his sheepskin and tapped his wand on the ignominious control panel. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave Matt a half-hearted smiling that flatness did not return, and Albus got up to join Mahalia Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated seat. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredients, you light a fervency. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his caldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting ingredients from the closet. Limbert returned a few minutes later and he and Albus started to prepare the ingredient. They worked in secrecy the whole time. Albus did n't fuck what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each former, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the caldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to lustrelessness, that Matt was trying hard to discount. rose was telling Leigh something and Vivien Leigh looked like she was ready to hex rosebush. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the wrong direction, and lav looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all rightfulness, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a patch later. Albus stepped back from his cauldron as Slughorn started to examine the potions. He inspected each one, telling its owner what they could cause done to make it better. Slughorn was impressed with blush wine and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's caldron.

He leaned over the cauldron and prodded it with his wand. `` excellent ! Well done, boys ! I think we have a winner ! '' Slughorn produced two prevention of drinking chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please understand chapter one of your volume and spell a six inch summary of it for next class. ``

Albus and his friend cleaned up their caldron as quickly as they could. They met up with each early just outside the dungeon room access. `` wellspring, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

matte, Saint John the Apostle, and Rose all stared at him with looks of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' Matt muttered. John and rose wine both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a round, '' John commented, `` Does n't know the conflict between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' rose replied, `` But she wo n't take heed to a word I say, so we were both doing the Saame command over again ! ``

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' lusterlessness said, `` He spent the completely time asking me I would be visiting my nan this year. ``

`` What did you say ? '' Albus asked.

`` That I would be, '' matt answered, `` What else was I going to say ? You know I 'll be visiting her this year. '' He gave Albus a meaning look.

`` I do n't know what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just beaming I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very quieten, so we just ignored each early. ``

`` Well, you 're hush too, '' Albus grinned, `` But yeah, that 's what Limbert and I did. ``

`` Worked out goodness, '' John the Divine said, `` You got the chocolate. ``

******

The next morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw arcsecond years found themselves waiting outside the appeal schoolroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all aegir to see what she was the likes of. Albus did n't handle what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the bell rang, Professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a word to her students as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a tabular array with John and Matt.

`` Gon na set her on fire, too ? '' John grinned at Albus.

`` Only if she tries to learn my nous, '' Albus whispered back.

`` Quiet, please, '' Professor Cedonia said in a quiet, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attending. '' Cedonia called out all their figure and when she was satisfied that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your end year of command in this discipline was LE than satisfactory, and I hope to modify that for this year. I know some of you, '' her optic fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more fourth dimension in detention with prof Washburn than in socio-economic class with him. I do not believe that that is a good way of teaching. Now, do n't get me wrong, if there is any misbehavior, I will give detentions, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather ascertain out why a student is misbehaving and study to fix it, than just give out custody like they 're free samples. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' lustrelessness whispered. Albus and toilet nodded.

`` For example, some educatee cause chaos because they are bored with class. I do not want you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, please sense costless to let me bonk before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in brain, I 'd like to start off with a brushup of last twelvemonth. Please take out your parchment and quills. ``

The balance of the class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking note, which Cedonia actually made passably fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't coerce you to resolve a doubt you did n't bang, like Washburn had done. The other one-half was spent practicing magical spell they had learned last class. Albus found that he was much effective at appealingness when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to hover his textbook a couple base in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like Charms this yr, '' John announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her utmost year. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' rosiness commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detentions. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to have so much more free time this year without all the detentions, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just have to do other things to pull in detentions, '' St. John the Apostle laughed, `` Like deplume antic on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to beat them at the Dueling cabaret, '' rosebush said, `` You could n't get in fuss for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our squad, '' John said disgustedly, `` And we probably wo n't all be on the same team. ``

Albus groaned, `` Now it 's not going to be as fun as I thought it would be. I do n't require to duel you lot. I want to duel the Slytherins. ``

`` Oh, you 'll get to duel them, too, '' Rose assured him.

`` When 's the first meeting, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

`` This Saturday, '' Albus told him, `` Day before Quidditch try-outs. That 's not a, er, bad clip for you, is it ? ``

`` No, luckily it 's not, '' Matt replied quietly, `` The you-know-what is n't until next Th. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that Matt would not be missing the low Dueling nightspot meeting.

******

The rest of the hebdomad passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their usual Hogwarts modus operandi. They spent their evenings in the vulgar room either doing preparation or just talking and playing games. Kaden usually spent the evening with him. Kaden seemed to spend time with Albus 's radical rather than the other Gryffindor first twelvemonth. Albus was not sure why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The entirely metre Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during form. course of instruction were going well so far. Albus was doing very much better in appeal with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the Lapp as the previous year in the rest of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling ball club. The firstly encounter was taking property that afternoon, after tiffin. Albus and his protagonist went immediately to the Dueling way after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the totally schooling was joining. wellspring, everyone except the first years.

`` Wow, '' Albus said as he looked around, `` Is everyone joining ? ``

`` Probably, '' pink wine replied, `` There are n't many hoi polloi who do n't conjoin. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to take care at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past years, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling Club. If you 're secondment, third, or quaternary class, you have to join the Junior golf club. If you 're in fifth year or above, please follow prof Longbottom to the future room where you will give birth your meeting. ``

`` Well that 's a relief, '' mat commented as the older bookman left the elbow room, `` I did n't image dueling with seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Stanley is a smart as a whip dueler. I would n't need to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' St. John the Apostle grinned and pulled out his scepter, `` I bet I could take on a seventh class. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' Rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his baton. `` Now, as you know, Professor Kendrick has decided that we will not have got House teams this year. There will be eight teams, just like last year, but they will have members from each firm on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the gang. Everyone was standing in groups consisting of scholar of their own house. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that professor Kendrick would modify his mind, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will cause less stress between the houses, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work on much like Quidditch. Each team senior pilot will set up practice metre, and there will be contender throughout the yr. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll order you who the captains will be. professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of conclusion twelvemonth, based on your public presentation. All the senior pilot are quarter yr. There are two from each house.

`` They are Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davy, April Finch-Fletchley, St. Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heathland. ``

There was a heavy sum of money of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the police chief. Albus did n't acknowledge any of the captains besides his cousin-german, Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's team.

The residue of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a squad. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole metre talking to his protagonist. Eventually, he was put on a squad. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the alone two Gryffindor first years on that team. James River was n't on it either. Albus was glad he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very salve that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able-bodied to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so gladiolus I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' matt said, as they entered the coarse room after the merging was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions pardner, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` Good point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my full cousin for your maitre d'. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' Saint John shouted. rose wine nodded. She and King John both had Slytherin police captain, but not the like ones. Saint John 's headwaiter was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll hold up, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the boys'dormitories, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a while ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his first cousin without his endless amount of energy. Albus was beginning to wonder if Kaden could settle down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational group meeting. We got delegate teams, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a gang of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't eff. Our police captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't wait to join the Dueling Club next class. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water system that landed on Albus 's head.

`` determine it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his center, `` And put your baton away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his verge into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch delivery and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I get, please ? Flying object lesson start adjacent week. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your Scots heather ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not require Kaden on his new heather. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would ram it. `` You can come ticker, I guess. But sorry, you ca n't try out my heather. ``

Kaden 's human face fell a bit, but he still looked excited, `` All right hand, let 's go ! At least I can watch you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be expert than football. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his Friend, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll bring my Scots heather and help you practice. ``

`` I 'll come, '' mat agreed.

`` Do n't reckon so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to last out here with me, Amanda. '' rosiness gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and Saint John the Apostle grabbed their broom from their dormitory and the four boys left the vulgar room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' trick grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the unscathed clock time, amazed that Calluna vulgaris could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would commute his intellect. John let lusterlessness fly his broom for a footling while and Albus practiced his Chaser skills with both of them. By the meter dark fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and matte were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their followup !

Just to let everyone know, the next chapter might not be up until Fri of next week instead of Thursday. I might give birth to switch my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since school is starting and my Th are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the good afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morn in the common elbow room with his Quaker, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding Snap with lav, who was putting off his prep until the end minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus beneficial luck. Shortly after luncheon, Albus headed down to the Quidditch slant with his new ling over his shoulder. Rose, whoremonger, matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the castle to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was queasy to get down to the lurch and see how many former people were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their walk to the delivery, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his low hebdomad at Hogwarts. Albus did n't conceive Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his constant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the climate to get wind about how professor Patil had yelled at one-half of Kaden 's transfiguration family the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his former younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was focus on his try-out.

King John, Matt, rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the standpoint while Albus went down to the boastfully gang of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the former chaser hopeful gathered around him. There was a 7th year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of John Rowlands 's friends, two husky looking 6th year boys who looked like they 'd make better Beaters than Chasers, a twain 5th class girls, quite a few fourth and one-third years, and even a crowd of first years. After a few Thomas More minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor squad emerged from the cabinet room, lede by Albus 's cousin-german, Peach State. Georgia had become the new captain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the varsity letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld lieu, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` tending, please ! '' Peach State shouted over the crowd. She had a very loud voice and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one useable spot this year, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of hold up year 's thespian off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few moan from the crowd, and the two sixth twelvemonth boy stalked off the field of battle. One of the one-fourth years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the rules have not changed since finally year, and first twelvemonth are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available billet. '' The rather large chemical group of get-go years scowled and left the pitch shot in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken care of, '' Georgia pulled out a magazine board, `` First, I 'll need to see you all fly around the pitch. fifth through seventh age first. ``

Albus watched as the older pupil flew around the sales talk a few times. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote short letter on her clip board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year girls. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few turning around the slant, the older bookman landed following to Georgia.

`` goodness. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Peach State turned to the fifth class who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't believe you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't look too disappointed and Albus suspected the lonesome reason she tried out was because the other fifth year girl did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's number to fly around the pitch. He took off along with the third base and quartern old age. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good flier. He sped around the pitch, going faster than the early students. Albus noticed that they were great fliers as well, even better than the seventh and twenty percent years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in forepart of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the rest of the team. ``

During the side by side part of the try-outs, all the Chaser hopefuls went up into the air along with the relief of the team and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The Saami could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' Georgia smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourne and Albus Potter. '' The former hopeful sighed and left the rake.

After this, Georgia simulated a very lucifer, in Holy Order to find out who fit best with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his cousins legion sentence, worked quite well with Heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very loose to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right wing, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm blue, Gabe, feel release to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The eternal rest of the team clapped him on the articulatio humeri and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' Saint James grinned.

`` Figures, '' Gabe muttered as he left the auction pitch, `` Had to blame your full cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just envious, '' Henry James commented. `` You obviously worked better with ling and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, Henry James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe Bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' Matt agreed. rosebush and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is splendid. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to bide and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the respite of the team spent the whole good afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very felicitous that Albus worked so well with heather and Fred. Usually, when a squad got a new Chaser it took a couple weeks for the new pursuer to get used to the squad, but Albus fit ripe in. GA was sure they would be ready for the first match, and they might even be capable to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two hour and Albus just got back from snagging a late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple nights a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything other than homework. He could only ideate what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the week.

Albus immediately spotted John and flatness sitting at their common tabular array in the rachis. He looked longingly at the door leading to the residence hall. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had astronomy at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few minutes to deposit his Calluna vulgaris and get his school day bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a electric chair at the mesa his champion were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' St. John the Apostle greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as release as Matt did. The entire synodic month was that night Matt was sleeping with his head on his Transfiguration book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her chronicle of legerdemain notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' King John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrait open and saw Kaden coming in, looking more keep down than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrong ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that Matt woke up. `` A whole groundwork ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so comical ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything magical and it did n't look like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single class and did n't consume a ill. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, number on, how can I compose a pes long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into needle ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your match change, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can dilute that into a foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A metrical foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two drum roll of sheepskin. ``

`` Two bankroll ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to take care at flatness. `` You look fearful. You should go see madam Pomfrey. You know magic fixes everything ! It 's astound. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an New York minute ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' Matt muttered.

`` indisputable she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's bone with her verge. It was brilliant. She 'll have you break in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and Saint John the Apostle shooting Kaden warning feeling. Albus willed his cousin to block off talking now. Kaden had absolutely no idea what Matt went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's notion that everything about the wizarding world was grand and that magic fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to issue forth ? ``

`` No, I 'm fine, '' flatness replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his full cousin with a face of fury in his centre. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupid ! You 've got no approximation what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and can could hear him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can ready it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a word. His usual cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a flavour of impact and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the tabular array. He ran over to the dormitory and went up the step without so much as a coup d'oeil back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a look of stupor on his face as well. `` I do n't consider I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course of action, when we were fighting over whether to tell Matt we knew he was a lycanthrope, '' John the Evangelist said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should receive stopped talking when lusterlessness said ma'am Pomfrey could n't help oneself him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' St. John asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to con not to butt into Matt 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not sure enough he will anymore, '' trick replied.

The two booster sat in silence for the next few minute of arc. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too abrasive. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to inconvenience Matt. But Kaden had practically called Matt pillock, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from outlay time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even indisputable if he wanted Kaden to discontinue spending time with him. As a great deal as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his immature cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the tabular array. `` Oh, did lusterlessness will ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' Rose asked.

`` He 'd birth been bettor if it was n't for Kaden, '' trick pointed out.

rose wine groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that lusterlessness go get a potion from Madam Pomfrey because he looked spue, '' Gospel According to John told the girls. Albus was perfectly willing to let King John tell the history. `` And of course he looked vomit up, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of course of study, and he would n't give up telling lustrelessness how magic can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' Rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` lusterlessness left. I think he really did have to result then, but I 'm sure as shooting he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always experience the best matter to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John announced.

`` What ? ! '' both young woman shouted at the Lapplander time.

`` Yup, '' whoremaster replied, `` Probably would have turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his dormitory right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a little annoyed that rose wine seemed disappointed, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic mend everything. I told him that there are some things that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to mention them around flatness. I also yelled at him because he practically called matt stupid. Kaden said Matt was stupe for not getting a potion when he first got throw up. ``

`` I see your point, '' pink wine replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a approximate sentence adjusting and making Quaker. Having you furious with him is n't going to help things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be smooth once and a while, he 'd establish booster, '' Albus muttered.

`` Well, you can apologize in the morning, '' rose wine told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to matte, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that upset lusterlessness, '' blush wine insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologise. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to state Kaden that matte was a loup-garou. `` All right, very well. I 'll apologize. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John assured him.

`` son, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tire when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the side by side daybreak. Due to uranology, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six hours of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morn, which was unknown because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the plebeian way before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous Nox. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would experience to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice. He was gladiolus that it was a relatively easy day. Double Herbology in the morning time and then a single class of Potions after luncheon. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go sojourn matte in the Hospital offstage. Albus felt like he would rather drop the day in the Hospital annexe sleeping instead of going to course of instruction, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post bird of Minerva flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the letter of the alphabet, and the owl was off again.

`` alphabetic character from auntie Ginny ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

beloved Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two weeks have gone well.
I 'm beaming the new Charms teacher is nice, and I do go for
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

praise on making the Quidditch squad ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very emotional as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
Keeper after Peach State graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called finally night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden end night. I realize that Kaden
may have been less than sympathetic with Matt, but
please justify to him. Kaden is having a rough
sentence adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything sorcerous, but he has not made a
whole lot of admirer. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With love,
Mum

Albus folded the letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to excuse to Kaden. Did n't anyone understand that Kaden had been out of bank line last night ? St. John the Apostle seemed to think so, but thought Albus should deliver been nicer about it.

`` Aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' Rose commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really need to apologize to Kaden.

`` Well, looks like you 'll have to apologise later, '' rosebush announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an exculpation not to apologize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his friends. Neville spent the moral teaching about devil's apples and helping the course of study to re-pot them. Albus found rather soft, but not everyone in the course of study did. One of the mandrake root attached itself to Karina 's hair and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't have time to go line up him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to apologize. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecturing. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, only to be prodded awake by rosebush who was sitting following to him.



A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former sister and my Brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his supporter went to visit Matt like they usually did after a broad Moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't certainly what he would say in order to shake off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and see Matt with them.

`` hi, shaver, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed lustrelessness usually stayed in and pulled back the drapery. Matt was sporting numerous cuts all over his face and implements of war, a Shirley Temple eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's dormancy, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the drapery behind them.

`` wellspring, that 's not really storm, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should come up back later. ``

`` No, I 'm alive, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eye a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last night, '' Albus told him.

Matt breathed a suspiration of relief, `` Good. I was trying to get up with a something to say him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't get to. ``

`` I do n't call back you 're going to give to worry about that, '' John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm indisputable he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last-place dark he was so flaming irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' John the Divine told him, and proceeded to recount Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' flatness said quietly when John had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No job. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're wan all the fourth dimension, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to rationalise to him. I do n't really require to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't drop as a good deal time with us, '' matte told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been tough, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few break off ribs, but Madam Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course of instruction. ``

`` When do you get to lead ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' Matt yawned.

`` Do you want us to exit so you can catch some Z's ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to sleep. Tell me what I missed in course. ``

`` Well, a Mandragora officinarum attached itself to Karina 's hair in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' Rose announced, `` I had to arouse him up a few times. ``

`` I was n't asleep. I was just closing my center for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch drill yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not very much. Just review, mostly. stage of the moon, that form of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' lusterlessness laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was felicitous that Matt was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner in the Hospital backstage with Matt. Once dinner time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd stimulate to babble to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his acquaintance went up to the mutual elbow room to get started on their growing pile of homework.

`` You should go lecture to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't feel like writing, but he 'd rather indite it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' whoremaster told him as he twirled his flight feather around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and tell him not to inconvenience oneself matte anymore. establish sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll call at him, too. And I 'm much louder than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your first cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be polite to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not scoop friend. ``

`` That 'll never happen, '' Albus rolled his eyes. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowded vernacular way to the chairperson Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text ledger and writing the occasional note down on a opus of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chair opposite his full cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm sorry for yelling at you net nighttime, '' Albus said as he picked at a slack thread on the chairperson. `` I did n't really intend to upset you. I just wanted you to barricade telling Matt to go to the infirmary Wing. He told you to terminate and you did n't. ``

`` wellspring, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a tepid laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was sentence for Kaden to understand that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't guess you get that yet. I know it 's punishing to come into the magical world after animation in the Muggle one for 11 eld. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be unspoiled off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunty Hermione- ''

`` I think wizardly is bloody brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the thing ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic is brainy ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's charming after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't make love about charming. nigh of them think magic can fix all their trouble, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just induce to learn that for yourself, if you do n't consider me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all magic is undecomposed. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do jazz that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other affair. You 've got to sympathise that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his give-and-take carefully so as not to give away Matt 's closed book, `` illness, that ca n't be fixed by illusion. They 're tough than your ordinary low temperature or flu, and the Healers, those are magical medico, have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a good bit of intellection. `` But why ca n't you just beckon your wand and make it punter ? ``

Albus sighed. This was heavily than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle view. Amanda would be good at this, he thought. Or even rosiness. `` I 'm not surely exactly why. It just wo n't work. I infer magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. Healers try to find remedy just like physician do. doctor ca n't fix everything either, like Cancer the Crab, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very hard to cure. `` physician try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened wide and he whispered, `` mat 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizard version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets throw up every once and a while. What you 've got to understand is that lady Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't recount him to go get some. Just do n't name anything like that. And definitely do n't holler him poor fish for not going to see Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his head solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't do up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to tell you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't suppose he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, rightfulness Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other first long time, or anyone. Do n't mention that you know anything whatsoever about him getting crazy. assure me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his full cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all division of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All rightfulness, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to number sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure what his booster would think of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure as shooting if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right on thing to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of row ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down adjacent to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd unsay his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a clock time for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been harder than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch drill. I do n't think the entirely team will be able to meet at the Lapp time ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all right. The squad I was on last twelvemonth rarely ever met at the Saami clock time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday eve will work for a lot of people. Can you make it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the number 1 dueling praxis would take topographic point. bathroom and rose had already been to their first recitation. mat missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital annex. `` I should be able-bodied to pretend it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling elbow room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to professor potter and he said it 's unblock. I 've got to go lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for finale, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't look to start dueling multitude. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's moderately brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to unarm a couple people. ``

`` I disarmed a duet third years at my meeting, '' rosiness announced. `` I 'm energise about learning new piece, though. ``

`` wishing I had n't missed mine, '' matt muttered.

`` You 'll gain it to the following one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every get together. ``

`` Can I go with you to the merging, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` showtime years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his 1st class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' Rose announced. Albus and his ally left the Great dorm and made their way to Transfiguration.

The next few days seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very energize about the dueling practice and he did not experience like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their protagonist and made their way to the dueling elbow room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 other students, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couplet more students ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood next to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th twelvemonth Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't well-chosen about the inter-house teams this yr, but we 'll have to care with it. It 's not easy for me, either. stopping point yr, captains only had to conciliate one Quidditch team, this yr we have to fit four.

`` prof thrower, Professor Longbottom, or one of the former professor will oversee the practices, at least for the world-class few. But if you have an progeny, please fall to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our 1st get together, I 'd just like to appraise what dueling skill you 've got. So pair off and disarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few animal foot apart and faced each other. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a substantial affaire d'honneur, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand quiver in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his verge at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her script and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each former for the following fifteen minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a couple times, but she was n't nearly as serious at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` switching mate, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` Potter, '' Malfoy appeared future to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a better dueller I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just demilitarise him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the floor with you in a real number affaire d'honneur. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's baton flew out of his hand and landed a pair off foundation away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a undecomposed dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` move over me your worst, ceramicist, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the forcefulness he could summon. Malfoy 's wand left his manus and landed a duet feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some groovy duellist in here. With a piffling practice, I 'm surely we 'll beat up the early teams. I think for simplicity, I 'll entertain practice every week this same day and metre. It might be in a different room occasionally, and I 'll let you be intimate if it is. Do n't vex if you ca n't defecate all the meeting. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone succeeding calendar week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I verbalize to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the park room. ``

`` All right field, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a chance to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the room was abandon. He walked over to a twain death chair and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the president next to his dad.

`` I 'm gladiolus you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too felicitous. ``

`` Yeah, a couple view I just got on the team because Sakartvelo 's chieftain. And Ryan 's the alone one who 's not a Weasley or a Potter on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm certainly that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a keen chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with ling and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the best one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have classes been ? ``

`` Fine. Charms is much better than concluding year. I like professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the common kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad thing, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her classes under ascendence. I think the early teacher could find out a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd get laid it if nobody gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some bother with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheeks turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` glad to get a line it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problem, feel free to total to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to foreswear sometimes. ``

`` Some people are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to Potter tool Pals.




The second one-half of September passed the same way the outset half had. Albus 's sidereal day were filled with category, homework, Quidditch practice session, and dueling practice. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new enchantment in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to mate up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the practice affaire d'honneur, but he had yet to come through. The first dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the squad would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent habitue in Albus 's radical of acquaintance. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much to a lesser extent time in the Room of Requirement than they had the secondly one-half of their first year. They seemed to have come to an unverbalised agreement not to shew Kaden the Room, and Albus was perfectly glad with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the way might be the lonesome situation in Hogwarts where they could go.

The second Sunday of Oct, Albus found himself looking for his supporter after a particularly long Quidditch practice. He shouldered his ling, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a affectionate fall day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool breeze was blowing. It had been the hone day for Quidditch practice session. Albus had gotten his outset taste of Quidditch practice in the pelting a couple weeks back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed privy and mat sitting a dyad yards away from the Whomping willow tree, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a rotund piece of plastic attached to a longsighted string. Albus went over to John and Matt and sat down adjacent to them.

`` How was praxis ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our homework, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' mat laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the bit of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' St. John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really small, '' flatness commented, `` But I must accept lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen second, could have the care span to play with that toy.

`` About 15 minutes, '' matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd wish to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his wand a couple prison term, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a spell, '' he turned to John and Matt, `` Where are blush wine and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castle, doing preparation, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't need to fall outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping Willow. `` D'you think that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree could kill someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to take the air a little closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his supporter and saw a look of panic appear in Matt 's heart. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with matte 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, whose thrashing branches were now just a couple animal foot away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was splendid, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to encircle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magical, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' Matt warned him.

`` I 'll be thrifty, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the tree. He was now within reach of its branch. `` moldiness be a strong tree diagram. '' He started to try and touch one of the branches, but the tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even offend the skin. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree. But the tree did n't care Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging offshoot as he went. `` Kaden, movement ! ``

But Kaden did n't move away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. A branch hit him in the point and knocked him over. He stood up a petty and peered closer at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very wonky tone. `` I 'm sober, motivate ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the colour drain from Matt 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the secret passageway that led to the shriek Shack. Albus was about to go grab Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' Matt shrieked, shaking his head back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree diagram. It hit him on his shoulder joint and his head as he tried to put off the ramification. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the muddle Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a long branch that was on the solid ground. He wordlessly shoved it into the base of the tree, and the offset stopped. Albus turned to await at him, but he said zero. Albus quickly jumped into the maw and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a long tunnel.

`` This is astonish ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secret passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't look very sex, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to say Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` amercement, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. Students are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in Brobdingnagian trouble. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to pull that lie off, and he did n't want to order Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` Fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another news. He quickly climbed out of the hole, hoping that whatever Matt had done to discontinue the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb out without receiving anymore trauma. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge grin still on his face.

John and matte were standing nearby, but not near decent to be hit with branches. mat was looking white as a spook, clearly worried that Kaden had found the scream Shack. Albus was just about to secernate his friend that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a vocalization behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping willow tree. That is clearly against the rules. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, juvenile delinquent. ``

Albus turned to bet at can and matte. John was looking pretty calm, but matte was still as picket as Nearly Headless notch. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as much as Matt. Albus was a petty nervous as well. He had never gotten in trouble with the caretaker before. He had heard horror stories about Filch and was n't sure which one were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between Saint John the Apostle and matte. Kaden was walking a little direction behind them. None of them said a word. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the group up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the rook while other student stared at them. The early bookman were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to brush aside them. Why was his bother making always so publicized ? Of course, this was n't even his faulting, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's demerit. Why did he have to keep messing with the tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an mind into his principal, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a low, cramped, night office filled with several Muggle cleanup implements. There were only 3 chairs in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. mat took one of the other chairperson, as he appeared so neural that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and John Lackland remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. scrapper towards instructor, bothering firm brownie, bothering witching creatures, bothering Snape, bothering other students, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow tree. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a slice of lambskin. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's business office before and had no estimation what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the bulwark, as his first cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the mathematical group of trouble makers you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the conformation rightfulness here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past tense, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubts as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. Matt seemed to be getting more spooky with every mention of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his mouth and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few 12 Fanged Frisbees at his feet. He was holding one in his handwriting and there was an empty box next to him.

`` Do n't tint anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` dorsum to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a pinion. `` Full names ? ``

For a split s, Albus considered giving Filch a fake figure, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus ceramicist. ``

Filch wrote his public figure down and a grin banquet across his nerve. `` Following in your sire 's footsteps ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an stallion drawer in my filing storage locker dedicated to your grandad and his delinquent protagonist. I do think he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curiosity. Why had his granddaddy messed with the tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to relieve oneself trouble, but that tree concealed one of his serious Quaker 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the relief of you delinquent ? '' Filch growled.

`` John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Levi Conan Eckerton, '' matte mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` right hand, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very big filing storage locker. `` Your penalisation. Three nights'custody. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle dash of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do business. And Monday you 'll clean the astronomy tug, without magic as well. contact me in the keep 8pm penetrative tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the threshold open and ran out of the billet as fast as he could. triplet Night of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleaning ! That was abrasive. Albus was raging now. Why did Kaden have to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this slew if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John and Matt next to him, nobody saying a word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to talk to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to hold sure Kaden did not separate anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrayal muddle, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the park elbow room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the chemical group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so serenity ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Well, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` Three dark worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous clock time to leave that tree alone. This is what I was talking about last month, Kaden. You never block up when citizenry ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts farsighted than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, chances are there 's a good reason for it ! And this one just seemed like commons sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could stamp out you .'Why on Earth would n't you take heed to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a small quieter, `` I was just funny about it. ``

`` Curiosity killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical brute, '' Saint John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't severalize anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other first base days, no Muggles or champion, Lester Willis Young or old, '' Albus turned to John and Matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't severalize any beast either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be inanimate objects either, you never know in this place. ``

Kaden stared at them with a throw look on his human face. `` Why not ? It looks to be a mystery passageway ! ``

If it was potential, Matt seemed to bend even whiter. `` Do n't tell anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot accept all the fun away. ``

`` trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't make out what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never go on the prevarication straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing good. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John the Divine replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' lavatory answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they special secrets only people with wizard parents can have sex ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin get up with something like that ? `` No ! Of form not ! Why in the figure of Merlin 's beard would you think that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to cogitate Muggle-borns should n't be teach magic trick, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course of study. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should ingest known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his first cousin, enjoyed bullying former students. `` Just last out away from him. And if he bothers you again, just differentiate me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am good-for-nothing about the Whomping Willow affair. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just receive you do most of the cleaning these future few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early Sister and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their related material.




Albus never thought he would give birth a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the prize room the previous year. He thought Washburn had been the spoilt person to have detention with, but he was haywire. Albus went through his unit first year without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the clock time he finished his indorse detention on Monday dark, he was beginning to wish he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his cervix the entire time. Filch spent all of Sunday Nox staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the previous night staring at them as they churned out line after line of business. Filch seemed to deal joy in watching the bookman rub their hands raw while scrubbing the cauldron. Of line, the ancestry could induce been considered a squeamish time out in between the two cleanup events.

By the time Albus trudged into the vernacular elbow room on Tuesday eve after Quidditch practice, he was make to be done with detainment. But no such chance ; it was their final night and Filch was sure enough to bask every minute of arc of it. Albus quickly dropped his Scots heather off in his dormitory and went back to the vulgar room to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The cobbler's last thing I want to do is go houseclean something, '' Albus groaned.

`` feel like you need to clean your wearing apparel, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you require ? It 's raining and it 's muddy and I just spent 45 transactions flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John the Evangelist grinned.

`` Georgia was n't happy about me leaving former, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's Matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` room of Requirement, '' John replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full moon was the following evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' lavatory sighed, `` Could n't agitate Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why matt left. He could n't get any rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his books in his hall, '' John explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the doorway leading to the dormitory and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` quick ? It 's the last night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better speed up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged looks. `` I 'll recover him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This prison term it was John 's spell to devote Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` Fine. See you later, pink wine, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' rosebush replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave John and Kaden a minute 's head start before he left the common room and went to the way of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to get hold out where he was going. Once the slide was illuminate, he paced three times in front of the dummy wall on the seventh base and waited for the room access to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The way was dark and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some light. Immediately, common mullein lit up along the rampart and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the minuscule room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the suspension open. Once he saw how exhausted Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detention. His exhaustion was zilch compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detention, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

mat opened his middle and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right hand. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the Astronomy pillar. Neither of them said anything for most of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are St. John the Apostle and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't need Kaden to have it away about the elbow room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the column, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the threshold and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost entire moon was shedding light up upon the Tower, enough that Albus and the others would be able to do their detention with only a twosome flannel mullein. Albus noticed mat shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're late, '' growled Filch, who gestured to St. John the Apostle and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another Night 's detention, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow night. You can stay cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who did n't even appear to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too meddling trying not to be be sick. There was no way that flatness could possibly do hold the keep an eye on eve. He would just have to tell Professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next dark. However, he would have to miss dueling practice. At least Kate was n't jittery about them missing practice like Georgia was.

`` wellspring, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and matt, `` showtime scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucket that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where Saint John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the doorway. He did n't appeared to possess moved since they entered the tugboat. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was set up to explode with rage. Albus grabbed lustrelessness by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the penny-pinching telescope.

`` F-fine, '' flatness stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at Saint John who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot tough than last Night, '' Albus muttered. During the previous night 's detention, Matt had nodded off a few multiplication, but he had been capable of producing a good bit of bank line. Tonight, lusterlessness appeared to be frozen in spot and definitely would n't be getting much cleansing done.

`` Well, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems unbalanced than near Nox before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd better hide him from Filch, though. Filch will cognise he 's not strip. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other face of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and John scene Kaden minatory spirit and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a moment later.

`` Remember what I told you last time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't play it up. ``

`` quiet down ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

Matt jumped and looked at Albus with a look of confusion on his cheek. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` detainment, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the Hospital backstage ? ``

`` No, it 's not this night, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the son, `` Get to work Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the next half hour. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescopes, making trusted Matt was between them at all clock time so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other slope, looking much more gay than the other three male child did.

`` Suomi, Suomi, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the body politic for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that song for the past times five minutes and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, arrive on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway playing period ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that Sung could ingest to do with a python. There had n't been any credit of ophidian in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding world, but you lot are really lacking in high character entertainment. Would it toss off you to check TV and moving-picture show ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can observe it at my menage sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a moving-picture show a few long time back. ``

Albus was still a bit at sea about the birdsong, but he figured he 'd infer it if he ever watched the picture. He had seen a few Muggle movie before, but never Monty Python or Spamalot. His aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your brain out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go scan a ledger ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleaning, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the premature one. It had something to do with fish.

`` Stop that infernal hum ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't lecture him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detention was spent in almost nail silence. Every once and a spell, Kaden would try to lease the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that flatness had n't done an troy ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an perpetual grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed unmindful to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his grandad 's by the meter he graduated. By the meter the hold was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at lustrelessness a few prison term, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detention. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supplies and ambled down the steps before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' flatness mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` hold, where we 've been for the last-place hour, '' Albus explained while looking at lav. John pulled mat off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John than to flatness, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. matte was now leaning on bathroom. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more modern than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And lower your spokesperson. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John threw one of Matt 's implements of war over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed John the Divine 's wind and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, bathroom, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the step and back into the main persona of the rook. It was sluggish going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` honorable thing he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' matte winced and opened his heart, `` I think I 'm going to be cast. ``

Albus and Saint John looked at each other for a split second before lustrelessness retched onto the floor in front of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' whoremaster exclaimed.

`` Told you he was retch, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second sentence and Albus felt him flop onto the floor. Albus and John both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the twilight. Now what were they going to do ?

`` matte ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to rouse Matt up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I have sex ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two stop arguing ? '' Gospel According to John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? Panic overtook him as he assessed the post. They were out of bed after curfew and mat was passed out on the level. It could n't get worse than this. There was no way for them to get Matt to the common way or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could hover a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's loud tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered ticket. ``

The boys sat in silence for the succeeding couple hour, watching for sign of the zodiac of cognisance in their friend. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pallid. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with travail in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a figure floating towards him. He stood up and drew his scepter and King John did the same. The figure came closer and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their bearing to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's glad tone.

Peeves peered down at lusterlessness and then looked at John the Divine and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! Students out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` Ha-ha ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't mind to student, no he does n't ! Peeves grounds trouble when students are around ! ``

`` No, quiesce ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! student out of bed ! ``

Albus and Saint John gave each other panic-struck looks. Albus had no mind what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop cheering, someone would surely find out that they were there. Albus 's concern were soon realized as he heard rush footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his founding father 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud arse voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody top executive ! ``

`` Yes, Madam Nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of respite. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to hold back up.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John, and Matt, and immediately crouch down and put her hand on flatness 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nursemaid clicked her tongue and conjured a stretcher. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can excuse More once we get to the hospital wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind Madam Pomfrey all the way to the infirmary wing. None of them said a Holy Scripture, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to maintain himself from asking more than question. Minutes later, the radical arrived at the hospital extension. gentlewoman Pomfrey barged through the doorway and immediately deposited Matt onto a bed. She bustled around the Ward, gathering potions while asking the son more questions.

`` Why were you out of your commons room ? '' she asked.

`` custody, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the integral astronomy Tower, '' John replied with a disgusted tone.

gentlewoman Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to depend at Gospel According to John. `` Astronomy tug ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a look of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' lady Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to mat 's bed, `` I 'll take in him for this ! I thought I made it clear-cut to him last year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next year ! Falco columbarius 's beard, the Astronomy Tower ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The nurse continued to run back and Forth River from her berth, potion cabinet, and matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd bury Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over lustrelessness. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at Madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't careful, she 'd pass on away everything.

`` I thought I 'd made it authorize to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orange potion down Matt 's pharynx. `` No hold on these nighttime and certainly not on the Astronomy Tower ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... Well, I 'm not exactly sure what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the nights of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to stop ranting. Madam Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good approximation to disrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nursemaid was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, thing, that Kaden does n't have sex. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know Matt would favour it if he did n't sleep with, '' Albus gave her a meaning look that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

brothel keeper Pomfrey stared at him for a few irregular and then actualization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't conceive I, well, right. So regretful about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. John gave him a relieved look, but Kaden looked even more confused. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` nix, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'spirit. Kaden immediately closed his oral fissure. Albus was getting good at conveying those looking at now and Kaden seemed to obey mighty away, which was good.

`` All right wing, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three son after a few more mo, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just need to stay here for a mates mean solar day. '' She looked at Albus and toilet when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the total moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can visit him, right ? ``

`` Of course, pricy, '' Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what times are undecomposed. Now, you three best be off to your dormitory room. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just tell apart them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to bump him now, and he 's going to be engaged for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a laugh. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a long and loud tongue-lashing at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! extra thanks to my other sister and my pal for help with the Monty Python poppycock. Speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some liberty in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the present and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not take seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway last calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't have a opportunity to tell Rose and Amanda about the detainment until after tiffin the next day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the Room of requirement for a few min before they went to chit-chat matte. It was the first time since the detainment that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had social class all good afternoon, so it was an ideal clip to talk about what had happened the previous night. No one, not even blush wine, seemed to bear any idea why Matt seemed so much sicker that nighttime than the other dark before full phase of the moon lunation. Their exclusively guessing was that he was already worn out from the detentions on the former two nights. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital Wing and ask lusterlessness. Albus was sure as shooting he would state them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the infirmary Wing, matt was strait asleep. madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while early that break of day, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the wet-nurse matt out refused to let them come alive him up. She insisted that he needed all the rest period he could get before nightfall and that they could visit him the following afternoon.

Albus and his protagonist were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his extra custody with Filch. It was just as scurvy as the maiden cauldron-cleaning hold had been. When he got back to the common way, all his champion were doing homework and not saying a lot. Amanda was already back from dueling drill. Albus was worried about matte and he could enjoin the others were as well. It kind of reminded him of that night of the full moon moonshine they stayed up waiting for cockcrow to hail after Astronomy class the previous year. Only this year, they had Kaden to fill in the quietude that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to present the solid class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions social class. One of the other first years had heated her caldron too much and caused the potion to explode all over the full class. Albus and the others nodded their top dog, like they had been doing for the yesteryear one-half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrong with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hr ! I thought you 'd at least laughter at the mind of everyone in my potions class having various parts of their body release bright pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` Madam Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' rose wine replied.

`` sure as shooting she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't love for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's go to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to infer unless you tell me what 's wrongly with him. ``

`` Not going to happen, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few sec later he started to express joy. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very diverting, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his friends hurried up to their dormitories to deposit their bag. Then they rushed to the Hospital backstage to see how lustrelessness was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw Matt 's common bed with the mantle pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the drape and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest of drawers, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch practice after dinner party. ``

`` Is that all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's mulct. Just for a few minutes, '' the nurse regained her calm and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the repose of the way to the bed and wrenched the drapery undefended. lustrelessness was alert and propped up on his pillows. He looked pall and was covered in various loot and sting, that looked a bit worse than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` John ! '' rosebush scolded.

`` What ? '' King John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's okay, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detainment ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` I do n't really think it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two enjoin me what happened ? '' Matt laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the Astronomy column and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being of late and assigned us another detention for last night- ''

`` L-last night ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing to a greater extent caldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

flatness groaned, `` I do n't even think him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detention once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it last night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't cogitate you 'll have to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't advert anything about you doing hold the unscathed time I was scrubbing cauldrons stopping point night. You see, ma'am Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so angry. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was sort of good story, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the other Night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm indisputable she insisted that you not do anymore detainment. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning scope and privy and I stood on either face of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a sort of trance. You did n't seem to experience what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital offstage and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random Sung dynasty and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a picture show called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really funny remark flick. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't need to give up TV, '' Matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all see it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the Astronomy tugboat, we tried to get back to the common room, but you got regurgitate partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get Madam Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' matt groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right wing, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it happen, though ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked after a few irregular, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct moonlight, '' Matt whispered, `` The ground I get timeworn and nauseous beforehand is because the Moon is getting fuller. The Nox we did custody, it was practically broad. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hour. ``

`` That would explain why Madam Pomfrey got so wild, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the nighttime before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just tell Filch you could n't do detention that night ? ``

`` I do n't hump, '' Matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any variety of especial treatment anymore. It makes people wary. I do n't want anyone to question why I can pick my detention dark. Plus, I did n't really know that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really acknowledge I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made surely not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` fountainhead, even so, you should n't do anymore custody like that the nighttime before, '' blush wine insisted, `` It 'll make you crazy. ``

`` I know, pink wine, '' Matt assured her, `` And Madam Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore detainment at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't have intercourse about Matt 's precondition, but he did n't think dame Pomfrey would actually enjoin him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't roll in the hay. brothel keeper Pomfrey just said that he needed to gibe with her before assigning me detentions due to 'health issues that will continue secret'. And she made him swear not to tell anyone that he was checking detentions with her, or else she 'd urinate sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John the Divine let out a low whistling, `` Wow, remind me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' lusterlessness yawned and closed his eyes.

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

`` Umm-hmm, '' Matt mumbled, `` I 've just got a worry. ``

At that moment, the pall opened and brothel keeper Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a cryptic blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The suck took one aspect at matt, shook her chief, and turned to Albus and the others. `` sentence for you lot to leave behind. You 're welcome to claver again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his protagonist said goodbye to Matt and left the hospital annexe. Albus had just enough time to grab dinner party before he had to be at the Quidditch auction pitch for drill. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure they would beat Slytherin in the clenched fist friction match in November.

******

`` So, where is my bright potions collaborator today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick nanna, like usual, '' lav replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's first cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Mahalia Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for rose wine, probably did n't even know lusterlessness left every month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got pallid every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on terra firma was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't call him that ! '' Rose shouted, drawing her wand.

`` Calm down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own sceptre. `` I mean it in the squeamish way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` wait ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the metre. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't separate him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the color waste pipe from his fount. He told Kaden not to narrate anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all mass ! Malfoy, the one person mat did not want knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few Sir Thomas More clues as to what was damage with Matt. With just a bit of inquiry he was sure to line up out. `` When did he enjoin you this ? '' Albus growled. furore and anger were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` Last dark, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very matter to bit of info, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another give-and-take to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the donjon. The pace behind him told him that his friends were following. Albus did n't end to let them view up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just call. He 'd hex him into the side by side 100. What in the name of Merlin had possessed Kaden to tell Malfoy that matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was cognisant of the Gryffindor/Slytherin contention. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well cognisant of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them thing they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' blush wine shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of steps of stairs.

`` To find oneself Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' Gospel According to John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even angrier than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into place beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my password. ``

`` Wait, Albus, John ! '' Rose shouted again.

But Albus did n't hold back. He continued up flights of stairs towards the Gryffindor common room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't like. blush wine kept shouting after them, but both Albus and Saint John the Apostle ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted yell after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and lav made it to the vernacular room. They gave the Fat lady the password and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous colored public square all over it. It looked vaguely familiar. Albus thought he may have seen rosiness with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitory room while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said zero as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. John followed without saying a Son, and shut the door behind them when they reached the hall. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is legal injury with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpio Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpio Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to believe of who that was. Then a look of actualization appeared on his boldness. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him live on night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to severalise anyone about Matt getting gruesome ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't need to say you in the first billet ! You just ca n't keep your mouthpiece shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about lustrelessness since the beginning of starting time year, and let me tell you nothing good will happen when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO breakthrough OUT ! ``

`` I did n't intend to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't like, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not mean to secern someone something ? Especially soul you never talk to in the fist place ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. John, who had been letting Albus take the confidential information, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the door fusillade open and pink wine and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their position and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's wand left his hired man and landed on the floor near Rose. rose disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` Give it to me, rose wine, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own full cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not felicitous about it either, '' Rose replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some floor, Albus knew rose was right, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is desire that Malfoy did n't put the clew together. That, and never intrust Kaden to hold open a secret again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't blame you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have to distinguish Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' Rose started.

`` Do n't nettle, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to pretend me apologize to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' rosebush shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be Friend with you if he 's going to go telling half the school things you told him in secret. You told him not to tell, right ? ``

`` Of form I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' rose replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping willow ? ``

`` Falco columbarius ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John Lackland said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at to the lowest degree tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll delay the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his verge and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no in force. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common elbow room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just check it every once and a while. ``

`` Good mind, '' John said.

`` What are we going to enjoin Matt ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to tell him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to distinguish lustrelessness. `` We 'll just throw to enjoin him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to obscure that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If lusterlessness wants to hex him, he can go right ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' pink wine insisted, `` He does n't call for anymore detention. ``

`` Good power point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll severalize him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just have to annul Malfoy, '' St. John commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all avoid Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be firmly, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is matt 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just birth to try, '' John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never bank Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their follow-up !