Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


A mother kangaroo stood absolutely still in the moonlit forest, watching her child play in the President Bush in movement of her. The female parent would gently rend the roo back every meter he got too far away. She was watching him carefully when a loud pop startled her. The joey hopped back over to his mother and jumped into her protrude. They hopped away quickly, not noticing the man who had just appeared a few m away.

The man swore under his intimation as his face contorted. His round face was elongating and his pitch blackness hair lightened to a brownish ghost. He stumbled around and kicked off his horseshoe as his metrical unit grew too bombastic for them. It was not only his feet that were growing, but his full consistence. The man was now six inch taller than he had been when he first Apparated into the woods. Finally, it stopped. The man now looked completely different and kind of strange in Muggle clothing that was far too small for him.

He opened his bag and pulled out a set of black adept robe, changing into them quickly. He tossed the Muggle clothing into the bag and set off at a lively pace.

`` Bloody Muggle aeroplane, '' he muttered to himself, `` Ministry ought to just allow external Flooing. ``

It was a very placid Nox, with only the occasional owl hooting in the distance. The lunar month was not wax enough to provide enough light to illuminate the path, but the man did not want to draw attention to himself by lighting his wand. He merely stumbled along, swearing every time he tripped over a tilt or a shoetree root.

The marvelous man was not entirely sure as shooting how far he would bear to walk to find the property he was looking for. In fact, the man he was going to call did not even know he was coming. Nevertheless, he kept walking through the timber, until he finally came to the edge.

A poor distance away stood a rather large family. It was not big enough to be considered a mansion, but substantially larger than most house. The man glanced at his sentinel before continuing towards the house.

`` darn, '' he muttered as he noticed that his picket was still set for British metre. He pulled out his baton and pointed it at his wrist. The hands on the sentry swirled until coming to a stop. It was nearly midnight.

There was one lone light on in the firm. early than that, the place seemed either deserted or its occupier asleep. The man did not care if everyone was asleep ; he would merely wake them up. He picked up his yard as he crossed the yard and ascended the footmark up to the figurehead door.

The man knocked three metre and stood waiting for mortal to let him in. A short while later, the room access opened a crack. However, it did not seem that anyone had actually answered it.

`` Is you needing something, sir ? '' a screaky voice asked.

The man looked down and saw a family elf peeking his head around the door. `` Why yes, '' the man replied, `` Is Lubar in ? ``

`` headmaster Lubar ? '' the elf asked, `` He is. ``

`` I need to speak to him, '' the man said.

`` ejaculate in, '' the elf replied, `` Is you wanting a potable ? ``

`` No, '' the man muttered as he entered the house, `` Just show me to Lubar. ``

`` Yes, sir. This way. ``

The man followed the elf through the extravagant house. He always wondered how Lubar managed to afford everything. It 's not like he made much money at his job. There were statues, plant of art, gold encrusted tables, Oriental rugs, and the fanciest furniture in all of the suite he passed.

The elf led him to a way with the door halfway unfold. Light was streaming out of it, but the man could n't get a line any voices. Lubar must be alone, he thought. That would be outdo anyway.

The man pushed past the elf and into the room without knocking. He did n't see the need. Lubar was family. sure, the man had n't seen him in years, but he was family nonetheless. Lubar was the man 's wife 's cousin, to be specific.

Lubar was sitting at his desk, perusing a book. His untidy brown hair was dangling over his face. He looked up when the man stepped into the room. He looked momentarily shocked, but regained his composure and stood up. Lubar was quite a bit unforesightful than the man in the doorway and was wearing exchangeable black robes.

`` Jarrett, '' Lubar gestured for him to do in, `` What an, strange, surprise. ``

The man, Jarrett, walked in and took a seat in the red leather chair in front of the desk. Lubar resumed his position behind the desk.

`` To what do I owe the joy ? '' Lubar asked, folding his hands in front of him. `` It 's been a recollective fourth dimension, Jarrett. ``

`` I know, Ralph, it has indeed, '' Jarrett mused.

`` I have half a mind to throw you out of this house after what your brother-in-law did to my brother, '' Lubar growled.

`` And I assure you that I understand, '' Jarrett replied, `` I do not approve of what my brother-in-law did. I have not spoken to the man since. ``

Lubar raised his eyebrow. `` Interesting. And has your wife been in inter-group communication with him ? ``

`` She has, '' Jarrett sighed, `` But that is just one of the many things we have unlike opinions on. I am well cognizant that you have no plans to forgive her brother, which is why I am here unbeknownst to her. I would like to put that issue behind us and rekindle our friendly relationship, Lubar. ``

`` I will have to think about that, '' Lubar said.

`` I understand, '' Jarrett said, `` That 's all I can ask you to do. ``

`` I am quite odd as to how you managed to get here. Is n't your entire ministry after you ? I pay attention to magical news all around the world, you know. I have been following your write up for the by yr, '' Lubar changed the subject.

Jarrett smiled. It had been surprisingly easy to get to Commonwealth of Australia with Muggle Department of Transportation. It took a while and was rather annoying, but easy.

`` Yes, the Ministry is after me. However, I took the liberty of using Muggle transportation to arrive here. I simply took some Polyjuice Potion, bought an aeroplane ticket, and now I 'm here. ``

`` Impressive, '' Lubar replied, `` You used the new 24 hour Polyjuice ? ``

`` Obviously, '' Jarrett smirked, `` Otherwise I would sustain turned back into myself in the middle of an aerodrome. ``

`` True. Now, what can I do for you ? What could you possibly postulate that would do you to fill Muggle transportation to get here ? Somehow, I do n't think you would go through such extreme measures to rekindle a friendly relationship that died a decennium ago. ``

`` Do you roll in the hay why the Ministry wants me ? ``

`` Something about dueling Harry Potter ? '' Lubar smirked, `` That might be the stupefied affair you have ever done. ``

`` That 's the heart and soul of it, '' Jarrett muttered, `` But we had ground for doing it. ``

`` We ? ``

`` Yes. Myself, my son, and one of my supporter. ``

`` Ah, '' Lubar leaned back in his chair, `` Do you deal to enlighten me about your reasons ? ``

`` We want to merge the Deathly Hallows in ordering to help our mission to persist in the plan of God Almighty Voldemort, '' Jarrett explained, `` Harry ceramist knows the location of all three of the Deathly Hallows and currently possesses two of them. Have you heard of the Hallows ? ``

`` Of class I have, '' Lubar snapped, `` Mind you, I thought it was just a youngster 's narration. ``

`` I assure you, it 's not, '' Jarrett said, `` I myself saw the invisibility Cloak. They exist and had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall. ``

`` nobleman Voldemort, '' Lubar mused, `` I understand. I myself agree with his approximation about the wizarding earth. Especially when it comes to half-breeds. ``

`` I was hoping you 'd say that. Now, we have been on the run for over a twelvemonth. After our first unsuccessful endeavor at obtaining the Hallows, we chose to lay low for a while. ``

`` You know where all of the Hallows are ? You said Potter 's got them ? ``

`` Two of them, '' Jarrett corrected him, `` We thought we have a go at it where all three were, but we were wrong about the Elder Wand. fountainhead, thrower could be lying to us. That 's entirely possible. But even if he does not currently have it in his self-command, I am sure he knows where it is. The invisibility Cloak is currently in possession of Harry ceramicist 's middle tike, Albus. The Christ's Resurrection Harlan Stone is residing in the forest following to Hogwarts, although I am not sure where. ``

`` Interesting, '' Lubar mused, `` But what do you need me to do ? ``

`` I 'm getting to that. Recently, my son and I came up with a architectural plan to find the Invisibility Cloak. My son was to entice Albus ceramicist out of schooltime by capturing his first cousin. To name a long write up myopic, it ended in a affaire d'honneur between my son and Harry Potter. ceramicist captured him and he now resides in Azkaban, '' Jarrett seethed.

`` That sounds like an absolutely abysmal plan. Did you actually believe Potter 's kid would n't tell him his full cousin was captured ? ``

`` We kind of hoped so- ''

`` Shut up. The point is, that was a horrible plan, and now your son is in prison house. ``

`` Yes, '' Jarrett sighed, `` And I was kind of hoping you could aid get him out. ``

Lubar stared at him and then smirked. `` Me ? supporter get your son out of prison ? How in the name of Merlin do you reckon I 'll be able-bodied to do that ? ``

`` wellspring, you 're a high ranking Ministry official, you must consume a lot of influence in these variety of affair, '' Jarrett stammered.

`` I am a senior high school ranking Ministry official in Australia, not Britain, '' Lubar laughed, `` Why do you think I have any influence over there ? ``

`` But do n't you keep on in contact with Britain 's section for the Regulation and Control of Magical brute ? '' Jarrett asked.

Lubar laughed. `` I do not contact Britain 's department for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures. My judgment are vastly different from those in U.K.. I would not desire to consociate myself with the chap there. Plus, my public figure is mud with the British section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. ``

Jarrett looked curiously at Lubar. `` That is unvoiced to believe. What did you possibly do to take a shit them dislike you ? ``

`` That, is a very long taradiddle, '' Lubar replied, `` The old head of my department was a very liberal man. He sympathized with wolfman and disliked any kind of rigorous legislation dealing with them. His understanding for this was because his own son is a werewolf. ``

`` Really ? ``

`` Yes. Anyway, he was fired after he broke one of the wolfman laws. Then I became promontory of the department and passed more than legal philosophy. He hated me. He moved his family to U.K., where he got a job in Werewolf funding military service. Turns out, he was planning on moving anyway, even before he got fired. He wanted his loup-garou kid to advert school day. The headmaster of the Aboriginal Australian schoolhouse of black art obviously did not let him attend. The Hogwarts headmaster did. As far as I know, he 's there now. Once there, he made certainly everyone in his department knew my gens and what I believed. They do not address kindly of me. ``

Jarrett rubbed his chin. `` Interesting. So there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts ? Quinton never told me anything about that. ``

`` He probably does n't know, '' Lubar smirked, `` I tend to doubt that the werewolf would announce it to the hale school. ``

`` Do you know the werewolf 's name ? '' Jarrett asked.

`` Do n't remember his first name. go name 's Eckerton. ``

Jarrett thought for a moment and then his centre popped out of his heading. `` Eckerton ? ! Quinton 's mentioned that kid. He 's one of the I we dueled with last class ! He 's Quaker with Potter 's kid. ``

`` Really ? '' Lubar smirked, `` How concern. ``

`` Yes, extremely interesting, '' Jarrett rolled his eyes, `` Potter 's kid befriended a werewolf. Thrilling, really. Now, can you help get Quinton out of Azkaban or not. ``

`` Talk like that and I wo n't help you, '' Lubar muttered.

Jarrett 's oculus lit up. `` So you can help ? ``

`` Possibly, '' Lubar said, `` But I could most certainly help you get the Hallows. ``

`` And how would you do that ? ``

`` commencement, I give you advice, '' Lubar began, `` You 're going about this all incorrect. Your first precedence should give birth been the Resurrection of Christ Stone, not that Invisibility Cloak. Yes, the Stone will be difficult to see, but nobody currently owns it. It 's sitting in the President Bush. You 've got to look that George H.W. Bush and get that gemstone. Then, you use the Stone. ``

`` Use it ? ``

`` Yes, use it ! '' Lubar shouted, `` Honestly, I do n't sleep with what my first cousin sees in you. But anyway, use it to talk to Voldemort ! ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` Then, you ask Voldemort what happened to the Elder sceptre ! '' Lubar continued, `` That thing is the best Hallow. The Cloak is the least utile. Anyone can make themselves invisible with a Disillusionment charm. You 've got to get that verge and stone first. ``

`` Oh, I 'll get looking for the Isidor Feinstein Stone, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Good, '' Lubar replied, `` And I 'll go to U.K. and avail you. ``

`` Seriously ? ``

`` Yes. I 'll make trusted you do it properly. And I can tick up on that werewolf kid, '' Lubar sneered.

`` What about the Ministry ? I thought they hated you. ``

`` They do, '' Lubar said, `` But I can get along up with a in effect reason to be at Hogwarts this year. ``

`` What might that be ? ``

`` I can not explain in detail. There is an event happening at Hogwarts this yr. Students from Australia are participating. I have cause to be there. ``

`` Shall I wait for you to search for the Harlan Fiske Stone ? ``

`` Yes, '' Lubar said, `` I 'll form for certain you do n't screw it up. And perhaps, while I 'm there, we can work out some way to break your idiot son out of Azkaban. ``

`` Thanks, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Just remember, you owe me for this. ''


A/N : I love it when editing takes to a lesser extent time than I thought ! Big thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who also named this story.

This write up is more intertwined with In moonshine 's Shadow than my other Albus stories have been. People who have already read IMS will know this now that they 've read the prologue. I suggest anyone who has n't read IMS read it, although you 'll still be able-bodied to understand this taradiddle if you don't.

I may be switching my update days to Wednesdays because I 'm quite busy on Th. It 'll depend on how the semester goes.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus Severus Potter awoke to a gamey pitched shriek. He sat up quickly in bed and listened. It was coming from downstairs and sounded exactly like his short baby, Lily. He groaned and got out of bed. It would be pointless for him to try and go back to sleep.

Lily had been impossible to deal with ever since Albus returned home from Hogwarts. She was incredibly excited about the fact that she was going to go to Hogwarts in the Fall. Therefore, Lily had been constantly asking Albus about Hogwarts and the interrogative were usually I Albus did not know the answer to or did not desire to answer.

Albus quickly changed his clothes and ran downstairs. It was a closed book as to what Lily was shrieking about now. His mum probably told her some new composition of information about Hogwarts.

`` Al ! '' Lily shoved a objet d'art of lambskin in Albus 's face, `` It came ! It came ! My Hogwarts letter came ! ``

So that was what the shrieking was about, Albus thought. Lily had been waiting for that letter all summertime. Every morning she 'd watch the window waiting for the Wiley Post owl to arrive.

`` praise, Lily, '' Albus grinned at her and continued his pass down to the kitchen. Lily ran ahead of him and was literally dancing around the room by the clock time Albus arrived.

`` Lily ! '' James IV shouted, `` One does not shriek and dance like a madman when one receives their Hogwarts letter. ``

`` Oh, really, King James ? '' Ginny smirked at him, `` Were n't you the one to stand on top of the table and do some sort of dancing ? ``

James I blushed. `` Er, no. ``

`` Oh, do n't be ashamed, James, '' Albus grinned as he sat down future to his brother, `` At least you did n't shriek like a miss. ``

`` Yeah, that was you, '' King James I laughed.

`` I did not ! '' Albus shouted, `` I acted perfectly convention ! ``

`` normal for a girl, '' James replied.

`` plosive consonant it, James II, '' Ginny scolded as she set a trough of rolled oats and a few envelopes in straw man of Albus, `` You got some post as well, Al. ``

Albus picked up the quite a little of alphabetic character and opened the top one. It was the usual book listing as well as his Hogsmeade permit case. `` Here, Mum, '' he handed her the slip, `` You 'll have to sign that. ``

Ginny took the parchment. `` I ca n't believe you 're a third twelvemonth, Al. You 're growing up so fast. ``

`` Mum ! '' Albus groaned.

`` I ca n't believe it either, '' James sighed, `` Ickle Al is getting so big ! ``

`` James River ! '' Albus smacked him.

`` Mum, Al hit me ! '' James shouted.

`` Behave yourselves, boys, '' Ginny said without looking at them.

Albus opened the other envelope. It was from lusterlessness.

Dear Albus,

My parents said you could number sojourn
on the 16th for a few days. They 're
going to take us to Diagon Alley too.
Let me know if you can come !

Your booster,
mat

`` Mum ! '' Albus shouted, `` Can I go to lustrelessness 's business firm on the 16th ? ``

Ginny read the missive over Albus 's shoulder. `` certainly. We 'll see you in Diagon alley and get King James I and Lily 's clobber then. ``

Albus grinned. He was very excited about going to Matt 's firm. He had never been there. He hoped that whoremaster and Kaden would be able to go as well. They had n't seen each other in about a month, when Albus and rose wine had had their birthday party.

`` Thanks, Mum. ``

`` Mum ! '' Lily whined, `` I wanted to go to Diagon Alley today ! ``

`` Sorry, Lily, '' Ginny replied, `` I 'd rather get everyone 's supply at once. ``

`` I do n't need to look ! ``

`` Lily, you have to expect, '' Ginny sighed.

Albus turned to James and they smirked at each other. Lily still had n't grown out of her whiny phase. It got rather annoying. Albus hoped that she would n't be like that at Hogwarts.

******

The next few Day passed very slowly. Albus was anxious to get away from Lily. She asked him no less than fifty dollar bill times how the sorting was done and Albus replied with fifty'I ca n't tell yous'.

Eventually the sixteenth arrived and Albus sat in the drawing room waiting for Matt and his parents to show up. Kaden was with him. He had arrived a few hours earlier and they had spent their clock time trying to stay away from Lily.

`` You know, Kaden, you were as irritating as Lily a yr ago, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Was not, '' Kaden replied, `` And I 've matured. ``

`` Yeah, sure enough, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

The two boys looked up when they heard a flashy crevice. Matt 's entire menage had Apparated into the drawing room. Ginny walked into the room and greeted matt 's parents.

`` Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` I am so glad to see you. I ca n't wait to get away from Lily. ``

`` Oh, Al, be nice, '' Ginny sighed.

`` What ? She 's irritating, '' Albus shrugged, `` Bye, Mum. ``

`` Goodbye, Al, I 'll see you in a few days, '' she gave Albus a hug.

`` All right, '' Mr. Eckerton said, `` Albus, you can Apparate with Amy. Kaden, you can Apparate with my wife. ``

Albus nodded and stepped over to Amy. She wrapped him in a hug and the two of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the heart of a declamatory field. There was a log firm in the distance.

`` This does n't look like a house, '' Kaden announced as he stepped away from matt 's mum.

`` It 's not, '' matte said as he pointed to the log menage, `` That 's my business firm. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied as they started towards the house, `` Why did n't we just Apparate into it ? ``

`` My parents put anti-Apparition Barbara Ward on the household, '' lustrelessness explained.

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do n't need to get into it, '' Matt muttered.

Kaden groaned. `` I thought you were done keeping secrets from me. ``

`` There are some things I do n't tell apart anyone, Kaden, '' matt sighed.

Albus smirked and shook his headland. Some things never change. Kaden still did n't know how to go on his mouthpiece shut.

matte 's firm was the exclusively one in the area. Albus could n't see any other buildings besides a shed behind the house. There were playing field surrounding the house and a low fencing surrounding the property. Beyond the fence was farmland.

matte 's dad unlocked the door and Albus followed him inside. He stopped in the entryway and looked around. The station was about as unlike as a house could be from Grimmauld seat. It was heart-to-heart and airy and decorated in a modern yet hick way. From the doorway, Albus could see the kitchen straight ahead, the dining room next to it, and the bread and butter room next to the door. On the other slope of the door was a set of stairs leading upstairs. Albus continued walking into the living room and saw a corridor next to the kitchen that lead to a few Sir Thomas More rooms. Albus liked it instantly. It had a homey smell to it like the Burrow did. Except it was a great deal cleanser. flatness had said his mum was kind of a neat monstrosity, but Albus was n't expecting it to be this neat.

`` Great house, matt, '' Albus grinned.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` But it 's too corking. We 're going to have to change that. ``

`` My mum likes it neat, '' lustrelessness said, `` She 'll make you clean up whatever you mess up. ``

`` I 'll go get St. John the Apostle now, '' Mr. Eckerton announced, `` You can amount, Matt. I 'll be able to Apparate both of you. ``

`` Ok. I 'll be right back, Albus, '' Matt said and left the home with his dad.

`` You can just wait in the living room, '' Mrs. Eckerton gestured for Albus and Kaden to turn to their left.

Albus nodded and sat down on one of the couches. It was quite comfy. Kaden sat down side by side to him and put his feet up on the coffee tree table, earning a stern gaze from Mrs Eckerton. Kaden sheepishly removed his fundament from the table.

Amy sat down on a chair and pulled a al-Qur'an off the table. She opened it and began reading. It was some sort of potions book.

Kaden tilted his top dog and read the title. `` Do you like potions ? '' he asked.

`` Yeah, '' Amy replied, `` I 'm studying to be a Healer. ``

`` That 's slap-up ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` I like potions too. Albus thinks I 'm insane. Well, so do Matt and John. ``

`` There are n't many hoi polloi who appreciate brewing, '' Amy replied, `` But I 'm glad you like it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Kaden said.

Amy set her Koran down. `` So, Albus, how has your summer been ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus said, `` Well, Lily is driving me mad because she got her Hogwarts letter of the alphabet the other day. ``

`` I still remember when I got my letter to the Australian schooltime of Sorcery- ''

`` The what ? '' Kaden asked.

`` The Australian school day of Sorcery, '' Amy repeated, `` The schooltime of magic in Commonwealth of Australia. I went there for three years. Then we moved here. ``

`` You lived in Australia ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` Er, yeah, '' Amy looked at him strangely, `` You did n't know that ? ``

`` Nope. Matt never told me, '' Kaden turned to Albus, `` Did he evidence you ? ``

`` Yeah, my inaugural class, '' Albus replied, `` I never really noticed that he did n't tell you. ``

`` wellspring, he did n't, '' Kaden muttered, `` But it would explain the funny accent mark he 's got. ``

Albus stifled his laughter. `` Er, yeah. ``

The three of them sat quietly for another few minutes. Kaden began to gag and it became louder and louder until Albus turned to look at him.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` The Australian School of Sorcery, '' Kaden laughed, `` A, S, S. Ass ! ``

Albus groaned. lead it to Kaden to figure that out.

Amy laughed. `` You know, that 's what teddy bear said when he first heard about it. ``

The front door opened and matt and John ran inside followed by Mr. Eckerton. John paused in the entryway and looked around.

`` Whoa, '' he grinned, `` This sign is blinking brilliant ! ``

`` Thanks, '' matte said and the two of them entered the living elbow room. `` What are you three laughing at ? ``

`` My old school day, '' Amy smirked, `` Kaden figured out its acronym. ``

`` Oh, ASS, '' lustrelessness laughed, `` Yeah, I laughed about that for days when I figured it out. ``

`` Well, I 've got to get to work, '' Amy stood up, `` I 'll try and stop by for dinner sometime this week. ``

`` Bye, Amy, '' Mr. Eckerton gave her a hug.

`` Bye, Dad. ``

`` So, I 'll demo you the upstairs, '' matt said after Amy left.

Albus grabbed his bag and followed lusterlessness upstairs. John and Kaden thundered behind them. Once they reached the top, Matt led them to the doorway on the left wing along the vertebral column wall.

`` This is my elbow room, '' matt announced as they entered.

Albus stepped inside and looked around. The carpet was blue and the rampart were white. It was messy than the residuum of the house, but nowhere near as messy as Jesse James 's room. There was a Chudley Cannons spread on the bed and multiple bill sticker on the wall.

`` Nice bed, '' John smirked, `` Nice to see the carom can still sell product. If only they devoted that elbow grease to their playing .... ''

`` Shut it, John the Divine, '' Matt replied, `` The carom have been playing better this season. ``

`` Oh, yeah, they did get three goals in their biz against Puddlemere, '' John said, `` Too bad Puddlemere had a hundred multiplication that many goals. ``

lustrelessness groaned. `` seed on, I 'll point you the former rooms. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the room and down the corridor. The future threshold was a bathroom and the one after that was Amy 's way. The last door was alongside a different paries and Matt gestured for them to ill-treat inside.

`` This is the library, '' Matt announced, `` We 'll be sleeping here. ``

`` auditory sensation like blush wine 's dream semen admittedly, '' John laughed.

The library was twice the size of Matt 's room. Bookshelves covered all the rampart and there were a few desks sitting in the middle of the room. A squashy looking lounge was sitting below one of the windows and there were a few armchairs in various lieu. There were also four cots in the midriff, but Albus doubted they were normally there.

Albus tossed his bag down on a cot as Saint John and Kaden did the same. Kaden started wandering around the elbow room and looking at the various books.

`` I do n't retrieve I 've ever been in a mansion with this many record, '' Kaden said.

`` There 's even more in Dad 's subject. ``

`` You should see rosebush 's mansion, '' Albus commented.

`` You 've got a lot of books about magical creatures, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, well, that 's what Dad 's into. ``

`` Especially werewolves, '' Kaden went on, `` There 's a unscathed row of them. ``

`` Yeah, you can probably estimate why, '' lustrelessness mumbled.

`` So, '' Albus changed the matter, `` How was your trip-up to New York ? ``

The uncomfortableness that had been on Matt 's face moments before disappeared. `` It was brilliant ! We had so often fun. ``

`` And how was the airplane ? '' bathroom asked eagerly.

matt laughed. `` Just like every other one I 've been on. ``

`` Anything else new with anyone ? '' Albus asked.

`` Bethany thinks she 's a crone, '' Kaden announced, `` She found a stick exterior and has been pretending to stray spells. ``

`` Bet your grandpa loved that, '' Albus laughed.

`` He turned a endearing shade of purple, '' Kaden laughed.

`` I 'd pay to see that, '' John replied.

Albus and Kaden laughed. `` I would n't suggest being anywhere near my Uncle Vernon when he turns purple, '' Albus put in.

`` Did I tell you that my dad 's getting a promotion ? '' Matt asked.

Albus turned to him. `` Nope. What kind of promotion ? ``

`` The headspring of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna is retiring at the end of the year, '' mat explained, `` And he 's recommending my dad for the position. It 's not final, but it 'll most belike happen. ``

`` That old bloke is finally retiring ? '' Albus asked, `` He 's been there for decades. ``

`` Yeah. Dad was n't sure he wanted the publicity, but after thinking about it, he decided to take it if it 's offered to him, '' Matt continued.

`` Why would n't he want it ? '' John asked.

`` Well, that 's what he did in Commonwealth of Australia. And he hated it towards the end. But he thinks it 'll be better up here. ``

`` From what you 've told us, everything is better up here, '' Albus said.

`` What does your dad do now ? '' Kaden asked.

`` He works in Werewolf livelihood Services. ``

Kaden nodded. `` You know, that is sort of good story, considering .... ''

Matt rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, I know. The general public did n't really suppose it was that funny when we were living in Australia. ``

`` And that 's why you moved ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' Matt said quietly, `` But I like Hogwarts, so I do n't really care that we had to move. ``

`` How about you, Albus ? '' john asked, `` Anything exciting happening in the most celebrated wizarding family unit ? ``

Albus rolled his eyes. If anyone besides his friends referred to his family that way, he probably would birth hexed them.

`` Actually, '' Albus began, surprised that he had momentarily forgotten about it, `` I do own some concern news about the Hogwarts staff. ``

`` What is it ? '' John asked eagerly, `` Is Slughorn finally retiring for good ? ``

`` No, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't think that will ever find. ``

`` Then what is it ? '' matt asked.

`` My dad 's not teaching Defense this twelvemonth, '' Albus answered. Harry had broken the news to Albus, St. James, and Lily a few weeks ago. Albus was disappointed, but not really surprised. He had been surprised that Harry had stayed for More than a year.

matt, John, and Kaden gaped at him. `` What ? '' whoremaster asked, `` Are you life-threatening ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded.

`` Why ? '' Matt asked, `` He 's a vivid teacher. ''

`` He thinks he needs to focus more on his Auror job, '' Albus explained, `` He wants to fully commit his time to finding Willinson and Washburn. ``

`` Oh, well, that makes sense, '' matte replied.

`` Who 's replacing him ? '' John asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Dad did n't narrate me. He said he wants me to develop my own opinions of the teacher. ``

`` I wonder if we 'll ever own the claim same staff for two yr in a row, '' John commented, `` I mean, starting time yr they were all new to us. stopping point yr we got Cedonia. And this twelvemonth we 've got some new Defense teacher. ``

`` I just hope whoever the new teacher is, that they 're decent, '' flatness said, `` So what do you lot want to do ? We 've got a few time of day until dinner. ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus mused, `` Want to run Quidditch ? That field would be excellent for it. ``

mat groaned. `` That 's the one thing we ca n't do. The Muggle Farmer is often out tending to his theater of operations and he 'd see us. ``

`` I 've got an mind, '' Kaden grinned mischievously and dug around in his bag. He pulled out a football. `` Let 's frolic football. ``

The male child decided it was as respectable an musical theme as any and they ran downstairs. Albus had limited experience with football. He had watched a couple matches and played it a few times, but that was it. He did n't suppose lav had ever played and he was n't sure enough about mat. King John was disbelieving about the fun of football, but he was willing to impart it a try.

`` Where are you boys going ? '' Mrs Eckerton shouted from the kitchen as they ran to the back door.

`` We 're going to play football, '' Matt said as he pulled the door open.

`` Be careful ! '' Mrs. Eckerton replied.

Albus followed matte down the deck stair and into the arena. He stood next to lusterlessness and John and all three of them turned to Kaden, who had set the ball on the priming and had one foot on it.

`` Have any of you played football before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` A few clip, '' Albus answered.

`` Nope, '' John said.

`` When I was youthful, I played a bit, '' Matt replied, `` But I was never any undecomposed. ``

Kaden sighed. `` All right. Why do n't we just fiddle two on two. John and I versus Albus and Matt. ``

The other three boy nodded. Kaden pointed out two different Tree that would function as make-do destination. He following explained the rules of the game and they began playing.

Albus found the construct very similar to that of his Chaser position in Quidditch, only he could n't use his hands. That was very odd. He had bother keeping the egg near his human foot and even more problem aiming it to Matt. Half the sentence Kaden would steal it and he would n't even get a hazard to extend it.

John was hardly any in force than Albus. He never managed to kick the nut where he aimed it, but Kaden 's superior skill seemed to right for John 's deficiency of science. The two of them ( well, Kaden ) had scored more end than Albus and Matt.

matte seemed to be able-bodied to aim the ball, but he wound up tripping over it a lot. He did manage to score a few goals, though.

All in all, Albus thought it was kind of fun. It was n't something he desired to be on an functionary team of, but it was fun to work informally. Not nearly as exciting as Quidditch, though.

`` trick ! '' Albus shouted as John picked up the ball and took off across the field, `` You ca n't tint the ball ! ``

`` I 'm turning the game into Quidditch-football ! '' can shouted and threw the lump at the goal, `` See, we 've got another point now ! ``

Kaden groaned and kicked the ball back into bid. `` That 's cheating, John ! And we 're winning, so we do n't involve to cheat ! ``

`` I do n't care ! '' John grinned and picked the ball up again.

Kaden tackled John and tried to writhe the ballock out of his limb. John tried to get out, but Kaden was holding onto his leg.

`` Now it 's Quidditch-football-wrestling, '' Albus said to lusterlessness as the two of them walked towards their wrestling friends.

`` Albus ! aid ! Your first cousin is Muggle dueling with me ! ``

`` Well, we are playing a Muggle sport, privy, '' Albus smirked and yanked the football out of his hands.

`` Hey ! '' Kaden shouted and grabbed Albus 's leg, `` sacrifice that back ! ``

Albus stumbled and fell onto the reason. He held the musket ball out of Kaden 's scope and Kaden tackled him. John, now free of Kaden 's wrath, grabbed Matt 's leg and pulled him into the mix.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted, `` I did n't call for the football game ! ``

`` Does n't weigh, '' John grinned, `` We 're not going to let you stand there while we 're Muggle dueling each other. ``

`` Got it ! '' Kaden shouted a few minutes later. He held the football up over his head. `` And I declare John and I the winner ! ``

Albus stood up and throw off his head word. St. John the Apostle and Matt stood up after him. John looked quite triumphant at the win, even though he had n't really contributed to it.

`` Congratulations, '' lusterlessness smirked, `` You beat a clumsy hotshot and a Chaser at football. ``

`` Any win is a thoroughly win, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Boys ! '' Mrs. Eckerton shouted from the window, `` dinner is ready ! ``

Albus grinned as he walked towards the theatre. As much as he enjoyed his own house, it was fun to spend a few Day with Matt and his other protagonist. Plus, the young lady were n't there. They had never really had sentence away from rosebush and Amanda and it was kind of fun. Not that he did n't savour their caller, there were just things they could n't really do around Rose and Amanda. Like spell a football game match into a wrestling equal, for example.

`` What did you boys do ? '' Mrs. Eckerton exclaimed as they entered the theater, `` You 're filthy ! I want you all to go shower before you eat ! ``

`` Just like nursing home, '' Kaden commented, `` You 're a lot like my mum. ``

`` Well, I 'll take that as a compliment, '' Mrs. Eckerton smiled.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks so much to everyone for recital and for your wonderful reviews ! You make my day when you leave reviews ! Also, I will be updating on Wednesday from now on, they 're just easier this semester.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Dinner with flatness 's parents was interesting. Mealtimes at Albus 's house were always chaotic and never really planned in big detail. It seemed like one of his parents was always coming or going. Then there was the fact that at least one of his cousin-german or Teddy always seemed to be showing up partway through the repast. But Albus did n't really take care. He sort of liked the chaos that was his family.

Mealtimes at Matt 's planetary house, on the other mitt, seemed to a greater extent formal and planned. His mum and star sign elf, Ellie, cooked a shower counterpane and served it on fancy smasher than Albus 's sept had. And flatness did n't take any relatives to randomly free fall in. Albus enjoyed it, though. The formality of it did n't unsettle Kaden in the to the lowest degree and he dominated the conversation, which centered around Hogwarts, Quidditch, and football.

The son spent the evening in the den playing round after round of Exploding Snap. Since Rose was n't there, they all had a chance of winning. lusterlessness 's parents joined in for a few beat and once they left, Albus and his friends talked about the upcoming school class. John and Kaden agreed that they needed to pull a few marauderesque pranks, but Albus and Matt were a bit reluctant. The job of school pranksters was currently held by James and his supporter and Albus really did n't want everyone to think he was a just like his brother.

Eventually, Mrs. Eckerton returned to the room and told them they needed to get to bed. Albus followed Matt up the stairs and into the library. They all changed into pj's, but they did n't go to bed. Their conversations continued until Mrs. Eckerton knocked on the door and told them they had to go to bed.

`` Albus ? '' Matt whispered a few minutes later, `` Are you waken ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back.

`` I 'm really glad you came, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` You three are the offset friends I 've ever had over here, '' matte said quietly, `` I never really thought it would ever happen. ``

Albus really did n't know what to say to that. He knew Matt had had a lonely childhood until going to Hogwarts, but the fact that he had never had friends over to his firm before never crossed his mind.

`` Well, I 'll definitely want to get back, '' Albus decided to say.

`` Thanks, '' Matt said, `` Well, in effect night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

Albus fell asleep quickly to the muffled audio of Kaden 's snore. But what seemed like a short piece later, he awoke again to the audio of someone 's whispering.

`` Kaden, '' someone whispered, `` Kaden ! ``

`` Wh-what is it ? '' Kaden yawned.

`` Are you thirsty ? '' Albus recognized lavatory 's voice.

`` Erm, a short, I guess, '' Kaden replied.

`` Want to go obtain some nutrient ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Sure. ``

Albus listened as whoremaster and Kaden got up from their cots and crept out of the way. There was the sound of footsteps on the stairs, and then quiet.

Albus leaned over his cot and poked flatness. `` flatness ! '' he whispered, `` Get up ! ``

Matt rolled over and Albus groaned. It was always so difficult to wake him up. `` Matt ! '' Albus shouted a little louder.

lustrelessness rolled over again and mumbled something incoherent. Albus poked him a little harder and he finally opened his eyes.

`` What ? '' he asked.

`` John and Kaden went to get a bite, '' Albus told him. Albus did n't know what kind of snack the two of them were going to get, but he had a feeling they would n't make it elementary. John and Kaden were known to hail up with some pretty mad mind when they were together, especially when they did n't have Albus or matt to counterbalance them.

`` All right, '' Matt groaned and got out of his cot, `` Let 's go. ``

Albus got up and the two of them quietly left the elbow room and went down to the kitchen. The brightness was on, but Albus could n't hear anything going on. That could either be a salutary signal or a bad sign.

When the kitchen came into survey, Albus saw John and Kaden rummaging around in the refrigerator.

`` We could commingle this with that, '' Kaden was saying.

`` That is disgusting, '' John commented, `` But brilliant. ``

John and Kaden emerged from the icebox carrying various containers. They set them down on the rejoinder and then turned around.

`` Oh, hey Albus and lusterlessness ! '' John the Evangelist grinned, `` Want any of our midnight snack ? ``

`` Depends on what it is, '' Albus smiled wryly and sat down on one of the counter stools, `` If you think something is both disgusting and brainy, I 'll bet it 's really skanky. ``

`` Oh, come on, Albus, '' Kaden grinned, `` Mashed white potato and chocolate cake would be a in force compounding. ``

`` Oh, nasty ! '' flatness grimaced and sat down next to Albus.

`` It 's only foul if you forget the catsup, '' John replied.

Even the estimate of a combination like that made Albus want to sick. It sounded like some sorting of new Bertie Bott 's flavor.

`` No thanks, '' Albus said.

`` Your loss, '' Kaden shrugged and opened the container of potatoes.

`` So, if you 're not down here to eat our delicious food, what are you here for ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked as he dumped the cake into the potatoes.

`` To supervise you, '' Matt replied, `` I ca n't let the two of you cook unsupervised in my kitchen. ``

`` Oh, relax, '' John grinned.

Albus watched as Kaden stirred the white potato vine and coat combination. It actually did n't depend that bad. Almost like some sort of strange pud. Albus was sure the ketchup would neutralise any sort of potential difference edibleness, though.

`` Hey, what 's this thing ? '' St. John the Apostle gestured to a black box that was attached to the tooshie of the cupboards along the wall. He pushed a few push and the whole thing lit up inside and started whirring.

Albus stared at it. He vaguely remembered seeing something like it at some of his cousin'houses, but he could n't ever echo using it.

`` It 's a microwave, '' Matt jumped off his toilet and pushed a clit on it. It stopped whirring and turned nighttime again. `` And you ca n't turn it on when it 's discharge. ``

John stared at it. `` What 's it do ? What 's the point ? ``

`` It cooks food, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Faster than an oven. ``

`` Oh, '' St. John shrugged and picked up a fork that was sitting on the return. He put it in the microwave and went to plow it on.

matte grabbed his arm. `` You ca n't put metal in it ! It 'll break ! ``

Albus smirked. And Saint John said he did n't involve superintendence. He definitely did, especially since there were Muggle appliances everywhere.

`` fountainhead that 's stupe, '' privy replied and took the fork out.

Matt shrugged. `` It 's Muggle technology. ``

`` Why 's it in here then ? '' John asked.

`` Came with the household. And my mum likes Muggle technology for cookery. ``

`` Oh, '' John said and turned to Kaden, who had begun pouring ketchup in the mixture, `` Let 's put the whole matter in the microwave ! ``

Matt groaned and turned to Albus. `` This wo n't turn out good. ``

Albus laughed. `` Probably not. But Kaden 's Muggle Born, so I 'm pretty sure he knows how to work the microwave oven. ``

`` proficient point, '' Matt said, `` can ! Let Kaden do the microwaving. ``

`` Aw, '' trick sighed, `` It looks fun. ``

Kaden took the bowlful and put it in the microwave. He turned it on and Albus watched as the bowl turned around and around on the inside crustal plate. It was rather cagy, he thought. Almost like magic. It seemed like a thaumaturgy box that cooked food for thought in disk time.

A minute or so later, the microwave beeped, which caused John to jump. `` Bloody Hades ! '' he shouted, `` What was that ? ``

`` It means it 's done, '' Kaden laughed and took the bowl out, `` Who wants to try it ? ``

`` Me ! '' John the Evangelist shouted and grabbed a few spoonful off the counter.

`` No way, '' Albus shook his head. The potpourri in the bowl was the body of pudding, but was a strange reddish brownness color that was absolutely disgusting looking.

`` Me either, '' lustrelessness said, `` Just the scent of that grosses me out. ``

bathroom took a whiff and grinned. `` Smells ripe ! ``

`` Oh, pure ! '' Matt covered his mouth.

`` You look a bit Green River, '' Albus said to Matt.

`` Good affair he 's not having any, '' Kaden took a huge spoonful and stuffed it in his mouth.

Albus watched as Kaden swallowed the food. He was actually smiling when he had finished. Matt really looked like he was going to vomit after watching Kaden eat it.

`` Delicious ! '' Kaden grinned.

`` Kaden, that is the most wicked thing I have ever seen you eat, '' Albus announced.

King John tried it next and pronounced it yummy as well. Albus and Matt just stared at each early and tried not to watch as Saint John the Apostle and Kaden polished off the rest of the concoction.

`` Are you done yet ? '' Matt asked, `` The smell of it is really getting to me. ``

`` Almost, '' John said.

`` Done, '' Kaden replied.

`` You 'd ameliorate launder the bowls out, '' Matt said.

Kaden nodded and began to lap the dish aerial. John returned to the refrigerator and started rummaging around again.

`` You 're not still hungry, are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' St. John the Apostle shrugged, `` Just looking. ''

He closed the icebox and went back over to the microwave. He stuck something in it, pushed a few push, and it lit up and started whirring again.

`` What did you put in there ? '' lustrelessness asked suspiciously.

`` Er, '' bathroom stammered, `` Well, I just sort of want something else to eat- ''

`` I thought you were n't thirsty, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't, but then I got an melodic theme and I thought I 'd make an egg- ''

`` AN EGG ? ! '' Matt shouted as he jumped up, `` Did you put an egg in the microwave ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' John said, `` Why ? ``

`` Because eggs- ''

Matt never got to end up his judgment of conviction. A loud pop came from the microwave before he could continue. He quickly turned the affair off and glared at John the Evangelist. John was grinning and looking at the microwave.

`` Explode in microwave, '' Matt finished.

`` Oh, er, sorry, '' John said, trying not to laugh.

`` That 's splendid ! '' Kaden grinned and opened the microwave, `` I 've always wanted to try that ! ``

Albus stood behind Matt and looked into the microwave. The inside was covered in egg yolk, Elwyn Brooks White, and shell. It was a sodding mess, yet kind of funny story at the same time.

matt groaned, `` I ca n't believe you did that. well, ok, I can. I told you not to touch the microwave. ``

`` Sorry, '' John shrugged, `` I 'll clean it up. ``

`` Clean what up ? ''

Albus turned around and saw mat 's parents standing in the entrance to the kitchen. Both of them looked half asleep.

`` lavatory decided to put an egg in the microwave, '' Matt explained.

Mr. Eckerton burst out laughing and his married woman glared at him. `` I did the Saami thing when we first moved here, '' Mr. Eckerton grinned.

`` See ? '' John said, `` I 'm not the only one ! ``

`` I know, '' Matt sighed, `` At least I caught you before you put the fork in there. ``

`` Do I even want to know what you boys were doing down here ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` John and Kaden wanted a snack, '' Matt replied, `` So they made a revolting combination of comminute potatoes, burnt umber bar, and ketchup. They liked it, but Albus and I thought it was vile. Just the tone of it made me sick. ``

Mrs Eckerton groaned. `` fountainhead, just clean house up the microwave and go back bed. ``

`` Ok, Mum, '' mat replied.

`` You have to admit that was funny, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton laughed.

`` Yes, I do actually find it funny that you made the Saame mistake five geezerhood ago, and now John did it and he 's a thirteen year old boy, '' Mrs. Eckerton smirked.

`` How was I supposed to make love testis exploded in the microwave ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked as they stared back towards the stairs.

`` You should have taken Muggle Studies, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

Albus, lusterlessness, and Kaden waited while John cleaned the microwave. It did n't take him long and soon the four of them returned to their camp bed in the depository library. Albus fell asleep thinking about what Rose would say when he told her Saint John the Apostle exploded an egg in mat 's microwave.

******

`` What do you want to do ? '' Albus asked the next day. The boys were all sitting in the den throwing a Quaffle around.

`` Let 's zap random clobber, '' john suggested.

`` No way, '' Matt replied.

flatness 's parents had officially banned them from cooking for the balance of the visit. Albus found this rather rum, especially the flavor on John and Kaden 's faces when they were told they could n't fudge. The two of them spent a adept XX minutes trying to discover a loophole in the rule.

`` Do adept play hide and attempt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` That was random, '' Albus commented, `` But yes, magician do play hide and look for. ``

`` I play it with my cousin all the time, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said. He loved games of fell and seek at the burrow. There were excellent places to shroud there.

`` We should flirt it, '' Kaden announced, `` It 's always tiresome to play it at my house because the alone one there to spiel it with is Bethany. And she never hides in unspoilt places. ``

`` That 's what Amy said about me when I was little, '' matt said, `` I would always blot out in the same place. ``

`` Ok, let 's swordplay, '' whoremonger stood up, `` The lounge in here can be home and we can enshroud anywhere in the house. ``

`` audio good. But no going outside, '' mat agreed, `` Who 's it ? ``

`` Albus, '' King John said.

Albus shrugged. He always liked being it. `` All right. You lot can all go veil and I 'll count to 100. ``

Albus closed his eyes and started counting. He heard the footfall of his friends disappear as he got secretive to 100. Usually, one of his older cousins was it whenever he played fell and seek. Albus rarely got to be it.

`` Ready or not, here I come ! '' he shouted and looked around the den. The den would be the perfect fleck for hiding because it was close to the home sofa. But there were n't very many situation to hide in it.

Albus walked quietly over to the one water closet that was in the room. He pulled it clear and looked inside. Empty. He left the room and looked down the corridor. The can, he thought, that would be a respectable hiding piazza. Albus himself hid in the bathtub on numerous occasions.

He stepped into the bathroom and indisputable enough, the shower curtain was pulled shut. Albus yanked it open and saw John laying in the tub.

`` Got you, '' Albus grinned.

`` merlin, this is always a good bit ! '' John groaned as he got out of the tub.

`` Yeah, which is why it 's always where I hide, '' Albus grinned, `` Come on, you can help me explore for flatness and Kaden. ``

Albus and trick left the bathroom and resumed the search. Albus really did n't feel comfortable searching in lusterlessness 's dad 's study, so they left it alone. Albus figured no one would obscure in there anyway. They searched the rest of the downstairs, looking in every corner and cranny and closet. But lustrelessness and Kaden were no where to be found.

Next they went upstairs and searched all the bedchamber except Matt 's parents'. The depository library and bathroom were searched as well, but still no luck. The game was reminding Albus of the ones he played at the burrow. James was always impossible to regain. Although one fourth dimension he got a Calluna vulgaris and decided to bulk large above the business firm to hide. No one found him for hours and then the grownup made a 'no flying'convention for skin and seek.

`` Where are they ? '' John said as they searched the library for the second clock time, `` We 've searched the integral house ! ``

`` Not the basement, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Good approximation, '' trick agreed.

Albus and John ran down the stairs and towards the basement. They opened the room access and ran down another flight of stairs. Albus flipped on the lighter and the two of them began to await around. mat had showed them the basement earlier, when he showed them Amy 's potion brewing room.

John checked the potion brewing room while Albus looked in the chief part of the basement that seemed to be a combination depot field and den. Still cypher. The cellar was perfectly quiet, too.

`` What about that way ? '' John pointed to a way at the book binding of the basement.

`` Matt said it was just storage, '' Albus replied, `` I doubt either of them are in there. Plus, it 's so subdued. We 'd find out some sorting of movement. No one 's down here. ``

`` Then where are they ? '' John asked.

`` Maybe they made it to the couch, '' Albus suggested.

Albus and John the Evangelist returned the den and Matt was laying on the couch. He grinned and sat up when Albus and John entered the room.

Albus gaped at Matt. `` Where were you hiding ? We did n't even see you run in here ! ``

`` I was in that water closet, '' Matt pointed to the W.C. Albus had searched earlier.

`` But I checked that as soon as I finished counting ! '' Albus groaned, `` And no one was in there ! ``

`` There 's a smaller door in there that leads to a smaller loo, '' mat got up off the sofa and walked over to the closet. `` Look, '' he opened the door.

lusterlessness pulled back a few coats that were hanging up and Albus noticed a very tiny door in the wall. Matt opened it and revealed a bantam loo that was just big enough for a small person to climb into.

`` See ? '' mat grinned.

`` You had an unfair advantage, '' John said, `` You know overeat about this house that we do n't. ``

`` Well, when we play at your mansion, then you 'll have an advantage. ``

`` My home does n't let any little secret wardrobe, '' John muttered.

`` What 's that for anyway ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dunno, '' lusterlessness shrugged and looked around the elbow room, `` Hey, where 's Kaden ? Did n't you find him ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus replied. He never would deliver thought that Kaden would be this soundly at hide and seek.

`` We 'd better go uncovering him, '' John said.

`` Wonder why he has n't tried to run to the couch, '' Albus said as they left the room.

`` No idea, '' mat said, `` But with Kaden, it could be anything. ``

The boy searched the entire house twice, but they still could n't regain Kaden. He was the ultimate hide and seek musician, Albus thought. He could even kick in James lessons.

`` Where the ruddy Inferno is he ? '' John shouted as they walked down the stairs.

`` I wonder if he 'll ever even come out if we do n't find out him, '' Albus said.

`` He 'll come out once he 's hungry, '' mat pointed out.

`` What are you boys doing ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked. She was sitting on the couch recitation a book in the keep room.

`` Playing skin and seek, '' Matt replied and sat down on a death chair, `` But we ca n't find Kaden. ``

`` Did you look outside ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked as she set down her book.

`` Outside was off limit point, '' can said.

`` We 've searched the house twice just now, '' lustrelessness said, `` And Albus and Saint John searched it twice before that. We 've looked everywhere. ``

`` Everywhere ? '' Mrs. Eckerton raised her eyebrow, `` Even in the cellar ? ``

matte 's face paled. `` Oh, pigeon hawk ! Not the full basement ! ``

`` You 'd break go deterrent, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

matt jumped off the couch and ran towards the basement room access. Albus shrugged at John as they followed. He did n't take a hint as to why matte was so nervous about Kaden concealing in the basement. Plus, Albus and John checked the cellar. Except that storage room. But why would that crap flatness nervous ? What was in it ?

Albus ran down the stairs and followed Matt. Sure enough, Matt went straight to the depot room.

`` pigeon hawk ! '' matt muttered and paused in front end of the threshold, `` Why did he hide out in here ? ``

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked.

matt sighed, but did n't answer. He put his hand on the doorhandle and slowly opened it.

Albus gaped as he saw what was in the elbow room. Well, what was n't in it. The room was completely empty and had no windowpane. But the foreign section was that it was padded. The level and bulwark were completely covered with what looked like mattresses.

`` Is that ? '' John asked, `` A padded room ? ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden, who was running around and literally bouncing off the walls, ran over to them, `` Took you long enough ! lusterlessness, why did n't you recite us you had a padded room in your house ? This is brilliant ! ``

Albus did n't consider that lusterlessness thought it was so superb. He was staring at Kaden and was as white as he had been when his mum suggested they search the basement.

`` Bloody nether region, this is brilliant ! '' John grinned and walked into the room.

`` No it 's not, '' Matt said quietly, `` Come on. ''

Matt turned and left without waiting to see if the others would follow. Albus followed immediately and he heard John and Kaden run after him. mat did n't say anything as they walked back up the stairs, and Albus hoped Kaden would deliver the sense not to say anything either.

`` Did you find him ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked as they entered the living room.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness muttered.

`` Was he- ''

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness said without stopping.

Albus followed him all the way upstair and into his bedchamber. Matt flopped down on his bed and stared up at the cap. Albus sat down on the floor and privy and Kaden sat down on either side of him.

`` Er, what did I do ? '' Kaden whispered to Albus.

`` Shush, '' Albus replied. He had an inkling as to what that room was used for, but he was n't certainly. He did get laid that it was usually best to let flatness say them what was going on in his own time, though. Kaden 's pestering questions certainly were n't going to help.

Albus sat quietly for a while as they waited for Matt to say something. He was still laying on his bed staring at the ceiling. Kaden kept glancing at Albus and then at mat and back again. St. John was playing with a gobstone that he had found on the floor.

Matt sighed and sat up. Albus glanced up from the story and looked at him. `` You ok ? '' he asked.

`` I guess, '' he nodded, `` I should own just told you not to hide in that room. ``

Albus nodded and sent Kaden a look so he would n't ask about the room.

`` I do n't know if you guessed what that elbow room is for, '' Matt began, `` But I guess I 'll tell you. ``

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus said quietly.

`` I know, '' Matt sighed, `` But I will, '' he paused, `` That room is where I transform. ``

Albus nodded. That 's what he had guessed. Judging by the calm down flavor on John 's face, he had guessed it too. Kaden on the early hand, was gaping at Matt.

`` Wait, what ? '' he asked.

`` That 's where I go during full moonlight, '' lusterlessness said.

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied, `` Why is it padded ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly. Kaden really needed to learn not to ask about these sorts of things.

Matt laid back down on his bed and stared at the cap. `` Back when I was five and I went through my first transformation, I spent the wholly Night ramming into the wall trying to get out. My dad put the padding on the walls before the next full moon. Then when we moved here, my dad recreated the Lapplander room in the basement of this firm. ``

Albus winced at the mentation of lustrelessness ramming himself into a bulwark. Every time flatness told him something else about the replete moonshine, Albus felt even sorrier for him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden muttered, `` Er, sorry for hiding there, then. ``

Matt sighed, `` It 's ok. I should have told you not to hide there. ``

`` What about the screaming shanty ? '' Kaden asked, `` Is that padded ? ``

`` No, '' Matt replied, `` But it 's crowing, so I do n't bang my read/write head as much. ``

Kaden nodded. `` Well, I ca n't say I 've ever seen a aggrandise way in anyone else 's house. ``

`` You 'll probably never see one again, '' matt said dryly.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are all awe-inspiring !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the sojourn at Matt 's menage went by very fast for Albus. Albus and the other boys spent the adjacent few days playing versatile games and doing some of the homework they had put off until the live on minute. Amy visited for dinner one eventide and let Kaden brew something in her potions way. Kaden was thrilled and after he and Amy had finished, he pronounced Amy the best potions brewer he 'd met besides Slughorn. Albus, Matt, and John did not participate in the brewing since all three of them got enough of potions at Hogwarts.

Albus threw his bag over his shoulder and went downstairs with Matt, whoremaster, and Kaden. Mrs. Eckerton and Amy were waiting by the door.

`` Are you boys prepare ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked.

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness answered.

Mrs Eckerton opened the door and Albus followed everyone exterior. They walked a few time away from the house and then Mrs Eckerton put an arm around mat and the other around Albus. Amy did the same with can and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the eye of the Leaky Cauldron, which was practically empty. Albus was n't surprised since it was early afternoon on a weekday. Albus looked around the pub and saw his mum, Uncle Ron, James, rosebush, Victor Hugo, and Lily sitting at a nearby table. John Lackland 's mum and sisters were sitting with them. Epistle of James looked bored out of his mind and a little annoyed as toilet 's sisters ran around the room.

The adult greeted each other while Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and John 's babe, Ashtyn, flew out of their seats and over to Albus and the early boys. pink wine followed them and stood future to Albus.

`` We 're getting our wands today ! '' Lily announced.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn grinned, `` And books and gown and cauldrons and- ''

`` We know, Ashtyn, '' John groaned, `` You 've been telling me about it since I got home from schoolhouse. ``

`` Me and Lily are going to be in Gryffindor, '' Ashtyn said proudly, `` But Lily says Hugo is going to be in Hufflepuff. ``

`` Am not, '' Hugo retorted.

`` There 's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff, '' John said, `` My cousin is in Hufflepuff. ``

`` Well, anything 's easily than Slytherin, right Albus ? '' Lily said.

`` Er, right, '' Albus agreed.

`` Kids ! '' Ginny shouted, `` We 're going to go to tucket and Blotts first, then madam Malkins. Al, you need new gown. ``

`` So do you, rose, '' Ron put in.

`` As do you, Reb, '' Mrs. Brickston said.

`` I want my baton ! '' Lily whined.

`` You 'll get it, '' Ginny said, `` But you need robes too. And your wand will be useless without books. ``

Lily pouted and folded her limb across her chest, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his admirer followed the adult, James, and the girls out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was a bit more crowd together than the Leaky Cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the prominent chemical group into Flourish and Blotts, where the salesman took one facial expression at them and ran into the game room. He returned with a saleslady.

Ginny walked up to them. `` Let 's see, I have four Hogwarts record lists. ``

`` And I have two, '' Ron rummaged around in his robe and pulled out two rumple pieces of parchment.

`` I 've got two as well, '' Mrs. Brickston said.

`` And I have one, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

`` Ok, if you 'll just open us a few min, we 'll get them for you, '' the salesman took the list and gave half the stack to the saleslady.

`` So, what did you lot do at flatness 's house ? '' Rose asked as they were waiting.

Albus looked at whoremaster and burst out laughing. `` John had fun with the microwave, '' Albus smirked.

rose groaned. `` What did you do ? ``

`` Microwaved an egg, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` It made a nice explosion. ``

`` Bet your mum was n't happy, '' blush wine said to Matt.

`` She just made him make clean it up. My dad did the same matter after we moved here. We did n't have a microwave oven in Commonwealth of Australia, '' lustrelessness said.

`` Muggle studies ought to be mandatory, '' rose wine sighed.

Albus spent a few to a greater extent minute telling Rose about what they had done at Matt 's firm, although he left out the constituent about the padded elbow room. Matt could tell blush wine that later if he wanted to.

`` Here you go, Al, '' Ginny dumped a smokestack of books into Albus 's arms.

Once everyone had a plenty of volume in their implements of war, the group left the Good Book store. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin 's. Luckily, the shop was discharge, although they 'd ingest to await a while until everyone was fitted for robes.

Lily and Ashtyn went first, since they were bore to get their new robe. Hugo was excited about going to Hogwarts, but he could n't like less about robes.

Albus sat down on a president as he waited for his turn. matt and John the Divine sat down on either slope of him. Albus glanced over and saw that Matt was staring wide eyed at his slew of books. Albus peered down at his own stack of Quran, but the one on top was Intermediate Transfiguration.

Albus looked over at Matt 's stack of books and he gaped when he saw which book was on top. It was the precise Saami Bible that Kaden had found at tucket and Blotts a year ago. The one entitled Dark puppet : How to Protect Yourself.

`` Interesting ledger pick, '' Albus muttered.

Matt looked up at Albus. `` This does n't presage well for the new defense force instructor. ``

Albus shrugged. `` Well, tierce year defense does focus on nighttime brute. ``

`` It does ? '' flatness groaned, `` Great. That 's just what I need, for everyone to learn about you know what. ``

`` I doubt they will, '' Albus replied, `` No one 's going to pay that often tending in class. The lone one in our twelvemonth who would 've put the clues together after learning it in class is rosebush, and she already knows. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt muttered, `` I just hope the teacher is courteous. ``

A half hour later, everyone had new robes who needed them and the prominent group exited lady Malkin 's. They made their way down the street and towards Olivander 's. Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn arrived before anyone else did and could n't wait to start trying out wands.

Albus watched as his sister waved numerous wands and subsequently broke everything on Olivander 's desk. After she tried a few to a greater extent, Lily found her wand and proudly held the box as carefully as she could. Hugo and Ashtyn found wands a few instant later and the mathematical group set off to the Apothecary.

After a visit to the pharmacist, Eyelops, and Weasley 's wizard Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the upcoming school year. Albus was rather tired by the fourth dimension they finished, but Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to give birth sempiternal energy. They kind of cue Albus of the way Kaden had been the previous year. Granted, Kaden still had interminable energy, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.

Albus said goodbye to his supporter in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld home with his mum, Kaden, James, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to perform spells with her new wand while they waited for Dudley to clean Kaden up. Lily was kind of frustrated that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.

******

In an effort to try and obviate nearly missing the train like they had the former year, Ginny insisted that Albus, Saint James, and Lily pack their trunks the dark before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the shouts of his mother.

`` Albus Severus ceramicist ! '' she shrieked, `` Get up ! We have to leave in ten minutes ! I seriously hope you 've got your trunk packed ! ``

Albus slowly got out of bed as he listened to the loud stride of his mother in the corridor. `` Saint James Sirius ceramist ! Get out of bed this instant ! ``

The doorway to his bedroom opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts gown. `` Al ! We 've got to leave ! ``

`` I know, Lily ! '' Albus said in an annoyed tone, `` Now get out so I can get dressed ! ``

Albus hurriedly threw on some dress once his sister left. He grabbed his owl John Cage and schooling bag and quickly left the room. He was quite glad his trunk was packed and already downstairs.

Harry was sitting on top of Albus 's trunk in the drawing off room when Albus walked in. Lily was once again trying to perform turn with her wand.

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We leaving soon ? ``

`` As soon as James packs his automobile trunk, '' Harry smirked.

`` James Dog Star thrower ! '' Ginny shouted from upstairs, `` I told you to pack that last night ! haste up ! ``

`` daddy, why ca n't you teach Defense this year ? '' Lily asked.

`` Because I have too much work at the Ministry, '' Harry explained as he pulled her onto his lap.

`` But it 's not sightly, '' Lily whined, `` James and Al got to have you teach them for two years. ``

`` The new teacher is very competent, '' Harry assured her.

`` Is he nice ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, he 's, '' Harry paused, `` He 's mediocre. That 's a sound way of putting it. He 'll treat everyone the same. ``

At least he did n't sound like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the other hired man, he did n't sound like Neville or Cedonia either.

`` And just because I 'm not teaching, does n't mean I wo n't be around, '' Harry grinned.

`` What do you have in mind ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not giving anything away, but Hogwarts will be an shake place to be this year, '' Harry said, `` Plus, the Ministry decided that Hogwarts needs more shelter in the form of Aurors after last class 's incident. And the twelvemonth before 's. ``

That certainly spiked Albus 's curiosity. What could be going on that would prepare Hogwarts more exciting than usual ?

`` come on, '' Albus replied, `` Ca n't you give us a hint ? ``

`` Nope, '' Harry laughed, `` I probably should n't own even said that. ``

Albus groaned. `` Aw, just secernate us. ``

`` Tell us what ? '' James asked as he entered the room.

`` Dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this yr but he wo n't tell us what. ``

`` Please, Dad ? '' James whined.

`` No, '' Harry lifted Lily off his lap and stood up, `` Now we 'd better go or you 'll miss the train. ``

The ceramicist arrived on Platform 9 3/4 with XV proceedings to spare, which was actually earlier than they had arrived the previous yr. They met Kaden and his family as well as Rose, Victor Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the proboscis onto the train and then returned to say goodbye.

`` I 'll see you soon, Al, '' Harry said as he gave Albus a hug.

`` Be trade good, Albus, '' Ginny smiled, `` And consider forethought of Lily. ``

`` I will, '' Albus replied, `` Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad. ``

Once everyone had said sayonara, Albus headed to the power train with Rose and Kaden. James immediately left to find his ally, and Lily and Hugo followed Albus and rosebush. They climbed on just before the railroad train started moving and waved to their parents until the caravan left the station.

Albus peered into all the compartments trying to obtain the one that his friends were in. He eventually found them halfway down the train and pulled the room access open.

`` Hey, '' Albus grinned as he sat down next to Matt.

`` Hi, Albus, rosiness, Kaden, '' matte greeted them.

Kaden sat down next to John and blush wine sat next to Amanda. Victor Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the Sorting and the Hogwarts planetary house. Albus, who had been listening to Lily mouth about that all summer, did not want to participate in that conversation.

He turned to Matt. `` Guess what ? ``

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

`` My dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this year, but he wo n't tell me what, '' Albus said.

`` Really ? like he 'd evidence you what it was, '' mat replied.

`` How could he say that and not tell you ? '' John groaned.

`` Any ideas what it is ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus shook his capitulum and then turned to rose, `` Has Uncle Ron said anything ? ``

`` Just that it was something exciting, '' rose sighed, `` The entirely matter I can think of is the Triwizard Tournament. ``

`` The what ? '' Matt, Amanda, and Kaden asked at the same time.

`` Did n't someone die the final time they had that ? '' John asked.

Albus nodded. `` The Triwizard tourney is a contest that involves three wizarding schools : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A maven from each schoolhouse participates in three magical tasks and whichever mavin wins gets the Triwizard Cup.

`` The last fourth dimension they had it was in my dad 's fourth part twelvemonth and a dying Eater tricked the cup into choosing my dad as a fourth sensation. He won, but the other Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory, died during the final task. ``

`` Whoa, '' Matt stared at him, `` Do you really think they 'd do that again ? ``

`` No, '' blush wine shook her head, `` There 's no way they 'd do that again. At least not for twelvemonth. Cedric 's Death is too unused in a lot of mass 's minds to give birth that tourney again. So I have no estimate what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about. ``

`` I wish they 'd do the tournament again, '' John said, `` I fancy myself as the Hogwarts star. ``

`` Me, too, '' Kaden grinned, `` That would be superb. ``

`` Not me, '' Albus shook his head word. He hated being in the public eye. `` I bet James would do it, though. ``

`` I would n't, '' Matt said.

`` Me, either, '' Amanda agreed, `` What about you, come up ? ``

`` I 'd probably enter, '' Rose replied, `` But last time they did it, you had to be seventeen. So even if that is what was going on this year, none of us would be able to enter. ``

`` I bet Georgia would enter, '' Albus commented.

`` No doubtfulness about that, '' rosebush agreed.

`` Oh, and my dad knows who the new Defense teacher is, '' Albus announced.

`` Is he nice ? '' Matt asked immediately.

`` All my dad said was that he was fair, '' Albus sighed, `` He kind of dodged the question when I asked if he was nice. ``

`` That 's a bad sign, '' matte groaned.

`` If he 's fair, then he wo n't be favoring the Slytherins, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

`` Have you looked at that book yet ? '' Albus whispered to Matt.

`` Nope, '' Matt replied, `` Have n't wanted to. ``

`` well, '' John began, `` If he 's tight to you, we can try and get him sacked before he starts the you-know-what unit of measurement. That unit 's not until the end of the year. ``

`` And how are you going to do that ? '' Rose raised her eyebrows.

`` Dunno, '' can shrugged, `` We 'll think of something. ``

`` That, '' rose wine sighed, `` Has got to be the dumb idea you 've come up with. And that includes microwaving the egg. ''

`` wellspring, have you got any better estimate ? '' Saint John asked.

`` Why do n't we just wait and see what the teacher is like before we start thinking about getting him sacked ? '' Rose suggested.

The rest of the geartrain ride passed quickly. The entire compartment participated in an Exploding breeze contest, which Rose won. Then they bought a large amount of collation from the trolley. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the succeeding matter he knew, blush wine was nudging him awake and telling him to commute into his robe.

The sky had turned dark and the atmospheric condition stormy while Albus had been sleeping. Thunder sounded and lightning flashed as he pulled on his robes. He was very gladiolus he was n't going to be crossing the Negroid Lake like Lily was. He 'd much rather take a thestral-pulled carriage and stay dry.

The train pulled into Hogsmeade post and Albus joined the throngs of student heading out into the rainy atmospheric condition. He heard Hagrid calling the get-go years and said goodbye to Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an empty posture and led his friends inside.

`` The number 1 years are going to get soaked, '' King John said as he wrung out his hat onto the derriere of the carriage.

`` Spooky crossing the lake in this conditions, '' Kaden grinned, `` Makes me wish I was crossing the lake. ``

`` Maybe the Giant squid will tip over one of the boats, '' John the Divine grinned mischievously, `` I 've heard it does n't wish this form of atmospheric condition. ``

blush wine rolled her centre. `` The Squid is not going to flip one of the boats. ``

If the Squid tipped Lily 's boat, she would freak out. Albus 's sister had always scared easily, a trait that King James I and Albus always took full vantage of.

`` King James I purposely tipped his boat when he crossed the lake, '' Albus said. He still remembered his mother receiving an owl telling her about that. She wasted no prison term in getting a howler off to James.

`` That 's superb ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` wish I 'd thought of that. ``

`` Me, too ! '' John agreed.

`` I 'm gladiola you did n't, '' Albus laughed, `` We all would have been soaked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` That would not feature been pleasant. ``

The remainder of the head trip up to the castle was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the boat being tipped over by the Giant Squid. John and Kaden decided that they wanted to feel the Giant Squid that twelvemonth and agreed to take a swim in the Negroid Lake during the showtime available weekend.

The entire Entrance Hall was covered in urine by the time Albus and his supporter entered the castle. Albus was sure Filch would take in a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his friends to the comrade Gryffindor board and sat down, aegir for the feast to start.

Albus scanned the staff mesa and his center rested on the only unfamiliar font. A butt looking man with his black hair cut in a Muggle military manner was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to penetrate every student in the entire room at the same time. Albus did not get the sense that this teacher would be nice, although he lacked the hatred that Washburn had emanated.

`` That must be the new Defense teacher, '' Matt whispered to Albus, `` Merlin, he does not attend happy. ``

`` tone like his face is freeze down that way, '' Kaden muttered.

`` I would n't want to be on his bad side, '' Albus replied.

`` Looks to me like he had a bit too much U-No-Poo, '' John laughed.

Albus snorted and shook his oral sex. It did kind of look like the prof had a bit too a great deal of that certain Weasley product. His Uncle Hotspur wore that Lapplander look when his Uncle George VI put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.

The Great dorm immediately quieted down as prof Patil led the first years into the way and towards the staff mesa. They congregated near the three-legged stool upon which the Sorting Hat sat.

`` They look unforesightful than last year 's first years, '' John whispered as the sorting Hat began singing.

`` They are, '' Kaden agreed, `` I was n't that short finis year. ``

`` Yeah, you actually were, '' John replied, `` Hey, lustrelessness, I think these first years might actually be curt than you. A few of them, that is. ``

flatness rolled his eyes. `` At to the lowest degree I 'm not a Giraffa camelopardalis like you. ``

`` Hey, height has its benefits, '' John retorted.

`` And so does lack of peak, '' lustrelessness pointed out, `` At least I did n't have to digest still while madam Malkin poked me with phonograph needle like you did. ``

`` Shush ! '' rosiness hissed, `` They 're starting the Sorting ! ``

Albus watched as a chubby boy was sorted into Ravenclaw. The next first of all year became a Slytherin and the next was another Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Ashtyn ! '' Patil announced.

Saint John the Apostle 's sister ran forward and jammed the hat onto her head with a big smile on her face. Mere seconds later, the hat exclaimed, `` Gryffindor ! '' Ashtyn practically flew across the way and sat down across from John.

`` felicitation, Ashtyn ! '' John grinned, `` Gryffindor really is the best theatre. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ashtyn agreed, `` Although Isabelle kept telling me to hope for Hufflepuff. ``

`` fountainhead, she is a Hufflepuff .... ''

Albus did n't really pay attending to the next few categorisation. He vaguely recognized a few names, but did n't really know any of them. He snapped back into reality when he heard Patil announce, `` Potter, Lily ! ``

Lily ran forward with almost as a lot excitement as Ashtyn. The hat took a small more time to decide than it had with Ashtyn, but it soon shouted, `` Gryffindor ! ``

The Gryffindor table erupted with sunniness as Lily ran towards it. Albus clapped her on the cover, as did James and all their cousin-german, and Lily took a buttocks side by side to Ashtyn.

Soon, Hugo was the only first year left standing near the hat. Hugo had already started putting the hat on when Patil called out his epithet, which caused a few of Albus 's cousins to collapse out in laughter.

`` He may be the exclusively Weasley to ever be in Hufflepuff, '' Cedric smirked.

`` Gryffindor ! '' the hat announced a min later.

`` Or not, '' Cedric grinned as he clapped along with everyone else.

Victor-Marie Hugo sat across from Lily and Ashtyn. `` Told you I 'd be in Gryffindor, '' he said to Lily. Lily shrugged.

Professor Kendrick stood up. `` Welcome, students and staff ! As usual, I will save all the speech making for after the feast. '' He waved his sceptre and sat back down.

nutrient appeared on all the golden plates and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was athirst, although this year he had variety of wanted Kendrick to declare what the exciting matter was before the feast.

The topics of discussion varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. John and lustrelessness had a heated argument about the Quidditch time of year, primarily the Chudley carom'outstanding loss to the Holyhead harpy bat that had taken post a few twenty-four hours previously. Rose chattered non-stop about the new grade she was taking and bombarded her older cousins with questions about them. Albus was amazed she had any question left, since she had done the Lapplander matter during the Weasley Family dinner party prior to the start of term.

Kaden talked to whoever would listen about the prospect of adding Muggle technology to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden severalize one of the first eld about his petition to induce TV put into the park rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it did n't seem like she was nearly as shake up as Kaden was.

`` So, how was the tripper across the lake ? '' John asked Ashtyn as the sweet appeared.

`` Wet, '' Ashtyn replied.

`` Any of the gravy boat tip over ? '' he asked eagerly.

`` No, '' Ashtyn laughed.

`` Hagrid said he had anti-tipping good luck charm put on them after James tipped his a few yr ago, '' Victor Hugo announced.

`` That 's no fun, '' John sighed.

A little while later, the golden plates became fairly once again and Albus looked eagerly up at the staff table.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks as well to all the awesome lector and referee !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


prof Kendrick rose to his human foot. `` May I have your aid ! '' he shouted and the room quieted down, `` Thank you. Now, I have a few rather tire announcements, two somewhat energise ones, and one really exciting one. I shall start with the irksome ones.

`` As usual, the forest and Whomping Willow are out of bounds to everyone. If you wish to try-out for your house 's Quidditch team, impart your name to your principal of house. The Dueling nine and Jr 's Dueling Club will be starting up again and once meetings have been set up, I shall let you know.

`` As for the somewhat rouse announcements, we have a new United States Department of Defense Against the darkness artwork teacher. Please welcome professor Balladanis. ``

The stern looking professor stood up for a few seconds and received mediocre hand clapping. He resumed his bum and professor Kendrick turned back to the students.

`` The other somewhat concern annunciation is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few Clarence Day a week. After last twelvemonth 's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a requirement precaution to carry. The Aurors are incontrovertible that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to generate to Hogwarts at some point this year. I do not secernate you this to scare you, but to earn you aware of the situation. If anyone sees any funny doings or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fugitive, delight tell a teacher. ``

The entire Gryffindor table turned to Albus and his Friend at this announcement. Albus felt his face turn red and he stared down at his crustal plate. He really hated all the attention he got from what happened the previous two year.

`` And now, '' Kendrick continued, `` I have a very exciting promulgation to micturate. ``

Albus grinned and turned to his friends, who were all wearing touch faces of excitement, and then turned back to the headmaster.

`` First, I would like you all to remember the inter-house dueling from concluding year. ``

The entire mansion house groaned and people started whispering amongst themselves.

`` placidity down, '' Kendrick said, `` There was a reason why I enacted that death year. More than just schooltime integrity, that is. I wanted the shoal to turn more united because of an consequence that is taking plaza this year. An outcome that will put us into competition with other magical schools- ''

`` The Triwizard tourney ? ! '' Bradley exclaimed, `` Is that it ? ``

`` No, '' Kendrick replied, `` This is not the Triwzard tourney. It is a different challenger that will involve Sir Thomas More than just one scholarly person from each schooltime.

`` Tomorrow eve, shortly before dinner, a pick out group of scholarly person from the Adirondack Academy of Magic, which is in New York State, and the Australian School of Sorcery will travel to Hogwarts, where they will live and advert stratum for the length of the year. ``

Albus turned to attend at matt, who was gaping at Kendrick.

`` The students from both schools will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts star sign during a peculiar sorting ceremony tomorrow evening. They will go in whichever theater they are Sorted into and pay heed classes with those in their year. I expect you all to treat them like they are familiar Hogwarts students.

`` However, you will also be competing against them. There are two event. The initiative is Qudditch. Each of the shoal has created a Quidditch squad comprised of the safe Quidditch players in their respective schoolhouse. We will be doing the same thing here. The three squad will wager each other throughout the year and whichever team wins shall experience the Quidditch Cup for Schools.

`` The early event will be dueling. Each of the schools has also put together a team of the best duellist in their respective school day. Again, we shall do the like. The tournaments will mold much like the Dueling Club works here. ``

The entire schoolhouse started talking at once. Albus thought the whole affair was brilliant. It was like the Triwizard tourney, only less dangerous. Maybe he could even participate. He was a adequate chaser and dueler.

`` Albus, you 've got to try out for the Hogwarts Quidditch squad ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted.

`` I will ! '' Albus grinned, `` As long as they do n't have an age limit or anything. ``

`` I do n't think they will, '' Rose said, `` Quidditch is n't that dangerous. ``

`` It kind of is, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` Maybe I can duel, '' Kaden said, `` I 'm a endorse class now. ``

`` I think it 'll be great just to go to school day with Thomas Kid from Australia and New York ! '' pink wine exclaimed, `` Think of all we can learn from them ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Amanda agreed.

`` serenity ! '' Kendrick shouted over the chatter and everyone settled down, `` The Hogwarts Quidditch team is open to anyone who is currently on a family Quidditch team. I 'm sorry if that upsets some of you, but it would be unsufferable to defy try-outs for the entire school, and I think it would be better if our squad were comprised of those who have experience on a Quidditch squad. If you have interest in trying out, please recite your head teacher of house.

`` Try-outs for the Hogwarts Dueling Team will be open to fifth through 7th yr only. ``

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered.

`` If you want to try out, leave your name to your head of home. Try-outs for both team will most likely be side by side weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. First twelvemonth, please abide by a prefect to your vernacular room. expert Nox, everyone. ``

Albus got up from the table and walked to Gryffindor towboat with his protagonist. They talked about the competition the entire time. Albus was incredibly excited about the candidate of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch squad, and a minuscule nervous at the same time. Of course, his opportunity of getting picked were kind of slim. He was the youngest Chaser eligible to try out.

`` Albus ! '' James pushed his way through the bunch of Gryffindors in the common room, `` Are you trying out ? ``

`` Of class ! '' Albus grinned, `` You ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' James exclaimed, `` That 's everybody ! Everyone on the Gryffindor team is trying out ! Would n't that be amazing if we were all picked ? ``

`` You wo n't be, '' Rose said, `` The solid point is to have a Hogwarts team, not a Gryffindor team. ``

`` Albus and St. James the Apostle will get picked, '' Kaden said adamantly, `` You two are both great Quidditch role player. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` But all the other Chasers are older than me. ``

`` Department of Energy n't weigh, '' John assured him, `` They 'll be searching for skill, not age. ``

`` Who 's picking the team ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably prof Oteski, '' James said, `` And maybe the heads of firm will help. ``

Albus and his admirer talked about the Quidditch competition for another few proceedings before retiring to their dormitories for the night. Albus climbed into his familiar four-poster bed, but found that he was too excite to log Z's. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch team, the more he thought he actually had a chance of making it. He was also excited about having the Australian and American English educatee at Hogwarts. He had n't really met many alien witches and adept before, not including his Aunt Fleur 's syndicate. Matt and Amy and their parents were the closest he 'd arrive, and they 'd been living in England for a while. Matt did n't seem very excited about the whole thing, though. In fact, he had remained rather placid ever since Kendrick made the announcement.

******

It was gentle to feel the upheaval at Hogwarts the next day. Since it was Lord's Day, category were n't starting yet. to the highest degree citizenry slept late, and the main topic of conversation in the Great Hall at lunchtime was the contest and the students from Australia and New York.

Georgia organized a spur of the moment Quidditch practice for the Gryffindor team in society to educate for the Hogwarts squad try-outs. Albus and the rest of the team practiced for at least two hours that afternoon.

`` You 're a blowout, Epistle of James, '' Albus told his buddy as the two of them began to walk off the slant, `` Everyone knows you 're the sound searcher in the school. ``

`` wellspring, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the alone other houses that are keeping their searcher from cobbler's last year, '' James pointed out, `` So I 'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda Corner. ``

`` And you 're better than both of them, '' Albus said, `` I 'll be competing against at least six other Chasers. ``

`` Yeah, but you 're a good Chaser, '' St. James the Apostle assured him.

Albus nodded and shouldered his broom. He was already anxious about the try-out, and it was almost a week away. What if he was so anxious during the try-out that he completely messed up ? He 'd just have to be sure enough to quiet down by then. Albus sighed and continued walking off the pitch. Just as he was getting close to the stands, he noticed individual sitting alone in the low level. It was Matt.

`` I 'll see you back in the vernacular way, '' Albus said to his pal as he detoured towards the outdoor stage. James nodded and continued back towards the castle.

Matt had hardly said a word the entire day. He was normally quiet, but it was never a full sign when he was completely dumb. Albus knew better than to ask why, but he was still curious. He had a touch it had to do with the Aboriginal Australian students.

`` Hey, '' Albus sat down succeeding to Matt.

`` Hi, '' Matt mumbled.

`` Where 's everyone else ? '' Albus asked.

`` Rose is in the library researching about the magical schools in Australia and New House of York, '' Matt explained, `` Amanda is with her. ``

`` Why does that not surprise me, '' Albus smirked, `` I 'm assuming John is n't with them ? ``

`` No, '' mat gave a half-hearted gag, `` He and Kaden are in the vulture 's Den. I was there with them, but they kept talking about Quidditch and Dueling competition and I just got sick of it, so I came out here. ``

Albus nodded. Matt was going to have a hard time finding someplace in the school where no one was talking about the competitions.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` I mean, you 've been form of quiet. ``

Matt sighed. `` I, '' he paused, `` I 'm just not that excited about the competition thing. Well, it 's not that, it 's the fact that we 're doing it with Australia. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, not certainly what to say next.

`` I was supposed to go to the Aussie School of black art, '' Matt continued, `` That 's where Amy went. Then the headmaster told my parents I could n't. In fact, he said it in a downright cruel way. I never read that letter of the alphabet. I think Mum burned it. But she never told me what it said. She just said it was mean. The headmaster hates, well, the great unwashed like me. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. He turned to reckon at flatness. He looked quite upset about the unhurt thing. Albus had no mind what to say.

`` I do n't want the headmaster to come here, '' Matt said quietly, `` I know that 's stupid, really. I mean, he 's never met me. And we moved five years ago. He probably would n't even realise my utmost gens. ``

`` It 's not stupid, '' Albus assured him. Albus could n't really imagine what this was like for matte, though. He supposed the only thing close would be if Washburn came back to teach or something. `` But I do n't think you 'll really arrive into contact with their headmaster much. You ca n't try out for the Quidditch team or the Dueling Team, so I do n't think you 'll do much more than liberty chit him in the corridor. ``

`` I guess, '' flatness sighed, `` It 's just going to be so Wyrd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But I do n't think anything will happen. This is Kendrick 's school. Even if the Australian headmaster is here, he ca n't really do anything. He 's got no control over anything here. ``

Matt nodded. `` That 's avowedly. I had n't really thought about that. ``

Albus stood up. `` Come on, let 's go chance St. John and Kaden. I 'm sure we can convince them not to talk about the competition. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the Negroid Lake are coming. ``

Matt laughed, `` They 're all ready to do it. They just did n't require to do it today since you were practicing Quidditch and pink wine and Amanda were in the subroutine library. ``

The relief of the afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner, Albus and his friends made their way into the Great Charles Martin Hall. The intact room was buzzing with excitation. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professors were wearing dress robes. The only one who was n't was prof Balladanis, who as wearing the same black robe as the previous day.

Albus sat down at the Gryffindor mesa, where everyone was talking about the foreign schools.

`` I heard that the Australian School of black magic is underground ! '' Victor Hugo shouted excitedly.

Matt snorted. `` It 's not. ``

`` Oh, maybe it was the Adirondack honorary society of Magic, '' Victor-Marie Hugo replied.

`` That one 's not metro either, '' flatness laughed.

`` How do you cognise they 're not ? '' Hugo asked.

`` My sister used to go to the Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery, '' lustrelessness explained, `` And my uncle lives in New House of York. I 've seen that school, too. ``

`` Well, that 's drilling, '' Hugo muttered, `` Would have been better if one of them was underground. ``

`` Hey, Victor Hugo, '' Kaden grinned, `` estimate what the initials of Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery are ? ``

`` A, S, S, '' Victor Hugo shrugged and then a big grin appeared on his nerve, `` Ass ! That 's bright ! ``

`` silence, please ! '' Kendrick shouted over the gang, `` The students from the Adirondack Academy of illusion shall be arriving at any moment ! ``

No sooner had Kendrick finished his time, people began to whisper and turn their forefront towards the threshold. Albus craned his head up and saw a tall man striding into the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. He was wearing USN blue robes and had a rather large amount of messy Charles Grey hair on his head. Behind him were a 12 or so bookman wearing identical bluing robes. Most of the students looked to be a few twelvemonth older than Albus. They all stared around at the Great Hall, a couple of them pointing excitedly at the roof.

The tall man ( who Albus presumed to be their schoolmaster ) led the students to the staff board. Kendrick greeted them and then looked up at his own students.

`` Let me introduce Professor Marvin Roberts, schoolmaster of the Adirondack academy of trick, and his students, '' Kendrick announced, `` Welcome to Hogwarts. ``

Albus and the rest of the Hogwarts scholar body burst into applause. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his mouth again.

`` And now, if I 'm not mistaken, the students from the Australian school of Sorcery are arriving at the very moment. ``

Albus turned back towards the room access and saw another man entering the room. He wore emerald unripe gown and was completely bald. He made up for the want of haircloth on his head by sporting a pointy moustache and goatee. He was n't nearly as tall as Roberts, but not short either. He walked purposefully towards the stave table with his group of scholar clad in matching emerald green robes following him.

Albus noticed that matt did n't pack his eyes off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in spot, except for his eyes, which followed the man to the staff table.

`` Now I 'll introduce Professor Addair Killigan, '' Kendrick said, `` And the students of the Australian School of Sorcery. ``

Albus clapped along with everyone else, but it was more stamp down. He took an prompt dislike to Killigan just because of what lustrelessness had said. Albus noticed that Matt did n't really clap at all.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick said once the hand clapping stopped, `` Now, we shall have a particular Sorting ceremony in order to find out which house you belong in. The four houses are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will live in your house dormitories, spend resign time in your house vernacular room, and attend classes with the early students in your firm. ``

`` You know, it 'll be interesting to see if they adopt the star sign bias like we have, '' blush wine whispered, `` What if two of them are really proficient friends and then one is sorted into Gryffindor and the other into Slytherin ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged. rose had a level, though.

`` To be Sorted, all you have to do is put on the sorting Hat, '' Kendrick continued, `` It will tell you where you should be. ``

prof Patil stood up and walked around to the other side of the staff tabular array. She was holding the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. She set the hat down on the toilet and it burst into song.

There were loud gasps from all of the scholar from the other two school. A few of the Hogwarts students giggled at this. All the extraneous students stared intently at the hat and whispered amongst themselves.

`` When I call your name, come sit on the stool and put on the hat. It will tell you which house you 're in and then you can go sit at the appropriate table, '' Patil said after the hat stopped singing. `` Allen, Gregory. ``

A tall and lanky boy with messy brown hair stepped away from the group and sat down on the stool. He was wearing navy blue devil gown, so he must give birth been from New York.

`` Slytherin ! '' the hat shouted. Saint Gregory I Gracie took the hat off and went to unite the Slytherin table.

The Sorting continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at least two years elderly than Albus.

`` I think that fella is going to deliver to fall back the green robes, '' John commented as one of the Aboriginal Australian scholarly person was Sorted into Gryffindor, `` It 's just not pattern to wear greens robes when you 're a Gryffindor. ``

`` I imagine they 'll get Gryffindor robes soon, '' Rose said.

`` Do they even have houses at the Australian school of necromancy ? '' John wondered aloud, `` I mean, all their robes look alike. ``

`` They do, '' Matt told him, `` But those are the plain schoolhouse robes. ``

`` I 'm guessing they wanted to depend unified, '' Rose suggested, `` I doubt Albus will wear Gryffindor Quidditch robe when he plays on the house team. They 'll probably have peculiar Hogwarts robes. ``

`` If I 'm on the team, rose wine, '' Albus sighed. Everyone seemed to think he was going to stimulate the team. What if he did n't ? Everyone would be disappointed. Albus did n't really like the pressure.

`` Morales, Linda, '' Patil shouted.

Albus turned back to the Sorting and saw a rather unforesightful fille step forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged stool and he could n't take aim his eyes off her. She was beautiful. There was n't really any other way to distinguish her. Albus had n't ever seen a female child as pretty as she was. Her dark brownness hair cascaded down her rear in diffused moving ridge. It did n't quite match her surprisingly pale skin, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her Light skin went well with her emerald putting surface robes. She looked a bit nervous as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.

Albus turned to expect at his booster. Matt, John the Evangelist, and Kaden were all staring at the lady friend. So was James. In fact, all the male child at the Gryffindor table seemed to be staring at her. The girls were whispering to each other and glancing up at Linda morale every so often.

The hat seemed to be taking forever to decide. The integral Great manor hall had erupted in rustling. Finally, the brim of the hat burst surface and shouted out, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Linda esprit de corps took off the hat and walked quickly towards the Gryffindor table.

`` Bloody sin, '' John whispered as she took a behind a few shoes down from Albus.

Albus nodded and turned to reckon at the girl. She looked, if possible, even more nervous now that she was sitting down.

`` Albus ! '' Rose seethed, `` Do n't stare at her ! ``

Albus shook his head to take in his thoughts and tried to turn his tending back to the sorting. A petty patch later, the live on bookman was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the early schoolmaster took fanny behind the faculty table.

Kendrick stood up. `` I 'm sure you are all quite famished by now, so without further ado, dinner is served. '' Kendrick waved his sceptre and the golden plates filled with food.

None of the new students had sat near Albus and his friends, so they did n't get a chance to really get to know any of them. Most of them were older anyway. Albus 's first cousin struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did notification that Linda was n't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to verbalize to her.

`` Well, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the feast, '' Kendrick announced after the scale cleaned themselves of dessert, `` I have just a few annunciation. The new bookman need to take billet of the fact that the forest and the Whomping willow are out of bounds. There is also a rather large list of disallow objective. The total inclination can be viewed on the caretaker 's door, which is located on this level. Or, you can ask your fellow student. Anyone with the survive name of Weasley has a particularly extensive knowledge on the national. ``

There was a large total of laughter at this, mostly from the Gryffindor table.

`` Also, try-outs for the Hogwarts Quidditch team will be held this Saturday at one in the afternoon. Dueling team try-outs will be held a week from today, also at one in the good afternoon. And with that, I suggest you all turn in early, as category start tomorrow. ``

When Albus and his friends returned to the Gryffindor plebeian room, Linda team spirit was already there, surrounded by a rather large group of boy and a couple daughter. She did n't appear to be enjoying it, though. She looked as aflutter as she had been in the Great Hall and was mostly just nodding.

`` I 'll bet anything all those lad have asked her out already, '' rosiness muttered as they watched the group.

`` Probably, '' Amanda agreed.

`` They should just leave her alone, '' Rose went on, `` It does n't take care like she wants all that aid. I 'll bet she 's overwhelmed by everything. ``

`` I wonder how old she is, '' Albus said. He 'd been trying to figure that out all evening.

`` Dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She looks our age, but older at the same prison term. It 's variety of odd. ``

`` speculation we 'll find out tomorrow, '' Albus said, `` She might be in our year. ``

`` fountainhead, I 'm going to bed, '' Matt turned away from Linda and stood up.

`` He 's been quiet all evening, '' lavatory commented as Matt left.

Albus leaned over to john. `` That Killigan bloke, the schoolmaster, is the reason he could n't go to shoal in Australia, '' Albus whispered.

`` Oh, '' John said, `` Well, that would explain it. ``

Albus and his friends stayed up for a few more minutes before turning in for the night. Albus laid awake for a while, though, thinking about Linda Morales.


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


Dislcaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


As it turned out, Albus did n't make to wait until classes to know if Linda Morales was his age or not. pink wine and Amanda burst out of the girls'dormitory as Albus, Matt, and trick were heading down to breakfast.

`` Albus ! '' rose wine caught up with him, `` Linda is our age. She 's in our dormitory. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus replied, realizing that he had n't really thought about which dormitory the new scholar would be in.

`` Where is she now ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Still up there, '' Amanda said, `` She 's been in the bathroom for years. ``

`` girlfriend, '' John muttered, `` I 'll never realise them. ``

The grouping hurried down to the Great manor hall and ate a ready breakfast before their first grade. Neville handed out agenda and Albus saw that he had care of Magical Creatures first.

`` Blimey, this schedule is packed, '' John said as they headed out of the castle towards Hagrid 's hut.

`` fountainhead, we are taking two extra classes now, '' Albus pointed out.

`` wonder who we 'll give this form with, '' matt said.

`` With our hazard, it 'll be the Slytherins, '' Amanda groaned.

`` Maybe Linda 's taking this socio-economic class, '' John the Divine said hopefully.

Amanda sighed, `` You have n't even met her. ``

`` Yeah, but this class would be the arrant time to do that ! '' John pointed out.

Amanda groaned and they continued their trek to Hagrid 's hut. Once they got there, they saw that they were indeed with the Slytherins. Albus groaned inwardly and stood with his friends as everyone waited for Hagrid to appear.

`` 'Ello, everyone ! '' Hagrid said as he stepped out of his hut a few minutes later, `` Welcome to caution o'Magical Creatures. ``

`` Hi, Hagrid, '' Albus grinned.

`` 'Ello, Albus, '' Hagrid grinned back, `` Now, today 's lesson 's abou'Flobberworms. Can anyone tell me anything abou'them ? ``

Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least energise magical creatures in the humankind. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more energize.

`` nobody ? '' Hagrid said, `` Well, I know they are n't the most excitin'animal, but we 've got to start somewhere. Now, flobberworms are small snowy worms .... ''

Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he did n't pick out any greenback. rose wine would have, but Albus did n't see the item. Flobberworms were pretty basic.

`` Now, everyone can take a worm, '' Hagrid held up a box, `` An'draw them into yer note of hand an'observe 'em. ``

Albus and his friends each took a worm and began the tedious task of recording the insect'every front and sketching them. Albus thought the residuum of the class was rather drilling and was a bit disappointed. He had kind of been expecting Hagrid to wreak in some sort of dangerous animal, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come to think of it, his cousin-german had said Hagrid had adopted a more normal curriculum.

`` I wish Hagrid would bring in a dragon or something, '' John said as they made their way back to the palace for Transfiguration.

`` He probably wishes that, too, '' Albus laughed.

The Transfiguration schoolroom was already filling up by the time Albus and his ally entered. Albus noticed that they had this form with the Hufflepuffs. pink wine was already inside, sitting at her usual table in the strawman. Amanda quickly joined her. Linda was there as well, but she was sitting by herself at the early battlefront desk.

`` Let 's go sit by Linda ! '' John said excitedly.

`` Sure, '' Albus grinned and started to walk towards her table.

`` wait, '' Matt said, `` There 's only two seats. And do you really want to sit in the front ? ``

`` Er, that 's on-key, '' John said, `` We 'll sit behind her then. ``

Albus vaguely wondered why Matt so set on not sitting with Linda, but he did n't dwell on it and sat down at the table behind Linda. Patil walked in a here and now later and everyone quieted down.

`` For the initiative few social class we shall be learning about a very hard leg of transfiguration, '' Patil said after she took attendance, `` And it is called the Animagus metamorphosis. Can anyone say me what that is ? ``

Albus smirked as Rose 's hand crack into the air. Albus knew the answer, of course, but he was perfectly happy to let Rose answer.

`` Yes, Miss team spirit ? '' Patil pointed to Linda.

Albus turned away from Rose and saw that Linda had half-way raised her deal. The eternal rest of the grade was staring at her as well, probably because Rose always answered the preliminary query in class.

`` The Animagus Transfiguration is the act of transfiguring oneself into an animal, '' Linda answered.

`` Yes, that is compensate, '' Patil smiled.

Albus noticed that Rose was staring in shock at Linda. He had to choke a gag at this.

Patil went on to delineate Animagi in Sir Thomas More detail and Albus took a few bank bill.

`` Can anyone gens a registered Animagus they may have heard about in another class ? '' Patil asked.

Both rose and Linda 's hand shot up into the air. Patil called on Rose this time.

`` Minerva McGonagall, '' Rose answered.

`` Yes, she turns into a cat. She used to teach Transfiguration here and was the Headmistress for a few class. How about an illegal Animagus ? ``

Albus scribbled the words 'Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs'onto a piece of parchment and showed it to Matt and John. All three of them stifled laughter and then looked back up at Patil.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' rosiness grinned.

Patil smiled. `` Yes, and it was your mother who discovered her. ``

The respite of the division passed by at a reasonably quick step and once it was over, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall for lunch.

`` You 've got some competition, blush wine, '' bathroom grinned as they walked down the corridor.

`` Shut up, '' Rose muttered.

`` She might beat you on the succeeding test, '' John laughed.

`` And your pointedness is ? '' rosebush snapped.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, as no one wanted to set Rose off even more. Albus had no musical theme she would get that competitive about grades. Although after two long time of easily being the smartest in their year, Rose had n't previously had any competition.

Half the Gryffindor board was roaring with laugh when they arrived for lunch. Saint James the Apostle quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Hugo had exploded his kickoff potion earlier in the morn and was apparently quite proud of it.

`` well, you 'll have no competition from him, '' bathroom muttered to Rose. rose sent him a withered spirit and sat down to eat.

Albus spent lunch telling Kaden about care of Magical Creatures. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.

The 3rd year Gryffindors had bivalent potions after tiffin, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the class with a recap of the previous year 's potions. Once again, Rose and Linda both knew the solvent to every question. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both Rose and Linda tied for best potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. Albus was quite surprised that Linda seemed as hurt as rosiness. He had never met anyone his age who could compete with Rose with grades. John the Evangelist was rightfield. Rose did possess some competition.

******

`` wellspring, time to go meet the new DoD teacher, '' Albus said as he finished breakfast the next morning.

`` I wish your dad was still teaching, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` The new instructor looks like the kind of bloke who gives a lot of homework. ``

`` You really ought to just continue an spread out nous, '' Rose commented as they left the Great Hall.

`` Easy for you to say, '' John Lackland muttered, `` You 're freakishly smart. ``

`` You have got to be kidding me ! '' Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, `` We 're with the Slytherins, again ! ``

`` Great, '' matte sighed, `` Three age in a row, what are the chances of that ? ``

Albus led the way into the schoolroom. Linda morale was already seated at one of the front tables. Rose and Amanda immediately took the other social movement table.

`` Let 's sit in the back, '' matt muttered.

Albus nodded. He really did n't want to sit near the front. The teacher was already there and was wearing an unreadable expression. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.

The classroom looked exactly the Saame as it had the year before, except for a trunk that was sitting in social movement of the teacher 's desk.

A few more students trickled in and once the bell rang, the teacher waved his baton and the door slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprisal and snapped his care back to the new teacher.

He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in straw man of it. He was holding a piece of parchment and a quill. Albus noticed that he was wearing the same black gown, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed silver fastenings on them.

`` Please produce your manus and say 'present'when I call your name, '' he said in a stern voice. He ran through the listing, fixing each student with a piercing regard when he called on them.

`` Brilliant, '' he said flatly, `` All here. I am Professor Balladanis, as you all know from prof Kendrick 's address. You will address me as Professor Balladanis, or professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of turn or misbehavior of any kind in my classroom. I expect all prep and other assignments to be completed on time, no exculpation. ``

Professor Balladanis began to pace back and forth in front of his desk. `` As you shall detect throughout the year, I take defensive magic very seriously. '' He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.

`` defensive legerdemain is a very very crucial branch of magic. I would take a shit the argument that is the most crucial. It can save your lifespan. It has saved my life sentence on numerous affair. I have no doubt that your premature two years of didactics were very all-inclusive and I am certain you all have a staple knowledge of defensive spells courtesy of Professor Potter. ``

Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his speech. `` However, the third year Defense Against the wickedness Arts curriculum focuses on refutation against dark puppet. '' He turned to Albus 's table and gave Albus, lusterlessness, and privy a piercing stare.

`` I will be continuing the curriculum that has been used in this school since after the final examination engagement, '' Balladanis continued, `` I have looked over the curriculum and have deemed it acceptable. I immensely approve of the first day 's lesson for tertiary geezerhood. I 've always thought a practical glide path was good for Defense, although I do expect you to carefully scan your text book as well.

`` In this box, '' Balladanis gestured to the trunk, which jumped a footling as he touched it, `` Lives a boggart. Can anyone tell me what a boggart is ? ``

rosiness and Linda 's deal shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to Rose. `` Yes, Miss ... ? ``

`` Weasley, sir, '' blush wine replied, `` A boggart is a embodiment gear lever. It takes the descriptor of whatever scares you most. No one knows what one really looks like. ``

Balladanis nodded. `` Correct. 5 distributor point to Gryffindor. Boggarts, '' he began pacing again, `` Take the phase of whatever scare us most. The boggart focuses on the nearest person and turns into whatever scares them.

`` We will have an reward over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will become confused about what to change state into. However, that is not enough. There is a essential conjuration for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. Repeat after me, 'Riddikulus'. ``

`` Riddikulus, '' Albus said along with everyone else.

`` Good, '' Balladanis said, although his vox was n't exactly cheerful, `` You 'll also demand to think of a way to turn whatever your most feared thing is into something singular. laughter is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you 're saying the incantation. Now, take out your scepter and stand up. ``

Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He was n't even surely what he was most afraid of. snake ? No, he really did n't fear snakes. wanderer ? Nope, not them either. He had no melodic theme what that boggart was going to change by reversal into, and that made it even scarier.

Balladanis waved his wand and all the board and chairwoman moved to the side of meat of the schoolroom. `` Form a line, '' he instructed.

Everyone pushed to be at the front of the line. Albus wound up being towards the back, behind John the Divine and in front of Matt.

`` Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis motioned for Rose to ill-treat forward, `` Perhaps you could go first. ``

Rose nodded and stepped out of the line. She stood in front of the automobile trunk with her wand raised. Albus had no musical theme what the boggart would change state into for rosiness either. Nor did he cause a clue what King John and Amanda 's boggarts would be. He had an inkling about flatness 's, though.

Balladanis stood off to the side and pointed his wand at the trunk. The lid slowly opened and out stepped ... Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.

The boggart Neville opened his backtalk. `` I 'm gloomy, Rose, you did not get the eminent course in your yr. You 've been beaten. ``

Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made good sense. For a second there, Albus actually thought rose was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.

`` Riddikulus ! '' rose shouted.

The boggart Neville swayed, but did n't look any different. He opened his mouth again. `` rosebush, you have beaten everyone in the entire school day ! You have the well score in the history of Hogwarts. ``

Albus smirked. It was n't entirely funny, but it fit Rose perfectly.

`` Interesting, '' Balladanis muttered, `` Next ! ``

Rose stood off to the side and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very large snake.

Amanda stared at it for a few present moment and then shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The snake twirled around and tied itself into a slub. Amanda, along with most of the respite of the class, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the side next to Rose and Janie Creevey stepped forward.

Janie 's boggart turned into a giant rat, which then got transformed into midget mouse. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda morale 's turn.

Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a dragon tour into a raging fire. Linda raised her verge and shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The fervidness turned into a falls and Linda joined the growing group of student off to the side.

Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a spider, as did her Sister, Karina 's. Karina had a bit of trouble, but eventually managed to twist the spider rainbow colours. Ethan and a distich of the Slytherins had difficulty as well.

Leigh Montague charmed her mama boggart into a strait jacket and then it was trick 's turn of events. He stepped forward and the mummy turned into a clown. A clown, consummate with a big red nose and huge shoes.

Albus could hear a few of the other students snickering already. Albus was n't exactly a fan of clowns, but he could call back of at least ten things that were scarey than them.

`` Riddikulus ! '' John shouted. The clown boggart started to walk forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously prominent metrical foot, which were growing at an alarming pace. The entire grade burst out in the tatty laughter yet as St. John joined Rose and Amanda.

Albus took a thick breath and stepped forward. The clown with the huge fundament started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like prof Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.

`` You did not make the Hogwarts Quidditch squad, '' it said.

Albus gulped. number to recollect of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that moment. But how could he make water it funny. He racked his genius as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Albus shouted.

The boggart spun around again and then stopped. `` You did make the squad ! '' it said, `` In fact, everyone is on the squad ! All of Hogwarts will play at once and therefore win the contention ! ``

Albus laughed at the thought process of a Quidditch squad consisting of over 200 people on it and joined John at the side of the classroom. Albus watched as flatness stepped forward.

`` Hey, thrower, '' Scorpio whispered, `` I bet the boggart wo n't make out what to turn into with Eckerton. He 's afraid of everything. ``

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus growled.

`` placidity over there ! '' Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his mouth and Scorpius did n't say anything else.

The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it did n't twist into the bright wide moon that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very baleful looking man. He was skinny and rather short and had a mop of untidy brownish hair on his foreland. It was n't like Henry M. Robert 's hair, though. This fella 's whisker was sinewy and soiled looking. His eyes were piercing, not unlike Balladanis 's, and he was sneering at matt. Albus did n't recognize who it was. He had n't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.

The boggart stepped slowly towards matt, who looked frozen in place. Albus could see his wand shaking in his manus.

`` Who 's that blighter ? '' John whispered.

`` No mind, '' Albus said.

Albus continued to watch as the boggart advanced towards lustrelessness. Balladanis was n't doing anything besides watching with an unreadable manifestation on his expression.

The boggart was now only a couple feet away from Matt, who still was n't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly enhance its work force and muttered something that Albus could n't quite catch.

At that moment, matt seemed to unfreeze. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the door. He wrenched it unfold and disappeared from the room. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves

Albus turned to St. John, who shrugged. Albus could n't even begin to imagine why matte was afraid of that strange man, but he could sense that it went beyond a normal fear.

`` I 'm going after him, '' Albus whispered to John. Saint John nodded and Albus ran from the room without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.

Albus could listen Balladanis trying to quiet the rest of the students down as he walked quickly down the corridor. mat was n't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to take the air down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go ? The dormitory ? elbow room of necessary ? Marauder 's Den ? That was it, Albus thought. That 's where Matt would go. After all, only a few people knew about that.

Albus walked through the vacate corridors, grateful that nobody else was wandering around. He glanced at his sentinel. There was only ten mo left in course of study.

The fifth part floor corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the appropriate lawsuit of armor and then searched the opposite rampart for the tiny paw prints. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the doorway open.

The room looked empty when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the previous year. Albus had n't been in it for month. He quietly walked further into the room and headed straightaway for matt 's alcove.

Matt was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the wall in nominal head of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not for certain of what to say. Matt did n't even recognise the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he did n't notice.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked after a few import of awkward silence.

Matt looked over at him. He did n't look all right hand. His face was picket white. `` I guess, '' he said quietly, `` But everyone probably thinks I 'm afraid of everything now. nonentity else ran out of the room. ``

`` Maybe everyone else 's boggarts were n't as shuddery, '' Albus suggested.

`` Maybe, '' matt muttered.

Albus heard the doorway out-of-doors and he craned his oral sex around to see that rose wine, John, and Amanda had come inside. Saint John the Apostle and the girls walked over to where Albus and Matt were.

`` We 've got your travelling bag, '' John said as he dropped Albus and Matt 's bags on the floor.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` Are you all right ? '' John asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' flatness sighed.

`` What have we got next ? '' Albus asked.

`` Herbology, '' rosebush answered, `` And we 'd better go if we do n't desire to be late. ``

`` Are you coming ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' Matt got up off the bed, `` Let 's go. I just hope we do n't have it with the Slytherins. I 'd bet my terminal Galleon that Malfoy 's going to create fun of me for this for balance of the year. ``

Albus would have been bequeath to bet that as well. Fortunately, the third class Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that year. A few of the early Gryffindors stole immediate glances at mat during the beginning piece of the socio-economic class, but cipher said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few plants they had learned about the premature yr for a few transactions. Rose and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a broad overview of what they 'd be doing that year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


After tiffin, Albus, pink wine, and matt headed to ancient runic letter while John and Amanda went to soothsaying. Albus did n't really recognise what to expect from Ancient Runes, nor did he screw anything about the teacher. lustrelessness had told them that Amy said the teacher was decent enough.

Albus, blush wine, and lustrelessness sat down at one of the tables in the middle of the way and waited for the teacher. Linda team spirit was already seated at one of the battlefront mesa. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the inaugural to arrive to any class. There was also an assortment of Hufflepuffs in the room. Albus, rosebush, Matt, and Linda appeared to be the but Gryffindors taking the class, though.

The professor walked in a few minutes later. She was a poor woman with curly greyness hair and a patient look on her face.

`` howdy, '' she smiled, `` I 'm Professor Sturly. ``

She took attendance and then gave a extended speech about what the study of Ancient rune was. Albus kind of thought she could suffer condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. rosiness was paying rapt attention and Albus had a feeling this would get one of her favorite classes.

Towards the end of the class, Sturly gave an overview of the start chapter in their volume and then assigned the residual of the chapter for homework. The chapter covered a change of basic rune that Albus and the rest of the students would own to memorize.

charm consisted of Rose and Linda alternatively answering every doubt Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a belief it would go a habitue occurrence in all the course of instruction he had with both pink wine and Linda.

`` How was foretelling ? '' Albus asked his Quaker after dinner as they were sitting around the Marauder 's Den.

`` Entertaining, '' St. John laughed, `` I think it 'll be my easiest category. ``

`` So, who did Trelawney say would die this twelvemonth ? '' Rose asked.

`` What ? ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` soul 's going to die ? ``

`` No, '' blush wine sighed, `` Trelawney just predicts soul 's death every twelvemonth. The educatee in doubt has never actually died during that yr. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden shrugged, `` So she 's not a real psychic ? ``

`` You mean a oracle ? '' Rose asked, `` Well, she has made a few really prediction. She 's the one who spoke the divination about Albus 's dad. But can she really predict the time to come with crystal Ball and such ? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I 'm sure there are real Seers out there, but they 're extremely rare. Divination is a very unnoticeable offset of conjuring trick that is unmanageable to see. My mum says we should n't put much organized religion in it. ''

`` I still think it would be brilliant to recognise the futurity, though, '' Kaden grinned.

`` I do n't roll in the hay, '' flatness shrugged, `` I 've always thought the future was best left stranger. ``

`` I 've always thought so, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` So, who 's going to snuffle it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` President Carter Eubert, '' privy replied, `` That Ravenclaw we shared a boat with when we crossed the lake in first year. I have to say that I 'm relieved it was n't me. ``

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

rose wine groaned. `` I 've told you that it 's not veridical ! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a student 's death. She predicted my Uncle Harry 's death and he 's still alive ! ``

`` Yeah, but did n't he nearly die at the end of his thirdly year ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Key word, nearly, '' rose replied, `` Plus, he faced destruction pretty much every yr. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' bathroom said, `` But I 'm still glad she did n't foreshadow my end, even if it 's not a real prediction. ``

`` So how was Ancient runic letter ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Really interest ! '' rose wine said excitedly and proceeded to give a commentary on how the class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the only one really intrigued by it.

Albus and his ally spent the remainder of the evening in the predator 's Den. Once they had exhausted the subject of their starting time two twenty-four hours of course, they moved on to the Quidditch contender and Albus 's chance of making the Hogwarts team. Everyone thought Albus had a good chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their coming Hogsmeade trips, although that topic kind of made Kaden jealous. can brought up the subject of Linda Morales, but both blush wine and lusterlessness did n't need to talk about her at all.

Eventually, they had to refund to Gryffindor tower in lodge not to unwrap curfew. On his way up to his student residence, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a group of champion, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.

******

`` No ! I do n't require to go ! Dad, do n't make me go ! ''

Albus 's eyes snapped open. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the dawning. He could hear soul tossing and turning and mumbling in their slumber in the bed next to him.

`` Please, I do n't want to. Just let me go domicile. ``

Albus was across-the-board awake now. The talking was coming from lusterlessness 's bed and Albus knew he was having a incubus. Albus had been woken up by Matt 's nightmare on numerous social occasion, especially during maiden yr. They always seemed to come around the full moon. Although, Albus was pretty surely that the full moon was n't for a few workweek. This nightmare sounded worse anyway.

The mumbling continued for another few proceedings and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creaking and footsteps crossing the room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few minutes before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his slippers and padded across the room and carefully shut the threshold behind him. None of the other boys had woken up.

The common elbow room was dark and empty when Albus got there. The fervency had long since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the elbow room. There was pass out wand light coming from one of the corners. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw lustrelessness sitting curled up in one of the chairs, staring at the floor.

Matt startled when he saw Albus. `` Oh, Albus, '' he sighed, `` What are you doing up ? ``

Albus shrugged and sat down in the president next to mat 's. `` Followed you down here. ``

`` Oh, did I wake you up ? ``

`` Sort of, '' Albus replied, `` But it 's ok. I just came to see if you were all right on. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare- ''

`` How do you roll in the hay I had a nightmare ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of heard you mumbling, '' Albus answered, `` You were talking in your sleep. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Listen, '' Albus paused, `` You do n't give birth to distinguish me, but I was variety of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I kind of view it would be a good Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` So did I, '' matt said quietly, `` Which is part of why I freaked out so much. ``

Albus nodded, wondering if lustrelessness was going to continue or not.

`` I know I have n't told you much about what happened when I lived in Australia, '' lustrelessness began.

Albus nodded again. All he really knew about Matt 's life in Australia was that he had lived in a mansion house and his dad had been the Head of the Department for the rule and command of Magical Creatures.

`` That bloke the boggart turned into is the stream straits of the department for the Regulation and command of Magical Creatures, '' Matt continued, `` He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the head word of the Werewolf restraint Unit. ``

Albus was still a bit disconcert about why he was Matt 's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.

`` While my parents were in the process of finding out where to move, a law was passed that all lycanthrope had to transubstantiate in a Ministry approved marrow if their property of transformation failed an inspection. Mine failed. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus gaped at him, `` But your dad was- ''

`` The headspring of the department, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New House of York. My parents refused to let me transform at one of the Ministry centers, so they broke the law and were fined. The first time that happened, my dad was fired over it.

`` But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his figure, would n't throw up until I transformed in one of the centers. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some kind of long terminal figure row going on or something. I do n't know the details. But anyway, '' Matt paused, `` Eventually, Lubar was able-bodied to hap a law that made it effectual for the Ministry to take loup-garou by strength to one of the transformation centers. He flooed to our sign, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved center before my parents had a chance to stop him. ''

Albus stared at Matt. He could hardly conceive what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been legal. How could it be legal to basically snatch a kid for a nighttime ?

`` I do n't remember any of it, '' Matt said quietly, `` Except for what happens in the nightmare I have. It was horrible, though. The former wolfman were all adults and they all sort of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Commonwealth of Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo 's because they wanted therapist Sterling to take care of me. I spent three weeks there. ``

`` Well, it makes sense that you were so pit of that boggart, '' Albus said, `` Lubar is one of the most horrible superstar I 've ever heard of. ''

Matt nodded and shifted slightly. `` I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five long time ago. I really thought that boggart would plow into a full phase of the moon moonshine. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that stuff that happened in Australia was behind me, but I guess not. ``

`` zero like that is going to pass off here, '' Albus said quietly, `` Lubar has no control condition over our Ministry. He 's in Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` I guess you 're right wing, '' mat sighed, `` I think I 'll go see if dame Pomfrey will give me any dreamless sleep potion. Could I use the Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Yeah, of course, '' Albus said as he stood up. He had a feeling that madam Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless sleep and probably try and convince him to expend the night in the Hospital backstage as well.

Albus and matte quietly walked back to the dorm room and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the irregular edition predator 's Map, and handed them to matte. Once matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.

Albus lay awake thinking about what flatness had told him for a spell. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch squad seemed very undistinguished now that he knew the contingent about Matt 's boggart. That did n't realise Albus any less nervous about the try-outs, though.

******

Albus and the early Gryffindor third years, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the next day with History of magic trick. All Albus learned during the hour was that 3rd twelvemonth account of trick was equally as dull as endorsement yr. Transfiguration consisted of another lecture on Animagi and Albus noticed that John paid a considerably more amount of tending than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the old year that they would not become Animagi.

maintenance of Magical fauna was after luncheon and the class moved on to the slightly more matter to bowtruckles. Albus was very thankful for the rift they had afterwards, when Rose went to Muggle Studies.

`` It 's only the third day and I 'm already sick of homework, '' Albus muttered as they entered the vulture 's Den.

`` So do n't do it, '' John said as he pulled a Chocolate batrachian out of his bag.

`` You should do that fortune telling homework, '' Amanda said, `` You know, the one where we predict what happens to us next Midweek. ``

`` Already did it, '' privy announced.

Albus, lusterlessness, and Amanda all stared in shock at trick. John never ever did homework early. He was always the one finishing the finally lines of an essay as the instructor took attendance.

`` What ? '' John shrugged, `` I occasionally do farce before it 's due. ``

`` No, actually, you do n't, '' Matt smirked.

`` Divination 's different. It 's fun to stimulate up fake prognostication. ``

`` So what 's happening to you next Wednesday ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm going to snap off my cervix when I fall off my Scots heather. ``

`` John, you do n't even bring Quidditch, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Trelawney wo n't wish. ``

Albus personally thought it was a permissive waste of time to get up with fake predictions for foretelling, but that was probably why he had n't signed up for the class.

`` Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis 's boggart was ? '' John Lackland asked Albus and Matt.

`` Nope, '' flatness said.

Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're going to love this. ``

`` Yeah, '' trick grinned, `` When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an oz. of attention to it, so Balladanis stepped in front man of it and you 'll never pretend what it turned into ! ``

`` A loup-garou ? '' mat asked.

`` No, but that would have been funny, too, '' John laughed, `` Anyway, it turned into a cleaning lady. ``

`` A woman ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` Yeah, '' lav said, `` A tall, skinny, pale faced woman. Her cutis was as pale as Linda 's. Her whisker was a bit low-cal, but still a saturnine brown. The fair sex just sort of walked over to Balladanis with a grinning on her typeface. She was kind of pretty in an odd variety of way. ``

`` Now that is uncanny, '' Albus replied, `` Why in the name of Merlin would he be afraid of women ? ``

`` Maybe it was a particular woman, '' matte pointed out.

That would make to a greater extent mother wit. After all, matte was n't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a specific man. But Albus did think it was kind of odd that Balladanis, the stern man who hated darkness Arts, would be afraid of a enchantress. Albus would have thought he 'd be afraid of some kind of scary dark creature.

`` Who do you reckon she was ? '' matt asked.

John shrugged. `` His married woman ? ``

Albus smirked. `` well, that would be risible. ``

`` My dad jape that he 's afraid of my mum at multiplication, '' John replied, `` But I doubt his boggart would work into her. ``

`` Maybe she 's some sort of dark enchantress that he 's faced in the past, '' Amanda suggested.

`` Good thought ! '' Matt agreed, `` Maybe she was a destruction eater. ``

`` I do n't have it off if he fought in the War or not, though, '' Albus said, `` My dad 's never mentioned his public figure before and he does n't really seem like the kind of lad to just stay in the ground, does he ? ``

`` I guess not, '' Matt replied, `` She could still be an malevolent witch, though. ``

`` That does take the most sense, '' whoremaster said, `` She must be really evil. I mean, Balladanis does n't seem like he 'd be afraid of anything. ``

`` Everyone 's afraid of something, '' Albus pointed out, `` But yeah, she must be evil. ``

`` What did Balladanis do to crap her funny ? '' Matt asked.

`` Turned her into some sort of statue, '' John answered, `` It was strange, like she was petrified. She just froze in place. And then Balladanis banished it to the trunk. ``

`` How is that funny ? '' Albus asked.

`` No melodic theme, '' John the Evangelist shrugged, `` Just adds to the mystery that is Balladanis. ``

`` I 'm still not for certain I like him, '' mat commented.

`` Me, neither, '' Albus agreed.

`` But hey, at to the lowest degree he did n't give us any homework on the offset day, '' John pointed out.

******

The next day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the spine of the Defense classroom in between lustrelessness and John. Malfoy kept turning around in his fanny and smirking at lustrelessness. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about Matt 's experience with the boggart.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few minutes later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The class immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his stern. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.

`` Well, some of you were successful with last class 's boggart, '' Balladanis began, `` However, there were quite a few of you who were n't. ``

Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at Matt, this time unable to stifle his laughter.

`` Quiet, Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis growled, `` Five points from Slytherin. ``

Albus could n't aid but grin at that. At least Balladanis was n't favoring Slytherin.

`` Therefore, we will continue battling the boggart until you all have winner with the while, '' Balldanis continued, `` I do not want any of you to fall away through the cracks and skate through this class on the nates of more successful scholar. That may play while at Hogwarts, but the moment you get out into the real creation, it will abruptly end. Without a canonical knowledge of justificative enchantment, you will fulfill an untimely end at the hands of dark necromancer. ``

This teacher was making it seem like they were in the midst of a war. Albus knew it was important to be able-bodied to fight back yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It kind of reminded him of what his parents, aunt, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.

`` iniquity sensation love finding victims with piddling cognition of defensive spells. The educatee who skirt by with satisfactory bull's eye and just barely authorize each test, without really understanding anything. They also love people who read book after Book and pretend to read everything. And while these the great unwashed may have a full knowledge of justificative spells, they may not possess the skills necessary to do them, '' Balldanis 's eye rested on Rose and Linda.

`` I want everyone in this room to give more than the staple attainment needed to do defensive acquirement. I want everyone to be able to hail off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to defend themselves against non-white beast and necromancer alike.

`` Starting with the boggart, I will not take a breather until every student is open of performing every patch we learn in this form. I will portion extra lessons to those I deem it necessity. You will arrive in for extra help. I do not manage if it interferes with clubs or Quidditch exercise. Quidditch will be of piddling helper when you are facing a black star or creature.

`` stand up ! '' Balladanis ordered. The class scrambled to their understructure and Balladanis moved the desks aside.

`` Sir ! '' Malfoy called out, `` What if we 've already had success with the boggart ? ``

`` Then you 'll do it again, '' Balladanis replied, `` Practice makes perfective. ``

The social class lined up in social movement of the proboscis. Albus and his friends wound up being in the back, and Albus did n't mean lustrelessness minded this in the least. He looked very nervous at the prospect of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus could n't pick him.

The line moved much faster this time than the last course of study. Everyone who had had problem with the boggart during the late stratum seemed to do a serious job this time.

Albus stepped forward once it was his turn and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not make the team. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would move around into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the spell and moved to the side to stand next to Rose and Amanda.

toilet was following and battled his antic boggart in the same way he had the other day. He stepped to the side and Matt walked slowly towards the boggart.

`` Two Galleons says he runs again, '' Malfoy whispered in Albus 's ear.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus and Saint John said at the same time.

The boggart once again turned into Lubar and Matt slowly raised his baton, which was shaking.

`` R-R-Ridikkulus, '' matte whispered. Nothing happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.

`` Louder, '' Balladanis told him.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' Matt shouted. Still nothing. His scepter arm was shaking even harder.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' he shouted once again.

This clip, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a black and white striped prison rig with a orchis and mountain range attached to his right leg.

`` expression like you owe us two Galleons, '' John smirked at Malfoy.

`` Not a chance, Brickston, '' Malfoy growled.

`` beneficial job, '' Albus grinned as mat joined the group.

Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the trunk when Albus looked back at his teacher.

`` That 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced. `` You, '' he pointed at Matt, `` seed see me. ``

Matt glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the residue of the class left the way. Albus and his friend lingered near the door, but Balladanis gestured for them to leave. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.

`` What did he want ? '' Albus asked once Matt exited the room.

`` I have to go in for surplus help, '' Matt groaned, `` Until I can face the boggart successfully. ``

`` But you were successful, '' John pointed out.

`` Not successful enough for Balladanis. ``

`` Somehow, I do n't think anyone would be successful enough for him, '' Rose muttered.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` That was some speech he gave at the beginning of division. ``

Albus still did n't know what to think of their new defence reaction professor. He seemed very exacting and Albus did n't really feel prosperous with him, but on the other hired hand, he seemed very knowledgeable in defensive spells. Albus had a feeling they 'd check a lot from him, and even though they were n't involved in a war at the moment, Albus knew defense skills were always important to have. That 's what his father had told him ever since he could recollect. Albus had grown up knowing the need for Defense against the drab artistry. He just had never had it taught to him in such a forceful stern way.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The end of the week went by quickly. Albus spent all his spare time on the Quidditch pitch shot, trying to hone his skill for the try-outs on Sat. Unfortunately, the Slytherin Quidditch team booked the tar all Friday evening, so Albus was ineffectual to cram in a last minute recitation session.

Instead, Albus sat in the common room with the sleep of his friends, trying to save an essay for Transfiguration. He was supposed to research a far-famed Animagi and write a foot long essay about him or her. Albus had wanted to write about his granddaddy, but given the fact that Prongs 's Animagus condition had been a orphic, Albus did n't reckon such an essay would work out. So, Albus eventually decided to write about McGonagall. He had a touch sensation half the class would write about her.

`` What are McGonagall 's marking ? '' John asked, proving Albus 's theory.

`` Spectacle patsy around her eyes, '' Albus answered as he stared at his mostly blank piece of parchment.

`` Thanks, '' John grinned, `` You just saved me fifteen minute of arc of research. ``

`` No trouble, '' Albus replied. He was n't certainly why the essay was taking him so long. He knew a capital deal about McGonagall and her Animagus potentiality. He supposed he just had his mind on former things, like the Quidditch try-outs.

`` How can she even concentrate on her studying ? '' rosiness sighed loudly.

`` Who ? '' Albus asked.

`` Linda team spirit, '' Rose muttered, with a trace of disdain in her interpreter, `` Just look at her. ``

Albus turned around and saw Linda sitting at a table with a crowd of Word and sheepskin strewn about it. There was quite a crowd of boy surrounding her, including Bilius, Ethan, James, Ben, Cedric, Nathan, and a few secondly years Albus did n't know the names of. They all seemed to be talking at once while Linda had her eyes fixed on one of the books.

`` Well, from what you 've said, she 's so capriciously voguish she does n't need to read, '' Kaden said.

`` Humph, '' Rose huffed, `` Everyone needs to study. ``

`` I think you 're overjealous, Rose, '' Albus smirked.

`` Am not, '' Rose replied.

`` I wonder what position she plays, '' John mused.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` Position. You know, in Quidditch, '' John explained, `` She must be on the Australian team. Since she 's our age, she ca n't be on the dueling squad. ``

`` Seeker, '' rosebush said.

`` How do you jazz ? '' Albus asked.

`` Karina asked her one day in the student residence, '' Rose explained.

`` Who 's a searcher ? '' mat dropped his bag onto the table and sat down in the chair next to Albus.

`` Linda morale, '' Albus told him, `` How was your boggart lesson ? ``

`` Wyrd, '' Matt replied, `` Balladanis was n't bottom like he is in class. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden gaped, `` I do n't reckon I could imagine him not strict. ``

`` Yeah. I would n't say he was nice, but he did n't act like he does in form. ``

`` What did he do ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` well, I walked in and he was sitting at his desk. So I walked up to him and he got up and went over to the body. He did n't say much, just told me to fight the boggart. And then I did. Over and over again until I thought I was going to go mad. ``

`` That sounds like Balladanis, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` I know, '' matt replied, `` I 'm getting there. Anyway, eventually he told me I could break off. Then he told me to sit down and that he wanted to blab out to me. He basically told me the Saame thing he told everyone in class the early day. But he changed it a bit. ``

lusterlessness lowered his vocalization. `` He said that the full stop of defence force course of study was n't only to learn how to fend for ourselves against the dismal arts. He said it 's also to teach us why the dark humanities are so frightful. He then went on to tell me that it was especially crucial for me to know that. ``

`` That is weird, '' Albus said quietly, `` You do n't cerebrate he said that because of, well, you know. ``

`` Yeah, I think he did, '' lustrelessness replied, `` But he did n't say it in a mean way or anything. It was just really really odd. ``

`` I 'll say, '' John agreed, `` Do you get to go there again ? ``

`` Unfortunately, yes, '' Matt muttered, `` He wants me to go every Fri until he says I do n't have to anymore. ``

`` How did it go with the boggart, though ? '' Rose asked.

`` I thought it went ok. I mean, I 'm doing better than I was. But he still wants me to go in for extra service. ``

`` Well, '' Kaden said after a few moments, `` This just proves that Balladanis is a very very strange teacher. ``

******

Albus awoke riddled with nerve the adjacent forenoon. It reminded him of the nervousness he had only one year ago prior to the Gryffindor team try-outs. Only this was ten times worse. He felt like he 'd eaten a few live pygmy comforter and they were bouncing around his breadbasket trying to escape.

Try-outs were to be held shortly after lunch and Albus spent all break of the day talking with his feller Gryffindor teammates in the uncouth room. Georgia spent over an hour talking about the strengths and failing of the other hoi polloi who would be trying out. Albus only sort of paid aid. The quietus of the team seemed agitate and not nearly as nervous as Albus. Albus thought James was prosperous ; he was only competing against Lisa Galivant of Hufflepuff and Miranda box of Ravenclaw, as Slytherin was getting a new Seeker that year.

Albus sat with his team at lunch, although he did n't eat much. Georgia continued talking about everything they 'd need to recognise for the try-outs. The former Gryffindors kept coming up to him and wishing him circumstances. All Albus could manage to do was nod and grumble 'thanks'.

In an feat to keep ordering on the Quidditch pitch shot, the headmaster had banned the remainder of the educatee from watching the try-outs. Albus was very thankful of this and was kind of relieved when Georgia finally announced that they should leave for the pitch. Albus 's Friend wished him luck and he left the Great Charles Francis Hall following James.

The walk to the lurch was quiet. Georgia had stopped her running commentary on the strategy of the rest of the Hogwarts Quidditch histrion and everyone else seemed to agnize they were more nervous than they thought.

Albus took a deep breath as he entered the pitch and adjusted his broom on his berm. He tried to think positive thoughts and followed his squad onto the pitch. Then, he stopped in his course and felt his jaw drop to the ground.

Standing in the center of the slant, side by side to professor Oteski, Longbottom, Slughorn, Patil, and Marco Polo, was none other than chemise lupin. Standing with Teddy and the professors were Joseph Oliver Wood and Tyler thruway, the capitulum Boy from Albus 's first year.

`` What 's teddy doing here ? '' King James I whispered.

`` No estimation, '' Albus whispered back, wondering the same affair. Why was teddy there ? He had n't mentioned anything over the summer about doing anything at Hogwarts that year.

Albus stood with his squad and looked at the relaxation of the pupil who were trying out. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff thespian were already there. Amongst the Ravenclaws were Kate Waverly, the keeper ; Natalie Cable, Damien Waverly, and Dan Burke, the Chasers ; Zack Valentino and Allie Miles Davis, the Beaters ; Miranda Corner, the searcher. Their stallion team was trying out, like the Gryffindor squad.

The Hufflepuffs had a few less players trying out. Their Keeper, sixpence Royce was there, along with Anna Reilly and Shawn Ames, the Chasers. One of their Beaters, Andy Kaper was there. Albus remembered that their other Beater had graduated the previous year. Lisa Galivant, their Seeker, was there as well, looking determined.

The Slytherins showed up a few minutes later. Leading them was their new police chief, Ferris Fielding, who was a Chaser. His gent pursuer were Peyton Haines and Hailey Odele. Their unexpended Beater, Talan Flint, glared at the Gryffindor team as he walked by.

professor Oteski gazed around the lurch and then looked at his spotter. He said something to the four heads of family and then cleared his throat. Albus stopped watching the Slytherins and turned to Oteski.

`` I think everyone 's here now, '' Oteski began, `` First, I want to enter you to your Head Captain and your Assistant maitre d'. Joseph Oliver Wood, formerly of Puddlemere United, has agreed to captain the squad. ``

There was a very gimcrack rhythm of applause and a few tin whistle from the gang of students. Albus grinned and clapped until the clapping began to quiet down.

`` And your Assistant Captains are former student you probably all call up. chemise lupine, former searcher and chieftain of the Gryffindor team, and President Tyler Pike, former searcher and Captain of the Ravenclaw team will be your Assistant Captains. ``

Albus clapped hard enough to make his script scathe. He had no estimate Teddy was going to help run the Hogwarts team ! Teddy must have had a hard meter keeping that a secret over the summer.

`` You will all try out this good afternoon and I, along with your captains and heads of houses will piss the conclusion tonight. The terminal list of the team as well as the military reserve players will be posted in your park rooms late tomorrow.

`` Now, I thought we 'd come out with the quester. Everyone else please go sit in the stands. ``

Albus and the huge absolute majority of the bunch drifted towards the standstill. James, Lisa, and Miranda remained in the pitch. Miranda was a third base class and Lisa was a fourth yr. Albus thought Henry James had a pretty soundly chance of making the team. He had beaten both of the early seeker numerous times.

Albus paid some attention to James 's try-out, but mostly he was thinking about his own try-out. Eventually, James and the other Seekers finished and Oteski called for the custodian. Georgia practically ran down to the pitch, followed by the other two custodian. Albus watched and he was pretty confident Georgia would make the team as well. After Peach State returned with a immense grinning on her facial expression, Oteski called the Beaters down. Albus 's cousin, Bradley, as well as Ryan O'Malley did well with their try-out, but so did the early Beaters.

Finally, Oteski announced for the Chasers to move into the pitch. Albus stood up with his cousins, heather mixture and Fred, and walked nervously down to the pitching. teddy flashed him a smiling as he entered the pitch.

There were ten other Chasers besides Albus ; the spoiled chances of all the positions to get a spot on the team.

`` Ok, I want everyone to fly around the tar a few times, '' Oliver wood announced.

Albus mounted his ling and flew into the air. His nerves seemed to tranquillize down as he felt the wind blowing against his face. Just think of it as another Quidditch friction match, he thought as he flew amongst the early Chaser hopefuls.

The thought of try-outs being like a Quidditch match carried Albus through the whole try-out. He was still nervous and did drop a few Quaffles, but all in all, it was n't as bad as he thought it would have been. The repose of the chaser had dropped a few Quaffles as well. Albus still was n't indisputable he 'd relieve oneself the team, but at least he had n't made a fool of himself.

`` Everyone did bully, '' Oliver Wood said at the end of the try-out, `` We 'll establish our decision and post the team list tomorrow. I 'll be seeing some of you really soon. ``

The group started to disband and chemise made his way towards the Gryffindor team.

`` Teddy ! '' Sakartvelo shouted, `` I ca n't believe you might be my captain again ! How in the name of Merlin did you hold back this a cloak-and-dagger ? ``

Teddy shrugged. `` Honestly, I 'm not even trusted. I guess I sort of liked knowing something you lot did n't. ``

Peach State groaned. `` Oh, shut it, Teddy. ``

`` You all did really well, though, '' Teddy grinned.

`` Yeah, but there 's so many other Chasers, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Al, even if you do n't urinate it, you 're a glorious chaser and you 'll still take in the mansion Quidditch. That 's still going on during this whole thing. ``

`` Oi, Teddy ! '' Tyler Pike called, `` Get a motility on, we 've got to discuss the team ! ``

`` I 'll see you later, Al, everyone else, '' Teddy waved as he left.

Albus left the rake with the rest of his team, who were all talking animatedly about the highlights of the try-outs. Albus was thrilled that shimmy was going to be one of the police captain and it made him hope for a speckle on the team even more than he had before.

Albus and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were greeted by raucous hand clapping when they returned to the common room. Albus thought it was variety of premature, since none of them were actually on the team yet, but it was still skillful. rosebush, lustrelessness, and Amanda were sitting at their usual table and Albus went over to them.

`` How was the try-out ? '' Matt asked immediately.

`` bettor than I thought, '' Albus replied as he sat down, `` I think I have a fragile chance of making it. ``

`` That 's good, '' flatness grinned.

`` Oh, and Teddy 's one of the chieftain ! '' Albus told them.

`` Really ? '' Rose said, `` Who are the others ? ``

`` John Tyler thruway, the question Boy from our first year, and Oliver Wood- ''

`` John is going to be thrilled when he finds that out, '' matte interrupted.

Albus grinned. King Oliver Wood had gone to Slughorn 's Christmas party in their kickoff year and John had given him a Quaffle to sign. King John was a big admirer of King Oliver Ellen Price Wood and Puddlemere United.

`` Where is John anyway ? '' Albus asked, `` And Kaden ? ``

`` In the vulture 's Den, '' flatness answered, `` Plotting. They 're planning on swimming in the lake tomorrow with the giant star Squid. ``

`` I 'm rather afraid of what sort of plotting they 're doing, '' blush wine muttered, `` If swimming requires plotting, nothing practiced will occur of it. ``

`` I take it you three do n't require to join them ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Definitely not, '' Amanda said.

`` Are you insane, Albus ? '' rose raised her supercilium, `` Of course not. ``

`` Nope, '' Matt shook his head, `` I 'd rather not get in trouble this soon into the year. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't require to either. '' Albus and his booster had gotten into quite a bit of hassle, mostly because of Kaden, the previous year and Albus was hoping he 'd hold Filch 's detentions to a lower limit this year.

`` The two of them are going to be in hold more often than they 're not, '' rose muttered.

`` That would n't storm me, '' Albus replied. Saint John had always been the trouble-maker of Albus 's group, even before Kaden entered the conniption. And then when Kaden had arrived, nothing was going to check him. Now Gospel According to John had someone to conspire with for all of his implike schemes.

******

Although Albus and mat flat out refused to drown in the lake with John and Kaden, the two mischievous son managed to convince them to at least watch by the position of the lake. However, Rose and Amanda refused to be anywhere near the lake when this took place. Rose insisted that she needed to commit the day to studying and Amanda decided to join her. Albus had a flavour Rose 's increase amount of studying had a lot to do with Linda team spirit, but knew better than to name this to his cousin.

St. John the Apostle and Kaden walked excitedly ahead of Albus and lustrelessness on their way out of the castle the next day. Albus still had no idea what exactly they were planning on doing, and for that he was grateful. If John and Kaden got caught, Albus preferred to not know anything about it, so he could deny his involvement.

There were a few students sitting around the lake enjoying the warm late summer day when the son arrived. Albus and Matt chose a spot underneath a large beech tree and sat back to catch the event unfold.

John and Kaden grinned at each other and then pulled off their shirts and shoes, so they were only wearing shorts. A few first twelvemonth girls who were sitting near Albus and Matt giggled and began whispering to each former. Albus turned to Matt and rolled his eyes. Matt stifled a laugh.

`` This is n't going to end well, '' Albus said.

`` But it will be entertaining to watch, '' matte laughed.

John and Kaden began to obnoxiously stretch by the bound of the water. Albus had a tactile sensation they were doing it only to try and get ahead the attention of the few students who were n't watching them. Next, they bent down to the water and felt the temperature.

`` Bloody hell ! '' John shouted, `` It 's freezing ! ``

`` That means we 'll just jump right in ! '' Kaden announced. He turned around and walked away, and then took a running outset into the lake. He landed with a loud stir that soaked privy, who was still standing by the edge.

`` They 're mad, '' Albus grinned.

`` All rightfield, here it goes ! '' John the Divine shouted and followed Kaden into the water, `` Merlin, that 's stale ! ``

Albus laughed as John and Kaden got used to the water. The two of them were flailing around and shrieking the likes of little girls. They had gained quite a few on-lookers who were standing around the lake laughing their heads off.

Albus may not consume wanted to do something this nutcase himself, but he was having a good time watching his friends do it. The two of them got used to the water and then began swimming around.

However, merely swimming in the Black Lake was n't that exciting. Albus knew they had something else up their sleeves ( or miss thereof ) and it was only a affair of clock time until they put their programme into action.

John and Kaden were just beginning to have a contest to see who could rest underwater the tenacious when a long tentacle appeared out of the piddle a few ft behind them.

`` Ooo ! '' a girlfriend shouted, `` It 's the calamary ! ``

Both John and Kaden turned around. `` Yes ! '' they both shouted at the same prison term, `` The squid has arrived ! ``

Albus watched as John and Kaden swam towards the tentacle, wondering what sort of bedevilment they were going to visit upon the squid. He did n't think the calamary was particularly dangerous, but who knew what it would do if it was provoked.

St. John and Kaden treaded water system on either English of the tentacle and then began to thrill it. This earned a bunch of loud gasp and to a greater extent hysterical laughter from the crowd.

A few more of the calamary 's tentacles appeared out of the water and two of them smacked John and Kaden on their heads.

`` Hey ! '' John shouted and pushed the tentacle away.

Then, the squid 's head emerged from the airfoil of the water. A few of the jr. girls who were watching began to shriek and the older educatee laughed even harder. Albus was laughing and shaking his headspring at the same time. He could n't facilitate but jape at his friends'betise. They should make known that the squid would try and tickle back. And it had more arm than whoremonger and Kaden combined.

John and Kaden grinned at each other and then float towards the back of the squid as it rose out of the weewee. They grabbed onto its back and began to ride it. Albus gaped as the calamary began to swim around with privy and Kaden on top of it. The two of them had actually decided to ride the Giant calamari.

`` They 're idiots, '' matte commented.

Albus nodded as the squid swam closer and closer to the shore. The onlooker retreated and scattered as it drew nearer. John and Kaden both looked thrilled, until the squid propelled them onto the shore. They landed in the pot and the squid returned into the cloudy depths of the lake.

Albus jumped up and ran towards trick and Kaden, followed by Matt. He squeezed his way through the gang and looked down at his two friends.

`` Urgh, '' St. John groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.

`` That was incredibly stupid person, '' Albus grinned, `` And very entertaining. ``

`` Let 's do it again ! '' Kaden said excitedly as he examined his arm, which was bleeding.

`` How can you actually want to do it again when the squid threw you five understructure into the air ? '' flatness asked.

`` It was fun, '' Kaden shrugged.

`` motility aside ! '' a female voice shouted.

The crowd immediately dispersed and hoi polloi ran towards the castle and to other areas of the grounds.

Albus looked up and saw Professor Patil striding towards them. Albus groaned. He knew they would n't get away with this.

`` I 've just been informed that the two of you were riding the Giant squid ! '' Patil shouted at Saint John the Apostle and Kaden, `` Is that reliable ? ``

`` Er- '' John the Divine began.

`` Well ... '' Kaden said.

`` Of course it is ! '' Patil replied, `` await at you ! I 'm very defeated ! I thought it was a given not to float in that lake and the fact that you provoked the calamari ... '' she shook her head, `` Well, you two will demand to go to the Hospital Wing and then I 'll depute you detention. ``

John and Kaden stood up and nodded. The thrill that had been on their faces just moment before, was completely gone.

`` And what about you two ? '' Patil said to Albus and Matt, `` Were you involved ? I see you 're both dry, but I 've noticed that the four of you are always getting in trouble together. ``

`` They did n't do it, prof, '' Kaden announced.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` They did n't even know what we were going to do. ``

Albus felt a upsurge of gratitude for his friends, especially Kaden. Just a yr ago, Kaden had been getting all four of them in trouble for things only he had done. Now, he was actually telling teachers that Albus was n't involved. True, Albus had n't been involved, but it was the principle of it.

Patil nodded. `` All right. Mr. Brickston, Mr. Dursley, you 'll postulate to follow me. Mr. Potter and Mr. Eckerton, you may devolve to your green room. ``

Albus did n't ask to be told twice. He and Matt took off towards the rook and once they were out of earshot of Patil, started talking about John and Kaden 's adventure.

`` I think the two of them could bingle handedly cause the demolition of the entire castle, '' Albus laughed.

`` It 's only a matter of when they 'll do it, '' Matt smirked, `` Let 's see, Kaden 's already tormented the Whomping Willow, and now they 've tormented the Giant Squid. What 'll be next ? ``

`` Filch 's new cat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Filch would love that, '' lustrelessness replied.

At some detail in between the end of the in conclusion class and the start of this one, Filch had obtained another cat. Albus had heard stories about his old cat, Mrs. Norris, from his parents, aunts, and uncles, but had never actually met her. She had died before Albus was born. Apparently Filch had been so overtake by grief that he had n't gotten another one, until now.

The new cat, Josie, was a young sprightly kitten, whose only resemblance to Mrs. Norris was her uncanny ability to situate scholarly person who were breaking rules. All the students took an immediate dislike to Josie and turned in the former centering when they saw her small orangeness body emerge from around the corner.

People were already talking about can and Kaden 's swim in the lake when Albus and mat entered the Gryffindor common room. Albus had a spirit it would be workweek before anyone forgot about it.

Albus and lustrelessness spotted Rose and Amanda and sat down at their tabular array. It was spread with numerous Word of God and rolls of parchment and quill pen. The only other table that rivaled its amount of money of books was the one Linda Morales was sitting at.

`` I take it you 've heard about John and Kaden 's incident with the calamari ? '' Albus asked.

`` act and composition, '' Rose muttered without looking up.

Albus and matt launched into the entire story and Amanda was in stitches by the time they finished.

`` Those two are going to be expelled if they 're not careful, '' Rose said as she frantically scribbled something onto a roll of parchment.

Albus looked curiously at his cousin. Rose had always been a stickler for homework, but never had he seen her this obsessed with it unless it was right before the end of term exams. And this was only the first week of school.

`` Rose, why do n't you take a pause ? '' Albus suggested. He was actually kind of concern about her. poring over was dependable, but too lots was variety of unhealthy.

`` Ca n't, '' Rose muttered, `` My Potions essay is only a roll and a one-half of parchment. ``

Albus gaped at her, `` rosebush, you do know that Slughorn only wants a half a ringlet, right ? ``

pink wine nodded. `` Yeah, but Janie said that Linda 's essay is already two rolls. So I 've got to make mine at to the lowest degree that long. ``

`` Rose, '' Albus sighed, `` Your essay does n't cause to be foresightful than Linda 's. ``

`` Yes, it does, '' rosebush insisted.

Albus sighed and sat back in his hot seat. He knew it was a lost cause. His cousin had that determined looking in her centre and Albus knew there was no convincing her that she did n't have to be so competitive with Linda.

`` I think she field so much because she does n't really have any admirer here, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` What ? '' Albus looked at her incredulously. At any given moment, Linda was surrounded by at least five other people. She was easily the most popular of all the Aboriginal Australian students. `` Look at her ! She 's got eight the great unwashed talking to her at once ! ``

Amanda groaned. `` They 're not her friends. They just think she 's pretty. She does n't even want them around. They do all the talking. All she does is sit there and study. Plus, ever notice how she 's never around any of the early Australian students ? ``

Albus looked at Linda again. Amanda was right. Linda was n't actually talking to any of the students around her. And come to think of it, he had n't seen her talk to any of the other Australian students either. `` wonderment why that is ? ``

Amanda shrugged. `` wellspring, all the other Australian students are a lot older than her. All her friends are probably still in Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` She could befriend any of those fellow near her, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Again, they 're only there because they think she 's pretty, '' Amanda sighed, `` But she 's really really quietly. Her world-class Night here, she did n't say a word in the residence hall. Now, Janie 's really the simply one she talks to. I mean, being shy is one thing, but never talking at all ? ``

Albus turned to Linda once again. It was sort of odd for her never to talk to anyone, besides the instructor. It was like the solely affair she wanted to do was report. Her fixation with homework seemed to be ten times that of Rose 's and Albus was n't surely if blush wine could keep up.


A/N : Big thanks to PotterCast for giving me the idea for the hulk calamary incident ! The rubric for this chapter was also made up by PotterCast. It 's used in one of their interview with J.K. Rowling podcasts.

As usual, thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awful people who have read and reviewed this narrative !

Also, I am yet again doing NaNoWriMo, so if I 'm ever late on updates or seeming to strike a yearn metre to answer reviews, that 's why !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John and Kaden returned to the common way an hr or so later, completely healed and scolded. They had a week 's Worth of custody with Filch and fifty points taken from Gryffindor. The other Gryffindors had been congratulating John and Kaden on their boldness and stupidity until they heard about the level. After that, John and Kaden were glared at and ignored by their house-mates.

The boys joined rosiness and Amanda in their studying once the excitation died down. All of the boys had neglected their prep over the weekend.

Albus tried to concentrate on his Potions essay, but he could n't. The list of who made the Hogwarts Quidditch team was going to be up within the future few hours. Albus kept stealing glances at the substance board as if the listing would suddenly look there.

It did n't assist that respective member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were coming up to Albus and trying to get his opinion of whether they made the team or not. How was he supposed to make love if they made the team ? He was the youngest one trying out. If anyone was going to be asking about whether they made the team, it should be Albus.

Would it even be that bad if Albus did n't make it ? He was n't sure. He did require to make the team. He wanted that Sir Thomas More than anything, but at the Sami time, he knew it was going to be a lot of work and quite nerve wracking. It would be a bigger deal than playing for Gryffindor, that was for sure as shooting. The entire school would be watching his chasing skills and hoping he would win. Albus loved playing Quidditch, but if he was honest with himself, he did n't like a hale lot of people watching him. Making the Hogwarts squad would ensure that hundreds of citizenry would be watching him.

Albus managed to write about half his essay before dinner, but he did n't think it was very good. Oh, well, he thought. One failed essay would n't count in the recollective run.

He went down to dinner with his friends, but did n't take part much in their conversations. In fact, he was probably as quiet as Linda.

Albus glanced up at the staff tabular array. His eyes rested upon Professor Oteski, who was deep in conversation with a grey-haired Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts for the calendar week. Oteski had probably already decided on the team. Albus hoped he 'd travel rapidly up and put up the list.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia nearly collided with Albus on his trek back up to the Gryffindor unwashed room after dinner, `` The list is posted ! '' Georgia turned around and sprinted back to the common room.

Albus took a deep breath and his heart sped up. This was it, he thought. Within a few instant, he 'd know whether he made the squad or not.

There was a large bunch around the message board when Albus entered the room. James II burst out of the crowd with a huge grin on his face.

`` I made it ! '' he shouted, `` I 'm the Hogwarts quester ! ``

The entire common room burst into applause. Albus grinned through his nerves and patted his brother on the back.

`` What about me ? '' Albus whispered to James, `` Did I make it ? ``

`` looking for yourself, '' James grinned and pushed him towards the message board.

`` I do n't recollect I can, '' Albus sighed. This was spoilt than last year when he tried out for the Gryffindor team.

`` You have to, '' John insisted.

Albus took a deep breath and squeezed his way through the crowd. He closed his centre and then stared at the list.

Keeper- GA Weasley, Gryffindor, 7th year.

That did n't surprise Albus in the least. In fact, he would have been shocked if Georgia had n't made the team. No wonder she looked so excited when she ran into Albus.

Chaser- Damien Waverly, Ravenclaw, 7th year.
Chaser- Anna Reilly, Hufflepuff, 7th year.
Chaser- Ferris fielding, Slytherin, 7th year.

Albus felt a waving of disappointment overcome him. He had n't made it. All the former Chasers were one-seventh eld, and maitre d' of their respective household teams at that. Why had he thought he 'd be able-bodied to vie with them ?

He continued to read the list. There were still the modesty role player after all.

Beater- Andy Kaper, Hufflepuff, 5th year.
Beater- Allie Miles Davis, Ravenclaw, 4th year.

So, James was n't going to be the only one who was n't a one-seventh year on the squad. That was unspoilt. But still, most of the team were seventh years. All the squad captains made the squad. That made gumption. As master, they were most probable the best Quidditch players in the school.

Seeker- James Potter, Gryffindor, 4th year.

Reserve participant

Keeper- Kate Waverly, Ravenclaw, 5th year.

Kate would be well-chosen, Albus thought. She had been Albus 's dueling captain final stage year. She was dainty and Albus was happy she at least got to be the reserve Keeper.

Chaser- Hailey Odelle, Slytherin, 7th year.
Chaser- Albus Potter, Gryffindor, 3rd year.

Albus gaped at the list. He blinked and read it again, just to make water trusted his eyes were working properly. They were. He, Albus Severus Potter, was one of the substitute Chasers ! Suddenly, the disappointment was gone and Albus felt as happy as he would have if he made the regular team. taciturnity was better than nothing after all. Plus, there would n't be as much pressure.

Beater- Talan Flint, Slytherin, 5th year.
Seeker- Lisa Galivant, Hufflepuff, 4th year.

Albus turned around and walked back to where his buddy and friends were gathered.

`` I 'm a reserve Chaser, '' he announced.

`` See ! '' William James grinned, `` Told you you 'd make it ! ``

`` Well, I 'm not actually on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Yeah, you are, '' James contradicted, `` Did n't you understand at the bottom where it said the reserve players have to go to exercise and everything ? ``

`` Er, no, '' Albus shrugged sheepishly. He had n't noticed much after his own name.

`` wellspring, that 's what it said, '' Saint James the Apostle continued, `` First practice is on Saturday. ``

Albus tried to cultivate on his Potions essay later that evening, but it was no use. The usual way was in the midst of a party that usually only followed a dramatic win at Quidditch. Georgia, James, and eventually Albus were thrown into the throngs of it and he quickly gave up on his essay. No one else, besides rose wine and Linda, was working on homework and Albus figured it would be pointless to even try. Maybe Slughorn would n't stimulate enough meter to even get to Albus 's essay due to the distance of Rose 's and Linda's.

******

In fact, the ease of the week was much like that night in the Gryffindor common room. Albus seemed to draw aid wherever he went. On his way to grade, in class, even on his way to the bathroom, people came up to him and congratulated him. pupil who he had never even talked to before were telling him what a brilliant Chaser he was. All in all, he was variety of shocked at the unanimous thing. It 's not like he was one of the main chaser on the team.

Albus 's friends were kind of enjoying the whole thing. They were form of attracting attention by association. toilet and Kaden were already known as 'those Gryffindor blokes who rode the Giant calamary'and now had the add celebrity of being some of Albus 's closest friends. Rose seemed unmindful to the unscathed thing and devoted Sir Thomas More meter than ever to studying. matt and Amanda seemed to wish they would n't draw so much attention.

Even Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo were attracting attention by being the sister and cousin-german of the Hogwarts seeker. Albus 's fame paled in comparison to Henry James 's. James had a group of booster following him all the time. Lily and Hugo told anyone they could that they were the sister and cousin of William James. Ashtyn, John 's sis, told everyone she was the sister of one of the blighter who rode the Giant calamari and that her brother was friends with Albus.

John and Kaden had nightly custody with Filch and both boys came back quietly cursing Filch every evening. Apparently the caretaker was as ruthless as ever with his detentions.

The detention was n't the lonesome thing whoremaster earned from his trip into the lake either. On Monday dayspring, he was blessed with a howler monkey from his mother. Instead of running into the ingress Hall like most bookman did with their riot, John opened it at the Gryffindor table and the intact way, including the instructor, listened to John 's mum screaming at the top of her lungs about how dolt he had been. Saint John said it was worth it, though, and was n't fazed at all by the Howler.

Albus was relieved when the week was finally over. He was hoping that the fervour of the Hogwarts Quidditch team being picked would die down over the weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, Albus left his friends in the common room and walked with Georgia and James to the Quidditch pitch.

King Oliver wood, Tyler Pike, and teddy bear were already there, along with a few of the team penis. Albus stood with Georgia and Epistle of James as they waited for the rest of the team to show up.

`` starting time, I 'd like to say congratulation, '' Oliver announced once everyone arrived, `` You are now the Hogwarts Quidditch squad. I 'm Oliver Wood and I will be your captain. teddy and Tyler are here to help.

`` Now, I know regular Quidditch is still going on, so we 'll experience to work out around each house 's practice agenda. I 've looked at those and I think Saturday good afternoon will work best for practice. For now, we 'll bewilder with once a week practice and increase if necessary.

`` I thought we 'd get down by doing a few practice, just so everyone can get used to playing with each other. I know it 'll be an allowance, since you usually compete against the other houses, not play on the same squad as them. ``

An adjustment was an understatement, Albus thought. As the practice progressed, it became apparent that it was extremely difficult to work out with members of former houses. Albus found that it was replete to try and sustain the Quaffle away from his beau chaser rather than to pass it to them.

Wood, Teddy, and John Tyler tried to get everyone to make together, but Albus thought it would direct more than one practice. Everyone was rather subdued by the meter the practice ended. nobody had been able to work together, except for James and Lisa. The two of them actually cooperated. But the Chasers and Beaters in particular had a voiceless metre working together. Ferris Fielding, Hailey Odelle, and Talan Flint River left the pitch muttering about how they could n't work with 'bloody Gryffindors'.

woodwind looked set up to scream and throw things by the time everyone left. He was whispering to Teddy and President Tyler as Albus left with James and Georgia.

`` That was a disaster, '' Georgia groaned on their way back to the castle.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't experience how this is going to work. ``

`` It 's got to work, '' St. James the Apostle said adamantly, `` I mean, Lisa and I practiced just fine with each other. Why ca n't everyone else ? ``

`` It 's Henry Fielding and Odelle, '' Albus muttered, `` They would n't pass anyone else the Quaffle ! It 's like they 're trying to prove they 're the outflank Chasers ! ``

`` Well, they 're idiots, then, '' James said, `` And they better discontinue if they want to actually win this. ``

Albus definitely agreed with that. Fielding and Odelle certainly were n't acting like team player. Fielding had actually pushed Albus out of the way in parliamentary procedure to get the Quaffle before him.

Albus felt rather depressed about the pattern for the rest of the day. It seemed that the house competition really were awing. Albus would be the showtime to hold that the disliked Slytherin and certainly was n't lining up to become best friends with any of them, but he was willing to put the rivalry behind him for the sake of the Quidditch tournament. But it did n't appear like many early extremity of the team wanted to do so.

Luckily for Albus, the fame of being a taciturnity player on the team seemed to decrease during the side by side week. He was able to overhear up on his homework and spend prison term with just his acquaintance, without anyone else following him.

Of course, spending time with rosebush was beginning to be purposeless. Albus could n't recall the final stage time he 'd had a veridical conversation with her or seen her without a book open in movement of her.

`` rose, you 've got to ease up it a rest, '' Albus said the succeed Saturday. He was sitting in the park elbow room, killing time before the second Quidditch practice. `` No one can possibly study this much. ``

`` I can, '' rose wine muttered as she read, `` Linda can. She survey at night. I woke up in the midsection of the night and saw her recitation. I do n't think she sleeps. I 've heard her sneek out in the middle of the dark before. I think she goes into the common room and subject field. ``

Albus stared at rosiness. He had never seen her like this. Usually Rose was rational. `` rose wine, I 'm serious. Take a geological fault. ``

`` No, '' Rose said adamantly.

Albus sighed and got up to go to pattern. He was really concern about rose. Unfortunately, Quidditch recitation did nothing to move up his strong drink. The exercise was another tragedy.

`` All right field, all right ! '' woodwind instrument shouted and motioned for everyone to fly down.

Albus landed next to James and looked at Wood. He was looking very very tooshie and determined.

`` We 've had two practices, '' Wood began to step, `` Two practices and you 're still flying like you 're a team comprised of five-year-olds. Five-year-olds who do n't get along. I 'm sick of it. I agreed to captain the team because I thought you 'd be the best of Hogwarts 's Quidditch instrumentalist. The ones who could someday flirt professionally. But I 've been sorely disappointed.

`` The star sign rivalry are disrupting your playing. I 've got as much Gryffindor superbia as the next Gryffindor, but I would put that aside if I had gotten the opportunity to do this while I was in schoolhouse. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. You realize that there will be picket for professional teams at these friction match ?

`` In real lifespan, you 're going to have to cultivate with people you do n't like. So you 'd better get used to it. All I have to say is that if you do n't form up and put the petty bickering aside, I will not hesitate to kick you off the team. I 'll reach you a week to do it. If any of you are still fighting next Saturday, you 're off the team. recitation is over. ``

No one said a word as they filed out of the lurch. Albus thought Wood 's speech had been good. He was ill of the fighting as well. He 'd put the contention aside for the sake of Quidditch. After all, Albus was on the Same dueling team as Scorpius Malfoy and they acted civilly towards each other. Albus wondered if the Australian and New House of York team had had this many take with getting along. He had n't watched any of their practices, but Empire State of the South had. She said both teams were incredibly good.

******

`` I ca n't take it anymore ! '' Rose shouted as she slammed her book down on the table, which startled Matt out of his prep and impending full moon induced slumber.

Albus and his friends were in the predator 's Den, working on the overplus of preparation they had been assigned on that particular Monday. Albus, who had been watching Rose originate steadily more tense and snappish over the past times few days, knew it was only a matter of time before she cracked.

`` Er, Rose, are you ok ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

`` No ! '' Rose shouted so loudly that Matt winced and rubbed his head teacher. `` I 'm not ok ! I ca n't take it ! I just ca n't ! Nothing I do is ripe enough, nothing ! I just ca n't quiver her. She got a higher grad on that Potions essay and she answered more interrogation in transfiguration today. Not to bring up the fact that she does n't wait like she 's going to come asleep at any moment, like John was so kind to point out about me earlier. '' Rose glared at John.

trick shrugged. `` Well, you do .... ''

`` I know ! '' rosiness shouted.

Albus looked at his cousin. She did attend ready to fall asleep at any moment. Her eye had purple base under them and were bloodshot. Combine that with the fact that she was nearly in tears, and she looked abominable. In fact, she looked an fearful lot like Matt did.

`` rose, '' Amanda said quietly, `` You do n't make to beat her at everything. ``

`` But I do ! '' pink wine wailed, `` I do n't even recognize why, but I do ! ``

`` looking at, '' Amanda continued, `` She 's from Australia. They might teach stuff in a different order down there. Maybe she 's already learned this. But eventually, we 'll get to something she has n't learned and then maybe she wo n't quiver you. ``

`` Maybe, '' Rose sighed and poked Matt, `` Matt ! Do you know what they 're learning in Commonwealth of Australia now ? Amy went there, did she evidence you ? ``

matte groaned and glared at Rose. `` No, how would I recognize ? Amy went there years ago. '' He stood up and walked slowly over to his bed and collapsed onto it.

`` Did I say something ? '' rose asked.

Albus sighed, `` You just woke him up. Do you even know what tomorrow is ? ``

`` Tomorrow ? '' Rose asked, `` What 's important about tomorrow ? Oh, we 've got a Defense essay due ! I have to redact mine ! ``

`` No, '' Albus groaned, `` Tomorrow 's the full Moon. ``

rose wine froze. `` Oh, Merlin. I had n't even realized. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus said, `` Listen, you 're not doing anymore homework tonight. ``

`` But I need to edit- ''

`` No, '' Albus said, `` You need a break. ``

`` Albus is the right way, '' Amanda agreed and took rosiness 's mound of books away, `` You 're not studying for the balance of the night. ``

`` Uh, ok, '' pink wine smiled nervously, `` I can do that. I mean, what 's the forged that can chance ? ``

pink wine did n't seem to lie with what to do with herself. Albus found it difficult to pore on his own prep as he watched Rose step around the room, trying to work out out something to do. Eventually, she settled on helping Kaden with his Transfiguration essay. Albus and Amanda exchanged glance at this, but neither of them said anything since rose was n't technically doing any prep. She was merely helping Kaden.

Albus, matt, privy, and Kaden wound up spending the night in the marauder 's Den. Matt had been so sound asleep by the fourth dimension curfew arrived, that no one wanted to wake him up nor did anyone want to leave him there alone. Albus certainly did n't mind. He liked spending the night there. It gave him a sort of connector with his grandfather.



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

Here 's the Weasley Family Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, to help everyone keep track of them.
Wealsey-Potter-Dursley family line Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 19 Stanley, 18 Georgia, 7th year
Gabriella, 7th year Heather, 6th year Tom Bradley, 5th class
Ben, 4th yr fall guy, 5th year Cedric, 4th year
Eddie, 7 years old Samantha & lindy hop ( twins ), 8 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 6th year rosiness, 3rd year James I, 4th year
Angie, 10 age old Hugo, 1st year Albus, 3rdd year
Lily, 1st year

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 2nd year
Bethany- 8 days old

*all in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Rose handed in her unedited essay to Balladanis the next morning. Albus did notice her scribbling some live on minute prison term onto it as Balladanis collected the essays.

Defense Against the Dark Arts continued to be the unusual course of instruction in Albus 's agenda. Balladanis expressed such a strong dislike for the dark arts that he started nearly every class with a after part lecturing about why they were learning justificatory piece and why the shadow artistic creation were bad. His eyes tended to rest on mat and for some odd reason, Linda, whenever he gave these negotiation and Albus got the intuitive feeling it made Matt extremely uncomfortable. Albus could n't blame him. He certainly would n't want to be under the teacher 's eye like that.

Albus could n't really say whether he enjoyed Balladanis 's social class or not. It had been nearly a month since the condition started, but Albus still did n't jazz whether he liked the class or not. It was definitely dissimilar than when his dad taught. Balladanis was hard-and-fast, but a good instructor.

The balance of the day went by quickly. Albus listened to Gospel According to John vamp rose wine during Herbology since she was fretting about her United States Department of Defense essay. Ancient Runes was rather deadening and Albus doodled idly on his notes while mat fell asleep on his. Charms was rather fun since they worked on shouting Charms and Albus left the room grinning profusely, along with to the highest degree of the early division. flatness in particular looked strange with a vast grin across his pale fatigued face.

Matt left for the Shrieking shack shortly after dinner and Albus went to the Marauder 's Den with his friends where they distracted rosiness from her perusal by playing Wizard 's Chess.

The next day Albus truly began to realize how busy his tertiary class schedule was. For the past times two years, he and his protagonist almost always had time to confabulate Matt in the hospital Wing in between stratum. This yr, however, they did n't let prison term until after dinner. Albus was positively exhausted by that compass point, as he had stayed up late workings on homework the nighttime before, and still had Dueling nine exercise afterwards. Lynley Anderson, the fourth year Hufflepuff who had replaced Kate as master, had insisted that the whole team attend that confluence, as it was the first one and there were new minute age on the team. Kaden was n't put on Albus 's team, but he was put on toilet 's squad, much to the pleasure of both boys.

Hectic was really the just way to describe Albus 's animation at Hogwarts. As September turned into October, it only got busier. Gryffindor Quidditch squad practices picked up again and along with Hogwarts Quidditch recitation and Dueling nine pattern, Albus hardly had anytime to repose.

The Hogwarts Quidditch squad was shaping up nicely after Wood 's stern word of advice during the mo practice session. That and the fact that they now practiced on both Tues and Saturday. Even the Slytherin team extremity were beginning to work together. They did n't really acknowledge their teammates outside of practice, but Albus did n't care as long as they got along with everyone during practice.

Albus was really starting to enjoy the Hogwarts Quidditch team. He was actually beginning to wish well he could play in the get-go compeer, which would be taking post towards the end of October.

`` first-class honours degree Hogsmeade weekend ! '' John said excitedly to Albus one Fri eventide as Albus was trying to hitch up on his prep. Kaden was standing future to him. Albus guessed they had just returned from Dueling clubhouse practice.

`` When ? '' Albus asked without looking up.

`` October 27th, '' John the Evangelist grinned, `` Ca n't wait ! ``

`` Yeah, it 'll be brilliant, '' Albus agreed, hoping he would n't induce too much homework to go.

`` That 's not all, either, '' whoremonger went on, `` There 's a Halloween party that night. ``

`` You mean the Halloween banquet ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, there 's an actual party ! '' whoremonger said, `` But it 's not on Hallowe'en, it 's on the 27th. It 's because of the tourney. So we can amalgamate with the alien students. Or at least that 's what the post horse on the observance display panel says. ``

Albus nodded. He really had n't had that a good deal striking with the extraneous educatee. sure enough, he 'd seen them in the corridors and the mutual room and stuff, but that was about it. The solely one who was around his age was Linda and she still did n't seem to spill to anyone.

`` And, '' John continued, `` Costumes are encouraged. ``

`` Costumes ? '' Albus asked, finally looking up.

`` Yeah, costumes, '' whoremaster grinned, `` We get to garment up ! This is going to be brilliant ! ``

`` What should we dress up as ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` We 'll count on it out later, '' John the Evangelist said, `` Where 's everyone else ? ``

`` pink wine and Amanda are at the library, '' Albus told him, `` And mat 's with Balladanis. ``

`` pigeon hawk, is he ever going to feed up about that boggart ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Knowing Balladanis, probably not, '' Albus said.

`` Well, let 's go to the depository library, '' John announced, `` We 've got to tell Rose and Amanda about Hogsmeade. ``

Albus was all too bore to agree to this. He was thoroughly sick of trying to catch up on all his homework. It was good to take a break every now and then anyway.

Albus pushed open the door to the library a little while later, fully expecting to see pink wine up to her cubital joint in account book furiously scribbling away on a roll of parchment that was nearly used up. He gazed around the library and he spotted Rose 's bushy red fuzz and walked towards her table.

Rose was up to her elbows in homework. In fact, there were so many books on pink wine and Amanda 's board that you could no longer see the actual table. What Albus was n't expecting to see was a third soul at their mesa. Linda morale

Albus stopped short a few foot from the table. He turned to await at Gospel According to John, who looked equally shocked.

`` Is that- '' John began.

`` Linda Morales ? '' Albus gaped. He blinked twice to constitute trusted he was n't seeing matter. After all, he was quite tired. But even after he blinked, Linda was still sitting across from rose and Amanda.

All three of the daughter were working quietly. In fact, none of them even seemed to notice the others.

Albus slowly walked towards the table and King John followed. Albus was n't entirely trusted what to say. He had n't had much interaction with Linda. Albus had hardly said hello to her since she arrived at Hogwarts. He was n't trying to brush off her or anything ; it had just ended up that way. Linda had n't shown any real pursuit in making friend with Albus or any of his booster. Yet here she was, doing homework at the same tabular array as Rose of all people. Albus had n't the slightest melodic theme why either.

`` Rose, '' Albus whispered once they arrived at the table.

rose wine startled and then looked up at Albus. `` What ? I 'm trying to analyse ! ``

`` Can I talk to you ? '' Albus glanced at Linda, `` Alone ? ``

rosebush sighed loudly. `` Fine, but constitute it promptly. ``

Albus led his cousin over to a abandoned area of the depository library. John took blush wine 's abandon seat and began to whisper to Amanda about the Hogsmeade visit.

`` All right, what is it ? '' rosebush asked once they were alone.

`` Could n't help but notice that you were studying with Linda ... '' Albus 's voice trailed off. He really did n't know what he wanted to say to Rose about it.

`` Oh, well ... '' pink wine began, `` I guess I just realized I was being stupid in trying to contend with her. ``

Albus smirked, `` Yeah, you were. But I told you that loads of meter and you did n't listen. ``

rose sighed. `` I know. Amanda 's the one who convinced me to stop trying to vie with her. She said Linda would lie with a lot about Australian wizarding history and I could learn a lot from her if I stopped with the competition matter. ``

Of course, Albus thought. Appealing to blush wine 's making love of learning would definitely work. Although he had n't really been trying to have pink wine and Linda become supporter. He just wanted pink wine to allay up on the studying.

`` I guess, if you ca n't beat 'em, you might as well join 'em, '' Rose shrugged.

`` So now you 're acquaintance with her ? '' Albus asked.

`` That 's where it gets complicated, '' Rose sighed, `` You see, she still does n't really talk to us. ``

`` How did you wind up studying with her then ? '' Albus was still thoroughly confused.

`` Amanda and I came in and she was sitting alone at the mesa, so I asked if we could join her. She just nodded and moved her books over. She has n't said anything yet. ``

Albus nodded. `` I do n't recall I 've heard her say anything outside of class. ``

`` Neither have I, '' pink wine said, `` Amanda and I figure we 'll just be nice to her and maybe she 'll start talking to us. ``

Albus thought that was probably a good idea. She was the competition, but even if they played against each early on the Quidditch team, that did n't mean they could n't be friends off of it. Linda seemed nice enough. Of track it was hard to tell since she had n't said much. And she certainly was pretty. Albus could n't refuse that. Linda was n't surrounded by half the virile universe of Gryffindor every evening for nothing.

`` Oh, the foremost Hogsmeade visit 's on October 27th, '' Albus said, suddenly remembering the intellect he had gone to see pink wine in the world-class place, `` Followed by a Halloween party in the Great Hall. ``

`` That sounds like fun, '' Rose grinned, `` And maybe Linda will want to go with us. ``

`` And it 's a dress up party, '' Albus told her.

`` This could get interesting, '' rosebush said.

******

Albus did n't deliver a clue as to when he 'd actually have meter to figure out his costume for the Hallowe'en political party. John thought it would be cool if their group 's costumes coordinated, but that was the last thing on Albus 's mind.

The weekend seemed to literally fly by for Albus, meaning he was on the Quidditch pitch more than than he was off it. He had heard narration about Wood 's ruthlessness when it comes to practice from his dad and similar level about teddy from his older cousins. Having the two of them captain one team seemed to create practices that lasted nearly five hr, with short breaks every so often. Albus would never again complain about Georgia 's length of practices.

Albus had a momentary thought process that since he was a reserve player, he would n't have to pattern as much as everyone else, but woodwind shot that down during that Saturday 's practice session. He said he saw no reason for the reserve player to be any less prepared for the upcoming match than the unconstipated players.

It was n't that Albus did n't delight Quidditch practice. He did, and very much so. He loved Quidditch, but too much of anything could run a person down.

Albus spent a lot of his Sunday on the Quidditch pitch shot as well, in the middle of a sousing rain. Empire State of the South had scheduled Gryffindor Quidditch recitation that day and she flat out refused to cancel due to rain. Epistle of James had asked. He was even more run down than Albus, since either teddy bear or Tyler were constantly training the two seeker during Hogwarts Quidditch practice.

Albus returned to Gryffindor pillar after eating a late dinner party with the Gryffindor squad Sunday eve, realizing he had no idea what his friends had spent the weekend doing. He had seen them on social occasion, but most of his free sentence had been spent doing preparation or sleeping. Two affair he still had to do.

Albus grabbed his bag from his dormitory and walked down to the crowd together commons room. He saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda at one table, but his other friends were no where in sight. The girls looked very absorbed in their prep, so Albus decided to go check the predator 's Den for his other friends.

By the time Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den, he felt set for a good twelve hour quietus. Unfortunately, he still had flock of preparation to do. Albus sighed to himself and opened the room access to the room. He paused in the entryway, surprised to see that matt was the only one there.

`` Hey, Matt, '' Albus said as he sat down at the table.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' flatness looked up and smiled, `` I was wondering when you 'd show up. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said wryly, `` I never thought Georgia would end practice. ``

`` Makes me sword lily I 'm not on the Quidditch team, '' matt commented.

`` Where are John the Evangelist and Kaden ? ``

`` Detention, again, '' matt smirked.

`` What did they do this fourth dimension ? '' Albus groaned. John and Kaden had been earning quite a few detentions every week. Albus was quite beaming they were n't involving him in their pranks, since he had no useable time in his schedule for detention.

`` They were levitating pealing of throne paper around the corridors and charming them to hit hoi polloi in the question yesterday, '' Matt explained, `` I think you were at Quidditch practice. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus laughed, `` Wonder what they 're in for this time. ``

`` No estimate, '' lusterlessness said.

`` What are you doing here ? blush wine and Amanda are in the unwashed room. ``

`` Yeah, I know. But they 're with Linda, '' Matt muttered.

`` Oh, ok, '' Albus replied, a minuscule confused. He still did n't quite understand why Matt did n't seem to like Linda. Sure, she was from Australia, but Matt was n't avoiding anyone else from Commonwealth of Australia. Of track, the residual of the Australian students were elderly and Matt would n't really throw to forfend them.

`` bathroom said rose wine is actually trying to become booster with Linda. ``

`` She is, '' Albus confirmed, `` She 's finally realized that it 's pointless to try and compete with Linda. ``

`` I guess that 's serious, '' Matt shrugged.

John and Kaden burst into the way a short while later, successfully ending the conversation about Rose and Linda. Both of them were freely cursing Filch, who had made them make clean the Entrance manse without magic. Once they finally seemed to run out of curses, all four boys settled into doing their homework and no one brought up the topic of Linda again. Albus still thought it was odd how Matt seemed to give taken a dislike to her, although Linda herself was rather odd, in Albus 's opinion.

rosebush and Amanda joined Linda at her tabular array during metamorphosis the side by side day. Linda had arrived before them, as always, and did n't seem to notice or give care that rosiness and Amanda sat on either side of her.

The Sami thing happened in double Potions after lunch. rose wine, Amanda, and Linda even worked together on that day 's potion. Slughorn had decided to sacrifice up on the inter-house distich idea of the old year, which Albus was very grateful for. Linda had previously worked alone on her potions because there was an odd number of people in the class, but Slughorn did n't object to all three daughter working together. In fact, he seemed thrilled that the two impudent mass in the division were now working with each other.

`` Ah, yes ! '' Slughorn exclaimed excitedly as he peered into their caldron, `` Your potion is turning just the justly wraith of green. ``

Albus looked up from his and Matt 's slightly Brown potion and saw Slughorn gently stirring the girls'cauldron.

`` Ours is better, '' Malfoy muttered from behind Albus. He was working with Helen Maria Fiske Hunt Jackson Limbert, Albus 's pardner from the old yr. Malfoy and Limbert were easily the two ripe Slytherin potion-brewers in the class.

Albus turned around and looked at Malfoy 's caldron. It was indeed the chastise shade of green.

`` And what are you looking at, Potter ? '' Malfoy asked, `` overjealous that I 'm Limbert 's pardner now ? I doubt your potions grade will be be that good with Eckerton as your partner. ``

`` At least I 'm partnering with him for a cause former than trying to get a decent grade, '' Albus glowered at him.

`` Yeah, well ... '' Malfoy 's voice trailed off.

Albus smirked to himself and turned back around, happy that Malfoy could n't fall up with a good comeback.

At the end of the class, Slughorn announced that Rose, Amanda, and Linda 's potion had been the best, much to Malfoy 's dismay.

`` You 'd improve watch out at the Dueling tournament, '' Malfoy seethed as they left the room.

`` We 're on the same team, Malfoy, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't talking to you, '' Malfoy turned and glared at Rose, Amanda, and Linda.

`` Is that a threat, Malfoy ? '' John asked loudly.

`` I think you can picture that out for yourself, Brickston, '' Malfoy said as he turned in the focus of the Slytherin uncouth room, flanked by Limbert and Goyle.

`` He 's just jealous, '' Rose muttered as they made their way out of the dungeons.

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` But he 's a beneficial dueler, much as I hate to admit it. ``

`` probability are, I wo n't even duel him, Albus, '' rosiness sighed, `` And even if I do, there 's only so many trance he 's allowed to use. ``

Albus did n't bother reminding pink wine about the Slytherin who used a out whammy on matt last year. Albus was sort of worried about one of his friends having to duel Malfoy. Malfoy was the only one Albus had ever dueled and did n't carry off to beat. And Albus had beaten students who were two years older than he was.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` All right, we need to come up with a good costume melodic theme, '' lav announced the following Sat as he flew poorly made parchment airplane around the vulture 's Den.

`` Definitely, '' Kaden agreed as his practically better parchment aeroplane flew gracefully over John 's head and landed softly on the couch.

`` Anyone got any theme ? '' matt asked.

`` Have n't even thought about it, '' Albus muttered as he tried not to move anymore muscleman than he had to. He just completed a four hour Hogwarts Quidditch recitation, which mainly focused on dodging Bludgers. Unfortunately, Albus had n't dodged them all.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Matt told him.

`` I 've already been there twice this week, '' Albus groaned, `` If this keeps up, I 'll break your criminal record. I 'm delicately, I just ask sleep. Empire State of the South canceled practice for tomorrow because of the Dueling Tournament, so I think I 'll be all right. ``

`` Back to the costumes, '' toilet said, `` I was thinking that we could be the Marauders. You know, their fleshly mannikin. ``

Albus craned his head to see John. John looked quite excited by this estimation. Albus had to hold that it was a pretty good musical theme. He could affix misrepresent antlers to his head. Or see if one of his older cousin-german could metamorphose some onto his head.

`` That 's vivid ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

`` I like it, '' Albus grinned.

`` No bloody way, '' flatness said flatly, `` I am not dressing up as a werewolf in front of the entire shoal. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. No, there was definitely no way flatness could do that.

`` Oh, right hand, '' St. John sighed, `` Sorry, had n't thought about that. ``

`` How about we just dress up as the predator in their man human body ? '' Albus suggested. All he 'd experience to do is get a span of circle black chicken feed and he 'd be set.

`` I do n't recognize ... '' Matt said, `` Everyone knows Teddy 's dad was a loup-garou. What if they realize that I 'm one, too, since I dressed up as him ? ``

`` I bet mass will just think we dressed up as them because of Albus, '' Gospel According to John pointed out, `` And someone would have to be Moony. mightiness as well be you. You probably look the most like him anyway. ``

`` He does, '' Albus said.

`` See ? '' John Lackland replied.

`` Yeah, but still ... '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` It does n't matter, '' Kaden said, `` Because there is no way that I am dressing up as Pettigrew unless it 's his rat form. ``

That Albus could definitely understand. `` Ok, so I guess we 're not doing the Marauders thing. ``

`` Too bad, '' bathroom sighed, `` Would 've been cool. ``

`` Says the bloke who would n't have to dress up as a traitor, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` And we 're back to square one, '' Albus said, `` Any other ideas ? ``

`` The players from Puddlemere United ? '' John suggested after a few min. `` You know, if blush wine, Amanda, and Linda joined us, we 'd cause plenty people to be the total team. ``

`` Why not the cannon ? '' Matt asked.

`` Because they 're awful, '' john groaned.

`` Are not, '' mat refuted.

`` Are to, '' John said, `` Let 's be Puddlemere. ``

`` carom, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` Who ? '' John and Matt said at the Same time.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden repeated, `` Football squad. ``

Both lavatory and Matt groaned. `` Puddlemere, '' John the Evangelist said once again.

`` Cannons. ``

`` Manchester. ''

`` Puddlemere. ``

`` None of them ! '' Albus shouted. He was already irritable due to his aching muscles and tiredness from Quidditch practice. The lowest matter he wanted to do was listen to his protagonist quibble about Quidditch and football teams.

`` Well, have you got any other estimation ? '' John asked.

`` Actually, yeah, '' Albus replied. Matt 's reference of not wanting to dress up as a loup-garou had sparked an theme. Albus had been mulling it over while his friends argued about Quidditch teams.

`` What is it ? '' flatness asked.

`` wellspring, I kind of intellection it would be neat to use Muggle costumes, '' Albus said, `` You know, we can garment up as things Muggles usually dress up as on Halloween. ``

lusterlessness, John, and Kaden stared at Albus for a few moments. Albus shrugged. He had thought it was a good idea, but maybe his fatigue was clouding his thinking. Then, all three of his Quaker broke out in huge grins.

`` That 's magnificent ! '' Kaden shouted, `` No one else will cogitate of it ! ``

`` Yeah, '' John agreed, `` We 'll be the only ones at the company with Muggle costumes. ``

`` As long as I do n't let to tog up as a werewolf, I 'm okay with it, '' flatness said.

Albus grinned. `` Good. Kaden, what are some classic Muggle costumes ? ``

`` spook, crone, vampire, skeleton, mum, '' Kaden rattled off, `` Oh, and zombies. Frankenstein, too. ``

Albus had no idea who Frankenstein was and he was n't in the humor to hear to Kaden explain it, but the early ideas were honest. `` Who wants to be what ? '' Albus asked.

`` Matt should be a vampire, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Why 's that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Vampires and werewolf are mortal opposition, '' Kaden explained, `` At to the lowest degree in the Muggle Earth. ``

`` In this humans, too, '' matt muttered, `` And I 'm not dressing up as a vampire. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' John said.

`` No, '' lustrelessness said adamantly, `` I 'm being a specter. The only question is, how do I defecate myself transparent. ``

`` Aw, no ! '' Kaden sighed, `` When Muggles dress as touch, they just put a Elwyn Brooks White flat solid with eye cakehole over themselves. That 's what Muggles think ghosts are. T. H. White. ``

`` Oh, that makes thing promiscuous, '' flatness laughed, `` But seriously ? ``

`` Yep, '' Kaden laughed, `` Stanford White plane. Now, what about the rest of us ? ``

A one-half an hour later, everyone had settled on what they were going to preen up as. With Kaden 's aid, that is. Albus, Matt, and lavatory really had no idea as to what Muggles wore when they dressed up for Halloween. St. John insisted on being a vampire, much to Matt 's disgust. However, John was going to be a classic Muggle lamia. The ugly, waxy, blood-stained sass, turn into a bat eccentric of vampire that Muggles thought of when they heard the word 'vampire'. Albus did n't get it on much about vampires, but he knew they were n't completely like the one Muggles thought of.

Kaden was going to garb up as a ma, which was a very simple costume. All he 'd deliver to do was obtain a bunch of slip of white material. Albus said he 'd pick some up in Hogsmeade.

Albus was going to be a skeleton, which was the most difficult of all the costumes. He was going to buy a blacken long-sleeve t-shirt and a duad of black drawers and then paint on ivory in white rouge. He was hoping Amanda would be able to help with it. She was the only one in their grouping who had any aesthetic talent.

`` Maybe the girl can be hag, '' Kaden suggested.

`` They are beldame, '' lav smirked.

`` You know what I mean, '' Kaden sighed.

`` I know, '' John grinned, `` Hey, Albus, catch ! ``

Albus snapped his eyes unfold just in meter to see a Quaffle come sailing across the room. It hit him right in the breadbasket before he had a opportunity to catch it.

`` Oh, ow ! '' Albus groaned and curled up, `` That 's where I got hit with a Bludger ! ``

`` Brilliant, Saint John, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` Are you ok, Albus ? ``

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. It did bruise. It hurt a lot. A lot more than it should, he thought. He was sick of getting pelted by Bludgers during practice.

`` Albus ? '' John asked worriedly, `` Merlin, I 'm sorry. I did n't mean to hit you with it. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus whispered. He inhaled sharply. Now it was getting hard to breath. This was not good.

`` Albus, you 've got to go to the hospital Wing, '' flatness announced. He walked over to Albus and helped him off the couch. `` C'mon. ``

Albus nodded. There was no point in objecting. He knew he had to go. But honestly, three prison term in one week seemed excessive.

The Hospital Wing was empty when Albus stumbled inside, being supported by Matt and john, a little while later. Madam Pomfrey came out of her billet when she heard the doorway capable. She saw who it was and threw her hands up in the air.

`` You again ! '' she groaned, `` Let me hazard. Quidditch ? ``

Albus nodded and collapsed onto the nearest bed.

`` Well, what did you injure this time ? '' the breastfeed asked.

`` Bludger in the stomach, '' Albus replied, not bothering to advert that john hit him with a Quaffle as well.

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and waved her scepter over Albus. `` Broken rib. That 's the second one this calendar week, '' she waved her verge again and pressed it to Albus 's ribs. Then she bustled away to a Potions cupboard.

Albus 's stomach immediately felt better and he sank back into the bed. The quietus of his sinew still ached, though, and he wanted nothing more than to precipitate asleep right there.

madam Pomfrey returned a few min later and thrust a potion into Albus 's custody. He drank it quickly and grimaced at the disgusting taste.

`` You 're staying the night, '' she announced in a flavor that Albus knew not to debate with. Not that he really felt like arguing anyway. He was just too exhausted.

madam Pomfrey turned to Matt, John, and Kaden. `` You lot can return to Gryffindor. Albus needs to rest. ``

Albus 's friend said safe nighttime and then left the room.

`` I 'll be speaking with Professor Kendrick, '' ma'am Pomfrey muttered to herself, `` Honestly, what was he thinking ? Twice the amount of Quidditch ? Twice the amount of injuries is what I say ! ``

Albus did n't have the faintest idea as to what Madam Pomfrey wanted Kendrick to do, but he did n't think about it for long. exhaustion overcame him and he was asleep within minutes.

******

Albus awoke feeling better than he had in days. One look at the clock told him why. He had slept over XII hours. It was just after eleven o'clock. Two time of day until the Dueling tourney. Albus pulled the mantle off and started to get up.

`` Where do you think you 're going ? '' Madam Pomfrey appeared at his bed.

`` Er, the common room ? '' Albus slowly sat back down, `` The Dueling Tournament is in two 60 minutes. ``

`` Dueling ? You think I 'm going to let you duel ? '' Madam Pomfrey demanded.

`` fountainhead, yeah, '' Albus muttered. Come to think of it, he actually was n't surprised that the nurse was n't going to let him duel.

`` Definitely not ! '' she exclaimed, `` You 're spending the day in bed ! ``

`` semen on ! '' Albus groaned, `` Please ? '' He had to duel. He was practically the best on his team. What would Malfoy say when he did n't show up ?

`` I wo n't suffer it ! '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You were idle on your feet last night ! You 're going to rest today ! ``

Albus groaned in defeat. He was going to miss the first Dueling tourney of the year, because of a Quidditch injury. His two deary things to do were now conflicting with each other.

Madam Pomfrey brought a tray of breakfast, or maybe it should feature been luncheon, for Albus a little while later. He was n't in the humour to eat, though. Why could n't he just go to the tournament ? He felt all right now.

Matt, can, Kaden, Amanda, Rose, and for some reason, Linda, burst into the Hospital offstage just as Albus was finishing up his solid food. ma'am Pomfrey looked a bit taken aback at the amount of visitor, but she did n't say anything.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted, `` Dueling 's in an hour. You going to be getting out of here soon ? ``

`` She wo n't let me go, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' Saint John the Apostle exclaimed, `` Why not ? ``

`` She says I need to rest, '' Albus explained.

`` Honestly, it would have surprised me if she did let you go, '' matte commented.

`` I 'll convert her, Albus, '' John the Evangelist announced and walked over to where dame Pomfrey was organizing potions. `` You 've got to let Albus duel. ``

`` I do not have to do any such thing, '' she replied, not looking up.

`` But it 's Kaden 's first tournament, '' John pointed out.

`` I would n't care if it was Falco columbarius 's foremost tourney, I 'm not letting Albus go. ``

`` Please ? '' toilet begged.

`` No, '' she said, `` And if you do n't stop disputation, I 'll take in you leave. ``

John sighed and walked glumly back to Albus 's bed. `` Sorry, '' he muttered, `` And this was sort of my fault since I threw that Quaffle at you. ``

`` No it was n't, '' Albus assured him, `` A Quaffle would n't ingest broke my rib. It was that Bludger from Quidditch pattern. ``

`` But still ... '' John said.

Albus 's friends remained in the infirmary offstage until it was prison term for them to go to the Dueling tourney. It was sort of tense, and Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Linda was there. It was foreign how someone who never said a Holy Writ could cause the rest of Albus 's champion to remain pipe down as well.

After his acquaintance left, Albus was filled with boredom. The Hospital extension really was a boring post, especially when you were n't actually spue or injured. Albus began to weigh the cracks on the ceiling, but lost cart track after 467.

It was n't until after the tournament was over that madam Pomfrey actually let Albus leave. He figured she had n't let him get out in the beginning since then she would 've had no way to know he would n't go to the tournament.

Albus jumped out of bed as soon as he promised ma'am Pomfrey that he would n't play Quidditch that day. He ran as fast as he could down to the dueling bedroom, hoping that the tourney was still going on.

Unfortunately, students were already streaming out of the elbow room chattering excitedly about the tournament. Albus sighed dejectedly and slumped against the wall, where he waited for his friends.

`` Hey, Albus, '' lustrelessness said.

`` Oh, hey, Matt, '' Albus replied, `` Who won ? ``

`` My team. No thanks to me, of form. ``

`` Who 'd Malfoy duel ? '' Albus asked, thinking of his threat to Rose and Amanda.

`` Some Slytherin 2d class and a Ravenclaw fourth year, '' Matt answered.

Albus nodded, relieved that he had n't dueled either rose wine or Amanda.

`` Albus ! '' person shouted excitedly.

Albus turned around and saw Kaden with a huge grin on his brass. John was standing next to him, looking equally happy.

`` Hey, trick, Kaden, '' Albus smiled.

`` I won one of my duel ! '' Kaden announced, `` I dueled a Ravenclaw and I actually beat him ! ``

`` That 's great, '' Albus told him, still wishing that he had gotten to vanquish a Ravenclaw. Or a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor.

`` But he was horribly beaten in his endorsement duel, '' John laughed.

`` At least I won one of them, '' Kaden smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah, '' John muttered.

`` Did you turn a loss both ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, '' Saint John sighed.

The son set off for Gryffindor pillar, figuring they 'd catch up with the lady friend once they were up there. Albus was eager to see Amanda because he wanted to get it on how his team had done.

Amanda, Rose, and Linda were talking about the tournament when Albus entered the uncouth room. He was shocked to see that Linda was actually talking. Although, she immediately stopped when Albus and the early boy showed up.

Apparently Albus 's team had came in secondment lieu. Amanda said they were only two compass point behind Matt 's team, which caused Albus to wish even more that he had been there. He could have easily gotten the two points they needed. Amanda said that Malfoy thought the Lapplander thing, because he shouted angrily about Albus not being there once they announced the winner. Albus was kind of amused by this. He never thought Malfoy would ever be lamenting Albus 's absence from anything.

The radical, including Linda, spent the remainder of the afternoon in the common room. It was sort of odd, though. Linda did n't say a word, yet Rose and Amanda tried to engage her in every conversation. matte remained almost completely dull, whispering quietly so only Albus and King John could try what he was saying. Kaden of course did n't point out any of this and talked as loudly as he usually did. It did n't really help oneself that various male child kept coming up to Linda and asking her useless interrogation about Australia and Quidditch and various other topic. Linda gave them very short, serenity solution. John paid rapturous attention to every little matter she said.

`` So, '' rosebush began, `` first base Quidditch match in a week. Australia versus New York. Are you nervous, Linda ? ``

Albus stared at Rose. He could n't remember the finally time rosiness actually brought up Quidditch in a conversation.

`` A bit, '' Linda muttered, not looking up.

`` fountainhead, I hope you win, '' rosebush smiled, `` Since Hogwarts is n't playing. ``

`` Thanks, '' Linda whispered.

Albus was looking forward to the first mate. He was glad he was n't playing in it. His team would be able-bodied to measure both Australia and New House of York 's accomplishment before they played either team. That was definitely good for strategy. Then when they actually played, they 'd be able-bodied to use the team 's weaknesses to their advantage. wood had given them particular directions to front for failing in both teams. Of path, luck are Albus would n't be playing in the first Hogwarts match, or really any of the matches.

Albus walked down to dinner with his champion and Linda sat in between Rose and Amanda. He glanced absentmindedly at the staff board as he scooped mashed potatoes onto his plate and noticed a new wiz talking with the headmaster from Australia. He was a rather inadequate man, compared to Killigan, and his face seemed to give absolutely no emotion on it. His dirty blonde fuzz sat flat on his capitulum and fell over his optic. He was wearing apparently black robes.

`` I wonder who that bloke is, '' Albus said to trick as he pointed at the staff table.

`` Dunno, '' John shrugged, not really seeming interested.

Rose turned to count at him. `` Probably some chap from Commonwealth of Australia, I 'd be guessing. I imagine a few people from Commonwealth of Australia and New York will visit to see what 's going on with the tourney. ``

`` Recognize him, Matt ? '' Albus asked.

Matt looked up and then quickly turned away. `` No. ``

`` How about you, Linda ? '' blush wine asked.

`` No, '' Linda whispered.

Albus shrugged and returned to his dinner party. It seemed like he was really the only one interest in the unfamiliar superstar at the staff table. Was he really only there to see the tournament ? The Quidditch match was n't for another week, so why was he there already ? Would he really be spending the all hebdomad at Hogwarts ?

Kendrick stood up after dinner started to wind down. Albus immediately stopped eating and paid attending. Maybe he was going to say everyone who the unusual sensation was.

`` If I could have your attention for just one moment, '' Kendrick announced, `` Thank you. When I first began to form this competition, I always thought we would continue with the usual Hogwarts Quidditch Cup tournament like usual, but I did n't think about what affect it would stimulate on the players who would play on both their menage team and the Hogwarts team. ``

Albus had a belief he knew where this was going and it had everything to do with that talk of the town lady Pomfrey said she was going to feature with Kendrick. Albus sank lower in his seat and tried not to look at anyone.

`` It 's come to my tending that playing on two Quidditch teams at once is much more employment than could have been anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to cancel the Quidditch Cup tournament for this year only, while the tourney is going on. ``

`` What ? ! '' Over half the room erupted in various cry and jeer. Albus sank even lower in his hind end. This was all his fault. He was the one who had been to the Hospital Wing so many clock time that hebdomad. He had gotten Quidditch canceled for the whole school.

`` quiet down, '' Kendrick shouted, `` It 's what 's easily for the histrion. Plus, it 's been rather plastered to wedge in so many practice for so many team. We only have one Quidditch tar. With four less teams to accommodate, it 'll be easier to schedule practice. This is my net word on the subject. Remember that we still have excellent Quidditch going on this year. ``

`` I should n't hold gone to see Madam Pomfrey final Nox, '' Albus muttered.

`` Albus, this is n't your shift, '' rose wine assured him, `` You 're not the only one who 's been wound numerous prison term. ``

That was true. Pretty a good deal everyone on the Hogwarts squad had been to see Madam Pomfrey at to the lowest degree once a week since the starting line of terminus. So maybe it was n't all his defect. Plus, there was the scheduling difference of opinion on the delivery. Albus had witnessed a few fight between the house captains that certainly could n't be upright for teamwork on the Hogwarts team.

Albus had to admit that lifetime would be a lot easier without Gryffindor team pattern. Now he would only be practicing Quidditch twice a week. Well, Wood would probably increase it to three times now that Kendrick canceled the house Quidditch. But even that would be to a lesser extent than he had been doing. He might even feature an eve or two off a week now.

The Gryffindor squad was sitting together in the common room when Albus returned. Georgia immediately flagged him over.

`` I still do n't like it, '' Fred sighed, `` Now I do n't get to play at all this yr. ``

`` Yeah, well I do n't get to play for Gryffindor in my seventh year, but it really is for the estimable, '' Georgia said.

`` I 'll say, '' St. James the Apostle agreed, `` I 'm already behind on homework and it 's only October. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` Just cerebrate, Fred, '' ling began, `` adjacent year, one of us will be captain. ``

`` It 'll be me, '' Fred announced.

`` Really ? '' Scots heather raised an eyebrow.

`` Yeah, Gryffindor 's had two fille captains recently. It 's metre for another bloke. ``

Heather rolled her middle. `` Not if I 'm a respectable leader. ``

`` What makes you think it 'll be either of you ? '' Bradley asked, `` It might be Ryan or I. We 'll be sixth years. They do n't always choose seventh years. ``

`` Maybe, '' Fred replied, `` I 'm still going to drop it, though. ``

`` We could play pick-up matches on the weekends, '' Ryan suggested.

`` I guess, '' Fred sighed.

Albus remained muted for the rest of the time with the team. Although he did n't blame himself for the cancellation of house Quidditch, he felt guilty that he was relieved it was canceled. But most of the squad was far from happy about it. In fact, it seemed like only James and Albus were relieved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guys are awesome !

Frankenstien belongs to Mary Shelley.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was amazed at how practically extra sentence he had now that he did not birth to go to Gryffindor Quidditch practice. During the succeeding week, he got all his homework done on time and got a decorous total of sleep. Plus, he made fewer stumble to the hospital wing, which he attributed to having more sleep.

Classes were going well. Albus was very gladiolus they had moved onto more exciting creatures in Care of Magical animal. They were n't up to hippogriffs or thestrals, but nifflers were certainly entertaining. Despite the rather boring commencement, charge of Magical Creatures was quickly becoming one of Albus 's favorite classes. He seemed to receive an affinity for the diverseness of animals they learned about ; something Hagrid was quick to notice.

Arithmancy was turning out to be kind of dry, but Albus was just happy he was n't taking soothsaying. Even John was beginning to get tired of making up phoney predictions for Trelawney. 'What 's the point ?'he had shouted out angrily one night as they were working on homework. Albus was n't able-bodied to curb his grinning at that, which earned him a Divination account book to the head word when whoremaster saw Albus 's smirk.

Defense Against the Dark Arts continued to be the strangest grade Albus had ever attended. He was beginning to think he was enjoying it, but still was n't sure. He liked the class, but was n't sure if he liked Balladanis himself.

The professor continued to be a mystery story to bookman of all years. Hours were spent debating his ground in the common elbow room. He seemed to take points away equally from each sign of the zodiac, which either meant he was extremely just or had never attended Hogwarts himself. Quite a few pupil had asked their parents if they 'd ever heard of Balladanis ( namely, had they gone to school with him ), but so far none of the parents had.

Balladanis 's teaching methods were certainly unequaled. Albus could weigh on one hand the number of real talk he had had in that class. Most all the deterrent example were hardheaded, but not in the same way Harry had done them. Harry 's method had been very caring and all about trying. Balladanis 's method acting were Thomas More harsh and focused on success. He insisted that everyone come through and refused to let anyone stop over until they did, even if it meant coming in for extra help.

The amount of students going in for duplicate service was increasing quickly. Matt was no longer seen as watery or odd for having to go in for extra help. Nearly half of Albus 's class was spending extra time with Balladanis at least once a week. The professor still had n't let matte stop going.

`` point of view up ! '' Balladanis barked at Albus 's class.

These two words were frequently spoken by the prof. Albus wondered why he did n't just do away with the desks all together instead of having to displace them at the beginning of each class.

`` Get a motility on ! '' he shouted, `` Unless you think your al-Qur'an will assail you. Books can only get you so far. You need to recitation ! ``

The course spent nearly an hour practicing the spell to repel grindylows and once the Melville Bell rang, Balladanis announced that they 'd be practicing on real grindylows in the next class.

`` Brickston ! '' Balladanis announced, `` You 'll be coming in for surplus help tomorrow night. You may fall the Saame prison term Eckerton does. ``

Albus did n't reckon John had done that bad with the spell. It had taken him a while, but by the end of the social class he had managed it. Albus was beginning to think that by the end of the twelvemonth, everyone would be going in for special help.

`` He 's certifiably insane, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered as they walked to potions after they left the defensive measure classroom.

`` well, I 'm kind of glad you 're going in for help, '' Matt said, `` You can keep Amanda and I company. ``

`` That 's nearly all of us going in for supporter, '' Rose commented, `` Just Al and Linda and I. ``

Kaden had been going for help nearly as long as flatness had. Amanda had started a few years ago.

`` Albus wo n't ever have to go, '' matt said, `` He 's too good at Defense. ``

`` I 'm not that with child at it, '' Albus muttered quietly. for sure, he managed all the go, but it 's not like they were very advanced.

******

`` What do you think Balladanis did before he taught here ? '' Kaden mused late the next day.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I think he was an Auror, '' John said, `` I mean, he obviously hates the dark arts. ``

`` No, '' Albus shook his head, `` My dad would own mentioned that. ``

`` Maybe he was a foreign Auror, '' John suggested.

`` But he sounds British people, '' mat pointed out.

`` So do you, for the about part, but you 're from Australia, '' Saint John countered.

`` Really ? I always thought I sounded Australian. ``

`` You do a bit. But your parents voice more Aboriginal Australian than you do. Same with Amy, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' mat shrugged, `` So I guess he could be foreign. ``

`` Why did he follow Edward Teach here, then ? '' Albus asked.

No one had an answer to that. Albus was really rum to what the answer was, but it 's not like he could actually ask the professor. In fact, the idea of being alone with Balladanis variety of scared him. He was really glad he did n't have to see the professor outside of class.

The first Inter-School Dueling Tournament was scheduled to take plaza the following day. The intact school was buzzing about it. It was the first big rival between the three shoal. Albus did n't love a unharmed lot of people who were on the Hogwarts Dueling Team. Just his cousin, Fred. Despite this, he was still excited. Albus absolutely loved dueling and wished he was old enough to be on the school team.

The tourney was taking place in the Great Hall, since the dueling chamber was much too small to accommodate the intact school. Albus walked with his acquaintance into the way and saw that all the tables had disappeared. They were replaced with raised stands, sort of like the Quidditch pitch. Albus found seats towards the nominal head and waited impatiently for the tournament to begin.

The dueling surface area was a put up platform in forepart of the bandstand. On the former side of it was a diminished set of sales booth, in which all the instructor were filing into. The mystic whizz who had been seen talking to Killigan, but never introduced, was sitting next to the Australian master, but neither of them were talking. Both wore identical look of determination mingled with fascination. A beldam Albus did n't recognize was seated next to Roberts and the two of them were talking. Albus assumed she was from New York. The Auror who had been assigned to police Hogwarts that week was talking with Albus 's Uncle Percy, who had came to represent the Ministry. Neither Albus 's dad nor his Uncle Ron were there, so Albus assumed they were busy with work.

Once all the educatee, teachers, and various early spectators were seated, Professor Kendrick stood up and everyone quieted down.

`` Welcome, scholarly person, staff, and visitors to the first Dueling Tournament between Hogwarts, the Aussie School of Sorcery, and the Adirondack honorary society of conjuring trick. All three schools will duel this good afternoon. Each school 's team has five scholarly person and each student will participate in two duel. Whichever scholarly person wins the affaire d'honneur gets a point for their school. The school with the most points will win. But keep in judgment that this is just the foremost of many tourney that will pack spot during this twelvemonth. Now, here are the squad. '' Kendrick gestured to a door on the slope of the room.

The door opened and Professor Longbottom led the Hogwarts team into the room. The early two schools'team followed and Albus did n't make out either of their professors. He had n't really thought about the other team'captains before. He kind of envision they had them, but had n't seen them before. He guessed they just came to Hogwarts for pattern. They must induce set up some kind of special floo link with the school.

The tournament commenced in much the same way the Junior Dueling Club had, except only one affaire d'honneur took place at a time. The piece used were much more advanced, too. The while that Slytherin had used on lusterlessness during the late years paled in comparison to the 1 being used by the erstwhile students. Albus was absolutely fascinated. He paid ecstatic attention and wished that he could study such advanced spells.

The tournament took nearly two hours, but Albus was n't bored at all. In fact, he was kind of disappointed when the last duel was over.

prof Kendrick tallied the points and then rose once again. `` Thank you everyone. Each and every educatee performed well today. However, this is a tourney and I must hold a winner. And that victor is the Adirondack Academy of illusion. kudos to them ! ``

There was a small measure of loud applause from the New Yorkers who were in the audience, as well as some polite hand clapping from everyone else. Albus sighed and clapped politely along with most of his fellow students.

`` well, it 's only the low gear tourney, '' flatness said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Plus there 's Quidditch. ``

`` And we 've got a brilliant Quidditch team ! '' John grinned as he stood up, `` Now we 've just got to hope that one of those other chaser breaks something so Albus can play next week. ``

`` John ! '' blush wine scolded.

`` I 'm only kidding, '' John shrugged, `` Sort of. ``

`` We could just break one of them the orangeness end of a vomit pastil, '' Kaden suggested, `` And not give them the purple half. ``

`` Would n't act upon, '' privy sighed, `` Madam Pomfrey recognizes those things now. ``

`` I know I probably wo n't get to play, '' Albus said as they left the room, `` You do n't need to land yourselves in detention to get me a shoes on the team. ``

`` We know, '' Kaden said, `` We 're just joking. ``

Albus figured they were, but when it came to those two, one just never knew.

******

Albus stowed his broom in his dormitory room late Tuesday evening following a particularly tiring Quidditch practice. Wood 's centering during this particular practice had been destination marking, so Albus had worked hard the entire two hour. At least the centering had n't been on dodging Bludgers. He yawned, grabbed his bag and headed out of the common room. He walked slowly to the piranha 's Den, thinking he could twinge a bit of homework in before bed.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted as Albus reached the causa of armor in figurehead of the room.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, red haircloth flying behind her, running down the corridor towards him. `` Rose ? ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose panted, `` I saw you leave the usual room. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus shrugged. He usually did his homework in the marauder 's Den since it was quieter and easier to concentrate.

`` I wanted to talk to you, '' Rose said.

`` Ok, '' Albus said as he located the paw prints on the contrary wall, `` We can spill in here. ``

`` Actually, '' pink wine said, `` I kind of wanted to let the cat out of the bag to you alone. Are matte, John, and Kaden in there ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus replied. What did Rose need to babble about that she did n't want their other friends to hear ? `` I did n't see them in the common room. ``

`` fountainhead, I 'd rather talk to you alone, beginning, '' Rose shifted nervously from fundament to foot.

Albus looked at her strangely. Rose rarely ever looked nervous, especially when she was talking to Albus. What could she possibly have to severalise him ?

`` Er, all right, '' Albus said slowly, `` I guess we could incur an empty classroom or something .... ''

`` good, '' pink wine nodded and took off down the corridor. Albus ran after her and she found an empty-bellied classroom. Albus followed her into it and shut the door behind him. `` What is it ? ``

Rose paced around the room for a bit, wringing her hands together, before letting out a tawdry sigh and leaning up against one of the desks. `` It 's about Linda. ``

Albus blinked. Linda ? He barely knew her. What could Rose possibly consume to say about Linda ? `` Linda ? ``

`` Yes, Linda, '' Rose sighed, `` You know Amanda and I are sort of becoming admirer with her. Well, we are champion with her now. She talks to us. I think she misses Australia. Anyway, I was sort of thinking it would be skillful if she started to make acquaintance here. You know, like you. And maybe lusterlessness, John, and Kaden. ``

Albus still had no estimate why blush wine felt the need to talk to him alone about this. She wanted Albus to befriend Linda. How was he going to do that if Linda did n't say a word around him ? Not to observe the fact that flatness did n't look to like her.

`` Er, why exactly did n't you require Matt, John, and Kaden to get wind this ? '' Albus asked, `` You ca n't really expect them to become friends with Linda unless you tell them you want them to. ``

`` I know that, '' Rose groaned, `` But the four of you are always holing up in the Marauder 's Den, so I hardly see any of you anymore. What I wanted to screw was whether Linda could make out into the marauder 's Den with us. ``

Albus stared at his cousin. So that was what she wanted to let the cat out of the bag about. `` You want Linda to come into the marauder 's Den ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose nodded, `` She 's in the common way with Amanda. Can she ? I 'll go get them right now if you say yes. ``

`` delay, postponement, '' Albus shook his head, `` It 's not up to me. ``

`` Yes it is ! '' Rose replied, `` You found that map. It 's yours, so the way is yours. ``

`` No it 's not, '' Albus said, `` It 's lustrelessness, trick, and Kaden 's, too. All four of us had to mould to get that map to testify up and to detect the way. If it were n't for them, it would still be a blank piece of parchment. ``

`` But- ''

`` No, blush wine, '' Albus said irritably, `` I ca n't just let you impart random people into the elbow room without asking everyone. ``

Albus and his friends had n't really thought much about whether they 'd let other people into the room, but Albus knew he could n't do it without talking to them. Letting blush wine and Amanda in had been a given, since they helped with it, but Linda certainly had n't helped.

`` I have to utter to lustrelessness, John, and Kaden, '' Albus told her, `` I can spill the beans to them now, if you want. ``

`` All right, '' Rose sighed and stood up.

Neither of the first cousin said a word to each early as they walked back to the Marauder 's Den. Albus was still rather bewildered by this whole thing. First, he had never really talked to his acquaintance about letting former multitude into the Marauder 's Den. He always assumed it would be their secret. He was n't entirely sure enough he wanted anyone else in it, no topic what his booster thought. mo, it was rather out of character for pink wine to be this self-generated and demanding. Whether this was due to the increased work load, the sudden competition in course of instruction brought on by Linda, or something else entirely, Albus did n't know.

Albus took a mystifying breath as he opened the door to the room and glanced at Rose. She was looking more nervous than before. Albus walked into the room and break. lavatory and Kaden were lounging on the floor, playing a rather ruffian game of cheat ( the two of them could rick any control panel game into something strong-arm ), while their neglected prep sat haphazardly on the table. mat was paying vague tending to the game while stretched out on the couch. It did n't surprise Albus that he was n't doing a lot, since the full lunation was the next night. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden looked up when they heard the door open.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How was practice ? ``

`` Rose ! '' King John grinned, `` I was beginning to retrieve you 'd forgotten about this spot. I do n't imagine I 've seen you here in over a month. ``

`` Hey, John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` practice was good. What have you lot been up to ? ``

`` whacking Kaden at chess game, '' John explained.

`` Hey, I beat you once ! '' Kaden countered.

`` Only once, '' John repeated, `` I 've won four game. ``

`` I 'm surprised neither of you have detention tonight, '' Albus smirked.

`` They almost did, '' lusterlessness announced, `` Professor Longbottom caught them sneaking into the young lady 's toilet- ''

`` What were you doing in there ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` We were going to put dung bomb in there, '' Kaden explained.

`` Anyway, '' Matt continued, `` Longbottom took pathos on them since they 're already doing so many detentions and only took away power point. ``

`` Professor Longbottom is great, '' St. John grinned.

`` I would n't carry him to let you off again, '' Matt pointed out.

`` Want to play chess, rose ? '' John asked, `` I could use with some real competition. ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden crossed his arms across his pectus, `` I 'm real contention. ``

Albus glanced at Rose. `` Er, rose wine has something she wanted to ask us, '' Albus said quietly.

rose wine glared at Albus. Clearly she wanted him to fetch up the topic. Albus gave her a quick shake of his principal. There was no way he was going to ask. She was the one who wanted Linda there.

`` Well, what is it ? '' John asked, `` If it 's about homework, I 'll have you know that I 've already finished most of it. ``

`` It 's not about homework, '' Rose sighed and sat down on the end of the sofa that lusterlessness was n't occupying.

Albus settled himself into an armchair opposite the couch and waited for his cousin-german to continue.

rosiness took a deep breathing space. `` You lot know Amanda and I have sort of suit acquaintance with Linda, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and Kaden nodded.

`` wellspring, since then Amanda and I have been spending more than clip in the plebeian elbow room with her. But you lot still hang out here all the clock time .... '' her voice trailed off.

`` well, yeah, because this room is so much sound than the common room, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` I know, '' rose sighed, `` And I do lose being with all of you, but at the same sentence, Linda 's my friend now, too. ``

`` So drop fourth dimension with all of us, '' St. John said, `` I 'm sure Linda would be all right by herself for a few hours a day so you can be here with us. ``

pink wine groaned. `` That was n't what I had in mind. What I want is for all of us to spend prison term together. As in you lot can become ally with Linda, too. She needs more friends. ``

`` She does n't babble, '' Kaden said.

`` She does when she gets to know you, '' Rose explained.

`` So what you 're saying, '' John the Evangelist began, `` Is that you want us to stop hanging out in this magnificent elbow room and go back to the wearisome common room ? ``

`` No, of form not, '' rosiness replied, `` I want all of us to hang out here. Linda, too. ``

The way was completely dumb. Albus watched his Friend'reactions with swell stake. Both John and Kaden gaped at Rose and then turned to look at Albus. They then turned their fountainhead back to rose wine, but did n't say anything. Matt suddenly sat up, eyes panoptic open, and stared at Rose with an incredulous face on his face.

Nobody said a Book for what must have been nearly five minutes. Albus kept looking from Rose to his friends and back. rosebush was looking nervously at everybody in turn and then sending pleading coup d'oeil at Albus. Albus was about to spread his mouth, when Matt finally broke the stony silence.

`` No, '' he said. It was hardly more than a voicelessness, but was very forceful.

`` We have n't let anyone else in, '' Saint John pointed out, `` Why should Linda be the first ? ``

Kaden turned to Albus. `` What do you guess, Albus ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` Why not ? '' rosebush demanded, `` She 's mine and Amanda 's friend. ``

`` But she 's not our friend, '' whoremaster said.

`` But she could be ! '' Rose insisted.

`` Then we 'll become booster with her before we let her in the room ! '' whoremaster replied, `` It 's still our secret. We have n't even told Teddy about it yet. ``

Albus turned and looked at trick. He had n't even thought about that. toilet had a stage. They had n't told Teddy about the room yet. Or his dad. Should n't they see it before former people did ?

`` If anyone has the right field to get it on about this room, it 's slip and my dad, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yes, but they are n't here, '' Rose pointed out, `` seed on, why wo n't you let her in ? ``

`` We do n't love her, '' John said.

`` She 's got no connectedness to it, '' Albus said.

`` I like keeping it a cloak-and-dagger, '' Kaden said.

`` You could know her ! '' rosiness shouted, `` Then she would give birth connecter to it. And it would still be a mystic. ``

`` Look, Rose, '' flatness said loudly, `` We 're not going to let her in ! You ca n't win over us otherwise ! ``

Albus, trick, and Kaden turned to front at each early. Albus had never heard Matt get up his voice like that, and certainly not with Rose.

`` And what 's your rationality why she ca n't ? '' Rose asked icily.

lusterlessness glared at her. `` They 're the same as Albus, John, and Kaden 's ! ``

`` You just do n't like her ! '' Rose shouted.

`` So what if I do n't ? '' Matt asked hotly.

`` You do n't even know her ! You have n't said one word to her the all time she 's been here ! ``

`` Neither has she ! '' Matt yelled.

`` You lot are so unregenerate ! '' Rose huffed, `` I just do n't get why you wo n't let her- ''

`` Do you really want to hump why ? '' Matt raised his voice even louder, `` I honestly would n't think I 'd deliver to tell you ! You 're smart ! This is the one place in the palace that nobody else knows about ! It 's the entirely station I can go and get some peace and quiet and not have to occupy about anyone else barging in ! The only citizenry who know about it already fuck what I am, so I can actually make relaxed ! If you let Linda in here, it wo n't be like that anymore ! I like the quiet of this seat. And it was quiet before you came in here demanding that we let a witch we hardly know into it ! ``

flatness leaned back against the arm of the couch and squeezed his eye shut as he rubbed his temple.

Albus stared in shock at John and Kaden. Albus had never seen Matt cry at someone like that. sure enough, he got a bit abruptly with hoi polloi around the full synodic month, but had never had a full-blown row like this.

`` Well, maybe if you become friends with Linda, you 'll tell apart her what you are, '' Rose said. She looked quite taken aback that Matt had shouted at her like that.

`` Are you bloody insane ? ! '' lustrelessness yelled, causing him to squinch even more. Albus had a touch he was giving himself a headache.

`` You told us, '' Rose said.

`` That 's dissimilar, '' flatness shook his drumhead, `` You figured it out on your own. ``

`` What if we had n't ? ``

`` I would n't have told you, '' matte muttered, `` And Linda 's going back to Commonwealth of Australia after this year, so there really would n't be a point. ``

`` You know, since she 's from Australia, she might already do it, '' Rose pointed out, `` You did say that the full country found out shortly before you moved. ``

That was the awry thing to say. Albus knew she was going to say it just moments before she finished and he tried to shake off his brain to recite her to block up, but she either did n't notice or did n't want to stop.

All the coloring drained from Matt 's face and with it about of the anger. He merely looked a little scare away now.

`` You think I have n't thought about that ? '' he asked quietly, `` Why do you remember I was n't thrilled about this solid tournament affair ? Why do you think I try to forfend anyone from Commonwealth of Australia ? I mean, it was five years ago, so I really hope well-nigh people have forgotten about it, but all it would aim was one of them to remember and soon the whole school would know. ``

`` I doubt Linda would severalise anyone, if she did know, '' Rose said.

`` Yeah, because she does n't talk, '' Kaden laughed.

parting it to Kaden to line up humor in this billet, Albus thought. He could n't help but grin at his cousin-german 's assertion himself.

`` Could you at least think about it ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, '' Matt raised his vocalisation again, `` Do n't you get it ? I do n't need to risk anyone else finding out. I do n't want this to be a repetition of what happened in Australia. I like it here. I do n't want to displace again. So I 'm not going to change my intellect. I 'm going to bed. ``

Matt got up off the sofa and walked slowly over to his bed and rammed the drapery shut behind him.

Albus exchanged glances with John and Kaden, completely at a red ink as to what to say. rose wine got up off the couch a consequence later and left the room without another Book. Albus, john, and Kaden quietly began to work on their preparation, but the remainder of the eve was very subdued. Albus stared at his Herbology book, but could n't possibly concentrate on it after the row his cousin-german and best booster had just had.


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

NaNoWriMo is now over and I managed to win, although not nearly as quickly as I did last yr. Big congratulations to Dancer of Starlight for winning as well, during her firstly yr of the regular NaNo program ! Now it 's back to fan fic for the time being.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus 's group of Quaker had never been torn apart by a row before. From the instant they met on the train drive over two old age ago, the five of them had been close. During their first yr, only one sentence had any of them had a row. It had only lasted ten minutes. Albus remembered it like it was just yesterday. The Night he and can had fought about whether to state lustrelessness they knew he was a werewolf. It had been a very brief row, ending when flatness walked in.

Then, just a yr ago, Kaden had flew into their group in a mist of hyperactivity and brashness. Albus did n't really count the dustup he had shared with his cousin as words within his chemical group of champion. Kaden had not been Albus 's friend then. They reconciled and then became friends. That was how Albus saw it.

No row had come between them like this one, though. Albus was still in stupor about it the future day. If he had had to pick two of his Friend to campaign, he would n't have chosen Matt or blush wine. The two of them seemed least likely to fight.

rosiness did have a irritability. There was no denying that. She and Albus had shared quite a few sibling-like squabbles growing up, but they had grown out of it. Rose 's temper remained, though. She was stubborn as well. Albus had a lot of experience with that. Once Rose got an estimation into her head there was no stopping her. It seemed that bringing Linda into their chemical group was one of those thing. Albus just could n't sound why. Sure, she was smart, but was that really a grounds to get ally with soul ?

flatness, on the other hand, did n't seem to own an angry bone in his physical structure. This was definitely wry considering that he became a raging wolfman once a month. In the two yr Albus had known him, he had only seen him angry a couple times. to the highest degree of these occasions were when he was having whispered conversations with his sister. Albus would never throw predicted that he would yell at Rose like he had.

Albus had no melodic theme what to anticipate the future day. He doubted this was the sort of thing that would just bollix over.

It certainly had not blown over, as Albus discovered at breakfast. His grouping of friends was no longer sitting together. When Albus, Matt, and John entered the Great Hall, they noticed that Rose, Amanda, and Linda were sitting at one end of the table, while Kaden was a few feet down from them. John immediately headed to where Kaden was sitting and Albus and lusterlessness followed. Rose did not seem to notice them pass, nor did Amanda or Linda. There was no doubt in Albus 's psyche whose side Amanda was on. She was pink wine 's secure friend first and foremost. And whatever her rationality was, she had also befriended Linda.

Even though the miss were seated far away, nonentity said anything during breakfast. John still looked furious as he stabbed his eggs with a bit too a good deal force. matt looked more threadbare than anything, but there was a glint of anger in his eyes. Kaden was at a utter loss for Word of God, which happened very rarely. Even he went the unharmed meal without uttering a affair. Albus had no urge to start any conversations either. He was still quite angry with his cousin. The boldness of her to ask if they could let a complete stranger into the marauder 's Den was unfathomable to him.

The silence continued through History of Magic and metamorphosis. Albus sat in between John and Matt during both classes and glared at the rachis of Rose 's head. She was sitting in between Amanda and Linda at the tabular array in front of Albus 's during both classes.

Albus paid zero attention during chronicle of illusion. He merely recounted the row over and over again, which only caused him to get more tempestuous. Judging by the smell on John 's cheek, he had been doing the same thing. Matt merely slept the entire year, completely unnoticed by Professor Binns.

Albus forced himself to pay attention and claim notes during Transfiguration, although john did not. flatness remained awake during the social class, but had a glazed look over his eyes.

It was n't until Care of Magical Creatures that the uncharacteristically retentive quiet dissolved. mat decided to skip that class and eternal sleep in the Marauder 's Den instead and Albus could n't blame him. It was a particularly windy and cold Autumn day and Albus shivered as he walked down to Hagrid 's hut with whoremaster. Rose and Linda had Arithmancy, so they were n't even there. Amanda was, but she stood with Janie, Marina, and Karina for the duration of the class.

`` Wow, '' John said in a low rustle as they sat on the coldness, difficult footing drawing pictures of the puffskeins they were watching.

He did n't give to say anything else. Albus knew what he was talking about. `` Yeah, '' he muttered.

`` Have you got any theme why Rose was so insistent about Linda ? '' John asked quietly.

`` She 's unregenerate. She always has been, '' Albus replied, `` Once, when we were eight or so, she wanted to go to this sleepover my first cousin Gabriella, GA, and heather were having. Her parents said no and she did n't speak to them for nearly a week. ``

`` Seriously ? '' John gaped and then smirked, `` Siriusly .... ''

Albus rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, she did. ``

`` Do you think she 'd do that this time ? Not lecture to us for a week ? ``

`` It would n't storm me if she did n't spill the beans to us until we let Linda into the room, '' Albus sighed.

`` That 's not going to happen, '' John said.

`` No, it 's not, '' Albus agreed, `` Even if by some fortune we decided to let her, there 's no way lusterlessness would. And I think Kaden would just harmonise to whatever I said. ``

`` Well, I ca n't charge mat for not wanting her in there, '' John the Evangelist lowered his voice even more, `` He always sleeps there before the you know what. He 's not going to want her to know about it. ``

`` I ca n't blame him either, '' Albus agreed.

`` You do bang what this means, right ? '' John asked.

`` What ? ``

`` We 're going to have to exact our own bill in class now, '' St. John groaned, `` No way is Rose going to let us borrow hers anymore. ``

Albus could n't help but giggle a footling at that. Albus could always rely on Saint John to buoy up the mood. Either him or Kaden. Albus and John did n't talk much for the remainder of the form and the brief bit of humor died away quickly.

Albus and John headed straight for the Marauder 's Den after class. They passed blush wine on their way there, but she acted like she did n't notice them.

`` You awake ? '' privy shouted as they entered the room.

`` I am now, '' Matt replied groggily from his bed. A few minute later he got up and laid down on the couch.

`` You do n't look so dependable, '' John said as he tossed his bag unceremoniously onto the storey and jumped onto the other end of the couch.

`` You think ? '' Matt said sarcastically.

`` No, I mean, you look worse than usual, '' john replied.

`` Oh, that 's nice, '' Albus said as he sat down in one of the chairs.

John Lackland did hold a item, though. lustrelessness was as pale as he usually was the day before a full moon, but the dark lap under his oculus were more pronounced. His eyes were also more bloodshot, which gave him the look of a mortal who had n't slept in days.

`` It 's true up, '' trick shrugged, `` Have n't you been sleeping all day ? ``

lusterlessness sighed and shook his foreland. `` No. Did n't sleep that much last nighttime either. I just ca n't. I keep thinking about what happened yesterday .... The solely real sleep I 've gotten was in history of Magic. I need a serious Binns speech to put me to sleep now. ``

Albus did n't cerebrate he 'd ever heard the idiom 'good Binns lecture'before. `` Wo n't that make tonight risky ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Not sleeping before it ? ``

`` Yeah, of course it will, '' flatness said quietly, `` But I ca n't make myself sleep. ``

`` Ask brothel keeper Pomfrey for a potion, '' John suggested.

`` She 'll ask too many interrogative, '' flatness said, `` I never have a job falling asleep before the replete moon. She 'll be fishy. I do n't want to tell her about the row. ``

Matt did n't rarify anymore about his lack of eternal sleep, so Albus and John played a bit of Exploding Snap. Matt did n't feel like playing.

`` Albus ? '' flatness asked after a half hour or so.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Rose would n't, '' matte paused, `` You know, tell anyone about me, would she ? Because I 've been thinking, she 's the sort of unavowed keeper for the charm for Kaden, but if she tells someone then who knows what would find with that, so maybe we should switch to you and- ''

`` No, '' Albus interrupted him, `` She would n't do that. Rose might be stubborn and furious with you, but she would never ever tell anyone that you 're a werewolf. She knows that it 's your hidden to tell. ``

`` But what if she just splay up ? '' Matt asked anxiously.

Albus tried to see this from Matt 's decimal point of view. He also reminded himself that Matt was probably slumber deprived and conflate that with how sick he always got before the full moon, he would n't be seeing affair rationally. But the estimation of Rose telling soul that matt was a werewolf just because she was mad at him was hard to believe.

`` She wo n't, '' Albus said adamantly, `` I 've known her longer than you. She wo n't do that. ``

`` All right, '' flatness said warily and leaned back on the couch.

Albus exchanged glances with whoremaster as Matt 's optic began to glaze over. This was not going to bumble over quickly.

******

Albus slept horribly that night. He tossed and turned and stared at the glowing circle the to the full moon created on the wall hanging of his bed. Bilius 's soft snore filled the room. Albus was for certain he would n't fall asleep at all that night. He had too much on his mind.

His best friend and his cousin were fighting. The cousin he had grown up with, spent all his pre-Hogwarts day with. His best champion since for the first time year. Albus felt horrendous about it. He could think of at to the lowest degree twenty things he 'd rather do that have his best champion and his full cousin scrap like this. A month 's worth of hold with Filch, for example.

This was unlike than a minuscule dissension, too. John Lackland and pink wine often fought with each early, but Albus sort of thought they liked it. Albus himself variety of enjoyed squabbling with James IV. Matt never fought with any of them, though. And none of them ever really rowed. What if Rose and matt never made up ? Albus swallowed heavily and stared fixedly at the end of his bed. They had to pee up, eventually. But what if they did n't ? A nagging voice in the back of Albus 's header told him it was a possibility. He tried to shake it out of his headspring as he closed his eyes in a vain try to get some sleep.

Albus had been hoping Defense Against the Dark humanities would supply a much needed escape from his thinking of Matt and Rose never making up. That form usually required every bit of Albus 's brain world power and he could n't really think about anything else during it. Unfortunately, Balladanis decided to have one of his rare speech. Albus 's mind wandered and by the metre the class was over, he really could n't recall what Balladanis had lectured about. He had assigned an essay, too, which did n't help matters.

Slughorn, on the other hand, decided to have a pragmatic lesson even though it was only a bingle class. Since flatness was in the infirmary wing, Albus worked with St. John the Apostle and Janie Creevey, trick 's usual potions spouse. He was just gladiola Slughorn did n't pee him work with Rose and Amanda. Linda was mysteriously absent, so their group was down to two people.

John sent Albus to go get ingredient while he and Janie set up. He joined the waiting line behind Amanda.

`` Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Amanda, '' Albus replied, reminding him a lot of the way he and Limbert had worked the previous year. Polite greetings and no talking.

`` Albus ? '' Amanda asked as they neared the cupboard.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Er, how 's Matt ? '' she asked quietly.

Albus shrugged. `` Have n't had the time to chit-chat him today. ``

Amanda nodded. `` Um, what about the row ? How is he about that ? ``

`` He 's still angry with Rose, '' Albus muttered.

`` Oh. I was hoping ... '' her voice trailed off.

`` How is rosiness ? ``

`` Angry, '' Amanda sighed, `` Oh, Albus, I hate this ! I hate not being able to be with you lot, but I ca n't abandon Rose. ``

`` I hate it too, '' Albus said quietly. He was form of surprise that Amanda still wanted to be around them, after they denied Linda accession to the room. After all, she was Linda 's friend, too.

`` It 's so pudding head, '' she whispered, `` Fighting like this. ``

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But I do n't think rose wine and matt think it 's stunned. ``

`` What about John and Kaden ? What do they think ? ``

`` trick flatcar out food waste to let Linda into the room. I do, too, '' he said quickly, `` We 're all in agreement about that. Kaden, too. ``

`` I know. And I get why. I just think its stupid to let it do between us. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` But Rose is so refractory. I know she 's your best friend, but I 've grown up with her. And she refuses to give in. So this might last a while. ``

`` I do n't want it to, Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` I do n't either, '' Albus sighed.

Albus got his element and went back to John 's caldron. He could n't say John anything about the conversation, though, since Janie was there. In fact, they only talked about the potion as they worked.

`` clip 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later, `` Bring a sample up to my desk for grading. ``

Albus dropped their potion off to Slughorn on his way out the door with privy. He glanced back at Amanda. She was talking with Rose, but looked up and gave Albus a half-hearted smile. Albus returned it and left the room, somehow feeling worse than he had when he entered.

Albus and John hurried to the Great residence and found Kaden. The three of them ate a straightaway lunch and then rushed off to the infirmary wing before their next classes.

dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they walked in. She looked up, but remained seated when the three boys walked inside.

`` Hello, boys, '' she greeted them.

`` Hi Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus replied.

`` Where 's ... '' the nanny began to ask, but then shook her head and closed her mouth.

Albus shrugged and continued his way towards the only occupied bed in the Mrs. Humphrey Ward. He pulled the curtain open and sat down on the end of Matt 's bed.

Matt was asleep. healthy at rest judging by the rhythmic way his chest moved up and down under the blankets. His face was scratched and there was a patch around his forehead, but other than that he looked all right. Granted, about of his torso was covered by the blanket, but Albus hoped he was all right otherwise.

He did n't stir when Albus sat down. Saint John gently prodded his blanketed arm, but he did n't appear to remark it at all.

`` If he 's asleep, I suggest you let him be, '' ma'am Pomfrey shouted from her desk, `` In fact, I insist. ``

`` Is he ok ? '' John asked, `` He usually wakes up when we come in. ``

`` He had a rough night, '' the nurse sighed, `` It 's like he did n't get any rest beforehand, but Hagrid tells me he skipped guardianship of Magical Creatures, so I 'm sure as shooting he must have slept. But he 's only inflame up once since I brought him back this dayspring. So, for whatever the reason, he must need to slumber. Perhaps it would be best if you came back after dinner. ``

Albus nodded and got up off the bed. He knew why matte needed the extra sleep. He had n't slept much the previous day. Albus did n't say lots to John and Kaden as they left. He muttered a tranquillity goodbye as he left for ancient rune. He was dreading that course. It was one he shared with Rose and Matt, and since mat was practically unconscious in the hospital offstage, it would just be him and Rose.

Albus was half tempted to just skip ancient rune. After all, he had n't ever bound off a course of study before, except when he was fed up. Even when Washburn was teaching Charms, Albus was there for every class. But, he was sure enough the teacher would send an owl to his parents, so he trudged his way to ancient rune as slowly as possible without being late.

However, Albus had n't thought about the downside of being the last one to show up for grade. When he walked into the room, there were only two seating room left, at Rose 's tabular array. Linda was mysteriously absent again.

Albus groaned inwardly and sat down succeeding to his cousin. He stole a ready glance at her, but she was facing forward, looking determined.

professor Sturly walked in a consequence later. Albus crossed his fingers for a lecture class, something he rarely did. If the course was a speech, he could easily not talk to move up at all. But if they were working on decoding runic letter, he would experience to lick with a partner as usual. Since both Matt and Linda were n't in class, he 'd receive to spouse with Rose.

Sure enough, Sturly passed out tablet of rune for the class to trace. She placed one in between Albus and blush wine and told them to work together since their usual partners were n't there.

`` Albus, '' rosebush said icily as she turned to the tablet.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

They worked quietly for a while, only talking about the runes.

`` That 's not a sun, Albus, '' Rose said as Albus wrote the Logos 'sun'on his parchment.

`` Then what is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` It 's a Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus muttered and changed his answer, `` Er, where is Linda ? ``

`` Why do you manage ? '' Rose glared at him.

`` I 'm just curious, '' Albus shrugged.

`` She 's barf, if you must know, '' rosebush said, `` She has n't looked well for the past few days. ``

`` She was n't in the infirmary flank, '' Albus replied.

`` Not everyone goes to the hospital wing for every little matter, '' blush wine said shortly.

`` Well, if she 's been sick for a few days- ''

`` That 's her business, is n't it ? '' Rose interrupted.

Albus nodded. Rose was decent about that. `` Er, are n't you going to ask how Matt is ? ``

`` I guess, '' Rose muttered, `` How is he ? ``

`` Worse than usual, thanks to your row. ``

`` That was n't only my fault. He was right there rowing with me, '' pink wine seethed, `` So do n't guilt me into doing anything. ``

`` I 'm not trying to guilt you into anything, '' Albus groaned, `` I just thought that you might actually care how his- ''

Albus cut himself off. translation. Rose said Linda had been upchuck for the past few days. So had Matt. Linda had been sick around the wide lunar month. Was it possible that she, Linda, was a werewolf, too ? Albus stared dumbstruck at the pad he was supposed to be decoding. It was kind sort of too much of a co-occurrence for them both to get mad at the same time. But then why would Matt be so fight back to Linda finding out that he was a loup-garou, if she was one herself ?

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked.

`` Rose- '' he paused. Would Rose really say him if Linda was a loup-garou ? Probably not. `` Never mind. ``

`` Er, ok, '' Rose shrugged.

The balance of the class dragged by. As soon as the toll rang, Albus grabbed his stuff and ran out of the room. He had to find John Lackland and Kaden. They had to find out if Linda really was a werewolf or not.

Albus made it to the marauder 's Den in disc clip. Neither lav or Kaden were there yet. Come to suppose of it, Kaden had class anyway, so he would n't even be there. But John Lackland did n't. Albus tossed his bag down and began pacing around the room.

King John entered the room a short spell later. Albus looked up and ran over to him.

`` John ! '' Albus shouted.

`` What ? '' John the Divine asked, thoroughly confused.

`` I had to partner with rose during Ancient Runes since matt was n't there. conjecture who else was n't there ? Linda. And she was n't in Potions either, '' Albus said quickly.

`` So ? '' John asked.

`` I asked Rose about it and she said that Linda 's been ill the past few day, '' Albus continued.

`` But she 's been in class, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, that 's part of it ! '' Albus replied, `` Can you think of anyone else who goes to course of study even when he 's ill ? ``

John paused and then his eyes widened in seismic disturbance. `` matt ! Wait, are you thinking- ''

`` Linda 's a werewolf, '' Albus said.

`` You really think ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Well, I obviously do n't know for certainly .... ''

`` What about the last broad moon ? Was she sick then ? ''

`` I do n't call back, '' Albus sighed, `` I did n't really pay tending, did you ? ``

`` Nope, '' privy said, `` But seriously ? ``

`` I do n't know. I mean, it 's possible, but if she 's a werewolf, why was Matt so afraid of her finding out he 's one ? ``

`` Good point, '' St. John sighed.

`` We 've got to find oneself out. ``

`` I know, we can ask lustrelessness ! '' King John said, `` Because she would 've been with him in the shrieking Shack, right ? ``

`` Not necessarily, '' Albus shook his nous, `` If Wolfsbane works for her, she could n't have been near him. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' John replied, `` But maybe he 'd know anyway. ``

`` Or maybe not. Maybe he has n't got a cue, but if he did screw he would n't be so worried about her finding out about him, '' Albus said.

`` And then he and rose wine could get to up. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned. He wanted nothing Thomas More than pink wine and lusterlessness to make up. `` Let 's go see if he 's awake. ``


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and King John practically ran to the hospital wing. They slowed down as they neared it and tried to look as casual as they could as they walked in. gentlewoman Pomfrey was engaged with a patient, so she did n't even detect them as they made a beeline for flatness 's bed.

Albus yanked the pall back and shut out them again once St. John the Apostle and himself were inside. To his ease, lustrelessness was awake this time. He looked exhausted, but he was awake.

`` Hey, lusterlessness, '' Albus said.

`` Hey, Albus, '' mat replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` All rightfield, '' Albus said, `` How about you ? ``

`` Tired, '' matte sighed, `` Er, how is rose wine ? Is she still ignoring us ? ``

`` Pretty often, '' Albus said quietly.

john nodded and then glanced at Albus. Albus took a deep breath. He had n't really thought about how he was going to ask Matt about this.

`` Are you two ok ? '' flatness asked tentatively.

John poked Albus. Albus glared at him and then turned back to Matt. `` Well, we sort of wanted to ask you something, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` I 'm sure you 'll believe its mental .... ''

Matt stared at him curiously. `` Er, all right, what is it ? ``

`` I was talking to Rose in antediluvian Runes- ''

`` I thought she was still ignoring us. ``

`` She was. But we were cooperator, since you were n't there. ``

`` What about Linda ? '' Matt asked.

`` She was n't there either, which is what I wanted to ask you about, '' Albus paused, `` rosiness said Linda 's been ill the past few sidereal day. I could n't really facilitate but notice that she was ill around the Sami clip you were and well, John and I were sorting of wondering if maybe, well, she was- ''

`` Like me ? '' Matt whispered. His eyes had widened in shock and he was staring incredulously at Albus and John.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus muttered, `` Told you it was mental. ``

`` It is, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` So you know she 's not ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` You saw her in here or something ? Or did dame Pomfrey narrate you ? ``

Matt smiled wryly. `` Of row not. Even if she was, I doubt ma'am Pomfrey would tell me. You two missed the obvious clew that she 's not like me. ``

Albus turned to John, who shrugged.

`` Linda normally goes to the Australian School of black magic, '' Matt stated, `` The school that I was n't allowed to go to. Obviously, if Linda was like me, she could n't go there either. ``

Albus felt like he should have smacked himself in the psyche. He turned to John, who looked like he was about to bust out laughing. How could they have forgotten about that ? It was staring them straight in the face and they completely overlooked it. Professor Killigan was prejudiced against loup-garou. There was no way he would admit Linda if she was one.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus mumbled, `` Should have got remembered that. ``

`` It 's actually kind of funny story that you thought she was like me, '' mat smirked.

`` I guess she 's just got a cold or something, '' bathroom shrugged.

`` Yeah, probably, '' Albus said. So lots for the thought of rosebush and flatness making up. Albus would just receive to remember of some other way to get them to be supporter again.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' privy asked.

`` Not sure, '' Matt sighed, `` Probably late tomorrow, if I 'm lucky. ``

`` Hogsmeade is on Sabbatum, '' John the Divine said.

`` I know. I 'll be out for that, even if I have to sneak out when brothel keeper Pomfrey is sleeping, '' Matt replied.

Albus did n't really consider Madam Pomfrey would kip through soul trying to sneak out of the ward, but he hoped Matt would be out in meter to go to Hogsmeade. It would be incredibly unjust if he was n't allowed to go.

******

The quiet continued into the next day. Linda returned from her secret malady and went back to spending all her unfreeze fourth dimension with rosiness and Amanda. Albus spent his metre with John and Kaden in the Marauder 's Den.

Albus hated the silence more and Thomas More every day. It kept him up at Night, but he could n't think of anything he could do about it. The row was mainly between Rose and Matt. Albus could n't solve it, but it was eating away at him like it was his own row. He was very gladiolus he was n't playing Quidditch in the upcoming match. He would n't make been able to concentrate.

Matt did n't leave the infirmary wing until Friday evening. dame Pomfrey had reluctantly let him leave in edict to go to Hogsmeade the following day.

Albus woke up not feeling nearly as excited as he probably should stimulate about going to Hogsmeade. He and rose had imagined going to Hogsmeade together since they were little kids. They plotted where they would go and what they would do. Both of them had been to Hogsmeade before, but never without one of their parents. The idea of going by themselves had always been exciting.

Now that the day had actually arrived, Albus could n't serve but feel a bit discomfited. He would n't be going with Rose. Not while they were still in the thick of a row. It was either go with Matt and John, or ditch them and go with the girls. The latter was n't even a existent pick. He was still mad at pink wine and if he decided to make up with her, he 'd have Matt and John tempestuous with him. He just had to face it ; going to Hogsmeade with Rose was not an option.

Albus, Matt, and John joined the waiting line of people in the incoming mansion house later on in the morn. Matt and John the Evangelist were more shake than Albus was, but still to a greater extent subdued than the rest of the third gear years.

`` We 've got to remember the hooey for the Halloween party, '' John reminded them.

The Halloween company was that Nox. Albus had nearly forgotten about it over the past few days. It was another thing that would sustain been more fun if they were n't fighting with the girls.

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We 've got to get Kaden 's material, too. ``

`` Merlin, he was jealous that we get to go and he does n't, '' John smirked.

`` Ca n't blame him, '' matte lowered his vocalism, `` I mean, this is the first base time we 'll get to try out the Hogsmeade voice of the map. ``

Albus grinned. That was one persona about the Hogsmeade head trip that Albus was still thoroughly excited about. He had the new map in his cloak pocket, all cook to go.

`` We can see who likes to go to the Hog 's read/write head, '' John grinned mischievously.

`` Hey, Amy used to go there, '' mat said.

`` Really ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, she liked how void it was. ``

`` Seems like an awfully dispirit lieu, '' can said.

`` Where do you lot want to go first ? '' Albus asked as they gave their names to Filch.

`` Weasley 's, '' John said immediately, `` I 've got loads to buy there. And Kaden gave me a list of stuff he wants me to get him, too. ``

`` Why does that not surprise me ? '' Albus smirked.

The boys walked the brusque distance into Hogsmeade once Filch checked their names off. It was a chilly autumn day. There was a slight breeze in the air and it was cloudy, but not the form of clouds that threatened rain. They could n't have asked for good weather in late October.

Once they arrived, they hid behind a tree in social club to look at the map. Albus glanced around to shit sure nobody was watching and then pulled it out of his cloak. He muttered the incantation and soon, an inky echo of Hogsmeade was on the yellowed paper.

`` Whoa, '' mat whispered, `` Look, Weasleys'is so push, you ca n't take any of the label. ``

There were dots spilling out of the jape shop and even more inside, piled on top of each other. Albus was n't surprised in the slightest. His uncle 's shop was the most popular in Hogsmeade. There were more modest collections of dots in the remainder of the shops and saloon. A slight few were in the Hog 's Head.

`` Anyone we know in the Hog 's headland ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus said after he read the labels.

Albus wiped the map clean and jerk and then they set off for Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. It took them a while to constrict into the crowd, and once there, Albus and lusterlessness quickly lost John to the throng of pupil grabbing merchandise.

Both George and Teddy were behind the replication, ringing up purchase as fast as they possibly could.

`` Hi Uncle George ! chemise ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Hey, Al ! '' George shouted back.

`` Albus ! '' teddy exclaimed, `` How 's your starting time Hogsmeade trip ? ``

`` Great, '' Albus smiled, `` Are you coming to the Hallowe'en political party ? ``

`` Would n't overleap it, '' Teddy grinned, `` Victoire and Amy are going, too. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus said, `` Are you dressing up ? ``

`` 'Course, '' Teddy laughed.

`` What as ? ``

`` Where would the fun in that be ? '' Teddy winked.

John the Divine returned a fiddling while later, arms laden with product. He dumped it all on the counter and a few Skiving Snackboxes fell on the ground. Albus picked them up and smirked as he put them on the counter.

`` Stocking up for a yr ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nah, this is just until next Hogsmeade trip-up, '' privy said.

`` You 're one of my best client, trick, '' George V laughed.

`` Do you really need five Snackboxes ? '' mat asked.

`` Definitely. Divination 's awful. And two are for Kaden, '' John replied.

whoremonger paid for his purchase and then the group wandered down the route until they reached Gladrags Wizardwear. They slowly walked inside, only to witness that it was filled with giggly girls.

`` I 'd be happy if I never had to set foot in here again, '' St. John the Apostle groaned as he gestured to a presentation of pink glistering robes.

`` We just ask to get our costume stuff and get out, '' Albus muttered, equally unhappy about having to travel to a clothing shop.

The three boys tried to move as quietly as possible through the gang of girls in order to see their costume poppycock. Albus immediately found a contraband shirt and gasp for his frame costume. He had bought glow in the dark paint at Weasleys'and one of his cousins was going to paint os on the shirt and pants with it.

whoremaster had purchased Muggle vampire teeth and Muggle face paint at Weasleys', so all he needed was a black ness, which he found quickly. Matt located a Caucasian canvass, which was all he needed for his ghost costume. Albus got another white sheet, which they would cut up into strips for Kaden 's mummy costume.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed once they left the shop, `` That 's my least pet stead in Hogsmeade. ``

`` You should go to Madam Puddifoot 's, then, '' Albus laughed.

lavatory shuddered. `` No way. I will never set foot in that horrid seat. ``

`` Anyone want to go to the tercet broomstick ? '' mat shivered.

`` Yeah, I could use with a Butterbeer, '' Albus agreed and pulled his cloak tighter. The fart had picked up and Butterbeer would be soundly to warm up with.

Albus led his friends up the street and into the crowded pub. It seemed that everyone had the idea of warming up with a Butterbeer. Albus and lustrelessness snagged the last empty tabular array while John went to the bar to get a few Butterbeers.

`` What do you think the party is going to be like ? '' matte asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's not really plebeian for there to be an actual political party. Usually it 's just the fete. I guess they just want us to interact with the strange students. Kind of like the Yule Ball for the Triwizard tournament. ``

`` I just ca n't wait to see what mass dress up as, '' John announced as he returned with the Butterbeers.

`` Think the teacher will dress up ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` I hope so, '' John grinned, `` Probably depends on the instructor, though. I could see Kendrick dressing up. And Longbottom. Not sure about Slughorn. ``

Albus snorted into his Butterbeer. `` Slughorn, dress up ? Now that would be mirthful. ``

`` I think any of the teachers dressing up would be amusing, '' matt laughed.

`` So, how long do you think it 'll be until Kaden tries sneaking into Hogsmeade ? '' John asked.

`` Next trip, '' Albus said immediately, `` I know he 's plotting it. He asked me if I was taking the map today. I think he wanted it to snarf in. ``

`` Are you going to let him have it side by side time ? '' Matt asked as he sipped his Butterbeer.

`` Probably, '' Albus nodded.

`` What if he gets caught ? '' matt asked.

Albus shrugged. `` He 'll get a couple detentions. It 's not like he 'll notice another two custody. ``

`` salutary point, '' matte grinned and turned to John, `` You two spend half your waking time in detainment. ``

`` It 's not that bad, once you get used to it. I think Filch is getting a bit fed up with us, though. He 's starting to soak us off on the professors. ``

`` well, when you spend every early night with him, who can blame him ? '' Albus smirked.

`` Shut it, Albus, '' John laughed, `` Or next meter we get caught, we 'll recite Filch whatever we were doing was all your melodic theme. ``

`` He 'll never conceive you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Albus, '' a distaff voice said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, Butterbeer in mitt, with Amanda and Linda on either face of her.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

The mood at the table quickly turned from joking around to tense silence. Albus nervously glanced from Amanda to rose and back again. He looked at lustrelessness and King John, who were both glaring at the girls.

`` All the tables are taken, '' Amanda sighed, `` Do you mind if we sit here ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` We were just leaving, '' Matt announced as he stood up, `` Right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

Albus nodded and stood up as well. He followed Matt and trick through the push pub, looking back at the girls. Amanda was the exclusively one who was watching them leave.

`` Why could n't they have found some other table to sit at ? '' whoremonger groaned after they were back outside.

`` I dunno, '' Albus muttered. He had been having fun joking around with matte and bathroom, but as soon as the girlfriend showed up, he was reminded once again of the rift that had formed in their grouping. `` Anywhere we have n't been yet ? ``

`` Madam Puddifoot 's, '' Matt laughed.

`` Do n't even joke about that, '' John shuddered, `` But you know, we have n't been to the screaming hutch. ``

Matt groaned. `` You 're kidding, right ? ``

`` Nope, '' trick grinned and took off up the street, `` Come on, do n't even say you 're not going. Because you are. ``

Matt sent Albus a sere feel and set off at a slow pace after St. John the Apostle. Albus laughed to himself and followed them.

There were a couplet people leaning on the fence in presence of the hutch. They were all tertiary years. Albus figured the boot of the screeching hut wore off after the first couple Hogsmeade trips. Albus and lustrelessness joined John, who was standing near a couple young lady who were looking at the Shack.

`` It 's the most haunted edifice in Britain ! '' a Ravenclaw named Ann Jane Jacobs told her friend.

`` Really ? '' the missy 's eyes widened. Albus vaguely remembered that she was Muggle born.

`` Yeah, it 's haunted by ghosts ! '' Ann W. W. Jacobs said excitedly, `` right field, Albus ? ``

`` Er, yup, '' Albus nodded, `` Ghosts. ``

`` I wonder if we could get inside ! '' the other daughter said.

`` You ca n't, '' Matt said quickly.

`` How do you know ? '' the girl asked.

`` My babe tried once, '' lusterlessness answered, `` She graduated our first year. The place is completely sealed. ``

`` Oh, '' the girl sighed, `` Would have been cool down. ``

`` We should get back, '' mat said, `` We 've got to get our costumes cook. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The boys bade adieu to the two Ravenclaws and headed back to the castle. They were all very muted on the walk back. Albus sunk back into his thought process of how he should have gone to Hogsmeade with Rose. He hoped he 'd be able to go with her the side by side trip. Albus could n't imagine that he 'd still be mad at her when that came around. At least he hoped he wouldn't.

Kaden was waiting in the Marauder 's Den for them. He immediately bombarded them with questions, and the quietus of the male child launched into a detail verbal description of their entire trip.

After Kaden 's curiosity was finally satisfied, the boys got to process on their costumes. lustrelessness, John, and Kaden stayed behind in the Marauder 's Den to clear Matt 's ghost costume and Kaden 's mummy costume while Albus set off to encounter one of his full cousin to paint his skeleton costume.

Gabriella agreed to make the costume. Not wanting to find the girls and ask Amanda to do it, Albus had been hoping Gabriella would. Gabriella was the most creative of all his cousin-german and even though all he needed was someone to perform a painting charm, he figured Gabriella would do the best job.

`` What are you dressing up as ? '' Albus asked as Gabriella performed the charm.

`` A Veela, '' Gabriella replied.

`` Creative, '' Albus laughed.

`` My friend actually came up with it. A couple of us are going as Veelas. ``

`` wellspring, you 've already got the hair, so it wo n't take a good deal for you to dress up, '' Albus said.

Gabriella grinned and handed Albus his costume. `` Here you go. I 'll see you at the party. I 've got to go get set. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said.

When Albus returned to the Marauder 's Den, he was met not by his friends, but by a ghost, mamma, and lamia. All three costumes were brilliant. mat looked just like a Muggle touch, complete with eye holes and a round sass hole. Kaden was wrapped in striptease of Edward Douglas White Jr. sheet that were hanging off of him in respective space. John 's costume was the serious, in Albus 's notion. He wore a black cape with a white shirt and pitch-dark pants underneath. He also had a red bowtie on, which Kaden insisted would cause him face more vampirish. His face was completely covered in white composition and he was wearing bright red lipstick that dripped onto his chin. When he grinned, he revealed pearly white vampire fangs.

`` You lot look expectant, '' Albus grinned, `` The Muggle costumes was definitely the way to go. ``

`` Put yours on, '' Matt said.

Albus nodded and went to his section of the way. When he came out, he was wearing his costume. Albus looked at his coat of arms and they were glowing. Gabriella had done an fantabulous job with the painting magic spell. His chest was covered in a glow in the dark rib cage.

`` Brilliant, Albus, '' John grinned.

`` We 're going to cause the substantially costumes in the shoal, '' Kaden announced, `` Are the girls still dressing up as witches ? ``

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed. He had n't talked to spring up about the costumes in hebdomad. `` Guess we 'll find out. ``

Albus had no idea what to require from the party. The professors had never sponsored a party before while he was at Hogwarts. He walked down to the Great Hall with Matt, John, and Kaden. They passed quite a few people on the way down and saw all variety of different costumes.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus walked into the Great lobby, he stopped in his running. The room had been completely transformed. There were huge diddly-squat o'lanterns everywhere, lit up by wax light. naturalistic looking spider webs were draped across every aerofoil. The four star sign tables had disappeared and were replaced by spindly round wooden tables. Fake wanderer were crawling around the floor. imposter bats were flying around. Tables of food were set up everywhere. caldron were smoking on top of them, emitting all sorts of different colored smoke.

The prof were all milling about and talking with each other. Kendrick was dressed up as Merlin or Dumbledore, Albus could n't differentiate which. Neville was dressed as Godric Gryffindor, Patil as Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Slughorn was dressed as Salazar Slytherin. Polo was not dressed as Helga Hufflepuff, a fact John was quick to maneuver out. He was probably dressed as some other famous Hufflepuff, but Albus had no melodic theme who it was.

In fact, nearly all the professor were dressed up. The only one who was n't was Balladanis. He was wearing his usual pristine black robe with the intricate flatware holdfast. He was wearing a grim look as he brushed retiring Albus and his Quaker. His eyes narrowed a lilliputian at Saint John but he quickly looked away. Albus thought this was odd, but did n't dwell on it.

As the elbow room gradually filled with more and more educatee, Albus noticed that there were an alarming amount of them dressed up as his father. well-nigh were first long time. Albus just kept staring as eleven-year-olds with plastic glasses and fudge scrape on their faces walked past. He thought it was really really odd.

`` We 're surrounded by your dad, '' John laughed as another illumination Harry ceramist walked by.

`` This is just Wyrd, '' Albus muttered, shaking his head.

`` It 's form of good story, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed even harder.

`` Bet you would n't guess that if everyone was dressing up as your dad, '' Albus replied.

`` And that kid 's dressed up as your uncle ! '' Kaden announced, pointing to a red-haired boy who could 've easily passed for a Weasley. In fact, he did n't really look like he was dressed up at all, but Albus figured he was his Uncle Ron.

`` Uncle Ron would like that, '' Albus smirked.

`` He would, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw the real Harry ceramicist with a scale of cookie in hand. `` Hi, Dad ! ``

`` This has got to be the strangest party ever, '' Harry said, `` I 've never seen people dressed up as me before. It 's rather odd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He did n't really wish that so many mass were dressed as his dad.

`` Too bad Ron is on duty tonight, '' Harry sighed, `` He would 've liked to see a kid dressed as him. Where 's rosebush ? ``

`` Er .... ''

Harry gave Albus a curious look. `` Is everything all right ? ``

`` Um, yeah, '' Albus mumbled, `` I guess. ``

`` wellspring, you know I 'm always here if you need to talk, '' Harry replied, `` I like your costumes, by the way. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus grinned, `` Kaden 's idea. ``

`` So far I have n't seen any other Muggle costumes, '' Harry pointed out, `` I 've got to go talk to Kendrick, so I 'll see you soon. ``

Albus nodded. `` See you later. ``

Once Harry left, Albus and his friends wandered over to one of the food tables. They loaded up plates with poulet and potatoes and various early stuff and nonsense and went to retrieve seats.

`` Look, Albus, '' Matt pointed to the door, `` The girl are dressed as Muggle witches. ``

Albus looked up and saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda strolling into the room dressed as the Muggle variation of a witch. All three of them were wearing apparently black robes, black witch hats, and had painted their faces green.

Albus caught Amanda 's eye and they gave each former watery smiles as the missy walked into the room.

`` guess they could n't come up with any other theme, '' lavatory muttered.

`` We did agree on costumes before they stopped speaking to us, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I guess, '' lav said.

`` look like they 're coming over here, '' Matt groaned.

Albus set down his plate and watched as the girls progressed towards them. rose wine 's side was still stony, even in green. Amanda was leading them, so Albus figured she wanted to say hi, not Rose.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Amanda greeted them, `` flatness, John, Kaden. Great costumes. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` You, too. ``

Nobody else said anything. Albus stood awkwardly with Amanda and looked around at the group. rosebush was glaring at lusterlessness and frailty versa. John Lackland and Kaden were shifting nervously around. Linda was staring at John, but not in a detestation way. It was more of a combination between curiosity and repulsion, which Albus thought was form of odd.

`` This is just so poor fish ! '' Amanda finally exclaimed, `` Do you lot want to keep combat for the rest of the year ? ``

`` Not really, '' Albus muttered.

Rose sent a withering smell at Amanda and then turned around and left in a huff. Amanda sighed and followed her. Linda shook her head and then ran after Amanda.

`` fountainhead, that was awkward, '' Kaden announced a few seconds later.

`` Is this really what the rest of the year is going to be like ? '' Albus asked, looking pointedly at Matt, `` Because I think I 'll go mad if it is. ``

`` Well, rosebush started it, '' flatness muttered.

`` You both started it, '' Albus snapped, `` And you both had just finish it. ``

`` It 's not that simple, Albus, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` It is n't ? '' Albus asked, `` What am I missing, then ? I was there. You two fought over whether Linda should be in the way or not ! And we all said no, but rosiness is still upset over it ! I just do n't understand it. ``

`` Told you it was n't simple, '' Matt said in barely more than a whisper.

`` They 're girlfriend. Nothing is simpleton with girls, '' lavatory groaned, `` And do you know why it 's not elementary, Matt ? ``

matte shifted uncomfortably and looked away for a few seconds. `` Yeah, I do, '' he whispered.

`` concern to explain ? '' Albus asked, now thoroughly confused.

`` Not here, '' matt said, `` Come on, let 's go to the way. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the Great hall with John and Kaden on either side of meat of him. None of them said a Holy Writ until they reached the Marauder 's Den. They went inside and sat down on the furniture. lustrelessness stood up as soon as he sat down and then began pacing around. It reminded Albus of the time he explained about the Hallows back in their first year.

`` All right, what 's up with the girls ? '' John the Evangelist asked after lusterlessness paced for a few moments.

Matt stopped pacing and stood in front of them. `` Ok, here it goes. What do you know about vampires ? ``

`` Wait, what ? '' Albus shook his head. What in the name of merlin did vampire have to do with the girls ?

`` What do you know about vampires ? '' lusterlessness repeated.

Saint John the Apostle laughed. `` They vant to suck your stock ! '' he exclaimed in a bad Transylvannian emphasis. He opened his sassing and leaned towards Kaden 's neck.

`` Ew, '' Kaden moved away, `` lamia are afraid of garlic and they ca n't see themselves in mirrors. They ca n't go out during the day and they turn into cricket bat. Oh, and you have to kill them with a wooden stakes to the heart. ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` I do n't really know much besides the whole blood sucking thing. ``

`` You know, '' Matt began, `` You know nothing about vampires, yet you knew enough about werewolves to visualise out that I was one. ``

`` That was Rose, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Right, anyway, Kaden, those are the vampire as Muggles see them. They 're not like that. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said.

`` What do vampires have to do with this anyway ? '' John asked, `` I just want to acknowledge why Rose is so obstinate. ``

`` It 's just the way she is, '' Albus muttered.

`` Vampires, '' Matt continued, `` In the wizarding world, are the undead. They 're utterly, but they 're still around, obviously. Vampires feed on human blood, but if they do n't suck a human completely dry, the victim becomes a vampire themselves. ``

`` Sort of like werewolves, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, I guess, '' lustrelessness replied, `` But not really. Anyway, they basically die but they do n't. They become immortal and stop aging. Someone could be bitten when they 're twenty and still look twenty two hundred years later. Their affectionateness blockade lacing and they run out of roue. That 's why they turn viscid white. Then, they need to feed on blood in order to hold up. They can either use human or beast line. The vampire that like to integrate into human being society prefer to use animal blood. All they need to pull through is blood. They do n't want food. But they eat it to pretend they 're human being. They do n't need to catch some Z's either. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked, `` That is weird. ``

Albus never knew any of that. Now the vampire unit in refutation socio-economic class was going to be incredibly easy.

`` How often do they pledge blood ? '' Albus asked.

`` Depends on the vampire. to the highest degree need to booze it every couple of hebdomad or so. ``

`` What happens if they do n't ? ''

`` They get unaccented, '' Matt explained, `` vampire are exceptionally strong and fast, but if they have n't had any blood recently, they feel washy and disgusted. ``

`` Like you do before the good Sun Myung Moon, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, '' matte nodded, `` variety of like that. ``

`` Can they go out during the day ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` There 's a potion that they take so they can go out in the sun. The sun hurts them. Kind of like the moon for werewolves. ``

`` But what 's this got to do with Rose ? '' John asked impatiently.

`` I 'm getting there, '' matte said as he began pacing again, `` Anyway, vampires are fast and substantial so they can capture their prey. But they are also more beautiful than regular humans. That way the great unwashed are attracted to them. They 're also really really charismatic. When you meet one, you 're naturally attracted to them. It 's hard to excuse, you 're just drawn to them. It does n't even matter if they 're a boy or a female child or if you 're a boy or a girl. ``

Albus suddenly remembered the day the foreign students arrived and he first laid heart on Linda. She was beautiful. Albus had n't been able to demand his center off her. But she did n't seem particularly charismatic. After hearing Matt 's verbal description of a lamia, Linda did sound like one, except for the charismatic part. She hardly said a word.

`` So if a vampire walked through the door, I 'd immediately want to to go over to them ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' Matt said.

`` How do you know all this ? '' John asked.

`` Remember the library at my house ? There are wads of lamia record there because of my dad 's job. I 've read a few of them. ``

`` fountainhead, you 'll do great on whatever mental testing Balladanis gives us on vampire when we get to that unit, '' King John laughed.

`` time lag, '' Kaden looked at Matt curiously, `` Muggles believe that vampires and wolfman hate each other, and did n't you say that 's real ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' flatness said quietly, `` That 's pretty much it. But mostly the big rivalry is between wolfman and vampires who live away from maven. There are packs of werewolves and covens of vampires who fight over territory and stuff. That does n't happen as much as it did years ago, but it still does occasionally, mostly in other countries. ``

`` So, you do n't really hate all vampires ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 've never really met one, '' Matt shrugged.

`` And what in the figure of Merlin does this give to do with Rose rowing with us ? '' John asked exasperatingly.

Albus was getting a bit impatient as well. sure enough, he liked hearing about vampires. They were kind of interesting, but he mainly wanted to know what Matt knew about rosiness.

`` Linda is a vampire, '' lusterlessness said simply.

The way was silent for a few minutes. Albus stared at Matt. Linda was a vampire ? It was possible. She did fit some of the characteristics, but it was still heavy to apprehend. Albus had never met a vampire before, let alone one that was his age.

`` When did you count on that out ? '' Albus asked.

`` As soon as she walked past the Gryffindor table, '' Matt answered.

St. John the Apostle looked at him in awe. `` Wow, that 's impressive. You ought to go into the Department for the Regulation and restraint of Magical brute. ``

`` Now that would be even more dry than my dad working there, '' Matt laughed, `` But I would give known she was a vampire even if I did n't know so much about them. lycanthrope and lamia can instantly realise each former. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked.

`` sense of smell, '' matte said, `` Vampires have a classifiable odor, but habitue wiz ca n't tell. Werewolves can, though. And vampires can smell werewolf. ``

`` And you did n't tell us ? '' John the Divine asked incredulously.

`` I did n't see the point, until now. ``

`` Did n't see the point ? There 's a lamia at Hogwarts and you did n't suppose to tell us ? '' John shook his head, `` There 's always a reason to tell us that kind of stuff. ``

Matt shrugged. `` Well, you know now. ``

Albus was still processing the information. Linda was a vampire. mat knew Linda was a vampire from the starting signal. Werewolves can smell vampires. vampire can sense wolfman. That meant-

`` postponement, '' Albus began, `` Linda knows you 're a wolfman, does n't she ? ``

Matt sighed. `` Yes, she probably does. ``

`` Then why does it matter if she gets to go in the piranha 's Den ? '' John asked, `` Not that I want to let her in. ``

`` It 's the principle of the thing ! '' flatness replied, `` I just do n't see why Killigan let her go to his school but he would n't let me ! I know it 's stupefied to stave off her because of that because it 's not her fault, but I just do n't get it. ``

Albus had n't even thought of that. Matt was right ; it did n't wee sense. How was letting a vampire into a shoal any different from letting a loup-garou ?

`` But if you had been let in, you would n't hold moved here, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, and I 'm gladiolus we moved, but it 's just not bazaar, '' Matt sighed.

`` So, '' Kaden said loudly, `` There 's a vampire at Hogwarts. Who 's blood is she sucking ? ``

"That, is actually a good question, '' Albus said.

`` I have no idea, '' lusterlessness replied, `` I 'm guessing she 's sucking beast line of descent. Probably William Holman Hunt in the wood. ``

`` What about the whole 'vampires are charismatic'thing ? '' Albus asked. Even if Linda did want to suck human blood, he had no idea how she 'd manage to lure a human towards her. She seemed to quash as many mass as possible.

Matt smiled wryly, `` That 's where it gets interesting. The three of you do n't see her as charismatic, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said. John and Kaden nodded.

`` That 's what I thought. It 's because you 're champion with me. ``

Albus turned to await at whoremaster and Kaden. Both of them looked as confused as Albus felt.

`` delay, what ? '' John asked.

`` Even way back when there were to a greater extent face pack of werewolf and covens of lamia running about, it was possible for world to affiliate with one or the other. Occasionally, a pack of werewolves would sort of 'adopt'a human and the human being would live with the pack. I mean, the homo would forget for the full Sun Myung Moon, but live with the large number the rest period of the month. But if the man came upon a vampire, the human would be completely undesirable to a vampire because they were affiliated with werewolf. ``

`` And we 're affiliated with you, so Linda would n't want to imbibe our blood line, even if she did suck human blood line ? '' Albus asked.

`` Exactly, '' matt replied, `` Remember how everyone seemed to flock around Linda when she first came here ? Everyone except us. Even Rose disliked her back then. ``

`` But she does n't now, '' Kaden reminded him.

`` I know. That 's because as blush wine started spending More metre with Linda, she spent LE time with us, with me. She became less consort with me, so to speak. And then when we had that row, well, now she 's just affiliated with Linda. She 's completely under Linda 's charisma. ``

Rose was affiliated with a vampire ? Did this mean there was no hope of her reconciling with Matt ? Albus groaned inwardly. He really did n't like Linda now. She was putting a Brobdingnagian rift into their group.

`` Is it possible for a mortal to be friends with both a werewolf and a vampire ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` I think so, '' matt sighed, `` But pink wine wo n't even talk to us. ``

`` I think the lonesome way she will is if we agree to let Linda into the piranha 's Den, '' Albus muttered, `` She 's just so stubborn. ``

`` But we do n't require to let her in here, '' John groaned.

`` No, we do n't, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do you think Rose knows she 's a vampire ? '' Albus asked. rosiness was smart, but if she had found out Linda was a vampire, she probably would make told him. She told him mat was a werewolf, after all. Unless of course of instruction she discovered Linda was a vampire after the row.

`` No musical theme, '' Matt shrugged, `` Do you eff if she knows anything about vampire ? ``

`` Probably not a great deal, '' Albus answered.

`` Then she might not. Linda 's obviously trying to conceal that she 's a vampire. I bet she 'll find out when we do the vampire unit of measurement in refutation, though. ``

`` Unless we tell her first, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Are we going to ? '' John asked.

`` Would she even listen ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of think we should at least try to state her, '' Albus said, `` And Amanda, too. ``

`` I suppose, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` But they 're always around Linda. ``

`` We 'll just have to wait until she 's at Quidditch drill. I think the Australian team exercise on Mon, so I guess we 'll waitress until then, '' Albus said.

The elbow room descended into secrecy for a few minute of arc. Linda had definitely spiked Albus 's curiosity. He was mostly curious about why Linda had been allowed to go to the Australian School of black art but Matt had n't. What was the difference of opinion in letting a vampire attend than a werewolf ? Even if Linda did fellate brute blood, there was still the potential for her to suck human blood.

`` Bloody hell, '' Kaden let out a low whistle, `` A vampire at Hogwarts. ``

Albus nodded. Kaden pretty much summed up what Albus was thinking. Linda being a vampire had shocked him to a greater extent than lustrelessness being a werewolf. He was n't certain why, but maybe it was because chemise 's dad had been a werewolf and he attended Hogwarts, but as far as Albus knew, no vampire had ever been there.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere at Hogwats the next day reminded Albus a lot of what it was like the day of the Quidditch Final. It was the day of the commencement Quidditch match of the Inter-School competitor. Commonwealth of Australia would be playing New York. Albus was excited, but not as frantic as he would have been if Hogwarts was playing. He did n't particularly worry who won this match. He was queer about Linda 's seeking acquirement, though.

`` Hi, Al, '' someone said from behind Albus as he walked down to the pitch with mat, John, and Kaden.

Albus turned around and saw his dad. `` Hi, Dad ! Here to see the friction match ? Or are you on duty ? ``

`` Just to see the mates, '' Harry grinned, `` I 'm hoping to be able to see them all, especially the 1 you and King James I get to play in. ``

`` I do n't really get to spiel in any of them, '' Albus pointed out.

`` You never know, '' Harry said, `` Well, I 'm sitting with Neville, so I 'll see you after the match. ``

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus waved as he ran ahead of them.

The boys found decent arse and waited for the match to begin. The weather was particularly prissy, especially for a late October day. The sun was out and there was only a slight cinch in the unseasonably warm air.

`` It 's sort of odd to not be rooting for Gryffindor, '' Matt said.

Albus agreed. Nobody was segregated into House plane section like they usually were during Quidditch mate. `` I do n't have intercourse who to root for. ``

`` Me either, '' John lowered his voice, `` I mostly just want to see how Linda plays. Never seen a vampire play Quidditch before. ``

`` She must be near. She 's only a second year and she 's on the squad, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But she 's immortal, '' lustrelessness reminded them, `` So she 's probably tenner quondam than us at least. ``

Albus still found that aspect of vampire very strange. He sighed to himself and focused on the pitch, where a few masses were milling about. Albus could give out professor Kendrick, Roberts, and Killigan, along with a few other multitude Albus did n't recognize.

`` Welcome, bookman, staff, and guests to the initiatory Quidditch match of the competitor ! '' Kendrick shouted over the crowd a few minute of arc later, `` This will work exactly like regular Quidditch match. Ludo Bagman of the department of Magical Sports will referee this match. And now, I give you the Quidditch teams of the Adirondack honorary society of legerdemain and the Australian School of black magic ! ``

The New Yorkers were dressed in blue Quidditch robes and the Australians were dressed in William Green. Both teams entered the pitch with brooms in their hired man. Albus watched as each of their captains rock hands. commercial traveler blew a whistle and all fifteen of them rose into the air.

`` And they 're off ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Smith, who was apparently the commentator for the inter-school mate, shouted, `` Haberino of New House of York catches the Quaffle and is flying to the Australian goal billet .... ''

It was a very fast step catch. The Quaffle passed back and Forth between players faster than Captain John Smith could announce. Albus was very affect. He also doubted he could fly as well as them and was sorting of glad he was n't playing.

Albus knew he should pay the nearest aid to the pursuer, but he could n't aid but gawp at Linda as she flew around the pitching. She was noticeably faster than the rest of the players. Her form was practically a blur every time she darted in between the rest of the players.

`` Merlin, she 's fast ! '' Albus exclaimed as Linda went from one end of the sales pitch to the former in mere seconds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen anyone fly that fasting ! '' John gaped, `` And I 've been to loads of Puddlemere equal ! ``

`` wellspring, that would explain it, '' Matt smirked.

`` Puddlemere has mountain of flying fliers ! '' John shouted, `` It 's you who 's probably never seen anyone fly fast, what with you being a cannon fan .... ''

matt rolled his eye. `` She 's fast because of what she is. ``

Albus nodded. He kind of figured that. It did n't seem fair, though. None of the other teams had a vampire for a seeker. James obviously was n't a lamia and Albus doubted the New York seeker was one either. He was a lot slower than Linda. It seemed like there should be some sorting of rule that would preclude Linda from being on the Aussie team. Although, Albus was n't sure enough Kendrick and Roberts knew Linda was a vampire.

`` New York scores ! '' David Smith shouted, `` 40-20 New House of York ! ``

Linda may have been fast, but New York seemed to sustain near Chasers. Their mode of playing reminded Albus of how he played with his cousin. When Albus played with ling and Fred, it was almost like they shared a brain.

All of a sudden, Linda shaft across the pitch, from the Australian goals to the stern of the New York finish. Albus stood up and watched the New York Seeker flew after her, but was measure behind. Linda dove for the ground and aviate back into the air clutching something in her hand.

`` Is that ? '' John began.

`` The Snitch ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` It is, '' Albus stared as the two teams descended to the ground. It had only been fifteen minutes since the couple started !

`` Linda morale of Commonwealth of Australia has caught the snitch ! '' Smith announced, `` Australia wins 170-40 ! ``

`` That was the agile biz of Quidditch I 've ever seen, '' John said.

Everyone agreed. Albus had never seen anyone arrest the canary that fast before. If the other peer were like this one, Australia was going to experience the competition in the bag.

`` I 'm guessing this equal wo n't be followed by a party in the common room ? '' Kaden asked as the boy got up from their seats.

`` Probably not, '' Albus laughed, `` Hogwarts did n't recreate, so we 've really got nix to lionize. ``

`` Linda 's in Gryffindor, though, '' John the Evangelist pointed out.

`` Yeah, but I 'm betting most of the Gryffindors are going to be a bit upset at Linda 's seeking skills. I mean, Jesse James is good, but even he 's going to have problems going up against Linda. I think she 'd even give shift a run for his money, '' Albus pointed out.

`` James can thrum her, '' lav said confidently as they began the journey back to school, `` He 's a brilliant searcher. ``

`` But she 's degenerate, '' Albus sighed.

`` She 's spring to slip up eventually, '' Kaden said hopefully.

Albus certainly hoped so. Maybe the Beaters could just constantly pelt her with Bludgers throughout the whole friction match so she would n't have a chance to find the Snitch.

They continued to take the air alongside the forest on their way to the castle. The whisker on the rear of Albus 's cervix bristled and he looked quickly over his shoulder. It felt like someone was watching him. He stopped in his raceway and looked into the forest. He saw a coloured form jump behind a tree. somebody was in there.

`` Why 'd you stop, Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` There 's someone in the timber, '' Albus whispered.

`` Hagrid ? '' mat asked.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head, `` Too pocket-sized to be Hagrid. ``

`` We should go find out who it is, '' John announced.

`` Are you mental ? '' Matt said, `` Whoever 's in there could be a murderer or something ! ''

Albus was n't certain about that, but he was sure that he was curious. He wanted to know who was lurking about the woodland after a Quidditch match.

`` Maybe we should, '' Albus said.

lustrelessness sighed. `` Albus, you 're supposed to be the sane one. ``

`` I want to go see who it is, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's the Forbidden timber ! '' Matt groaned, `` Forbidden ! If we get caught, we 'll be in huge trouble ! Look at everyone walking around. Someone is going to see us. ``

That was a unspoilt percentage point. But at the like metre, Albus really wanted to have sex who it was. He could n't just stand there and not go find out who the mysterious physique was ....

`` Al, '' a voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. His dad was standing there, looking at him curiously. `` Oh, hi Dad. ``

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

`` Er, there 's mortal in the woods, '' Albus replied.

Harry peered into the woodland and then turned back to Albus with a forbidding look on his face. `` Thanks for letting me know, Al. I 'll check it out. I want all four of you to go back to the castle and go straight to Gryffindor column. ``

`` Who do you intend it is ? '' Albus asked. His dad seemed rather worried.

`` I have a few guesses, '' Harry replied, `` If it 's anyone important, I 'll let you know. ``

Albus nodded and started to walk back to the palace with his supporter. He glanced back at his dad and saw his Patronus running game in the opposite direction. A few people were pointing at it and whispering.

`` Who do you recall it is ? '' Kaden asked.

Albus shrugged. `` Dunno. I mean, the only people I can reckon of are Washburn and Willinson, but they have n't been sighted in months. ``

`` It 's got to be one of them, '' bathroom said, `` Why else would your dad get so concern about it ? ``

`` But he could n't even see who it was, '' Matt pointed out, `` It might turn out to be goose egg. ``

`` Scary, though, '' Kaden shivered, `` One of them coming back. I mean, I 've never met either of them, but if they 're anything like Quinton .... ''

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus assured him, `` We 'll just go back to the unwashed way and we 'll be amercement. ``

The boys hurried back into the castle and up to Gryffindor Tower. Most of the people around them were talking about the compeer, but Albus overheard a few people talking about his dad 's Patronus.

The Gryffindor common room was packed when they entered it. There was a very large chemical group of people in the middle shouting about Quidditch and Albus had no question that Linda was in the middle of it, even if she did n't want to be. Albus did n't see Rose or Amanda anywhere and figured they were with Linda. Albus had a fade thought that he needed to tell them about what he saw, but decided not to since Rose was n't speaking with him. He just did n't palpate like telling her anything important while she was still giving him the silent treatment. He was starting to sense a bit dejected that it had been going on so long.

Albus and his protagonist found a table and sat down. They were quickly joined by Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn.

`` Can you believe she caught the Snitch that fast ? '' Lily asked.

`` That was unbelievable, '' Albus agreed, `` But she 's going to make it hard to nonplus Australia. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Hugo sighed, `` Everyone is trying to figure out how she 's so fast. Fred thought she had some sort of limited broom, but she denied it. ``

`` Well, she obviously would n't admit to that, '' Ashtyn rolled her eyes.

`` Maybe Rose could ask her, '' Lily suggested.

`` I doubt Rose would do that, '' Albus muttered.

`` Are you still rowing with her ? '' Lily asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` Why ? cipher 's told me what your row was even about, '' Lily huffed.

`` It 's not your business, Lily, '' Albus sighed.

`` Come on, '' Lily whined, `` I 'm your Sister. ``

`` And I do n't tell you everything, '' Albus said, `` So give it a rest. ``

`` Can I have everyone 's tending ? '' individual shouted from the portraiture hole.

Albus looked up and saw Neville standing there. Everyone immediately quieted down. teacher rarely went into the common elbow room. In fact, the lone clock time they did was when something bad happened or when Gryffindor had a spectacular Quidditch win.

`` I do n't want anyone leaving the coarse room for now, '' Neville said in an unusually strict tone.

`` What 's going on ? '' Georgia asked.

`` someone was spotted near Hogsmeade and in the woodland, '' Neville replied.

`` Who ? '' Fred asked.

`` The Aurors do n't want us to break that data yet, '' Neville said, `` I 'll be back when we know more. ``

Neville left and the common room erupted into whisper. Albus turned to his champion, who had all turned a few shades lighter after hearing Neville 's announcement.

`` It 's got to be, '' Matt whispered, `` They would n't exclude us in if it was n't individual dangerous. ``

Albus nodded and swallowed hard. He knew he was perfectly safe in the vulgar room, but could n't help feeling a bit fright.

`` I bet it 's Washburn ! '' individual shouted from across the uncouth room.

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' one of the first gear age piped up.

`` immorality good luck charm teacher, '' someone replied.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn said, `` He tried to kill my brother ! ``

`` Mine, too ! '' Lily put in.

`` And he tried to pour down my Sister, '' Hugo added.

Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo started telling the former first twelvemonth what had happened to Albus and his friends. Albus groaned and shook his head as all four eleven year olds watched him.

`` want we could go to the elbow room, '' Albus muttered.

`` Let 's go to the dormitory, '' John the Divine suggested, `` I 'll bet it 's empty. ``

The son left the common way ( much to the alarm of Lily, Hugo, Ashtyn, and their growing radical of on-lookers ) and went up to Albus 's student residence, which was thankfully empty.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John all sat on their beds and Kaden sat on the fundament of Albus 's. None of them said a Holy Writ. Albus supposed that cryptic down in his brain he knew Washburn would come back, but he tried not to think about it. He figured Washburn was after the Resurrection Stone. That meant he would n't try and ruin into the castle, did n't it ?

No, it did n't. Albus 's gaze fell upon his automobile trunk, where the invisibleness Cloak resided. If Washburn still wanted to combine the Hallows, he 'd need that cloak. Albus gulped. Washburn was going to try and break into the castle. Albus did n't know when, but he knew it would pass at some point.

******

Harry never returned to the palace to tell Albus what had happened. Neville came back to the common room an hour or so later and told everyone they were free to leave if they wanted to, but he did n't disclose any details. Albus and his friends stayed in the common room, hoping Harry would eventually find Albus, but he never did.

The Great Hall was filled with much more chattering than was convention on Monday morning. Albus and his friend sat down at the Gryffindor table and James immediately passed Albus a copy of the Daily Prophet.

`` They did n't catch him, '' King James said as he tossed Albus the paper.

Albus took it and all four boys read the front Page article at the same time.

Washburn Sighted in Hogsmeade ; Mysterious Man Sighted in wood

Jameson Washburn, wanted for torturing underage
scholarly person and the illegal use of Legilimency on an
underage student, was sighted by an anonymous witch
in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon.

The sighting took station a few hours after the first
Quidditch match in the tourney between Hogwarts,
the Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery, and the Adirondack
honorary society of legerdemain. The anonymous witch stated that
'a man ran from behind the Hog 's Head up towards the
hills. He looked like Washburn .'

Harry thrower, capitulum of the Auror Department, was on the
Hogwarts ground at the time and reported quickly to
the scene. No mark of Washburn were found and ceramist
is sure he had Disapparated quickly.

ceramicist had previously been investigating the Forbidden
Forest, after receiving a tip from a student that
soul had been lurking around. Nobody was found.

Hogwarts School of witchery and wizardry went into
lock down after the opine sighting of Washburn.
pupil were not informed about the situation. The
Auror department has not said whether extra
protection will be given to the school. Currently, an
Auror is assigned to the school at all sentence, after the
kidnapping of a scholarly person by Quinton Willinson ( currently
residing in Azkaban ) last Spring.

'We do n't want the great unwashed to interest. We 're not even trusted
whether either sighting was actually Washburn or not ,'
potter told reporters.

Albus set down the report and turned to look at his protagonist. There was no doubt in his nous that that man in the forest had been Washburn. He had gotten away again. For soul who seemed incompetent at just about everything, Washburn certainly was in force at escaping.

`` I wonder where he 's concealment, '' John said, `` I mean, he 's probably somewhere around here, you 'd reckon ? ``

`` I bet he Apparated someplace far away, '' Albus replied, `` He 's not going to want to vex around and get caught. ``

`` Yeah, that 's dependable, '' privy said, `` But I bet he 'll be back. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` Willinson might even go with him. I wonder where he is. ``

`` I hope he 's far away from here, '' Matt said, `` We 'd better get to class. ``

Albus was felicitous that they had Care of Magical brute first because he would be able to continue talking about Washburn as they observed firecrabs.

`` You do n't think they 'll cancel the Hogsmeade trips, do you ? '' John asked once they had walked a safe space away from the Slytherins.

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` They did n't cancel them when Canicula escaped from Azkaban. ``

`` I hope they wo n't, '' John said, `` They could just have Aurors patrolling the settlement. That 'll proceed Washburn away. ``

`` There are already Aurors patrolling the school, '' lustrelessness pointed out, `` So I 'm certain they 'll be patrolling Hogsmeade now, too. ``

`` Just as long as they do n't play any dementors here, I 'll be glad, '' Albus shivered. He had never actually seen a dementor, but he knew enough about them to fear them.

`` wellspring, that did n't exactly act upon out well when Sirius had escaped, did it ? '' John replied.

`` I know, but still .... '' Albus 's phonation trailed off.

`` Dementors do n't even guard Azkaban anymore, so I do n't see why they would get sent here, '' John said as he stopped his firecrab from escaping.

`` I wonder where they went, '' Albus pondered, `` I 've never seen one. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his header, `` But that 's a near percentage point. What did happen to them all ? ``

`` That 's one thing my dad never told me, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I 've never seen one either, '' Matt shivered, `` But my dad has. He 's had to deal with them at work- ''

`` So he knows where they were sent ? '' privy interrupted.

`` No, '' Matt shook his head, `` He dealt with them in Australia. There are a lot of them on the outback. There 's hardly anyone living around there, so every once in a while, they 'll descend on some tiny town they come upon. Then some beldame or maven report card it and my dad or someone else from his office would possess to go pass them out. ``

`` That would be a horrible job, '' John said quietly.

`` He hated it, '' flatness replied, `` He 'd get along home all rickety and depress and Mum would feast him loads of drinking chocolate. Then they 'd go talk of the town by themselves. He refused to tell me and Amy what he hears when he comes across dementors, though. Amy asked loads of times, but he never told. ``

`` My dad wo n't severalize me what he hears either, '' Albus said, `` It 's got to be awful. ``

`` Neither of my parents have ever seen dementors, '' lavatory said, `` I think my parents lead relatively normal life story compared to yours. ``

`` No one in my family leads a convention life, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine either, '' Matt agreed.

`` well, hopefully your dad will view Washburn and Willinson and then you can have a somewhat normal life, Albus, '' John said.

`` Maybe, '' Albus shrugged.

`` As for me, I like a fiddling hullabaloo in life, '' John Lackland grinned.

`` You can birth all of mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' Matt smirked.

`` Nah, '' lav shook his head, `` I 'll form my own. ``


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.


In all the excitement of the possible sighting of Washburn in Hogsmeade, Albus nearly forgot about talking to rise that evening. He was sitting in the common way trying to read his Defense Against the Dark artistic production book when John prodded him.

`` What ? '' Albus looked up at John.

`` Linda just went to Quidditch practice, '' St. John gestured to the portrait trap, which just closed behind someone, `` We can talk to rose wine now. ``

Albus nodded and closed his book. He had to admit that he was a bit flighty about telling rose that Linda was a vampire. He had a impression she would n't postulate it well. They were going to receive to wear this to her very nicely.

It was n't that Albus was worried that rose wine would be upset that Linda was a vampire. Albus knew that would n't bother her in the svelte. It was the fact that Albus was the one who figured it out that he was worried about. Albus fully expected pink wine to abnegate that Linda was a vampire for the sole understanding that she had n't figured it out herself.

`` I guess we 'd better, '' Albus said as he got up. He glanced around the plebeian room and his centre rested on the tabular array rosebush and Amanda were sitting at.

Albus walked over to her table with Matt, John the Divine, and Kaden following. The two fille looked to be working on homework.

`` Rose, '' Albus sat down following to her, `` We need to spill the beans to you about something. ``

Rose put down her flight feather and looked up. `` Is it about Washburn ? If you 're concern about him coming back, do n't be. He ca n't get into the castling. ``

`` It 's not about him, '' Albus sighed, although he had a spirit Washburn could get into the palace if he wanted.

`` Then what ? '' Rose said shortly.

`` It 's about Linda- ''

`` Then I do n't need to hear it, '' Rose interrupted.

`` Rose, it 's crucial, '' Albus insisted, `` Just come talk to us. ``

`` No, '' Rose said a bit louder, `` I know you lot do n't like her, but I do. And I do n't necessitate you telling me who I can and ca n't be friends with. ``

`` That 's not what we 're going to tell you, '' Albus groaned, `` There 's just something about her you should eff. ``

`` Just talk to them, blush wine, '' Amanda said, `` To be honest, I 'm upchuck of you ignoring them. ``

Rose looked a bit taken aback. `` All right, delicately. '' She shoved her Word of God into her bag a bit harder than necessary and stood up.

Albus said nothing but lead everyone out of the green room. Nobody said a countersign until they were in the Marauder 's Den. blush wine sat in one of the chair and folded her subdivision across her pectus.

`` What ? '' she asked, `` What do you possibly have to state me ? ``

Albus glanced at Matt, who nodded. Albus took a late breath. `` Linda is a vampire, '' he said quietly.

pink wine 's mouthpiece fell unresolved and then she burst out laughing. `` Are you bloody insane ? How in the name of Merlin did you possibly come up with that stupid estimation ? ``

Albus groaned. `` It 's not a stupid estimate. It 's true. And matte told us. ``

Rose rolled her centre and glared at flatness. `` Of course. You 're the one who hates Linda the most. ``

`` Rose, it 's reliable ! '' Matt insisted, `` Do you honestly think that I would just randomly claim person was a vampire ? For all the differences between vampires and werewolves, they both get discriminated against. ``

`` Oh, I do n't have it away. Maybe because you want me to turn back being Friend with her ? '' Rose shouted.

`` fountainhead, that would be stupid of me because I know you would n't stop being friends with her because of that, '' Matt said quietly, `` After all, you 're friends with me. Or at least you used to be. ``

`` I still am, '' Rose whispered.

Albus smiled to himself. That was promising. Maybe their friendly relationship was n't totally destroyed.

`` But do n't you lot think that if Linda was a lamia, I would have figured it out ? '' rosebush asked, `` I mean, I was the lone one to figure out that matte 's a werewolf. ``

`` How much do you have intercourse about vampires, Rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, not much, I guess, '' rose wine said sheepishly, `` But still, how do you recognize ? ``

Albus opened his bag and pulled out his Defense book. He tossed it at Rose. `` Read the bit about vampire. ``

pink wine caught the record book and opened it up. She began to study it with Amanda recitation over her shoulder joint. A few bit later, Rose set the al-Qur'an down. Her font was pale.

`` You 're right, '' she whispered and then turned to mat, `` Is that why you do n't like her ? ``

`` sort of, '' lusterlessness shrugged, `` It 's not the fact that she 's a lamia. It 's the fact that she knows I 'm a werewolf. ``

`` Oh, '' rose nodded, `` And she 's from Australia and Killigan does n't like werewolf. I get it. But, wait, how come Killigan lets Linda go to shoal but he would n't let you ? ``

`` No idea, '' Matt sighed, `` It 's a whodunit. ``

The way descended into an sticky muteness and Albus looked at all of his friends. Rose still looked a niggling appal and Amanda did as well.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` Are you going to keep ignoring us, rose ? ``

`` Are you going to let Linda come in here ? '' Rose asked.

`` No way, '' Albus, matte, John, and Kaden said at once.

rose wine sighed. `` fine. I 've missed you lot, but I am still going to expend time with Linda. I guess I 'll just split my time, then. ``

Albus grinned. `` Good. But next Hogsmeade head trip, you 're coming with us. ``

******

Over the succeeding duet of hebdomad, Rose and Amanda began spending to a greater extent and more time with Albus and the other boys. Albus was thrilled about it, especially since after a few days passed, it was like Rose and Matt had n't rowed at all. cypher ever brought up the matter of Linda, though. Rose and Amanda both spent time with Linda, usually in the subroutine library, but Albus did n't particularly mind. He variety of liked having time to drop just with Matt, John, and Kaden.

John and Kaden found it increasingly difficult to pull caper due to the fact that Hogwarts was being patrolled by More Aurors since the Washburn sighting. instructor, prefects, and the psyche boy and girl were also patrolling more often than they used to. Albus was secretly happy about this since he had an increasing care of Washburn breaking into his dormitory to steal the Invisibility Cloak. toilet and Kaden, on the early hired man, came back to the common room ranting about how they could n't pull off some antic or the other due to an Auror or prefect finding them. lusterlessness did n't seem to have an opinion on the subject and Albus suspected he would be happy so long as Killigan stayed away from him.

The next Quidditch match was in the beginning of December, and although that was still a calendar month away, woodwind instrument increased drill to three day a week instead of two. Wood was especially tough on Jesse James since the next lucifer would be between Hogwarts and Australia. Sir Henry Wood was determined to beat Australia and that meant James would have to try and fly quick than Linda. Teddy was working with him one on one during all the practices.

The next junior dueling tournament was coming up as well and Albus was determined to actually duel during this one. He did n't care if both his legs were broken, he would still go.

Between his various exercise and course, Albus did n't have lots metre for anything else. All his teachers were increasing the work load, especially Balladanis. He started packing to a greater extent and more into each lesson and had begun assigning each week essays. And since all the example were virtual, Albus had to interpret the book to do the essays. There were no distinction from form to use.

Albus and the rest of the scholar no longer bothered taking their books and lambskin out at the beginning of form. In fact, the absolute majority of Albus 's family did n't even get to sitting down. Albus wondered why Balladanis even bothered to put the desks back at the end of course of study, since he had yet to discover of any of the years having an factual talk in that class.

Due to this, Albus was completely shocked when Balladanis told the division to sit down at the beginning of defensive measure in the beginning of November. Albus turned to Matt and John, who looked equally storm. Balladanis, on the other hired hand, was acting like this was perfectly normal.

Albus sat down in between matt and King John amongst the whispering of the balance of the class.

Balladanis stood in straw man of his desk and looked out at the scholarly person. There was a large proboscis in strawman of him which reminded Albus of the first base day of stratum. But why would Balladanis bring a Boggart back to class ? Matt told Albus that Balladanis was n't even using Boggarts in his help session anymore.

`` Today 's lesson will be part speech, '' Balladanis announced, `` The reasonableness for this being that the particular wight we are studying today is not in your text book. ``

The class erupted in more rustling and Albus distinctly heard Rose gasp.

`` Settle down, '' Balladanis said, `` The creature is not in your ledger because it is extremely rare and virtually wizards will go their intact lives without ever encountering one. Because of this, it is not normally in a third year curriculum. The wight is usually studied in ripe N.E.W.T. Defense Against the Dark artistic creation only. I however, believe this creature is extremely beneficial to third twelvemonth defense and am adding it in, despite the fact that it is not in your book. ``

Albus was on the sharpness of his tail end now. He was staring directly at the proboscis in front of Balladanis, where the creature probably resided. It could n't be that grievous, could it ? Otherwise, Balladanis would n't have brought one. Although, there was n't much that Balladanis could do that would actually surprise Albus. He was a very odd teacher.

`` The creature I am talking about is an anamatek, '' Balladanis said as he began pacing back and Forth in battlefront of the proboscis. He stopped in presence of Rose, Amanda, and Linda 's table. `` Does anyone know what an anamatek is ? ``

Albus had never heard of one in his life. Rose did n't put her manus up either. The only helping hand in the class that went up was Linda's.

`` Yes, Miss team spirit, '' Balladanis said.

`` An anamatek is a shape-shifter, but it is dissimilar from a boggart. anamateks are forced to convert into whatever form the necromancer controlling them wants, '' Linda explained.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis began pacing again, `` anamateks are very strong and powerful tool. It takes a very secure and powerful enchantress or wizard to control them. Not many are capable to do so. But if a witch or wizard can, the anamatek must transform into whatever form the wizard wants.

`` This of form is very dangerous if a dark whizz gets detainment of one. Can you imagine if Voldemort had been able to control a few anamateks and had them transubstantiate into chimera ? ``

The full way was silent. Albus shivered at the mentation of an Army of chimaeras, especially in the hands of Voldemort.

`` Luckily for us, anamateks are extremely rare and the majority of wizards ca n't check one, let alone an army of them. The few anamateks that exist in the populace reside in warm mood and they prefer to detain veil amongst tree diagram or scrub. Anamateks are rarely sighted in U.K. and I would infer that there are n't Thomas More than four or five in the stallion rural area. They are a bit more common in warm climate such as the Southwestern United land, Latin U.S., South America, Africa, and Australia. However, you could search all of these countries extensively and never come across one.

`` Anamateks do not like thaumaturgist because they do not want to be controlled. Not only can wizards control what the anamatek turns into, they can also arrive at it do whatever they please. When they are not controlled, they can turn into whatever they like and usually choose a particularly serious creature in order to dissuade thaumaturgist from capturing them. They can not, however, turn into humans, for the about part. There are exceptions to that. Certain powerful witches and wizards have had success turning them into humans, but they do not act like humankind. No anamatek can deform into a human on its own. ``

Balladanis paused and stopped succeeding to his tree trunk. `` I have captured an anamatek. I captured it many years ago and it has been under my control ever since. Having an anamatek at my disposal provides a smashing memorise opportunity for all of you. Can anyone guess why ? ``

pink wine 's hand shot into the air. `` Yes, Miss Weasley, '' Balladanis said.

`` You can cause it sprain into whatever we 're studying and we can take to fight it instead of having to fight a rattling one. That way, you can control what its doing and none of us will get hurt, '' rose wine answered.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis said, `` Before class, I performed a magical spell which caused the anamatek to turn into a kappa, which I hope you are all aware that we are currently studying. When I say so, get up and form a business line in front of my desk. You will be performing the spell you learned last course of study to try and force back the anamatek, which is going to seem and act exactly like a kappa. ``

`` Sir ? '' Malfoy raised his hand.

`` Yes, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` Sir, are you going to tell us the spell to institute an anamatek under a wizard 's control ? ``

`` No, Mr. Malfoy, I am not, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` First, it 's not just one spell, it is a set of extremely difficult spells, beyond N.E.W.T. degree. minute, there is often debate as to whether the spells are Dark illusion or not. Third, it would be senseless since none of you would have the capableness of performing such legerdemain and will likely never have the chance to do it. twenty-five percent, the headmaster would not be happy if I did so. I will also not sign any notes to admit any of you into the Restricted plane section of the depository library to research the spells. ``

Malfoy scowled at this and Albus stifled a laugh. It did n't surprise him in the slightest that Malfoy would require to learn the spell. Albus was extremely singular as to how Balladanis managed to perform them, and how he had come across the anamatek in the starting time billet. Albus doubted that he would severalise that story, though. Balladanis never talked about his past.

`` Everyone get up ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus hastily stood up and watched as the residual of the family did the same. Rose and Linda shoved their greenback into their udder, but nobody else had bothered to take bill. The thought had n't even crossed Albus 's mind. He was so used to not taking bill in Defense.

Balladanis moved the board to the sides of the elbow room and Albus joined the queue forming in straw man of the trunk. He stood on his tip-toes and peered around john to try and catch a glance of the anamatek when it emerged from the trunk.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the tree trunk and it shot open up. aught happened for a few mo and then a slimy, scaly kappa crept up over the top of the trunk and climbed out. It stretched out its web hand and started towards Janie Creevey, who was first in the line.

Janie held up her wand and muttered the go. The kappa was shot back towards the bole and Balladanis nodded at Janie. She stepped to the side and Karina walked forward as the kappa recovered.

The queue moved forward and Albus was able to get a good look at the anamatek. It looked exactly like a kappa. If Albus did n't know any punter, he would say that it was a material kappa.

Balladanis made everyone perform the spell until they could do it successfully. rose and Linda got it on their first-class honours degree endeavour, but Amanda had a bit of trouble. Albus had a tone she would be working with the anamatek in her adjacent special aid session. John managed to have succeeder on his first try and he stepped to the side of meat and Albus stepped forward.

The anamatek crept towards Albus, who held up his scepter. Kappas did n't really pall him in the slightest, yet his nitty-gritty had begun pounding faster. The anamatek is what scared him a bit. The thing had the potential to alter into something severe like a chimera at any minute. How much ascendence did Balladanis really have over the thing ?

Albus shouted the trance and the anamatek was thrown back against the automobile trunk and landed with a loud crack.

`` Very good, Mr. ceramist, '' Balladanis smiled ever so slightly, `` A few of the rest of you might wish to take banknote of the force Mr. Potter put behind his spell. A determined kappa would give birth been able-bodied to recover very quickly from most of your trance. Mr. ceramist, on the early hand, would experience been able-bodied to escape if this had been a real kappa. ``

lusterlessness 's go was succeeding and Albus stood next to John to watch him. The kappa was only slightly deterred by Matt 's get-go piece and he had to try about three times to get it to work.

`` Now I know what Balladanis is going to have got me do tomorrow night, '' Matt whispered to Albus as they watched Malfoy take on the kappa.

Malfoy sent the kappa slamming into the automobile trunk with almost as much power as Albus had, earning him a slight smile from Balladanis as well.

`` Where in the epithet of Merlin did Balladanis get that affair ? '' John the Evangelist exclaimed after they 'd left the classroom.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged, `` But I wish he 'd tell us. ``

`` He wo n't, '' matt sighed.

`` I know, but I still want to know, '' John said, `` And what did he do for a life before this ? I mean, I do n't conceive teachers normally come upon anamateks. ``

`` Probably not. I do n't conceive my dad has ever seen one and he 's an Auror, '' Albus pointed out.

`` They are extremely rare in Britain, '' rose ran up next to Albus, `` I bet Balladanis lived in some other area before he started teaching here. Africa or Australia or one of those places where anamateks are Thomas More vernacular. ``

`` Yeah, but they 're not exactly common in those blank space either. My dad has n't seen one either and he worked with magical creatures in Australia for age, '' Matt said.

`` I 'm storm Kendrick lets him have that matter in the schoolhouse, '' Amanda said.

`` I doubt Kendrick knows about it, '' Albus replied.

If Kendrick had n't known about the anamatek before, he most likely did by the end of the day. The entire school was buzzing about it. Apparently Balladanis had not only shown it to his third age, but second gear and fourth through seventh years as well. The usual room was filled with cackle about it after dinner, as well as extremely jealous first years. Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn whined about not being able to see it.

`` Are you quick for Quidditch practice, Al ? '' Peach State said to Albus as Lily and her ally left.

Albus looked up. Peach State 's face was white and she looked more than a petty scared. Albus stared at her curiously.

`` Yeah. But, Georgia, are you ok ? ``

`` I 'll be fine, '' she assured him, `` Balladanis had that anamatek thing turning into a dementor during stratum right before dinner party. We spent the intact class trying to cast Patronuses against it. Let me distinguish you, that anamatek was just like a dementor. '' Sakartvelo closed her eyes and shuddered.

`` You should give some cocoa, '' Albus told her and pulled a hot chocolate frog out of his bag. He tossed it to her.

Empire State of the South caught it and ripped it open. `` Thanks. Let 's go obtain James. ``

Albus said goodbye to his champion and went to go find Saint James with Georgia. He felt a bit unnerve that Balladanis had used the anamatek as a dementor. Having it grow into a kappa was one affair, but a dementor ? They were really dangerous. As far as Albus knew, the Patronus spell was n't actually practiced on dementors until Auror training. Part of Albus hoped that Kendrick would ban the anamatek from the school before he started learning the Patronus magic spell in 7th year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Much to Albus 's surprise, the anamatek was still sitting in Balladanis 's classroom the next class. Albus really thought Kendrick would have made him get rid of it. The class continued practicing on it and after a few sessions with it, Albus got used to the fact that it was an anamatek. As long as it did n't turn into a dementor or a chimaera or something else really dangerous, Albus did n't mind.

Practicing on the anamatek was a lot like practicing dueling anyway. That 's how Albus saw it. Defense classes were beginning to be a lot like dueling practice. Albus was very happy about this, especially since the succeeding dueling tournament was quickly upon him. It took spot on a Saturday in the midsection of Nov, the day before the second inter-school dueling tournament.

`` Nice to see that you actually showed up today, ceramist, '' Malfoy smirked as Albus and Amanda sat down at their squad table.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Lynley Carl David Anderson said as she walked past Albus, `` Or you wo n't duel in the next tournament. ``

Malfoy scowled and Albus smiled to himself. He sat down and looked to the front of the room. The usual dueling band were set up and Neville was standing in front of one. Balladanis was standing in front of the other one. He must possess been chosen to be the former professor in charge of the dueling nine since Albus 's dad left.

The tournament began a light while later and Albus sat back to waitress for his turn. As lots as Albus loved dueling, he could n't stand having to wait while everyone else dueled. He could n't hold off until he was a fifth part year and could try out for the regular dueling club. The teams were a good deal humble for that and Albus would get to duel more during each tournament. If he made the team, that is.

`` Albus Potter and Kaden Dursley, '' Balladanis announced.

Albus looked up and stared at him. Kaden ? Albus turned to yawn at Amanda, who shrugged. Albus was going to have to duel Kaden ? Albus had yet to duel any of his cousins.

Albus got up and walked towards the ring. Kaden was already there when he arrived. Albus and Kaden bowed to each early and then raised their wands.

`` Begin, '' Balladanis said.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Kaden while silently apologizing to him. He really did n't need to duel Kaden.

Kaden 's sceptre flew from his mitt and Albus caught it. Albus looked up at Balladanis. Balladanis was looking at Albus with his piercing stare and Albus quickly looked away.

`` compass point to ceramicist, '' Balladanis said without taking his centre off Albus.

Albus handed Kaden back his wand and went back to his team 's table. Lynley and Amanda congratulated him and he sat back down.

`` I ca n't trust they had you duel Kaden, '' Amanda giggled.

Albus shrugged. It had n't been much of a fight. Albus rarely had trouble dueling anyone during the tourney. The lonesome individual who Albus ever had difficulty dueling was Malfoy, and he was on Albus 's team.

Albus was n't really thinking much about having to duel Kaden. He could n't get the feel Balladanis had given him out of his mind. It was sort of like the looks he 'd received in family, only more daunting. There was a hint of curio mixed in with something Albus could n't depict. It was almost like he was trying to read Albus 's mind, but Albus had had enough experience with that to have it away that Balladanis was n't doing it.

Malfoy was up next and he dueled James. It was a very fast-paced and exciting duel. In the end, Malfoy managed to disarm James. Albus had no approximation how he felt about this. Part of him was happy that his team got the point, but on the other hand, the opinion of his brother losing to Malfoy was rather unsettling.

James had a mutinous tone on his face as he grabbed his scepter out of Malfoy 's outstretched hand. He stormed back to his table without a arcsecond glance at Malfoy or Balladanis.

Albus looked back to Balladanis and saw him giving Malfoy the Saami odd smell he had given Albus earlier. Albus had no idea what to make of that. Balldanis had n't looked at anyone else like that.

The next person Albus dueled was a bit more take exception, but Albus still disarmed her within three minutes. She was a fourthly year Ravenclaw who had the reputation of being the impudent of all the twenty-five percent years.

Balladanis gave Albus the same strange look as he awarded him the point. Albus quickly gave the girlfriend back her sceptre and went back to his table.

Albus 's team narrowly won the tournament. Lynley congratulated everyone and said the total team had improved greatly since the last tournament. Albus and Amanda got up and joined the concourse of people leaving the room. They headed up to the common room, where they had agreed to forgather their acquaintance after the tournament.

`` serious job, '' lavatory said as he sat down next to Albus.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` I mean, you beat me passably quickly. ``

`` Albus is the best dueler out of all of us, '' Matt said as he joined them.

`` Balladanis was certainly interest, '' John said, `` What was up with him looking at you like that ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, `` It was really odd. ``

`` He was looking at Malfoy like that, too, '' Rose said as she and Linda sat down.

`` I 'll bet it 's because you 're both such estimable duelers, '' lustrelessness replied, `` I hate to allow in it, but Malfoy is really skilful. ``

`` Did you see James 's case after Malfoy beat him ? '' John laughed, `` That was pretty amusing. ``

`` I do n't retrieve Saint James would tally with you, '' Albus smirked.

`` well, we should probably do some homework, '' blush wine said.

Everyone groaned but nonentity disagreed. Albus went up to his dormitory and returned with his Holy Writ. He cracked exposed his Herbology book and started an essay that was due on Tuesday.

`` You 're from Australia, are n't you ? ``

Albus 's nous snapped up. Linda was staring curiously at Matt, whose centre were darting about. Everyone else was now staring at Linda. Albus did n't reckon he had ever heard her talk outside of class.

`` Er, why do you conceive that ? '' Matt asked nervously.

`` The other day after defense team, you mentioned that your dad had n't seen an anamatek even though he worked down there, '' Linda explained.

`` Oh, yeah, '' Matt muttered, `` I did used to be there. ``

`` Why did you locomote ? '' Linda asked.

`` My dad 's job, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Linda replied, `` Well, if you had n't, we could have gone to schooltime together. ``

Matt mumbled something under his breath.

`` What ? '' Linda asked.

`` Nothing, '' Matt said and closed his ledger, `` I 'm, er, going to the library. ``

Albus closed his own book and got up to follow lusterlessness, but he had already left. Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who was slowly shaking her head. That was exactly why Matt had wanted to stay away from Linda and Albus could n't blame him.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in silence in the common room. Albus managed to finish his Herbology essay just before dinner. He had no melodic theme if Matt actually went to the library, but found him in the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall at dinner. He made no quotation of what Linda had said, so Albus did n't bring it up. Albus only had plenty time to eat a quick dinner anyway, because he had Quidditch practice afterwards.

******

`` All rightfulness, that 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced as the Vanessa Bell rang the succeed Tuesday, `` exit your essays on my desk on your way out. ``

Albus stowed his wand in his robes and rummaged around in his bag for his essay. For some understanding, Balladanis always collected essays at the end of class. Albus had no estimate why. All the early instructor collected them at the first, presumably to forestall bookman from frantically scribbling their essay during division the day it was due. That would be unimaginable in Balladanis 's year, though.

`` Potter, Malfoy ! '' Balldanis shouted, `` Please see me before you leave. ``

`` expression like you 're getting superfluous help, too, '' John laughed, `` Welcome to the nightclub. ``

`` Somehow I doubt that, '' Matt replied, `` Albus was the only one to cause that anamatek to fly halfway across the room today. Well, besides Malfoy. ``

Albus shrugged and muttered that he 'd meet them in Herbology. His spunk started beating a bit faster as he placed his essay on the pile and stood in strawman of Balladanis 's desk. Why did he want to see him anyway ? Could Balladanis really reckon he needed extra assist ?

Malfoy tossed his essay onto the pile and then leaned up on Balladanis 's desk as he watched the remainder of the class leave.

`` sales booth up, Malfoy, '' Balladanis said as he shut the anamatek 's trunk and walked over to his desk.

Malfoy jumped and quickly stood up straight. Albus stifled a laughter and turned to Balladanis, whose case was expressionless.

Balladanis walked over to the door, shut it, and returned to his desk. `` I could n't aid but discover that both of you won both of your affaire d'honneur utmost Sabbatum. ``

`` I always win both of my duels, '' Malfoy said pompously.

`` I thought so, '' Balladanis replied, ignoring Malfoy 's less than reverential tone, `` I 'm assuming the Sami goes for you, Mr. ceramist ? ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus nodded.

`` Have either of you ever been defeated in a duel before ? ``

`` I 've disarmed Potter during drill, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` And I 've disarmed you, Malfoy, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` Any former times ? '' Balladanis asked.

Albus opened his mouth, but Balladanis interrupted him.

`` During the dueling tourney, Mr. Potter. I have heard about your altercation with Jameson Washburn, Jarret Willinson, and his son. ``

`` No former time, '' Albus replied.

`` I could have defeated Washburn, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I sincerely doubt that, '' Balladanis said, a lot to Albus 's delight, `` But that is not what I have asked to discuss with you. I have noticed, both in category and during dueling tournament, that the two of you seem to possess exceptional science when it comes to dueling. You 're dueling attainment appears to be much higher than the third or even fourth part year level.

`` Therefore, I would like to check both of you privately. There is only so a lot you can learn in a bombastic group with those whose skill is less than your own. I will be able to teach you spell you would n't normally learn until 4th or fifth part year. Are either of you concern ? ``

`` Of line, '' Malfoy said immediately.

Albus could n't think it. His folk and Friend always told him he was an fantabulous dueller, but somehow having Balladanis enjoin him meant more. Balladanis was incredibly tough to please, and not only did he call back Albus was a bully duelist, he was offering to teach him more boost spells. That was incredibly exciting. Albus would be capable to learn spells that James had n't learned yet.

`` Yes, I 'd like that, '' Albus grinned, thinking it would be brilliant to beat Saint James in a duel.

`` I shall see you on Fri at eight, then, '' Balladanis told them, `` After I am done tutoring the less nice in your class. '' He pulled out two pieces of composition and scribbled onto both of them. `` Give these to your teacher, as you are quite late to class by now. Get out of here. ``

Albus took his tone and left the way notion that Friday was an incredibly long sentence away. Private dueling moral. He could n't wait. indisputable, they 'd be with Malfoy, but Albus was willing to put up with him in order to pick up come along spells.

Albus hurried to Herbology, but the class was already well into that day 's object lesson by the time he arrived. He handed his note to Neville and then sat down next to matte, who was shoveling dirt into an empty pot.

`` What did Balladanis require ? '' mat asked.

`` You 're never going to believe this, '' Albus said as he pulled on his glove, `` Balladanis wants to kick in Malfoy and me private dueling lesson. He wants to teach us get along spells that we would n't normally pick up until fourth or fifth year. ``

`` You 're kidding, '' mat said in awe.

`` Nope, '' Albus grinned.

`` But why ? '' matte asked, `` Did he say why he 's teaching you ? ``

`` Just because he thinks we 're good duelist, I guess. ``

`` Well, you are a good dueler, Albus, '' Matt agreed, `` When do you start ? ``

`` Fri at eight. Right after your help seance, actually, '' Albus answered.

`` I 'm not going to the assistance sitting this week, '' Matt lowered his voice, `` And you 'll be having stacks more fun than me. ``

`` Oh, right wing, '' Albus whispered, remembering that the good moon was Friday night, `` I 'll let you know how it goes, though. ``

After Herbology was over, Albus told John, rosebush, and Amanda about Balladanis 's dueling lessons and then had to ingeminate it to Kaden when they ate dejeuner. All of them were excited about it, especially Kaden. Albus suspected he was a bit jealous, too.

The remainder of the week seemed to cringe by at a flobberworm 's pace. It was n't care Albus did n't have anything to keep him busy, but he just could n't think about anything early than the dueling object lesson.

`` Albus, you 've got to stop tapping your pinion, '' Rose said shortly, `` It 's driving me mad. ``

Albus and his friends were in the marauder 's Den. It was Fri eve and dinner had just ended. Albus was trying to concentrate on homework, but it was n't working. Rose and Amanda were both reading. Linda had mysteriously disappeared after her last class and Rose and Amanda had been with Albus and the early son ever since. John and Kaden were discussing a prank that involved charming gobstones to observe the Aurors and prefects around as they patrolled the corridors. pink wine had already advised against this, but toilet and Kaden did n't mind. mat was laying on the sofa with his eyes closed, but he was n't asleep. lavatory and Kaden kept asking him things and he 'd respond with very short answers.

`` Sorry, '' Albus muttered and dropped his quill.

`` So where 's Linda tonight ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She did n't look that large today, though. ``

`` Then she 's probably sucking some animal 's blood in the forest, '' Matt announced.

`` fountainhead, there 's a lovely picture, '' Kaden said loudly, `` Linda biting the neck of some helpless animal and sucking the biography out of it. Think of all the bloodline. It must get all over her face and neck. That 's pretty gross. ``

`` Thanks for that image, Kaden, '' matt replied.

`` It 's serious than her sucking human being blood, '' Rose pointed out.

`` That 's true, '' Kaden agreed, `` So, should we meet the gobstones with stink sap before we charm them ? ``

`` Of course ! '' Saint John the Apostle grinned.

`` And that 's my cue to leave, '' Matt sat up slowly and rubbed his top dog, `` I 'll see you lot tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll see you in the dawning, '' Albus assured him.

`` Have fun, '' Kaden said.

`` Fun, '' flatness muttered on his way out, `` That 's a Logos I 've never used to describe it. ``

`` We 'd better go, too, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, time to go sit through an special defense team lesson, '' john groaned as he stood up.

`` I thought you did n't mind them, '' Rose said.

`` I do n't. They just get old after a while, '' St. John sighed as he and Amanda left.

Albus worked on his homework for the next hour, mainly because there was n't anything else to do. uprise was working on her own homework and did n't appear to need to do anything else. The time of day dragged by at an incredibly slow rate, but eventually Albus packed up his books, said goodbye to Rose, and left for Balladanis 's room.

The door was half-way open when Albus arrived. He took a deep hint, suddenly overcome by nerves, and knocked lightly. There was no response. Albus pushed the door open and walked very slowly inside.

The room was dim. The only ignitor stemmed from a few woolly mullein lit on the walls. It was obviously the same classroom he had Defense course of study in, but it looked completely different in the even.

There was n't anyone left in the room from the extra Defense example earlier. Albus had passed John and Amanda in the corridor. They both wished him good fortune.

Albus looked around the room and saw the trunk that contained the anamatek sitting unnaturally still in battlefront of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis himself was also sitting unnaturally still at his desk. He stared directly into Albus 's eyes and Albus, remembering the Occlumency object lesson he received two years prior, quickly averted his own center and began to close his mind.

`` You know Occlumency, Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis said not as a dubiousness, but as a statement.

Albus nodded as Balladanis slowly rose from his professorship and walked around to the battlefront of his desk. Albus took a step back and nearly collided with the front line table. He swallowed nervously and kept his eye off of Balladanis.

Albus had always been a little wary of Balladanis, but now he had to accommodate that he was a bit scare off. The only way for Balladanis to know that Albus had been practicing Occlumency was if he had actually been performing Legilimency. Albus had enough experience with instructor performing Legilimency on him and he did n't need to do go through that again. The merely thing Albus was thinking about then was how he could bequeath the room without Balladanis getting wary. He wished he had a emesis Pastille or something in his pocket.

`` Who taught you ? '' Balladanis asked.

`` My auntie Hermione, '' Albus muttered. He wondered where Malfoy was. That had to be the first and probably only time he would ever like Malfoy to be present.

`` Hermione Weasley, '' Balladanis mused, `` Yes, she is one of the most accomplished Occlumenses of her coevals. ``

Albus 's brain snapped towards the door as he heard footstep enter the room. He breathed a sigh of succor and had to dampen a laugh at the fact that he was happy Malfoy was in the room.

`` Mr. Malfoy, you 're belatedly, '' Balladanis said.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Malfoy muttered.

`` Sit down, '' Balladanis pointed to the front table.

Albus turned around and sat as quickly as he could in one of the death chair. Malfoy took his time in sauntering over and sat in the chair next to him.

`` Mr. ceramicist. Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis began to stride in social movement of them, `` By now I am for sure you are both aware of my stance on the dark Arts. If not, I suggest paying a bit more attention in class.

`` You may also be aware of my devotion to helping the students who are struggling in my grade. I hold special supporter Roger Huntington Sessions every I day after dinner. However, I also wish to serve those who are truly talented to extend to their dead on target potential.

`` You two are the most talented duelers in the 3rd year, '' Balladanis paused and looked at each of them in the eye, `` I would argue that you are the most gifted duelers amongst the scholar below twenty percent year. I would even bet that you could give a couple of the sixth days a run for their Galleons. ``

Albus stared at Balladanis. He did n't think he was that good of a duelist. He knew he could beat most of the students in the Junior 's Dueling Club, but sixth age ? They were doing N.E.W.T. Defense classes. They knew spell Albus had never even heard of.

`` I would n't go picking combat with 6th years, though, '' Balladanis continued, `` They know spells you do not. What I mean is that you have the talent to acquire magical spell that the sixth old age are learning. The trance I am currently teaching in stratum are incredibly simple for the two of you. What I hope to do is teach you spells that are More at your level. Now, stand up, the both of you. Let 's see what you can do. ``

Albus stood up and pulled out his baton. He had no thought what Balladanis wanted him to do. Would they be practicing on the anamatek ?

Balladanis waved his wand and the desks moved to the position of the classroom. Another wave and the illumination increased. `` I would like you to duel each early. Use any spell that you have learned in school. Do not use any spells you have picked up elsewhere. gentlewoman Pomfrey would not be happy with me if I sent the two of you to the Hospital Wing with missing limbs. Keep going until I say to check. ``

Albus could n't believe it. He was getting to duel Malfoy ! He had been wanting to do that ever since Kendrick had first announced the dueling club. The little practice duel they did were n't really what he had wanted to do, though.

Albus raised his wand and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy was smirking and pointing his baton at Albus. The two of them bowed and Albus took a dance step forward.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his baton at Malfoy.

Malfoy easily dodged the spell and sent a titillation hex at Albus. Albus threw up a shield and then tried to disarm Malfoy. Malfoy jumped onto a nearby desk and the spell collided with a electric chair which collapsed.

The duel continued in this thing for quite some time. Albus tried as hard as he could to actually hit Malfoy with a spell, but Malfoy kept dodging and blocking them. It was driving Albus mad. He kept thinking of everything Malfoy had done to him in the past two long time and how much he wanted to beat up him in this duel. If he beat Malfoy, he 'd cause something on him for the rest of the year.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted for what must have been the tenth time.

Malfoy dodged it and sent the same go at Albus. Albus jumped and the patch hit Balladanis 's desk.

`` That 's enough ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus lowered his scepter and glared at Malfoy. Albus shoved his sceptre back in his gown and looked around to find a chair that remained inviolate. He found one and collapsed into it. That duel had been exhausting.

`` fountainhead, that was certainly concern, '' Balladanis gave a rarefied grin, `` Not a mark on either of you but my classroom has been destroyed. It seems that I was not premature in my judgment of your dueling skills.

`` Have either of you thought about what you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts ? ``

Albus stared curiously at Balladanis. That was an precipitous modification in conversation. Albus had never thought about life beyond Hogwarts. He was only thirteen. He never thought there was any need to think about it yet.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Not really. I mean, I always thought being an Auror would be interesting. ``

`` Indeed it would, '' Balladanis said, `` Your father certainly is happy with it. How about you, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` No idea, '' Malfoy replied.

`` There are many things you can do with dueling acquisition such as yours. I would suggest looking into it, '' Balladanis said.

`` But sir, we 're just third years, '' Malfoy scoffed, `` Is n't it a bit ahead of time ? ``

`` I already knew what I wanted to do at thirteen, '' Balladanis said quietly.

`` And what is that exactly ? '' Malfoy asked.

Balladanis gave Malfoy the strange look Albus had ever seen. It was a combination of sadness, wrath, and pride.

`` I do not wish to talk about that, '' Balladanis said, `` Perhaps you will find out someday. For now, I think it unspoilt we call it a Nox. If you wish to learn advanced turn, return at this prison term next week and we will begin. ``

`` I 'll be here, sir, '' Malfoy said as he walked out the door.

`` Thanks, professor, '' Albus said as he followed.

`` Mr. potter, '' Balladanis said, `` Please state Mr. Eckerton that it will not do for him to skip his redundant avail sitting. ``

`` But sir, '' Albus looked at him incredulously, `` You know what tonight is. He could n't possibly deliver gone. ``

`` The moon did n't uprise until after the session was over. I do not take excuse. ``

Albus sighed to himself as he left. Balladanis had been teaching him for over two calendar month and he still surprised Albus all the time. Albus had seen a different side of him that night. He did truly hate the Dark Arts, that was something Albus did not doubt. But he had also performed Legilimency on him. Albus did n't think he could ever bank a instructor that did that. Not after his experience with Washburn.


A/N : To serve a common question people have left in reviews, I came up with the anamatek, but based it off of boggarts in the HP series. 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.


`` What did Balladanis instruct you ? '' was the first affair Matt asked Albus when he went to see him the following afternoon.

Albus had given every petty detail about the even to his other friends once he returned to the dormitory afterwards and they were impress. lav 's first chemical reaction had been that perhaps Albus would be able to find out what Balladanis did before he began teaching.

`` He did n't really teach us anything, '' Albus explained to Matt, who looked eat up but was paying rapturous attention. `` I dueled Malfoy. ``

`` Wow, '' matt looked instill, `` How was that ? ``

`` Neither of us won, '' Albus sighed, `` Balladanis made us blockade because we pretty lots destroyed his schoolroom. ``

`` I wish I had seen it, '' whoremonger chimed in, `` Bet the facial expression on Balladanis 's face was priceless. ``

`` He just looked affect. He was n't furious or anything, '' Albus told them, `` Then he asked us what we wanted to do with our lives. ``

`` Like what variety of job you want to get ? '' lustrelessness raised his eyebrow, `` You 're only thirteen. ``

`` Yeah, I thought it was strange, '' Albus shrugged, `` But he said I should think about doing something that would put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` Like an Auror ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` I do n't think so. I mentioned that and he kind of made it seem like that would n't put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` I ca n't mean of any other job that you 'd duel more than that, '' Matt replied.

`` I have no estimate what I want to do with my life, '' Kaden announced.

`` Me either, '' King John said, `` I say we 've got spate of time to envision it out. ``

`` I 'll say, '' dame Pomfrey stuck her head in between the curtains, `` And you certainly do not have to project it out now. It 's time for you lot to leave behind. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden reluctantly left the infirmary offstage, lamenting the fact that gentlewoman Pomfrey had n't let them rest very long. They had no idea why the nurse had shortened chew the fat time so much, considering that Matt had n't seemed worse than usual, but they never understood why ma'am Pomfrey did about of the thing she did.

******

Albus 's week could be easily summed up in two language. Quidditch and preparation. Normally he would only complain about the latter, but King Oliver Ellen Price Wood was like a Muggle practice sergeant when it came to Quidditch. Since the match was on Saturday, Joseph Oliver was insisting on daily drill. Albus and the other alternates had to be at every practice because according to Oliver, 'you never know when someone will get throw up or hexed right before a match .'

In fact, Oliver even wanted them to practice on Friday night, the night before the match. Albus was n't too happy about this since he had his lesson with Balladanis at eight. That was the Lapp time Quidditch practice session let out, so he had to run to the defence classroom still completely covered in mud from practice.

He ran into the classroom ten minutes late, pump pounding with worry about what Balladanis was going to say.

`` Mr. Potter, you 're former, '' Balladanis said as Albus entered the room. He and Malfoy were sitting at the front desk.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus said as he joined them, `` Quidditch practice. ``

`` So I gathered, '' Balladanis eyed Albus 's muddy robes, `` I was just telling Mr. Malfoy about the responsibilities that come with learning advanced dueling spells. ``

Balladanis pulled out his wand and pointed it at Albus. Albus 's robe were clean and dry and he muttered a thank you to the prof. Malfoy was smirking to himself.

`` The most significant responsibility is that you can not and I repeat, can not, use the spells I teach you here in the junior dueling tournament. It would give your squad an unjust advantage and you could inadvertently injure your opposition. The go I teach you are not to be used outside this classroom, unless I instruct you otherwise.

`` You are not to duel your fellow educatee in the corridors with these spell. Nor are you to use them against your sibling and cousins, '' his eyes rested on Albus.

`` I also feel the indigence to warn you that these spells are more beat than the single you have been learning. They use a lot of magical energy and do not be surprised if you feel as though you have just run a marathon, '' he turned to Albus again, `` Or played in a very longsighted Quidditch match. ``

Balladanis stood up and gestured for the boys to do the same. Once they did, Balladanis moved the desks aside and stood in between where Albus and Malfoy stood.

`` I am going to give birth you work on your shield charm first- ''

`` I already have a go at it how to do a shield charm, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I am well mindful of that, Mr. Malfoy, and I do ask that you not wonder my instruction style, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` The shield charms you have been using are relatively imperfect and fade away after only a few spells are cast against them.

`` With a comely bit of practice session and genial concentration, one is able to keep the shell up for long full point of time in order to immobilize multiple magical spell. Really skilled duelers can even go along the shell up while casting former spells. That is quite useful, as you can think. It is also possible to shield a groovy many multitude with just one person 's shield charm, which is also very useful. Some shield charms can even protect one against wizard beast attacks, '' Balladanis lowered his voice and averted his eyes at this, which Albus thinking was odd.

`` It takes a lot of concentration to maintain time lag of a buckler spell for so long, which is why the good luck charm can be difficult. I doubt either of you will produce a long term shield charm tonight, so do n't be disappointed. Wands out, both of you, and we 'll see how foresightful you can hold the charm, without any spells hitting it. ``

Albus held up his wand and muttered the incantation for the shield charm. He had practiced this charm legion time before, usually with somebody else trying to hex him at the same time. It was quite easy to just hold it there and even form of boring. He and Malfoy just stared at each other and Albus doubted that either of them were going to drop their carapace. It would be like admitting defeat to the other.

After what must get been at to the lowest degree ten minutes of holding the shield charm, Albus found he was getting tired. His arm ached from holding his scepter up and from throwing so many Quaffles at practice earlier. Malfoy had the advantage since he did n't possess Quidditch exercise. Much to Albus 's discouragement, he noticed his shell starting to peter out. He was n't going to be able to harbor it much longer and Malfoy 's still looked strong.

Balladanis looked at his watch. `` Let the shields go, '' he instructed, `` Wands down. ``

Relieved, Albus lowered his aweary hand and then sat down in a hot seat. Balladanis was right when he said set ahead cuticle were exhausting.

`` Very good, '' Balladanis said, `` Stand up again. Now I 'll see how many spells each of your cuticle can withstand. ``

Albus and Malfoy both put their shields up again and Balladanis sent disarming magical spell at both of them. Albus could find his carapace faltering after the first good luck charm and did n't cogitate it would close as long as Malfoy's.

Albus 's shield fizzled out after three magical spell. Malfoy 's dismantled after four. He had the biggest smirk on his face afterwards, but did n't say anything. He probably did n't require to crow in front of Balladanis. Albus knew he 'd discover about it the next time they had a class together, though.

If only he had n't had Quidditch practice ! Then Albus would stimulate beaten Malfoy. Or at least tied with him.

`` That 's enough for tonight, '' Balladanis said as he eyed Albus. Albus had a flavor that he looked absolutely exhausted.

`` Looks like I 'm the better dueller, '' Malfoy said once they were out of the room.

`` That 's not what it meant, '' Albus muttered, `` We did n't even duel each other. I could quiver you in a really affaire d'honneur. ``

`` And I could stick both of you, '' a Slytherin Prefect, who was making his rounds, said as he walked by, `` So get to your dorm room. ``

Albus had no idea if he could thump the Prefect or not but he did n't want to cohere around to lose theater points. Plus, it was a good excuse to stop talking to Malfoy.

******

The hullabaloo that filled the Great Hall the future morning reminded Albus yet again of the old year 's Quidditch final exam. Only this was n't a final. It was the Hogwarts versus Australia friction match, the initiatory compeer Hogwarts was going to play in.

The Hogwarts team did not sit together at breakfast or lunch. There was considerable argument at recitation the previous dark about this. Oliver Wood, Tyler freeway, and Teddy all wanted the team to sit together in order to squeeze in last minute strategizing, but nobody could agree on which table to sit at.

In the end, Teddy sat with the Gryffindor role player at the Gryffindor mesa, Tyler sat with the Ravenclaw players at the Ravenclaw table, and Oliver walked from table to set back giving out last minute advice. Albus thought this worked out fine since Oliver did n't seem to be able to sit still for Sir Thomas More than a minute.

Albus was kind of relieved that nobody on the Hogwarts squad came down with Spattergroit or lost a finger in potions course of study because he did n't really need to play. He loved Quidditch, but so much was at stake. He wanted to merely watch the outset mates that Hogwarts participated in. Then, if right before the next match, one of the Chasers came down with a cold and ma'am Pomfrey forbid them from playing, Albus would gladly take their place.

The inflammation only increased as Albus and his friends walked to the rake. Rose and Amanda were there, although Linda was n't. Albus thought this was only fitting since Hogwarts was playing against Commonwealth of Australia in this match.

"Welcome, everyone !"Todd Smith 's articulation boomed over the gang,"Hogwarts is playing its initiatory match in the Cup and they are up against Australia ! The Hogwarts team is captained by Oliver Ellen Price Wood with assistance from Ted Lupin and John Tyler throughway !

"The squad is comprised of Peach State Weasley as Keeper ; Damien Waverly, Anna Reilly, and Ferris Fielding as chaser ; Andy Kaper and Allie Davis as Beaters ; and Saint James potter as Seeker.

"The biggest hullabaloo in this catch is whether James Potter will be able to trounce Australian Seeker Linda Morales, who shocked everyone with her speed and agility in the last couple. potter, of trend, is the son and nephew of legendary Gryffindor seeker Harry Potter and Charlie Weasley. He is also being coached by Gryffindor 's other legendary Seeker, Ted lupine, and is on his way towards becoming another legend in the house of Gryffindor."

"Not being very small about James, is he ?"Rose muttered to Albus.

"No, not really,"Albus replied, happy that he was n't in Saint James the Apostle 's position.

"The captains shake hands,"Smith continues,"And they 're off !"

All XIV instrumentalist, half in emerald gullible Aussie robe and half in black Hogwarts ones, rose into the air. Whoever decided on the coloring material must not stimulate been thinking about visibility. If it was a rainy, snowy, or brumous day, you would n't be able to tell the remainder between the two colors.

The peer was fast-paced like the first one had been. All of the Hogwarts players were superb and as far as Albus could tell, equally matched against Australia.

The team were tied xv minutes into the match, each with 120 pointedness. The Quaffle exchanged mitt so often that Albus had a hard prison term keeping up. blush wine had already given up and was talking to Amanda about something. Matt, John, and Kaden were all trying to keep up with the match.

It happened so fast that if Albus had blinked, he would have missed the whole matter. Linda had been hovering above the Hogwarts destination berth and then she shot down towards the footing, pulling out of her dive with the prosperous snitch in her grasp. James had been future to her and was a few measure above her when she caught it. Just like that, in a thing of second gear, the match was over.

"Linda Morales has captured the snitcher, which means Commonwealth of Australia wins 270-120,"Smith announced less than enthusiastically.

"She caught it ?"lav gaped,"But she was above the goal posts two s ago !"

"No one can fly that fast !"Albus agreed.

"It ca n't be over !"matt exclaimed,"It just started twenty minutes ago !"

Everyone around Albus was talking about how fast Linda flew to the sneaker. Albus and his champion descended onto the sales talk and Albus quickly lost them in the sea of citizenry. He pushed his way through the crowd until he found his team.

"They 've got to be cheating !"Andy Kaper shouted to teddy,"They 've rigged her broom or something !"

"All the Calluna vulgaris were fully checked before the match,"Teddy reminded him.

"Well, check over it again !"Andy exclaimed,"There 's a speed appeal on that thing, I guarantee it."

"We 'll have it checked again,"Ellen Price Wood assured him.

"I want a rematch,"Georgia muttered,"They 've got to be cheating. Even a Firebolt 2000 ca n't fly that fast."

"We 're only going to get a replay if there is something wrong with that Calluna vulgaris,"woodwind instrument sighed.

"I want an unofficial flying competition between her and Jesse James,"Damien Waverly said,"There 's no way she 's a near flyer than he is."

James was the only one not talking. He appeared to be in electrical shock. The entire squad was shouting around him, but he did n't look to hear any of it.

"James ?"Albus asked tentatively.

James jumped and looked at Albus without saying a Good Book. Then he trudged off to the changing room. No one else noticed that he left.

No one had noticed Albus show up either, so he joined the crowd of the great unwashed going back up to the castling. He figured it would be easier to tattle to the James once he returned to the common room.

The common elbow room was ominously silent when Albus walked through the portrayal trap. Most people were sitting, staring into blank space, and not talking to anyone. It was a scene more accommodation to someone just dying than a drop off Quidditch match. None of the Aussie who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including Linda, were there. Albus briefly wondered where they were going to go, now that they 'd probably be chased out of every common room.

Albus 's friends were sitting at their usual table and Albus joined them. stand up and Amanda were whispering to each other, but Saint John and matt were unsounded. Kaden was rifling through a stack of chocolate anuran cards.

The match had been the definition of anti-climactic. Hogwarts had spent weeks preparing for it, working every day well past when the sun set. preparation had been ignored and studying put off. All so Hogwarts could perplex Australia. Then, Linda esprit de corps had caught the stoolpigeon XX minute into the match. Linda morale, the only if one who had managed to trump King James I potter at Quidditch.

"You know,"Kaden set down his cards,"If James and Linda had a kid, he or she would be the dear quester in the world."

nobody responded. Albus thought it would be more likely to become best admirer with a chimaera than King James and Linda to get married and have a kid. Not to mention the fact that vampires could n't bear nipper. Kaden probably did n't know that, though.

"I just do n't get it,"trick mumbled,"She must 've cheated."

"You just do n't need to allow in that Hogwarts might not have the scoop Quidditch player in the world,"Rose muttered.

"Let 's go to the piranha 's Den,"Matt whispered as he stood up.

Albus did n't know why lusterlessness wanted to go there, but considering how depressingly quiet the uncouth elbow room was, he was n't about to object.

They passed no one except an Auror on their way to the way. Everyone must sustain been lamenting the Quidditch exit in their uncouth rooms.

"Finally,"Kaden said as he collapsed onto one of the lounge in the room,"Now we can actually talk. The usual elbow room is depressing."

"What do you expect ?"privy groaned,"We lost our first mach. We 're in last place."

"No, we 're not,"rosebush said,"New York lost to Australia with only 40 percentage point. They 're in last place."

"Does n't matter,"John shook his head,"We still lost."

"No one 's ever going to beat Australia,"Albus sighed.

"You 're probably right,"lusterlessness said darkly,"Remember the last compeer ? How quickly she caught the stoolpigeon ? I knew she 'd be fast, but I thought maybe she 'd slow down to even things up a bit. This mate proves that wrong. She 's using the fact that she 's a vampire to her advantage."

"That 's completely unfair !"bathroom shouted,"Why would Kendrick let her do that ?"

"He obviously does n't know,"Rose sighed.

"So, she is cheating,"Albus said.

"Technically, she 's not,"Matt replied,"She 's just really skilled at Quidditch. lamia, and loup-garou, have really lancinate eyesight in parliamentary procedure to,"he paused,"haul prey. She 's better at seeing a Snitch than any human."

"Then why do n't you play Seeker against her !"Kaden exclaimed, grinning at the theme,"That would be more than fair."

Matt burst out laughing."You did n't see me at flying lessons in world-class year. I 'm an awe-inspiring flyer. Sure, I could see the Snitch, but I 'd precipitate off my Scots heather trying to see it."

"Oh,"Kaden deflated.

"plus she 's A-one fast,"John Lackland pointed out,"And Matt 's not. No offense or anything."

"None taken,"Matt said.

"So, what are we going to do about this ?"Albus asked,"If she does n't stop, Commonwealth of Australia 's going to win this competition."

"I think Rose should verbalize to her,"privy suggested.

"Why ?"Rose asked.

"Because she likes you and you like her,"whoremonger said,"Just tell her to fly a little slower."

"Yeah, right,"Rose rolled her heart,"Believe it or not, she 's about as fanatical about Quidditch as you lot are. No way is she going to agree to that."

"It 's rightful,"Amanda agreed.

The way descended into secrecy. The only other thing Albus could think of to do would be to tell Kendrick that Linda was a vampire. That would get her off the Australian Quidditch team for trusted. However, Albus did n't really want to do that. blush wine would hex him to following century and she 'd probably never mouth to him again. It would be a lot like if Rose told someone Matt was a werewolf and if that happened, Albus would have the same response. Not that Rose would ever do that.

They stayed in the Marauder 's Den until dinner. Dinner was much more than subdued than normal and James never made an coming into court. Linda was sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor board with only fella Aussie near her. That kind of surprise Albus since he had never once seen her interact with anyone besides pink wine and Amanda.

"Albus,"someone put their paw on Albus 's shoulder.

Albus turned around and saw his dad, wearing the same forlorn look all the scholar were wearing.

"Dad,"he said,"Were you at the couple ?"

"Yeah, I was sitting with Lily,"Harry nodded,"Have you seen James River ?"

"Have n't seen him since rightfield after the mates. He went into the changing rooms. Actually, I have n't seen teddy bear either. Maybe he 's with James."

"Merlin, I hope so,"Harry ran a paw through his pilus,"I 've checked everywhere I can conceive of. make me wish I had n't given him the map."

"You can use mine,"Albus suggested,"But I want to go with you."

"All right,"Harry said,"Let 's go."

Albus said sayonara to his friends and walked up to Gryffindor tower with his dad. He ran up to his dormitory once he was there and retrieved the map. The dormitory was evacuate, so Albus and his dad looked at it there.

They scoured the Hogwarts subdivision of the map for nearly five minutes before coming to the decision that King James I was no longer in the school.

"Bloody hell,"Harry muttered,"Where did he go ?"

Albus pressed the identification number two in the corner of the map with his wand and the map of Hogsmeade appeared. This one was a bit more difficult to seek than the Hogwarts one had been. almost of the Hogwarts students had been in the Great Hall. Everyone was spread out in Hogsmeade.

Two dot made Albus halt. Two dots were in the Shrieking shack. A closer looking at told him they were shimmy and James. Albus gasped. Why were they there ? How did they get in for that matter ?

"Dad,"Albus pointed to the shriek Shack.

"The shriek hut ?"Harry shouted and stood up.

Albus followed him out of the dormitory and then out of the common room."How 'd they get in ?"Albus asked once they were walking through the corridors.

"slip knows the counter-charm for those wards,"Harry muttered.

"Why ?"

"Everyone who goes through Auror preparation learns a very large change of counter-charms. One of them was bound to work on that tree. Now, he was n't supposed to use them outside of training, so I really have no hint what he was thinking,"Harry explained

It had gotten cold and windy outdoors since the match, which really made Albus wonder why chemise and James would go to the Shrieking hutch of all places. The decrepit old building had no heat, for Merlin 's sake.

Albus dodged a branch from the Whomping willow as they neared it. Harry aimed his wand at the bottom and muttered the counter-charm. Then he froze the tree. Albus hurried after him into the passageway.

The walk to the Shrieking shanty was rattling and silent. Albus, who had been on the receiving end of many a public lecture from his dad, knew that both shift and James I were going to get one once they made it to the Shack.

Harry carefully opened the door and walked into the subdued old building. Hushed phonation could be heard from the rearwards room. Albus followed his dad back there.

Teddy and James were both sitting on the floor. James looked a complete mess, still wearing his muddy Quidditch robes and his face was all blotchy. shift did n't look much better, although his robe were a bit cleaner.

"chemise. James,"Harry said sternly when he entered,"What in the figure of merlin 's pants are you doing in this place ?"

Both boys snapped their heads up at the sound of Harry 's voice.

"Trying to convert Saint James not to give the full-grown mistake of his life,"shift muttered.

"That sounds a bit overdramatic,"Harry said.

"He wants to fall by the wayside the Quidditch squad,"Teddy said dryly.

"That is the most idiotic thing I 've heard,"Albus shouted,"You ca n't do that !"

"Albus,"Harry warned.

Albus shut his mouth, but he still thought the very idea of James quitting the team was mental. They 'd get no hope of ever beating New York, let alone Australia, without James.

"Twenty mo, Dad,"James I said in barely more than a whisper,"20 minutes."

"We 've all had our bad matches,"Harry said quietly as he sat down next to St. James,"I fell off my Scots heather in my third gear year and lost a match."

"Because of the dementors,"Henry James muttered,"There were n't any dementors at this match."

"James, I 'm afraid everyone has made you out to be the unbeatable Seeker. Todd 's commentary today proved that. The stakes are set so richly with you that when you do lose a mates, it completely shocks everyone. It 's kind of unfair, actually, because cipher can win every match,"Harry replied,"You 're not the unbeatable Seeker, I 'm afraid. And running away will get you nowhere."

"I suppose,"William James sighed.

"You 're playing New York next,"Harry reminded him,"They lost to Australia sooner than we did. I think you have a chance at catching the canary then."

"I guess,"James replied.

"So you wo n't drop out ?"Albus asked, ineffective to save quiet any longer.

"No,"Jesse James said.

"Good. Because Lisa Galivant is nowhere near as good as you. You 're the skillful searcher Hogwarts has got,"Albus told him.

"Thanks, Al,"James gave him a half-smile,"Too bad Australia 's got a better one."

Albus nodded, wishing that he could just tell James why Linda was so salutary. But he had form of promised Rose he wouldn't.


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

I 've written a new song fic, Lie to Me. It 's a Remus/Tonks and is in no way connected to my Albus series, but if you guys want to check it out, that would be awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On their way back to the castle, Harry gave Teddy and James that lecture Albus had been expecting him to pay. Albus walked a footling ways behind them. Far enough to pretend them think they had privacy, but close enough that Albus could hear what they were saying.

Harry made it clear that he was not impress that Teddy was taking advantage of the charms he was learning in training. In fact, Harry said if he caught shimmy doing it again, he 'd have to account it.

Then he told James that the Shrieking hovel was well out of leap and that if he went in there again, he 'd account James to Professor Longbottom. Albus doubted either of them would set foot in the situation again.

"Why did n't you just go to the Room of Requirement if you wanted seclusion ?"Harry asked before leaving Saint James and Albus in the entrance Hall.

shift and James looked at each former and then laughed."It was otherwise occupied,"Teddy grinned,"Fred 's got himself a girlfriend. They were enjoying the seclusion of the elbow room of Requirement."

Harry smiled and shook his head."side by side sentence, just ask Neville if he 'll let you talk in his study. I 'm indisputable he will. I 'll see you boys after term is over, then."

Albus and James said good day to their dad and Teddy and then walked back up to Gryffindor Tower in muteness. King James I was obviously still upset over the match and Albus did n't want to say anything to make it worse.

"They 're doing a full investigating of Linda 's broom !"Rose announced when Albus found them in the common way. James had gone directly up to his dormitory.

"Yeah, Wood 's just told us,"John continued,"Stripping it down, plus they 're interviewing the Aboriginal Australian senior pilot, headmaster, and everyone on the squad, including Linda."

"Wow,"Albus was impressed. They would n't feel anything, of class, but it was still nice that they were taking this seriously,"Wish it would actually help."

"Me, too,"John agreed,"So where was James ?"

"The Shrieking Shack,"Albus whispered.

Matt dumped his ink bottle all over his homework and swore."How 'd he get in ?"

"He was with chemise and Teddy knows the counter-charm from Auror training,"Albus said quietly,"But he was n't supposed to use it outside of breeding, so my dad told him if he does it again he 'll get in bother. Do n't worry, neither of them will go in there again."

"Still, of all the places they could 've gone ..."Matt 's vox trailed off.

"Why were they there ?"rose wine asked as she siphoned the ink off of matt 's homework.

"Saint James the Apostle was thinking of quitting the squad,"Albus whispered,"Do n't worry, he did n't,"he said quickly when he saw the sicken look on lavatory 's face.

"fountainhead, thank Merlin for that,"John said.

******

It must suffer been a behind news day the side by side day. One of those mean solar day where the front man Sir Frederick Handley Page clause of the Prophet was about a Lester Willis Young ace who had graciously volunteered his time in the closed Barbara Ward at St. Mungo 's or an elderly crone who passed away, leaving her fortune to her cats.

That is, if it were n't for the fact that the department of Magical Games and play and the Department for International Magical Cooperation doing an all out probe on the Australian schoolhouse of black art 's Quidditch team, Linda team spirit and her broom in particular.

Albus was quite shocked to see the lengthy article by Rita Skeeter on the movement page. He hardly ate any breakfast as he read it out loudly to his friends before classes.

The Australian school day of necromancy : Did They Cheat ?

In a competition of Quidditch and dueling, which reminds
many a witch and champion of the thrilling and slightly
more dangerous Triwizard Tournament, accusations came
yesterday of whether the team from Australia cheated.

A compeer was held between the Hogwarts and Aboriginal Australian
teams yesterday good afternoon and was over in 20 minutes.
The score was 270-110, in favor of Australia. Linda
morale, 13, of Australia, caught the Snitch in what
some people believe to be an impossibly fast speed.

"It was like one minute she was flying above the tar
and I blinked and then she was on the ground with the
sneaker in her hand,"one Hogwarts student said.

Many other students and a few staff members recalled
the same thing. The many attestor of this most
out of the question flying have fueled the investigation.

If it is discovered that Australia used any good luck charm,
potions, curses, hex, or anything else deemed
unsufferable by International Quidditch standards,
a rematch will be played between Hogwarts and
Australia.

"We do n't know what we 're going to find,"Ian
Herkimer, of the section of Magical Games and
Sports, said late yesterday,"On the one manus, it
is nearly impossible for a thirteen class old girlfriend
to fly that fast on the broom she was using. On
the other hand, all the brooms used in this
competition were extensively searched for magic spell
before the match. It could very well be that young
Linda Morales is just an exceptionally in force
Quidditch player. If that is the case, then scouts
from professional teams may wish to pay attention
to this competition."

Perhaps the most connive part of this write up is
that the Hogwarts quester is none early than James I
ceramicist, son of the legendary Gryffindor Seeker
Harry potter. James Potter, 15, has lived up to
his Fatherhood 's reputation in the past and has never
lost a match this quickly before. Neither James
or his Fatherhood were usable for comment.

Is Linda team spirit a cheater ? Or is she merely the
future greatest Quidditch asterisk ?

"Great,"Albus set down the paper,"beginning she 's going to win this competition and then be drafted to toy for Puddlemere United."

"We do n't have to worry about her playing for the Cannons,"privy smirked,"That would get rid of their awed reputation."

"That would be a bad affair because ... ?"mat said.

"I would n't get to clear fun of them anymore,"John grinned.

"Not a bad matter,"Matt replied.

The entire school was talking about the article all day long. Everywhere Albus went, someone was discussing it. Most likely due to this, James spent the day in his dormitory.

"Why 'd Skeeter have to stupefy St. James in that article,"Albus lamented as he, matt, John, and Kaden wandered the corridors. rose and Amanda had gone to find Linda, to see if she knew anymore item about the investigation.

"Because she 's Rita Skeeter,"toilet said,"She never writes an article without sticking your dad in it somehow."

"I know. Rita Skeeter 's horrible,"Albus said.

"There are a few reporter in Commonwealth of Australia who could contribute her a run for her money,"Matt muttered.

"So irresponsible !"a hushed voice said from a classroom they were passing.

Albus stopped. He did n't recognize the voice and it did n't sound happy. He gestured for his friends to give up as well and paused to listen.

"We 're already skating on sparse ice !"the man was saying,"First she catches the Snitch ten second into the get-go mates and now she flies too tight for mass to see and ticktack King James I ceramicist ? Now there 's an investigating for Merlin 's interest !"

"I did n't know she was going to do that !"another man said,"I made it realise to her that she could only fly slightly better than the other players !"

"Told you they were cheating,"John whispered.

"We were n't the 1 arguing with you,"Albus replied,"That was Rose."

"The fella doing the yelling is the Australian headmaster,"Matt said.

"The other one 's probably the headwaiter, then,"Albus said.

"Well, you must not ingest told her enough because now she 's on the look page of the Prophet and the Ministry is investigating ! Do you have any idea what 's going to materialize if anyone finds out ?"the headmaster raised his voice.

"Of course I do !"

"Let me refresh your computer memory anyway. We 'll both be fired and Australia will be out of the competition. Inferno, we 'll be favorable to get away with fines and no clink metre !"

"That would n't be a bad thing,"John muttered.

"You hear that ?"the headmaster barked,"Someone 's out there."

Albus turned in affright to his supporter and before he could run, the threshold opened all the way and Albus was staring at who he assumed to be the Australian Quidditch captain. The man was magniloquent and lanky, the perfect build for a Chaser. His tomentum was messy in a way that reminded Albus of his Padre, but this man 's whisker was clean brown.

The master appeared behind the man, along with a surly looking boy who must 've been around teddy bear 's age. Albus assumed he was the assistant captain.

"fountainhead, who have we here,"the headmaster smirked.

Albus was frozen in spot. The backbone of his mind said to run, but he could n't get his wooden leg to wreak. He was staring the blighter who was so prejudiced against werewolves that he refused to let Matt look his school in the face.

"You 're the Potter boy,"the headmaster continued,"The younger one."

Albus forced himself to nod only because he did n't really need to be mistaken for Saint James at the moment.

"That means ..."Killigan 's middle moved from Albus to St. John the Apostle, Kaden, and then Matt,"That one of you is probably,"his eye rested on Matt and then he smiled,"The Eckerton boy. I was told you were here."

Albus turned to look at Matt, who was now almost as white as professor Binns. Albus shook his head, grabbed Matt 's arm, and took off running. The footstep behind him told him that John and Kaden were following.

Albus did n't discontinue running until he made it to the Marauder 's Den. He completely ignored the Prefect who told him not to run in the corridors and Filch 's new cat.

"Bloody netherworld, how did he manage to figure out which one of us you were ?"Saint John the Apostle asked Matt once they shut the door,"He has n't seen you in old age !"

"Lucky hypothesis,"Kaden shrugged.

Matt shook his head."No. None of you lot have blonde hair."

"But still, how does he know I 'm friends with you ?"Albus asked,"Of all the blond haired pupil here, he picked you. He somehow knows we 're friends. Remember, he said 'you must be the Potter boy', which is n't abnormal. Everyone knows who I am. But then he said 'which means you must be the Eckerton boy .'someone 's telling him about you."

"So much for trying to ignore him,"Matt groaned,"Now he knows who I am. Merlin knows what he 's going to try to do now."

"Why does he even like ?"Kaden asked,"I thought he did n't need you at his school. If he hates werewolves so much, would n't it piss more sense that he ignore you ?"

Kaden had a spot. Albus had n't really thought about it before, but it was kind of strange that Killigan would be so occupy in Matt. But then, why would he let a vampire attend his school ?

"That actually makes a lot of sense, Kaden,"Matt said,"Why does he care ?"

Albus did n't be intimate, but something told him it meant nothing good. Whatever Killigan was doing here, it went deeply than just trying to win a Quidditch tourney by having a lamia for a Seeker.

******

It took the Ministry three days to fill out the probe. During this time legion Ministry functionary appeared at the school and held interviews with Killigan, the Aboriginal Australian captains, and the Australian players. They even interviewed James IV, Oliver Wood, Todd Smith, and prof Kendrick. Albus heard that every broom on the Australian team had been stripped and checked for illegal magic.

The outcome were announced before Rita Skeeter wrote another article. A Ministry official read them at dinner Wed evening.

"Upon conclude inspection of all the Australian broom handle as well as extensive interview with everyone involved, the Ministry is able to say that Linda Morales 's capture of the Snitch was a result of pure talent and nothing illegal. I thank you all for your cooperation during this prison term,"he said and then resumed his seat next to Kendrick.

The Great Hall erupted in angry shouts. Everyone was staring at Linda and it looked like she wanted to disappear. blush wine and Amanda were sitting on either slope of her and rose wine was whispering to her.

Albus and his friends were n't expecting anything different, but they had to act angry for coming into court 's sake and it was not difficult to do so.

Kendrick eventually had to stand up and evidence everyone to tranquillise down. It worked, but nobody stopped talking about the results.

It was still possible for Hogwarts to win the competition. If they won every lucifer from now on and continued doing well in dueling. The competition was n't even half over, so there was plenty of metre to pull ahead. However, the luck of doing so were low so long as Linda was playing searcher for Australia.

The balance of the week passed with continual Quidditch discussion. James River was still abnormally subdued and sat quietly with Ben, Cedric, and Nate every eve in the vernacular elbow room. Albus was hoping it would blow over during the holiday. It was unusual seeing his brother so quiet.

There was a Hogsmeade visit that Saturday and true to her word, blush wine went with Albus and his friends instead of Linda.

It was a particularly cold and blustering wintertime day with a truelove snowfall that had already dumped six in on the grounds. This was n't nearly enough snow to proceed masses out of Hogsmeade and all the shops were full to capacity.

Kaden had begged Albus to give him the map so he could sneak in, but Albus refused. The Hogsmeade sojourn before Dec 25 seemed too bad. Too many students went on that one. The Valentine 's Day one would be better, when the other students were too absorbed in their love lives to note a second twelvemonth in Hogsmeade.

"Let 's go get Butterbeer first,"Amanda suggested as they made their way into the village,"I 'm already frozen solid."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The tercet Broomsitcks was already packed, but they managed to find a table and Albus went to get five Butterbeers. When he returned, everyone was talking about what they were doing for the holidays.

"My mum has decided she wants one of my aunt to do Christmas this yr,"John said,"She 's done Christmas at our house since she and my dad got married and it 's finally worn her out. The funny matter is that none of my aunt really know what to do, so my mum is doing as much body of work as she always does."

"I ca n't imagine Christmas not being at the Burrow,"pink wine said.

"Me either,"Albus replied as he set down the Butterbeer,"The tunnel is just so Christmasy."

"Believe it or not, but I 'm not going to Australia for Noel this class,"lusterlessness announced.

John spit out his Butterbeer."What ?"he coughed,"You always go to Australia."

"I know,"matte said,"Never had a Christmas anyplace else."

"Why ?"Albus asked.

"Well, you know how my dad 's going to be the new Head of the department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He officially starts on Jan second. But the Ministry is throwing a fantasy company for him on New Year 's Eve. He did n't really need it, but they insisted. So, we 've got to go to that. Hopefully it 'll be unspoilt than the political party my grandparents have."

"rosebush and I will probably go to that, too. My dad 's always invited to those things since he 's head of the Auror Department. My whole kin goes to them. There 's always something to do, especially if James is feeling particularly puckish. blush wine 's parents get invited, too. So does my Uncle Percy,"Albus explained.

mat grinned."Well if you lot are there it wo n't be bad."

"This party 's going to be anything but boring,"Albus grinned.

"Never thought I 'd care I was going to a fantasy company,"Saint John the Apostle sighed,"How about you, Amanda ? Any parties ?"

"Nope,"Amanda laughed,"Just spending time with my family."

They finished their Butterbeer and went back out into the snow. Honeydukes was their beginning stop, where Matt proceeded to buy plenty hot chocolate to feed all of Gryffindor. His excuse was that it was for Christmastide presents, but Albus doubted as to whether the chocolate would ever throw it home.

Honeydukes was really too crowded to stay on in very long, as were near of the other shops. They wound up just wandering up and down senior high Street until they got to the Shrieking Shack.

After a very abbreviated snowball fight rose suggested they just go back to the school and expend time in the marauder 's Den. Nobody argued since they were all frigidity and wet from the snow.

******

The next two workweek went by in a blur for Albus. It seemed like he just went from one Quidditch pattern to another, with dueling practice and lessons with Balladanis thrown in. Albus had started making onward motion with his cuticle charms, but so had Malfoy and neither of them were better than the other.

At their close deterrent example of the full term, Balladanis reiterated how authoritative it was for them not to pattern while at nursing home. He then told them to deliver a good holiday and be fix to work even harder when they returned.

Linda 's pose collar of the canary had already started to blow over before term ended. Everyone seemed much more focused on getting a few weeks off from school than a fall back Quidditch match. This helped return St. James the Apostle to his normal self and he finished off the terminus with his usual pre-holiday prank.

This one was a little LE harmless as he just charmed the cause of armor to sing Yule carols at random times of the day. Of course, the carols were alternated with 'Hogwarts will win the Cup'and 'Hogwarts is better at Quidditch than Australia'and 'Hogwarts will outsmart New York in the next match'. James was never caught, though.

Eventually the carol wore off as did the pro-Hogwarts message and everyone packed and got ready to go home. Albus wondered for a moment what it would be like to stay at school over the holiday. He knew his dad had done nearly every year, but Albus could n't imagine not being with his mob for Christmas.

Albus and his friends found a compartment towards the back of the train and settled in for the long journey.

"What are the Aussie and American language kids doing for Christmas ?"Kaden asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"Some of them are going household, but most are just staying at Hogwarts. Linda 's staying,"Rose told them.

"I bet it was Linda,"John muttered absentmindedly.

"What ?"Albus asked.

"Linda. I 'll bet every Canute the Great in my sack that she 's the one who told Killigan who flatness was,"can explained.

"You 're just mad at Linda for winning the couple,"Rose rolled her eyes,"She did not tell Killigan."

"Why not ?"Albus asked,"He 's her schoolmaster. Why would n't she say him ?"

"I do n't experience. I just do n't cogitate she did,"Rose muttered.

"Even that does n't explain why Killigan wanted to know,"Amanda pointed out.

"Which means we have to get hold out,"Albus said.

"discovery out what ?"Matt asked sleepily. The full moon was that nighttime and he had fallen asleep as soon as they got on the train.

"Why Killigan was so concerned in you that time we spied on him,"Albus explained.

"Oh,"Matt said as he leaned his head against the window,"How are we going to do that ?"

Albus did n't do it. All he knew was that it could be baffling and there was a big probability of them getting in difficulty. An unsettling silence fell upon the compartment. No one knew how they were going to get answers.

"Do you mean Linda 's teammates know she 's a vampire ?"Kaden asked towards the end of the journeying.

Albus, who had been drifting off to kip, lifted his head up."dependable question."

"They do n't,"Rose respond,"They just think she 's really good."

"Interesting,"Albus said,"I bet she would n't be allowed to play professionally."

"She would n't,"John confirmed,"Vampires ca n't play professional Quidditch. It 's unfair to the residuum of the teams."

"I 'd pay a lot of money to see two teams of vampires playing Quidditch against each other,"Albus grinned.

"You would n't be able to see them,"whoremaster laughed,"They 'd be flying too fast."

"I 'd wish to see vampire play football,"Kaden announced.

"Of course you would,"trick rolled his eyes.

The boys spent the quietus of the trip discussing vampire Quidditch while Rose and Amanda played Muggle wag game. Before farsighted they were in London.

All of their parents were standing together on the program. Albus said a quick goodbye to Matt before his parents hurried him out of the place.


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

For those who are concern, I posted a sort of epilogue/short continuation to In moonlight 's darkness. It 's called lifetime Amidst the moonlight and is on my generator 's page.