Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent near of the days preceding Christmas at pink wine 's sign. King James was determined to use all of his plain fourth dimension for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to Rose 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help King James practice while rose read.

Harry had to practically severalise Saint James the Apostle from his heather by magic on Dec 25 Eve so they could go to Godric 's Hollow. James IV wanted to outride at rosiness 's sign and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip was quieten since James was rather sullen the full time.

"professor Patil says I 'm a raw at Transfiguration,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the burrow afterwards.

"That 's good,"Albus replied.

"Yeah, so I 'm going to become an Animagus eventually. I want to be a cat."

"You do n't get to choose what variety of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

"Oh,"Lily said,"But I think I 'll become a cat."

Albus nodded as Lily began to name in great point what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an immediate heat come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was so frigid and snowy outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the Burrow surrounded by all his family. He was able to forget all the matter with the Quidditch tournament and Professor Killigan. All he could think about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his grannie 's cookery would be right about then.

Rose sat down following to Albus as he tucked into a large pipe bowl of onion soup with a side of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and auntie Katherine are going back to Romania this summer,"rosebush announced.

"To tame Thomas More dragon ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Henry M. Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"Rose nodded,"They might stay even after the summertime 's over, but Heather and Mark will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Sir Henry Morton Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into firedrake training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's good that Stanley decided what he wants to do."

Stanley had been working at the Magical menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his whole liveliness. He just did n't know what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would assume us to some other state,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"Rose agreed,"Imagine the story we could learn."

Albus personally had sufficiency of History from professor Binns, but he supposed learning story by traveling would be fun.

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down adjacent to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't bet on it, shift,"Molly said as she handed Albus another lump of bread,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the decennary tomorrow. The Muggle electricity is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Arthur popped his head into the way,"Fascinating ! I may have to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's come near impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to bring up the fact that it 's Christmastide and you should be here."

"We do n't need electricity to play Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be perfective tense training conditions ! If you can catch a Snitch in the eye of a blizzard, you can charm one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, Teddy,"mollie sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and rise up went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud chorus of 'Odo the champion', Song dynasty by George I, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. Albus had a feeling the only reason why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven reaping hook for that !"Sir Henry Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying aid,"And the cuss looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that lots for a tour of a questionably historic old building. There really should be regulating on such things. It 's one affair I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Sir Henry Percy had been talking about running for Minister for the past ten days, but still had n't done it. Most of his uncles and aunts got sick of hearing him babble about what he would and would not exchange.

"Hey, Albus, Rose,"Victoire waved at him from across the room.

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is healer training ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to calculate out which parting of the hospital I want to do the rest of my education in by Sep. We 've been rotating throughout all the storey, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long time to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to finish preparation since we were in fourth year."

"You 're not in Amy 's position,"shimmy appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do majuscule anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the motherhood Ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy ward,"shimmy grinned,"piece scathe. You 'll get all the rum hurt there."

"That 's not a good reason to nibble a specialization,"Victoire groaned.

"commodity a intellect as any,"Teddy shrugged.

The clip grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding Snap with his cousin-german, his grannie announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no item. Everyone, including the former grownup, knew that arguing with molly Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the stair to the highest chamber that he shared with James, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impending snowstorm was. The wind instrument was howling louder than he 'd ever learn before.

The wind was so hefty that Albus could experience it through the gaps in the windowpane. Every once in a while, the house would squeak and didder. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his spike to try and overwhelm out the howl.

Albus did n't handle to tramp off to kip until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no wizard outside of school formula to put a silencing charm on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his yearbook Xmas wake-up call, Lily. She breezed through the door shouting about how they all needed to wake up and open their present tense.

"And there 's three feet of snow outside,"Lily said as she left the way,"I checked."

"Merlin !"James jumped off the top feed bunk and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

"Whoa, you ca n't see anything !"Cedric added.

"We could build the world 's big snow wizard later,"Ben suggested.

"We could make an full C. P. Snow wizard army,"Albus said.

"present tense first,"James said as he located his passel of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of presents and began opening them. There were the usual sweets and Weasleys'products from his aunty and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one scarlet and Au striped. He pulled it on over his pajama and opened the rest of the present from his aunt and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never record, including one about the history of theatre elves at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present for last, although he doubted they could top end class 's. There really was n't anything in the human race that was better than the Invisibility Cloak.

"Al, did you open Mum and Dad 's yet ?"James shouted.

"I 'm opening it now,"Albus said as he ripped the paper off the small box.

"You 'll never think what they got us !"

Albus opened the box and saw two just the ticket. Two slate for the Quidditch humans Cup that was taking place this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"World Cup tickets !"

"I did n't even lie with they were on cut-rate sale this early !"James said.

"You two get the best presents,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two just the ticket,"Henry James replied.

"Yeah, two,"Ben sighed,"You can only blame one of us to go."

Albus suddenly realized he had the same job. Two ticket. Five champion he would want to adopt. Who was he going to choose ? Not rosebush. They may have been friends since they were babies, but she just did n't stimulate a Passion of Christ for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to hybridise off the list. toilet and matte were the Quidditch fans. He 'd hold to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a team or anything.

"Those are limited variant tickets,"Ben said,"They do n't lie with who 's playing yet, so they do n't sell very many slate ahead of time."

"They 're for the top box, too,"James said in awe.

Lily burst into the room with a big smile on her aspect. She was holding two tag as well."Did you get Quidditch tickets ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and James said at the same time.

"This is going to be brilliant,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the time Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the table eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a huge hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the slate ?"he asked.

"They were a endowment from the government minister,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this year and he 's right Friend with their curate. Got him a lot of give up tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping death year 's present. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to travel to a different country.

Rose came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the tickets. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestions on how Albus was going to select between St. John the Apostle and Matt.

"Anyone up for Quidditch later ?"shift announced as he sauntered into the kitchen.

"Not under my watch !"Molly shouted,"You ca n't see a fundament in front of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after lunch, then,"shimmy shrugged.

molly shook her pass and sighed as she set a few more platters of eggs and toast onto the table.

There was a knock on the door that could only just be heard over the howling jazz. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would visit on Christmastime aurora in the heart of a immense blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"Arthur shouted outside.

"Yes !"Xenophilius Lovegood shouted back. Arthur stood aside as the man walked in and then shut the room access behind him."Quite the storm we 're having ! Just thought I 'd stop by and see if this home was still standing."

"Quite the tempest, yes,"Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the house is still standing."

"Good, but if you feel it 's too weakly, just let me know and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy Plants. The folio do wonders on old buildings. make water them like new. I just put a clustering into my place and it 's a well thing, too. Of course, they tend to attract Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's spokesperson trailed off.

"I 'll keep that in mind,"Chester Alan Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rolf are with his menage this Christmas."

"Then you must last out here a while. mollie 's prepare far too practically nutrient, like usual,"Arthur tip Xeno into the kitchen.

Albus followed them. He always found Xenophilius Lovegood to be an interesting virtuoso, if not a little mad. Always going on about Nargles or Nom-Noms or something.

Molly was more than happy to offer Xenophilius with a large platter of breakfast and he settled down to talk about the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the sunup performing Exploding Snap, Wizard 's Chess, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to play hide and go seek, but the mansion was too crowded to play it properly.

teddy and Saint James the Apostle kept looking out the windowpane, willing it to stop snowing. Both of them were just itching to go caper Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would stop snowing so much. He was dedicated to the plot, but not enough to spiel in this storm.

lunchtime came and the Snow was still falling. George went outside to measure it and came back with the news that it was three and a half feet.

Teddy went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three pinny, a thick cloak, and a pair of boots. Under one arm was his Calluna vulgaris and under the other was a box of Quidditch glob. King James was the right way behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus lupine !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't kibosh you from going out there and catching Death of a low temperature, but I will not let you drag Jesse James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, granny,"Saint James the Apostle rolled his eyes,"I want to go !"

"Just let them, Molly,"Harry said,"They 'll get moth-eaten soon enough and come back inside."

"Fine,"molly replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"shift grinned,"Anyone care to join us ?"

Empire State of the South, Fred, and broom suited up in warm clothes and joined shift and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't require to freeze down when he could stay inside and be warm.

The Dec 25 Quidditch lasted a half an hour. Teddy, James II, Sakartvelo, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. molly immediately descended upon them with mugs of hot hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't find the Sn-Snitch,"chemise muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll find it when the violent storm calms down. You put the charm on it to stay in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"shimmy replied.

Noel dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly suspect. Molly was not as impressed and gave William James quite the scolding. How she found out it was William James was beyond Albus.

The violent storm continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their room in order for any of them to get any sleep.

******

cipher left the tunnel until two days after Noel. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half feet, which was a new disk for Albus 's lifetime. The Burrow 's cubic yard had been decorated by dozen of blow witches and wizards, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a miscellany of other witching fauna.

When Albus found out what his family was doing after they left the Burrow, he wished the snow would deliver kept coming. They were going shopping for wearing apparel robe for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old dress robes ?"Saint James whined as they walked down Diagon Alley towards brothel keeper Malkin's.

"Because they 're five inches too short,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too small for Al."

"Yeah, Victor-Marie Hugo 's the lucky one,"James muttered. Hugo was wearing James 's old dress robes to the party and therefore did not have to go shopping.

"mama, I want royal robes,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first base couplet of apparel robes he found, so long as they were n't pink or purpurate. The Oklahoman they were done robes shopping the better.

pink wine and Lily made a beeline for the girls dress robes as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly next to James River while their mother found various robes for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a duad of emerald green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James IV snickered.

"Shut it, James,"Albus muttered.

"They 'll impart out your eyes, Al,"Ginny told him,"Now go try them on."

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robe and then left the salad dressing room for his mother to see.

"Too short,"she announced,"But the gloss is complete. I 'll obtain a self-aggrandising size."

Jesse James wound up with a Navy blue pair of robe, which Albus would have got preferred. Lily found her purple robe and rose wine got a sky profane pair.

"Next metre you 're getting greenness gown,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the color of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have honey oil eyes,"James River grinned.

"Then we 'll get you a decent red set,"Ginny said,"They 'll clash horribly with your hair."

"I do n't care. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"Saint James laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the amazing people who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In moonshine 's trace, the first chapter of the sequel, Beyond the Shadow, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the Minister 's Mansion, the house where all the curate of magic trick had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a brace age. Usually all the parties the minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few 60 minutes before the political party, Ginny made Albus, James River, and Lily all take showers and comb their whisker properly. She spent a good fifteen hour trying to get James 's hairsbreadth to lie flat and another fifteen proceedings putting Lily 's up in some form of elaborate bun type thing. Albus was very happy his own tomentum was far too short for that sort of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, James IV, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to separate them the prescript for the evening.

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the diplomatic minister 's theater ! I will not have you wreaking havoc in it."

"We 're trusting you to keep yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to get to commix with everyone and we wo n't be able to watch you every second,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't concern,"James said,"I know when mischievousness is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his family Apparated to the Minister 's house, which meant side-along Apparition for Albus. He hated side-along Apparition. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the causa in his household. It was the whammy of being the midsection nestling. He was either with James or Lily. This time it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

When Albus had regained his ability to breath properly, he looked around at where they had landed. He was standing on the front lawn of what was the most extravagant house he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a house ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding pavement, framed with bushes and brightness on either slope, direct up to the front threshold. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The house seemed to get bigger as they got closer. It was painted brown with a Shirley Temple roof and reminded Albus of a castle. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of track, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the campana when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"Come in !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the one-third minister since the tumble of Lord Voldemort. He was a marvelous, corpulent man with very trivial hair left on his headspring. He did feature a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to call back of him as a much taller variation of professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very train thaumaturgist who spoke using very large words that Albus could n't really infer. He was long-winded and most of his speeches could be condensed down into a few sentences, according to Harry, that is. He was a very prissy man, though.

"Right this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to fall out him.

Hartwell lead them through the sign, which was just as immaculate as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a G ballroom. It was the Saame ballroom all the parties Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with Ag and smutty and was already filling up with people. Albus spotted Rose and lustrelessness in the back of the elbow room and left his family unit in the doorway to go see them.

"Some station, huh ?"Albus said once he reached them.

"This is the biggest sign of the zodiac I 've ever seen,"Rose agreed,"I see you 're wearing your Slytherin robes."

Albus rolled his centre."Shut it."

"What do you think, lusterlessness ?"Rose turned to Matt,"His mum says they match his optic, but James River says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to flatness 's blue robes.

"I do n't deal,"flatness shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hour already,"flatness said,"We were the inaugural ones here. Dad keeps introducing me to people and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you make out most of these people ?"

"Some,"lustrelessness said,"That 's the bloke Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very big wizard,"McVicar."

"Right,"Albus said,"I 've heard of him. Dad 's always said he would never retire."

"Dad never thought he would either,"Matt laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Percy, I think you probably know him. Those mass are a few of Dad 's colleague,"mat gestured to a few to a greater extent enchantress and wizards,"Then there 's a bunch of the great unwashed from early departments, but I do n't commemorate any of their names."

"Looks like it 's going to be a fun night,"Albus said sarcastically.

"Oh, it will be,"Matt grinned,"When I was really little, we went to parties like this a few times a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and champagne. It 'll still savor exactly the same,"Matt grinned mischievously,"By the time midnight bowl around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

"You 've done this before ?"rose raised an eyebrow.

"Amy has,"Matt said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to admit, that 's really creative,"rosiness giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the solid food. Charm the chocolates to taste like vanilla extract, charm the serving utensils to move every time you go to pick them up, that sort of stuff and nonsense,"mat explained.

"My parents gave us this speech about how we ca n't playact trick here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for James IV, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The bit they find out the alcoholic beverage 's been charmed out of the drinks, they 'll obtain Amy."

"She is the one who 's going to do it,"Rose pointed out.

"It was my thought, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this party,"Matt explained.

"Alcohol 's gone,"Amy said quietly as she came up behind matt,"This is going to be interesting."

"What exactly happens when you use this charm ?"rose wine asked.

"Oh, it 's great,"Amy grinned,"number 1, only a span people notice and they make a very calm down credit to another soul and then that mortal agrees that there 's something haywire with the deglutition. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will test the drinks, discover the alcoholic beverage 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will recreate. But some of them will act inebriate because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

"Are n't your parents going to be upset ?"rose asked.

"They might tell me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not very much they can do,"Amy shrugged,"That 's why I 'm doing it and not Matt."

"I could n't see your parents yelling at you anyway,"Albus laughed.

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

"I bet Henry James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the crowd. James II and Cedric were sitting at one of the tabular array, heads close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"rosiness smirked,"Aunt Ginny has no hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my endure Galleon that Georgia and Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his other two cousin, who were standing near the buffet.

"That 's all they talk about,"Rose said,"And Lily looks bored. Five Sickles says she 's over here in about ten second or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and Lindy will sneak out of the room the next time aunty Corrine looks away."

Albus 's auntie Corrine was talking with two beldam Albus did n't know and his similitude first cousin were chasing each former around the room.

"Are any of your former cousins coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his heading,"None of my other aunty and uncles work for the Ministry."

"Let 's go get something to eat,"lustrelessness said.

Albus and rosiness agreed. Amy left to go talk of the town to mortal else and the three Quaker walked over to the sideboard. There was already a modest waiting line in front of it.

"There go Samantha and Lindy,"rose said as they waited. The Gemini ran out one of the room access and Corrine quickly followed.

The waiting line moved quickly and soon Albus was in social movement. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the best food at this sort of party.

They found an empty table far enough away from St. James the Apostle and Cedric. Albus did n't want to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

"I do n't even know what half this stuff is,"flatness said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

to a greater extent and more people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't remember any name calling. He also noticed that nonentity was acting strangely due to Amy 's magic spell. They were all acting perfectly convention for adult who had had a few drinks.

Albus, lusterlessness, and rose wandered around the way once they finished their nutrient. A few adults stopped to exclaim how big they 'd gotten and to inquire what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with James I and Cedric 's mischief.

"hi, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the podium at the front end of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to watch him. Albus, Rose, and mat were somewhat secretive to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to unload the large amount of wine-coloured I was given for Christmas Day !"

The grownup all chuckled at Hartwell 's attempt at a joke and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this company is in pureness of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the position of top dog of the Department of Regulation and control of Magical Creatures. There is no one else whom I would bank with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's language soon descended into one of his usual speeches, which Albus could not infer. It was long, drawn-out, and Albus could 've sworn he saw his dad oscitance at one point.

Albus clapped loudly when Hartwell finally finished and turned the podium over to McVicar.

"Thank you, Minister,"McVicar began,"That was quite an interesting manner of speaking. I, too, would like to felicitate Bruno Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am indisputable at least half of you were quite surprise to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't have done it if it were n't for the fact that my married woman has been begging me to for the past ten years.

"However, the main reason for my lack of an earlier retirement was because there was not a 1 person employed in the Ministry whom I would have trusted with this job. Nobody had the capabilities to carry out this place in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five age ago, that is.

"A footling over five geezerhood ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the regularization and control condition of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in Werewolf Support serve, a locating that had been unresolved for well over a year. I was ready to hire anyone who walked through the door at that stop, but I had no approximation what was to come when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Bruno Walter has experience in this field. He was the heading of the department of Regulation and restraint of Magical wight in Australia for three years before leaving the locating in purchase order to propel to England.

"Walter revolutionized Werewolf Support Services as soon as he started. The ideas he had were single that even I had n't thought of. In five short year, he has bettered life for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

"It took only six months for me to gain that I wanted Bruno Walter to take over for me when I retired. Not only does he receive the experience and intelligence for the job, but he also has allegiance that I have never seen before. I even have to take that his inscription surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as hard for werewolf rightfield as he has.

"The only thing left for me to do was convince myself it was sentence to adjourn,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did charter the better percentage of five old age to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I hand the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and Matt 's dad took the pulpit."That was quite the speech,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"Matt agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise people like that."

"Well,"matte 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can hold up up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the top dog of the entire department again, no matter which country I was living in. wolfman Support Service has been such a dandy position to work these past few old age. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it difficult to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to make more of a difference.

"Of course, I could not have gotten to this place without the help of my married woman, Julie,"he gestured to matt 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my girl, Amy, and my son, flatness.

"I 'm not one for long speeches, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly trust I can be at least half of the heading of the section Rob has been."

"I just hope none of them find out why my dad 's so devote,"Matt whispered.

"They 're too drunk to think much on it,"rosebush smirked.

"They 're not really drunk,"Albus reminded her.

"They 're certainly acting like they are,"pink wine pointed out.

A good portion of the adults were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's spell, he would say they all really were drunk. The weird thing was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't look to be anyone who was thinking there was something wrong with the drinks.

"Let 's go ask Amy about it,"Matt suggested.

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, mat, and Rose squeezed their way through the crowd to get to her.

"Amy,"Matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting normal ?

"I do n't know,"she whispered back,"Let 's go look at the drinks."

James IV and Cedric were also standing near the drink table, looking nearly as confused as Albus felt about this charm. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a shabu of wine and tried it."Well, it tastes fine, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll have to drink a lot more than than that to get properly drunk,"flatness grinned.

"I 'm not doing that,"Amy rolled her eyes.

"Actually,"James grinned mischievously,"That might get you drunk."

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra intoxicant to that wine,"Jesse James whispered.

Albus, Rose, mat, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their trick had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so mirthful ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a joke, too,"Albus said.

"I put a appealingness on all the wine to remove the inebriant, while keeping the taste,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the party started."

"So much for that prank,"James groaned.

"Now you wo n't get in bother,"Albus pointed out,"Mum 's been watching you two."

"I know,"James muttered,"That 's why we ca n't do it again."

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as James, Cedric, and Amy left.

"need to explore the pastor 's Mansion ?"flatness suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"rosiness asked skeptically.

"I do n't see why not, I mean, this is my dad 's company,"matt pointed out,"Plus, we 'd just be walking around."

"Let 's go,"Albus said and guide them out of the ballroom.

It was practically quieter in the relaxation of the planetary house. They started wandering through any elbow room that had open doors.

"This berth is so bloody fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'house,"flatness said.

"Their home is this big ?"Rose asked.

"Nearly,"mat replied,"They 've got a ballroom and everything."

The three admirer wound up in a very large living room filled with antique furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the priming and oak mesa and bookshelves around the border. Atop the tabular array were fancy vases of efflorescence and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be heedful in here,"Rose said as she walked into the room,"If we break any of this stuff and nonsense, our parents would remove us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"lustrelessness pointed to a lechatelierite swan.

"Do n't touch it !"Rose hissed.

"I was n't,"matte assured her,"I broke Cinda 's once, but Mum fixed it."

"Look at all these books,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"gentlewoman Pince would love to get her hired hand on these."

"They 're all about politics, though,"flatness pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would wish them,"pink wine said

"I wonder how old this furniture is,"flatness said as he looked at a rather uncomfortable looking armchair.

"Probably honest-to-goodness than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, follow here,"Rose said as she looked out the window.

Albus and matte walked over to the window and leaned over the table that was in front of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"Look, there's-"

lusterlessness leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the crystal sculptures off. Rose gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"rose whispered as she set it back on the table,"Be careful."

"Sorry,"Matt replied,"What were you saying ?"

"There 's somebody sneaking around out there,"rosiness said.

Albus peered out the window into the darkness. He could just barely make out a dark lurking around the bushes. It did n't expect like the person was walking up towards the home to go to the company. Plus, why would he record up three time of day late ?

"There 's definitely person out there,"flatness said.

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't sustain a hint as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no ground for someone to be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion at this meter of night.

"Albus Severus Potter, are you bloody insane ?"Rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"Look, I just want to go see if we can find out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a unscathed room full of Ministry officials in pillow slip whoever is out there is someone bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a skillful point in time,"Matt replied,"Why would someone sneak around a firm that 's replete of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said,"But I want to receive out who it is."

rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and lusterlessness, muttering under her breathing space. They found the dear door and went out into the stale night, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze down to death,"Rose muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the house and tried to keep himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the trope. However, he could n't see or get word anything.

"Do you learn anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"Matt replied,"It 's like they disapparated or something."

"commodity,"blush wine muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's hold open going."

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his sceptre out in social movement of him. His nerve was beating fast and his handwriting were sweaty despite the coldness. He did n't need to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and boldness wracking at the same time.

"Do n't move !"soul shouted and all of a sudden there was a bright light in Albus 's middle. Wand light.

rosiness screamed and grabbed appreciation of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

"Wh-who are y-you ?"Albus stammered.

"He sounds fellow,"Matt whispered,"hang on. Bloody hell, that 's Professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a second and the vox did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the minister of religion 's Mansion ?

"Albus ceramicist, is that you ?"the man shouted.

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The sceptre light lowered and Albus heard the man gradation through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed prof Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of relief as pink wine let go of his arm.

"Mr. thrower,"Balladanis said and then waved his scepter around,"And Miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"mat replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of night ? I thought I 'd taught you better than that. You 're just asking for trouble,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"rosiness whispered to Albus.

"Er,"Albus began,"We saw individual lurking around out here and went to investigate. I guess that individual was you ...."

"And you 're lucky it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have got been dead if that mortal had been a blue wizard. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snow and towards the doorway."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't mind my asking, what were you doing outdoor ?"

"If you must hump, the Minister asked me to check the footing in order to stool sure enough nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but light Albus 's curiosity even more. He knew effective than to compress further, though. Balladanis was not one to explicate his motives.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, lustrelessness, and rose wine re-entered the construction, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the room access and then cover his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"ceramicist,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some necromancer Albus did n't recognize,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it clear that you were to remain inside."

"I 'll leave them with you,"Balldanis said,"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year,"Harry replied,"And thanks."

Balladanis disappeared into the crowd and Albus shifted uncomfortably as his dad stared at him for a few moments.

"guardianship to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We were just, er, exploring,"Albus muttered.

"Do n't do it again,"Harry sighed.

"We wo n't,"Albus assured him.

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his booster back to the buffet.

"I hope you 've learned your object lesson,"Rose muttered,"I am not doing that again."

"We wo n't do it again. Not tonight, that is,"Albus grinned.

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the skinny clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their deoxyephedrine of champagne in the air. Amy joined Albus, blush wine, and flatness.

"3, 2, 1, Happy New Year !"Albus shouted along with everyone else.

The crowd began to thin out a little while later. Most of the hoi polloi Albus did n't bed left, along with his Uncle Percy, aunty Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't attend like they were in any precipitation to provide, so he got a plate of the leftover desserts and at them with his friends.

pink wine 's class and Amy left, and then it was just the Potters, Matt, his parents, the pastor, and his wife left. All the adult were talking, Epistle of James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you think there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"flatness asked as he polished off a spell of chocolate cake.

"Only if Linda 's cast the day of one of the mates,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll happen,"Matt said,"You never know."

"Al, we 've got to go,"Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok, Mum,"Albus replied and then turned back to Matt,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the train,"Matt said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, St. James, and Lily. They all said kudos to matte 's dad and then left the diplomatic minister 's Mansion. Albus peered into the crotch hair as he left, but there was no augury of prof Balladanis.

******

The residue of the Christmas holiday went by very dumb for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was cypher to do after that. rose was visiting her other grandparents and James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was fussy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with aunty margarin. Albus was very grateful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and petunia again.

Finally the day to return to school day arrived and the Potters made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in time. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"aunt Marge has got to be the most ugly auntie in the entire earth,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about illusion a few months ago and she 's been awesome ever since. I mean, she was always kind of ugly, but now she 's worse. She just hates magic trick so much. She 's spoiled than my grandparents."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"Glad I 've never met her."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had intimately holidays ?"

"We found Professor Balladanis lurking around the minister of religion 's Mansion,"Albus announced.

"What ?"John, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the Saame time.

"I saw someone sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go investigate,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the minister of religion had apparently asked him to agree the primer coat for trouble."

"Did he find you ?"whoremaster asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"He was n't to happy either."

"Told us we could 've been killed,"Matt explained.

"Well, we could 've,"rosebush muttered.

"Wyrd though,"John said,"Why would the parson think person would be hiding around his household ?"

"Does n't he consume precaution around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's weird,"John replied,"He does have guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"flatness asked,"Why not ask an Auror ? Balladanis is a professor."

"He has n't always been,"Albus pointed out,"He had some sort of mystifying job before."

"Again, weird,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Yeah, there were a gang of Aurors at the party, not to advert Albus 's dad,"matt pointed out.

"That settles it,"privy announced,"Albus, you 've got to retrieve out what he did before he started teaching Defense ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those special dueling lessons with him. He likes you for some grounds. Of line, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good duellist, too,"John explained.

"I 'll try,"Albus sighed,"But I really do n't think he 'll distinguish me."

"You never know,"John the Divine said.

******

"Quiet, placid !"Balladanis shouted the pursual Tuesday, their commencement day of Department of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to Matt and John and turned to present Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say nothing about what happened at the party and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

"I trust you all had superb holiday,"Balladanis said,"But the holidays are over and although I am surely none of you thought a bit about defensive attitude magic during said holiday, it is now metre to set out that thinking once again.

"First, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about justificatory magic, as the night arts do not take breaks for trivial things such as holidays.

"Second, in this condition we will lead off to explore tool far more severe than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying animate being such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolf, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glance at Linda when Balladanis said vampires. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at matte when he said lycanthrope. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily think anything, but Albus had a feeling it did.

"As the headmaster would find it highly inappropriate for a dragon to demonstrate itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few time. You will find that there are Thomas More lectures in this term, much to my disfavor. There is nothing I would like better than to teach you about acromantulas and werewolves with hardheaded lessons, but there are both practice of law and school rules that prevent such lessons."

Albus and matt glanced at each other. It was official. Professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of instructor would want to learn about dragons with lively dragons ? Well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Saami as Balladanis.

"Take out some parchment,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to set about learning about acromantulas today ...."

The sleep of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not accept Quiditch practice that night, so everyone went to the predator 's Den after dinner.

"Divination is such a laugh,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and collapsed onto a couch,"We started quartz glass ball gazing today. All I saw was a load of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"Rose said as she pulled a stack of al-Qur'an out of her own bag.

"I did n't conceive it would be this bad,"John groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a crystal ball."

"chirology was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the entirely matter worse."

"Trelawney could stool Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could learn us about dark wight using the anamatek,"rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to seem in the middle of the classroom."

"That would be stupid,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a drinking chocolate Frog,"Those can bolt down you with their eyes."

"I know,"rosiness said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you think that anamatek could bend into a werewolf if the moon was n't replete ?"John asked.

"Probably not,"Matt answered,"It would just be a beast. I think it would just be a savage any other prison term of the month, too, because there 's no way it could work individual into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's salutary,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this terminal figure. Wonder if he 'll throw it turn into a vampire."

"No want,"John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to sustain it wrench into a fake werewolf either,"rosiness pointed out.

"Good point, I guess,"trick muttered.

******

The rest of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday even, and Wood informed the whole team that they 'd gotten rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next match was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in second shoes.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the following evening and he had absolutely no approximation how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's late job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's room before Malfoy and entered to find Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the midriff of the room.

"Mr. ceramist,"Balladanis turned around and greeted Albus,"Is it dependable to assume that you did not go wandering about late at nighttime alone after New Year 's ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus muttered as he felt his face turn red. He was quite glad Malfoy was n't there yet.

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may start out. I have decided that your understanding of the Protego spell is satisfactory so we are going to travel on to something else.

"This particular spell, when performed correctly, manages to demilitarise and disorient a mortal at the same meter. The virtuoso is often described as vertigo. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more useful than a standard disarming enchantment ?"

"Because it 's easier to duel someone who 's airheaded than someone who is n't,"Malfoy said.

"More specifically than that,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter ?"

"Er, because you can get the person tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a glowering wizard you 're trying to take in,"Albus replied.

"Another safe reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"wizard who are expecting to throw to duel other virtuoso often keep multiple baton on their person. There are spell that can be performed on these wands to keep them attached to your robe or your actual body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overpower easily. However, these go require invariant concentration.

"If a necromancer is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will lose the compactness necessary to keep their extra wands affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to retain extra wands in our gown ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense concentration and magical Department of Energy to simultaneously execute that appealingness while dueling someone,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will check the charm to disarm and disorient a person at the same time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combination of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, execute the charm against Mr. Potter. Mr. ceramist, you may try and break off him using the Protego good luck charm I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to do the new appealingness first, and faced Malfoy. He held his wand up and muttered 'Protego'under his breathing time. He focused all of his immersion on holding the cuticle up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the charm hit his shell, but it did n't separate through. He gripped his sceptre harder and stared at Malfoy.

"hold going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's shield a little harder this fourth dimension. Albus could palpate beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five fourth dimension to break through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand allow his hand and was overcome by a wave of dizziness at the same meter. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the late year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any attention to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to pass out and he had to sit down. He sat down right on the base and was vaguely aware of Balladanis standing over him.

Then, all of a sudden, the dizziness was gone. Albus shook his head and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in front of him. Malfoy looked impressed and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that carapace,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's dependable to wear that you could n't experience held compactness for any spells after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the charm 's personal effects would induce lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were ready to pass out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're ready, you can try the charm."

"I 'm cook,"Albus said as he took his wand back from Malfoy.

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few irregular to get his shield up and then nodded at Albus to perform the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the charm did not dampen Malfoy 's shield.

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to bankrupt the shield on the fourth part try. One LE try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The charm hit Malfoy in the chest of drawers and his sceptre soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy bent over and fell to the ground, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rare smiles and then pulled out his own wand. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

"It 's supposed to be,"Balladanis said,"Now get up and we 'll do it again."

Balladanis kept them at it for the comfortably part of an hr, past when Albus would deliver liked to chuck up the sponge. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after sentence while trying to hold up a shield charm. Malfoy did n't seem to be faring practically undecomposed and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to quit after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking meliorate of it.

The practice was n't for null, though. Albus managed to hold Malfoy off longer and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting good at the shield magic spell as well, Albus broke through it a few more than times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must stimulate been the 10th time that dark,"I 'll see you in family on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the door, but Albus turned to Balladanis instead. He might as well just get it over with. There was no safe way to ask Balladanis what his former job had been. He just had to do it.

"Er, Sir,"Albus began,"I was just wondering, what did you do before you began teaching here ?"

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a mixture of anger, gloominess, and even regret. For a here and now, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should have just told privy they would n't be able to rule out.

"Now is not the time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in commodity time, I will tell you."

Albus was taken aback. That was more than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would stimulate told him to mind his own concern and get back to Gryffindor tugboat before curfew. Albus was going to witness out, he was just going to have to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his run down res publica, before Balladanis could change his mind about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The paseo back to Gryffindor tower seemed foresightful than usual and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his friend. All five of them looked shocked and Amanda looked like she was going to be sick. He looked around the green way and saw that most people looked blow out of the water and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their usual table.

Rose opened her mouth to mouth and then closed her centre, unable to do so. Albus turned to john and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that bloke who owns Dervish and Banges ?"John asked quietly.

Albus nodded, having seen the man on legion juncture when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly honest-to-goodness than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very intense personality. He never hesitated to take in his opinions known

"Someone killed him,"Saint John said in barely more than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to bet at all his friends in play. mat nodded ever so slightly and then put his caput on his hands.

"Must 've just happened,"King John said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a whirl and Flooed here, to get the Auror on duty. By the fourth dimension they got back, his store was a consummate mess inside and he was laying perfectly on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the forest, the dry land, and the school. cipher 's allowed out of their usual rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would bring you back here when it happened,"Rose said.

"Nobody even came in to tell us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

People were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of matter just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. well, professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one beldam from the Ministry had been killed over Xmas, but their killers had never been found and nothing had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"Matt wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone drink down anyone ?"pink wine replied.

The portrayal trap opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was Professor Longbottom, looking risky for the wear. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the rook and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some sleep. The search will be long over by aurora, so you will be dislodge to go away the park room then."

Albus and his Quaker looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their student residence, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the arcsecond years'dorm. cipher said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's fifth wheel blanket. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so tire earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sopor that night.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome proofreader and referee !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


luncheon was very subdued the next day. Most people had slept quite late since it was a Sat. Every student of Hogwarts had their nozzle in a copy of the oracle, be it their own or a friend 's. The faculty board looked the same, with every professor either reading the vaticinator or whispering with another professor, no dubiety about what they 'd read.

Albus was reading Georgia 's Prophet as she had finished with it and made a mental note to get down subscribing himself. All of his Friend were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a fundament or so away.

HOGSMEADE SHOPKEEPER MURDERED

A hoo-ha in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to obtain the Auror on
responsibility lead story to the discovery of the last
of a market keeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday
eve. His shop class had been broken into
and it showed signs of a battle.
Wisander was discovered in the centre of
destroyed merchandise with his scepter
laying a few human foot away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An encompassing hunting of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its yard turned
up nothing despite the 60 minutes Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprints were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting time to finding
Wisander 's slayer and a potential motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a little over ten years, when he
purchased the store from its premature proprietor
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing newspaper column he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong impression and did not pause
to let others do it his opinions. His most
Holocene epoch editorials have explored the subject
of werewolf, vampire, and former so called
'half-breeds'rights. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorials are a possible motivation for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their tail end. Nobody said a parole for a few minutes. Albus did n't acknowledge what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his belief. However, it did n't exactly say what his beliefs were. Albus had n't ever read any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of editorials did he drop a line ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no idea,"Albus replied, looking at his supporter whose face was quite blanch,"lack to go to the way ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"I 'm not really hungry."

Albus got up and was followed by all of his admirer. John and Kaden each grabbed a heap of pledge before leaving. Even rosiness and Amanda went with them instead of going off to take with Linda.

"Have any of you read his editorials ?"matte asked as soon as they were in the Marauder 's Den.

cipher had read them. Not even Rose. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the sofa."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even have it away which would be better, him being for or against werewolf right hand. If he 's for them, that means some bloke is on the loose killing mass for wanting werewolf rights."

Matt did n't even have to continue for Albus to know why that worried him. mat 's dad was possibly the biggest proponent of werewolf rights in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If person had been killed just for writing about loup-garou rights, what would happen to someone who was actually passing laws for them ?

"That might not be why Wisander was killed,"Rose pointed out.

"Why else would mortal induce killed him ?"matt asked,"He was just a workshop owner in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone kill Professor Torro ?"trick replied,"He was n't even writing any newspaper column or anything."

"To scare citizenry,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense teacher posture used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"fountainhead, I do n't mean you should vex until you find out what the column are about,"Rose said to Matt.

"The other selection is n't much better,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't publish newspaper column for lycanthrope rights, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought lustrelessness had a dot, but he kept his oral fissure shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for month, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really think much about it, but maybe there was more happening outside of Hogwarts than Albus was cognizant of.

"Let 's go to the subroutine library,"Rose said as she stood up,"They 'll have old written matter of the Prophet there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to bump how push it was. Usually Saturdays were the day everyone put off their homework and then Sundays were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the Prophet. Nearly every tabular array had a few newspaper publisher on it and a few bookman poring over them. lady Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the students would rip her treasured newspapers.

"Might not be any pass on,"John muttered.

"This is good,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't look suspicious for us to be investigating."

John was almost flop. There was a very diminished muckle of paper left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the back of the library. Albus, matte, and Rose each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a supererogatory bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two long time old, until he got to the editorial department. In the very middle, in the great case, was an column by Leroy Wisander.

therapist, brewer TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY OFFICIALS

As I was locking up my shop last night,
I noticed that it was a full moon. I
could not facilitate but cerebrate of the inadequate
hoi polloi plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
wolfbane. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by witches and
mavin with lycanthropy.

The stuff is expensive. I myself did
the calculations and discovered that
it would be extremely unmanageable for
anyone with a low income to give it.

And what kind of jobs are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
unity. The jobs where they make hardly
enough money to pay the economic rent and buy
solid food, let alone purchase a potion that
could castrate their lives for the better.

I am absolutely dismay that healer
and potion brewers charge for this
crucial potion. They must be making
a nice profit. They can use the net
to drive exuberant holidays while the
poor enchantress and wizards who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so a lot Ministry official
can do. Head of Werewolf Support Services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would bed to
give away free Wolfsbane, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that therapist
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. Most Healers claim to love
helping the great unwashed, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the ability to brew it like
to have a little extra spending money.

"null in this one,"rose said as she shoved hers aside.

"This one 's got one about vampire,"Matt said as he set his report on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed matte his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

mat took the paper and he and Rose began to translate it. whoremonger, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the room,"Matt said as soon as he 'd finished reading it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newspapers and walked as fast as they could back to the marauder 's Den.

"Bloody snake pit, that bloke must have had so many enemies !"lavatory shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two years ago. guess what he 's written recently."

"Why did he take in to bring up my dad ?"Matt groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that newspaper column and he definitely doesn't."

"He was just trying to touch something up,"Rose replied,"And face where it got him."

"Healers are n't like that. Most of the unity I 've met would give away free wolf's bane, but it 's more elaborate that that. The component are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to name how hard it is. There are n't many therapist who can brew it and even most brewers ca n't brew it,"Matt explained.

"That bloke did n't know the one-half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a Healer and he 'd love to generate away disengage potions. It just does n't shape that way."

"My dad 's linked with that feller,"Matt said quietly,"And now that he 's head of the entire department, he 'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really good star, though,"Albus pointed out to his worried friend,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are burden of Aurors milling about. And your house is more saved than any other theater I 've seen, well, except the Minister 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not beneficial,"matte sighed.

Albus could n't argue with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more of import than the Quidditch tournament and the dueling tournament.

******

Albus and his supporter scoured the Daily Prophet every morning the following hebdomad. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigating, or both. So far the investigating had turned up zero. The Aurors had questioned quite a few mass, namely those very outspoken against werewolf and vampire right, but the search had proved fruitless.

The clause about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his newspaper column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer I. Each day trivial pieces of his various column were being published. In one, he stated the intellect why werewolves should n't be locked up on full moonlight. The reasons were quite absurd, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another newspaper column talked about why lamia should be allowed access to man to prick. He suggested using prisoner and allowing vampires to soak up them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison costs at the same time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,"John announced at breakfast the be Dominicus. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a year living with a vampire tribe in Turkey when he was young. They were some of the few people actually up at an early hour, as Albus had Quidditch practice and King John had a break of the day detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the potty in Moaning Myrtle 's toilet the premature day.

"That 's a decent way of putting it,"Albus said as he served himself more eggs.

"What are you doing after Quidditch practice ?"privy asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to provide eventually ? woods wo n't take a leak us practice for the next week ? I thought he was going to prevent going until the existent match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"John Lackland grinned.

"What a shame,"Albus rolled his oculus,"Anyway, I 'll probably have to do prep, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after custody ?"

"Thought I might gain another detention,"privy grinned,"But Kaden 's interfering with chess club this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his succus,"Kaden joined the chess nine ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any early Kadens ?"John laughed,"Rose said they want to instruct him how to play properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll tell Rose good luck with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and rose will be busy with that. Not that rose wine would want to realise custody with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, prep, I think. And I doubt flatness will be up for doing anything,"John continued.

"right,"Albus said, remembering that the full moon was that nighttime,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"King John sighed,"I guess I 'll just give ear around the den with Matt. I can let a courteous coloured conversation."

"You can do your homework,"Albus told him.

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"John said.

"wellspring, have fun in your hold. I 've got to get to practice,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice words Albus had for exercise that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his finest frame as he ordered the squad to do recitation hour after hour. He seemed to get more and Sir Thomas More stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of man-to-man preparation with Teddy and Albus was more than a footling covetous. teddy bear was a much more patient captain than Wood was and yelled a wholly lot less. President Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them experience a short suspension for lunch, making sure they knew to occur back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the rest of praxis, but they were back on the sales talk at the time Ellen Price Wood told them to be.

The afternoon was very similar to the morning and Albus found that he could tune up out Wood 's yelling quite easily. It was similar to tuning out his mum 's yelling.

Practice finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the pitch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the pitch for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, practice Tuesday even !"wood shouted as the hale team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot cascade and then set off to find his supporter.

rose wine, Amanda, and Linda were in the coarse room, but the son were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to take care for them after saying a quick hello to the girls.

John and Kaden were in the middle of a ignite game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the marauder 's Den a few minutes later. Gospel According to John 's grimace was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite clean and jerk. There was also a big grin on his face which contrasted the scowl on John 's face. matt was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the secret plan, but he was sound asleep.

"Albus !"Kaden shouted,"How was practice ?"

"Grueling. Sir Henry Joseph Wood 's ten times worse than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five bloody time of day in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch.

"Better than scrubbing Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't know what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so cheery today,"Kaden said,"So many complaints."

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every single person in the Bromus secalinus guild,"Kaden shook his brain,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the circuit card blew up in his face again,"Have you done that Defense attempt ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your help,"can said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense volume. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the flow grim puppet of the week.

John sat down at the tabular array while Albus lay on the sofa. He just could n't convey himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled answers to King John whenever he asked a question.

"Do you think up the Gallus gallus egg under a frog or a toad frog ?"John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull a Rose and tell you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even rag,"Albus said. Even pink wine would n't be able-bodied to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football game,"Kaden commented,"I mean, you fly, you do n't run."

Albus lifted his head up and glared at Kaden."wood had us doing push-ups and running laps."

"Really ?"Kaden sounded surprised,"Why ?"

"To get us into shape after the vacation,"Albus answered,"So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work."

"Ok, ok,"Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework.

Albus managed to get in a somewhat well-off positioning on the sofa and wrote his essay with his record book and sheepskin perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the tabular array ; at least he was capable to classify of lie down.

A few hours later both Albus and bathroom had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever prep he was working on.

"We should probably ignite him up,"Albus gestured to Matt, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice.

St. John the Apostle got up and began to prod lustrelessness 's arm. It took a good two minutes for matte to open his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"St. John the Apostle told him.

"Then I should probably go,"Matt mumbled,"Oh, Albus, you 're back from practice."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"It was really long, though."

"I 'll go with you to the hospital annex,"John the Divine said and Matt did not object. Albus assured him they 'd travel to him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John returned a piffling while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the predator 's Den afterwards and John the Evangelist and Kaden continued working on their homework while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too betimes to wake up.

"Albus !"Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side.

Albus opened his eyes and saw teddy bear standing over his bed. A coup d'oeil at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to wake up. It was six in the morning. On a Sat. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. wood 's in the unwashed room,"Teddy whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His eyes shot back open and he sat up."What ?"

"Fielding 's sick,"Teddy told him,"You 're playing today."

Now Albus was wide awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the former stockpile pursuer, a seventh year Slytherin.

"She 's sick, too,"slip explained,"The two of them are going out, so it does n't surprise me."

Albus took that to mean that slip thought they were snogging and one got the other sick.

"I 'll be down in two minute of arc,"Albus muttered.

Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a T-shirt and a pair of denim before running down to the park elbow room, where he found Oliver Wood pacing in front of the vacate fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the commons room,"You 're playing Chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very long speech. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactic, which Albus had already heard during practice session that week. He could n't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could throw accomplished the Same affair at ten.

Sir Henry Joseph Wood and shimmy left after woodwind finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was extensive awake, it would be pointless.

role of woods 's address had been on the weather, which was low temperature and slightly snowy. Could be risky, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The shape were very alike to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the coarse room reading a book he found laying around until his friends got up around ten.

"There you are,"flatness, who was looking significantly adept than he had a few sidereal day ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"teddy bear got me up. Wood had to tell me I 'm playing Chaser today."

"What ?"mat shouted,"That 's brilliant !"

"This is great, Albus !"King John grinned,"But why ?"

"fielding 's sick and so is the former reserve pursuer,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New House of York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his friend, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't think he had ever been more queasy for a Quidditch match. This was a really important match, as Sir Henry Joseph Wood had pointed out numerous multiplication. If they won by a encompassing enough margin, they 'd be in second place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous people came over to the Gryffindor table to wish Albus luck.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

"Dad,"Albus smiled. He had n't been sure if his dad was coming to the equal or not.

"I 'll be watching the wholly meter. I 'm surely you 're going to do enceinte. Just think of it as a mate against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robe are blue angel,"Harry grinned,"trade good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the relaxation of the Hogwarts team a few minutes later. All his friends wished him adept chance as he left the Hall.

cypher talked much as they changed into their robes. Everyone sat down afterwards, fix for wood 's pre-match speech.

However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the shortness of the address, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the pitch.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's peak of view, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my writer Sir Frederick Handley Page if you want to check it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten proceedings into the mates, Albus decided there were four types of Quidditch in the world. Casual Quidditch, like what he played with his cousins ; schooling Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the players more determined, and the wager were higher than a pattern school Quidditch match.

Albus dodged one of the New House of York chaser and flew up to fascinate the Quaffle, which had been dropped by Waverly as he had been hit by a bludger. As soon as Albus had the Quaffle, he was flanked by the early two New York Chasers.

Albus pushed his heather to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his pectus. Then he plunged down to the ground, where nonentity else was flying. He was back up high two hour later when he had reached the New York finish posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the left-hand goal spot. The steward was too slow and the Quaffle soared through.

"Potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

James grinned at Albus as he flew past. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's Keeper to throw the Quaffle out. That had been his first goal of the match.

The Quaffle continued to exchange men quickly as the match went on. An time of day later there was still no signaling of the snitch and both team were neck in cervix as far as points went. New House of York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more goals and he began to relax a little. The match began to feel more like a shoal match and less like a professional equal, even though the stakes were still high.

Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty points when Saint James caught the Snitch, or they would n't be able to overwhelm New York as far as overall points went.

"New York 's Seeker has seen the sneak !"Smith announced.

Albus, who had been following one of New York 's chaser ( the one who had the Quaffle ), turned around and saw that their quester was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'middle goal.

James noticed as well and flew straight at the wicket. He had been significantly closer than New York 's Seeker and flew away from the hoop with the struggling snitch in his hand.

The crowd roared and James held the Snitch high above his head. Both squad flew to the ground and Albus saw the pained aspect on Wood 's face. They had n't won by enough to be in irregular plaza overall.

"I had no option !"James II shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

Wood nodded in arrangement, but he still looked let down. Albus chose to ignore this and helped the rest of the team to lift James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the peak, the Australian School of necromancy is in first place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for instant. The adjacent equal will consider post at the end of February !"John Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his Quaker until they were back in the usual elbow room. teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor vernacular room. shimmy informed everyone that the three other family were hosting political party as well. The students from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their Seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your considerably match yet,"John said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of wish well I could play in the succeeding match."

"Maybe Fielding will still be sick,"John said.

"Doubt it,"Albus replied,"Plus, I 'm sure O'delle will get first dibs on the following mate if any of the other chaser get sick."

"At least you got to diddle in one mates,"Rose pointed out.

"Anyway, the succeeding match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"flatness said.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"If we win that one, it 'll be a miracle. But we 're not even playing in the next one. following peer is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner time, when people began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to plume Albus and James River shortly before Albus and his Quaker left for dinner party. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his youngster know.

******

aliveness at Hogwarts returned to convention shortly after the Quidditch couple. The vaticinator printed fewer and fewer articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to draw a blank about his death. Everyone except Matt, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the students at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unresolved murder when the next Hogsmeade tripper arrived two daylight after valentine 's Day. A portion of the students were too lovesick to comment the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to brothel keeper Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, privy, or Matt were too preoccupied to point out the abandoned construction, though. The three of them stopped to count at it for a spell despite the biting breaking wind. pink wine and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"John the Divine asked as they looked at the vacate building.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"The Prophet never mentioned any family."

"It 's probably still part of the investigation,"matte pointed out,"Plus, who would want a edifice that soul was killed in ? I do n't even need to go in it."

Albus did n't guess it was a dear prison term to remind lusterlessness that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screech Shack.

"Good power point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't find who it was,"John said quietly,"They never found out who killed Torro."

"I really hope they find who it was,"mat replied.

"They will,"Albus said,"They 're still focused on it."

Albus, lustrelessness, and John the Divine went to the Three broom handle a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castling when Albus heard someone whisper his epithet behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The articulation sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his bridge player out and it touched something solid, but it looked like no one was there.

"Kaden,"Albus groaned,"Is that you ?"

"Yeah,"Kaden whispered back,"I stole your cloak."

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for lusterlessness and John, who were both looking confused, to fall out him. He assumed Kaden would follow as well. Albus lead them up High Street until they reached the Shrieking shanty. Nobody was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do earn how stupid this was."

"Yes,"Kaden replied as he took off the cloak.

"Bloody sin !"privy shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a unspoiled time, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to sneak in today. virtually of the instructor come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My cousins told me. They want to make sure no one does anything dullard because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"flatness asked.

"One-eyed hag statue,"Kaden replied,"Leads right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you know how difficult it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's face turned T. H. White and his mouth dropped undefendable. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met expression to face with professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd carry,"Balladanis replied,"Come with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into worry, but Albus should have known beneficial than to believe they could go the totally year.

nobody spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had zilch to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how stupid I was."

"Then it would seem that Mr. potter and I agree on something,"Balladanis replied,"Where 'd you get that cloak ?"

"It 's Albus 's,"Kaden said quietly,"I took it. He did n't give it to me to snarf in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may return to your coarse room. Mr. Dursley will get together you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and John could not get out of there fast enough. They walked straight back to the common room, talking about how favorable they had been. It must suffer looked like all three of them had helped Kaden sneak into Hogsmeade. effective thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen minutes later, looking quite dysphoric. He collapsed onto a chair and stared mutinously at the table.

"detention every Saturday for the next month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how severe it was for me to sneak out and if I did it again I 'd get a forged penalization than detention. Did n't exposit on that, though."

"He 'd probably get you kicked out,"John commented.

"Did he say what you have to do for detention ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Kaden said,"Guess it 'll be a surprise."

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to hold him alphabetize his individual library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den harangue about the amount of books Balladanis had.

"He 's got more account book on iniquity creature than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's telling,"flatness replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detentions alphabetizing those volume. He almost did n't manage to finish and if that had been the eccentric, Balladanis would have given him a fifth part detention.

The next full moon came and went, as did the following Quidditch match. Albus was beginning to mistrust that the wide-cut moons were becoming defective for matte, although he did n't have it away why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the sneak a one-half hr in. Wood insisted that this was a good matter, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to seduce a good quantity of goals before Linda caught the Snitch in their following compeer, they would have more than boilers suit points than New York. Wood seemed to make lost any hope that James could overreach Linda in Seeking, something James fumed about on a cheeseparing daily basis.

Master of Architecture arrived and with it a three day rain violent storm that left the background completely flooded. Both Herbology and upkeep of Magical beast had to take spot inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lessons. Wood continued to hold Quiditch exercise and Albus returned to the castling completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teachers were piling on the homework and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to bring up the O.W.L.s even though they were a entirely two yr away. The alone instructor who was n't talking about the end of term test was Professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his example as if end of term exams did not be. He changed nothing about his lessons except the benighted creature they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampires next calendar week,"Balladanis announced at the end of class on Th,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't help but look at Linda before he began packing up his thing. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them decent about identifying vampire for anyone to enter out that Linda was one.

"So,"Saint John said as he flipped through his refutation book the following eventide. Albus, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden were in the Marauder 's Den and St. John the Apostle was just finishing the chapter on vampires."Look what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own Koran."werewolf,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"Matt muttered,"It was bound to occur eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to attain you go in for extra helper during that unit,"John grinned,"I 'm surely you 'll postulate incumbrance of extra help in identifying werewolves."

mat rolled his heart."He better. It 'll look suspect if I do n't go in for special help. speechmaking of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

"We 'd better go then,"lavatory said,"See you two later."

Albus managed to finish his Herbology preparation while bathroom and Matt were gone. Then it was fourth dimension for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the English of the schoolroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silvery cosmic string of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the chain were memories, Albus realized. For a moment, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to separate him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. ceramicist,"Balladanis said quietly,"Come in."

Albus stood awkwardly succeeding to one of the front tabular array while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two boys for a few instant before speaking.

"We 're not dueling today,"he said,"Instead, I am going to indicate you something."He motioned for them to fall in him at his desk.

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for explanations, but Albus would hold appreciated one mightily then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to search store. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, thin forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your physical structure will play along. Scorpius, you will follow. I will descend after you."

Albus 's beat sped up a little bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid idea ? He did n't even be intimate what he was getting into. But it was just a storage. zippo could hurt him in a memory, right ?

Albus took a deep breath and plunged his nerve into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard forage and looked around.

It was gloam and very placidity. There was a lowly house in the length, atop of a rocky hill. In fact, the unit area was mostly bumpy. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of smoke in the entirely plaza. It did n't look like any topographic point in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed next to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his metrical foot and they waited for Malfoy to get up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

Albus did so, but he still felt like he deserved an explanation. Where were they ? Why were they there ? Whose memory was this ? What did it deliver to do with dueling ?

"apology me, Sir,"Malfoy said,"Where are we ?"

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did zero but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Greece of all position ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining temper, judging by his short, one parole solvent to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the minor star sign. The only haphazardness was their footsteps. There were n't even any hooter hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must have been their destination. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the weaken down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the Shrieking hut, only humble. It was form of broken Down and did n't attend like a place that would be good to live in.

someone lived there, though. A light was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more minutes and then someone turned it off.

Balladanis made no move towards the business firm. Instead, he seemed focused on the woodland that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the timber was as good a place as any to watch.

They watched the woods for a one-half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded shape practically flew out of the forest. They were at the house before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His face was hardened.

All was silence for two moment. The public figure entered the planetary house, but did not turn on any igniter. Then the shrieking started. Albus jumped at the sound of the kickoff one.

They were agonizing, farsighted sidesplitter. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and serve whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was nothing more than a memory. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's face showed nada. nada but the Saami case-hardened feeling he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the former paw, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two different people. There was a high-pitched one that must receive been coming from a char, and a low-down one that must induce been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. First the adult female, then the man. The hooded figures left the house as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no movement to leave. Instead he stared at the house. Two minutes later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew nigher, Albus could see that the person was a boy who looked no sure-enough than Albus himself. His face was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too dour to say, but Albus was trusted there were rent running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't notice the three people watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky mound in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar. There was something about his facial expression that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite place it.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long time after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the Defense schoolroom. Albus landed next to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in front of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the bulwark, and did n't turn over around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nada about the conniption he had just witnessed that did n't attain Albus odd. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each other and it was form of strange. They were on the same side. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explain.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his hands on his desk and leaned forward, looking both Albus and Malfoy in the eye.

It happened in a split second. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the face of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked conversant. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the likeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That scenery had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right following to each other and Albus did n't wish. At the moment, finding out what that tantrum was was more significant than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few weeks ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. Potter,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the design of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the right here and now. I feel that that moment is now."

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front of his desk. He began to tempo in front of it.

"There is a rationality why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my classes what I did before commandment. The reason is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have accomplishment beyond your years that I have never seen before, and think me, I have seen plenty of olympian duelist in my time. This may be a good prison term to tell you how rare it is to consume two such skilled duelers in the same twelvemonth at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to seem at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the jump of some sort of theatre unity speech or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the best of acquaintance,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how move I am that you seem to put the animosity behind you when you step into my classroom for your lessons."

The sole cause for that, at least for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would allow Albus and Malfoy bickering with each other during lessons.

"Back to what I was going to enjoin you,"Balladanis said,"That scene that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summer before my third year at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very theatre we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very poor and could barely afford to put food on the table. I think they were grateful when I went away to school, the sole reason being that they would n't have to interest about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully guiltless and fun days at the Grecian School of Magic. I returned home during summers replete of narration about my ally and all the mischief we 'd gotten into."

Albus found it difficult to imagine Balladanis getting into trouble at schoolhouse or doing anything fun in general.

"Everything changed the summer before my third twelvemonth. It changed on the night you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that night. They attacked my parents and drank them dry. I hid in a closet, too scared to do anything. Then, once the vampires left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the house of one of my friends. His parents took me in, but things were obviously never the Sami. I changed on that night."

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in make out daze. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampires ? That was one matter that had never crossed Albus 's judgement.

"I returned to schoolhouse that September hardened. Nothing was fun anymore. Nothing was funny. It was then that I decided to commit my liveliness to ridding the reality of such evils. Vampires, obscure wizards, werewolves, anyone and anything that murders viciously."

Albus could n't avail but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned werewolves. Balladanis seemed to remark this and gave Albus the slightest of smiles.

"However, I did clear that not all vampires, werewolf, giants, and other beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to kill. It was for this reason that I did not wish to be employed by the Hellene Ministry. The Greek Ministry prefers to dish out with wizard creature as a whole and not signalize between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very large population of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the inquiry. Instead, I chose to enter a more secretive profession. One that you will not find pamphlets on when you get career advice from your heads of theatre. One that no one except me is going to evoke to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's kernel sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the Sami meter, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a serious enough dueler for this life history, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am sure enough neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out grim wizards and dingy magic. However, we not only try out glum wizards and dismal conjuring trick, we seek out dark and severe tool as well.

"The magnanimous deviation is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the public and we are often sought out by versatile Ministries and hired on an as-needed foundation. We travel from rural area to country, whenever we are needed. It is quite tightlipped. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The musical theme intrigued him, though. A closemouthed kind of Auror who did not turn for the Ministry.

"I never caught the lamia who killed my parents. I have met one vampire who knew them, but she is not like them. I am still searching for them, however."

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the nominal head of his desk. He looked at Albus and Malfoy, but did not say anything else.

"Why are you teaching here, then ?"Malfoy asked.

"That is one affair that is between myself and professor Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back next year ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right now, I have no estimation,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much yearner than normal. If you think of anymore questions, do not pause to see me. I 'll walk you back to your common rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His judgment was racing with what he just learned. He did n't live what to constitute of it. It was just so much info at once.

The uncouth room was nearly empty-bellied when Albus climbed through the portraiture hole. It must accept been really late, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't bang what time it was.

"There you are !"rose shouted,"pigeon hawk, you 've been gone for hours !"

"What did he have you doing ?"Matt asked.

"I 'll tell you tomorrow,"Albus muttered, realizing that all he wanted to do was lay in his bed and think about what Balladanis had just said.

Albus was vaguely aware of his Quaker suspiration of disappointment as he went up to his dorm room, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his idea was racing at the Lapp time.

Albus tossed and turned the entire night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis thinking of her. He had said he did n't hold a grudge against vampire that did n't shoot down people, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the vampire he had met who knew the lamia who killed his parents ? It was possible since vampires never aged. Or maybe she was a completely dissimilar vampire. Albus wondered how many vampire Balladanis knew.

Eventually Albus fell into a restless eternal rest, but his dreams were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"pigeon hawk, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his head. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his whole family had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat becoming sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

"He 's like you are after replete moons."

"Shut it. Seriously, Albus, get up."

"Yeah, we want to sleep with what happened last night."

individual pulled the mantle open and took the pillow off Albus 's head. He looked up and saw John and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"John asked,"Because that would stimulate me want to hole up in bed for the day."

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll tell you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you better get hold rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll evidence you in the predator 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to hear this."

The girl and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, John, and lusterlessness had luncheon. John kept pestering Albus all through dejeuner, wanting to know why Linda could n't see about it, but Albus said nothing. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to state his ally about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the name of pigeon hawk happened final night ?"rosiness asked as soon as they were all in the piranha 's Den.

"Balladanis told us what he did before he started teaching at Hogwarts,"Albus said quietly.

"And you neglected to tell us until now ?"Saint John gaped,"I 've been wanting to jazz for the entire twelvemonth !"

"I know, John,"Albus snapped,"But it 's not anything what you 'd think."

"Sorry,"toilet muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve lastly night,"Albus began.

"Really ?"Rose looked impressed,"What was that like ?"

"Not that outstanding, to be fair,"Albus said,"Probably would let been better if it was a better memory.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down house in Greece. Kind of looked like a smaller more run-down version of the shrieking Shack."

"In Greece ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the star sign for what seemed alike minute and then these trope broke into it and we heard this atrocious screaming. Then the figures left. Then this fellow who was about our age came running out with this ugly frighten away tone on his face. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a living ?"John asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his house. The screams were his parents. The boy was him. He told us this after. His parents were killed by a coven of vampires."

nonentity said anything for a long metre. Albus looked at his booster and they all wore match aspect of shock.

"And you watched it ?"flatness asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"Merlin, no wonderment Balladanis is so bally insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to devote his life to ridding the world of evil, whether it be lamia, moody mavin, or other dark brute,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"Rose asked.

"No,"Albus shook his principal,"He 's a Presuler."

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after dark animal, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the mankind. They 're police detective as well. Apparently it 's all very closemouthed,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"Saint John the Apostle said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

"Me, too,"flatness agreed,"Instead he just hunts down vampires. And, werewolves."

"Only ones that kill people,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All wolfman have the capability of killing people, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his sentiment on vampires and lycanthrope truly is, it 's going to be interest to see how he teaches us about them,"Rose mused.

"shot this is why you did n't require Linda to hear about this,"privy said.

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Apparently he still has n't found the vampires who killed his parents, but he knows a vampire who knows them. That vampire does n't kill people. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever find out."

"Oh, I 've got to tell you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a deep breathing space,"He thinks Malfoy and I should go Presulers."

"Seriously ?"matte asked.

"Yeah, because we 're good duelers,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't have to roll in the hay. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't adjudicate anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the Dark artistic creation, but it might cloud his legal opinion sometimes,"Rose warned.

"I know, that 's what I do n't get,"Albus said,"Why is he telling us this now ?"

"Maybe because he does n't plan on staying,"Matt replied,"Why would he stop searching for the vampires who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

"Malfoy asked,"Albus told him,"But he would n't state us. He said it 's between him and Kendrick."

"Because that 's not wary or anything,"John rolled his centre,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to think about it."

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be easier said than done, especially since defense lawyers year was soon devoted to learning about vampires. Balladanis seemed to teach that detail unit with a good deal to a greater extent ebullience than usual, a feat that nobody thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but about just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about lamia was scarf out Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the school day year. It was still fairly worry, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the puppet they were learning about, the more matter to it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every scholar was grateful for.

However, partway through their second week devoted to vampires, the anamatek 's proboscis reappeared in the Defense classroom. There was an audible groan from every student who stepped into the room.

"If that affair turns into a lamia, I think I 'm going to get up and leave,"John seethed as they took their seats.

"Maybe we 're moving onto another creature,"Albus suggested even though he knew the chance were slim to none.

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing werewolf next,"St. John the Apostle reminded him,"And Matt said that affair could n't turn into an existent werewolf. oral presentation of flatness, he 's golden he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The fully moon had been the previous night.

"Quiet,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire lesson today. Today I wish to evince you what a vampire looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the skills necessary to fight a vampire."

"He 's genial,"John the Divine muttered.

Balladanis drew his wand and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped open and out stepped a very pallid man with chiseled feature. He did n't motivate, but merely stared out at all the students.

"lamia are the perfect predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his wand at the vampire and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the back of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The lamia had moved so fast that Albus had missed it in the nictation of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're ripe looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The alternative is not gravid, either. From the moment their teeth disclose your skin, you begin to transform into a lamia as well. You will suit one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to barricade it, no potion to counteract it.

"Vampires Leigh Hunt at night when their vision is still excellent, but when homo visual sensation is compromised. However, that is not the only ground. Does anyone get laid the other ?"

Rose raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, young lady Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"lamia are in essence allergic to the sun,"Rose explained,"When the sunlight hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headaches and makes them feel sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to antagonise the impression of the sun on vampire. Therefore they tend to populate areas that see less sun and areas of dense forest, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, parts of Canada, and contribution of USSR. However there is also a significant lamia population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the tree trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The lesson continued until the ship's bell rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the future unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

Albus and his Friend went to bring down flatness late that Nox after Albus got out of Quidditch pattern. They only had a half hour or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an splendid Defense lesson today,"Gospel According to John said once Madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the usual ones ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked ready to fall asleep at any moment.

"Balladanis brought back the anamatek,"Albus told him.

"He what ?"lusterlessness shouted, although since his voice was husky it was n't very brassy,"We 're still doing vampires, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a vampire,"John said,"We did n't have to defend it. He just used it to show how tight vampire were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"Matt replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"privy shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few more daytime of vampires."

"well, the longer we spend on vampire, the more time we have before we start werewolf,"lustrelessness said quietly,"I really hope he does n't drop as much time on them as he has on vampires."

"I do n't consider he will,"Albus said,"His parents were n't killed by werewolves."

"Thank Falco columbarius for that,"Matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"Rose said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after lunch,"Albus told him,"unspoilt night."

"'Night,"Matt said.

They left the Aaron Montgomery Ward just as brothel keeper Pomfrey was coming out of her bailiwick, presumably to state them to pull up stakes and present matte Thomas More potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the common room, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's full cousin had begun to take up stakes on how long Balladanis was going to spend teaching the third years about vampires. Fred was trusted he 'd spend the remainder of full term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the next building block partway through April. None of the third old age were actually participating in these stake because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the next Quidditch match came along. This one was the 2d Hogwarts versus Aboriginal Australian schooling of black art peer, which meant Mrs. Henry Wood was in his prime of life when it came to practice session. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing suite since he spent more of his fourth dimension on the Quidditch Pitch than in the Gryffindor commons room.

Albus awoke the day of the mate to toilet 's forte swearing instead of Teddy, which told him that he did not have to play during that compeer. He could n't help but sense slightly thwarted. Figuring there was no point in going back to slumber, he got up and asked Gospel According to John what happened.

"Tripped over Matt 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his redress foot,"Why ca n't he just put that stupid thing away ?"

"Like you always do ?"Albus smirked and gestured to John 's own caldron, which was sitting only a few foundation away from Matt's.

John muttered something indistinguishable and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the toilet while Albus woke Matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the plebeian room a little while later and then went down to the Great Charles Martin Hall to get something to eat.

A few hr later the male child were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the equal to begin. pink wine and Amanda were with them.

"admiration how foresightful it 'll take away Linda to see the Snitch this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minutes,"lavatory said,"Hey, retrieve that sentence we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Was n't Linda supposed to set forth flying dull after that ?"

"That 's what I thought,"can shrugged,"But she did n't during the last match."

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"Matt put in,"I mean, think about it, if James could fly that fast, would he really slow down to a normal focal ratio ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prediction proved right. Linda did not slow down down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating King James I to the sneak by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Commonwealth of Australia at that point and only wound up losing by 40 full point.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New House of York as far as Quidditch tip went. Commonwealth of Australia was still in the trail, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tourney. As of the most recent tourney, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in go lieu and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tourney point were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the outcome of the remaining qualifying tournaments and matches, the finals for both were going to determine the winner of the rival. The points were just too close.

Although there was obviously no celebration in the Gryffindor common room after the match, nobody was particularly grim either. Albus figured this was because nobody had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two weeks into Apr, Omar Nelson Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were able-bodied to hard currency in on their wager about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the yearn awaited essay on lamia on Th, officially making the lamia unit the recollective unit they had done. They had spent an entire calendar month and a half on it. The essay seemed to equalize this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, mat, and John saved their essays for the last possible minute of arc, settling down to knead on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly heavy essay because Balladanis had given them so much information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to publish. rosebush and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't serve but be slightly covetous of them because doing the essay with an actual vampire would make it the loose essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's glad this unit 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the Marauder 's Den Mon evening.

"She is,"pink wine answered,"She hated every minute of those object lesson. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, rose ?"John asked as he measured his own essay.

"ternion feet,"Rose answered.

John Lackland groaned."Do you think Balladanis will comment if mine 's three inches short ?"

"Yes,"Rose said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely picky about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't finish up it we can just hop-skip course tomorrow,"matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to show up in course of instruction without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to class,"Rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to socio-economic class tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to end it,"Rose told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"whoremaster said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll re-create piece of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"cypher found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't call up anyone 's going to find out you 're a werewolf just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feeling about it,"Matt sighed.

"feeling on the bright side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the loup-garou essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really care about the essay,"matt said flatly.

Both Matt and John Lackland managed to finish their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor tower, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't think Matt slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, flatness, and lavatory got a recently jump since lav had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure as shooting how it go there ), the three boys rushed down to the Great student residence to grab musical composition of goner before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right on time and barely had a fortune to catch their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to paw in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

"wellspring, our unit on vampire is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on werewolves for today ? If you had for some cause decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual pacing in straw man of the classroom. He stopped in social movement of Rose and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with werewolf account,"he announced,"Nobody is sure when the first werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding culture. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle acculturation have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of years ago, before the Muggle theatre of psychology came about and long before Muggles had any reason of the human being psyche, they tried to take a leak sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to impute the insanity to the lunar month. Over the twelvemonth, the myth of werewolves came about. Thus, lycanthrope have had a pregnant role in Muggle chronicle. In reality, the people Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenia or bout of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to spell everything down. He knew absolutely cypher about the Muggle survey of lycanthropy. He glanced at mat and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of course know cipher about real werewolves,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolves have short in common with the tangible matter.

"Werewolves are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

rose wine was the only one who raised her bridge player. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Hellenic words 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"rose explained,"Lykos means skirt chaser and anthropos means man."

"Very estimable,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthropes.

"Lycanthropes have been shunned by wizarding society for as longsighted as history has told us about them. In recent years, there has been a great deal speculation about whether this is necessary or even a good estimation. However, it is difficult to change the judgement of the majority when we have been taught to nullify lycanthropes and shun them from wizarding beau monde for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this oecumenical prejudice has came about. When in brute mannequin, werewolves can not control their actions and thus attack helpless people. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to attack people, wanting to infect them with the horrifying disease.

"This can not be farther from the case when it comes to most werewolves. virtually do not wish to attack others. Within the past tense hundred years, wolfman have begun locking themselves up on the full moon in edict to stave off attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone make out this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on flatness, but he continued staring down at his evacuate parchment.

rosiness and Linda raised their hands. This sentence Balladanis called on Linda."When wolfman do n't have anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a alternative and they often wind up really hurt because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's idea further, but Albus did n't find out what he said because lustrelessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly uneasy and Albus was happy that the course of instruction was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the rest of the lecture.

"We 'll pick up side by side class with what happens before, during, and after full-of-the-moon moons for a mortal with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell rang,"If you have not translate the werewolf chapter, please do so for next fourth dimension. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come see me."

matte looked, if it was possible, even more nervous at this panorama. The rest of the form left and Albus tried to put away his affair as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with bathroom, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and whoremaster left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, ceramist,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, cypher. Just a very crystalize object lesson. I 've learned so very much,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"merlin,"John muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll have intercourse after following object lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"toilet replied,"That 's a overnice way of putting it. The whole school 's going to know in two twenty-four hours, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"lav nodded,"We ca n't tell him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether lustrelessness knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"null,"lavatory said,"What did Balladanis desire ?"

"Told me I did n't have to go to the extra help during this social unit unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't know,"mat said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many Thomas More deterrent example like that. pigeon hawk, Thursday 's moral is going to be awful."

Albus saw no stop in denying that. lusterlessness did n't have a clue as to how fearsome it would be. They said nothing more about it the totally way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch drill as he was Tuesday and Wed even. He was perfectly happy to spend all his free time on the Quidditch delivery and then be too tired to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to sustain what Malfoy said away from Matt. He wanted zip more than to discourage his friend about it, even though he knew that would fulfil cypher. All it would do was defecate Matt worry even more and then act even more dying during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's idea off of what would happen after Malfoy 's intuition were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent certain Malfoy would announce it to all of Slytherin. Then, Book would spread and the entire schooling would get out. Falco columbarius only knew what would materialize when bookman'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf right had come a hanker way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that most people would not be happy if their fry were going to school with a werewolf, especially one that did not take wolf's bane. Not to name the field day the jam would have with it. mat 's dad had just become capitulum of the department for the regulating and mastery of Magical Creatures for Merlin 's interest. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a thin luck that Malfoy found out about the musical passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a panic attack. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a werewolf ?

It did not help that the wax moon was that Friday. Matt barely spoke during the brief sentence that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch pitch. He sat in the marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch practices took Albus 's psyche off of all of that, but they did not hold on Th from arriving and sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and John exchanged nervous glances as Malfoy walked in with a very smug flavour on his case. Albus was so center on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's tree trunk was back in movement of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John Lackland in the side.

"What ?"John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's beard,"trick exclaimed,"I do n't even require to know what he 's going to do with that."

"repose down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll uphold our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a loup-garou when the synodic month waxes.

"werewolf, in a similar way to lamia, are somewhat allergic to the moonshine when the Sun Myung Moon waxes. For the few nighttime before the actual full moonshine, when exposed to moonlight werewolf will experience ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this mastered, as he knew first of all hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonshine shortly before the wax synodic month. Instead he stole straightaway coup d'oeil at Malfoy and Matt. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quick glances at Matt himself. lustrelessness was staring down at his parchment and Albus was surely he was trying to ignore everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the lesson or because the replete Sun Myung Moon was the next day.

"Lycanthropes are often too ill to go about their everyday activeness the day of the full moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the actual transformation, I wish to show you what a person with lycanthropy looks like the day of the to the full moon."

For a brief sec, Albus thought Balladanis was going to holler lusterlessness to the front of the way, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must hold promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the torso and a small man stepped out of it. His wanness looked exactly like flatness 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore mark and had a peaked aspect to them.

Balladanis began to mouth about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute or so with shock and then he glanced at Matt. Finally, he met Albus 's regard and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the example passed by in a sorting of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged glances and the look on John 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's actualisation as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's speech, but he did n't process it.

The lesson seemed to embroil on and speed by at the same prison term. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the Saami time he did not need to have it away what was going to fall out after.

"Next example will focus on Wolfsbane Potion and the effects it has had on wolfman rights,"Balladanis announced at the end of the deterrent example,"course dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each early. Albus did n't acknowledge what to do. Should he face up Malfoy ? Or should he separate Matt what happened ? Matt seemed forgetful to the unscathed thing.

They silently decided just to go forth the schoolroom and adjudicate what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not sure if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden impulse just to hex Malfoy right then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your commercial enterprise,"lusterlessness muttered. Albus and lav both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even worse tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the calendar month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got mat 's attention. His caput snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to Gospel According to John with the most panicked feeling on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun wax lunation, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just brassy enough for mat, Albus and King John to hear.

matte did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the dislike of the educatee who were trying to get to class, and disappeared in a affair of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out lustrelessness 's secret, but he had used it to scare him. In nub, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the unfit thing he could give done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to socio-economic class, Albus pulled out his verge and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make surely you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't agnize you."

"Is that a threat, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell out it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how much better I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"bathroom shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a circle of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarmament spell and shot another enchantment at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portrayal. The portrait 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his shield charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his shield held up while the hex barb at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling hex at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his nerve. Malfoy 's olfactory organ started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his verge and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't burn off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at St. John and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his discipline. Albus looked nervously at lavatory. Of all the professors to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one good thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce matte 's lycanthropy to the full schooling while Balladanis was lecturing them.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and Saint John the Apostle sat as far away as potential from Malfoy in Balladanis 's survey. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not set out to order you how discomfited I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you better than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well mindful of your dueling skills and what sort of responsibility lies with them. I have half a mind to break our training sessions. However, I am willing to hear all position of this account before laying out any form of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and Potter pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and whoremaster looked at each other and John rolled his center.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. thrower, if you please."

Albus took a deep breath. He was going to differentiate the story. The altogether fib."Malfoy was threatening lusterlessness, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about lustrelessness, after listening to your talking to on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that confessedly, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right to know if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to keep his medical examination issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After mat left, I wanted to be for certain Malfoy was n't going to go tell the completely schooling about Matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your verge on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"toilet replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this issue goes much further than a duel. All three of you will receive four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your several houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the master. There are matter more important to discuss than detainment,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew wax well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said cypher as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's study. Malfoy walked a few substructure behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's subject field since his first class, when he went to mouth to Dumbledore 's portrait. The place had n't changed in the fragile. Everything seemed to be in the take same lieu. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awake and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, John, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a trouble,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to hand out detentions, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am occupy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that Matt Eckerton is a wolfman,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chair and gestured for the three boys to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the middle chair and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

"well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. thrower, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about Matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rosiness Weasley, Amanda tagging program, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll involve to speak with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't think matt 's in class."

"You may be proper,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any melodic theme where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and John left the survey. Albus went straight to the vulture 's Den while St. John the Apostle went to the dungeons as rosiness and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the predator 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to front at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. John and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four nights of detention and took tip away."

"He 'll distinguish everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to end school. That 's not even the spoilt parting. It 's going to be all over the vaticinator. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably have to be active to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked unquiet. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the same time.

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a good teacher ?"Matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some variety of awful teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left nada out ! Even the way he described the shift. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that dullard anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No wonder Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you know ?"matte shouted,"How do you really have it away ? I know Teddy 's dad got to stay after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to deal with this."

Albus did n't really sleep with what to say to that. Everything matte said was true. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. Nobody could compare to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his study. He wants to talk to all of us. Me, bathroom, rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't need to go up there,"matte said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. Merlin, my head is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"lustrelessness groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't bazaar. I hate it. I hate this whole affair. I do n't want to be a bloody werewolf anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable flatness was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a wolfman. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the replete moonlight or when he was laid up in the hospital wing for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's written report. Albus muttered the password, that he had overheard Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and mat when they walked in. matte froze in situation and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"fill a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two discharge chairwoman, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the backside side by side to Malfoy 's, but did n't count at him. Matt took the other one.

"low gear, I want to assure you that you do not have to exit Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to lusterlessness,"Nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

matt did n't search reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't concord with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which bookman I admit to this school day,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his positioning is not very high."

"matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"doe anyone else know ?"Matt shook his head."And did you state the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. Matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

Matt seemed unable to address. After a few here and now of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. ceramist ?"

"Two twelvemonth,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with rose wine, John the Divine, and Amanda, who all gave the same answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus charm. He shared one horrified coup d'oeil with Rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a little panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"prof, Sir,"blush wine began,"We sort of put this charm on Kaden, so he would n't assure anyone. He can only tattle about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a word, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"rose answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible enchantress, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing feat, fille Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you secernate me how long Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"rose wine said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to hash out with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The rest of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half hour or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to leave without finding out what was going to bechance to Malfoy, but he knew mat would tell him.

flatness never showed up in the Great Hall for dejeuner, nor did he go to Ancient Runes or magical spell. Albus could not centralize on either of those classes and was very glad when magical spell was over and he was able to leave.

forest was not very happy that Albus had acquired four detentions. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty minutes telling Albus how he should n't be picking scrap with other students so close to the future Quidditch match, especially in figurehead of teacher'classroom. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was late for Charms. Albus had run into Wood in in between ancient Runes and Charms.

"What do you conjecture Balladanis is going to make water us do ?"John asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a clew,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"John agreed.

rosebush, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find matt before they went to dinner. They had to expect a piece for the corridor to clear out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

matte was fast numb on the couch when they entered."Good affair he does n't give birth detention tonight,"King John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

toilet gently shook matte 's shoulder until he cracked his optic open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll leave out dinner."

"I 'm not hungry,"lustrelessness muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the former end of the couch.

"He should put that charm on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"flatness sighed,"All he did was tell Malfoy how of import it was not to observe anything. He said telling his male parent would do zilch. Then he told him that if he ever did separate anyone, he would face expulsion for revealing another scholarly person 's medical data. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did prognosticate he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? surely, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't take it back. I 'd still hold to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't retrieve he 's going to severalise anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate shame in the Malfoy family line, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't need that."

"I guess you 're right,"lustrelessness sighed,"It 's just so foreign, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to send an owl to my parents, let them cognise about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. lavatory and I have got detainment tonight."

"Oh, right. estimable luck with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's hold was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really creative and taxing detention, but instead he assigned them lines. dividing line were possibly the most wearisome custody ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling deterrent example is canceled for tomorrow nighttime due to your detention. Detention will be at nine, after my extra help session, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really listen. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on good Moon, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a loup-garou used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the best Defense instructor any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was thankful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his melody. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out Matt 's secret ?

A half hour into their line written material, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right hand, there was a smash on the threshold. Albus looked up and saw prof Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than lusterlessness 's dad. Albus set down his quill pen and turned to John. whoremonger had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The final affair they needed was for Balladanis to commemorate they were there and tell them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John Lackland. Matt 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to talk to you about what happened to begin with today,"Matt 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your object lesson,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my pupil what they 'll postulate to have it off in order to fight back themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Merlin, showing them exactly what a lycanthrope looks like before a translation with an anamatek ? Do you agnize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of trend,"Balladanis said, raising his representative a bit,"You 're not the only expert on magical fauna. I have perfect control over my anamatek."

"nonentity has perfect control over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The schoolmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't demand to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how much you taught the thirdly years about wolfman. The details about their transmutation, how to pick one out of the ecumenical population, what happens before, during, and after shift. Your example was far More elaborated than a third class school text book."

"You 'd find that all my example are like that,"Balladanis replied,"Text leger do not have decent details."

"I think giving enough details about identifying a lycanthrope so that a third year would be capable to work out that mortal not even in their same theatre is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an intact class because of one student is not a sound method of educational activity,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest goodness for the bang-up act, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a thoroughly ism,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll agree to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your lesson are putting my son in danger anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll instruct however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boy, none of whom were writing stock any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the tabular array Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the need to double that there will be consequences if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"goodness,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to search your sketch and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will take it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breather as Matt 's dad left the room with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with can. He wanted nothing more than to leave, so he could blab out about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his haste to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with john following. Malfoy made no motility to try and talk to them again, so they headed straight to the Marauder 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this ! You bozo are awful !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the marauder 's Den a little while later to bump that flatness and Kaden were the only one there. Matt 's face was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the middle of a plot of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the carte du jour,"Oh, Albus, John ! How was your hold ? Want to take on ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down adjacent to matt,"flatness, did you know your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"wellspring, do you cognise where he went after ?"bathroom asked.

"place, I guess,"lusterlessness shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our custody,"John said.

"He what ?"mat replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"flatness shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too lots about how to figure out if someone 's a werewolf and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"Matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reasons he came here, to tell Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to scrutinise Balladanis 's way tomorrow to make trusted he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's teaching puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a good estimation to get on my dad 's bad side,"matte said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not look happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd secern you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"Matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd amend not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"bathroom said,"He looked pretty shuddery, too. I do n't think Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not assume very long for word to fan out that Balladanis had gotten in hassle for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next morning at breakfast, as a few older students had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that Matt 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the premature night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even rigid than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's downright scary,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in bout. But I 'd detest to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be cruel. I mean, it 's pretty much because of Matt that he got in trouble."

mat had gone up to the Marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in dejeuner. Albus knew that Kaden was properly. Balladanis was going to take this out on flatness, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't bonk why he cares so a lot,"Gospel According to John shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could have just taken that thing away. He 's lucky he just had to direct it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't think he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him talk about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"Well, I think it 's a good estimate for the Ministry to draw him remove that thing home,"John Lackland said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to year after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John asked as he gestured to lusterlessness, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to recognise what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"Rose commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to stir up him up,"John muttered.

The remainder of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and toilet complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra help session about loup-garou when he already knew so a great deal about them.

Albus woke lusterlessness up shortly before dinner and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full Moon. They all escorted him to the hospital annex, where gentlewoman Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to entrust the hospital wing, the doorway opened and in walked Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check up on if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

whoremonger nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"Gospel According to John whispered.

"He 's not going to tell us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to matte 's bed and talking to madam Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for aught. He entered the room before Malfoy and John was already doing his lines. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him parchment. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not let the cat out of the bag either. He did not ask anything about Matt and did n't even comment that the full moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at half past ten. Albus and john found Kaden in the vulture 's Den and spent the remaining time left until Astronomy playing Exploding ginger nut and Wizard 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have this class with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy Tower,"If Malfoy does n't make a single gossip about the broad synodic month, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to arrest you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't consider you 'll have to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his scope up next to Albus 's. Professor Polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plot the position of blemish, Venus, the Sun Myung Moon, and a handful of star topology before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The moon is so brightly,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... good ...."

Albus looked at St. John the Apostle."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the promontory of the section for the Regulation and ascendence of Magical animal ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just cease talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, come on, Potter. Even you have to value the irony,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"Quiet over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his scope. The rest of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was capable to revert to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first yr,"Albus sighed,"Remember when brothel keeper Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"fountainhead, she did n't lock us out this time,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his Quaker had slept late on Saturday daybreak and after grabbing a quick bite to eat, had gone to visit Matt in the hospital extension. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the vulture 's Den, trying to count on out why.

"She always lets us in,"privy groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"rose wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the full Sun Myung Moon have been worse the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us go Animagi,"John muttered.

"St. John the Apostle, I honestly do n't think you could become an Animagus,"Rose replied,"You 'd nose up with a permanent tail affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool down to suffer a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep going back to the hospital annexe,"lavatory shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their endeavour proved bootless, though. They went to the hospital flank twice that afternoon and then in good order before Albus and John had to go to custody. brothel keeper Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Sunday, the conclusion day of Albus and lav 's detention, was the same. Madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third gear time that day.

"Nothing 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow evening ! I 'll commit the lot of you detention if you come back any earlier than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John Lackland broke away from the mathematical group to finish their last hold. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the past three nights. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two speech to him since Astronomy.

"You may stop,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his calamus down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to continue his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the event will be much more wicked than detainment and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given swell thought to whether I should continue giving you duplicate deterrent example. I have decided to give you one more chance. example will continue this Fri at their rule time. However, if either of you disregard my ruler again, I will no longer give them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in category on Tuesday."

"merlin, I 'm glad that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be frightening in family, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John the Evangelist said.

Albus could n't concentrate at all in his classes the side by side day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital backstage and feel out how Matt was, but brothel keeper Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

blush wine and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the hospital offstage afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the infirmary wing, half expecting Madam Pomfrey to scream at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the only occupied bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtains back. mat looked exhausted and there was a rather large bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come visit me,"matte gave them a one-half smile.

"We 've been trying !"lavatory said,"ma'am Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"Matt smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't ma'am Pomfrey let us fare sojourn ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"lustrelessness answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two years later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A bunch of thing, really,"lustrelessness sighed,"First, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm vex about something. indorsement, I hit my promontory really hard at some power point that night. It still hurts. Third, the transformations in general are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his friend were obviously getting older and that brought flock of changes, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would shift when lusterlessness got older.

"So, are all of the entire moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"matt shook his psyche and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really know what 'll happen in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's proficient, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to exit ?"

"Tomorrow night at the earliest,"Matt sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"compliments I could leave out defense,"privy muttered,"Speaking of vindication, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"privy, he just woke up yesterday,"rosebush pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"matte said,"But he came to see me in the first place and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"St. John the Apostle grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprise that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna in Australia, he hired Balladanis to grab a band of lamia who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"John asked.

"Sent them to prison house. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should possess gotten life sentences. Dad and Balladanis got into this immense controversy at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aboriginal Australian Ministry did n't engage him after that,"Matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would agree on penalization. I wonder if he 's hired Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"matt replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of issues. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lessons you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different slope of Balladanis during the by week."

******

Tuesday dawn dawned quickly and Albus trudged to defense with trick. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about recent Defense form in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few minutes later. He waved his wand at the threshold and it slammed shut with a knock loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twins, who had been sitting secretive to it, to jump.

"Pass your prep questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his prep to the tabular array in front of him and waited for Balladanis to collect it. He paused in front of the table in nominal head of Albus's.

"potter,"he began,"You can narrate Eckerton that his homework is late and therefore I will not have it. If he wished to get credit entry for it, he could have graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him limelight from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the homework unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Joseph Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most werewolf, the potion was a life buoy. Who can explain what it does ?"

cypher, not even rosiness and Linda, raised their hands. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call on him.

"Nobody ?"he said,"Pity. Wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during total moons. The wolfman turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just sleep until the moonlight curing and will not take the urge to sting and kill.

"The potion is a lifesaver to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to show you what a werewolf would look like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castle,"Balladanis said with venom,"Therefore you will have to go without the optic. It seems that certain parents, Ministry official, and the headmaster do not approve of my method acting of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't name it suffering,"John muttered.

"Quiet, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to contribute to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"Good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this classroom and your Department of Education is going to endure for it. goose egg, and I repeat goose egg can replace hands on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the line at having what was in essence a live mantichora in nominal head of him. There were some meter when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't mold for all werewolves and Albus found his judgement drifting. All in all, the deterrent example had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief fustian about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty formula. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the finis on werewolves,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will hear about lycanthropy 's event on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. lusterlessness would be out of the infirmary wing by then. Why could n't Balladanis just finish the werewolf building block already ?

"He wo n't be back adjacent class,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just question who we 're going to get instead."


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all the lovely multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your bets here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the green room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrayal hole with Empire State of the South and James River after a particularly unmanageable Quidditch praxis. woodwind instrument was getting them prepared for the compeer against New York, which was to take home in a little over a week.

"Sakartvelo, Jesse James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"Care to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking wager about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff, your mum is bound to find out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's Aunt Alicia was the least hard-and-fast out of all of his aunty. She 'd probably put a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better promise gran does n't find out,"Georgia smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't pick him. mollie Weasley would probably transmit him a howler if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And ling and I are taking wager on how much farsighted Balladanis is going to last. Care to take a guess ?"

"I suppose,"Georgia said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three number one geezerhood in rip today."

"He nearly had half of my social class in binge,"Fred said as he took Peach State 's gold,"St. James the Apostle, Al ?"

"trey Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"James II said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go feel his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head teacher.

"courtship yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the plebeian elbow room,"stake here, place your bets !"

Albus found his Friend crowded around their usual mesa in the common elbow room. Linda was with them. All three girls were working on homework. Gospel According to John and Kaden were trading cocoa Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in difficulty,"blush wine muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his head,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten Sickles he wo n't finish the year,"lav said.

"You should jazz exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking Divination,"pink wine smirked.

"Divination 's a jocularity,"lav muttered,"I ca n't await to drop it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"pink wine grinned,"Sick of making up hooey ?"

"It 's just so pointless,"John groaned,"We 're still doing quartz glass nut. I just tell apart her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking divination,"Kaden announced,"Bloody wastefulness of a class."

Kaden had chosen his classes for future yr a few Day prior. He decided on care of Magical puppet, ancient rune, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"John sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got well-situated homework ?"matte asked as he sat down in the chair side by side to John 's. He looked a bit better than he had the premature day, but still jade out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"John the Evangelist asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in sentence for Defense tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm invite to use a Fainting Fancy to get out of it."

"I think half the inaugural year are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete homework question. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting fondness. Two week. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd throw him."

******

John filled his air pocket with vomit pastil before he set off to Defense the next morning. Albus did n't incommode. His curiosity always trumped his dislike for certain stratum. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"Werewolves,"Balladanis said as soon as the gong rang,"When the terminal figure is used, nearly mass conjure up look-alike of lonely adult, condemned to a execrable life that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a unit group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. child. Ah, yes, shaver do get attacked by lycanthrope. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too late. Even fewer survive the initial transmutation. werewolf translation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few child are unattackable enough to lay down it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a decision after their child is bitten. They have three choices. phone number one, they can mete out with it. Deal with the monthly transformations and try and reach life as normal as possible for the child. identification number two, they can abandon their fry. Force them to dwell with a groundless pack of loup-garou, to develop up to kill. However, there is a 3rd option. Does anyone charge to guess as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their bridge player. Balladanis looked at his stratum until his eyes rested on Matt. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to tell apart us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to wait at mat throughout the lesson, stole a agile glance at him. He was staring at the desk, calamus in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"Matt stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The thirdly option is to put the tike down. Not a pleasant pick, but one that a few parents select anyway. This pick used to be readily suggested by healer, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first option, to continue to raise their child, are in for a very goon life. Werewolf children are difficult to raise. It is a huge adjustment for parents and siblings if there are any. The morsel affects the whole kinfolk. It changes lifespan, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at lusterlessness. His hand was shaking even harder and his aspect was as white as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a spirit with privy and John reached into his pocket. He slid a regurgitation Pastille across the board towards Albus and then slid one to lusterlessness. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his oral cavity. John and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his stomach as the sweet began to ingest affect.

"Lycanthropic fry rarely, if ever, get to see school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the infirmary Wing ?"

"I do n't sense too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the sound of all three boy vomiting at the same time. Albus leaned over his board and vomited right onto the trading floor. The class erupted into vociferation and Balladanis tried to proceed order.

"Fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital Wing, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to vomit again as he ran for the door. matt and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the sweet into their mouths as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's malign !"whoremaster shouted,"How could he learn that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the predator 's Den."As I was saying,"John began,"What is wrong with that bloke ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"can said to lusterlessness as he paced around the way,"None of what he said today is actually in the book of account. I mean, did you read the ledger ? There 's not a lot in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his dullard anamatek,"lustrelessness muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to make you execrable because of what your dad did with those vampires years ago."

"It 's just not fair,"Matt groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"lustrelessness said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the healer did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the regurgitation troche. How could a Healer, someone whose job it was to make citizenry healthy, actually suggest that to a tyke 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"whoremonger asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle jackass hexed him at the same fourth dimension,"mat gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really wish to take on your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a groovy bloke."

"He is,"matt smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"St. John the Apostle sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"Matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"trio 24-hour interval,"John said after lustrelessness left,"I give Balladanis three more than days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't lay waste to any meter,"Rose said to lusterlessness as she unfolded her copy of the prophet the next break of the day at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and learn the paper over Rose 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS PROFESSOR TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The Department of Magical education received an inquiry
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the darkness nontextual matter professor,
genus Aplysia Balladanis. The inquiry was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed header of the Department
for the Regulation and Control of Magical puppet,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor Tethys Balladanis has been teaching Defense at
the school since September, when he replaced head word Auror
Harry Potter. Potter had taught the subject for two
years and wished to focus solely on his Auror life history,
resulting in his surrender at the end of last school
year.

The close at hand investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be dependable and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was remove it from school premises. Eckerton told
newsman that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in straw man of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this inquiry as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the Department of Magical Education Department,
a section that was set up for this intent after
the fall of Lord Voldemort. Officials will bring down
the school and consultation both students and staff as
a part of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to teach denial Against
the Dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to learn ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defense lawyers anymore,"Matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't stop him from teaching until they do the investigation,"rosiness explained,"Only Kendrick can break him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the stave table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a written matter of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't know,"blush wine said quietly,"But refutation is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"matt said adamantly.

For once, rose wine did not objurgate him about skipping division. Albus could n't blame him. He himself was half tempted to skip, but he knew his curiosity would get the better of him.

"Somehow, I do n't retrieve you 'll have the fortune to skim,"pink wine muttered,"We do n't have Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't get to do that werewolf essay."

"I never said that,"Rose replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"Look, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your attending !"Kendrick shouted and the chattering in the hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or heard about the article on the face page of the Prophet.

"Ministry official will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to direct their investigation. They will be selecting pupil to consultation. If you are selected, I advise you to reply their interrogation truthfully.

"As of right now, professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to treat him with respect and attend his form. This is, at the moment, an investigation and nothing more. Now, you 'd outdo be off to class."

"Albus,"blush wine whispered as they made their way out of the Great Hall to History of Magic,"You 're not going to that dueling lesson tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't call up you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't desire to go, but he also did n't want to find out out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

Nobody fell asleep during account of Magic. It must get been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still alive. However, the lack of fatigue was not due to Binns 's talking to. No, that was just as boring as usual. The educatee remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third twelvemonth and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six student in the castle who knew the particular reason why Matt 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, Rose, can, Amanda, Kaden, and Matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not love that it had been Balladanis 's talking to on lycanthropic nipper that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the blame on the anamatek, even though lusterlessness 's dad had come out and said that was n't the material reason. The Prophet had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts scholar wanted specifics. They wanted to have a go at it what had pushed Matt 's dad to submit an question when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The reasons the students fabricated ranged from plausible to hideous. A few seventh years, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his extra assistant seance and perhaps used matte as an exercise of someone who did not possess the skills to vote out colored virtuoso. Combine that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh years claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would blow over and within two week everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first age were the on the opposite side of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up injured after year and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a single person, sustenance, ghost, or portrait, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six fourth dimension on the way from History of magic to Herbology by people wanting to bang the details of the query. It was something Albus could state Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they check that I do n't need to verbalize about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw endorsement geezerhood had just run up to lustrelessness, demanding to recognize why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up on the Gryffindor table and make an promulgation during lunch,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"matte said,"I 'm just glad we do n't birth class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking multitude striding up towards the castle. There were two enchantress and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"Matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those individual lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, Matt, and John continued their trek to the Great lobby, where they ate a very fast lunch. None of them wanted to continue very long since everyone was still asking matte about the inquiry. After they finished, the son went to Gryffindor tower to situate their bags before going to the piranha 's Den to put off their homework.

The common way was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tables.

"Do n't you three have course of instruction now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got defence mechanism and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nil you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your class where Balladanis made somebody cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get detention either. Oh, and John, you 'd better not assure Mum."

"I wo n't,"John the Divine said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of demurrer yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the get-go,"Ashtyn told them.

"wellspring, you three savour your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The son quickly stowed their bags in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait yap and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his subject field. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the firearm of lambskin she was holding."He wants to see Matt, too."

"looking like you two are getting interviewed,"John said as Gabriella went into the common room.

"surmise so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving individual lessons with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your Fatherhood was the most celebrated star in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his center,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's study while lav continued towards the piranha 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that St. John the Apostle would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April sap 's Day Prank ! The staff really outdid themselves this year. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing following to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's subject. It was apparently his job to mumble the parole to the gargoyle to set aside all the student being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the survey and found three other students waiting in movement of Kendrick 's closed door. A very bore looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or 7th class, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the land earlier.

Albus was not at all storm to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had common soldier lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to brush off Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to begin the long wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's subject at the Same time ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a fourth dimension. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were LE people waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first yr walked out. She hurried out of the written report and one of the Ministry official motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's report for about fifteen minutes. Then it was Malfoy 's act. He took a bit more sentence, but finally came out and left without so much as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the entail sentence, two more than students had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the pursuer from the Slytherin Quidditch squad. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at least an hour, Albus was finally called into the elbow room.

Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three investigators were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the way was quite improbable and wore a menacing glare. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other Wiccan was the complete opposite. She was dead and quite a bit overweight. Her frizzy brownness hair stuck up at all sorts of odd angle and she had a diminished pair of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining detective was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in hand. He looked a bit bored by the integral affair. He was gazing about the room and had the look of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two people who were paying rapt attention, or should he say portraiture, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a stern in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My figure is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lothringen Smyth,"the tall witch gestured to the abruptly crone,"And that is Herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please state your replete figure, age, year, and house for the book,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that data ?

"It 's protocol, love,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, third year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can evidence us what goes on in an average example with prof Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"Well, he comes in and William Tell us all to barricade talking. Then he 'll pull together the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no subject what. He does n't train late work, even if you 've got a honest excuse. You could be sick in the hospital wing and he would n't take recently homework.

"Then he 'll learn us a new spell or about some new beast. Then we 'll hold to execute the spell."

"What happens if you do n't do it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra aid sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your grade ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of other pupil crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any superfluous service sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his heading,"prof Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lesson by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they consist of ?"

"Most times he just teaches me new spells, turn that are harder than the one we learn in class. Scorpio Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the spells,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'meter,"Smyth said,"What else does he have you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his president,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by lamia,"Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's nerve had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the firm as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't severalize you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to express us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should get Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final query. Would you feel well-fixed if prof Balladanis continued to instruct here ?"

Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could get word a lot from. But on the other manus, he was n't the kind of sensation Albus felt comfortable around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common elbow room. You are not to speak of this audience to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the professorship and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called lustrelessness in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good portion'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just tell us ?"privy lamented as the boys sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry witches said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"can asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole school about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to train long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"matt said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his extra help seance tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty dollar bill Galleons,"privy replied,"well, ok, maybe if I was paid XX Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling object lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to have it off was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the dungeons, lighter into the Slytherin usual room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"Matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John gave Albus a foreign look.

"I might find out something about how the probe is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John Lackland opened his mouth to answer, but instead turned to the room access. A loud squawking disturbance had seemed to utter from it.

"Did you hear that ?"bathroom asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his tooshie. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the predator 's Den was that it was always very quiet. No dissonance could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard disturbance from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the doorway and instead of the bizarre bird he had expected to see, rose wine was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come to the door."

"blush wine ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"pink wine said hurriedly,"I had to get you to make out out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the common way. I told him I 'd determine you."

Albus turned around and told lusterlessness, bathroom, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the elbow room, that he would be back soon. He had no approximation what his dad wanted, but it must receive been important for him to go to the castling on a day he did n't experience to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the soggy armchairs in social movement of the fire when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, well-nigh in all likelihood about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of manus gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portraiture hole.

"Let 's talk outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait hole and down the corridor a footling ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"Nothing,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a word about you causing bother, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to professor Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the enquiry of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decision is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would apprise you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable amount of stress, of which you do n't experience the half of. I 'd say the prospect are high that he may admit out this tension on you and Scorpius."

"Do you recognise if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no estimation,"Harry answered,"But I tend to trust he won't."

"I do n't recall I will either,"Albus said.

"A wise conclusion,"Harry smiled.

Harry said good night to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing matt and bathroom how to do a right paper airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"John asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To tell me it was n't a good idea to go to Balladanis 's lesson tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the hollow couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"Good,"Matt replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of tension, most of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his fountainhead,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't cognise for for sure that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just care I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful cleaning woman,"Saint John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't think I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful adult female ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"mat agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably aught,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"St. John the Apostle began,"This is the number one Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And pass the night here,"mat added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and pudding as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up lately eating all of it and playing various games. Albus was even able-bodied to forget about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including St. John 's first cousin Isabelle, one of the pursuer on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

professor Balladanis did not show up at a one repast. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castling.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to make their conclusion. Albus was more than a fiddling skittish about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday good morning that all the Hogwarts students knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two hag from the Ministry. The star was no retentive there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending annunciation, since there had not been a one citation of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about prof Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The vaticinator has kindly agreed not to publish the clause about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"St. John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good head,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a inert look on her face."Upon extensive investigation of professor Balladanis 's teaching method acting and thorough interviews of selected bookman, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching locating here at Hogwarts School of witchery and Wizardry. professor Balladanis packed his things late hold up night and no longer resides in the rook. professor Kendrick will inform you about what will bechance with defense reaction classes for the rest of the yr. I would like to give thanks all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and remain eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"defensive measure Against the nighttime Arts class will not take place until encourage notice. I will try and pander a suitable replacement for professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the time to learn for your upcoming exams,"Kendrick said and then resumed his seat. He began to peach with Torenzo and the students phonation rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"Best news I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you recollect Kendrick 'll find a replacement ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"Glad I did n't do that lycanthrope essay,"trick grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find a replacement,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd suffer one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"King John replied.

The atmosphere in the castle for the rest of the day was incredibly upbeat. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few pupil asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only students upset by it were those who had lost stakes because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was infelicitous. The general turmoil of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in solemnization ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), Epistle of James and his friend set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the general flock that was associated with students celebrating by playing outside in the muddy up grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her lavatory when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not hold. For some odd cause it reminded her of her death.

One person who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the palace with a big smile on her look. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted flatness. Perhaps that was because his biggest fear was vampires.

There was even a political party in the Gryffindor common way that night. rosiness thought it was a little silly, to lionise the sacking of a instructor, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just call back,"trick said,"We do n't ever have to listen to him go on and on about how bad the wickedness prowess are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"Matt added,"I could 've gone my whole lifetime without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"lustrelessness agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd vex to stick around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the night to keep off anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"St. John the Apostle grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to sacrifice him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"blush wine muttered,"Maybe now you lot can centre on test. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"Normal ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This property will never be formula. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Sat. It 's the last-place match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"Beginning of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Commonwealth of Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, lav, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing flavour at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New House of York in this couple,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full form this week. I 'm practicing every nighttime starting tomorrow."

"King Oliver Wood is insane,"rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch rake,"can grinned,"I would roll in the hay to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take my place."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not own defense mechanism Against the darkness Arts the adjacent morning, Albus was down in the Great entrance hall bright and early because he wanted to read Rose 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sacking was one thing, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

pink wine was already there when Albus, matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either face of her and all three young lady were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rosiness handed him the paper without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and St. John the Apostle looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM situation BY MINISTRY

In an outcome that causes much of the wizarding Earth to remember
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark
nontextual matter instructor, Aplysia Balladanis, has been removed from his
emplacement by the Ministry of Magic 's Department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's sovereignty, Defense teachers rarely lasted more
than a year at the school, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one Defense instructor since that
fateful May day.

prof Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by Head Auror, Harry thrower, who is rumored to
have only taken the position after nobody else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the spot this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a hebdomad and a one-half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the department for the
ordinance and control condition of Magical animal, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching method acting, the use of an
anamatek as a teaching cock, singling students out for want of
skill, and embarrassing students in front end of their peers.

An investigation by Ministry functionary ensued and included
the interviewing of prime students and stave. The department
concluded their investigation late Sunday evening and inform
both Balladanis and master Fabius Kendrick of their determination.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the issue, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very well-chosen
with the decision and that the probe was concluded in
a timely mode. I am not well-chosen that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of tiddler 's condom .'

Hogwarts bookman will not see defence reaction socio-economic class until a replacement
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd nonplus your dad in there somehow,"John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already screw,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"dubiety it,"rosebush answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

Life soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something turn on happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left to say and the students focused on the upcoming Quidditch match, which was mere days away.

Albus had an slow meter forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch drill. He was out on the rake every evening and was soon hearing Wood 's commands in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the yr was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't possess to deal with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus realize that Gryffindor would have a new captain the adjacent yr since Georgia was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or broom, but he was n't sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great Asaph Hall on Thursday morning sorely wishing that John the Divine had n't woken him up. They did n't bear a class initiatory thing, so why 'd he inconvenience doing that ? Albus was already running on little sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the good morning this Sabbatum,"Albus muttered to whoremaster as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John grinned,"I need you to assist me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't stand up service you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"trick muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have accidentally set fire to her Potions note last dark,"bathroom said.

"And I should have to meet because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you wield that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"Matt put in,"Saint John and Kaden were tinkering with those super strong suit dung bomb last night in the vulture 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where rosiness 's distinction were. The muck bombs exploded and pink wine 's notes caught fire."

"See, an stroke !"toilet exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"Matt said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't suggest going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't have time to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch pattern again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James IV shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this workweek ?"James asked.

"I do n't know, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"Henry James pointed to the stave table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror gown, he was just wearing normal gown. Albus glanced back at King James who shrugged.

"May I have your care ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry ceramist has kindly agreed to take over Defense classes for the residual of terminus. Because of this, Defense classes will restart today."

"commodity affair I woke you up,"John grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able to finish that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"John Lackland muttered.

Albus was n't that surprised, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad Edward Thatch for two years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with Matt and John to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a petty ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't move around into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the elbow room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"wellspring, I did not think I 'd be back here. I do have to go along with the syllabus, so I must ask that you complete the lycanthrope essay for next Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the integral class."Great,"John the Divine muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that hard,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be fourth dimension consuming,"St. John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a calendar month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you have this time to mess up around."

The social class was the most gratifying Department of Defense course the third years had had in quite a patch. Harry lectured for the entireness of the division, but it was n't boring. Albus did not listen in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the meter Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's minds and the tensions ran higher than they had all year. The consequence of this match would determine who played Commonwealth of Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The entire squad was in good health and none of the replacement were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stands with his acquaintance and just check the match, rather than have to take on in it.

It was a quick bound day with a rebuff wind and cloud book binding, complete playing experimental condition. Sir Henry Wood had spoke of the conditions during the previous night 's exercise, telling the team that a large storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the bunch. Hogwarts scored five finish within the foremost xv minutes of the peer and New House of York scored two. The teams remained neck in neck for the residuum of the match, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden stoolie in his go forth hand.

The gang erupted into sunniness and James was soon hoisted onto the berm of some of the older students.

"I have an proclamation to pee !"Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final Quidditch mate, scheduled to drive place on the outset of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the mutual room and everyone rehashed their favorite persona of the match. No one talked about the final peer, although Albus was sure it was in the rear of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed inconceivable to beat.

Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts students seemed to realize that test were quite about. The program library soon became a pop plaza to be and fifth and seventh years in specific could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the midriff of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a tranquillize common room in the eventide, much like her sister had two long time prior. Albus and his friends spent Sir Thomas More meter in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without pink wine, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the quietness of the vernacular room.

Rose did forgive can for messing up her notes, but she became more tense up and snappish as exam drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sorting of end of term tradition with Rose.

Defense object lesson took a drastic act for the beneficial. Albus and all of his friends got staring patsy on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the family bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Falco columbarius !"lavatory shouted at breakfast one Friday in the center of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Department of Defense instructor or something.

"England did n't have it into the public Cup final,"lavatory sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the report from St. John the Apostle, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd gotten for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to ask over to go with him. Actually, he had n't even say his friends about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russia,"John groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"rose wine smirked,"Albus, did you pick who you 're going to rent when you go to the Cup ?"

"postponement, what ?"privy gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmas,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"John exclaimed.

"wellspring, I only got one extra and I did n't know how to pick. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. head you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just pick matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to pick then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't have to,"mat said as he sat down next to Albus.

"Nice to see you waken,"John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to inflame Matt up before they went down to the Great residence hall and had no luck. The wax moon was the side by side day, so Albus had n't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad meter of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"matte shook his straits,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just devote your redundant one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"lav asked,"Are we going to take a Muggle airplane ?"john looked excited at that prospect.

"No estimation,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"John said.

"compliments I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're weird, Kaden,"John laughed.

"So are you. Airplanes are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"matte said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch practice, Albus had no prison term for anything else. He managed to extort in time to visit matte in the infirmary wing on William Ashley Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the final match of the Junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to omit due to Quidditch exercise. After begging woods and a bit of help from teddy, Albus was able to attend the last. Albus 's team won, much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his Quaker. Malfoy remained mysteriously hushed around the full moon moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was unknown, but not something any of the boys were going to complain about it.

Three solar day before the Quidditch net, the Great dorm was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. Copies of the Prophet were being passed back and Forth River and quite a few scholarly person looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"Rose whispered, her brass completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest transcript of the prophet. Matt and Saint John the Apostle crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN BREAKOUT

Officials have reported that three prisoners
broke out of Azkaban tardily net dark. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban safety
have refused to speak with reporters, and the
Ministry does not care to divulge information
at this time.

The name of the bunk prisoners have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The seer then gave detailed information about all three of the escaped captive. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for more lilliputian crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any hope Albus had of getting homework done that calendar week was gone. He was favorable he was able to concentrate on Quidditch practice. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the dark before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the squad into the changing room after ending exercise.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to handle this team,"Wood said as he began to stride in front of them,"There were difficulty in the origin,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a grouping of students from all four sign can come together and play together on the Lapplander team. I am not sure this could bear been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a farseeing way over the year. You 've all made immense melioration in your science. Quite a few of you are 7th years and I am very happy to tell you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's match. I have high Leslie Townes Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is sound, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and present it your C. H. Best. Now, I think you should all turn in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the lucifer. Teddy, Tyler, anything to add ?"Ellen Price Wood turned to the boys.

teddy bear and John Tyler both shook their headland and Wood turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. honorable night."

Wood, shift, and President Tyler stayed behind to talk about tactics while the team left. Albus and King James were the endure two to leave. Georgia had left with the other seventh twelvemonth, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"Saint James the Apostle said,"I just hope it does n't hurt her chances when we lose."

"We might not drop off,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to suffer,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said cypher. He wished he could just say James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so a lot easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud cracking in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch breaking,"James answered.

"It was too loud,"Albus said as he looked into the wood,"It sounded like person Apparating in there."

"I do n't suppose you can Apparate in the forest,"Jesse James pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and Epistle of James kept walking,"But what if it was someone Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James IV groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full time now. You 'd feature to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupid enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"Saint James the Apostle laughed,"If he 's stupe enough to do that, he 's going to get caught and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupefied, but he did manage to kidnap Kaden the former bound, and he had been on the run for a class prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly good at not getting caught for the most part.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the superbly awful people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The standard pressure in the Great Hall the next morning was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by students from all four houses. Teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the midst of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff board, with a large distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crew of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the rest period of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. cypher was ineffectual to play that day, so Albus 's twenty-four hours on the squad were pretty a lot over. To be honest, he was sort of relieved. There was just so practically pressure.

"I think this tournament has been proficient for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"facial expression at everyone. Nobody seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"Rose shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't love, rosebush,"Matt said,"I do n't think one year can change 100 of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"Rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't think this has helped outside magical cooperation,"St. John gestured to the Aussie team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"Competition rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

rosebush shot him a dirty facial expression and then looked up at the staff board. Albus 's gaze followed. The faculty table was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scouts from Quidditch teams, Ministry official including Albus 's Uncle Walker Percy, and a variety of multitude from Australia and New York.

"looking at that enchantress,"John pointed to a very tall, beautiful beldame with pale bloodless pelt and retentive dark hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"Rose told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a loud cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to leave the Hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Aussie team followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the squad had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few proceedings later the great unwashed began to allow for the pitch. The gang at the staff table left first and the students followed.

"Albus,"John said as they got up from the table,"I 've got a few duo of omnioculars in my trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her eyes."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the room access as the boy ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"John the Divine said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

St. John the Apostle had to evacuate out his full trunk in order to rule the omnioculars. He had four twain and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to lack the starting line of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors principle as he made his way through the castling. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his friend were n't far behind.

Albus turned a quoin and ran smack into something. He fell down onto his rear and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with lustrelessness 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was most afraid of. At that moment, it probably would throw been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to expect at his friends.

lustrelessness had turned Andrew Dickson White and looked far Thomas More afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from lustrelessness to the man, an obvious revulsion on his side. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his protagonist, pulling them into the penny-pinching classroom. He slammed the doorway and pulled out his sceptre, putting every locking charm he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the nearest chairman and put his head in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the hell is he doing here ?"John the Divine ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to yard around the room,"If he 's here to watch the Quidditch equal, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to keep an eye on the Quidditch ?"can said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at lusterlessness before looking at Kaden. Matt did n't look to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His gens 's Lubar. He 's the header of the department for the ordinance and control of Magical brute in Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a sick and twisted iniquity git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the pocket-sized window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"mat said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in forepart of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would involve too long. They 'd take in to use the Floo meshwork, but none of the hearth at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to have to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll creep into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

lusterlessness nodded."You guys do n't have to come. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"John exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably forged than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in arrangement before waving his wand and undoing the locking magical spell. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd go away them. He shoved them into his robe and ran back to the classroom. flatness, toilet, and Kaden were all talking quietly. matt did n't depend any less scared, but at least he did n't appear to be in stupor anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll lead up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and Matt were horrible prevaricator and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to hold on secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to Saint John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed bathroom out of the room. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's rest period.

John set a very tight pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would move over away his comportment. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the to the lowest degree measure of noise possible.

The boy made it down the two flights of steps requisite to get to the third floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a speedy tap of his sceptre, he statue 's hump opened and the son climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the small passageway. flatness, lav, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"privy asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"Matt answered,"I do n't think Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't think he came here to see you ?"Albus asked matt,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so occupy in finding you ?"

"Of course I do,"Matt muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The catch ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't experience for sure, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he desire to see you ?"

mat stopped running and wheeled around to face at Kaden."It 's a long story. Lubar 's got a score against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Australia for six years,"Matt paused,"He passed a gang of laws against werewolves and I wound up having to transform with a bunch of early loup-garou. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't flesh out on the issue. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"matte shrugged,"Maybe talk of the town to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's mind that matte 's dad would be capable to get Lubar to allow Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not require to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to rise until it came to an disconnected closure at a knotty wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the doorway, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it heart-to-heart, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing nonentity in the storage room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a immense amount of boxes littering the floor. On the far bulwark he could see a fireplace.

The son climbed over the several boxes and stood in front end of the fireplace. Albus located a little sack of Floo pulverization and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into person 's study at the Ministry. We 're going to take in to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the gunpowder into the ardor and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of deception !"

Albus stumbled out of a different fireplace indorsement later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, bring through for a few sorcerer striding towards the nip and tuck, clearly too meddling to notice Albus.

lustrelessness landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing digress ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"Matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Sabbatum,"Albus pointed out,"doe your dad work Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"At least mornings."

St. John was next to mistreat out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than lusterlessness had. He stood in front of the attack, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the fountain of Magical Brethren.

"This is more go for than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody hell !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the blast,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"mat said quickly,"But we have n't got time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed lusterlessness towards the desk in the straw man of the Atrium. There was an old wizard leafing through a copy of the quibbler, oblivious to his surroundings. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to snarf around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you think you 're going ?"he asked and then his centre rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a short unnerved that the man knew who he was.

Matt stepped in front end of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the pass of the Department for the Regulation and mastery of Magical Creatures. It 's kind of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old magician tested their wands and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can tell whose baton did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the nip and tuck arrived, the male child piled in and Matt pushed the number four. cypher said anything as the lift creaked its way to the fourthly floor.

Matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the aerodynamic lift. Albus had never been to this particular floor. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's level, with nondescript sets of image doorway on one side.

flatness skidded to a halt in social movement of the solitary doorway that was unity and banged his paw loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few seconds, he banged again.

"Hold your hippogriffs !"called a vocalisation from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the sight of his son and the other three boys. He gaped at them for a instant before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a delusion,"But, why are n't you in school ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and privy, Kaden ?"

His oculus rested on matt again."matt ? What 's improper ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the son into his study. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The survey reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were with child windows on the side opposite the door, although the scene outside was not real, nor was the gentle rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a tumid leather covered chair behind the vast oak desk and a few littler chair in figurehead of it. Along the other two walls were shelves with loads of Word. Most of them were about various magical creatures.

Albus, lusterlessness, and trick took the seats that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the report looking at thing. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the nominal head of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"Matt said in barely more than than a whisper,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final,"Matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody hell !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did Professor Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the mates and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's expression hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with professor Balladanis earlier in the term."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to induce a Bible with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the lifts. John 's walking swiftness was nil compared to matte 's dad 's. The male child had to run to retain up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The thaumaturge at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplace, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to birl faster and faster. He saw coup d'oeil of people 's mansion, shops in Diagon Alley, and a variety of early berth he did not agnize. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a hand. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't surely if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. All of a sudden he was laying on a cold wooden level, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His heart was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his wand and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, Potter,"a cold voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the fireplace with his script inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank elbow room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. John came tumbling out of the fervor and scrambled too his metrical unit, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breathing place and stuck his hired man in the fire again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody underworld !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the shriek shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo network anyway.

The open fireplace glowed Green River yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the storey. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his deal in the ardour again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his foot and stood following to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the room, but he did not sleep with where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

putting surface light filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that lustrelessness would be the one to next fall out of the flames. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

mat coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fire and lit his baton, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to stride slowly in front line of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to dada just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do screw when affair work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel Matt shaking following to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and demilitarise Lubar.

"Any idea where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. pin-up shop, pity about the owner. Yes, a material shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all upset about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"well, let 's not waste our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his finger three fourth dimension and Albus heard step on the stairs.

trio wizards descended the stairs and strode into the room. They lit their scepter at the same clip and Albus gasped when the sparkle showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three masses Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As dear a dueler he was, he was up against four fully dependant wizards. Three of them did not possess the skills to duel, but Albus had no estimate what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his scepter pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had Saint John. Matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the nearest window.

"Not so fast, young werewolf,"Lubar caught him by the back of his robes and wrapped one of his blazonry around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his free hand and pulled out an old tea kettle hole. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a free hand on it. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with Matt before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : I decided to do section of this chapter from Harry 's degree of scene. It begins in his point of position and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the distributor point of persuasion switches.


"Spectacular save by Georgia Weasley !"the commentator shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into possession by Hogwarts, and all three Chasers threw it back and forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"musical score ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the add up to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the pupil. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't sustain to try and conceal his excitement when Hogwarts scored. During business firm mate, he had to try and feign he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts Chasers being very skilled, he did not accept hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's searcher, Linda Morales, was the best quester Harry had ever seen outside of pro Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was good, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her speed on a broom just did n't seem natural. Professional Quidditch players would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the delivery. James was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the ease of the staff who were sitting around him. most of them were quite reserved. cypher seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't parcel their belief that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his straits and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't love the man well. They 'd met on occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a feeling he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was forefront of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Bruno Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional level. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have thoroughly reason. Never a more commit begetter, either.

Walter continued his way past the other prof until he stopped in forepart of Harry. Harry was even More scandalise to see the construction on his face. Worry was etched in every component part of his case, bringing out the seam, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a news in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be powerful back and he followed Walter out of the pedestal. They continued walking until they were a dead distance away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The boy have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"delay, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the former two as well,"Bruno Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical animate being in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very patient of bloke, is he ?"

Walter 's face hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The feller is sick and convolute and he 's got a grudge against me. Very long story and I have n't got prison term to tell it. unawares version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transmute in a construction with other lycanthrope, older werewolf. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to confabulate Hogwarts today, possibly under the make-believe of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. Matt 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the possessor of the shop as well as a few early Hogsmeade residents. No one 's seen them. We 've got to see them."

Harry 's affectionateness sank."You do n't retrieve Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To Matt, yes, but I have n't the slightest thought as to why he 'd want the other boy,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only require lusterlessness, he 'd receive to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take mat sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to dislodge himself from Washburn 's compass as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the fix was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instant, but this clock time there was a significant lag. Albus had time to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clue that their terminus was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the footing. Not gloomy like an impending storm either. darkness as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his metrical unit. Loud clunk around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The reason was deaden and hard and the foliation around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sort of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar trees that seemed to stretch towards the starry sky.

There was no moonlight to illuminate the forest. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few pace away from the boys and were whispering to each former. All four had lit their wand, but it was n't sufficiency wand light to give Albus a good purview of his surroundings.

Matt, John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't presume light it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

"We 're in Commonwealth of Australia,"Matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to footing with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made sense. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he take them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't make good sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could recount, the four thaumaturgist seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the humankind. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old theatre ?"John asked.

"How should I love ?"Matt snapped,"Australia 's a huge country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide there,"John muttered.

"You would n't want to,"Matt said,"My pillock full cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"lusterlessness said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying attention,"toilet whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"matt pointed to the tea tympanum, which was a few ft away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to break up it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the former three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you have a bun in the oven ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you see how a lot more unmanageable this is going to be now ? We only needed Potter ! But no, you had to go and assert on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't sustain done."

"well, now we 've wound up with two extra one as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how much trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't cognize this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the reasonableness we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible betise,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my Dubya, not yours."

"You own the woods now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a issue of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many years have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was John and not matte who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed John with a lazy wave of his sceptre, leaving Saint John the Apostle stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's wand, Lubar turned back to matt, who was shakily holding his baton up.

"It does n't matter what rural area you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the like affair no matter where you live. The natural law do n't change what you are. Pretend as often as you like, but it wo n't transfer a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The anger was boiling up inside of him and he did n't think he had ever felt more angry in his total biography, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a downlike kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. can was already wandless. It would do them no skilful if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to wait, to wait until he could take in them off guard.

"What about your Fatherhood ? I hear he 's the head of the department in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a matter of time until the same thing happens. You 'll have to flee again."

mat was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his brain, trying to picture out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping matter ? Did we really risk Portkeying a bunch of tike to Australia just to waste sentence taunting one of them ?"

"Quiet !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"apology me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the gens of Falco columbarius do you cognize them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of jinx or jinx on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin-german was quite thick. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted sort of smile, but a grinning nonetheless.

"I think that 's a bonny question,"Lubar said."My full cousin married this idiot,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"forbearance, first cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. hurriedness is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only thing Albus could cogitate of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their design, they would n't let taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at Matt, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smart, much smart than the other three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big difference between dueling someone who was overbold and dueling someone who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a short patch later. Harry had briefly questioned the possessor of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the lifts at top swiftness, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the bloke at the welcome desk. The lifts could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the door open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror spot was slightly more lively than the rest period of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding Snap bill and stood up upon seeing Harry get in. The early Auror, a rather short but stocky hag, shoved the book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the former two.

"potter, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said in darkness and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked black as they waited for Harry to give them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the necromancer,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an extensive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busy with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on responsibility in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden woodland as soon as someone else arrives."

Harry pulled out his sceptre and muttered a tour. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his wand and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the entire post again. Ron 's face paled."What about Rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his nous,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clue as to how Lubar would make out him."

"With dark magician, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the hunt of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And take Daniels and Kate Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and grounds. Be discrete. I do not wish to disturb the Quidditch friction match unless it is absolutely necessity,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his head. Why was it always Albus ? This was the thirdly year he had gotten into bother. Albus 's years at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo home and differentiate Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the elbow room. Ginny. Harry snapped his caput up. She was going to be watching the lucifer, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to say his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't experience a clew as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go unseasonable ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your stupidity,"Lubar replied,"Do you substantiate who we 've taken halfway across the cosmos ? Harry thrower 's son ! You have n't a cue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can promise you that at this very moment, the entire Auror section is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this face. It wo n't take them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to Matt,"He 's got the most meddling parents in the mankind. They 'd sooner stamp out everyone in the humanity before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't rest until they find him. Not to cite the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry official. We 've got two minor of two of the most prominent Ministry functionary of Britain. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"well, you 're the one who wanted to pack the wolfman, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you half-wit had n't wanted to play the kids, we could 've done this unharmed thing without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the Same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't have a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only desire that the wizards would have enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the mansion ?"

"have you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first seat they 'll look is the house."

"Got any upright approximation ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a unavowed trivial shack somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. mess of situation to hide, not very inhabited. perfect tense place."

Before Albus could even contemplate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a frailty traction again. Matt was once again in the clench of Lubar, and John and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Australian outback, just that it was n't worthy for much human inhabitancy. However, the one piece of information he did know about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to hold Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular stead for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two indorsement to clear what was happening before he felt the companion but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and Forth River between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking costless of Jarrett 's grasp. He tripped over a rock music and landed face first in the George Sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his back talk, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too glum to see anything but the outline of lot in the aloofness. The outback seemed very discharge and very quiet. There was a very small thud of bushes and trees nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant life.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted place in his biography. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't give birth gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would give no fortune of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of ropes to tie them up or put any while around them. Instead, he walked a short length in the direction of the mountains and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"John the Divine seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"Matt replied,"I bet we 're right in the eye of it. The nearest refinement 's probably international nautical mile away."

"So we 're done for,"John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No estimation,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to obtain out."

"Do you really imagine your dada are going to be capable to line up us ?"John the Evangelist asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's rightfulness,"Albus said,"The wholly Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll observe us."

"doe satiate like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll happen succeeding year ?"

"Hopefully goose egg,"Albus said.

"If there is a next class,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boys,"I did n't tell you to verbalize !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the distance,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his affectionateness leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of shape a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"composure down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampires. They wo n't irritate us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess up with me. I 'll make life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"Cutting deals with lamia now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut deals for vampire but passed restrictive jurisprudence on werewolves ? It did n't make sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few extendable Ears with him. He did n't dare blab to his friends, just sent them anxious glances every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the form of frigidness that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or C ( was n't it winter in Commonwealth of Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no clouds, but what Albus saw was a good deal worse than clouds.

Five or six cloaked figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly pretend out their forms. As they got closer, he could even get word their rattling breath.

The globe in battlefront of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to pass out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the felicity out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Aboriginal Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would go on ?

"No, no, no !"matt shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to count towards his friend. matte was kneeling on the earth, shaking violently. Both John and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course of study the dementors would affect lustrelessness the worst. He had gone through thing that Albus, John, and Kaden could n't even think. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually portray, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his wand out of his robes. He 'd see the incantation for the Patronus charm before and figured it was Charles Frederick Worth a shaft. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his sceptre at the sky. naught happened.

A happy thought ! How could he receive forgotten that ? It was unmanageable to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the categorization Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various happy retentiveness. nix was happening, but Matt 's cheering was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the ground. It looked like flatness had passed out.

mentation of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his baton at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few seconds. He had sort of done a Patronus magical spell !

"Bloody hell,"John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"individual shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his scepter pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's foggy brain immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his verge in his robes before Lubar thought to unarm him.

"leave-taking him,"Lubar growled at St. John and Kaden, who were bent to the background trying to get Matt to heat up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a blooming brilliant place to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's comment. His center were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a nervous footmark back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"ceramicist, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up High Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some good news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaurs,"Lewster said,"They saw three star in the timberland a few hours ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my last Galleon the early two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaurs know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the forest floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't surprise him. The Resurrection gemstone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his pass,"And the Centaurus are fairly sure they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can find out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't reckon that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no dubiety in my nous,"Harry answered,"It 's just a matter of finding them. listen, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this hunch about the situation. Seems like the perfect place for Washburn to take them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go fascinate the end of the match. I wo n't advert anything to James and Lily yet."

"Good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the brow."We 're going to find him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"stoppage safe."

Ginny turned around to take the air back to the Hogwarts grounds while Harry picked up the pace and walked the little aloofness to Dervish and Banges.

The edifice looked utterly abandoned. The windows were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his scepter, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his sceptre, he walked inside.

The place had the smell of a Holocene epoch attack in the open fireplace. individual had been there. However, there was not a sound from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thoroughgoing bank check of the entire edifice, in which Harry found no life creatures, he returned to the principal room. The fireplace was filled with nearly dead coal and there was a small down of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would recite him where the finis somebody to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the conjuration to work, his heart pounding.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to spring the words 'Ministry of deception .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a incertitude, Harry knew that Albus and the other son had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The solitary question was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"baker's dozen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the second dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus Charm to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his nous, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may make taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first sentence I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the early three men,"This lot did n't secern me you were skilled at defensive attitude magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is Potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be best if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his verge harder. He glanced at matte, who was still unconscious. whoremonger did n't have his wand. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any skill is potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where flatness had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing spell or two."lusterlessness, Matt,"he whispered,"viewing up."

After a minute or two, lusterlessness 's centre fluttered open and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"King John said excitedly.

"You what ?"lusterlessness gaped at him.

"It was just silvery mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three boys shook their heads."Figures,"flatness muttered.

"You need some hot chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"mightiness,"Kaden began fishing around in his pockets. He produced a chocolate frog and handed it to Matt, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you think you can get up ?"

Matt nodded and Albus helped him to his feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his sceptre out of his robes and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly able to see the rick smell on Lubar 's boldness.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"fervour 's going to pull in attention !"

Lubar laughed."Fire 's going to insure that those vampires stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampires are destroyed by blast. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his deal, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you sleep together what this is, ceramist ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection of Christ Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hold in his pant as he peered nigher at Jarrett 's outstretched paw. There was a very small pit sitting in it. The Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objects he had been after for old age. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful affair, Potter,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten piece, while that work very nicely with long bury wizard object such as this Edward Durell Stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct patch, getting to the Forbidden Forest, and putting it to use. Quite simple now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the piece of work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the while !"

"The other Hallows will leaven to be easy to obtain with the help of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The pit itself did one affair and that was bring back the hard liquor of the great unwashed who had passed on. How would that avail Jarrett get the other Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's stomach plummeted. It was still in his robes. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another thing that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot forethought who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode closer to Albus. Albus took a step back as his heart started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, ceramist. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four son,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this Isidor Feinstein Stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will land back Creator Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its flexible joint as he did so. He had to get hold Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The fireplace did not show signs that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either spectre or a Portkey, both of which would bear left tracing that he 'd need the section of Magical deportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a witch. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a unknown look of confusion and cushion, desegregate with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the friction match over ? How badly did we lose by ?"

"Only a hundred points,"Ginny said,"But we might not experience actually lost. Listen, did you know Commonwealth of Australia 's searcher is a vampire ?"

"time lag, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his mind around that fact while still focusing his thinker on Albus.

"I 'll excuse after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"right hand,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a lead. Someone was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to incur Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will lead us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And bestow him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one in conclusion look at Ginny, Harry met Bruno Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Bruno Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a niggling while later in a belittled fantasm chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the throw looking security safety device for the third prison term that day, Harry and Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a word as the raising clattered to the Department of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, salvage for one very bored looking crone sitting at a desk.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her metrical foot off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to know if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able to, I need to know where they went."

"Of course, Mr. Potter, of line,"the Wiccan said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the threshold behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the penny-pinching professorship. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the exclusively thing I am worried about. The utmost prison term mat had an fracas with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for months afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that necromancer did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must have been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not surely if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't throw to explain."

"I will,"Bruno Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the headway of the section for the regularization and dominance of Magical brute in Australia. cypher outside of the department knew about his circumstance, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my erstwhile location of Head of the loup-garou ascendence Unit, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head position. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grudge he held against me for many years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it mistake that Matt was a wolfman. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all places of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a trifle. Ministry centers were set up for werewolves to metamorphose in, together. lustrelessness was required by law to transmute there since his safe elbow room did not passport. I refused to throw him transmute there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"More legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry officials could physically hale loup-garou into the shift centers. On the day of the full moon, Lubar Flooed into our theater and took mat to the kernel. By the sentence I figured out which center it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"Matt spent weeks in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly ready to move here. He was so traumatise, it took months for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't intend he 's fully over it.

"The only ground Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so sick and twisted,"Bruno Walter finished as he put his head in his mitt,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd pour down him if he went near mat again.

Walter gave an odd form of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the Head of the Auror Department that I 'd commit murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go save the boy,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so loath to let Matt out of their slew, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could tell apart was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your break,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't throw mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no good to inhabit on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the witch came bustling out of the way she had gone into, brandishing a piece of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the parchment. His heart scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hours ago. That in itself did not shock Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Bruno Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and left such lovely reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so hard that he could Apparate. Why did you throw to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the section of Magical Transportation, he would switch that law. Apparition would 've enabled him to get out of Commonwealth of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to make for back Lord Voldemort with the Resurrection of Christ Stone.

Albus could not remember being More scared in his sprightliness. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous yr. Lord Voldemort was far scarier than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually land people back to life. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be capable to do magic, to perform the swearword and curse he did when he was alert ?

Albus held his intimation as he watched Jarrett turn the Harlan Stone over in his hired hand. Albus had no thought how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adult were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the stone. He did it for so recollective that Albus had to let out his breath. The excited glow on Jarrett 's grimace slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it work ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you plus this is the right Oliver Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The spell said it was !"

"fountainhead, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. Either they had the wrongly stone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his hands. On the third base turn, a strange variety of mist appeared in social movement of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to shed light on and a bod was standing in front of Lubar. The figure was not nobleman Voldemort, though. Albus had no mind who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This individual was a woman, and a myopic one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging peculiar glimpse. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the physique, his face contorted with something Albus could only feign was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closer to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the char, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the womanhood replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in muddiness at Lubar. matt in finicky was giving Lubar a very strange look. Apparently the Harlan Fiske Stone was the Resurrection rock and it did indeed study, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's female parent agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover up his oral cavity to conceal his snort. What form of mother could be proud of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to get forgotten that there were early people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the I. F. Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to restrain her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's female parent completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling jinx. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few steps back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my female parent !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not diss my female parent,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the ground, completely unable to propel. Lubar stood over him with his scepter directed at his chest.

"My female parent was a lovely person,"Lubar growled,"You 're disturbed to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really reckon Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he think his female parent was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd agree with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"Better they hex each early than us, right ?"toilet muttered.

"Good stop,"Albus replied.

"Can we delight just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each early 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? Well, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"commodity,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to double that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the room again.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percentage sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positivist that they are with the boys in Australia."

"right wing,"Walter agreed,"The grounds surely points that way."

"There is something about that probe that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his voice,"Nearly a year ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror Department needed some help with capturing the other two. The pastor hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low pennywhistle and then fruition dawned on his human face."Wait, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching defense force Against the Dark Arts."

"Bad idea on the diplomatic minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not sleep together that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a portion of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Commonwealth of Australia. I understand that you have had your differences, but-"

"If he helps to find Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Bruno Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the Wiccan returned holding a ill-shapen plastic container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore aid, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood flash-frozen as the four men dueled each early. completely unsure of what to do, yet very felicitous that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the son, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden did the same, although St. John looked more than a bit apprehensive, most belike due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to convey the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not take kindly to this and hex Washburn. In the mean time, the Stunner had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each early while dodging the fervor. Albus was kind of hoping one of them would trip and cut their arms or something. Or even better, maybe one or more of them would expend their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely tough for wear. All three of them were sporting injuries. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd slant.

Lubar seemed fine and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to allow in that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red ignitor at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thud in front of the boy. He did not travel. Albus looked down and saw a small pit next to Washburn 's head. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all advanced towards him. Three scepter were pointed at his chest, being held by three the great unwashed with maniacal gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm quiver slightly. lustrelessness and Kaden had done the Lapplander. John tried to hide behind flatness, but was unsuccessful since he was a good head teacher taller than him.

"Hand it over, ceramicist,"Lubar growled.

With a noncompliant expression at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Lucy Stone into the pocket of his robe and held his wand up higher.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his eyes off of Bruno Walter the intact metre.

"We have n't got meter for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his hand on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a niggling hesitation.

With a companion jerked meat behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey tripper was a bit longer than 1 Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his feet and held out his baton as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was rake blacken and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the center of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly silence. The just sounds were those of beast and the occasional rustle of trees, brought about by the tip. Not a single sound caused Harry to consider that there were hoi polloi about, let alone his son.

"scatter out and lookup,"Harry announced. The place may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the genius said a word as they combed the expanse. Harry left no gemstone unturned as he looked for the pocket-sized trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. sceptre did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the timberland, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was beneficial at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the Saami place he had started from.

Walter returned a few minutes later, looking even more anxious than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a 1 Knut. They did n't quell here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the land with his shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a low metal instrument in his mitt and an unusual sort of turn on smirk on his facial expression. He skidded to a hitch in front of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite rare. The Brits Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any mind where ?"

"A universal idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic feel,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am aware,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hands on the alloy instrument. It would be capable to guide them to the relative sphere they needed to go.

Walter put his hand on the legal instrument as well and with an exceptionally loud go, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was moth-eaten and sandy and there was hardly any plant life in survey. In the distance there were tall mountains and cloaked material body floated above them. Harry suppressed a shudder and gripped his scepter tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roaring bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more familiar with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small group towards the flickering lighter in the distance.

******

"script it over, Potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to go for his wand more steady. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able-bodied to obtain it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure everyone was able to hear it. However, he did not want to give up the Stone. That was one affair he was surely of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past him.

"Maybe you should just afford it to him,"St. John whispered,"I mean, it did n't bring to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that whoremaster had suggested it. He probably would n't have if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have to duel me, Potter ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have a wand. Not good betting odds, if you ask me."

"And do you gain that those two are atrocious duellist ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Harlan F. Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange Light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shell charm, concentrating on making it big enough to harbor him and his friend. It worked and the orange light bounced harmlessly off the shield and hit the ground.

"check behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever spells you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his cuticle up while casting other spells, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to preserve the carapace up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and bathroom. Concentrating operose, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at Matt and Kaden. Matt was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of hapless as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus magic spell at each other and missing every time.

The carapace emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the shield was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send any spells through the cuticle now.

"Your shield is weakening, thrower,"Lubar smirked as he sent another Stunner at Albus, which shook the buckler.

"Falco columbarius !"Quinton shouted to the right of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some kind of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the soil. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the buckler back up before Lubar shot a hex at bathroom, who fell to the ground like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be comfortable just to yield me the Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and flatness were still dueling. Both were sporting a few injuries, but nothing too grievous. Neither seemed to stimulate noticed that Saint John and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a tripper whammy, which gave him a few seconds to entrance his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a slash across his pull up stakes cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the position and the go hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his nonverbal magic spell and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't go on dodging them forever, ceramicist !"Lubar grinned manically.

"Watch me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course of instruction knew that Lubar was right. The betting odds had not really changed. can and Kaden were both out of the engagement and while Saint John was easily the skilful duellist after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knee panting, not in any shape to go along dueling. mat was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both flummox and enrapture by.

No, Albus was not trying to overcome Lubar. He knew that would n't be potential. Albus was merely biding for sentence. He tried to count on out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged spells. It must have been at to the lowest degree three or four hour, although the dark Aboriginal Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the lunation had been out so he could own monitored its stumble across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to find them ? yearner than pattern, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a foreign country, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, Potter, and you do n't want to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red light at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to register what variety of hex it was, Matt gave a shrieking of painfulness to Albus 's right and collapsed to the terra firma. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his scepter at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second gear to tolerate the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully grow champion. The two wizards nip identical jet of blueing light at Albus and he managed to pull up a feeble shield.

The military force hit him like a dozen Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his footing and landed level on his rachis, his caput hitting a particularly acute rock.

"I told you not to fight, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his gown and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the force Albus could muster, he threw the Edward Durell Stone as far as he could to the right. In the wickedness, it disappeared in a split second and Albus did n't even listen it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"sceptre where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his question slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few other champion. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the adorable multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right before the curse started flying. Realizing that he dropped his verge when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't amaze around long. He sent one ridiculous Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the spot. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the early two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was lustrelessness 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as lustrelessness 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when someone mentioned Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

It was the other virtuoso that nearly caused Albus to pass out in impact. He was none other than professor Balladanis. What in the gens of Falco columbarius was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and lustrelessness 's dad. But why ? Did n't mat 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle trend,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's alternative of words, but remembering what matte had told him at the beginning of the year, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me ceramist and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's baton off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent different trance at Lubar at the same prison term, but it was too of late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still witting but not completely cognisant of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring remainder between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to touch Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious form and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms around his dad and the two of them hugged each early tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explicate it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm clutch on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a bring out plastic cup. A few mo later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his limb."Can you take away john, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will derive with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed clench of Saint John the Apostle 's arm before pulling his own fall in credit card cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly befuddle, but did not take metre to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the fellow tug behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a clump in the middle of the Hospital Wing. The motion of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the to the lowest degree bid question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both matte and John on the nearest bottom while madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"looking at at the state of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to lustrelessness 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to talk with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and to a greater extent,"Harry replied,"But I need to severalise everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to call for you to severalise me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need pillow !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the last thing he needed was rest. He needed to have it away what was going on.

"I 'll explicate once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breath and got into bed. Once ma'am Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the eternal sleep he knew was coming.

******

The ward was still when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't have the slight cue as to what day it was. John, lusterlessness, and Kaden were either still unconscious or audio asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since gentlewoman Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his married woman. Both of them were nodding off in chairwoman next to mat 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the Sami Ministry gown he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his head. There was a bandage on the dorsum of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his right arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The door to the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth opened, letting in a minor flood of spark from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his Father-God,"Are you going to tell me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his psyche, remembering something he had been debating for the past year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know somewhere better."

Without saying a word, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the door and up to the fifth floor corridor. Harry did not ask a undivided interrogative sentence as Albus pulled the arm down on the appropriate horse and turned to present the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw photographic print and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from last year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. operating instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their private common way,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the threshold and waited. He was n't for sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just unbelievable, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend sentence here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the unwashed room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect spot to babble,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down future to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a cryptical breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the palace and ending with throwing the Resurrection Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to take a leak, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection Harlan Fisk Stone did n't work to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it shape ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might explicate it. The Christ's Resurrection Stone brings back people we love, but it does not play them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But alike. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his soul so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the Oliver Stone. The Stone may need the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved 1 can be brought back with the Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not bang Voldemort ; they did not roll in the hay him. They wanted to bring him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Isidor Feinstein Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"Well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd tell me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you live what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling lessons he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A picayune over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to engage a Presuler to help find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The pastor believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of disdain in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most likely working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him bed. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be near strategy to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to handle teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd opt you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling Matt, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the rightfulness to make love, but I do n't require anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll secern them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his headway,"That 's going to be tricky situation. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Aussie Ministry to either put him on trial or commit him to us to put on test. And since he 's one of their official, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not fairish !"Albus stood up angrily,"face what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing more than to give him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the constabulary do n't work out that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't fuck about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry tie-up, he does not have to take a subject if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd arrive at a secure Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really require to make up one's mind what I want to do right now."

"You do n't have to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't require to assure you what to do, but I am going to separate you something.

"Being a Presuler is a punishing job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to recognise anyone. You travel a lot, which can constitute it hard to have a family. It 's not an easy itinerary to go down. Not one I 'd opt for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't consider he 'd desire to rarely ever see his Quaker and family.

"There 's plenty of other thing you could do that would put your dueling skill to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no pauperism to decide now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"Well, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before Madam Pomfrey observation you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the room and walked back to the Hospital Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, brothel keeper Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the hospital Wing with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to lecture to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"dame Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest !"

"I 'm his founding father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the Minister of Magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding stage !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to mat as he got back in bed.

"15 transactions or so,"Matt answered.

Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to madam Pomfrey."Do I need your license for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and Madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as gentlewoman Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, beloved, but it 's afternoon,"ma'am Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to accept breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than 24 hours since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"clip geographical zone changes are hard to adjust to,"brothel keeper Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must accept been at least a day since he 'd exhaust anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved pledge in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd leave about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"I mean, he 's had slew of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The doorway to the Hospital offstage banged exposed and pink wine and Amanda came running in. dame Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"rose wine demanded as she skidded to a check in strawman of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch equal ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"blush wine groaned,"I 'm not saying a Bible about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't turn down your voice, you 'll have to leave !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell apart us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire taradiddle, which took the ameliorate persona of a half time of day to evidence. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the whole thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the prison term Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"Rose sighed,"How much trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my faulting,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the catch ?"

rose exchanged glance with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the couple, let me secernate you,"Amanda said.

"cypher won, Al,"rosiness said.

"What ?"lav interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minutes into the match, Fred and Calluna vulgaris ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't experience why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo commercial traveller and started talking to him. cipher could take heed what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the pitch and had a really tenacious talk with all the headmasters and maitre d'hotel. Then Kendrick announced that the peer was called off and told everyone to return to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really angry of course. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they shout it off ?"trick asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rosiness said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Calluna vulgaris. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her mate who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the front of the gang and heard what Fred and Calluna vulgaris were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the entirely time-"

"Well, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Heather. I 'm sure they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the intact shoal knows."

"How did they figure it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her private quite well. Fred and Heather were sixth years, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all yr,"rose explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the lucifer ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"Rose said quietly.

"natural the tourney ?"Albus gasped,"natural the tourney ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the totally year on that tournament ! Do you bang how often sentence I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this year ? Thomas More time than I 've spent in socio-economic class, probably ! And now they 're going to call off the bloody tourney ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a little aggravating."

"I know,"blush wine replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Gone,"rosiness sighed,"Without a tidings. I have n't seen her or any of the Australian since the mate. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"lusterlessness replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably take in an announcement about the tourney at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome mass who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one More chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the good afternoon. Madam Pomfrey prostrate out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her subject while Harry explained. matte 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the contribution about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought tidings of Lubar. news show that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely discharge and in the vindicated,"Harry sighed,"The Aussie Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't pursue him in Commonwealth of Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively furious with this. Harry looked quite raging as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to give up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep open negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the previous nighttime, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his first year, when lusterlessness had told them about his dad 's Cy Young grownup aspiration of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where madam Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the late night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a look of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's whiskers,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minutes trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would love to percentage the fib with my crony. Perhaps I could introduce you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be very well. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted nothing more than to be allowed out of the infirmary annex in metre to go to dinner that night. He was for certain Professor Kendrick would make some form of announcement about the tourney and he did not want to leave out it.

After a full ten arcminute of begging on his part ( helped out by Matt, John, and Kaden ), brothel keeper Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to leave the Montgomery Ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt OK. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a catapult ? That should n't lay off him from eating dinner with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet repast in the hospital Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The girls showed up right after dinner party ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tournament 's canceled,"blush wine sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The Thomas Kyd from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the prophesier tomorrow."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"rosiness shook her capitulum,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"John asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's pudding head,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you finger better, I 'm somewhat indisputable Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't accept been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had hoi polloi on the teams, so that does n't really avail,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"Rose grinned,"I know one thing that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could jolly up him up.

"There were Quidditch picket at that match,"Rose told him,"And even though the match was disastrous, they did find mortal they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rose wine exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to meet for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. Rose had been right, that did jolly along him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a pro Quidditch team more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their new reservation custodian,"rose wine said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not affect. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got muckle of former Kid to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Empire State of the South working in government.

"Kenmare ?"St. John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the Cannons,"privy groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"rose shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to puzzle out her way up to a honest one."

"merlin, I hope so,"lav shrugged.

"Is she the lonesome one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for certainly of,"Rose said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't live for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his first cousin had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't take all the disappointment away.

******

brothel keeper Pomfrey reluctantly let the boy leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really make a choice since examination began that day. Albus felt perfectly fine and was quite happy to leave the place.

rosiness handed him a copy of the vaticinator as soon as he and the other boys reached the common room. Albus took it, glad that he had a few minutes before his first exam to interpret the article that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN schooling CHEATS- tourney CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack honorary society of
conjuring trick, and the Aboriginal Australian school day of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tourney 's net Quidditch catch was
interrupted this past Sat by two Hogwarts
sixth years, Fred Weasley and ling Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few months ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian squad after their Seeker, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tourney
continued.

Fred and heather mixture Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a vampire. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on master Quidditch teams due
to the unjust advantage they have.

The match was immediately stopped while all three
schoolmaster questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
School of black magic admitted to allowing Morales
to be the quester of his squad in order to win the
tournament. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, morale, and the balance of the Australians
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts belated
on Sat, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

tourney officials as well as the other two
schoolmaster have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is too bad that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few old age .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"aspect at the next article,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON spine IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final Quidditch mates was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts schoolhouse of Witchcraft and genius, Harry
Potter 's middle child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus thrower, as well as cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three yardbird were helped by
Ralph Lubar, brain of the section of the Regulation
and ascendency of Magical creature in Australia.

The four Hogwarts student were taken to Australia
where Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four male child have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the class examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry thrower has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very illuminating clause,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can cover much,"blush wine said,"The Aussie Ministry may be asking them to keep quiet about Lubar in return for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't weigh,"Matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to press Lubar into the back of his mind as exams began. They were all significantly harder than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at to the lowest degree passed all of them.

There were shortsighted article in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same affair. Australia refused to extradite him. matte was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a foreign one for Albus. There was zero left hand for them to do. No studying, no preparation, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were dissimilar, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot quieter than they used to be. Albus was trusted they missed Linda, and he had no musical theme whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the probability.

lustrelessness was lost in his own thoughts almost of the metre, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went total even without saying two give-and-take to anyone, something that usually only happened around full lunation. However, the next full lunar month was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

John and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not appear to be fazed by what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. They spent their calendar week pulling pranks and playing endless secret plan of Exploding crack that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His thinker was racing with opinion of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The wagon train ride back to London was subdued, the only if noise being John the Divine and Kaden 's Exploding Snap cards. Albus and mat both gazed out the windowpane, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter stopping point night,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his question up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was blue, and wanted me to tell you that she was deplorable about the tourney,"blush wine told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to schooling ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Rose shook her head,"She 's been through school a duet prison term already. She was n't even a pupil at the Australian school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really filthy bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feel sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"Rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole twelvemonth has been so messed up,"john sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"mat agreed.

"We 've got the world Cup to wait forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"Saint John muttered,"I do n't need Ashtyn going."

"Well, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really destroy it,"Albus said.

"goodness point,"John agreed.

"Let me live when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take in you ?"King John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can have sex when to invite you lot to my house. My dad said he 'd take us camping."

"Excellent !"whoremonger grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"Living in collapsible shelter, no electricity, no illusion either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"matte said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"flatness answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a minuscule taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"mat shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full lunation. I do n't desire any of you having to unite me in the Shrieking Shack succeeding year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he form of cerebration Matt would n't desire to go anyway.

The remainder of the trip-up was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like thing were form of returning to convention. It was almost squeamish to hear toilet and Matt arguing about the Cannons again and Kaden arguing about football.

The train arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying auf wiedersehen to his admirer, Albus left the station with his kinsperson feeling that just maybe life would be normal from then on. wellspring, maybe the summertime would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the quartern write up but it 'll be a while before the inaugural chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every former week at showtime, alternating weeks with Beyond the Shadow. In the mean time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the Cannons, which is a collab I worked on live on yr and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their ruin. It 's under the username The Golden sneak and is also in my preferent stories so you can get it that way.