Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the bathroom and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the utmost time. ketchup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupid. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just call on that around on him and tell him it was his own defect for staying up too late the premature night.

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

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to guess up a just excuse to decamp going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable people on the fount of the planet, save for his aunt oleo.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. sure as shooting, they 'd showered him with endless natural endowment on his birthday and Xmas, but that was the only way they showed their affection. wellspring, aside from his granny 's bone shattering hugs, which were surprisingly tight considering her small frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the succeeding door neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the downfall. Smelting 's was an elite school that his grandfather and his forefather had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous meter and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up prof, and the kids who constantly argued about whose male parent had the substantially job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At first, his Father of the Church was willing to weigh letting him see populace school with all his booster, but after his granddad had his say, there was no discussing the thing. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to sour for Grunnings, the same drill company that his grandfather and Father of the Church worked for. What a oil production life.

Perhaps if he tried real strong, Kaden would be able-bodied to give himself a febrility. He 'd done it once, a few eld ago. His parents had wanted him to look some sort of oeuvre related party for his grandad, and Kaden had been dreading it. half hour before they were supposed to leave, his temperature spiked to five degrees above normal and he 'd been able to skip the company. The trump piece was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no mind how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot thing such as vent and the Equator, but even after fifteen minutes of thought process, he still felt perfectly normal. It must take in been a good luck, the other time. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft knock on his room access and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the room access, revealing his mother standing in the doorway. She was a short woman with straight brown hair, the Saami colouring as his own, that was spirit level with her chin.

"Kaden, right, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandpa wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's commence a new digital camera and needs to rent some picture show of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it last prison term I saw him."

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

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

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

Not ten minutes later the doorway burst open and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally squall at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearing to inconvenience shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, complete with effervescent horseshoe and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her foresighted blonde hairsbreadth was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly case and preferred to wear jeans and a jersey while kicking a football game around with Kaden.

"Grandma genus Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so much better than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can shoot pictures of me, too."

"want he 'd just consider word picture of you,"Kaden muttered.

"Mummy did my hair's-breadth. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

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

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the door, and not only because of the ground to the highest degree parents would n't let their seven-year-old girl answer the room access. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty chocolate bars from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

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

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the window. There was a man standing on their social movement porch wearing an outfit even foreign than Bethany 's. In fact, it kind of looked like Bethany 's. It was a clothes. A blackness robe-like wearing apparel. Kaden had to stifle his laughter as he opened the door.

"hello,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's father, but marvellous than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a happy smile on his face.

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

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

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

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

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

More rummy than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoop. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the unusual dress-like rig he was wearing ? If that was the subject, then he 'd have got no luck at the Dursley 's home. At to the lowest degree he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly admit men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in denim and a t-shirt that was stretched over his rather large belly. His blonde hair was keen and tidy, which Kaden was for sure was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't fuss around with his hair.

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

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

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

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

Kaden held the door undefended and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents lead them into the animation room. Christina ran to fetch potable while Neville settled himself onto one of the couch. Dudley sat in the chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

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

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

"This may come as a bit of a cushion for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his soda and started coughing. Christina let out a modest pant and turned to calculate at Dudley, who had gone pale Andrew Dickson White. The two shared a feel and then turned back to Neville.

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

"That 's a stupid public figure,"Bethany announced.

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

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

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

Kaden was fully snappy now. What sort of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to clear a place ? He had n't applied to any former schooltime besides Smelting 's. Of form, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a plaza, he wanted to go. Anything was upright than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

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

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

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

"fountainhead, you 're going to have to explain now,"Neville said."I 'll wait. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

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

"Of path I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't require to go to Smelting 's and here 's the double-dyed reason not to !"

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

nobody said anything for a few present moment. Kaden continued to glower at his forefather. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own don stick up for him ?

"sufficiency,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the gene ! He 's been making odd things happen for yr. We tried to ignore the preindication, but we knew it might hap. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't have been felicitous going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a grown man, Dudley, make conclusion regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his gene ? It could n't be intelligence activity. Kaden knew he was norm, no dear than almost of the youngster his age. Maybe it was football game skills ? Kaden was a fairish football player, but no one else in his family unit was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

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

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

Dudley looked up and his centre met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A limited schooling that Harry attended when we were kids. It 's a school of magic, for enchantress and wizards-"

"Wait,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and magic baton and stuff and nonsense ?"

"Wands yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a enchantment,"Neville said as he pulled out a retentive stick which Kaden assumed was a wand.

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

"Holy bullshit,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got conjuration running through my gene ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

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

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be capable to fix prep do itself. Think, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't explain ?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"Right,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to live with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him nothing about magic or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic trick, they could stamp it out of him. They hate deception. When he turned eleven a man showed up to order him all about it and propose him a place at Hogwarts."

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

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

Kaden nodded. Quite a few doubtfulness were going through his caput, but he could n't forecast out which to ask first.

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

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

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

He unfolded it and read it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his toleration and was signed by the deputy headmistress, prof Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts expressage would provide from King 's hybrid station on Sept first, from a political platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

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

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of provision. It was full of odd books such as Magical Herbs and kingdom Fungi, governance scale, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't have already known about trick, he would 've thought the whole thing was a joke.

"I can train you to British capital and read you where Diagon Alley is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

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

"That 's mulct,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore inquiry ?"

"Am I a witch ?"Bethany asked.

"fountainhead, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a alphabetic character the summer you 're eleven then you 're a beldame. If not, then you 're not a witch."

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

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

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

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

"What do you teach ?"Kaden asked.

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

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


The only sound at dinner was the Chinaman of utensils hitting the People's Republic of China plates and the meretricious burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a glass of sodium carbonate, earning him a buns regard from his grandmother. It seemed that nobody could suppose of anything to talk about. Even the usual topics of the weather, mutation, and study had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given exacting orders by their father not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or sorcerous whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated magic with a cacoethes, something that kind of amused Kaden but seemed to scare his father. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his small fry.

Vernon and genus Petunia were still under the mental picture that Kaden was going to attend Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his photo taken by his granddad while wearing his Smelting 's uniform.

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

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would induce football. wiz would still play play, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than goose egg, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an splendid football team. I 'll give the coach a mob and let him know you 'll be joining."

"Well I 'm not for certain yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his cultivated carrot around his plate.

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

"We 'll need to bulge you up, too,"genus Petunia commented as she placed another porc chop on Kaden 's home plate.

"I 've already been to the schoolhouse twice,"Vernon said as he took another large swig of brandy."Spoke with all your professors and they 're quite rouse to see you. Long pipeline of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

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

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered.

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

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

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

"Every holiday, coming plate with wonderful account of your Friend and all you 'd done during the past times terminal figure ..."petunia smiled as she reminisced.

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

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the Potter blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the ceramicist side of the syndicate, just the Sir Arthur John Evans incline. So he had Evans blood.

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

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

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

"This is laughable, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not bazaar to the kids."

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

Christina stood up."I 'd like to let the cat out of the bag with you in private, Dudley."

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

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

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

Vernon dropped his brandy ice and it shattered onto the table. petunia looked so shocked that she did not even move to clean it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

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

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

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

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

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

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

populace school ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to switch one lie for another ?

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

"Every boy in our family unit has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his clenched fist down on the table."You ca n't infract that tradition."

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

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

Kaden wished the solid ground would open up up and swallow him whole. Was that the sort of thing he could do with conjuring trick ? It would be very useful for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."mark my Son. Smelting 's is the lonesome suitable schoolhouse out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandpa, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any schooling besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't require his grandfather to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that frightening if they told him ? Did he really detest magic that much ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A wizard just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all mavin. Did that think his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening notion in the pit of his stomach and he pushed his plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

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

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

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so commove about finding out that he was a mavin. It explained all the strange thing he 'd done in the past. The pyrexia was not the entirely time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his motorcycle, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no more than a scratch. Another time he 'd provide a library book at dwelling house that he had meant to add back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing wizards telling Muggles about magic trick ? That would explain why near Muggles did not know about magic. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must deliver done strange things as a baby and Kaden wondered if his own father had realized what Kaden was when he did strange thing.

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


The adjacent few hebdomad were both exciting and clumsy. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to count down the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. until he got to leave behind for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would engage them to Diagon alley a few calendar week before term started and Kaden was very a good deal looking forward to that.

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

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

The affair was very muted at first, with nobody knowing what to say and the only phrases mentioned being"pass the salt"or"could I have some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a 1 word, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to babble a lot.

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

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to pay heed public school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small, private schoolhouse in Scotland. He did n't practice, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell us-"

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

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

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

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

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

"A tone about what ?"petunia asked.

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

Vernon gave Kaden a very unknown look, one that made Kaden experience mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of confusion, anger, and the svelte bit of revulsion, as if he could not stand to think that someone actually related to him was a maven. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

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

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

"He 'd be dependable off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new glass."Smelting 's wo n't be well-chosen to see this."

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just well-chosen he 'd never have to set substructure in the place again. Anything would be better than Smelting 's and what little he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a little Sir Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his granddaddy, but he still loved him and hated tactual sensation as if it was not mutual.

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

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

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

Kaden and his home did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed prepared to visit any longer. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the room access, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the bread and butter room before they left.

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

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very contentedness. His grandparents may not have been felicitous about his attendance Hogwarts, but they did not seem to hate him for being a genius, and that was as effective as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon skittle alley with Harry and the relief of his magical cousins. It would be his first taste of the magical worldly concern and he could not wait.


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

If you enjoyed this, check out Albus Potter and the Tracks They Left fanny, in which Kaden 's history is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus ceramist stared out his bedroom window and watched as an owl flew closer and closer to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a handwriting through his messy black hair's-breadth as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the only when one awake at this hour anyway. His brother Saint James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summertime. Albus slept in for the first off few workweek, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an sooner time of day. Albus watched the owl through his green eyes as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a turgid brown screaming owl that Albus immediately recognized as his supporter, flatness Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to untie its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the alphabetic character. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped give the gasbag. It had been week since he had last seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. John Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a couple time. Albus unfolded the letter and silently read it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and Rose 's birthday party !
I really was n't sure enough if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your sign of the zodiac a couple twenty-four hours before
the party, in about three workweek, and I can stay a yoke days after,
too. But then I 'll bear to go place ; you know why.

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon Alley, since we 're not
on the Floo Network. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousins correct before your party, but that he 'll be able to stay at
your household after.

I ca n't waitress until the company. Things at my house are dreadfully
drilling. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last week. You probably already hump that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her infant is all produce up.

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

Albus grinned broadly as he set Matt 's varsity letter down next to trick 's most Recent epoch one. He was thrilled that both of his undecomposed acquaintance would be able to go to his birthday party. John had said yes mighty away, but Matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his acquaintance would wind up spending about a hebdomad with Albus and he could n't waitress. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld Place. Albus had only met the cleaning woman twice, but he got the intuitive feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only conceive of what Matt 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a hebdomad before, Matt 's sister, Amy, and Albus 's cousin, Victoire, had moved into a two-dimensional in London. The two of them were beginning their healer training in September.

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

Albus sat down side by side to her and watched her as she fed the small creature Wizard O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na give Dino Paul Crocetti ? ``

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

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the cauldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter of the alphabet from matte just now. He can come to the party and he 's coming a few days early. ``

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

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

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

Albus took the chalk of pumpkin succus and grabbed the copy of the good morning prophesier that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch segment. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the newspaper headline, `` I wonder if Matt 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's call and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley shank just lost another game. Their fresh Seeker tripped over his own heather as he was kicking off from the ground and gave himself a black eye, '' Albus laughed. `` matte supports the Cannons. ``

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

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

James read the paper silently for a few minutes and then burst out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in agreement as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his mother for the next half 60 minutes. All of them agreed that the cannon had no opportunity of ever making it to the conference Cup. When Albus had finished his burgoo, Harry came stumbling down the stairs in his pajamas.

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

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

`` Someday you 'll understand, Saint James the Apostle, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, missy wo n't have cooties anymore. ``

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

`` Do you deliver to go into work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down following to her at the table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The completely potter family played secret plan after game of Bromus secalinus, until James was declared the superstar. By the time lunch rolled around, Albus was sick of the biz. `` Can we go make for Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

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

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

`` I 'll never understand that, '' James sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a high pitched ring coming from the kitchen counter. He looked over and saw the minor mobile phone that always sat following on the window sill. The Potters did not have many Muggle devices in their firm, but they did let one telephony in sheath they had to meet any Muggles. Usually the speech sound was just used when Harry talked to his cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the number to their Muggle born acquaintance. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summertime to tell him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a yell. Harry wordlessly got up from the board and answered the phone. `` Hello ? '' he said. He went calm for a few moments while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's heart widened in cushion and a grin spread cross his face. `` What ? Are you serious ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holidays and birthdays. Even then, the conversations tended to be short and not filled with excitement like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this decimal point and he glanced at James II, who looked just as curious.

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

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

Harry talked for a few more than second and then fall up the phone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the mesa. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

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

`` You 'll never guess .... ''

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's back talk fell unresolved. Harry 's first cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The older one, Kaden, was a picayune younger than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only imagine what he would consider of his own son being a wizard.

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

`` Nope, he got his varsity letter this break of the day, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his wife about thaumaturgy, but had not gone into neat contingent and neither of the nestling knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and Petunia. ``

`` I would cerebrate not, '' Ginny said, `` merlin, they 're going to interchange. ``

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

`` Good, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even require to be in the same elbow room as your aunty and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

Harry and Ginny continued to spill the beans about Kaden even after King James and Albus left the table. The two of them went up to King James 's room, where they spent a few bit discussing it themselves.

`` Wonder what house he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of James 's practice Snitches.

`` I 'd pretend Hufflepuff, '' King James I commented. Albus had to agree with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff sort. James had managed to rive quite a few pranks on him over the twelvemonth and he did n't seem to be the sharpest shaft in the box. Albus remembered the finis fourth dimension they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple years ago. Albus and his home tended to visit the Dursleys every couple of twelvemonth, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't roll in the hay about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, I ca n't hold off to see what Dudley thinks of the spot, '' Albus laughed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Or who 's goal in life-time is to become the next Voldemort. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the same time. King James grabbed his broom off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a praxis Snitch.

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

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

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

Albus followed his dad and James River down the step and into the drawing room. Harry grabbed a smattering of Floo pulverization, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's house ! '' St. James the Apostle followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and auntie Hermione 's sustenance room. Their business firm was a small, cozy place in the middle of a field with a woods nearby. It seemed strangely still without anyone else in it. Albus, William James, and their dad headed out the room access and into the field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his verge and muttered a few magic spell that would stay fresh the Snitch from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle drills, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his ling, `` I need to practice for try-outs. ``

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their master brooms. Albus saw James release the Snitch and wait a few moments before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hired hand and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his baton, Harry conjured a vauntingly wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

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

`` You 've got to stir two more, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too promiscuous for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few more basketball. Albus flew around him for a fiddling while before sending the Quaffle into the left most basketball hoop. Harry was too slow and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` Good one ! '' St. James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the other slope. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking short happy chance to rest. Albus managed to score a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a span. After a patch of catching and releasing the Snitch, James II joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to save many goal with both his boy passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to foretell it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld station tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a musical note to any new lector out there, I highly recommend you read Albus thrower and the Secrets Within, which can be found on my author Sir Frederick Handley Page.

Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my early babe and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his pes. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon skittle alley a half 60 minutes ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past XXX minutes.

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

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

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

Albus followed his dad to the hearth and the two of them flooed to the Leaky caldron. The pub was very crowd together since it was a Sat. Albus tried to peek through the crowd in order to rule his booster, but he did n't see Matt.

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

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

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

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

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so glad you could do. ``

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

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

Harry sat down future to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them shook handwriting. `` Why do n't we get some lunch ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

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

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

`` mulct, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a mates to a greater extent months and there will be another child Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The group ordered their food for thought and a short-circuit while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the unharmed time telling each other about their weeks apart while the adult talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

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

`` What ? ! '' Matt spat out a taste of pumpkin succus.

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

`` Sorry, Mum, '' lustrelessness wiped the autumn pumpkin juice up off the table and turned back to Albus, `` Are you life-threatening ? ``

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

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

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

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

Albus, lusterlessness, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to Matt, `` Have fun, and do n't bring in too much trouble. ``

Mrs Eckerton hugged Matt tightly, `` I love you, Gospel According to Matthew. Do n't waver to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be okay, Mum, '' Matt replied once his mother stopped hugging him.

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

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

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

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

`` 12 Grimmauld property, '' matte repeated, `` Got it. ``

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

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` phone number 12 Grimmuald shoes ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of fleeceable fire and came out in the draftsmanship way of his firm. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

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

`` You 'd meliorate maltreat away, '' Albus pulled flatness away from the fire just before Harry appeared.

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

`` Yeah, I think so, '' flatness coughed, `` But I think I prefer specter. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot unlike then. It had a lot of creepy and Dark poppycock in it. The Black crime syndicate was pretty involved in the Dark Arts. Except for Sirius, and his comrade Regulus changed his views at the end of his liveliness and tried to ruin a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get most of the iniquity poppycock out. ``

`` Well, that 's safe, '' matt said as they entered the future trading floor.

`` My elbow room 's the last one on the right field, but starting time I 've got to record you something, '' Albus led mat into one of the other rooms, `` This is James 's room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your brother 's not very neat, is he ? '' lusterlessness asked as he stepped over a pile of dirty schooltime robes and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the wall, `` Here 's what I wanted to testify you, '' he pointed to a picture of four boy, `` Sirius put a bunch of pictures up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my granddad, Sothis, slip 's dad, and dick Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' flatness stared at the movie, `` So that 's Moony, the only early, you know, to give gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` thought you 'd like to see it. ``

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

`` Well, do you need to go to my room ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

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

******

A few days later, John arrived at Grimmauld billet. The male child spent their time playing plot and talking. toilet was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to rose wine 's house to play Quidditch a few sentence. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after Rose prodded them a few times.

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

`` I dunno, '' Matt threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you want to do ? ``

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

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

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

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

Albus led his friends down the hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The attic of Number 12 Grimmauld blank space was a very big room, filled with old box and article of furniture. It was benighted, cramped, and cold and voiceless to travel around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' Gospel According to John exclaimed, `` What is all this stuff ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Why not ? '' Matt asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrayal of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's frightful. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a resettlement appealingness to get it up here. He could n't blackball it from the house, though. There 's some sort of charm on it that keeps it in the star sign. ``

`` What did she do to make you hold back her up here ? '' Saint John asked.

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

`` She sounds ugly, '' flatness agreed.

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

`` expect at all this ! '' John Lackland grinned, `` The whole box is filled with fondness stuff. Goblets, silverware. '' John pulled out a very tumid candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, Hydra ? '' he pointed to the share of the candelabra that would hold candela. Each of them was a Hydra 's head, and the cd would sit in the snake 's mouth.

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

`` Not to mention the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to look through the box, while mat watched them. `` Funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another silver medal item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not very much gold up here. If the Joseph Black were so rich, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

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

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

`` Erm, '' Matt glanced from the try and then to privy, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm sensitised to silver. ``

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

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

`` That 's interesting, '' trick said.

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

`` Well, '' Matt grinned, `` There 's not much silver gray in the Gryffindor common way. It 's too Slytherin. '' The son all laughed.

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

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

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

`` Are there any without silver grey ? '' Gospel According to John asked after they 'd looked at at least ten unlike boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a turgid box at the far end of the room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the side. I 'm sure there 's no silver medal in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Sirius hated his sept. ``

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

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

`` And this, '' John pulled out an old transcript of 1000 Magical Herbs and fungus. `` Bet it has n't changed in the least. ``

`` Broken Snitch, '' Matt announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quills, nothing too exciting. ``

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

`` Who are they ? '' John asked.

`` I think they 're the Marauders, '' Albus pointed to a motion-picture show of a messy haired boy with chalk, `` Because that is definitely my grandfather. ``

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

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the short-circuit chubby one has got to be prick Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the skinnier boy.

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to twist the Page, looking at each painting. It was a bit foreign looking at all these pictures and seeing the piranha at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their hall, in the common room, on the priming coat, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping willow in the desktop. There were also a couple of Saint James playing Quidditch. In all the word picture, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, lavatory, and Matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to roll in the hay that only a few years after these pictures had been taken, Peter would betray William James and Lily. The Marauders had trusted each other with their lives, literally. kind of like how Albus trusted his booster. But they would never betray each other. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a little girl started appearing in a lot of the motion-picture show. She would have her weapon system wrapped around James and would kiss him every once in a while.

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

`` My grandma, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their years of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very last page and saw that the last moving picture was of all the piranha, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their school day robes, holding diplomas. They all wore immense grins on their faces.

`` graduation, '' John commented.

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

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

`` I think I 'll keep it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to escape it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the photograph album and a folded up piece of parchment fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` feel space. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost vacuous. In one of the corners were four very little paw print. `` No it 's not. bet, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

Gospel According to John and Matt peered at the lambskin and looked at the paw prints. `` What 's that mean ? '' john asked.

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

`` It 's clean, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius continue an old objet d'art of parchment ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a meaningless piece of parchment. After all, to the average somebody, the Marauder 's Map was just a nonmeaningful musical composition of parchment. Albus shoved the lambskin back in the record album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his trunk once the boys returned to Albus 's room.

******

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

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the steps with John and matte following him. They ran into the drawing room, where Albus 's parents were, along with James and Lily. `` We 're ready ! ``

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

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

`` Like my give ? '' Albus hinted.

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

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

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

Harry was right. This time, matt did not inhale nearly as much hummer and managed to not lessen over as he arrived at the Burrow. When they got there, the sign of the zodiac was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` glad Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

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

`` Nice to run into you, '' Molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your avail in the kitchen. Harry, would you avail Ron set up the tables in the railway yard ? ``

The adults quickly left to set up for the party, leaving Albus and the other kids alone.

`` I 'm off to regain Cedric and Ben, '' James IV announced, `` See you later. ``

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

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

`` Pretty a lot, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red haircloth, chances are they 're related. ``

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

The mathematical group managed to make it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the tables magically. A few of Albus 's cousins were in the air on Calluna vulgaris and a few others were playing with the gnomes in the garden. Albus spotted rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

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

`` Hello, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' Rose asked.

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

`` For about a half hour. We flooed, '' Rose told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` Took me fifteen minutes to stop cough. ``

`` It gets better, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` I had n't done it in years, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. study me forever to stop coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

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

`` bright ! '' Albus grinned.

Bill set the pinata down on the board and glanced out across the K. `` Oi ! Teddy ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his tomentum orange red and gold for the occasion, came running over to the table. `` Sure ! We doing it in the eye of the railway yard ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' peak replied. The two of them set off to take in a station for the pinata.

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

`` hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can make out over here now ! '' slip shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's full cousin ran over to slip. Albus, pink wine, and their friends managed to push their way through the crowd to the front.

`` All right ! '' handbill shouted, `` Albus and rosiness first, then youngest to oldest. ``

rose wine went first. Bill put a blind-fold charm over her eyes and handed her an old ling. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed striking, her turn was over. Albus was up next. He took the broom from Rose and was blind-folded. He loved this office of his natal day company, but he was never very good at it.

`` To the right ! '' soul shouted. Albus swung the ling around to his rightfield, but did n't make contact with anything. teddy always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Tom Bradley 's going to break it undecided, '' Albus said once his act was over. `` He does at everyone 's political party. ``

`` Well, this is the sort of thing a beater would be goodness at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even partake it. chemise was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the Calluna vulgaris around. Soon, all the little kids had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the first one to actually contact the pinata with the broom, but she did n't establish any progression in smashing it opened. lusterlessness actually managed to hit himself in the head with the broom, instead of the big Gryffindor lion.

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

St. John the Apostle was up side by side and he hit the pinata with a flashy crunch that sounded like it should consume smashed the unscathed thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' chemise grinned, `` It 'll take up a few Sir Thomas More of those. ``

As usual, Omar Nelson Bradley was the one to give the last blow to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to grab the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friends each got a gravid bag of sweets.

`` fourth dimension for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the gang. Albus and Rose sat down at one one of the table next to two prominent piles of present. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of Holy Writ, sweets, Weasley maven Wheezes products, and various clothing detail. Soon, there was just one present left.

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

Albus took the box and tear the wrapping off. upheaval washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is damn brainy ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

`` You 're receive, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be everlasting for when you get on the Quidditch team this year. ``

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

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

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the eye of the curtilage with his friends and cousin following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The evening breeze felt cool as he soared higher and higher. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The acceleration was wonderful and it turned at the flimsy contact. Albus flew around the yard for a few mo, enjoying the kick that only flying could fetch. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his first toy broom on his first-class honours degree birthday. He promptly crashed into a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot salutary at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as thoroughly as Saint James was. After a few more minute of arc, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' St. John asked.

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

`` Of course ! '' John the Evangelist took the Scots heather and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the future half hour lending his broom to his full cousin and Quaker. They all agreed that it was a superb broom and that Albus was sure to make Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new Scots heather. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a with child number of people, there was always a unspoiled bit of disagreement about which teams were the estimable. Matt was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their squad to the respite of the group.

The eventide ended with a magnificent Gryffindor lion shaped cake that mollie had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was first cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going nursing home. Albus 's family were some of the in conclusion to leave.

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

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

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld seat and waited for John and flatness. They appeared a few min later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your family is fun. make me regard I had some cousins. ``

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

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

`` The only one of my cousin-german coming to Hogwarts this year is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

`` Well, half of Gryffindor is your cousins, Albus, '' John laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch squad, Ryan will be the sole non-Weasley and non-Potter on the team. ``

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

`` Night, '' John replied.

`` Night, '' lusterlessness said.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John, and mat were all standing outside the Leaky Cauldron. The Muggle side. It was a few mean solar day after Albus and rosiness 's natal day party and lustrelessness was meeting his parents to go home in a couple hour. Harry had agreed to deal them a few hours early so they could buy their new books. Harry also decided that it would be a good meter to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplies.

A few minutes later a blue saloon pulled up to the check. A rather expectant blond-haired man stepped out, along with a suddenly brunette woman, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so taller than Matt, and a bit on the embonpoint English. His hair's-breadth was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's younger sister, Bethany, had inherited her sire 's blond hair and was about a psyche shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` Hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hand to his cousin.

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

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll mouth more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the door to the Leaky caldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in stack while they followed Harry out the backbone door. Harry took out his scepter, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon Alley appeared in front line of them. `` This is Diagon bowling alley. ``

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

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The number 1 affair you 'll need to do is set up an write up at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large white building at the end of the street. `` Pounds wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, reap hook, and Knuts. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, John, and Matt go look at the shops by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a moment, `` I 'll take Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and show them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can encounter you at Flourish and Blotts in an time of day. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not hold to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really sure where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a workbench outside timbre Quidditch supply. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my champion, John and Matt. ``

`` Are your parents beldam and mavin, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' lav replied. matte nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden 's oral fissure fell subject, `` Like witches do in movies ? ``

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

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

Albus, bathroom, and flatness spent a undecomposed XX bit telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

`` I suppose, '' lav shrugged, `` But it 's fun, better than that mutation Muggles romp. Football or something ? ``

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

`` Well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' John told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just time lag until you first fly a broom, you 'll transfer your mind about football. ``

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

`` Not on my sign of the zodiac team. First years are n't allowed to play. And this year the sole gap is for a pursuer. My position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

`` Yup. I hope I make it. James is already on the squad. He 's the seeker. One of the best Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Energy Department n't know much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' bathroom whispered to Albus.

Albus shook his mind. `` Gryffindor is one of the firm at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your get-go day into one of the four houses. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave, Ravenclaw if you 're smart, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're evil. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` well, technically Slytherins are cunning, but nearly of the evilness witch and wizards were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my cousins are, too. ``

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' John suggested. Although he looked a petty taken aback that Kaden did n't want to expect at broom anymore.

The son left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a incessant stream of questions the whole way there. By the time they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit well-worn of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the hullabaloo of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be Sir Thomas More outgoing.

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

`` Joke shop, '' John the Divine told him, `` Best shop in Diagon bowling alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John ! '' George greeted them. `` hello, Albus ! Hi, matte ! ``

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

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a wizard, '' George turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in need of any pranking detail at Hogwarts, just air me an owl, I 'll hold what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at George IV. After a few mo, he asked, `` What on earth happened to your ear ? ``

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

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

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

`` Positive ; he thinks football 's better than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

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

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the shop with John and Matt while Kaden bounced from one display to the succeeding, announcing how brilliant everything was and asking the other boys more questions.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Extendable Ears, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Dec 25 only to take in his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

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

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` oral presentation of which, we should probably channelize back to tucket and Blotts. ``

The boy waved good day to George II and left the shop. Albus, Matt, and trick listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book entrepot. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more apply to the Wizarding universe. They continued their walk to Flourish and Blotts while explaining about magical forms of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that hotshot could appear and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and apparition and Flooing and all sorts of charming hardheaded joke item, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Well, let 's go get your record book now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the shop. prosper and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few other hoi polloi inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boys'list to a gross sales person while the boys started looking around.

Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Matt had been to this book store legion times and did n't bump anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in timbre Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the other manus, seemed as unrestrained there as he had been in George 's shop class. He ran all over the shop class, picking up random Word and bringing them back to record the early boys.

`` Look at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must take been the 10th meter, `` It 's a account book about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this answer in reply to questions about appealingness, transfiguration, and defensive spells.

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

Albus turned to his Quaker and groaned. `` I do n't think he 'll ever run out of upheaval. ``

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

`` Look at this record book ! '' Kaden came running back a few mo later with a book entitled, dark fauna : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got gorge about lamia and wolfman in it ! I did n't recognize those were really ! ``

Albus felt flatness stiffen future to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the face of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the playscript from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the unity in Muggle fairy fib. And you do n't want to interpret this book. It 's too come on. You 've got to start out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the Word onto a nearby shelf. He did not need Kaden to read about the prejudices wizards had about werewolf.

Kaden took off into another discussion section of the computer storage and Matt relaxed. `` That was skinny, '' he whispered.

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his baton. In line, Matt was starting to tire out due to the coming wide-cut moon. By the time Albus, lavatory, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his showtime wand. He gave it a waving and one of the abandon baton boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the burst was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out verge for the next xv minutes before finding one that created Au electric discharge when he waved it. Dudley paid for the verge and the group left the shop. The future plosive was the Apothecary and then brothel keeper Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his first year at Hogwarts.

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

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

`` I 'm going to visit some Sir Thomas More of my cousins after I go home, '' privy told them.

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

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

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

`` Wizard hospital, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't compact for Sir Thomas More information. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platters of food. Kaden immediately turned his attention to the levitating trays and did n't mention ask anything about St. Mungo's.

`` Why have you got to go there ? '' Albus asked very quietly, as he leaned in closer to mat. John leaned over as well.

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

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't intend masses went to St. Mungo 's when they were fine. But he did n't press for more information, he knew Matt disliked discussing his shape, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs. Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's tabular array. Mrs. Eckerton sent a occupy look at her son. Matt was resting his head on his hand and had his heart closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

lustrelessness lifted his read/write head up and nodded. `` I 've just got a headache. I 'll see you on the train, Albus, John the Evangelist. Nice to see you, Kaden. ``

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

Kaden gawked at the space that lustrelessness and his parents had been just moments before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth year, you can take lesson. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a mental testing to get your license. ``

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

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

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' Gospel According to John told him, `` But Matt likes side-along phantom better. ``

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

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

Albus waved goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle humanity. Albus was n't certainly what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of Energy Department, that was for certain. Kaden seemed to suppose that everything in the wizarding world was nifty. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other evil wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley kin tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Sir Henry Morton Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year heather mixture, 5th yr Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd year target, 4th class Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 old age old Samantha & lindy hop ( Twin ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th class rosiness, 2nd class St. James the Apostle, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Hugo, 10 years old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 years old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st yr
Bethany- 7 eld old

*all in Gryffindor*



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

I also want to invite everyone to check out my meet the generator page on the assembly. There 's a tie to it in my profile. Feel complimentary to ask about my story or writiing in general there.


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


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

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the herd King 's crossing station. James IV was the right way adjacent to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in battlefront of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The Potters were running late, very late. It was September first and the Hogwart 's Express would be leaving in exactly fifteen minutes. The unscathed good morning had been very rushed. Albus woke up tardy and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the Nox before working on his Transfiguration essay, and James always woke up late. Then, James River could n't find his pattern Snitch and refused to pass on before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really indisputable how it got there.

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

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

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

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

Albus nodded and ran through the roadblock. A few moments later, Albus was standing on platform 9 3/4, and rosebush was running up to him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` We 're always soundly, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the back, `` Right, Al ? ``

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

Ginny gave them a nates tone, `` I do n't want any hooter from Professor Kendrick. ``

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

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

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

At that mo, Kaden burst through the barrier with a huge grin on his typeface. Harry was behind him, pushing another tram. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

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

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

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

`` That was close up, '' rose wine sighed as the train left the station.

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

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

`` How does that piece of work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and Rose, `` I mean, how on Earth can you go through a self-coloured brick wall ? ``

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

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

Albus and rosebush continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their admirer. Kaden followed close-fitting behind, still wanting to tattle about the barrier. Anything remotely magical seemed to turn on him, and Albus had to suffocate a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the Sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' Rose announced when they were halfway down the gearing. Rose pulled open up the doorway and they walked inside. St. John, matte, Amanda, and a miss with long, black, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would demo up, '' Gospel According to John grinned.

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

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

`` Hey ! It was n't my error. James would n't leave until he found his practice canary. ``

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

`` Yeah, goodness matter you did n't lose the train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' John told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the female child Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` howdy, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus potter. ``

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

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

`` I suppose. It was kind of scary at get-go, but it does n't inconvenience oneself me much now. ``

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

`` Just wait until he first gets hex, '' John whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's smart as a whip then. ``

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

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

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

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really adept time, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the eternal rest of your summertime ? ``

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

`` I love Diagon Alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't wait to go back there ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He was the Charms teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to steal, er, sealed things that would help him attain Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, privy, Amanda, matte, and rosebush. One of his acquaintance dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

Albus sighed and looked at rosebush, who shrugged. It was going to be a longsighted stumble. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the component part about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure if his dad would require him to tell Kaden. `` So you see, not all sensation are good, '' Albus finished.

Kaden stared at his first cousin, lost for words for the initiative time. After a few moments he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your family 's famous ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't assure me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the residue of the journey talking about who the next Charms instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as second years ), and a enceinte deal of other hooey. Around lunch time, the witch came around with the trolley and everyone bought large amount of money of food for thought. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard Henry Sweet. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every feeling Beans substantially, despite the fact that the firstly one he tried was a puke savour. When he opened his first deep brown Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more dismayed when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the card that came with it.

After they polished off the eternal sleep of the sweets, the conversation turned to which planetary house Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John the Evangelist and Isabelle 's family consisted of an adequate telephone number of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really worry if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't require to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some property where her category had been. Kaden on the early hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd wrap up there, still thinking that his cousin was Sir Thomas More of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't secern Kaden this.

Soon the gear made it to Hogsmeade place and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the large crowd of bookman exiting onto the platform.

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

Albus lead his grouping over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

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

`` My cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John 's cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two showtime yr standing near him.

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

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

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

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

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his protagonist to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant caller to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' trick laughed, `` He 's got kindling. ``

`` well, you 're kind of like him, lavatory, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the closest empty carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less nettle, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' Saint John laughed and sat down adjacent to Albus. pink wine, Amanda, and lustrelessness followed after, and sat down on the derriere across from them.

`` So, Matt, you were awfully tranquilize on the train, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the in conclusion theatrical role of the summer ? ``

flatness sighed and glanced around at his Quaker, `` Yeah .... I just did n't need to tell apart you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

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

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

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

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

`` That makes sense, '' rose wine commented.

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

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been singular about this study ever since lustrelessness told him about it the former terminus, but Albus had been loath to ask about it.

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

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas break. I 've got to accept it a duet days beforehand and it 'll be improve if someone can watch closely, '' mat told them.

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

`` No, '' lustrelessness said quietly. `` That 's the gunpoint of the study, to test the potions. ``

Albus glanced at flatness. He looked a bit mark at the prospect of taking an young potion. No marvel he had been quiet on the train. Albus was n't surely if he would want to take an untested potion. Of course, if the potion worked, Matt 's life would drastically exchange for the amend. But what if it did n't solve, what if it had horrifying side event ?

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

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't think it 'll hurt me. They 're just not sure if it will have the result it 's supposed to, '' matte assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' blush wine agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

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

******

`` Brings back computer memory, does n't it ? '' John said as the starting time years filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how fearful he 'd been of being in Slytherin the previous year. He still had n't told his friend that the Sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't sure if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' Rose pointed to Albus 's cousin, who was standing right at the front of the group.

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

professor Patil motioned for the way to be silence and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to asphyxiate a laugh as he saw Kaden 's sassing subject in shock absorber. Albus knew that hat would perplex his first cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, Professor Patil started the Sorting. The initiatory two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John 's cousin walked over to the toilet. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few present moment later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her fellow Hufflepuffs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Well, the hat did ingest an awfully long time to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got aspect of all the houses. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the eldritch thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless gouge, the portrait on the bulwark ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping willow tree, Moaning Myrtle, and legion other view of the palace that Kaden would take never seen before.

The sorting continued and the group of first off class dwindled until there were only a brace students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the early 1st years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must own been the beginning yr in a tenacious sentence that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

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

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to expect at his friends, who were all starting at each former, `` You do n't think- ''

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

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only child at one of the Slug nightspot get together last year. ``

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

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

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

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do have a few start of term announcements, but I think they can wait until after the fiesta. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his branch and solid food appeared on the favorable platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's bally brilliant ! ``

`` That 's how the food always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a large dower of steak and kidney pie.

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John as John filled his own plate with as a great deal intellectual nourishment as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his mouth full-of-the-moon of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, lav, '' rose screwed up her look in disgust.

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

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked Kaden.

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

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his other friends, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` Remember what I said about the Charms teacher on the geartrain ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his nerve with the ease of his roll.

`` wellspring, Professor Washburn was n't the only one in on that duel. Some sorcerer named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in complaint. He has a son, Quinton, who was a one-seventh year terminal year. Quinton drove us mad all last year and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to project out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a cousin because Quinton does n't have any sibling. ``

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

Throughout the residuum of the feast, Albus talked to his ally about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. Rose wanted to give him the benefit of the dubiousness and delay and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. John, on the other paw, was ready to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did concur with his cousin-german, but did n't think they should embark on hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to think, and he just thought they should avoid Felix, not trying to be friendly with him or hex him.

Kaden received a dainty jar when Nearly-Headless snick decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the spread. Kaden dropped his axial rotation in surprisal, but another one of his huge smile appeared on his expression shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the ghostwriter circling the elbow room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a specter instructor. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't hold back for that class.

`` It 's just history of trick, '' matt told him, `` Boringest family in the schooling. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd bang, would n't you ? '' whoremaster joked.

`` Oh, shut it, John, '' lustrelessness laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most ho-hum professor here. ``

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

`` Trust me, the boot wears off after the first day, '' flatness said.

A few minutes later the food disappeared and desert appeared just moments later. Kaden and John immediately piled their photographic plate with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the rest of their professors and they all speculated about the new appealingness teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the staff table and assumed she was the new Charms teacher. She was an old witch, with her grayish hair pulled back in a wet bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite magniloquent, but it was hard to separate as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your attention, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the students quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a skilful summer and are fix to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term announcements, as well as one rather big announcement. ''

susurration immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big proclamation could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd care to introduce you to our new charm teacher, professor Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a low wave and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping willow tree. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping willow tree ?', with another look of amazement on his face. Albus chose to neglect this and went back to paying attention to the schoolmaster 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is forbidden. Also, that the list of forbidden object now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung dud'that have just been released at Weasleys'wizard Wheezes. All other products available for leverage there are also interdict and students may inspect the full inclination on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

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

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch squad, please generate your gens to your drumhead of sign of the zodiac. I think those are all the common announcement. Now, onto the more energise promulgation, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a give-and-take, `` It has come to my attention that the tensions between the household have been increasing over the past few years. I know that sealed houses have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin board before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too bombastic. I believe we need more unity. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

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

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the other professors, believe that their is too a lot house rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this year to relieve it. ``

`` This wo n't be well, '' toilet muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to take to be well-disposed with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to switch the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike preceding age, we will receive inter house teams. ``

`` What ! ? '' Most of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of gross astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

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

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

`` Thank you for proving my detail, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The elbow room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too a great deal rivalry. I believe this will help facilitate it. You will have to work together with fellow member of other houses in orderliness to win the dueling championship. There will be more item to pursue during the first meeting of the Dueling Club. As always, the baseball club is open to back eld and above. ``

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

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

`` What about Quidditch ? '' James asked, `` That 's not lay to rest firm, is it ? ``

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

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his friends could find out him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a good Nox 's rest for classes tomorrow morning. First years, delight follow a Prefect to your common room. undecomposed night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' John sighed and shook his head as he stood up, `` Inter house dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' matte agreed, `` I 'm not sure it 's going to have the result Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't sleep together, '' Rose shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a good idea. ``

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

`` Nothing could do that, '' trick said.

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

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

`` Good, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just take to go for I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

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

Albus and his protagonist continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower, and the conversation turned to the new Charms teacher. None of them could opine what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was stern. She had a very stark feeling about her all during the spread. When they got to the common way, they all decided to take Kendrick up on his advice and turn in early. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with Professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had end year. With that happy thought process in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



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

Quote that Kendrick said in his address was said by Ibrahim capital of Nebraska and all recognition goes to him.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got side by side ? '' John Lackland asked at lunch the next day. The Gryffindor 2nd years had just gotten back from a particularly slow chronicle of legerdemain grade. Before that, they had metamorphosis, which was almost as deadening as History of Magic.

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

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

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his plate with food, `` The socio-economic class are brilliant here ! There is n't any math or English family ! ``

`` English ? '' John laughed, `` Why in the epithet of Merlin would they teach us to speak side ? ``

`` Muggles take English class in schooltime, john, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and learn literature. ``

`` Oh, '' whoremonger replied, `` Sounds boring. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for Defense first this first light ; it was so cracking. ``

`` Glad you liked it, '' Albus responded.

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

`` Watch it ! '' mat shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and his booster walked out of the Great Hall and towards the stairs that lead to the donjon.

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

`` I do n't mean so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when exam time comes. ``

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

`` Of all the course to feature with them, '' Albus muttered.

The students stood outside the dungeon, in assort groups of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to go far. He arrived a few minute later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, next to matt.

`` Ah, my two favorite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his hands together, `` Just let me run through attendance literal quick. '' Slughorn read off the names of all the educatee, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a double division today, I thought a little contest would be conquer ! Let 's see how a great deal you remember from lowest year. The partners that brew the best Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his students. The Gryffindors were on one side of the room, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the premature year.

`` I 'm sure you all heard prof Kendrick 's speech last nighttime, about the fact that the schooltime needs to be more incorporated, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically serious tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a good idea to have inter-house pardner this twelvemonth. ``

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

Once the category stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the master in that there needs to be lupus erythematosus latent hostility between the star sign. So, please stop moaning. I 'm sure you 'll rule that you can work together for the afternoon. I will read off the duet and then you may move. ``

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

Albus glanced at Matt who had a expression of utter horror on his face. He was shaking his head and mouthing the word 'no'. Albus knew that Matt would suffer rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a smug look on his face. He probably thought he 'd feel out Matt 's enigma now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

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

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really know Helen Hunt Jackson, although he did screw that Jackson was an excellent Potions beer maker. Albus was decorous with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with Patrick Parlan and Vivien Leigh Montague is with rosiness Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his parchment and tapped his sceptre on the fateful board. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave matt a tepid smile that Matt did not regress, and Albus got up to conjoin Helen Maria Fiske Hunt Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated derriere. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his caldron down on the desk.

`` ceramist, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredient, you light a attack. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting factor from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few minutes later and he and Albus started to prepare the ingredients. They worked in silence the solid meter. Albus did n't know what Slughorn was thinking. The effective he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the caldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to lusterlessness, that matt was trying hard to push aside. Rose was telling Vivien Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was set to hex Rose. toilet was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the ill-timed direction, and John looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all rightfulness, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

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

He leaned over the cauldron and prodded it with his wand. `` Excellent ! wellspring done, boys ! I think we have a succeeder ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of cocoa and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please read chapter one of your book and write a six column inch sum-up of it for next class. ``

Albus and his friends cleaned up their cauldron as quickly as they could. They met up with each early just outside the dungeon threshold. `` Well, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

Matt, john, and Rose all stared at him with looks of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' lustrelessness muttered. privy and Rose both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' John commented, `` Does n't live the deviation between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

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

`` At to the lowest degree you were n't with Malfoy, '' Matt said, `` He spent the solid time asking me I would be visiting my gran this yr. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Worked out good, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` You got the chocolate. ``

******

The succeeding morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw second years found themselves waiting outside the Charms classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all aegir to see what she was like. Albus did n't care what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the doorbell rang, Professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a Christian Bible to her students as she unlocked the threshold. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with bathroom and Matt.

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

`` Only if she tries to read my mind, '' Albus whispered back.

`` lull, please, '' professor Cedonia said in a tranquil, but forceful, interpreter. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their name calling and when she was satisfied that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last year of pedagogy in this theme was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this year. I know some of you, '' her heart fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more time in hold with Professor Washburn than in class with him. I do not believe that that is a honest way of teaching. Now, do n't get me unseasonable, if there is any misdeed, I will make detentions, but I do not hired man them out lightly. I would much rather find out why a educatee is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just hold out hold like they 're free sample distribution. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' Matt whispered. Albus and John nodded.

`` For instance, some students cause chaos because they are bored with course. I do not want you to be bored in my schoolroom. If you are, delight feel free to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd care to pop out off with a review of finally year. Please take out your sheepskin and quill. ``

The rest of the class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent half of it taking short letter, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to answer a interrogative sentence you did n't make love, like Washburn had done. The other half was spent practicing appealingness they had learned last yr. Albus found that he was much unspoiled at appeal when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to hover his schoolbook a couple feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like magic spell this year, '' toilet announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her net year. ``

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

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

`` You 'll just have got to do early things to earn detentions, '' John laughed, `` Like draw prank on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to mystify them at the Dueling ball club, '' blush wine said, `` You could n't get in problem for that. ``

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

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

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

`` When 's the first get together, anyway ? '' matte asked.

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that mat would not be missing the initiative Dueling baseball club meeting.

******

The rest of the workweek passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their usual Hogwarts procedure. They spent their eventide in the common elbow room either doing homework or just talking and playing biz. Kaden usually spent the evenings with him. Kaden seemed to spend prison term with Albus 's group rather than the early Gryffindor world-class years. Albus was not surely why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The solitary clip Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. year were going well so far. Albus was doing much better in Charms with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the Lapplander as the previous year in the residual of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling nightclub. The get-go coming together was taking place that afternoon, after dejeuner. Albus and his Quaker went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole school was joining. well, everyone except the first years.

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

`` Probably, '' rosiness replied, `` There are n't many multitude who do n't join. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to wait at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past old age, we 're having junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling night club. If you 're sec, one-third, or fourth year, you have to link the Jr Club. If you 're in fifth class or above, please follow professor Longbottom to the following way where you will suffer your confluence. ``

`` Well that 's a relief, '' matte commented as the elder pupil left the way, `` I did n't image dueling with seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Stanley is a brilliant dueler. I would n't want to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' John grinned and pulled out his wand, `` I bet I could subscribe to on a 7th year. ``

`` Yeah, sure enough, '' rosebush rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his sceptre. `` Now, as you know, prof Kendrick has decided that we will not have House teams this yr. There will be eight team, just like final year, but they will have extremity from each theatre on them. ``

There was a collective moan from the crowd. Everyone was standing in grouping consisting of students of their own house. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that Professor Kendrick would change his brain, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are glad about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will make LE tenseness between the home, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team chieftain will set up practice clock time, and there will be competitions throughout the class. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a squad.

`` first gear, I 'll order you who the captains will be. Professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of death year, based on your carrying out. All the captains are fourth part years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Thomas Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Humphrey Davy, April Finch-Fletchley, Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heath. ``

There was a large amount of shouting and groaning at the annunciation of the captains. Albus did n't know any of the captains besides his cousin, Omar Nelson Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's team.

The rest of the confluence consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole sentence talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's squad, along with Amanda. They were the but two Gryffindor start years on that team. James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's squad. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very salve that his maitre d'hotel was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's squad, '' Matt said, as they entered the uncouth room after the get together was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions partner, '' lusterlessness pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` ripe point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your chieftain. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your senior pilot ! '' John shouted. pink wine nodded. She and John Lackland both had Slytherin chieftain, but not the same unity. John 's maitre d'hotel was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the boys'dorm, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a spell ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin-german without his endless measure of vim. Albus was beginning to marvel if Kaden could descend down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational merging. We got ascribe team, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a caboodle of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't know. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't waitress to join the Dueling golf-club adjacent year. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water supply that landed on Albus 's head.

`` follow it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the body of water out of his heart, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his scepter into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch lurch and recitation for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I hail, please ? Flying lessons start succeeding week. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your ling ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not desire Kaden on his new heather. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was surely he would crash it. `` You can descend sentry, I guess. But good-for-nothing, you ca n't try out my heather. ``

Kaden 's font fell a bit, but he still looked excited, `` All right field, let 's go ! At least I can watch you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be better than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his Quaker, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' trick stood up. `` I 'll add my broom and help you practice. ``

`` I 'll come, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't remember so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to bide here with me, Amanda. '' rose gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and John grabbed their brooms from their dormitory and the four boys left the common room.

`` rosebush and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' Gospel According to John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, whoremonger, matt, and Kaden spent the relief of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole fourth dimension, amazed that Scots heather could enable people to fly. He still thought football game was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would change his judgment. John let mat fly his ling for a slight while and Albus practiced his Chaser science with both of them. By the time night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and matte were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sister and my buddy. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their limited review !

Just to let everyone recognize, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of next week instead of Th. I might have to switch my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since school is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very anxious. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morning in the mutual room with his booster, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't digest. Eventually he gave up and played a few cycle of Exploding cinch with whoremonger, who was putting off his prep until the last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus secure destiny. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch tar with his new ling over his shoulder joint. pink wine, John, mat, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the rook to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was uneasy to get down to the pitch and see how many early people were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I do ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The mathematical group continued their walk to the pitch, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his inaugural week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't consider Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his invariable jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the climate to hear about how prof Patil had yelled at one-half of Kaden 's transfiguration course of study the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the insurance of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other untried cousin. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

trick, Matt, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the viewpoint while Albus went down to the large gang of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other chaser hopefuls gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Henry M. Stanley 's friends, two burly looking 6th year male child who looked like they 'd make beneficial Beaters than Chasers, a yoke fifth year young lady, quite a few fourth and third long time, and even a bunch of inaugural twelvemonth. After a few Sir Thomas More minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the cabinet room, conduct by Albus 's cousin, Sakartvelo. Georgia had become the new chieftain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the good morning she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld Place, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` attention, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the crowd. She had a very flash vox and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available smear this year, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last year 's instrumentalist off, so if any of you are seeking a status other than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few groans from the crowd, and the two one-sixth yr boys stalked off the field. One of the fourth eld left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the rules have not changed since hold out class, and for the first time years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have usable positions. '' The rather large radical of beginning years scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` wellspring, now that that 's taken care of, '' Georgia pulled out a clipping board, `` first gear, I 'll need to see you all fly around the lurch. Fifth through seventh geezerhood first. ``

Albus watched as the older educatee flew around the rake a few times. GA watched them carefully and wrote notes on her clip circuit board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year girls. She kept lurching downwards every clock time she accelerated, almost falling off her Calluna vulgaris. After a few turns around the pitch, the older pupil landed next to Georgia.

`` Good. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Georgia turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't think you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't bet too disappointed and Albus suspected the exclusively reason she tried out was because the early twenty percent year daughter did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's bout to fly around the pitch. He took off along with the third and quartern years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good flier. He sped around the pitching, going faster than the other students. Albus noticed that they were great broadside as well, even better than the seventh and fifth year who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Empire State of the South grinned as Albus landed in battlefront of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the repose of the team. ``

During the adjacent part of the try-outs, all the pursuer wannabee went up into the air along with the rest of the team and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The Lapp could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the quartern years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' Georgia smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourne and Albus thrower. '' The early hopefuls sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Peach State simulated a real couple, in monastic order to see out who fit comfortably with the squad. Albus, who had played Chaser with his cousins numerous times, worked quite well with ling and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very easy to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All rightfulness, '' Empire State of the South announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm sorry, Gabe, feel destitute to try-out again another fourth dimension. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The ease of the team clapped him on the shoulder joint and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' King James grinned.

`` digit, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to pick your cousin-german. Are n't there enough of them on the squad ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' James commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't worry what Gabe bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the sales pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, kudos ! '' Matt agreed. rosiness and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castling. We 're going to stay and recitation a bit. ``

Albus and the respite of the squad spent the unharmed afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Empire State of the South was very happy that Albus worked so well with broom and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a couple weeks for the new Chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit right in. Peach State was for certain they would be ready for the first compeer, and they might even be able-bodied to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two time of day and Albus just got back from snagging a tardily supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple Nox a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything other than preparation. He could only imagine what it would be like when they were practicing every nighttime of the calendar week.

Albus immediately spotted John and Matt sitting at their usual mesa in the dorsum. He looked longingly at the door leading to the dormitory room. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had astronomy at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few second to situate his ling and get his shoal bag, wishing all the piece that he could just crumble into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the table his friend were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' trick greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as mat does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as exhausted as Matt did. The full moon moon was that dark Matt was sleeping with his straits on his Transfiguration of Jesus book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her History of magic notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left hand arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portraiture exposed and saw Kaden coming in, looking to a greater extent subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down adjacent to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrong ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that matt woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them outburst out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love life with everything witching and it did n't look like you thought anything was bad in the witching worldly concern and here at Hogwarts. You loved every 1 grade and did n't have a complaint. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, come on, how can I write a ft long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into needles ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your compeer variety, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can stretch that into a groundwork unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't recall Patil would care it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is zilch, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of parchment. ``

`` Two rolls ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to appear at Matt. `` You look terrible. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know conjuration fixes everything ! It 's amazing. I had a coldness the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an heartbeat ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' Matt muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this cuss 's bone with her wand. It was splendid. She 'll suffer you skillful in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' matt said quietly.

Albus and toilet blastoff Kaden warning smell. Albus willed his first cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no idea what flatness went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding world was wonderful and that legerdemain fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' lusterlessness replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and Saint John, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of grade, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' Saint John said, `` Want me to come up ? ``

`` No, I 'm fine, '' Matt replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see Madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems dullard to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his full cousin with a look of cult in his eyes. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't holler him stupid ! You 've got no thought what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and John could hear him, but his voice was every bit as emphatic as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that magic does not fix everything ! There are some affair that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see lady Pomfrey so she can wee it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a Good Book. His usual cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a feel of cushion and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the tabular array. He ran over to the dorm and went up the stairs without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at toilet, who was wearing a look of shock on his aspect as well. `` I do n't mean I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course of study, when we were fighting over whether to say Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my mettle, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should induce stopped talking when mat said lady Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to cognize ? '' John asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to get a line not to adjoin into Matt 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the clock time. ``

`` I 'm not sure he will anymore, '' bathroom replied.

The two supporter sat in silence for the next few bit. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too rough. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to bother mat. But Kaden had practically called flatness stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from spending time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't for sure. He was n't even for certain if he wanted Kaden to stop outlay time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did Matt leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' Rose asked.

`` He 'd have been better if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

Rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that Matt go get a potion from gentlewoman Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' John Lackland told the girls. Albus was perfectly willing to let john distinguish the story. `` And of course he looked sick, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of grade, and he would n't turn back telling Matt how magic trick can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' rose wine sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` Matt left. I think he really did have to lead then, but I 'm sure he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always hump the best affair to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John announced.

`` What ? ! '' both girls shouted at the like time.

`` Yup, '' John replied, `` Probably would deliver turned into a big row if Kaden had n't cause just left. He 's in his residence hall right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' blush wine sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a little annoyed that rose seemed frustrated, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic fixes everything. I told him that there are some things that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to observe them around matt. I also yelled at him because he practically called Matt stupid. Kaden said Matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' pink wine replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could hold said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a rasping metre adjusting and making friends. Having you angry with him is n't going to help things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd hit friends, '' Albus muttered.

`` fountainhead, you can apologize in the morning, '' Rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to justify to matte, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even eff why that disturbance matte, '' rose wine insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to evidence Kaden that Matt was a werewolf. `` All right, fine. I 'll apologise. But if he does that again, I 'll holler at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' privy assured him.

`` Boys, '' rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the next morning. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six minute of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was unusual because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the usual elbow room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the late night. Albus really did n't want to excuse, but he supposed he would have to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a crank of orange succus. He was glad that it was a relatively light day. double up Herbology in the first light and then a one class of Potions after lunch. Following Potions, Albus and his booster would go visit flatness in the Hospital annex. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the Hospital flank sleeping instead of going to category, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post owl flew into the room and Albus noticed his female parent 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed future to Albus, Albus took the letter, and the owl was off again.

`` alphabetic character from auntie Ginny ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

lamb Al,

How are you ? I hope your outset two weeks have gone well.
I 'm glad the new appealingness teacher is decent, and I do hope
you 'll conduct yourself in her class.

Congratulations on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very wind up as well and is
telling me that she is going to suit the new
keeper after Empire State of the South graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called last dark and told me about the row
you had with Kaden finish dark. I realize that Kaden
may experience been less than openhearted with Matt, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a grating
fourth dimension adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
whole lot of friends. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With love,
Mum

Albus folded the letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone see that Kaden had been out of job lastly night ? St. John the Apostle seemed to think so, but thought Albus should have been nicer about it.

`` aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' pink wine commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really desire to apologize to Kaden.

`` well, looks like you 'll have to apologize later, '' rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an alibi not to justify now, Albus made his way to the greenhouse with his friend. Neville spent the object lesson teaching about Mandrakes and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather light, but not everyone in the class did. One of the Mandrakes attached itself to Karina 's pilus and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't cause time to go rule him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to apologize. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, only to be prodded awake by blush wine who was sitting adjacent to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my buddy. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reassessment !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to confab Matt like they usually did after a to the full moonshine. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't sure what he would say in order to shake up off his full cousin if Kaden decided to try and visit lustrelessness with them.

`` hullo, Kid, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed matte usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. flatness was sporting legion cut of meat all over his font and blazon, a Shirley Temple Black eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's sleeping, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the drapery behind them.

`` well, that 's not really surprising, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should come in back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awake, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since stopping point nighttime, '' Albus told him.

Matt breathed a sigh of relief, `` in force. I was trying to get up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't have to. ``

`` I do n't think you 're going to accept to concern about that, '' can replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last nighttime he was so bloody irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' John told him, and proceeded to tell matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' matt said quietly when St. John the Apostle had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No trouble. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're unbalanced all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' flatness asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really require to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd listen if he did n't expend as a lot fourth dimension with us, '' matte told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been worse, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few broken ribs, but lady Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Billy Sunday, '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` Do you need us to leave so you can sleep ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to kip. order me what I missed in class. ``

`` fountainhead, a devil's apples attached itself to Karina 's tomentum in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' pink wine announced, `` I had to wake him up a few times. ``

`` I was n't gone. I was just closing my heart for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not a lot. Just review, mostly. Phases of the moon, that form of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that matt was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner in the Hospital flank with Matt. Once dinner time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd have to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the chance to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his friends went up to the common room to get started on their growing agglomerate of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't feel like writing, but he 'd rather spell it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, pink wine. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' Rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' privy told him as he twirled his quill around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologise and assure him not to bother Matt anymore. Make sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm much louder than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be polite to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not honorable Quaker. ``

`` That 'll never materialize, '' Albus rolled his eyes. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the push common room to the chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book and writing the occasional note down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chair opposite his first cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm blue for yelling at you endure night, '' Albus said as he picked at a release yarn on the chair. `` I did n't really mean to upset you. I just wanted you to stop telling Matt to go to the Hospital backstage. He told you to stop and you did n't. ``

`` Well, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a half-hearted laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're brainsick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was fourth dimension for Kaden to understand that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't recall you get that yet. I know it 's surd to come into the witching world after support in the Muggle one for eleven years. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be better off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunt Hermione- ''

`` I think magic trick is bloody brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the affair ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all conjuring trick is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's witching after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't sleep together about magic. well-nigh of them think illusion can fix all their problem, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to pick up that for yourself, if you do n't consider me. ``

`` I think I do conceive you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all deception is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do love that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other thing. You 've got to empathize that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his words carefully so as not to yield away Matt 's secret, `` sickness, that ca n't be fixed by trick. They 're worse than your norm cold or flu, and the therapist, those are magical Doctor, have n't found therapeutic yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a good bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just wave your wand and establish it unspoiled ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle linear perspective. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even rosebush. `` I 'm not for sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I infer magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. healer try to rule cures just like doctors do. Doctors ca n't fix everything either, like genus Cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very hard to cure. `` Doctor of the Church try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no curative. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened wide and he whispered, `` Matt 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` necromancer do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizard version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a spell. What you 've got to infer is that dame Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't call him stupid for not going to see gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his top dog solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't state you. That 's for him to tell you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't think he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, mightily Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't mouth about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other outset years, or anyone. Do n't remark that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. Promise me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all part of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All rightfield, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to come sit with us ? '' Albus was n't surely what his friends would reckon of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right affair to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course of action ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Mon.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallowed his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a meter for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been knockout than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice. I do n't think the solid team will be able to foregather at the same sentence ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all rightfulness. The team I was on last twelvemonth rarely ever met at the same clock time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday evening will work for a lot of citizenry. Can you make it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the low gear dueling practice would take place. whoremonger and Rose had already been to their for the first time practice session. mat missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital backstage. `` I should be able-bodied to ready it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling elbow room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to professor Potter and he said it 's free. I 've got to go public lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for last, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to start dueling multitude. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' can told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to disarm a couple people. ``

`` I disarmed a couple tierce years at my meeting, '' Rose announced. `` I 'm excited about learning new spell, though. ``

`` Wish I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll spend a penny it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every encounter. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't cogitate you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his outset class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' Rose announced. Albus and his friends left the Great Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The next few daylight seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very stir about the dueling practice and he did not finger like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 other student, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A duet more bookman ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a minute later, and stood following to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house teams this year, but we 'll have to parcel out with it. It 's not easy for me, either. Last year, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this year we have to reconcile four.

`` prof Potter, prof Longbottom, or one of the other professor will supervise the practices, at least for the first few. But if you have an issue, please derive to me first because I 'm the master. Now, for our first meeting, I 'd just like to appraise what dueling skill you 've got. So span off and disarm each former. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each early. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right hand. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his baton quiver in his handwriting, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's scepter flew out of her hand and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each former for the succeeding fifteen arcminute. Amanda managed to demilitarise Albus a couple times, but she was n't nearly as serious at it as Albus was.

`` All rightfield ! '' Kate shouted, `` replacement partners, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` potter, '' Malfoy appeared adjacent to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a punter dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just demilitarise him.

`` Too bad we 're not on fork teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the trading floor with you in a existent affaire d'honneur. Oh, well, this 'll bear to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's baton flew out of his bridge player and landed a span metrical foot away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a punter duelist than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't depend your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your spoiled, ceramicist, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the effect he could muster. Malfoy 's wand left his handwriting and landed a couple feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, Potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some great duelers in here. With a footling drill, I 'm sure we 'll beat the other squad. I think for simplicity, I 'll take practice every calendar week this Sami day and time. It might be in a unlike room occasionally, and I 'll let you bang if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't pee all the meetings. Just try and stool as many as you can. I 'll see everyone next week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting prepare to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I mouth to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the park elbow room. ``

`` All right wing, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a chance to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the way was vacate. He walked over to a couple chairs and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm glad you made the team, although I heard some of the former Gryffindors were n't too felicitous. ``

`` Yeah, a couple intellection I just got on the squad because Georgia 's headwaiter. And Ryan 's the solely one who 's not a Weasley or a Potter on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure that 's not why you made the squad, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a dandy Chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the best one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have classes been ? ``

`` Fine. appeal is much intimately than net year. I like professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the usual kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad thing, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detention, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her stratum under restraint. I think the other teachers could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd hump it if cipher gave out custody anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some trouble with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheeks go red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` Glad to get wind it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problems, sense release to add up to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to resign sometimes. ``

`` Some mass are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to ceramicist marionette Pals.




The second half of Sep passed the Lapp way the number 1 half had. Albus 's days were filled with division, homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling praxis. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new spells in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during drill. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the drill duels, but he had yet to succeed. The first dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the squad would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent mend in Albus 's group of ally. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the vulgar room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in stratum and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much less time in the Room of requisite than they had the second one-half of their foremost year. They seemed to have come to an unexpressed correspondence not to show Kaden the Room, and Albus was perfectly glad with this. After all, there might eventually fall a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the way might be the only if shoes in Hogwarts where they could go.

The second Sunday of October, Albus found himself looking for his friends after a particularly long Quidditch praxis. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a warm fall day, not a swarm in the sky, and a cool gentle wind was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his first taste of Quidditch practice in the rain a couple calendar week back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the palace, Albus noticed John and flatness sitting a mates K away from the Whomping willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round piece of plastic attached to a recollective string. Albus went over to bathroom and matt and sat down next to them.

`` How was practice ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our homework, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' matte laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the bit of credit card as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really small, '' Matt commented, `` But I must cause lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen hour, could hold the attention twosome to act with that toy.

`` About XV minutes, '' Matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd wish to be a Beater, it looks like fun to wallop those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put soul 's eye out with his wand a yoke meter, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a piece, '' he turned to toilet and Matt, `` Where are Rose and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castling, doing homework, probably, '' whoremaster replied, `` They did n't want to get outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping Willow. `` D'you think that Tree could toss off someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` marvel why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a little airless to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a look of affright appear in Matt 's center. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with matte 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was suspicious, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing branches were now just a couple feet away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so unknown, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magical, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably tread back, Kaden, '' matt warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the tree. He was now within reach of its offset. `` Must be a strong tree. '' He started to try and touch one of the outgrowth, but the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree got there start and hit him on the leg with one of its ramification. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, lusterlessness, and Saint John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even break the skin. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree. But the tree did n't care Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging arm as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't propel away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. A branch hit him in the head and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered tight at the tree diagram 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very precarious tone. `` I 'm serious, move ! ``

`` I think there 's a yap down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drainage from Matt 's typeface, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the closed book passageway that led to the Shrieking Shack. Albus was about to go snap Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' mat shrieked, shaking his chief back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree diagram. It hit him on his shoulder joint and his headland as he tried to dodge the branches. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the muddle Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a long branch that was on the background. He wordlessly shoved it into the base of the tree, and the branches stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said nix. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a yearn tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a underground passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to narrate Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` amercement, I do already eff about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. bookman are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in immense difficulty. ``

`` Do you do it where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to attract that lie off, and he did n't require to secern Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` amercement. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another Bible. He quickly climbed out of the yap, hoping that whatever matte had done to stop the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to go up out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the immense grin still on his face.

whoremonger and Matt were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with branches. matte was looking albumen as a spook, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking Shack. Albus was just about to tell his friends that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the rules. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquents. ``

Albus turned to seem at whoremonger and Matt. whoremaster was looking pretty serene, but Matt was still as picket as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as practically as matte. Albus was a trivial neural as well. He had never gotten in worry with the caretaker before. He had heard horror account about Filch and was n't sure which single were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between St. John and Matt. Kaden was walking a little ways behind them. None of them said a Son. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the radical up to the palace. They continued following Filch through the castle while other bookman stared at them. The other educatee were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to ignore them. Why was his difficulty making always so publicise ? Of track, this was n't even his break, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he have got to keep messing with the tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an estimation into his oral sex, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a lowly, cramped, dark government agency filled with assorted Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 chairs in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. matte took one of the other chairs, as he appeared so anxious that he might pass out. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and Saint John remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. belligerent towards teacher, bothering planetary house pixie, bothering wizardly beast, bothering Snape, bothering other pupil, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's agency before and had no idea what to wait. Albus was prepared for the spoilt, including being shackled to the rampart, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of trouble maker you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the form right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the past tense, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubts as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. matte seemed to be getting more nervous with every mention of the Whomping willow tree, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his oral cavity and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few twelve Fanged Frisbees at his feet. He was holding one in his paw and there was an empty box next to him.

`` Do n't bear upon anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's helping hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a flight feather. `` Full names ? ``

For a separate second, Albus considered giving Filch a fake name, but figured it would do no commodity with his dad as a instructor. `` Albus Severus thrower. ``

Filch wrote his gens down and a grin spread across his face. `` Following in your Father-God 's footfall ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an entire drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent friends. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his rarity. Why had his gramps messed with the tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to progress to problem, but that tree concealed one of his best acquaintance 's secret. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the eternal sleep of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` Saint John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' Matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the frame and put it into his very large filing cabinet. `` Your punishment. Three Nox'detainment. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle flair of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do melody. And Monday you 'll clean house the astronomy Tower, without magic as well. Meet me in the dungeon 8pm sharply tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the doorway open and ran out of the berth as fast as he could. Three nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleansing ! That was abrasive. Albus was angry now. Why did Kaden have to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this mess if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with St. John and flatness next to him, nobody saying a Book. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to talk to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make trusted Kaden did not differentiate anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrayal hole, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the coarse elbow room. That meant the dormitory was liberal and Albus could utter to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the dormitory and shut the threshold behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so silence ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` fountainhead, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` trinity nights worth ! '' lustrelessness groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did St. John the Apostle or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you legion sentence to pass on that Tree alone. This is what I was talking about last month, Kaden. You never stop when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, prospect are there 's a dependable reason for it ! And this one just seemed like common sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree diagram that could belt down you .'Why on worldly concern would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just curious about it. ``

`` oddity killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical beast, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curio killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' whoremaster said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other first base eld, no Muggles or necromancer, Loretta Young or old, '' Albus turned to John and mat, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't tell any animals either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be breathless objects either, you never know in this place. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused looking on his look. `` Why not ? It looks to be a occult passageway ! ``

If it was potential, matte seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't tell anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot pack all the fun away. ``

`` Trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't have it off what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the lies straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I form of do know. But trust me, it 's zilch expert. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to severalise me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they extra enigma only people with wizard parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin come up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the name of Merlin 's beard would you mean that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to reckon Muggle-borns should n't be learn magic, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin, enjoyed bullying other students. `` Just bide away from him. And if he bothers you again, just differentiate me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right field, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping willow thing. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just suffer you do most of the cleaning these next few Nox, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and baby, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former Sister and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their brushup !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their bear on material.




Albus never thought he would have a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the prize room the former yr. He thought Washburn had been the sorry person to cause detention with, but he was wrong. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the time he finished his endorsement detention on Monday nighttime, he was beginning to wish he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the total sentence. Filch spent all of Sun night staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the former Night staring at them as they churned out pedigree after line. Filch seemed to conduct joy in watching the students rub their hands raw while scrubbing the cauldrons. Of course, the lines could cause been considered a squeamish breakage in between the two cleanup events.

By the time Albus trudged into the park room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch practice, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their final Nox and Filch was surely to relish every instant of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dorm room and went back to the common room to expend the ten minutes they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The last thing I want to do is go light something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to pick your clothes, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty flavor. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's dirty and I just spent 45 mo flying around. ``

`` I know, '' St. John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't glad about me leaving early, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's Matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the commons room.

`` Room of Requirement, '' whoremaster replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus said, remembering that the broad moon was the following eve. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' lav sighed, `` Could n't throw off Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his books in his dormitory, '' John explained, `` I 'm trusted he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the door leading to the student residence and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` cook ? It 's the live night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' Gospel According to John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd improve zip up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and King John exchanged aspect. `` I 'll rule him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was John 's play to hold Albus a disgusted looking. He clearly did n't desire to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` mulct. See you later, Rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' blush wine replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave can and Kaden a minute 's mind start before he left the plebeian room and went to the Room of Requirement. He did n't desire Kaden to happen out where he was going. Once the coast was absolved, he paced three times in presence of the dummy paries on the one-seventh floor and waited for the door to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was dark and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some fire up. Immediately, torches lit up along the wall and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the small room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings open. Once he saw how exhausted Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detainment. His enervation was goose egg compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detention, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

flatness opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the elbow room and to the Astronomy tug. Neither of them said anything for well-nigh of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the Saami thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' mat asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to fuck about the Room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' matt replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the tug, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the clouds had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding light upon the pillar, enough that Albus and the others would be capable to do their detention with only a brace torches. Albus noticed Matt frisson and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're former, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John Lackland and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's detainment, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow dark. You can continue cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left field. ``

Albus glanced at lusterlessness who did n't even look to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too busy trying not to be grisly. There was no way that matt could possibly do detention the surveil eventide. He would just have to tell Professor Longbottom about it the side by side day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be able of doing detention the adjacent night. However, he would ingest to miss dueling exercise. At least Kate was n't jumpy about them missing practice like Georgia was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and mat, `` Start scrub ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the pail that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where Saint John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized flatness was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to bear moved since they entered the column. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to explode with fierceness. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nearest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at John who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot worse than last nighttime, '' Albus muttered. During the previous nighttime 's custody, mat had nodded off a few times, but he had been capable of producing a good bit of line of credit. Tonight, matt appeared to be frozen in billet and definitely would n't be getting much cleaning done.

`` fountainhead, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than most nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` We 'd better hide him from Filch, though. Filch will lie with he 's not cleaning. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other side of Matt.

`` What 's improper with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and Saint John pellet Kaden ominous looks and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you final clock time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring it up. ``

`` tranquil ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

lustrelessness jumped and looked at Albus with a aspect of confusion on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the Hospital wing ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the son, `` Get to work ceramist and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the next half minute. King John and Albus worked carefully down the row of scope, making sure Matt was between them at all times so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more cheery than the other three son did.

`` Finland, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the country for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that song for the preceding five hour and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could stimulate to do with a Python. There had n't been any mention of Snake in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding earth, but you lot are really lacking in high quality entertainment. Would it kill you to determine TV and movies ? Monty python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can watch it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway shimmer based on it. They turned it into a movie a few years back. ``

Albus was still a bit fuddle about the birdcall, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the movie. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His aunty Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your brainpower out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go translate a leger ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleansing, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the late one. It had something to do with fish.

`` stop that diabolical hum ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't lambast him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The difference of the detention was spent in almost complete secrecy. Every once and a while, Kaden would try to rent the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that Matt had n't done an ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed unmindful to. It would not storm Albus if Kaden had a filing cabinet that rivaled his grandfather 's by the time he graduated. By the time the custody was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few times, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty feeling, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detainment. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleansing supplies and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke lusterlessness up.

`` Done with what ? '' lusterlessness mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` detainment, where we 've been for the close hour, '' Albus explained while looking at John. John Lackland pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common elbow room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John than to lusterlessness, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' St. John asked. matt was now leaning on John. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more advanced than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And lower your voice. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one English of him, '' John Lackland threw one of Matt 's arms over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed King John 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, King John, and matt hobbled awkwardly down the stairs and back into the main part of the castle. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good affair he 's luminance, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' can agreed.

`` Ugh, '' lustrelessness winced and opened his centre, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and can looked at each early for a schism 2d before matt retched onto the storey in front man of them.

`` Ew, pure ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second time and Albus felt him collapse onto the base. Albus and John both grabbed his arm as he went down and slowed the twilight. Now what were they going to do ?

`` Matt ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to arouse matte up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I make love ? '' Albus snapped.

`` testament you two stop arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? scare overtook him as he assessed the situation. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the storey. It could n't get worse than this. There was no way for them to get mat to the common room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could hover a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get dame Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the night corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's tawdry tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' St. John the Apostle whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered fine. ``

The boy sat in silence for the succeeding brace minutes, watching for foretoken of cognisance in their friend. However, matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with swither in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a flesh floating towards him. He stood up and drew his verge and St. John did the same. The name came closemouthed and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their bearing to the unscathed castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very riled at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at lusterlessness and then looked at John and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! scholar out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John the Divine insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` haw-haw ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't mind to students, no he does n't ! Peeves causes trouble when educatee are around ! ``

`` No, quiesce ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! Students out of bed ! ``

Albus and bathroom gave each other panic flavour. Albus had no idea what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, someone would surely determine out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard speed footstep coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his Church Father 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a flashy nates voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody baron ! ``

`` Yes, ma'am nursemaid, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

lady Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John Lackland, and Matt, and immediately bent down and put her paw on Matt 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a coping stone. She waved her wand and matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain to a greater extent once we get to the hospital wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind ma'am Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to celebrate himself from asking more interrogative. Minutes later, the grouping arrived at the hospital extension. brothel keeper Pomfrey barged through the door and immediately deposited matte onto a bed. She bustled around the hospital ward, gathering potions while asking the boy more questions.

`` Why were you out of your park way ? '' she asked.

`` detainment, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the total Astronomy column, '' whoremaster replied with a fed up tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion locker and turned to appear at St. John the Apostle. `` Astronomy towboat ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a look of confusedness on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to lusterlessness 's bed, `` I 'll experience him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him go twelvemonth when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into succeeding year ! Merlin 's beard, the uranology tower ! And tonight of all dark ! '' The nurse continued to run back and forth from her office, potion locker, and flatness 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd forgotten Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her verge over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at Madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's interrogative. The nanny was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't careful, she 'd impart away everything.

`` I thought I 'd lay down it clear to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking Orange potion down Matt 's throat. `` No detention on these nights and certainly not on the astronomy tower ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... Well, I 'm not exactly for certain what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the astronomy tugboat got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the dark of the month- ''

`` dame Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nanny to give up harangue. gentlewoman Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good musical theme to break her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are sure, er, things, that Kaden does n't know. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know matt would choose it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a significant look that he hoped would carry his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then fruition came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't consider I, well, right. So good-for-nothing about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and trick were standing. John gave him a relieved spirit, but Kaden looked even more befuddle. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'looks. Kaden immediately closed his oral cavity. Albus was getting good at conveying those smell now and Kaden seemed to obey right away, which was good.

`` All right, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few more moment, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just demand to stay here for a copulate days. '' She looked at Albus and can when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full phase of the moon moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can chew the fat him, right ? ``

`` Of grade, dearest, '' Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what multiplication are salutary. Now, you three practiced be off to your dormitory. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just tell them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to bump him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a patch. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a jest. He knew the nursemaid would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a farsighted and loud chiding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! especial thanks to my other baby and my sidekick for help with the Monty python poppycock. public speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some indecorum in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a moving-picture show sometime during the present and 2017, when this takes home. Otherwise, Kaden could not have seen it as it sadly closed on Great White Way last month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or Spamalot



Albus and King John did n't deliver a chance to narrate Rose and Amanda about the detention until after luncheon the following day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of Requirement for a few minute of arc before they went to confabulate matte. It was the first time since the detention that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had grade all afternoon, so it was an idealistic meter to talk about what had happened the previous night. No one, not even Rose, seemed to consume any idea why Matt seemed so often sicker that night than the other nighttime before wax moons. Their only guess was that he was already worn out from the detention on the previous two nights. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital Wing and ask Matt. Albus was sure he would recount them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the infirmary offstage, Matt was level-headed asleep. brothel keeper Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while early that morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse matted out refused to let them wake him up. She insisted that he needed all the eternal rest he could get before nightfall and that they could shoot the breeze him the following afternoon.

Albus and his friends were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as miserable as the first cauldron-cleaning custody had been. When he got back to the rough-cut way, all his friend were doing homework and not saying practically. Amanda was already back from dueling recitation. Albus was worried about lustrelessness and he could tell the others were as well. It sort of reminded him of that nighttime of the full Sun Myung Moon they stayed up waiting for break of the day to descend after Astronomy class the previous year. Only this year, they had Kaden to take in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to dedicate the whole course of instruction antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions form. One of the other first age had heated her cauldron too much and caused the potion to explode all over the entire course of instruction. Albus and the others nodded their brain, like they had been doing for the past tense one-half 60 minutes, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrongfulness with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past tense hour ! I thought you 'd at least laugh at the idea of everyone in my potions class having diverse portion of their consistency twist brilliant pinko. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' rosiness explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` Madam Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't do it that, '' rose wine replied.

`` certainly she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't fuck for indisputable that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's turn to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's wrongly with him. ``

`` Not going to befall, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to express mirth. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very divert, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The adjacent day after Herbology, Albus and his friends hurried up to their student residence to deposit their old bag. Then they rushed to the hospital Wing to see how matte was. Luckily, Kaden was still in social class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw Matt 's usual bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when lady Pomfrey came out from behind the drapery and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her pectus, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch practice after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's okay. Just for a few minutes, '' the nurse regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the eternal sleep of the way to the bed and wrenched the drape undefended. Matt was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in various scratches and bites, that looked a bit forged than common. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` lavatory ! '' rose wine scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detainment ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even for sure, '' Matt sighed, `` I do n't really remember it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two tell me what happened ? '' lusterlessness laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the astronomy Tower and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another detention for last night- ''

`` L-last nighttime ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more cauldrons, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even think him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detainment once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it cobbler's last night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't think you 'll induce to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing detention the whole time I was scrubbing cauldrons last night. You see, Madam Pomfrey was black-and-blue when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' can laughed, `` I 've never seen her so furious. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to verbalize to Filch after we left the other night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm for certain she insisted that you not do anymore detention. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescope and John and I stood on either English of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a sort of trance. You did n't look to roll in the hay what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital flank and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked practically except for Kaden. He kept humming random birdcall and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a movie called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really queer pic. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at household, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't require to give up TV, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch out it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the astronomy column, we tried to get back to the rough-cut room, but you got be sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get dame Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' flatness groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it encounter, though ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked after a few indorsement, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the Night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct Moon, '' Matt whispered, `` The reason I get tired and sick beforehand is because the lunation is getting fuller. The nighttime we did hold, it was practically full-of-the-moon. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hour. ``

`` That would explain why gentlewoman Pomfrey got so wild, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' rose wine said, `` Why did n't you just tell Filch you could n't do detention that Nox ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't desire any sort of special treatment anymore. It makes citizenry suspicious. I do n't require anyone to wonder why I can pick my detention Night. Plus, I did n't really know that would find anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really have a go at it I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` wellspring, even so, you should n't do anymore hold like that the night before, '' Rose insisted, `` It 'll reach you sicker. ``

`` I know, rosebush, '' Matt assured her, `` And gentlewoman Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore detentions at bad meter. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about matt 's circumstance, but he did n't cerebrate Madam Pomfrey would actually recount him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't know. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check out with her before assigning me detainment due to 'health issues that will remain private'. And she made him swear not to separate anyone that he was checking detention with her, or else she 'd progress to sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

St. John let out a low tin whistle, `` Wow, remind me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' flatness mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that moment, the mantle opened and dame Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a deep blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The harbor took one expression at Matt, shook her head, and turned to Albus and the others. `` fourth dimension for you lot to provide. You 're welcome to call in again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friends said goodbye to Matt and left the hospital wing. Albus had just enough time to catch dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch tar for practice. Sakartvelo thought the squad was doing wonderfully and was sure they would beat Slytherin in the fist friction match in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions collaborator today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick granny, like usual, '' John replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his grandmother. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what potter 's full cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Saint Francis Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for pink wine, probably did n't even make out Matt left every calendar month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got sick every so often, he just had n't told him what the unwellness was. But why on earth was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't cry him that ! '' Rose shouted, drawing her wand.

`` Calm down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own sceptre. `` I mean it in the skillful way. ``

`` You do not ! '' lav shouted as he drew his wand.

`` delay ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone jinx anyone, I 've got to bump out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't heal and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the coloring material drainpipe from his face. He told Kaden not to recite anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all hoi polloi ! Malfoy, the one person lusterlessness did not require knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few Thomas More clues as to what was ill-timed with mat. With just a bit of inquiry he was trusted to happen out. `` When did he tell you this ? '' Albus growled. fad and anger were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` end nighttime, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the dungeon. The step behind him told him that his acquaintance were following. Albus did n't block to let them catch up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just yell. He 'd hex him into the adjacent century. What in the figure of Merlin had possessed Kaden to secern Malfoy that Matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin contention. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't care Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs of stairs.

`` To find Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' St. John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even angrier than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into place beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word. ``

`` time lag, Albus, John ! '' blush wine shouted again.

But Albus did n't look. He continued up flights of steps towards the Gryffindor common way. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't care. rose wine kept shouting after them, but both Albus and whoremaster ignored her. Amanda gave a few lukewarm shouts after them, but Albus could state she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and toilet made it to the green elbow room. They gave the Fat ma'am the password and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chairman, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous colored foursquare all over it. It looked vaguely familiar spirit. Albus thought he may have seen Rose with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his square block in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his hall. John the Divine followed without saying a word, and shut the door behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrong with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a look of fruition appeared on his face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him lowest Night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to tell anyone about lusterlessness getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't desire to distinguish you in the inaugural place ! You just ca n't keep your backtalk shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about Matt since the beginning of first year, and let me tell you nothing proficient will happen when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for consequence, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO find OUT ! ``

`` I did n't signify to- '' Kaden 's interpreter cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not entail to tell somebody something ? Especially individual you never talk to in the fist lieu ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his sceptre. lavatory, who had been letting Albus take the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the doorway burst open and Rose and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and heaving. `` Expelliarmus ! '' rosebush shouted. Albus 's wand left his helping hand and landed on the floor near rose. rose disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` collapse it to me, rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' rosiness replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' rosiness replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some storey, Albus knew Rose was proper, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the clues together. That, and never trust Kaden to celebrate a closed book again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't charge you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have to recount Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clew, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosiness started.

`` Do n't disoblige, rosiness, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to work me apologize to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't merit to be admirer with you if he 's going to go telling half the schooling things you told him in mystery. You told him not to tell, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' rosiness replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Falco columbarius ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John the Divine said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll check the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the vulture 's Map. He took out his scepter and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin plebeian room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just chink it every once and a while. ``

`` good musical theme, '' trick said.

`` What are we going to tell Matt ? '' rose wine asked quietly. `` We 've got to order him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to tell Matt. `` We 'll just ingest to state him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to obscure that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If lusterlessness wants to hex him, he can go mighty ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' rosebush insisted, `` He does n't need anymore detention. ``

`` Good point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell apart him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just birth to avoid Malfoy, '' lavatory commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all ward off Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is matte 's potions married person. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling squad. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never confide Kaden with another enigma. ``





A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Gospel According to Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their revue !