Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


A female parent kangaroo stood absolutely still in the moonlit woods, watching her child play in the bushes in front of her. The female parent would gently pull the roo back every time he got too far away. She was watching him carefully when a cheap pop startled her. The joey hopped back over to his mother and jumped into her pouch. They hopped away quickly, not noticing the man who had just appeared a few measure away.

The man swore under his breathing space as his face contorted. His stave face was elongating and his black tomentum lightened to a brownish shade. He stumbled around and kicked off his shoes as his feet grew too large for them. It was not only his groundwork that were growing, but his integral body. The man was now six inch taller than he had been when he first Apparated into the forest. Finally, it stopped. The man now looked completely different and form of strange in Muggle wear that was far too small for him.

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

`` Bloody Muggle plane, '' he muttered to himself, `` Ministry ought to just allow for international Flooing. ``

It was a very tranquillity Nox, with only the occasional owl hooting in the distance. The moon was not full enough to bring home the bacon enough light to illuminate the path, but the man did not require to thread attention to himself by lighting his wand. He merely stumbled along, swearing every time he tripped over a rock music or a tree diagram root.

The magniloquent man was not entirely sure how far he would have to walk to find the seat he was looking for. In fact, the man he was going to chew the fat did not even know he was coming. Nevertheless, he kept walking through the afforest, until he finally came to the edge.

A short distance away stood a rather orotund planetary house. It was not big enough to be considered a mansion, but substantially turgid than most theater. The man glanced at his watch before continuing towards the house.

`` tinker's dam, '' he muttered as he noticed that his lookout man was still set for British time. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at his wrist. The hands on the watch swirled until coming to a occlusion. It was nearly midnight.

There was one lone igniter on in the planetary house. Other than that, the place seemed either deserted or its occupants asleep. The man did not care if everyone was asleep ; he would merely wake up them up. He picked up his pace as he crossed the yard and ascended the stairs up to the front end door.

The man knocked three times and stood waiting for person to let him in. A short while later, the threshold opened a crack. However, it did not appear that anyone had actually answered it.

`` Is you needing something, sir ? '' a squeaky interpreter asked.

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

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

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

`` seminal fluid in, '' the elf replied, `` Is you wanting a deglutition ? ``

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

`` Yes, sir. This way. ``

The man followed the elf through the overweening house. He always wondered how Lubar managed to afford everything. It 's not like he made a good deal money at his job. There were statues, works of art, gold encrusted table, oriental carpeting, and the fanciest piece of furniture in all of the rooms he passed.

The elf led him to a elbow room with the room access halfway candid. Light was streaming out of it, but the man could n't get a line any part. Lubar must be alone, he thought. That would be considerably anyway.

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

Lubar was sitting at his desk, perusing a book. His untidy Brown University hair was dangling over his face. He looked up when the man stepped into the way. He looked momentarily shocked, but regained his composure and stood up. Lubar was quite a bit poor than the man in the doorway and was wearing similar melanise robes.

`` Jarrett, '' Lubar gestured for him to amount in, `` What an, unusual, surprise. ``

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

`` To what do I owe the pleasure ? '' Lubar asked, folding his hands in presence of him. `` It 's been a long time, Jarrett. ``

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

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

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

Lubar raised his eyebrow. `` Interesting. And has your wife been in touch with him ? ``

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

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

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

`` I am quite queer as to how you managed to get here. Is n't your stallion ministry after you ? I pay care to magical news all around the reality, you know. I have been following your story for the past tense year, '' Lubar changed the subject.

Jarrett smiled. It had been surprisingly promiscuous to get to Australia with Muggle transport. It took a spell and was rather annoying, but easy.

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

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

`` Obviously, '' Jarrett smirked, `` Otherwise I would give birth turned back into myself in the middle of an airport. ``

`` True. Now, what can I do for you ? What could you possibly need that would get you to take Muggle transit to get here ? Somehow, I do n't think you would go through such uttermost measures to rekindle a friendship that died a decennium ago. ``

`` Do you do it why the Ministry wants me ? ``

`` Something about dueling Harry thrower ? '' Lubar smirked, `` That might be the stupidest thing you have ever done. ``

`` That 's the gist of it, '' Jarrett muttered, `` But we had cause for doing it. ``

`` We ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Lubar leaned back in his electric chair, `` Do you care to crystallise me about your reasons ? ``

`` We want to unite the Deathly Hallows in order to help our mission to continue the programme of Lord Voldemort, '' Jarrett explained, `` Harry thrower knows the location of all three of the Deathly Hallows and currently possesses two of them. Have you heard of the Hallows ? ``

`` Of row I have, '' Lubar snapped, `` idea you, I thought it was just a children 's report. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Two of them, '' Jarrett corrected him, `` We thought we lie with where all three were, but we were wrong about the Elder verge. Well, Potter could be lying to us. That 's entirely potential. But even if he does not currently have it in his possession, I am sure he knows where it is. The Invisibility Cloak is currently in willpower of Harry Potter 's midsection tike, Albus. The Resurrection Stone is residing in the forest next to Hogwarts, although I am not sure where. ``

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

`` I 'm getting to that. Recently, my son and I came up with a plan to obtain the invisibility Cloak. My son was to lure Albus Potter out of schoolhouse by capturing his cousin. To prepare a long story short, it ended in a duel between my son and Harry Potter. ceramicist captured him and he now resides in Azkaban, '' Jarrett seethed.

`` That sounds like an absolutely unfathomable plan. Did you actually believe ceramist 's kid would n't assure him his cousin was captured ? ``

`` We sort of hoped so- ''

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

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

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

`` wellspring, you 're a in high spirits ranking Ministry official, you must hold a lot of influence in these kinds of things, '' Jarrett stammered.

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

`` But do n't you keep back in contact with UK 's Department for the regulating and ascendence of Magical creature ? '' Jarrett asked.

Lubar laughed. `` I do not contact UK 's department for the regularization and Control of Magical brute. My public opinion are vastly dissimilar from those in Britain. I would not require to consociate myself with the bloke there. Plus, my epithet is mud with the British section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. ``

Jarrett looked curiously at Lubar. `` That is hard to consider. What did you possibly do to make them dislike you ? ``

`` That, is a very longsighted news report, '' Lubar replied, `` The old head of my department was a very tolerant man. He sympathized with werewolves and disliked any sort of exacting statute law dealing with them. His reason for this was because his own son is a werewolf. ``

`` Really ? ``

`` Yes. Anyway, he was fired after he broke one of the lycanthrope jurisprudence. Then I became top dog of the department and passed more laws. He hated me. He moved his house to United Kingdom, where he got a job in Werewolf musical accompaniment Services. Turns out, he was planning on moving anyway, even before he got send away. He wanted his lycanthrope kid to advert school. The headmaster of the Australian School of Sorcery obviously did not let him look. The Hogwarts headmaster did. As far as I know, he 's there now. Once there, he made sure everyone in his department knew my name and what I believed. They do not speak kindly of me. ``

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

`` He probably does n't know, '' Lubar smirked, `` I tend to doubt that the werewolf would denote it to the whole schooling. ``

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

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

Jarrett thought for a here and now and then his centre popped out of his head. `` Eckerton ? ! Quinton 's mentioned that kid. He 's one of the I we dueled with stopping point year ! He 's admirer with potter 's kid. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` And how would you do that ? ``

`` first-class honours degree, I give you advice, '' Lubar began, `` You 're going about this all wrong. Your initiative antecedency should bear been the Resurrection of Christ Oliver Stone, not that invisibleness Cloak. Yes, the Stone will be difficult to witness, but cipher currently owns it. It 's sitting in the bush. You 've got to research that bush and get that Lucy Stone. Then, you use the Edward Durell Stone. ``

`` Use it ? ``

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` Then, you ask Voldemort what happened to the elder sceptre ! '' Lubar continued, `` That thing is the best Hallow. The Cloak is the least useful. Anyone can ready themselves inconspicuous with a Disillusionment magic spell. You 've got to get that wand and Edward Durell Stone first. ``

`` Oh, I 'll get looking for the pit, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Good, '' Lubar replied, `` And I 'll go to Britain and help you. ``

`` Seriously ? ``

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

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

`` They do, '' Lubar said, `` But I can add up up with a good reason to be at Hogwarts this class. ``

`` What might that be ? ``

`` I can not explicate in point. There is an consequence happening at Hogwarts this year. Students from Commonwealth of Australia are participating. I have cause to be there. ``

`` Shall I wait for you to look for for the Harlan F. Stone ? ``

`` Yes, '' Lubar said, `` I 'll make sure you do n't chicane it up. And perhaps, while I 'm there, we can put to work out some way to fall apart your moron son out of Azkaban. ``

`` Thanks, '' Jarrett muttered.

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


A/N : I love it when editing takes lupus erythematosus clock time than I thought ! Big thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who also named this story.

This story is more twine with In moonlight 's Shadow than my former Albus chronicle have been. masses who have already read IMS will have it off this now that they 've read the prologue. I suggest anyone who has n't read IMS read it, although you 'll still be able to understand this report if you don't.

I may be switching my update days to Wednesdays because I 'm quite officious on Thursday. It 'll reckon on how the semester goes.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus Severus potter awoke to a gamy pitched shriek. He sat up quickly in bed and listened. It was coming from downstairs and sounded exactly like his little sister, Lily. He groaned and got out of bed. It would be superfluous for him to try and go back to sleep.

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

Albus quickly changed his wearing apparel and ran downstairs. It was a mystery story as to what Lily was shrieking about now. His mum probably told her some new small-arm of information about Hogwarts.

`` Al ! '' Lily shoved a spell of sheepskin in Albus 's face, `` It came ! It came ! My Hogwarts varsity letter came ! ``

So that was what the shrieking was about, Albus thought. Lily had been waiting for that letter all summer. Every dawn she 'd take in the windowpane waiting for the post owl to arrive.

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

`` Lily ! '' Saint James shouted, `` One does not shriek and dance like a lunatic when one receives their Hogwarts missive. ``

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

James blushed. `` Er, no. ``

`` Oh, do n't be ashamed, St. James, '' Albus grinned as he sat down next to his brother, `` At to the lowest degree you did n't pipe up like a daughter. ``

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

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

`` Normal for a lady friend, '' James replied.

`` Stop it, King James, '' Ginny scolded as she set a pipe bowl of burgoo and a few envelopes in front of Albus, `` You got some Emily Post as well, Al. ``

Albus picked up the pile of letters and opened the top one. It was the usual book inclination as well as his Hogsmeade permission sideslip. `` Here, Mum, '' he handed her the gaucherie, `` You 'll sustain to sign that. ``

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

`` Mum ! '' Albus groaned.

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

`` James ! '' Albus smacked him.

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

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

Albus opened the other envelope. It was from lusterlessness.

Dear Albus,

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

Your acquaintance,
flatness

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

Ginny read the letter over Albus 's shoulder. `` certainly. We 'll meet you in Diagon Alley and get James and Lily 's hooey then. ``

Albus grinned. He was very excited about going to lusterlessness 's family. He had never been there. He hoped that John and Kaden would be able to go as well. They had n't seen each former in about a month, when Albus and Rose had had their birthday party.

`` Thanks, Mum. ``

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

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

`` I do n't want to wait ! ``

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

The two boy looked up when they heard a loud crack. Matt 's entire crime syndicate had Apparated into the drawing room. Ginny walked into the room and greeted Matt 's parents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

They reappeared in the middle of a tumid battleground. There was a log house in the distance.

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

`` It 's not, '' Matt said as he pointed to the log firm, `` That 's my sign. ``

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

`` My parents put anti-Apparition wards on the sign of the zodiac, '' matt explained.

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do n't want to get into it, '' mat muttered.

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

`` There are some matter I do n't tell anyone, Kaden, '' lustrelessness sighed.

Albus smirked and shook his head. Some things never change. Kaden still did n't bed how to keep his sass shut.

lusterlessness 's theater was the only one in the area. Albus could n't see any other buildings besides a shed behind the sign of the zodiac. There were W. C. Fields surrounding the theater and a low fence surrounding the property. Beyond the fencing was farmland.

lustrelessness 's dad unlocked the door and Albus followed him inside. He stopped in the entranceway and looked around. The place was about as different as a family could be from Grimmauld Place. It was subject and airy and decorated in a modern yet rustic way. From the doorway, Albus could see the kitchen straight ahead, the dining room next to it, and the living elbow room next to the door. On the former English of the doorway was a set of stairs leading upstairs. Albus continued walking into the living room and saw a corridor next to the kitchen that lead to a few more rooms. Albus liked it instantly. It had a homey feel to it like the Burrow did. Except it was much cleaner. Matt had said his mum was kind of a neat freak, but Albus was n't expecting it to be this neat.

`` Great home, lustrelessness, '' Albus grinned.

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

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

`` I 'll go get lav now, '' Mr. Eckerton announced, `` You can come, Matt. I 'll be able-bodied to Apparate both of you. ``

`` Ok. I 'll be rightfulness back, Albus, '' flatness said and left the house with his dad.

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

Albus nodded and sat down on one of the couches. It was quite comfortable. Kaden sat down next to him and put his feet up on the coffee table, earning a unappeasable gaze from Mrs Eckerton. Kaden sheepishly removed his feet from the table.

Amy sat down on a chairman and pulled a book off the table. She opened it and began reading. It was some sort of potions book.

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

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

`` That 's great ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` I like potions too. Albus thinks I 'm mad. well, so do Matt and John. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Kaden said.

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

`` trade good, '' Albus said, `` Well, Lily is driving me mad because she got her Hogwarts alphabetic character the other day. ``

`` I still commemorate when I got my letter to the Australian schooling of Sorcery- ''

`` The what ? '' Kaden asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

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

Albus groaned. pass on it to Kaden to figure that out.

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

The breast doorway opened and lustrelessness and John ran inside followed by Mr. Eckerton. John paused in the entryway and looked around.

`` Whoa, '' he grinned, `` This house is bloody magnificent ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Bye, Dad. ``

`` So, I 'll evince you the upstairs, '' lusterlessness said after Amy left.

Albus grabbed his bag and followed mat upstairs. John and Kaden thundered behind them. Once they reached the top, Matt led them to the door on the left along the cover wall.

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

Albus stepped inside and looked around. The carpet was blue and the walls were ovalbumin. It was mussy than the rest of the house, but nowhere near as messy as King James I 's elbow room. There was a Chudley Cannons counterpane on the bed and multiple posters on the wall.

`` Nice bed, '' John smirked, `` Nice to see the Cannons can still trade ware. If only they devoted that drive to their playing .... ''

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

`` Oh, yeah, they did get three goal in their game against Puddlemere, '' John said, `` Too bad Puddlemere had a hundred times that many end. ``

Matt groaned. `` Come on, I 'll bear witness you the other rooms. ``

Albus followed matt out of the elbow room and down the corridor. The next doorway was a bathroom and the one after that was Amy 's room. The terminal door was alongside a different bulwark and Matt gestured for them to step inside.

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

`` auditory sensation like rose 's dreaming cum lawful, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

The library was twice the size of flatness 's room. Bookshelves covered all the walls and there were a few desks sitting in the eye of the room. A spongy looking couch was sitting below one of the windows and there were a few armchairs in several places. There were also four camp bed in the middle, but Albus doubted they were normally there.

Albus tossed his bag down on a cot as can and Kaden did the same. Kaden started wandering around the way and looking at the respective books.

`` I do n't cogitate I 've ever been in a house with this many ledger, '' Kaden said.

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

`` You should see Rose 's theatre, '' Albus commented.

`` You 've got a lot of Holy Writ about magical brute, '' Kaden pointed out.

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

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

`` Yeah, you can probably opine why, '' flatness mumbled.

`` So, '' Albus changed the subject, `` How was your head trip to New York ? ``

The uncomfortableness that had been on Matt 's look moments before disappeared. `` It was smart as a whip ! We had so a great deal fun. ``

`` And how was the aeroplane ? '' John asked eagerly.

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

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

`` Bethany thinks she 's a beldam, '' Kaden announced, `` She found a beat outside and has been pretending to stray turn. ``

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

`` He turned a lovely shade of purpleness, '' Kaden laughed.

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

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

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

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

`` The nous of the department of the ordinance and ascendancy of Magical Creatures is retiring at the end of the year, '' matte explained, `` And he 's recommending my dad for the stance. It 's not final, but it 'll most likely happen. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He works in werewolf Support military service. ``

Kaden nodded. `` You know, that is variety of funny, considering .... ''

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

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

`` Pretty a good deal, yeah, '' Matt said quietly, `` But I like Hogwarts, so I do n't really care that we had to prompt. ``

`` How about you, Albus ? '' whoremaster asked, `` Anything stir happening in the most famous wizarding house ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matt, John, and Kaden gaped at him. `` What ? '' John asked, `` Are you dangerous ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded.

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

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Dad did n't tell me. He said he wants me to train my own opinions of the instructor. ``

`` I wonder if we 'll ever have the exact Sami staff for two years in a row, '' John commented, `` I mean, first year they were all new to us. Last year we got Cedonia. And this year we 've got some new Defense instructor. ``

`` I just hope whoever the new teacher is, that they 're nice, '' Matt said, `` So what do you lot want to do ? We 've got a few hours until dinner. ``

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

Matt groaned. `` That 's the one affair we ca n't do. The Muggle farmer is often out tending to his fields and he 'd see us. ``

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

The boy decided it was as good an idea as any and they ran downstairs. Albus had limited experience with football game. He had watched a duo matches and played it a few times, but that was it. He did n't think whoremonger had ever played and he was n't indisputable about matt. King John was skeptical about the fun of football, but he was uncoerced to give it a try.

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

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

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

Albus followed Matt down the deck steps and into the field. He stood next to Matt and John and all three of them turned to Kaden, who had set the ball on the land and had one foot on it.

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

`` A few times, '' Albus answered.

`` Nope, '' King John said.

`` When I was younger, I played a bit, '' matte replied, `` But I was never any proficient. ``

Kaden sighed. `` All right. Why do n't we just play two on two. bathroom and I versus Albus and matt. ``

The other three boys nodded. Kaden pointed out two different tree diagram that would answer as makeshift goals. He next explained the normal of the game and they began playing.

Albus found the concept very similar to that of his Chaser position in Quidditch, only he could n't use his workforce. That was very odd. He had trouble keeping the ball near his animal foot and even more trouble aiming it to matt. Half the time Kaden would steal it and he would n't even get a chance to pass it.

John the Divine was hardly any better than Albus. He never managed to kick back the ball where he aimed it, but Kaden 's superior skill seemed to even off for lavatory 's want of science. The two of them ( well, Kaden ) had scored more goals than Albus and Matt.

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

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

`` John ! '' Albus shouted as St. John picked up the ball and took off across the field of battle, `` You ca n't match the Lucille Ball ! ``

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

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

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

Kaden tackled lav and tried to wrestle the chunk out of his arms. whoremonger tried to escape, but Kaden was holding onto his leg.

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

`` Albus ! Help ! Your cousin is Muggle dueling with me ! ``

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

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

Albus stumbled and fell onto the ground. He held the ball out of Kaden 's ambit and Kaden tackled him. John, now free of Kaden 's wrath, grabbed matte 's leg and pulled him into the mix.

`` Hey ! '' mat shouted, `` I did n't take the football ! ``

`` Energy n't matter, '' toilet grinned, `` We 're not going to let you stand there while we 're Muggle dueling each other. ``

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

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

`` congratulations, '' Matt smirked, `` You beat a unwieldy whiz and a Chaser at football. ``

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

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

Albus grinned as he walked towards the sign of the zodiac. As much as he enjoyed his own business firm, it was fun to spend a few years with flatness and his former friends. Plus, the young woman were n't there. They had never really had time away from blush wine and Amanda and it was kind of fun. Not that he did n't delight their society, there were just affair they could n't really do around blush wine and Amanda. Like bit a football game friction match into a wrestling match, for example.

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

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

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


dinner with Matt 's parents was interesting. Mealtimes at Albus 's house were always chaotic and never really planned in capital particular. It seemed like one of his parents was always coming or going. Then there was the fact that at least one of his cousins or slip always seemed to be showing up partway through the repast. But Albus did n't really listen. He kind of liked the chaos that was his family.

Mealtimes at mat 's house, on the other helping hand, seemed more formal and planned. His mum and house elf, Ellie, cooked a lavish spread and served it on fancier dishes than Albus 's family had. And matt did n't have any relatives to randomly fall in. Albus enjoyed it, though. The formality of it did n't enervate Kaden in the to the lowest degree and he dominated the conversation, which centered around Hogwarts, Quidditch, and football.

The male child spent the evening in the den playing round after circle of Exploding Snap. Since Rose was n't there, they all had a probability of winning. flatness 's parents joined in for a few rounds and once they left, Albus and his Quaker talked about the upcoming school twelvemonth. John and Kaden agreed that they needed to pull a few marauderesque pranks, but Albus and Matt were a bit reluctant. The job of school pranksters was currently held by James and his acquaintance and Albus really did n't want everyone to call back he was a just like his brother.

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

`` Albus ? '' lustrelessness whispered a few moment later, `` Are you awake ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back.

`` I 'm really happy you came, '' flatness replied.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` You three are the first of all champion I 've ever had over here, '' Matt said quietly, `` I never really thought it would ever happen. ``

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

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

`` Thanks, '' matte said, `` Well, full night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

Albus fell asleep quickly to the muffled sound of Kaden 's snoring. But what seemed like a brusque while later, he awoke again to the auditory sensation of somebody 's whispering.

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

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

`` Are you athirst ? '' Albus recognized whoremaster 's voice.

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

`` Want to go incur some food ? '' John asked.

`` Sure. ``

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

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

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

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

`` What ? '' he asked.

`` trick and Kaden went to get a snack, '' Albus told him. Albus did n't know what kind of bite the two of them were going to get, but he had a look they would n't take in it simple. John and Kaden were known to come up with some pretty mad estimate when they were together, especially when they did n't have Albus or matte to neutralize them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, derive on, Albus, '' Kaden grinned, `` Mashed white potato and chocolate cake would be a good combination. ``

`` Oh, nasty ! '' Matt grimaced and sat down succeeding to Albus.

`` It 's only foul if you forget the ketchup, '' trick replied.

Even the idea of a compounding like that made Albus want to vomit. It sounded like some sort of new Bertie Bott 's flavor.

`` No thanks, '' Albus said.

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

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

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

`` Oh, relax, '' john grinned.

Albus watched as Kaden stirred the Irish potato and cake combination. It actually did n't expect that bad. Almost like some sort of strange pud. Albus was sure the ketchup would belie any sort of possible edibility, though.

`` Hey, what 's this matter ? '' King John gestured to a black box that was attached to the bottom of the cupboards along the wall. He pushed a few push button and the unharmed thing lit up inside and started whirring.

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

`` It 's a microwave oven, '' lustrelessness jumped off his stool and pushed a button on it. It stopped whirring and turned darkness again. `` And you ca n't turn it on when it 's vacuous. ``

can stared at it. `` What 's it do ? What 's the head ? ``

`` It cooks nutrient, '' Matt explained, `` libertine than an oven. ``

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

flatness grabbed his arm. `` You ca n't put metal in it ! It 'll give out ! ``

Albus smirked. And Gospel According to John said he did n't need oversight. He definitely did, especially since there were Muggle gismo everywhere.

`` well that 's stupid, '' lavatory replied and took the fork out.

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

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

`` Came with the house. And my mum likes Muggle engineering for cooking. ``

`` Oh, '' lav said and turned to Kaden, who had begun pouring ketchup in the mixture, `` Let 's put the hale affair in the microwave ! ``

matt groaned and turned to Albus. `` This wo n't twist out proficient. ``

Albus laughed. `` Probably not. But Kaden 's Muggle born, so I 'm reasonably sure he knows how to do work the microwave. ``

`` dependable point, '' Matt said, `` John ! Let Kaden do the microwaving. ``

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

Kaden took the bowling ball and put it in the microwave. He turned it on and Albus watched as the trough turned around and around on the inside plate. It was rather clever, he thought. Almost like magic. It seemed like a magic box that cooked food for thought in track record time.

A instant or so later, the microwave beeped, which caused privy to jump. `` Bloody hell ! '' he shouted, `` What was that ? ``

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

`` Me ! '' John shouted and grabbed a few spoon off the sideboard.

`` No way, '' Albus shook his pass. The intermixture in the bowling ball was the consistency of pudding, but was a strange cerise brown vividness that was absolutely disgusting looking.

`` Me either, '' flatness said, `` Just the smell of that grosses me out. ``

John took a whiff and grinned. `` olfactory modality good ! ``

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

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

`` in force thing he 's not having any, '' Kaden took a vast spoon and stuffed it in his mouth.

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

`` Delicious ! '' Kaden grinned.

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

John tried it next and pronounced it delicious as well. Albus and Matt just stared at each other and tried not to see as John the Divine and Kaden polished off the residual of the concoction.

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

`` Almost, '' John said.

`` Done, '' Kaden replied.

`` You 'd meliorate dampen the arena out, '' Matt said.

Kaden nodded and began to rinse the dishes. John returned to the refrigerator and started rummaging around again.

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

`` Not really, '' John shrugged, `` Just looking. ''

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

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

`` Er, '' John stammered, `` Well, I just kind of wanted something else to eat- ''

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

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

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

`` Er, yes, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` Why ? ``

`` Because eggs- ''

lusterlessness never got to finish his condemnation. A cheap pop came from the microwave before he could retain. He quickly turned the affair off and glared at john. John was grinning and looking at the microwave.

`` Explode in microwaves, '' flatness finished.

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

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

Albus stood behind mat and looked into the microwave. The interior was covered in egg yolk, ashen, and shell. It was a complete pickle, yet kind of funny at the same time.

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

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

`` cleanse what up ? ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` John and Kaden wanted a bite, '' Matt replied, `` So they made a disgusting combination of philander potatoes, chocolate cake, and tomato ketchup. They liked it, but Albus and I thought it was nauseating. Just the smell of it made me sick. ``

Mrs Eckerton groaned. `` Well, just cleanse up the microwave and go back bed. ``

`` Ok, Mum, '' Matt replied.

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

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

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

`` You should take in taken Muggle field of study, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

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

******

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

`` Let 's microwave random stuff, '' John suggested.

`` No way, '' Matt replied.

Matt 's parents had officially banned them from cooking for the rest of the visit. Albus found this rather comical, especially the flavor on trick and Kaden 's faces when they were told they could n't cook. The two of them spent a salutary twenty instant trying to incur a loophole in the rule.

`` Do wizards play hide and seek ? '' Kaden asked.

`` That was random, '' Albus commented, `` But yes, champion do take on conceal and look for. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus said. He loved biz of fell and seek at the Burrow. There were excellent places to hide there.

`` We should play it, '' Kaden announced, `` It 's always boring to play it at my house because the simply one there to meet it with is Bethany. And she never fell in effective situation. ``

`` That 's what Amy said about me when I was little, '' Matt said, `` I would always hide in the Sami place. ``

`` Ok, let 's romp, '' Saint John stood up, `` The lounge in here can be home and we can hide anywhere in the house. ``

`` strait salutary. But no going outside, '' Matt agreed, `` Who 's it ? ``

`` Albus, '' whoremaster said.

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

Albus closed his eyes and started count. He heard the footsteps of his friends disappear as he got near to 100. Usually, one of his older cousins was it whenever he played hide and seek. Albus rarely got to be it.

`` Ready or not, here I come ! '' he shouted and looked around the den. The den would be the perfect stain for concealment because it was confining to the home couch. But there were n't very many space to obliterate in it.

Albus walked quietly over to the one cupboard that was in the room. He pulled it unfastened and looked inside. Empty. He left the room and looked down the corridor. The lavatory, he thought, that would be a just hiding station. Albus himself hid in the bathtub on numerous occasions.

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

`` Got you, '' Albus grinned.

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

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

Albus and Saint John left the bathroom and resumed the hunting. Albus really did n't sense well-to-do searching in Matt 's dad 's study, so they left it alone. Albus figured no one would hide in there anyway. They searched the residue of the downstairs, looking in every nook and cranny and press. But Matt and Kaden were no where to be found.

Next they went upstairs and searched all the chamber except lusterlessness 's parents'. The library and bathroom were searched as well, but still no luck. The game was reminding Albus of the ace he played at the tunnel. James was always unacceptable to find. Although one time he got a broom and decided to linger above the firm to hide. No one found him for hour and then the grownup made a 'no flying'rule for hide and seek.

`` Where are they ? '' John said as they searched the library for the second fourth dimension, `` We 've searched the entire theater ! ``

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

`` good idea, '' whoremaster agreed.

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

John checked the potion brewing room while Albus looked in the briny part of the basement that seemed to be a combination memory area and den. Still zero. The basement was perfectly hush, too.

`` What about that elbow room ? '' privy pointed to a elbow room at the back of the cellar.

`` matt said it was just storage, '' Albus replied, `` I doubt either of them are in there. Plus, it 's so quiet. We 'd learn some sort of crusade. No one 's down here. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I was in that closet, '' lusterlessness pointed to the closet Albus had searched earlier.

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

`` There 's a diminished room access in there that leads to a smaller wardrobe, '' lusterlessness got up off the couch and walked over to the W.C.. `` looking, '' he opened the door.

lustrelessness pulled back a few coats that were hanging up and Albus noticed a very tiny doorway in the wall. Matt opened it and revealed a tiny closet that was just big enough for a belittled somebody to climb into.

`` See ? '' matte grinned.

`` You had an unjust advantage, '' John the Evangelist said, `` You know shove about this house that we do n't. ``

`` wellspring, when we play at your house, then you 'll make an advantage. ``

`` My house does n't have any picayune hole-and-corner cupboard, '' John muttered.

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

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

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

`` We 'd better go bump him, '' john said.

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

`` No melodic theme, '' Matt said, `` But with Kaden, it could be anything. ``

The son searched the entire household twice, but they still could n't find Kaden. He was the ultimate hide and seek player, Albus thought. He could even pass James lessons.

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

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

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

`` What are you boys doing ? '' Mrs. Eckerton asked. She was sitting on the couch Reading a book of account in the living room.

`` playing hide and seek, '' Matt replied and sat down on a chair, `` But we ca n't retrieve Kaden. ``

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

`` exterior was off limitation, '' John the Evangelist said.

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

`` Everywhere ? '' Mrs. Eckerton raised her supercilium, `` Even in the basement ? ``

Matt 's brass paled. `` Oh, Merlin ! Not the integral basement ! ``

`` You 'd better go impediment, '' Mrs Eckerton said.

Matt jumped off the couch and ran towards the cellar door. Albus shrugged at lavatory as they followed. He did n't have a clue as to why Matt was so skittish about Kaden hiding in the basement. Plus, Albus and John checked the cellar. Except that storage room. But why would that make up matte aflutter ? What was in it ?

Albus ran down the stair and followed matt. Sure enough, lusterlessness went straight to the repositing room.

`` Falco columbarius ! '' Matt muttered and paused in front end of the room access, `` Why did he hide in here ? ``

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

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

Albus gaped as he saw what was in the room. Well, what was n't in it. The way was completely discharge and had no windows. But the foreign part was that it was padded. The floor and bulwark were completely covered with what looked care mattresses.

`` Is that ? '' bathroom asked, `` A aggrandize room ? ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden, who was running around and literally bouncing off the bulwark, ran over to them, `` select you farsighted enough ! Matt, why did n't you tell apart us you had a padded room in your house ? This is brilliant ! ``

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

`` Bloody netherworld, this is glorious ! '' whoremaster grinned and walked into the room.

`` No it 's not, '' mat said quietly, `` come in on. ''

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

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

`` Yeah, '' matt muttered.

`` Was he- ''

`` Yeah, '' matt said without stopping.

Albus followed him all the way up the stairs and into his bedroom. matte flopped down on his bed and stared up at the cap. Albus sat down on the base and bathroom and Kaden sat down on either face of him.

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

`` Shush, '' Albus replied. He had an inkling as to what that room was used for, but he was n't sure. He did bed that it was usually best to let lusterlessness tell them what was going on in his own prison term, though. Kaden 's pestering doubt certainly were n't going to help.

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

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

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

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

`` I do n't bed if you guessed what that way is for, '' lusterlessness began, `` But I guess I 'll say you. ``

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

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

Albus nodded. That 's what he had guessed. Judging by the settle down look on St. John the Apostle 's face, he had guessed it too. Kaden on the other paw, was gaping at Matt.

`` Wait, what ? '' he asked.

`` That 's where I go during full Sun Myung Moon, '' matte said.

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

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

lustrelessness laid back down on his bed and stared at the roof. `` Back when I was five and I went through my first translation, I spent the totally night ramming into the bulwark trying to get out. My dad put the padding on the walls before the side by side good moonshine. Then when we moved here, my dad recreated the Sami room in the cellar of this theater. ``

Albus winced at the thinking of matt ramming himself into a bulwark. Every clip Matt told him something else about the full moonlight, Albus felt even deplorable for him.

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

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

`` What about the shriek Shack ? '' Kaden asked, `` Is that padded ? ``

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

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

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


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are all awesome !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' mat answered.

Mrs. Eckerton opened the room access and Albus followed everyone outside. They walked a few time away from the theater and then Mrs Eckerton put an arm around Matt and the other around Albus. Amy did the same with John and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.

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

The adults greeted each other while Lily, Victor Hugo, and John 's sister, Ashtyn, flew out of their rear end and over to Albus and the former male child. Rose followed them and stood next to Albus.

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

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn grinned, `` And books and robes and caldron and- ''

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

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

`` Am not, '' Hugo retorted.

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

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

`` Er, right, '' Albus agreed.

`` youngster ! '' Ginny shouted, `` We 're going to go to Flourish and Blotts first, then Madam Malkins. Al, you need new robes. ``

`` So do you, blush wine, '' Ron put in.

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

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

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

Lily pouted and folded her arms across her chest of drawers, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his friends followed the adults, James, and the young woman out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.

Diagon bowling alley was a bit more herd than the Leaky cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the large group into brandish and Blotts, where the salesman took one feel at them and ran into the back room. He returned with a saleslady.

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

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

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

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

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

`` So, what did you lot do at Matt 's house ? '' blush wine asked as they were waiting.

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

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

`` Microwaved an egg, '' trick replied, `` It made a nice explosion. ``

`` Bet your mum was n't well-chosen, '' rose wine said to Matt.

`` She just made him make clean it up. My dad did the same thing after we moved here. We did n't stimulate a microwave in Australia, '' Matt said.

`` Muggle studies ought to be mandatory, '' rosebush sighed.

Albus spent a few Sir Thomas More bit telling Rose about what they had done at Matt 's house, although he left out the part about the padded elbow room. mat could say rosebush that later if he wanted to.

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

Once everyone had a push-down list of books in their arms, the chemical group left the book store. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin 's. Luckily, the shop was empty, although they 'd consume to wait a piece until everyone was fitted for robes.

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

Albus sat down on a president as he waited for his act. Matt and John sat down on either side of him. Albus glanced over and saw that Matt was staring widely eyed at his mass of books. Albus peered down at his own stack of Book, but the one on top was Intermediate Transfiguration.

Albus looked over at lusterlessness 's stack of books and he gaped when he saw which account book was on top. It was the exact same account book that Kaden had found at flourish and Blotts a year ago. The one entitled Dark Creatures : How to Protect Yourself.

`` Interesting book pick, '' Albus muttered.

flatness looked up at Albus. `` This does n't bode well for the new defence teacher. ``

Albus shrugged. `` Well, third year defense does focus on dark tool. ``

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

`` I doubt they will, '' Albus replied, `` No one 's going to pay that much care in division. The only one in our year who would 've put the clues together after learning it in class is Rose, and she already knows. ``

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

A one-half hr later, everyone had new robes who needed them and the large chemical group exited ma'am Malkin 's. They made their way down the street and towards Olivander 's. Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Ashtyn arrived before anyone else did and could n't wait to set forth trying out wands.

Albus watched as his sister waved legion baton and subsequently broke everything on Olivander 's desk. After she tried a few Thomas More, Lily found her wand and proudly held the box as carefully as she could. Hugo and Ashtyn found wands a few minutes later and the chemical group set off to the Apothecary.

After a visit to the Apothecary, Eyelops, and Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the forthcoming schoolhouse year. Albus was rather tired by the meter they finished, but Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to get dateless energy. They sort of reminded Albus of the way Kaden had been the old year. Granted, Kaden still had interminable energy, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.

Albus said so long to his friends in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld post with his mum, Kaden, James, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to execute spells with her new wand while they waited for Dudley to pick Kaden up. Lily was form of crucify that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.

******

In an effort to try and quash nearly missing the train like they had the previous yr, Ginny insisted that Albus, James, and Lily pack their trunks the night before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the shouts of his mother.

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

Albus slowly got out of bed as he listened to the loud footsteps of his mother in the corridor. `` James II Sothis Potter ! Get out of bed this instant ! ``

The room access to his bedroom opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts robes. `` Al ! We 've got to entrust ! ``

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

Albus hurriedly threw on some clothes once his sister left. He grabbed his owl cage and shoal bag and quickly left the room. He was quite beaming his trunk was packed and already downstairs.

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

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

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

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

`` James IV Sothis Potter ! '' Ginny shouted from upstairs, `` I told you to pack that conclusion night ! hastiness up ! ``

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

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

`` But it 's not reasonable, '' Lily whined, `` Saint James and Al got to make you teach them for two age. ``

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

`` Is he nice ? '' Albus asked.

`` well, he 's, '' Harry paused, `` He 's fair. That 's a proficient way of putting it. He 'll handle everyone the same. ``

At least he did n't sound like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the former script, he did n't fathom like Neville or Cedonia either.

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

`` What do you mean ? '' Albus asked.

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

That certainly spiked Albus 's curiosity. What could be going on that would make Hogwarts more shake up than common ?

`` seed on, '' Albus replied, `` Ca n't you give us a pinch ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Please, Dad ? '' James IV whined.

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

The potter arrived on chopine 9 3/4 with XV bit to dispense with, which was actually earlier than they had arrived the former year. They met Kaden and his family unit as well as Rose, Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the trunks onto the wagon train and then returned to say goodbye.

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

`` Be good, Albus, '' Ginny smiled, `` And take care of Lily. ``

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

Once everyone had said goodbye, Albus headed to the train with Rose and Kaden. James immediately left to retrieve his friends, and Lily and Victor Hugo followed Albus and rosiness. They climbed on just before the train started moving and waved to their parents until the geartrain left the station.

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

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

`` Hi, Albus, Rose, Kaden, '' Matt greeted them.

Kaden sat down adjacent to john and rose wine sat next to Amanda. Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the Sorting and the Hogwarts menage. Albus, who had been listening to Lily lecture about that all summer, did not require to participate in that conversation.

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

`` What ? '' flatness asked.

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

`` Really ? wish he 'd tell you what it was, '' Matt replied.

`` How could he say that and not severalise you ? '' Gospel According to John groaned.

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

`` Nope, '' Albus shook his head and then turned to pink wine, `` Has Uncle Ron said anything ? ``

`` Just that it was something exciting, '' rosebush sighed, `` The alone thing I can think of is the Triwizard Tournament. ``

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

`` Did n't someone die the conclusion metre they had that ? '' can asked.

Albus nodded. `` The Triwizard Tournament is a contest that involves three wizarding schooling : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion from each schooling participates in three witching labor and whichever champ wins gets the Triwizard Cup.

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

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

`` No, '' rose shook her heading, `` There 's no way they 'd do that again. At least not for years. Cedric 's death is too fresh in a lot of people 's judgment to hold that tourney again. So I have no mind what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about. ``

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

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

`` Not me, '' Albus shook his caput. He hated being in the spotlight. `` I bet James would do it, though. ``

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

`` Me, either, '' Amanda agreed, `` What about you, rebel ? ``

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

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

`` No doubt about that, '' pink wine agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, '' privy began, `` If he 's mean to you, we can try and get him force out before he starts the you-know-what unit. That unit 's not until the end of the year. ``

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

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

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

`` well, have you got any substantially ideas ? '' trick asked.

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

The rest of the train drive passed quickly. The intact compartment participated in an Exploding pushover contest, which Rose won. Then they bought a big amount of collation from the tram. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the side by side thing he knew, rose was nudging him waken and telling him to exchange into his gown.

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

The power train pulled into Hogsmeade post and Albus joined the throngs of bookman heading out into the rainy conditions. He heard Hagrid calling the initiative years and said bye to Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an empty carriage and led his Friend inside.

`` The first age are going to get soaked, '' John said as he wrung out his hat onto the bottom of the carriage.

`` Spooky crossing the lake in this weather, '' Kaden grinned, `` make me want I was crossing the lake. ``

`` Maybe the goliath Squid will tip over one of the boat, '' john grinned mischievously, `` I 've heard it does n't like this variety of weather. ``

Rose rolled her eyes. `` The calamari is not going to flip one of the boats. ``

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

`` St. James the Apostle purposely tipped his gravy boat when he crossed the lake, '' Albus said. He still remembered his mother receiving an owl telling her about that. She wasted no time in getting a belly laugh off to James.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` Wish I 'd thought of that. ``

`` Me, too ! '' King John agreed.

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

`` Yeah, '' flatness agreed, `` That would not have been pleasant. ``

The remainder of the trip up to the rook was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the boats being tipped over by the hulk calamary. John and Kaden decided that they wanted to find the Giant calamari that year and agreed to take a swim in the Black Lake during the first usable weekend.

The entire Entrance Hall was covered in water by the time Albus and his friends entered the castle. Albus was sure Filch would have a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his champion to the familiar Gryffindor mesa and sat down, eager for the feast to start.

Albus scanned the staff tabular array and his eyes rested on the exclusively unfamiliar face. A stern looking man with his black hair cut in a Muggle military style was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to permeate every scholarly person in the entire room at the same clip. Albus did not get the common sense that this teacher would be nice, although he lacked the hatred that Washburn had emanated.

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

`` facial expression like his face is frozen that way, '' Kaden muttered.

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

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

Albus snorted and shook his head. It did sort of look like the professor had a bit too much of that sealed Weasley ware. His Uncle Hotspur wore that Sami look when his Uncle George VI put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.

The Great dormitory immediately quieted down as professor Patil led the first twelvemonth into the elbow room and towards the staff table. They congregated near the three-legged stool upon which the Sorting Hat sat.

`` They look inadequate than last class 's get-go twelvemonth, '' lavatory whispered as the Sorting Hat began singing.

`` They are, '' Kaden agreed, `` I was n't that dead last class. ``

`` Yeah, you actually were, '' John replied, `` Hey, mat, I think these kickoff geezerhood might actually be unretentive than you. A few of them, that is. ``

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

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

`` And so does lack of height, '' flatness pointed out, `` At least I did n't possess to tolerate still while Madam Malkin poked me with needles like you did. ``

`` Shush ! '' pink wine hissed, `` They 're starting the classification ! ``

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

`` Brickston, Ashtyn ! '' Patil announced.

John 's sister ran forward and jammed the hat onto her head with a big smiling on her fount. Mere seconds later, the hat exclaimed, `` Gryffindor ! '' Ashtyn practically flew across the elbow room and sat down across from John.

`` Congratulations, Ashtyn ! '' John grinned, `` Gryffindor really is the secure house. ``

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

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

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

Lily ran forward with almost as much hullabaloo as Ashtyn. The hat took a little more time to determine than it had with Ashtyn, but it soon shouted, `` Gryffindor ! ``

The Gryffindor table erupted with sunniness as Lily ran towards it. Albus clapped her on the back, as did James and all their full cousin, and Lily took a hindquarters next to Ashtyn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food appeared on all the golden plates and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was hungry, although this year he had form of want Kendrick to announce what the rouse thing was before the feast.

The topic of discussion varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. John and Matt had a heated argument about the Quidditch time of year, primarily the Chudley shank'outstanding personnel casualty to the Holyhead Harpies that had taken billet a few days previously. arise blabber non-stop about the new socio-economic class she was taking and bombarded her older cousin with question about them. Albus was amazed she had any motion left, since she had done the same thing during the Weasley Family Dinner prior to the starting time of term.

Kaden talked to whoever would listen about the panorama of adding Muggle engineering to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden recite one of the first off class about his petition to have televisions put into the common rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it did n't seem like she was nearly as wind up as Kaden was.

`` So, how was the misstep across the lake ? '' St. John asked Ashtyn as the desserts appeared.

`` Wet, '' Ashtyn replied.

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

`` No, '' Ashtyn laughed.

`` Hagrid said he had anti-tipping appeal put on them after Saint James tipped his a few years ago, '' Hugo announced.

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Kendrick rose to his infantry. `` May I have your care ! '' he shouted and the room quieted down, `` Thank you. Now, I have a few rather ho-hum announcements, two somewhat exciting ones, and one really exciting one. I shall start up with the bore ones.

`` As usual, the forest and Whomping willow are out of bounds to everyone. If you wish to try-out for your theatre 's Quidditch team, give your figure to your straits of house. The Dueling Club and Junior 's Dueling Club will be starting up again and once meetings have been set up, I shall let you know.

`` As for the somewhat stir announcements, we have a new United States Department of Defense Against the shadow Arts teacher. Please receive prof Balladanis. ``

The grim looking professor stood up for a few second gear and received mediocre applause. He resumed his bottom and Professor Kendrick turned back to the students.

`` The other somewhat concern announcement is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few days a week. After net year 's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a necessary precaution to consume. The Aurors are positive that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to return to Hogwarts at some dot this year. I do not evidence you this to fright you, but to make you aware of the place. If anyone sees any funny behavior or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fugitive, please tell a teacher. ``

The full Gryffindor tabular array turned to Albus and his friends at this announcement. Albus felt his grimace turn red and he stared down at his shell. He really hated all the attention he got from what happened the previous two yr.

`` And now, '' Kendrick continued, `` I have a very exciting annunciation to make. ``

Albus grinned and turned to his champion, who were all wearing compeer faces of inflammation, and then turned back to the headmaster.

`` offset, I would like you all to think the inter-house dueling from last class. ``

The integral hall groaned and people started whispering amongst themselves.

`` Quiet down, '' Kendrick said, `` There was a reason why I enacted that last year. More than just school unity, that is. I wanted the schooltime to become more united because of an event that is taking place this year. An event that will put us into rival with early wizardly schools- ''

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

`` No, '' Kendrick replied, `` This is not the Triwzard tournament. It is a different contender that will ask more than just one bookman from each school.

`` Tomorrow evening, shortly before dinner party, a select group of students from the Adirondack academy of thaumaturgy, which is in New House of York State, and the Australian schooltime of necromancy will travel to Hogwarts, where they will hold up and attend to socio-economic class for the duration of the twelvemonth. ``

Albus turned to expect at Matt, who was gaping at Kendrick.

`` The bookman from both schools will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts houses during a especial classification ceremonial occasion tomorrow evening. They will subsist in whichever house they are Sorted into and attend class with those in their year. I expect you all to treat them like they are fellow Hogwarts students.

`` However, you will also be competing against them. There are two events. The for the first time is Qudditch. Each of the shoal has created a Quidditch squad comprised of the easily Quidditch players in their various school day. We will be doing the same thing here. The three squad will bring each other throughout the year and whichever squad wins shall receive the Quidditch Cup for Schools.

`` The early event will be dueling. Each of the school has also put together a team of the best duelers in their several school. Again, we shall do the same. The tournament will exercise much like the Dueling night club works here. ``

The entire schooltime started talking at once. Albus thought the solid affair was brilliant. It was like the Triwizard tourney, only less grave. Maybe he could even participate. He was a decent pursuer and dueler.

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

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

`` I do n't mean they will, '' pink wine said, `` Quidditch is n't that severe. ``

`` It sort of is, '' John the Divine laughed.

`` Maybe I can duel, '' Kaden said, `` I 'm a secondly year now. ``

`` I think it 'll be dandy just to go to school with Thomas Kyd from Australia and New York ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` Think of all we can check from them ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Quiet ! '' Kendrick shouted over the yakety-yak and everyone settled down, `` The Hogwarts Quidditch team is open to anyone who is currently on a household Quidditch team. I 'm sorry if that upsets some of you, but it would be insufferable to harbour try-outs for the total school, and I think it would be better if our team were comprised of those who have experience on a Quidditch team. If you have involvement in trying out, please severalize your headland of house.

`` Try-outs for the Hogwarts Dueling squad will be open to fifth through seventh years only. ``

`` bullshit, '' Kaden muttered.

`` If you want to try out, open your name to your head of house. Try-outs for both teams will most likely be next weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. low gear year, please abide by a prefect to your common room. Good night, everyone. ``

Albus got up from the board and walked to Gryffindor column with his friends. They talked about the contest the entire sentence. Albus was incredibly excited about the prospect of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch team, and a petty unquiet at the same time. Of course, his prospect of getting picked were kind of slim. He was the youngest chaser eligible to try out.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` But all the early chaser are elder than me. ``

`` Does n't matter, '' St. John assured him, `` They 'll be searching for acquisition, not age. ``

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

`` Probably Professor Oteski, '' Saint James the Apostle said, `` And maybe the question of sign will serve. ``

Albus and his supporter talked about the Quidditch competition for another few minutes before retiring to their student residence for the night. Albus climbed into his familiar four-poster bed, but found that he was too excited to sleep. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch team, the more he thought he actually had a chance of making it. He was also excited about having the Australian and American language scholarly person at Hogwarts. He had n't really met many foreign Wiccan and genius before, not including his aunt Fleur 's family. Matt and Amy and their parents were the closest he 'd hail, and they 'd been living in England for a patch. Matt did n't seem very excited about the whole thing, though. In fact, he had remained rather placid ever since Kendrick made the announcement.

******

It was easy to feel the upheaval at Hogwarts the next day. Since it was Sunday, classes were n't starting yet. Most hoi polloi slept late, and the main topic of conversation in the Great Hall at lunchtime was the competition and the students from Australia and New York.

Sakartvelo organized a gad of the bit Quidditch recitation for the Gryffindor team in order to prepare for the Hogwarts squad try-outs. Albus and the relief of the team practiced for at least two hours that afternoon.

`` You 're a shoo-in, James, '' Albus told his brother as the two of them began to walk off the pitch shot, `` Everyone knows you 're the best Seeker in the school day. ``

`` wellspring, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the only former theater that are keeping their searcher from death year, '' James IV pointed out, `` So I 'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda Corner. ``

`` And you 're better than both of them, '' Albus said, `` I 'll be competing against at to the lowest degree six early chaser. ``

`` Yeah, but you 're a good pursuer, '' Saint James assured him.

Albus nodded and shouldered his broom. He was already nervous about the try-out, and it was almost a calendar week away. What if he was so skittish during the try-out that he completely messed up ? He 'd just take to be for certain to tranquilize down by then. Albus sighed and continued walking off the delivery. Just as he was getting close to the stands, he noticed someone sitting alone in the lower storey. It was Matt.

`` I 'll see you back in the usual room, '' Albus said to his brother as he detoured towards the stall. James I nodded and continued back towards the castle.

matte had hardly said a password the integral day. He was normally quiet, but it was never a unspoiled sign when he was completely silent. Albus knew safe than to ask why, but he was still queer. He had a feeling it had to do with the Aboriginal Australian students.

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

`` Hi, '' lusterlessness mumbled.

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

`` rosebush is in the subroutine library researching about the magical shoal in Australia and New York, '' Matt explained, `` Amanda is with her. ``

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

`` No, '' Matt gave a half-hearted laughter, `` He and Kaden are in the piranha 's Den. I was there with them, but they kept talking about Quidditch and Dueling rivalry and I just got honk of it, so I came out here. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus had n't even thought about that. He turned to look at flatness. He looked quite upset about the unit affair. Albus had no musical theme what to say.

`` I do n't want the master to come here, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` I know that 's stupid, really. I mean, he 's never met me. And we moved five age ago. He probably would n't even recognize my last name. ``

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

`` I guess, '' Matt sighed, `` It 's just going to be so weird. ``

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

mat nodded. `` That 's true. I had n't really thought about that. ``

Albus stood up. `` seminal fluid on, let 's go detect John Lackland and Kaden. I 'm sure we can convince them not to talk about the competition. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the total darkness Lake are coming. ``

lustrelessness laughed, `` They 're all ready to do it. They just did n't want to do it today since you were practicing Quidditch and rosebush and Amanda were in the program library. ``

The rest of the afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner, Albus and his Friend made their way into the Great G. Stanley Hall. The total room was buzzing with fervour. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professor were wearing dress gown. The only when one who was n't was Professor Balladanis, who as wearing the same black robes as the previous day.

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

`` I heard that the Aboriginal Australian School of sorcery is undercover ! '' Victor-Marie Hugo shouted excitedly.

lustrelessness snorted. `` It 's not. ``

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

`` That one 's not cloak-and-dagger either, '' Matt laughed.

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

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

`` well, that 's boring, '' Hugo muttered, `` Would have been estimable if one of them was underground. ``

`` Hey, Hugo, '' Kaden grinned, `` venture what the initials of Australian schooling of sorcery are ? ``

`` A, S, S, '' Hugo shrugged and then a big grin appeared on his face, `` Ass ! That 's splendid ! ``

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

No sooner had Kendrick finished his sentence, people began to whisper and turn their chief towards the doorway. Albus craned his head up and saw a marvelous man striding into the Great Asaph Hall. He was wearing navy blue robes and had a rather great amount of messy Zane Grey haircloth on his head. Behind him were a dozen or so students wearing identical blue robe. Most of the bookman looked to be a few years honest-to-goodness than Albus. They all stared around at the Great lobby, a couple of them pointing excitedly at the cap.

The tall man ( who Albus presumed to be their headmaster ) led the scholarly person to the staff tabular array. Kendrick greeted them and then looked up at his own students.

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

Albus and the eternal sleep of the Hogwarts student physical structure burst into clapping. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his mouth again.

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

Albus turned back towards the room access and saw another man entering the way. He wore emerald honey oil robes and was completely bald. He made up for the lack of hair on his head by sporting a pointy mustache and goatee. He was n't nearly as improbable as Roberts, but not forgetful either. He walked purposefully towards the faculty table with his mathematical group of students clad in matching emerald green gown following him.

Albus noticed that matte did n't require his centre off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in berth, except for his middle, which followed the man to the staff table.

`` Now I 'll precede prof Addair Killigan, '' Kendrick said, `` And the scholarly person of the Australian schooltime of Sorcery. ``

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

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick said once the clapping stopped, `` Now, we shall consume a special Sorting ceremony in order to get hold out which house you belong in. The four mansion are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will dwell in your sign residence hall, spend unloose fourth dimension in your family common way, and attend classes with the other student in your mansion. ``

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

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged. rosiness had a point, though.

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

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

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

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

A tall and lanky boy with messy brown hair stepped away from the mathematical group and sat down on the stool. He was wearing United States Navy amobarbital sodium robe, so he must let been from New York.

`` Slytherin ! '' the hat shouted. Gregory Allen Stewart Konigsberg took the hat off and went to join the Slytherin table.

The categorization continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at least two yr honest-to-god than Albus.

`` I think that bloke is going to have to drop off the leafy vegetable robes, '' lavatory commented as one of the Australian students was Sorted into Gryffindor, `` It 's just not rule to tire jet gown when you 're a Gryffindor. ``

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

`` Do they even have houses at the Aussie School of black art ? '' lavatory wondered aloud, `` I mean, all their robe look alike. ``

`` They do, '' matt told him, `` But those are the unvarnished schooling robes. ``

`` I 'm guessing they wanted to look unified, '' Rose suggested, `` I doubt Albus will wear upon Gryffindor Quidditch gown when he plays on the household team. They 'll probably hold peculiar Hogwarts robes. ``

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

`` esprit de corps, Linda, '' Patil shouted.

Albus turned back to the Sorting and saw a rather short-circuit girl whole tone forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged stool and he could n't take his eyes off her. She was beautiful. There was n't really any other way to describe her. Albus had n't ever seen a missy as pretty as she was. Her dark brownness hair cascaded down her back in piano waves. It did n't quite match her surprisingly pale skin, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her light skin went well with her emerald green robes. She looked a bit unquiet as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.

Albus turned to take care at his ally. Matt, John, and Kaden were all staring at the girl. So was James. In fact, all the boys at the Gryffindor table seemed to be staring at her. The girlfriend were whispering to each early and glancing up at Linda Morales every so often.

The hat seemed to be taking forever to decide. The entire Great Hall had erupted in whispers. Finally, the brim of the hat burst open and shouted out, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

`` Bloody hell, '' John whispered as she took a seat a few places down from Albus.

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

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

Albus shook his brain to brighten his thoughts and tried to work his attention back to the Sorting. A short while later, the net student was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the former headmasters took fanny behind the staff table.

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

None of the new pupil had sat near Albus and his booster, so they did n't get a probability to really get to make out any of them. well-nigh of them were sr. anyway. Albus 's cousins struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did card that Linda was n't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to spill the beans to her.

`` Well, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the feast, '' Kendrick announced after the plateful cleaned themselves of sweet, `` I have just a few announcements. The new students need to exact note of the fact that the forest and the Whomping Willow are out of boundary. There is also a rather large lean of tabu physical object. The entire list can be viewed on the caretaker 's door, which is located on this level. Or, you can ask your fellow educatee. Anyone with the concluding name of Weasley has a particularly extensive noesis on the subject. ``

There was a bombastic amount of laughter at this, mostly from the Gryffindor table.

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

When Albus and his Friend returned to the Gryffindor plebeian room, Linda esprit de corps was already there, surrounded by a rather large radical of male child and a couple missy. She did n't come out to be enjoying it, though. She looked as nervous as she had been in the Great Asaph Hall and was mostly just nodding.

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

`` Probably, '' Amanda agreed.

`` They should just leave alone her alone, '' rose wine went on, `` It does n't look like she wants all that attention. I 'll bet she 's overwhelmed by everything. ``

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

`` Dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She looks our age, but honest-to-god at the same time. It 's form of odd. ``

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

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

`` He 's been tranquillize all evening, '' John commented as matte left.

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

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

Albus and his champion stayed up for a few More instant before turning in for the Night. Albus laid awake for a piece, though, thinking about Linda Morales.


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


Dislcaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


As it turned out, Albus did n't possess to hold back until classes to know if Linda esprit de corps was his age or not. Rose and Amanda burst out of the girls'dormitory as Albus, lustrelessness, and John were heading down to breakfast.

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

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

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

`` Still up there, '' Amanda said, `` She 's been in the lavatory for geezerhood. ``

`` Girls, '' John muttered, `` I 'll never understand them. ``

The group hurried down to the Great Hall and ate a warm breakfast before their first class. Neville handed out schedule and Albus saw that he had forethought of Magical Creatures first.

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

`` well, we are taking two redundant grade now, '' Albus pointed out.

`` wonder who we 'll own this stratum with, '' Matt said.

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

`` Maybe Linda 's taking this class, '' John said hopefully.

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

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

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

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

`` Hi, Hagrid, '' Albus grinned.

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

Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least sex magical animal in the populace. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more charge up.

`` cipher ? '' Hagrid said, `` Well, I know they are n't the most excitin'creatures, but we 've got to come out somewhere. Now, flobberworms are minuscule Stanford White insect .... ''

Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he did n't take any bank note. rosebush would have, but Albus did n't see the peak. Flobberworms were pretty basic.

`` Now, everyone can take a worm, '' Hagrid held up a box, `` An'take in them into yer banker's bill an'observe 'em. ``

Albus and his friends each took a worm and began the long-winded undertaking of recording the insect'every movement and sketching them. Albus thought the rest of the form was rather boring and was a bit disappointed. He had variety of been expecting Hagrid to bring in some sort of grave creature, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come to believe of it, his cousins had said Hagrid had adopted a more pattern curriculum.

`` I wish Hagrid would make for in a tartar or something, '' Saint John said as they made their way back to the rook for Transfiguration.

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

The transfiguration classroom was already filling up by the sentence Albus and his friends entered. Albus noticed that they had this class with the Hufflepuffs. Rose was already inside, sitting at her common table in the front. Amanda quickly joined her. Linda was there as well, but she was sitting by herself at the early breast desk.

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

`` Sure, '' Albus grinned and started to take the air towards her table.

`` postponement, '' flatness said, `` There 's only two tooshie. And do you really want to sit in the movement ? ``

`` Er, that 's genuine, '' John Lackland said, `` We 'll sit behind her then. ``

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

`` For the first few grade we shall be learning about a very difficult branch of transfiguration, '' Patil said after she took attending, `` And it is called the Animagus Transfiguration of Jesus. Can anyone secern me what that is ? ``

Albus smirked as Rose 's hand shot into the air. Albus knew the solution, of course, but he was perfectly felicitous to let rose answer.

`` Yes, Miss Morales ? '' Patil pointed to Linda.

Albus turned away from rose wine and saw that Linda had half-way raised her paw. The rest of the class was staring at her as well, probably because Rose always answered the prelim questions in class.

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

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

Albus noticed that rose wine was staring in stupor at Linda. He had to smother a laugh at this.

Patil went on to name Animagi in More contingent and Albus took a few banknote.

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

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

`` Minerva McGonagall, '' Rose answered.

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

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

`` Rita Skeeter, '' blush wine grinned.

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

The eternal rest of the family passed by at a reasonably quick pace and once it was over, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall for lunch.

`` You 've got some competition, Rose, '' John grinned as they walked down the corridor.

`` Shut up, '' Rose muttered.

`` She might beat you on the next exam, '' John laughed.

`` And your point is ? '' Rose snapped.

They walked the relaxation of the way in silence, as no one wanted to set rosiness off even more. Albus had no approximation she would get that competitory about grades. Although after two twelvemonth of easily being the smartest in their year, pink wine had n't previously had any competition.

one-half the Gryffindor table was roaring with laugh when they arrived for lunch. James quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Hugo had exploded his first potion earlier in the morning and was apparently quite proud of it.

`` Well, you 'll have no competition from him, '' lav muttered to rose wine. Rose sent him a withered look and sat down to eat.

Albus spent dejeuner telling Kaden about concern of Magical animate being. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.

The third class Gryffindors had double potions after tiffin, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the class with a critique of the previous year 's potions. Once again, rosiness and Linda both knew the answer to every query. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both pink wine and Linda tied for best potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. Albus was quite surprised that Linda seemed as overbold as Rose. He had never met anyone his age who could vie with Rose with grades. trick was right. mount did have some competition.

******

`` Well, time to go adjoin the new DoD instructor, '' Albus said as he finished breakfast the succeeding morning.

`` I wish your dad was still teaching, '' flatness sighed.

`` Yeah, '' whoremaster agreed, `` The new teacher looks like the kind of cuss who gives a lot of homework. ``

`` You really ought to just keep an out-of-doors psyche, '' rose commented as they left the Great Hall.

`` Easy for you to say, '' John muttered, `` You 're freakishly smart. ``

`` You have got to be kidding me ! '' Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, `` We 're with the Slytherins, again ! ``

`` Great, '' matt sighed, `` Three age in a row, what are the chances of that ? ``

Albus led the way into the classroom. Linda team spirit was already seated at one of the front tables. Rose and Amanda immediately took the former front table.

`` Let 's sit in the back, '' matt muttered.

Albus nodded. He really did n't want to sit near the front. The teacher was already there and was wearing an unreadable reflexion. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.

The classroom looked exactly the same as it had the class before, except for a trunk that was sitting in forepart of the teacher 's desk.

A few More bookman trickled in and once the Vanessa Bell rang, the instructor waved his baton and the room access slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprise and snapped his tending back to the new teacher.

He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in front of it. He was holding a piece of parchment and a quill. Albus noticed that he was wearing the same blackness robes, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed smooth-spoken fastenings on them.

`` Please conjure up your hand and say 'present'when I call your name, '' he said in a ass voice. He ran through the list, fixing each student with a piercing gaze when he called on them.

`` Brilliant, '' he said flatly, `` All here. I am professor Balladanis, as you all know from prof Kendrick 's speech communication. You will address me as Professor Balladanis, or Professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of bit or misbehavior of any form in my schoolroom. I expect all homework and other assignments to be completed on time, no exculpation. ``

Professor Balladanis began to footstep back and forth in presence of his desk. `` As you shall chance on throughout the twelvemonth, I take defensive attitude magic very seriously. '' He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.

`` Defensive magic is a very very authoritative leg of legerdemain. I would take a shit the arguing that is the most important. It can spare your life. It has saved my life on legion juncture. I have no doubt that your premature two years of instruction were very wide and I am sure as shooting you all have a basic knowledge of defensive turn courtesy of Professor Potter. ``

Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his speech. `` However, the third year Defense Against the wickedness fine art programme focuses on defense against glum brute. '' He turned to Albus 's tabular array and gave Albus, flatness, and whoremonger a piercing stare.

`` I will be continuing the curriculum that has been used in this school day since after the last battle, '' Balladanis continued, `` I have looked over the programme and have deemed it acceptable. I immensely approve of the first day 's object lesson for third years. I 've always thought a practical approach was near for Defense, although I do bear you to carefully read your textbook book as well.

`` In this box, '' Balladanis gestured to the bole, which jumped a little as he touched it, `` Lives a boggart. Can anyone tell me what a boggart is ? ``

Rose and Linda 's hands shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to rosebush. `` Yes, missy ... ? ``

`` Weasley, sir, '' rose replied, `` A boggart is a SHAPE gearshift. It takes the variety of whatever scares you most. No one knows what one really looks like. ``

Balladanis nodded. `` Correct. 5 points to Gryffindor. Boggarts, '' he began pacing again, `` assume the signifier of whatever scares us near. The boggart focuses on the nearest person and turns into whatever scares them.

`` We will have an advantage over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will turn confused about what to turn into. However, that is not enough. There is a necessary incantation for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. repetition after me, 'Riddikulus'. ``

`` Riddikulus, '' Albus said along with everyone else.

`` Good, '' Balladanis said, although his representative was n't exactly cheerful, `` You 'll also need to think of a way to turn whatever your most fear thing is into something funny. laugh is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you 're saying the incantation. Now, shoot out your verge and stand up. ``

Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He was n't even trusted what he was most afraid of. Snakes ? No, he really did n't fear Snake. spider ? Nope, not them either. He had no approximation what that boggart was going to turn into, and that made it even scarier.

Balladanis waved his wand and all the table and president moved to the sides of the schoolroom. `` Form a air, '' he instructed.

Everyone pushed to be at the social movement of the line. Albus wound up being towards the back, behind John the Divine and in front of Matt.

`` young woman Weasley, '' Balladanis motioned for Rose to maltreat forward, `` Perhaps you could go first. ``

Rose nodded and stepped out of the rail line. She stood in front man of the automobile trunk with her wand raised. Albus had no musical theme what the boggart would turn into for rose either. Nor did he have a hint what John the Divine and Amanda 's boggarts would be. He had an inkling about Matt 's, though.

Balladanis stood off to the side and pointed his wand at the trunk. The lid slowly opened and out stepped ... Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.

The boggart Neville opened his oral cavity. `` I 'm no-good, pink wine, you did not get the high grades in your year. You 've been beaten. ``

Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made horse sense. For a moment there, Albus actually thought rose was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.

`` Riddikulus ! '' pink wine shouted.

The boggart Neville swayed, but did n't look any different. He opened his mouth again. `` rose, you have beaten everyone in the entire school ! You have the best grades in the history of Hogwarts. ``

Albus smirked. It was n't entirely funny, but it fit climb up perfectly.

`` Interesting, '' Balladanis muttered, `` Next ! ``

rosebush stood off to the slope and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very orotund snake.

Amanda stared at it for a few minute and then shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The snake in the grass twirled around and tied itself into a knot. Amanda, along with nearly of the rest of the class, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the incline next to Rose and Janie Creevey stepped forward.

Janie 's boggart turned into a giant rat, which then got transformed into tiny computer mouse. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda Morales 's turn.

Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a dragon turn into a raging fire. Linda raised her wand and shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The blast turned into a waterfall and Linda joined the growing group of pupil off to the side.

Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a spider, as did her sis, Karina 's. Karina had a bit of trouble, but eventually managed to twist the wanderer rainbow colors. Ethan and a couple of the Slytherins had difficulty as well.

Leigh Montague charmed her mummy boggart into a strait crownwork and then it was John 's turn. He stepped forward and the mummy turned into a goof. A goofball, complete with a big red nose and huge shoes.

Albus could pick up a few of the other bookman snickering already. Albus was n't exactly a fan of goof, but he could suppose of at least ten things that were scarier than them.

`` Riddikulus ! '' John shouted. The clown boggart started to walk forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously large feet, which were growing at an alarming rate. The entire class burst out in the gaudy laughter yet as John joined Rose and Amanda.

Albus took a recondite breath and stepped forward. The clown with the immense human foot started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like professor Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.

`` You did not make the Hogwarts Quidditch squad, '' it said.

Albus gulped. Come to think of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that instant. But how could he make water it mirthful. He racked his psyche as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Albus shouted.

The boggart spun around again and then stopped. `` You did work the squad ! '' it said, `` In fact, everyone is on the team ! All of Hogwarts will run at once and therefore win the rivalry ! ``

Albus laughed at the thought of a Quidditch team consisting of over 200 people on it and joined John at the side of the schoolroom. Albus watched as Matt stepped forward.

`` Hey, ceramicist, '' Scorpius whispered, `` I bet the boggart wo n't know what to turn into with Eckerton. He 's afraid of everything. ``

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus growled.

`` Quiet over there ! '' Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his mouth and Scorpius did n't say anything else.

The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it did n't release into the bright broad moon that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very sinister looking man. He was near and rather abruptly and had a mop of untidy brown hair on his head. It was n't like Bartholomew Roberts 's hair, though. This bloke 's hair's-breadth was wiry and dirty looking. His optic were piercing, not unlike Balladanis 's, and he was sneering at Matt. Albus did n't recognize who it was. He had n't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.

The boggart stepped slowly towards Matt, who looked frozen in blank space. Albus could see his verge shaking in his hand.

`` Who 's that bloke ? '' John whispered.

`` No idea, '' Albus said.

Albus continued to watch as the boggart advanced towards flatness. Balladanis was n't doing anything besides watching with an unreadable expression on his typeface.

The boggart was now only a couple invertebrate foot away from Matt, who still was n't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly raise its hands and muttered something that Albus could n't quite catch.

At that moment, lusterlessness seemed to unblock. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the doorway. He wrenched it open and disappeared from the room. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves

Albus turned to John, who shrugged. Albus could n't even commence to imagine why Matt was afraid of that strange man, but he could sense that it went beyond a convention fear.

`` I 'm going after him, '' Albus whispered to St. John. can nodded and Albus ran from the way without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.

Albus could hear Balladanis trying to quiet the rest of the scholarly person down as he walked quickly down the corridor. Matt was n't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to walk down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go ? The dormitory ? Room of prerequisite ? marauder 's Den ? That was it, Albus thought. That 's where lusterlessness would go. After all, only a few masses knew about that.

Albus walked through the empty corridors, thankful that nobody else was wandering around. He glanced at his sentinel. There was only ten minutes left in stratum.

The one-fifth storey corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the appropriate suit of armour and then searched the antonym paries for the midget paw prints. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the door open.

The room looked hollow when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the old year. Albus had n't been in it for months. He quietly walked further into the room and headed straight person for Matt 's alcove.

Matt was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the wall in nominal head of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not sure of what to say. lustrelessness did n't even acknowledge the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he did n't notice.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked after a few moments of embarrassing silence.

lusterlessness looked over at him. He did n't expect all right. His face was pale T. H. White. `` I guess, '' he said quietly, `` But everyone probably thinks I 'm afraid of everything now. cypher else ran out of the elbow room. ``

`` Maybe everyone else 's boggarts were n't as scary, '' Albus suggested.

`` Maybe, '' Matt muttered.

Albus heard the door open and he craned his principal around to see that blush wine, John, and Amanda had come inside. John and the girls walked over to where Albus and lusterlessness were.

`` We 've got your bags, '' John said as he dropped Albus and Matt 's cup of tea on the floor.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` Are you all right ? '' John asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' Matt sighed.

`` What have we got side by side ? '' Albus asked.

`` Herbology, '' blush wine answered, `` And we 'd better go if we do n't require to be late. ``

`` Are you coming ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' Matt got up off the bed, `` Let 's go. I just hope we do n't make it with the Slytherins. I 'd bet my last Galleon that Malfoy 's going to make fun of me for this for residue of the class. ``

Albus would have been uncoerced to bet that as well. Fortunately, the thirdly yr Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that year. A few of the other Gryffindors stole quick glances at Matt during the beginning function of the grade, but cypher said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few plants they had learned about the previous year for a few bit. blush wine and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a broad overview of what they 'd be doing that year.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awe-inspiring the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


After tiffin, Albus, Rose, and Matt headed to ancient rune while John and Amanda went to Divination. Albus did n't really bed what to expect from Ancient Runes, nor did he have intercourse anything about the teacher. Matt had told them that Amy said the teacher was nice enough.

Albus, Rose, and lustrelessness sat down at one of the mesa in the middle of the room and waited for the instructor. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the figurehead tabular array. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the first to get to any class. There was also an assortment of Hufflepuffs in the room. Albus, rose wine, Matt, and Linda appeared to be the entirely Gryffindors taking the class, though.

The professor walked in a few instant later. She was a short woman with curly grey pilus and a patient role flavour on her face.

`` howdy, '' she smiled, `` I 'm professor Sturly. ``

She took attendance and then gave a lengthy speech about what the study of Ancient Runes was. Albus kind of thought she could have condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. Rose was paying rapt tending and Albus had a feeling this would become one of her front-runner classes.

Towards the end of the class, Sturly gave an overview of the first chapter in their Bible and then assigned the residual of the chapter for prep. The chapter covered a variety of basic runes that Albus and the rest of the pupil would have to memorize.

Charms consisted of rosebush and Linda alternatively answering every interrogation Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a opinion it would become a habitue occurrence in all the classes he had with both rosiness and Linda.

`` How was Divination ? '' Albus asked his friends after dinner as they were sitting around the piranha 's Den.

`` Entertaining, '' John laughed, `` I think it 'll be my comfortable grade. ``

`` So, who did Trelawney say would die this year ? '' rose wine asked.

`` What ? ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` individual 's going to die ? ``

`` No, '' pink wine sighed, `` Trelawney just predicts someone 's death every year. The student in motion has never actually died during that year. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden shrugged, `` So she 's not a real psychic ? ``

`` You mean a Seer ? '' rosiness asked, `` Well, she has made a few veridical predictions. She 's the one who spoke the prophecy about Albus 's dad. But can she really predict the future with crystal chunk and such ? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I 'm sure there are real visionary out there, but they 're extremely rarified. Divination is a very obscure offset of magic that is difficult to interpret. My mum says we should n't put much faith in it. ''

`` I still think it would be brilliant to know the future, though, '' Kaden grinned.

`` I do n't know, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 've always thought the time to come was best go out strange. ``

`` I 've always thought so, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` So, who 's going to snuff it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` President Carter Eubert, '' privy replied, `` That Ravenclaw we shared a sauceboat with when we crossed the lake in number 1 year. I have to say that I 'm ease it was n't me. ``

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

rose wine groaned. `` I 've told you that it 's not real ! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a student 's death. She predicted my Uncle Harry 's last and he 's still active ! ``

`` Yeah, but did n't he nearly die at the end of his 3rd year ? '' John asked.

`` Key word, nearly, '' rose replied, `` Plus, he faced death pretty much every year. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' bathroom said, `` But I 'm still glad she did n't predict my dying, even if it 's not a rattling forecasting. ``

`` So how was ancient runic letter ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Really interesting ! '' rose wine said excitedly and proceeded to give a commentary on how the class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the merely one really intrigued by it.

Albus and his friends spent the remainder of the evening in the predator 's Den. Once they had exhausted the matter of their low two days of year, they moved on to the Quidditch contender and Albus 's chances of making the Hogwarts squad. Everyone thought Albus had a skillful chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their upcoming Hogsmeade trips, although that issue kind of made Kaden jealous. St. John the Apostle brought up the issue of Linda Morales, but both Rose and mat did n't want to talk about her at all.

Eventually, they had to give to Gryffindor tower in decree not to break curfew. On his way up to his dorm room, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a chemical group of admirer, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.

******

`` No ! I do n't want to go ! Dad, do n't make me go ! ''

Albus 's eyes snapped unfastened. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the morn. He could hear individual tossing and turning and mumbling in their nap in the bed next to him.

`` Please, I do n't want to. Just let me go home. ``

Albus was wide awake now. The talking was coming from lustrelessness 's bed and Albus knew he was having a incubus. Albus had been woken up by Matt 's nightmare on numerous occasions, especially during first class. They always seemed to come around the full moon. Although, Albus was pretty surely that the full moon moon was n't for a few hebdomad. This nightmare sounded worse anyway.

The mumbling continued for another few minutes and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creak and footsteps crossing the room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few minute of arc before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his slippers and padded across the room and carefully shut the door behind him. None of the former boys had woken up.

The rough-cut room was dark and vacate when Albus got there. The fervor had long since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the room. There was conk wand light coming from one of the corners. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw Matt sitting curled up in one of the chairwoman, staring at the floor.

lustrelessness startled when he saw Albus. `` Oh, Albus, '' he sighed, `` What are you doing up ? ``

Albus shrugged and sat down in the chair next to Matt 's. `` Followed you down here. ``

`` Oh, did I wake you up ? ``

`` Sort of, '' Albus replied, `` But it 's ok. I just came to see if you were all decently. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare- ''

`` How do you know I had a nightmare ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of heard you mumbling, '' Albus answered, `` You were talking in your sleep. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Listen, '' Albus paused, `` You do n't have to tell me, but I was sort of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I kind of thought process it would be a total moon. ``

`` So did I, '' matt said quietly, `` Which is region of why I freaked out so much. ``

Albus nodded, wondering if mat was going to continue or not.

`` I know I have n't told you much about what happened when I lived in Australia, '' Matt began.

Albus nodded again. All he really knew about flatness 's spirit in Australia was that he had lived in a sign of the zodiac and his dad had been the school principal of the section for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures.

`` That bloke the boggart turned into is the current point of the section for the rule and Control of Magical beast, '' flatness continued, `` He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the head word of the Werewolf control condition unit of measurement. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about why he was matte 's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.

`` While my parents were in the outgrowth of finding out where to move, a law was passed that all werewolves had to transform in a Ministry approved center if their place of transformation failed an review. Mine failed. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus gaped at him, `` But your dad was- ''

`` The head of the department, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New York. My parents refused to let me metamorphose at one of the Ministry centers, so they broke the law and were fined. The world-class time that happened, my dad was fired over it.

`` But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his figure, would n't give up until I transformed in one of the centers. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some sorting of recollective term row going on or something. I do n't know the contingent. But anyway, '' matte paused, `` Eventually, Lubar was capable to go through a law that made it legal for the Ministry to necessitate loup-garou by military force to one of the transformation sum. He flooed to our house, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved nerve center before my parents had a chance to turn back him. ''

Albus stared at Matt. He could hardly trust what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been legal. How could it be legal to basically nobble a kid for a nighttime ?

`` I do n't retrieve any of it, '' Matt said quietly, `` Except for what happens in the nightmares I have. It was atrocious, though. The other loup-garou were all adult and they all sort of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Commonwealth of Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo 's because they wanted Healer Sterling to lease care of me. I spent three weeks there. ``

`` Well, it makes sense that you were so scare away of that boggart, '' Albus said, `` Lubar is one of the most horrible sensation I 've ever heard of. ''

matt nodded and shifted slightly. `` I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five eld ago. I really thought that boggart would call on into a full moon. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that stuff that happened in Australia was behind me, but I guess not. ``

`` naught like that is going to pass off here, '' Albus said quietly, `` Lubar has no command over our Ministry. He 's in Australia. ``

`` I guess you 're right, '' matte sighed, `` I think I 'll go see if dame Pomfrey will founder me any dreamless catch some Z's potion. Could I use the Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Yeah, of course, '' Albus said as he stood up. He had a touch that brothel keeper Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless sopor and probably try and convince him to spend the dark in the infirmary annex as well.

Albus and mat quietly walked back to the dormitory and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the second edition piranha 's Map, and handed them to lusterlessness. Once matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.

Albus lay awake thinking about what Matt had told him for a spell. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch squad seemed very unimportant now that he knew the inside information about Matt 's boggart. That did n't make Albus any less nervous about the try-outs, though.

******

Albus and the other Gryffindor tertiary days, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the succeeding day with account of legerdemain. All Albus learned during the hour was that third yr account of Magic was equally as dull as secondly twelvemonth. transfiguration consisted of another speech on Animagi and Albus noticed that Gospel According to John paid a considerably more amount of money of aid than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the former year that they would not go Animagi.

maintenance of Magical animate being was after lunch and the family moved on to the slightly more interest bowtruckles. Albus was very thankful for the recess they had afterwards, when rosiness went to Muggle Studies.

`` It 's only the third day and I 'm already mad of homework, '' Albus muttered as they entered the Marauder 's Den.

`` So do n't do it, '' john said as he pulled a drinking chocolate Frog out of his bag.

`` You should do that soothsaying homework, '' Amanda said, `` You know, the one where we predict what happens to us next Wednesday. ``

`` Already did it, '' John announced.

Albus, flatness, and Amanda all stared in electric shock at Saint John the Apostle. lav never ever did homework ahead of time. He was always the one finishing the last business line of an essay as the teacher took attendance.

`` What ? '' whoremonger shrugged, `` I occasionally do gormandise before it 's due. ``

`` No, actually, you do n't, '' lustrelessness smirked.

`` Divination 's different. It 's fun to make up imitation prognostication. ``

`` So what 's happening to you next Midweek ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm going to break my neck when I fall off my broom. ``

`` John, you do n't even play Quidditch, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Trelawney wo n't worry. ``

Albus personally thought it was a waste of time to hail up with fake prognostication for Divination, but that was probably why he had n't signed up for the class.

`` Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis 's boggart was ? '' can asked Albus and Matt.

`` Nope, '' Matt said.

Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're going to make out this. ``

`` Yeah, '' can grinned, `` When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an ounce of tending to it, so Balladanis stepped in presence of it and you 'll never guess what it turned into ! ``

`` A werewolf ? '' Matt asked.

`` No, but that would have got been funny, too, '' John laughed, `` Anyway, it turned into a fair sex. ``

`` A cleaning lady ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` Yeah, '' John said, `` A tall, skinny, picket faced woman. Her skin was as pale as Linda 's. Her fuzz was a bit loose, but still a benighted John Brown. The woman just kind of walked over to Balladanis with a smile on her face. She was sort of pretty in an odd variety of way. ``

`` Now that is weird, '' Albus replied, `` Why in the name of Merlin would he be afraid of women ? ``

`` Maybe it was a specific adult female, '' Matt pointed out.

That would make More gumption. After all, matte was n't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a specific man. But Albus did think it was kind of odd that Balladanis, the rear man who hated dark Arts, would be afraid of a enchantress. Albus would have thought he 'd be afraid of some sort of scary shadow creature.

`` Who do you think she was ? '' mat asked.

Saint John shrugged. `` His wife ? ``

Albus smirked. `` Well, that would be curious. ``

`` My dad trick that he 's afraid of my mum at times, '' John replied, `` But I doubt his boggart would grow into her. ``

`` Maybe she 's some form of sour hag that he 's faced in the past, '' Amanda suggested.

`` Good thinking ! '' Matt agreed, `` Maybe she was a demise feeder. ``

`` I do n't lie with if he fought in the War or not, though, '' Albus said, `` My dad 's never mentioned his figure before and he does n't really look like the kind of bloke to just stay in the background, does he ? ``

`` I guess not, '' matte replied, `` She could still be an evil witch, though. ``

`` That does make the most horse sense, '' lav said, `` She must be really evil. I mean, Balladanis does n't appear like he 'd be afraid of anything. ``

`` Everyone 's afraid of something, '' Albus pointed out, `` But yeah, she must be evil. ``

`` What did Balladanis do to get to her funny story ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` Turned her into some sort of statue, '' whoremonger answered, `` It was unusual, like she was petrified. She just froze in place. And then Balladanis banished it to the trunk. ``

`` How is that funny ? '' Albus asked.

`` No idea, '' Gospel According to John shrugged, `` Just adds to the closed book that is Balladanis. ``

`` I 'm still not indisputable I like him, '' Matt commented.

`` Me, neither, '' Albus agreed.

`` But hey, at to the lowest degree he did n't establish us any homework on the first day, '' John pointed out.

******

The next day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the vertebral column of the demurrer classroom in between mat and john. Malfoy kept turning around in his seat and smirking at flatness. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about Matt 's experience with the boggart.

Balladanis stormed into the elbow room a few transactions later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The form immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his seat. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.

`` Well, some of you were successful with last class 's boggart, '' Balladanis began, `` However, there were quite a few of you who were n't. ``

Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at Matt, this time unable to stifle his laughter.

`` lull, Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis growled, `` Five level from Slytherin. ``

Albus could n't assist but grin at that. At least Balladanis was n't favoring Slytherin.

`` Therefore, we will continue battling the boggart until you all have success with the spell, '' Balldanis continued, `` I do not want any of you to slip through the whirl and skate through this class on the posterior of more successful students. That may work while at Hogwarts, but the consequence you get out into the real populace, it will abruptly end. Without a introductory noesis of defensive attitude trance, you will meet an untimely end at the bridge player of dark wizards. ``

This instructor was making it seem like they were in the midst of a war. Albus knew it was important to be able to defend yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It kind of reminded him of what his parents, auntie, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.

`` Dark star love finding dupe with little noesis of defensive spells. The educatee who skirt by with acceptable marks and just barely communicate each test, without really understanding anything. They also love hoi polloi who read leger after account book and venture to see everything. And while these people may take in a full knowledge of justificative magical spell, they may not possess the skills requisite to do them, '' Balldanis 's eyes rested on rose and Linda.

`` I want everyone in this room to have more than than the basic skills needed to perform defensive acquirement. I want everyone to be able to number off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to champion themselves against dark creatures and adept alike.

`` Starting with the boggart, I will not rest until every bookman is capable of performing every go we learn in this course. I will ascribe extra example to those I deem it necessary. You will do in for supererogatory supporter. I do not care if it interferes with clubs or Quidditch practice. Quidditch will be of short help when you are facing a night whizz or creature.

`` tie-up up ! '' Balladanis ordered. The class scrambled to their animal foot and Balladanis moved the desks aside.

`` Sir ! '' Malfoy called out, `` What if we 've already had success with the boggart ? ``

`` Then you 'll do it again, '' Balladanis replied, `` exercise makes perfect. ``

The class lined up in front of the trunk. Albus and his protagonist wound up being in the back, and Albus did n't believe lusterlessness minded this in the least. He looked very queasy at the prospect of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus could n't fault him.

The occupation moved much faster this clip than the end social class. Everyone who had had problems with the boggart during the old form seemed to do a better job this time.

Albus stepped forward once it was his twist and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not hold the squad. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would deform into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the spell and moved to the side to remain firm next to Rose and Amanda.

John was following and battled his clown boggart in the same way he had the other day. He stepped to the face and matte walked slowly towards the boggart.

`` Two Galleons says he runs again, '' Malfoy whispered in Albus 's ear.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus and John said at the Saame time.

The boggart once again turned into Lubar and mat slowly raised his wand, which was shaking.

`` R-R-Ridikkulus, '' matte whispered. Nothing happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.

`` Louder, '' Balladanis told him.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' matte shouted. Still goose egg. His wand arm was shaking even harder.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' he shouted once again.

This metre, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a Joseph Black and Edward Douglas White Jr. striped prison outfit with a Lucille Ball and Ernst Boris Chain attached to his right leg.

`` looking like you owe us two Galleons, '' John smirked at Malfoy.

`` Not a opportunity, Brickston, '' Malfoy growled.

`` Good job, '' Albus grinned as matt joined the group.

Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the torso when Albus looked back at his teacher.

`` That 's decent for today, '' Balladanis announced. `` You, '' he pointed at Matt, `` semen see me. ``

Matt glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the residual of the class left the elbow room. Albus and his protagonist lingered near the door, but Balladanis gestured for them to allow for. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.

`` What did he require ? '' Albus asked once flatness exited the room.

`` I have to go in for extra assist, '' Matt groaned, `` Until I can face the boggart successfully. ``

`` But you were successful, '' St. John pointed out.

`` Not successful enough for Balladanis. ``

`` Somehow, I do n't think anyone would be successful enough for him, '' Rose muttered.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` That was some actor's line he gave at the beginning of year. ``

Albus still did n't have sex what to suppose of their new Defense professor. He seemed very strict and Albus did n't really feel comfortable with him, but on the former hand, he seemed very lettered in defensive spells. Albus had a feeling they 'd learn a lot from him, and even though they were n't involved in a war at the moment, Albus knew Department of Defense acquisition were always important to get. That 's what his father had told him ever since he could remember. Albus had grown up knowing the need for defense against the wickedness arts. He just had never had it taught to him in such a emphatic hard-and-fast way.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the week went by quickly. Albus spent all his spare fourth dimension on the Quidditch pitching, trying to hone his attainment for the try-outs on Sabbatum. Unfortunately, the Slytherin Quidditch team booked the pitch all Friday evening, so Albus was ineffective to cram in a last minute practice session.

Instead, Albus sat in the common room with the respite of his friends, trying to write an essay for Transfiguration. He was supposed to inquiry a celebrated Animagi and write a foot long essay about him or her. Albus had wanted to spell about his grandfather, but given the fact that Prongs 's Animagus status had been a secret, Albus did n't think such an essay would work. So, Albus eventually decided to write about McGonagall. He had a opinion half the class would write about her.

`` What are McGonagall 's marker ? '' John asked, proving Albus 's theory.

`` Spectacle marks around her optic, '' Albus answered as he stared at his mostly blank objet d'art of parchment.

`` Thanks, '' John grinned, `` You just saved me fifteen minutes of research. ``

`` No problem, '' Albus replied. He was n't sure why the essay was taking him so long. He knew a great deal about McGonagall and her Animagus capabilities. He supposed he just had his mind on other things, like the Quidditch try-outs.

`` How can she even concentrate on her studying ? '' Rose sighed loudly.

`` Who ? '' Albus asked.

`` Linda esprit de corps, '' Rose muttered, with a hint of contempt in her part, `` Just look at her. ``

Albus turned around and saw Linda sitting at a board with a crew of Book and sheepskin strewn about it. There was quite a gang of boy surrounding her, including Bilius, Ethan, James, Ben, Cedric, Nathan, and a few minute class Albus did n't do it the name of. They all seemed to be talking at once while Linda had her eye fixed on one of the books.

`` fountainhead, from what you 've said, she 's so freakishly smartness she does n't call for to study, '' Kaden said.

`` Humph, '' Rose huffed, `` Everyone needs to meditate. ``

`` I think you 're jealous, pink wine, '' Albus smirked.

`` Am not, '' rose replied.

`` I wonder what perspective she plays, '' Saint John the Apostle mused.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` Position. You know, in Quidditch, '' King John explained, `` She must be on the Aussie team. Since she 's our age, she ca n't be on the dueling team. ``

`` Seeker, '' Rose said.

`` How do you sleep together ? '' Albus asked.

`` Karina asked her one day in the dormitory, '' Rose explained.

`` Who 's a Seeker ? '' Matt dropped his bag onto the table and sat down in the hot seat next to Albus.

`` Linda Morales, '' Albus told him, `` How was your boggart lesson ? ``

`` Weird, '' mat replied, `` Balladanis was n't seat like he is in class. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden gaped, `` I do n't think I could think him not strict. ``

`` Yeah. I would n't say he was dainty, but he did n't act like he does in division. ``

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

`` well, I walked in and he was sitting at his desk. So I walked up to him and he got up and went over to the body. He did n't say much, just told me to struggle the boggart. And then I did. Over and over again until I thought I was going to go mad. ``

`` That sounds like Balladanis, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` I know, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm getting there. Anyway, eventually he told me I could quit. Then he told me to sit down and that he wanted to talk to me. He basically told me the Lapp affair he told everyone in class the former day. But he changed it a bit. ``

Matt lowered his voice. `` He said that the point of Defense grade was n't only to memorise how to maintain ourselves against the dismal artistic production. He said it 's also to instruct us why the wickedness arts are so horrible. He then went on to tell me that it was especially important for me to know that. ``

`` That is weird, '' Albus said quietly, `` You do n't think he said that because of, well, you know. ``

`` Yeah, I think he did, '' lusterlessness replied, `` But he did n't say it in a mean way or anything. It was just really really odd. ``

`` I 'll say, '' John agreed, `` Do you induce to go there again ? ``

`` Unfortunately, yes, '' lustrelessness muttered, `` He wants me to go every Friday until he says I do n't have to anymore. ``

`` How did it go with the boggart, though ? '' Rose asked.

`` I thought it went ok. I mean, I 'm doing serious than I was. But he still wants me to go in for extra help. ``

`` wellspring, '' Kaden said after a few mo, `` This just proves that Balladanis is a very very strange instructor. ``

******

Albus awoke riddled with cheek the next morning. It reminded him of the nerves he had only one year ago prior to the Gryffindor squad try-outs. Only this was ten clip worse. He felt like he 'd eaten a few springy pygmy pouffe and they were bouncing around his belly trying to escape.

Try-outs were to be held shortly after lunch and Albus spent all morning talking with his chap Gryffindor teammates in the unwashed room. Sakartvelo spent over an hr talking about the strengths and failing of the other the great unwashed who would be trying out. Albus only variety of paid attention. The rest of the team seemed excite and not nearly as nervous as Albus. Albus thought William James was lucky ; he was only competing against Lisa Galivant of Hufflepuff and Miranda Corner of Ravenclaw, as Slytherin was getting a new Seeker that year.

Albus sat with his team at lunch, although he did n't eat much. Georgia continued talking about everything they 'd involve to be intimate for the try-outs. The former Gryffindors kept coming up to him and wishing him luck. All Albus could manage to do was nod and mutter 'thanks'.

In an campaign to keep ordination on the Quidditch pitch, the headmaster had banned the rest of the students from watching the try-outs. Albus was very grateful of this and was variety of relieved when Georgia finally announced that they should leave behind for the delivery. Albus 's supporter wished him fate and he left the Great entrance hall following James.

The manner of walking to the pitch shot was quiet. Georgia had stopped her running commentary on the strategy of the eternal sleep of the Hogwarts Quidditch role player and everyone else seemed to take in they were more nervous than they thought.

Albus took a deep breath as he entered the delivery and adjusted his broom on his berm. He tried to reckon overconfident thinking and followed his team onto the pitch. Then, he stopped in his trail and felt his jaw drop curtain to the ground.

Standing in the middle of the pitch, future to Professors Oteski, Longbottom, Slughorn, Patil, and Polo, was none early than Teddy lupin. Standing with shimmy and the professors were Oliver Natalie Wood and Tyler Pike, the Head Boy from Albus 's first year.

`` What 's teddy bear doing here ? '' James whispered.

`` No theme, '' Albus whispered back, wondering the same matter. Why was Teddy there ? He had n't mentioned anything over the summertime about doing anything at Hogwarts that year.

Albus stood with his team and looked at the rest of the pupil who were trying out. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff players were already there. Amongst the Ravenclaws were Kate Waverly, the steward ; Natalie overseas telegram, Damien Waverly, and Dan Martha Jane Burk, the Chasers ; Zack Valentino and Allie Davis, the Beaters ; Miranda Corner, the Seeker. Their integral team was trying out, like the Gryffindor team.

The Hufflepuffs had a few less players trying out. Their Keeper, Tanner Royce was there, along with Anna Reilly and Shawn Ames, the pursuer. One of their Beaters, Andy Kaper was there. Albus remembered that their other Beater had graduated the previous yr. Lisa Galivant, their seeker, was there as well, looking determined.

The Slytherins showed up a few hour later. Leading them was their new captain, Ferris fielding, who was a Chaser. His swain pursuer were Peyton Haines and Hailey Odele. Their remaining Beater, Talan flint, glared at the Gryffindor team as he walked by.

professor Oteski gazed around the pitch and then looked at his watch. He said something to the four heads of houses and then cleared his throat. Albus stopped watching the Slytherins and turned to Oteski.

`` I think everyone 's here now, '' Oteski began, `` beginning, I want to introduce you to your Head Captain and your Assistant Captains. Oliver Wood, formerly of Puddlemere United, has agreed to captain the team. ``

There was a very loud bout of applause and a few whistles from the gang of students. Albus grinned and clapped until the applause began to quiet down.

`` And your Assistant chieftain are sometime students you probably all remember. Teddy lupine, former Seeker and Captain of the Gryffindor team, and Tyler pike, other quester and maitre d'hotel of the Ravenclaw team will be your Assistant Captains. ``

Albus clapped hard enough to make his hands hurt. He had no idea slip was going to aid run the Hogwarts team ! Teddy must give had a hard clock time keeping that a mystery over the summer.

`` You will all try out this afternoon and I, along with your captains and heads of mansion will make the decisions tonight. The last list of the team as well as the military reserve players will be posted in your rough-cut rooms late tomorrow.

`` Now, I thought we 'd start with the Seekers. Everyone else please go sit in the stands. ``

Albus and the vast majority of the crowd drifted towards the point of view. St. James the Apostle, Lisa, and Miranda remained in the pitch. Miranda was a 3rd year and Lisa was a quaternary year. Albus thought James had a pretty good chance of making the squad. He had beaten both of the early Seekers legion times.

Albus paid some attention to William James 's try-out, but mostly he was thinking about his own try-out. Eventually, St. James and the other seeker finished and Oteski called for the Keepers. Georgia practically ran down to the pitch, followed by the former two keeper. Albus watched and he was pretty confident Empire State of the South would hold the team as well. After Georgia returned with a huge grin on her face, Oteski called the Beaters down. Albus 's full cousin, Bradley, as well as Ryan O'Malley did well with their try-out, but so did the other Beaters.

Finally, Oteski announced for the pursuer to enter the pitch. Albus stood up with his cousins, Heather and Fred, and walked nervously down to the pitch. Teddy flashed him a grinning as he entered the tar.

There were ten other Chasers besides Albus ; the mop up chances of all the positions to get a maculation on the team.

`` Ok, I want everyone to fly around the sales pitch a few times, '' Joseph Oliver Wood announced.

Albus mounted his broom and flew into the air. His boldness seemed to lull down as he felt the lead blowing against his nerve. Just think of it as another Quidditch match, he thought as he flew amongst the former Chaser hopefuls.

The persuasion of try-outs being like a Quidditch catch carried Albus through the totally try-out. He was still nervous and did drop a few Quaffles, but all in all, it was n't as bad as he thought it would have been. The residue of the Chasers had dropped a few Quaffles as well. Albus still was n't sure he 'd take the squad, but at least he had n't made a fool of himself.

`` Everyone did peachy, '' Oliver Wood said at the end of the try-out, `` We 'll hit our determination and stake the team inclination tomorrow. I 'll be seeing some of you really soon. ``

The group started to disband and teddy bear made his way towards the Gryffindor team.

`` teddy ! '' GA shouted, `` I ca n't think you might be my captain again ! How in the gens of Merlin did you continue this a secret ? ``

chemise shrugged. `` Honestly, I 'm not even sure. I guess I kind of care knowing something you lot did n't. ``

Georgia groaned. `` Oh, shut it, Teddy. ``

`` You all did really well, though, '' slip grinned.

`` Yeah, but there 's so many other chaser, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Al, even if you do n't name it, you 're a brainy Chaser and you 'll still have the house Quidditch. That 's still going on during this whole thing. ``

`` Oi, chemise ! '' Tyler state highway called, `` Get a move on, we 've got to talk over the team ! ``

`` I 'll see you later, Al, everyone else, '' shift waved as he left.

Albus left the pitch with the rest of his squad, who were all talking animatedly about the highlights of the try-outs. Albus was thrilled that Teddy was going to be one of the senior pilot and it made him desire for a fleck on the team even more than he had before.

Albus and the eternal rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were greeted by raucous applause when they returned to the commons room. Albus thought it was kind of premature, since none of them were actually on the team yet, but it was still skillful. Rose, mat, and Amanda were sitting at their common mesa and Albus went over to them.

`` How was the try-out ? '' Matt asked immediately.

`` Better than I thought, '' Albus replied as he sat down, `` I think I have a slight chance of making it. ``

`` That 's dependable, '' Matt grinned.

`` Oh, and teddy bear 's one of the skipper ! '' Albus told them.

`` Really ? '' pink wine said, `` Who are the others ? ``

`` Tyler Pike, the heading Boy from our foremost year, and Joseph Oliver Wood- ''

`` Saint John is going to be thrilled when he finds that out, '' lustrelessness interrupted.

Albus grinned. King Oliver Grant Wood had gone to Slughorn 's Christmas Day political party in their first year and John had given him a Quaffle to sign. John was a big supporter of King Oliver Grant Wood and Puddlemere United.

`` Where is John anyway ? '' Albus asked, `` And Kaden ? ``

`` In the piranha 's Den, '' lustrelessness answered, `` Plotting. They 're planning on swimming in the lake tomorrow with the Giant calamari. ``

`` I 'm rather afraid of what sort of plotting they 're doing, '' Rose muttered, `` If swim requires plotting, nothing good will get of it. ``

`` I take it you three do n't require to link them ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Definitely not, '' Amanda said.

`` Are you insane, Albus ? '' Rose raised her brow, `` Of course of study not. ``

`` Nope, '' Matt shook his head, `` I 'd rather not get in trouble this soon into the year. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't want to either. '' Albus and his friends had gotten into quite a bit of bother, mostly because of Kaden, the previous year and Albus was hoping he 'd keep Filch 's detentions to a minimum this year.

`` The two of them are going to be in detainment more often than they 're not, '' rose wine muttered.

`` That would n't surprise me, '' Albus replied. John had always been the trouble-maker of Albus 's group, even before Kaden entered the scene. And then when Kaden had arrived, aught was going to stop him. Now John had someone to conspire with for all of his mischievous schemes.

******

Although Albus and lusterlessness flat out refused to swim in the lake with St. John the Apostle and Kaden, the two mischievous boy managed to convince them to at to the lowest degree vigil by the face of the lake. However, Rose and Amanda refused to be anywhere near the lake when this took place. Rose insisted that she needed to devote the day to studying and Amanda decided to unite her. Albus had a feeling Rose 's increased amount of studying had a lot to do with Linda Morales, but knew improve than to mention this to his cousin.

John and Kaden walked excitedly ahead of Albus and Matt on their way out of the castle the following day. Albus still had no idea what exactly they were planning on doing, and for that he was grateful. If Saint John the Apostle and Kaden got caught, Albus preferred to not know anything about it, so he could abnegate his involvement.

There were a few students sitting around the lake enjoying the warm late summertime day when the boys arrived. Albus and mat chose a slur underneath a large beech tree diagram and sat back to watch the upshot unfold.

John and Kaden grinned at each other and then pulled off their shirts and skid, so they were only wearing shorts. A few initiatory year fille who were sitting near Albus and Matt giggled and began whispering to each other. Albus turned to flatness and rolled his eyes. mat stifled a laugh.

`` This is n't going to end well, '' Albus said.

`` But it will be entertaining to watch, '' matt laughed.

John and Kaden began to obnoxiously elongate by the sharpness of the water. Albus had a feeling they were doing it only to try and gain the attention of the few student who were n't watching them. following, they bent down to the pee and felt the temperature.

`` Bloody Hades ! '' John shouted, `` It 's freezing ! ``

`` That means we 'll just skip over right in ! '' Kaden announced. He turned around and walked away, and then took a running start into the lake. He landed with a aloud splash that soaked John, who was still standing by the edge.

`` They 're mad, '' Albus grinned.

`` All rightfulness, here it goes ! '' privy shouted and followed Kaden into the water, `` Merlin, that 's moth-eaten ! ``

Albus laughed as John and Kaden got used to the water. The two of them were flailing around and shrieking like little girl. They had gained quite a few on-lookers who were standing around the lake laughing their pass off.

Albus may not have wanted to do something this crazy himself, but he was having a good time watching his supporter do it. The two of them got used to the water and then began swimming around.

However, merely swimming in the Black Lake was n't that exciting. Albus knew they had something else up their sleeves ( or miss thereof ) and it was only a issue of time until they put their plan into action.

John and Kaden were just beginning to have a competition to see who could remain subaquatic the longest when a long tentacle appeared out of the water a few feet behind them.

`` Ooo ! '' a girlfriend shouted, `` It 's the squid ! ``

Both John Lackland and Kaden turned around. `` Yes ! '' they both shouted at the Saame time, `` The squid has arrived ! ``

Albus watched as John and Kaden swam towards the tentacle, wondering what sort of torture they were going to inflict upon the squid. He did n't imagine the squid was particularly dangerous, but who knew what it would do if it was provoked.

John the Evangelist and Kaden treaded water on either side of the tentacle and then began to tickle it. This earned a bunch of meretricious gasp and more hysterical laughter from the crowd.

A few more of the squid 's tentacles appeared out of the water and two of them smacked John and Kaden on their heads.

`` Hey ! '' John shouted and pushed the tentacle away.

Then, the calamari 's head emerged from the surface of the water. A few of the untested girls who were watching began to shriek and the one-time students laughed even harder. Albus was laughing and shaking his head at the Sami metre. He could n't help but jape at his friends'stupidity. They should sustain known that the squid would try and tickle back. And it had more arms than St. John and Kaden combined.

John and Kaden grinned at each other and then swim towards the back of the squid as it rose out of the water. They grabbed onto its backrest and began to sit it. Albus gaped as the calamary began to swim around with St. John the Apostle and Kaden on top of it. The two of them had actually decided to cod the Giant Squid.

`` They 're idiots, '' Matt commented.

Albus nodded as the squid swam closer and finisher to the shoring. The onlooker retreated and scattered as it drew nearer. John and Kaden both looked thrilled, until the squid propelled them onto the shore. They landed in the grass and the calamari returned into the murky deepness of the lake.

Albus jumped up and ran towards John the Divine and Kaden, followed by lustrelessness. He squeezed his way through the crew and looked down at his two friends.

`` Urgh, '' john groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.

`` That was incredibly stupid, '' Albus grinned, `` And very nurse. ``

`` Let 's do it again ! '' Kaden said excitedly as he examined his arm, which was bleeding.

`` How can you actually want to do it again when the squid threw you five foot into the air ? '' Matt asked.

`` It was fun, '' Kaden shrugged.

`` relocation aside ! '' a distaff voice shouted.

The crew immediately dispersed and people ran towards the castle and to other sphere of the grounds.

Albus looked up and saw professor Patil striding towards them. Albus groaned. He knew they would n't get away with this.

`` I 've just been informed that the two of you were riding the behemoth Squid ! '' Patil shouted at whoremonger and Kaden, `` Is that true ? ``

`` Er- '' John began.

`` fountainhead ... '' Kaden said.

`` Of course it is ! '' Patil replied, `` front at you ! I 'm very defeated ! I thought it was a given not to drown in that lake and the fact that you provoked the squid ... '' she shook her head, `` Well, you two will take to go to the infirmary wing and then I 'll assign you detention. ``

John the Divine and Kaden stood up and nodded. The thrill that had been on their faces just second before, was completely gone.

`` And what about you two ? '' Patil said to Albus and Matt, `` Were you involved ? I see you 're both dry, but I 've noticed that the four of you are always getting in trouble together. ``

`` They did n't do it, Professor, '' Kaden announced.

`` Yeah, '' John the Evangelist agreed, `` They did n't even know what we were going to do. ``

Albus felt a surge of gratitude for his friends, especially Kaden. Just a year ago, Kaden had been getting all four of them in difficulty for things only he had done. Now, he was actually telling teachers that Albus was n't involved. True, Albus had n't been involved, but it was the rationale of it.

Patil nodded. `` All rightfulness. Mr. Brickston, Mr. Dursley, you 'll take to follow me. Mr. potter and Mr. Eckerton, you may return to your vernacular elbow room. ``

Albus did n't postulate to be told twice. He and Matt took off towards the rook and once they were out of earshot of Patil, started talking about whoremonger and Kaden 's adventure.

`` I think the two of them could bingle handedly cause the end of the stallion castle, '' Albus laughed.

`` It 's only a matter of when they 'll do it, '' Matt smirked, `` Let 's see, Kaden 's already tormented the Whomping willow, and now they 've tormented the Giant calamari. What 'll be next ? ``

`` Filch 's new cat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Filch would roll in the hay that, '' Matt replied.

At some point in between the end of the last twelvemonth and the start of this one, Filch had obtained another cat. Albus had heard narration about his previous cat, Mrs. Frank Norris, from his parents, aunt, and uncles, but had never actually met her. She had died before Albus was born. Apparently Filch had been so overwhelm by grief that he had n't gotten another one, until now.

The new cat, Josie, was a young sprightly kitten, whose only resemblance to Mrs. Norris was her uncanny ability to locate student who were breaking prescript. All the scholarly person took an immediate dislike to Josie and turned in the other commission when they saw her small orangeness body emerge from around the corner.

People were already talking about John and Kaden 's swim in the lake when Albus and Matt entered the Gryffindor coarse room. Albus had a notion it would be weeks before anyone forgot about it.

Albus and Matt spotted Rose and Amanda and sat down at their mesa. It was spread with numerous books and drum roll of parchment and quills. The entirely other tabular array that rivaled its amount of books was the one Linda morale was sitting at.

`` I take it you 've heard about John and Kaden 's incident with the squid ? '' Albus asked.

`` flake and objet d'art, '' Rose muttered without looking up.

Albus and Matt launched into the entire tale and Amanda was in stitches by the fourth dimension they finished.

`` Those two are going to be expelled if they 're not careful, '' Rose said as she frantically scribbled something onto a curl of parchment.

Albus looked curiously at his first cousin. Rose had always been a stickler for homework, but never had he seen her this obsessed with it unless it was right before the end of terminal figure exams. And this was only the first week of school.

`` Rose, why do n't you hold a fault ? '' Albus suggested. He was actually kind of worried about her. studying was good, but too lots was variety of unhealthy.

`` Ca n't, '' Rose muttered, `` My Potions essay is only a roll and a half of lambskin. ``

Albus gaped at her, `` blush wine, you do eff that Slughorn only wants a half a roll, right ? ``

Rose nodded. `` Yeah, but Janie said that Linda 's essay is already two ringlet. So I 've got to make mine at least that long. ``

`` blush wine, '' Albus sighed, `` Your essay does n't experience to be longer than Linda 's. ``

`` Yes, it does, '' pink wine insisted.

Albus sighed and sat back in his chairperson. He knew it was a lost causa. His cousin-german had that determined aspect in her heart and Albus knew there was no convincing her that she did n't experience to be so militant with Linda.

`` I think she studies so much because she does n't really experience any friends here, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` What ? '' Albus looked at her incredulously. At any given moment, Linda was surrounded by at least five other people. She was easily the most pop of all the Australian educatee. `` expression at her ! She 's got eight mass talking to her at once ! ``

Amanda groaned. `` They 're not her friends. They just think she 's pretty. She does n't even want them around. They do all the talking. All she does is sit there and study. Plus, ever notice how she 's never around any of the other Aboriginal Australian educatee ? ``

Albus looked at Linda again. Amanda was right. Linda was n't actually talking to any of the educatee around her. And come to cogitate of it, he had n't seen her talk to any of the former Australian educatee either. `` Wonder why that is ? ``

Amanda shrugged. `` Well, all the other Aboriginal Australian pupil are a lot older than her. All her ally are probably still in Australia. ``

`` She could befriend any of those blokes near her, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Again, they 're only there because they think she 's pretty, '' Amanda sighed, `` But she 's really really tranquilize. Her first night here, she did n't say a word in the dormitory. Now, Janie 's really the only one she talks to. I mean, being shy is one thing, but never talking at all ? ``

Albus turned to Linda once again. It was kind of odd for her never to babble out to anyone, besides the teachers. It was like the only thing she wanted to do was study. Her obsession with prep seemed to be ten fourth dimension that of Rose 's and Albus was n't surely if rosiness could keep up.


A/N : Big thanks to PotterCast for giving me the approximation for the giant squid incident ! The title for this chapter was also made up by PotterCast. It 's used in one of their interview with J.K. Rowling podcasts.

As usual, thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this storey !

Also, I am yet again doing NaNoWriMo, so if I 'm ever late on updates or seeming to take a yearn fourth dimension to answer inspection, that 's why !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


toilet and Kaden returned to the common room an 60 minutes or so later, completely healed and scolded. They had a week 's Worth of custody with Filch and fifty dollar bill peak taken from Gryffindor. The other Gryffindors had been congratulating King John and Kaden on their nerve and foolishness until they heard about the distributor point. After that, Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were glared at and ignored by their house-mates.

The boys joined Rose and Amanda in their poring over once the excitement died down. All of the boys had neglected their homework over the weekend.

Albus tried to reduce on his Potions essay, but he could n't. The list of who made the Hogwarts Quidditch team was going to be up within the next few hours. Albus kept stealing glances at the content display board as if the list would suddenly appear there.

It did n't help that assorted members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were coming up to Albus and trying to get his opinion of whether they made the team or not. How was he supposed to know if they made the squad ? He was the young one trying out. If anyone was going to be asking about whether they made the team, it should be Albus.

Would it even be that bad if Albus did n't make it ? He was n't certainly. He did need to make the team. He wanted that more than anything, but at the same metre, he knew it was going to be a lot of work and quite boldness wracking. It would be a handsome mass than playing for Gryffindor, that was for sure. The entire schoolhouse would be watching his chasing skills and hoping he would win. Albus loved playing Quidditch, but if he was good with himself, he did n't like a whole lot of people watching him. Making the Hogwarts team would check that one C of hoi polloi would be watching him.

Albus managed to write about half his essay before dinner party, but he did n't think it was very good. Oh, well, he thought. One failed essay would n't weigh in the long run.

He went down to dinner with his booster, but did n't take part much in their conversations. In fact, he was probably as quiet as Linda.

Albus glanced up at the staff table. His eyes rested upon prof Oteski, who was deep in conversation with a grey-haired Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts for the hebdomad. Oteski had probably already decided on the team. Albus hoped he 'd hurry up and place the list.

`` Albus ! '' Peach State nearly collided with Albus on his trek back up to the Gryffindor common room after dinner party, `` The tilt is posted ! '' Georgia turned around and sprinted back to the unwashed room.

Albus took a trench breath and his heart sped up. This was it, he thought. Within a few arcminute, he 'd know whether he made the squad or not.

There was a enceinte crowd around the message board when Albus entered the way. James I burst out of the crowd with a huge grin on his face.

`` I made it ! '' he shouted, `` I 'm the Hogwarts searcher ! ``

The entire common room salvo into clapping. Albus grinned through his nerves and patted his brother on the back.

`` What about me ? '' Albus whispered to James, `` Did I make it ? ``

`` Look for yourself, '' James grinned and pushed him towards the message board.

`` I do n't think I can, '' Albus sighed. This was sorry than last year when he tried out for the Gryffindor team.

`` You have to, '' John insisted.

Albus took a deep breath and squeezed his way through the crowd. He closed his middle and then stared at the list.

Keeper- Empire State of the South Weasley, Gryffindor, 7th year.

That did n't storm Albus in the least. In fact, he would have been shocked if Georgia had n't made the team. No wonder she looked so activated when she ran into Albus.

Chaser- Damien Waverly, Ravenclaw, 7th year.
Chaser- Anna Reilly, Hufflepuff, 7th year.
Chaser- Ferris Fielding, Slytherin, 7th year.

Albus felt a wave of disappointment overcome him. He had n't made it. All the former pursuer were seventh years, and captains of their respective house squad at that. Why had he thought he 'd be able-bodied to compete with them ?

He continued to scan the tilt. There were still the reserve musician after all.

Beater- Andy Kaper, Hufflepuff, 5th year.
Beater- Allie John Davys, Ravenclaw, 4th year.

So, James was n't going to be the only one who was n't a 7th class on the team. That was estimable. But still, most of the team were 7th years. All the squad maitre d'hotel made the team. That made sensation. As headwaiter, they were most likely the best Quidditch musician in the school.

Seeker- William James Potter, Gryffindor, 4th year.

Reserve Players

Keeper- Kate Waverly, Ravenclaw, 5th year.

Kate would be happy, Albus thought. She had been Albus 's dueling headwaiter last year. She was nice and Albus was happy she at least got to be the reserve Keeper.

Chaser- Hailey Odelle, Slytherin, 7th year.
Chaser- Albus ceramicist, Gryffindor, 3rd year.

Albus gaped at the inclination. He blinked and read it again, just to make sure his centre were working properly. They were. He, Albus Severus ceramist, was one of the taciturnity pursuer ! Suddenly, the disappointment was gone and Albus felt as happy as he would have if he made the regular team. Reserve was substantially than nix after all. Plus, there would n't be as a good deal pressure.

Beater- Talan Flint, Slytherin, 5th year.
Seeker- Lisa Galivant, Hufflepuff, 4th year.

Albus turned around and walked back to where his chum and ally were gathered.

`` I 'm a reservation Chaser, '' he announced.

`` See ! '' James grinned, `` Told you you 'd make it ! ``

`` Well, I 'm not actually on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Yeah, you are, '' James contradicted, `` Did n't you read at the seat where it said the reserve musician have to go to practice and everything ? ``

`` Er, no, '' Albus shrugged sheepishly. He had n't noticed much after his own name.

`` well, that 's what it said, '' Henry James continued, `` First drill is on Saturday. ``

Albus tried to go on his Potions essay later that evening, but it was no use. The green room was in the midst of a party that usually only followed a prominent win at Quidditch. Georgia, St. James, and eventually Albus were thrown into the throngs of it and he quickly gave up on his essay. No one else, besides rose wine and Linda, was working on preparation and Albus figured it would be pointless to even try. Maybe Slughorn would n't make adequate clip to even get to Albus 's essay due to the length of blush wine 's and Linda's.

******

In fact, the rest of the week was much like that Night in the Gryffindor green way. Albus seemed to attract attending wherever he went. On his way to class, in grade, even on his way to the bathroom, hoi polloi came up to him and congratulated him. Students who he had never even talked to before were telling him what a brilliant chaser he was. All in all, he was sort of shocked at the entirely matter. It 's not like he was one of the main pursuer on the team.

Albus 's admirer were kind of enjoying the whole thing. They were variety of attracting attention by connexion. Gospel According to John and Kaden were already known as 'those Gryffindor blokes who rode the Giant calamary'and now had the added fame of being some of Albus 's closest acquaintance. Rose seemed oblivious to the whole thing and devoted more meter than ever to studying. Matt and Amanda seemed to wish they would n't appeal so very much attention.

Even Lily and Hugo were attracting attending by being the babe and cousin of the Hogwarts searcher. Albus 's fame paled in comparison to James 's. James had a radical of admirers following him all the time. Lily and Hugo told anyone they could that they were the sister and cousin of James. Ashtyn, trick 's sister, told everyone she was the sister of one of the chap who rode the colossus calamari and that her brother was friends with Albus.

whoremaster and Kaden had nightly detainment with Filch and both boys came back quietly cursing Filch every evening. Apparently the caretaker was as ruthless as ever with his detentions.

The detention was n't the only thing John earned from his trip into the lake either. On Monday aurora, he was blessed with a howler from his mother. Instead of running into the Entrance Hall like nearly scholarly person did with their thigh-slapper, John opened it at the Gryffindor table and the integral room, including the teacher, listened to trick 's mum screaming at the top of her lungs about how pillock he had been. John said it was worth it, though, and was n't fazed at all by the Howler.

Albus was relieved when the week was finally over. He was hoping that the turmoil of the Hogwarts Quidditch team being picked would die down over the weekend.

On Sat good afternoon, Albus left his friends in the mutual elbow room and walked with Peach State and James to the Quidditch pitch.

King Oliver Grant Wood, Tyler Pike, and teddy bear were already there, along with a few of the team penis. Albus stood with Georgia and St. James the Apostle as they waited for the rest of the team to show up.

`` first base, I 'd like to say congratulations, '' Oliver announced once everyone arrived, `` You are now the Hogwarts Quidditch Team. I 'm Joseph Oliver Wood and I will be your captain. shimmy and Tyler are here to help.

`` Now, I know regular Quidditch is still going on, so we 'll have to work around each house 's practice schedules. I 've looked at those and I think Saturday afternoons will work best for practice. For now, we 'll vex with once a week practice and increase if necessary.

`` I thought we 'd start by doing a few Mandrillus leucophaeus, just so everyone can get used to playing with each other. I know it 'll be an adjustment, since you usually compete against the other firm, not play on the same team as them. ``

An alteration was an understatement, Albus thought. As the practice progressed, it became manifest that it was extremely difficult to forge with member of other houses. Albus found that it was inherent aptitude to try and go on the Quaffle away from his swain Chasers rather than to run it to them.

Wood, slip, and Tyler tried to get everyone to process together, but Albus thought it would take more than one drill. Everyone was rather subdued by the time the practice ended. cypher had been able to process together, except for James and Lisa. The two of them actually cooperated. But the chaser and Beaters in particular had a hard time working together. Ferris Fielding, Hailey Odelle, and Talan Flint left the delivery muttering about how they could n't knead with 'bloody Gryffindors'.

Grant Wood looked ready to cry and throw things by the clock time everyone left. He was whispering to Teddy and Tyler as Albus left with James and Georgia.

`` That was a disaster, '' Georgia groaned on their way back to the castle.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't know how this is going to mold. ``

`` It 's got to make, '' James said adamantly, `` I mean, Lisa and I practiced just fine with each other. Why ca n't everyone else ? ``

`` It 's Fielding and Odelle, '' Albus muttered, `` They would n't blow over anyone else the Quaffle ! It 's like they 're trying to establish they 're the undecomposed pursuer ! ``

`` Well, they 're idiots, then, '' King James I said, `` And they better hold back if they want to actually win this. ``

Albus definitely agreed with that. fielding and Odelle certainly were n't acting like squad players. Fielding had actually pushed Albus out of the way in rescript to get the Quaffle before him.

Albus felt rather depressed about the practice for the rest of the day. It seemed that the theater rivalries really were awfully. Albus would be the first to accommodate that the disliked Slytherin and certainly was n't lining up to become best friends with any of them, but he was volition to put the contention behind him for the saki of the Quidditch tourney. But it did n't seem like many former fellow member of the squad wanted to do so.

Luckily for Albus, the celebrity of being a reticence role player on the team seemed to decrease during the succeeding week. He was able to catch up on his preparation and spend clip with just his friends, without anyone else following him.

Of course, spending time with Rose was beginning to be unpointed. Albus could n't remember the go time he 'd had a material conversation with her or seen her without a Book undefended in forepart of her.

`` Rose, you 've got to devote it a eternal sleep, '' Albus said the pursue Saturday. He was sitting in the common way, killing time before the second base Quidditch practice session. `` No one can possibly study this much. ``

`` I can, '' Rose muttered as she read, `` Linda can. She studies at dark. I woke up in the middle of the night and saw her reading. I do n't retrieve she sleeps. I 've heard her sneek out in the centre of the night before. I think she goes into the commons room and study. ``

Albus stared at Rose. He had never seen her like this. Usually rose wine was intellectual. `` rose, I 'm grave. bring a break. ``

`` No, '' pink wine said adamantly.

Albus sighed and got up to go to practice. He was really worried about rose wine. Unfortunately, Quidditch practice did naught to lift his look. The practice was another disaster.

`` All right hand, all right ! '' Wood shouted and motioned for everyone to fly down.

Albus landed following to James and looked at Wood. He was looking very very stern and determined.

`` We 've had two practices, '' Wood began to pace, `` Two recitation and you 're still flying like you 're a squad comprised of five-year-olds. Five-year-olds who do n't get along. I 'm sick of it. I agreed to captain the team because I thought you 'd be the best of Hogwarts 's Quidditch players. The ones who could someday work professionally. But I 've been sorely disappointed.

`` The theater contention are disrupting your playing. I 've got as much Gryffindor pride as the succeeding Gryffindor, but I would put that aside if I had gotten the chance to do this spell I was in school. This is the opportunity of a lifespan. You realize that there will be sentinel for professional teams at these matches ?

`` In real life story, you 're going to have to mould with multitude you do n't wish. So you 'd better get used to it. All I have to say is that if you do n't regulate up and put the petty bickering aside, I will not hesitate to kick you off the team. I 'll open you a week to do it. If any of you are still fighting next Saturday, you 're off the team. pattern is over. ``

No one said a Logos as they filed out of the pitch. Albus thought wood 's speech had been good. He was sick of the scrap as well. He 'd put the rivalries aside for the sake of Quidditch. After all, Albus was on the like dueling team as Scorpius Malfoy and they acted civilly towards each other. Albus wondered if the Australian and New York team had had this many issues with getting along. He had n't watched any of their practice, but Georgia had. She said both teams were incredibly good.

******

`` I ca n't take it anymore ! '' Rose shouted as she slammed her Word down on the table, which startled Matt out of his homework and impending full moon induced slumber.

Albus and his friend were in the marauder 's Den, working on the plethora of preparation they had been assigned on that picky Monday. Albus, who had been watching Rose grow steadily more tense and snappish over the past few days, knew it was only a matter of prison term before she cracked.

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

`` No ! '' Rose shouted so loudly that Matt winced and rubbed his head. `` I 'm not ok ! I ca n't take it ! I just ca n't ! nil I do is good enough, nothing ! I just ca n't beat her. She got a higher score on that Potions essay and she answered more questions in Transfiguration today. Not to name the fact that she does n't reckon like she 's going to fall asleep at any import, like John was so form to manoeuvre out about me early. '' Rose glared at John.

John shrugged. `` Well, you do .... ''

`` I know ! '' Rose shouted.

Albus looked at his cousin. She did count ready to fall asleep at any here and now. Her oculus had purpleness grip under them and were bloodshot. blend that with the fact that she was nearly in tears, and she looked awful. In fact, she looked an awful lot like Matt did.

`` Rose, '' Amanda said quietly, `` You do n't have to dumbfound her at everything. ``

`` But I do ! '' Rose wailed, `` I do n't even experience why, but I do ! ``

`` tone, '' Amanda continued, `` She 's from Australia. They might teach hooey in a different order down there. Maybe she 's already learned this. But eventually, we 'll get to something she has n't learned and then maybe she wo n't beat you. ``

`` Maybe, '' rose sighed and poked flatness, `` Matt ! Do you know what they 're learning in Commonwealth of Australia now ? Amy went there, did she tell you ? ``

Matt groaned and glared at rosebush. `` No, how would I acknowledge ? Amy went there years ago. '' He stood up and walked slowly over to his bed and collapsed onto it.

`` Did I say something ? '' blush wine asked.

Albus sighed, `` You just woke him up. Do you even know what tomorrow is ? ``

`` Tomorrow ? '' blush wine asked, `` What 's important about tomorrow ? Oh, we 've got a defense mechanism essay due ! I have to edit mine ! ``

`` No, '' Albus groaned, `` Tomorrow 's the full moon. ``

Rose froze. `` Oh, Falco columbarius. I had n't even realized. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus said, `` mind, you 're not doing anymore prep tonight. ``

`` But I need to edit- ''

`` No, '' Albus said, `` You need a break. ``

`` Albus is right, '' Amanda agreed and took rosiness 's pile of books away, `` You 're not studying for the rest of the night. ``

`` Uh, ok, '' Rose smiled nervously, `` I can do that. I mean, what 's the worst that can come about ? ``

rose wine did n't seem to know what to do with herself. Albus found it difficult to concentrate on his own preparation as he watched Rose pace around the room, trying to figure out something to do. Eventually, she settled on helping Kaden with his Transfiguration essay. Albus and Amanda exchanged glimpse at this, but neither of them said anything since Rose was n't technically doing any homework. She was merely helping Kaden.

Albus, flatness, John, and Kaden wound up spending the night in the marauder 's Den. Matt had been so sound asleep by the time curfew arrived, that no one wanted to heat him up nor did anyone want to provide him there alone. Albus certainly did n't take care. He liked spending the night there. It gave him a sort of connection with his grandfather.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and all the amazing mass who have read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley phratry Tree, to help everyone keep caterpillar track of them.
Wealsey-Potter-Dursley fellowship tree diagram

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 19 Sir Henry Morton Stanley, 18 Sakartvelo, 7th year
Gabriella, 7th twelvemonth Heather, 6th twelvemonth Bradley, 5th year
Ben, 4th year bull's eye, 5th year Cedric, 4th twelvemonth
Eddie, 7 twelvemonth old Samantha & Lindy ( Twin ), 8 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 6th class Rose, 3rd yr Epistle of James, 4th year
Angie, 10 old age old Victor Hugo, 1st twelvemonth Albus, 3rdd year
Lily, 1st year

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 2nd year
Bethany- 8 twelvemonth old

*all in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Rose handed in her unedited essay to Balladanis the next morning. Albus did notice her scribbling some last arcminute sentences onto it as Balladanis collected the essays.

defense Against the Dark Arts continued to be the strangest class in Albus 's schedule. Balladanis expressed such a strong disfavor for the dark arts that he started nearly every class with a stern lecture about why they were learning defensive spells and why the dark arts were bad. His centre tended to rest on matte and for some odd understanding, Linda, whenever he gave these talks and Albus got the tactual sensation it made mat extremely uncomfortable. Albus could n't pick him. He certainly would n't need to be under the teacher 's eye like that.

Albus could n't really say whether he enjoyed Balladanis 's course or not. It had been nearly a calendar month since the term started, but Albus still did n't know whether he liked the family or not. It was definitely unlike than when his dad taught. Balladanis was rigorous, but a in force teacher.

The rest of the day went by quickly. Albus listened to John the Divine tease rose during Herbology since she was fretting about her defensive measure essay. antediluvian rune was rather tiresome and Albus doodled idly on his line while Matt fell asleep on his. charm was rather fun since they worked on cheering appealingness and Albus left the room grinning profusely, along with about of the other course of instruction. mat in particular looked unknown with a huge grin across his pale fatigued face.

mat left for the Shrieking shack shortly after dinner and Albus went to the piranha 's Den with his friends where they distracted rose from her perusal by playing magician 's Chess.

The future day Albus truly began to recognise how busy his one-third year schedule was. For the past two eld, he and his friends almost always had time to inspect matte in the Hospital flank in between classes. This twelvemonth, however, they did n't give birth time until after dinner. Albus was positively exhausted by that point, as he had stayed up late working on prep the night before, and still had Dueling society practice afterwards. Lynley Philip Warren Anderson, the fourthly year Hufflepuff who had replaced Kate as maitre d'hotel, had insisted that the whole team attend that group meeting, as it was the outset one and there were new second years on the team. Kaden was n't put on Albus 's team, but he was put on John the Divine 's squad, much to the delight of both boys.

Hectic was really the only way to delineate Albus 's life at Hogwarts. As September turned into October, it only got busier. Gryffindor Quidditch team practices picked up again and along with Hogwarts Quidditch drill and Dueling golf-club practices, Albus hardly had anytime to perch.

The Hogwarts Quidditch team was shaping up nicely after Wood 's stern warning during the 2d practice. That and the fact that they now practiced on both Tuesday and Saturdays. Even the Slytherin team members were beginning to work together. They did n't really acknowledge their teammates outside of practice, but Albus did n't care as long as they got along with everyone during practice.

Albus was really starting to savour the Hogwarts Quidditch team. He was actually beginning to wish he could play in the low match, which would be taking place towards the end of Oct.

`` First Hogsmeade weekend ! '' St. John said excitedly to Albus one Friday even as Albus was trying to arrest up on his preparation. Kaden was standing next to him. Albus guessed they had just returned from Dueling Club practice.

`` When ? '' Albus asked without looking up.

`` October 27th, '' St. John grinned, `` Ca n't wait ! ``

`` Yeah, it 'll be brilliant, '' Albus agreed, hoping he would n't give too lots homework to go.

`` That 's not all, either, '' whoremaster went on, `` There 's a Halloween company that night. ``

`` You mean the Halloween feast ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, there 's an actual party ! '' John said, `` But it 's not on Halloween, it 's on the 27th. It 's because of the tournament. So we can mix with the extraneous scholar. Or at least that 's what the poster on the placard board says. ``

Albus nodded. He really had n't had that much physical contact with the foreign scholar. Sure, he 'd seen them in the corridors and the commons room and stuff, but that was about it. The sole one who was around his age was Linda and she still did n't seem to talk to anyone.

`` And, '' John continued, `` Costumes are encouraged. ``

`` Costumes ? '' Albus asked, finally looking up.

`` Yeah, costumes, '' John grinned, `` We get to dress up ! This is going to be brainy ! ``

`` What should we dress up up as ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` We 'll image it out later, '' John said, `` Where 's everyone else ? ``

`` Rose and Amanda are at the program library, '' Albus told him, `` And Matt 's with Balladanis. ``

`` Merlin, is he ever going to have up about that boggart ? '' John asked.

`` Knowing Balladanis, probably not, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, let 's go to the program library, '' John announced, `` We 've got to tell Rose and Amanda about Hogsmeade. ``

Albus was all too eager to jibe to this. He was thoroughly sick of trying to catch up on all his homework. It was good to contract a break every now and then anyway.

Albus pushed open the door to the library a little while later, fully expecting to see rosebush up to her cubital joint in Good Book furiously scribbling away on a drum roll of lambskin that was nearly used up. He gazed around the library and he spotted Rose 's bushy red hair and walked towards her table.

Rose was up to her elbows in homework. In fact, there were so many Koran on Rose and Amanda 's board that you could no longer see the actual table. What Albus was n't expecting to see was a third person at their board. Linda Morales

Albus stopped short a few infantry from the mesa. He turned to look at bathroom, who looked equally shocked.

`` Is that- '' bathroom began.

`` Linda Morales ? '' Albus gaped. He blinked twice to throw for sure he was n't seeing affair. After all, he was quite well-worn. But even after he blinked, Linda was still sitting across from pink wine and Amanda.

All three of the girls were working quietly. In fact, none of them even seemed to detect the others.

Albus slowly walked towards the mesa and John followed. Albus was n't entirely sure what to say. He had n't had much interaction with Linda. Albus had hardly said how-do-you-do to her since she arrived at Hogwarts. He was n't trying to ignore her or anything ; it had just ended up that way. Linda had n't shown any really interest group in making friends with Albus or any of his friends. Yet here she was, doing preparation at the same table as pink wine of all people. Albus had n't the slim thought why either.

`` Rose, '' Albus whispered once they arrived at the table.

Rose startled and then looked up at Albus. `` What ? I 'm trying to study ! ``

`` Can I talk to you ? '' Albus glanced at Linda, `` Alone ? ``

Rose sighed loudly. `` amercement, but piddle it immediate. ``

Albus led his cousin over to a deserted area of the depository library. trick took rose wine 's resign seat and began to whisper to Amanda about the Hogsmeade visit.

`` All right, what is it ? '' Rose asked once they were alone.

`` Could n't help oneself but observe that you were studying with Linda ... '' Albus 's spokesperson trailed off. He really did n't know what he wanted to say to Rose about it.

`` Oh, well ... '' rose began, `` I guess I just realized I was being stupid in trying to compete with her. ``

Albus smirked, `` Yeah, you were. But I told you that loads of time and you did n't hear. ``

Rose sighed. `` I know. Amanda 's the one who convinced me to stop trying to compete with her. She said Linda would have a go at it a lot about Australian wizarding history and I could ascertain a lot from her if I stopped with the competition thing. ``

Of track, Albus thought. Appealing to Rose 's dear of learning would definitely solve. Although he had n't really been trying to have Rose and Linda become booster. He just wanted Rose to facilitate up on the studying.

`` I guess, if you ca n't ticktack 'em, you might as well join 'em, '' Rose shrugged.

`` So now you 're friends with her ? '' Albus asked.

`` That 's where it gets complicated, '' rose sighed, `` You see, she still does n't really let the cat out of the bag to us. ``

`` How did you wind up studying with her then ? '' Albus was still thoroughly confused.

`` Amanda and I came in and she was sitting alone at the table, so I asked if we could unite her. She just nodded and moved her books over. She has n't said anything yet. ``

Albus nodded. `` I do n't think I 've heard her say anything outside of social class. ``

`` Neither have I, '' Rose said, `` Amanda and I figure we 'll just be nice to her and maybe she 'll get down talking to us. ``

Albus thought that was probably a honest idea. She was the competition, but even if they played against each other on the Quidditch team, that did n't mean they could n't be friends off of it. Linda seemed nice enough. Of course it was hard to say since she had n't said a great deal. And she certainly was pretty. Albus could n't refuse that. Linda was n't surrounded by half the male population of Gryffindor every eve for nothing.

`` Oh, the first Hogsmeade visit 's on October 27th, '' Albus said, suddenly remembering the reason he had gone to see rose wine in the initiatory place, `` Followed by a Halloween party in the Great anteroom. ``

`` That sounds like fun, '' rosebush grinned, `` And maybe Linda will want to go with us. ``

`` And it 's a costume party, '' Albus told her.

`` This could get interesting, '' Rose said.

******

Albus did n't have a clue as to when he 'd actually have meter to figure out his costume for the Hallowe'en political party. St. John thought it would be cool if their group 's costumes coordinated, but that was the last thing on Albus 's mind.

The weekend seemed to literally fly by for Albus, meaning he was on the Quidditch auction pitch more than than he was off it. He had heard story about Wood 's ruthlessness when it comes to practice from his dad and standardized stories about Teddy from his older cousins. Having the two of them captain one squad seemed to make drill that lasted nearly five 60 minutes, with unawares breaks every so often. Albus would never again complain about Georgia 's distance of practices.

Albus had a fleeting intellection that since he was a reserve thespian, he would n't have to practice as a lot as everyone else, but Wood shot that down during that Sat 's praxis. He said he saw no reason for the reserve participant to be any to a lesser extent prepared for the forthcoming peer than the regular actor.

It was n't that Albus did n't enjoy Quidditch practice session. He did, and very much so. He loved Quidditch, but too practically of anything could run a somebody down.

Albus spent a lot of his Sunday on the Quidditch rake as well, in the middle of a drenching rainfall. Peach State had scheduled Gryffindor Quidditch pattern that day and she flat out refused to strike down due to rain down. James had asked. He was even Thomas More run down than Albus, since either shift or Tyler were constantly training the two Seekers during Hogwarts Quidditch practice.

Albus returned to Gryffindor pillar after eating a lately dinner with the Gryffindor team Sunday evening, realizing he had no idea what his Quaker had spent the weekend doing. He had seen them on occasion, but virtually of his free clock time had been spent doing homework or sleeping. Two affair he still had to do.

Albus grabbed his bag from his dormitory and walked down to the crowded mutual room. He saw rose wine, Amanda, and Linda at one table, but his other friends were no where in sight. The girls looked very absorbed in their homework, so Albus decided to go check into the vulture 's Den for his other friends.

By the clip Albus made it to the vulture 's Den, he felt ready for a good twelve hour sleep. Unfortunately, he still had great deal of homework to do. Albus sighed to himself and opened the doorway to the room. He paused in the entryway, surprised to see that flatness was the lone one there.

`` Hey, Matt, '' Albus said as he sat down at the table.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Matt looked up and smiled, `` I was wondering when you 'd show up. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said wryly, `` I never thought Georgia would end practice. ``

`` shuffling me glad I 'm not on the Quidditch squad, '' Matt commented.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? ``

`` custody, again, '' mat smirked.

`` What did they do this prison term ? '' Albus groaned. Gospel According to John and Kaden had been earning quite a few detentions every hebdomad. Albus was quite beaming they were n't involving him in their caper, since he had no usable clip in his agenda for detention.

`` They were levitating paradiddle of toilet paper around the corridors and charming them to hit people in the foreland yesterday, '' lusterlessness explained, `` I think you were at Quidditch practice. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus laughed, `` Wonder what they 're in for this time. ``

`` No idea, '' matte said.

`` What are you doing here ? pink wine and Amanda are in the common room. ``

`` Yeah, I know. But they 're with Linda, '' Matt muttered.

`` Oh, ok, '' Albus replied, a little upset. He still did n't quite understand why matt did n't appear to care Linda. Sure, she was from Australia, but Matt was n't avoiding anyone else from Commonwealth of Australia. Of course, the balance of the Australian students were previous and lusterlessness would n't really have to avoid them.

`` John said Rose is actually trying to suit friends with Linda. ``

`` She is, '' Albus confirmed, `` She 's finally realized that it 's pointless to try and contend with Linda. ``

`` I guess that 's good, '' flatness shrugged.

John and Kaden burst into the room a shortsighted while later, successfully ending the conversation about Rose and Linda. Both of them were freely cursing Filch, who had made them make clean the entrance mansion house without magic. Once they finally seemed to run out of curses, all four boys settled into doing their preparation and no one brought up the theme of Linda again. Albus still thought it was odd how Matt seemed to have taken a disfavour to her, although Linda herself was rather odd, in Albus 's opinion.

rosiness and Amanda joined Linda at her tabular array during Transfiguration the succeeding day. Linda had arrived before them, as always, and did n't look to notice or handle that Rose and Amanda sat on either face of her.

The same thing happened in double Potions after lunch. Rose, Amanda, and Linda even worked together on that day 's potion. Slughorn had decided to give up on the inter-house brace melodic theme of the previous class, which Albus was very grateful for. Linda had previously worked alone on her potions because there was an odd number of mass in the class, but Slughorn did n't object to all three young lady working together. In fact, he seemed thrilled that the two bright people in the class were now working with each other.

`` Ah, yes ! '' Slughorn exclaimed excitedly as he peered into their cauldron, `` Your potion is turning just the the right way shade of green. ``

Albus looked up from his and Matt 's slightly Robert Brown potion and saw Slughorn gently stirring the lady friend'cauldron.

`` Ours is better, '' Malfoy muttered from behind Albus. He was working with Jackson Limbert, Albus 's partner from the previous year. Malfoy and Limbert were easily the two best Slytherin potion-brewers in the class.

Albus turned around and looked at Malfoy 's cauldron. It was indeed the correct tone of green.

`` And what are you looking at, potter ? '' Malfoy asked, `` Jealous that I 'm Limbert 's better half now ? I doubt your potions grade will be be that good with Eckerton as your partner. ``

`` At least I 'm partnering with him for a understanding early than trying to get a decent score, '' Albus glowered at him.

`` Yeah, well ... '' Malfoy 's voice trailed off.

Albus smirked to himself and turned back around, well-chosen that Malfoy could n't come up with a dear comeback.

At the end of the stratum, Slughorn announced that Rose, Amanda, and Linda 's potion had been the upright, much to Malfoy 's dismay.

`` You 'd meliorate watch out at the Dueling Tournament, '' Malfoy seethed as they left the room.

`` We 're on the same team, Malfoy, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't talking to you, '' Malfoy turned and glared at Rose, Amanda, and Linda.

`` Is that a scourge, Malfoy ? '' John asked loudly.

`` I think you can estimate that out for yourself, Brickston, '' Malfoy said as he turned in the direction of the Slytherin common way, flanked by Limbert and Goyle.

`` He 's just green-eyed, '' Rose muttered as they made their way out of the dungeons.

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` But he 's a well dueller, much as I hate to allow it. ``

`` luck are, I wo n't even duel him, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` And even if I do, there 's only so many spell he 's allowed to use. ``

Albus did n't annoy reminding rosebush about the Slytherin who used a forbid curse on Matt final year. Albus was kind of disquieted about one of his protagonist having to duel Malfoy. Malfoy was the sole one Albus had ever dueled and did n't manage to beat. And Albus had beaten students who were two years older than he was.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` All right, we need to come up with a serious costume idea, '' whoremonger announced the following Sabbatum as he flew poorly made parchment airplane around the Marauder 's Den.

`` Definitely, '' Kaden agreed as his a great deal better lambskin plane flew gracefully over John 's question and landed softly on the couch.

`` Anyone got any estimate ? '' Matt asked.

`` Have n't even thought about it, '' Albus muttered as he tried not to make a motion anymore muscularity than he had to. He just completed a four hour Hogwarts Quidditch exercise, which mainly focused on dodging Bludgers. Unfortunately, Albus had n't dodged them all.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' lustrelessness told him.

`` I 've already been there twice this workweek, '' Albus groaned, `` If this keeps up, I 'll break your record. I 'm fine, I just take sleep. GA canceled practice for tomorrow because of the Dueling Tournament, so I think I 'll be fine. ``

`` backrest to the costumes, '' John said, `` I was thinking that we could be the vulture. You know, their beast form. ``

Albus craned his head to see John. lavatory looked quite excited by this idea. Albus had to admit that it was a pretty effective estimation. He could affix fake antlers to his foreland. Or see if one of his older cousins could transfigure some onto his head.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

`` I like it, '' Albus grinned.

`` No bloody way, '' mat said flatly, `` I am not dressing up as a werewolf in front of the entire school. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. No, there was definitely no way Matt could do that.

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed, `` Sorry, had n't thought about that. ``

`` How about we just dress up as the Marauders in their human forms ? '' Albus suggested. All he 'd deliver to do is get a twosome of round inkiness glasses and he 'd be set.

`` I do n't hump ... '' Matt said, `` Everyone knows Teddy 's dad was a werewolf. What if they realize that I 'm one, too, since I dressed up as him ? ``

`` I bet people will just think we dressed up as them because of Albus, '' John pointed out, `` And person would have to be Moony. Might as well be you. You probably look the most like him anyway. ``

`` He does, '' Albus said.

`` See ? '' privy replied.

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Matt sighed.

`` It does n't matter, '' Kaden said, `` Because there is no way that I am dressing up as Pettigrew unless it 's his rat form. ``

That Albus could definitely sympathize. `` Ok, so I guess we 're not doing the Marauders thing. ``

`` Too bad, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been nerveless. ``

`` Says the bloke who would n't have to dress up as a betrayer, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` And we 're back to square one, '' Albus said, `` Any other ideas ? ``

`` The players from Puddlemere United ? '' privy suggested after a few minutes. `` You know, if rose wine, Amanda, and Linda joined us, we 'd have adequate hoi polloi to be the integral team. ``

`` Why not the Cannons ? '' Matt asked.

`` Because they 're awful, '' toilet groaned.

`` Are not, '' lustrelessness refuted.

`` Are to, '' John said, `` Let 's be Puddlemere. ``

`` shank, '' matte said adamantly.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` Who ? '' Gospel According to John and matt said at the same time.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden repeated, `` Football team. ``

Both John Lackland and Matt groaned. `` Puddlemere, '' John Lackland said once again.

`` carom. ``

`` Manchester. ''

`` Puddlemere. ``

`` None of them ! '' Albus shouted. He was already irritable due to his aching muscularity and weariness from Quidditch practice session. The last affair he wanted to do was listen to his Quaker squabble about Quidditch and football teams.

`` Well, have you got any other estimate ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Actually, yeah, '' Albus replied. matt 's acknowledgment of not wanting to dress out up as a werewolf had sparked an idea. Albus had been mulling it over while his friends argued about Quidditch teams.

`` What is it ? '' flatness asked.

`` fountainhead, I kind of view it would be straight to use Muggle costumes, '' Albus said, `` You know, we can dress up as things Muggles usually dress up as on Halloween. ``

lustrelessness, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden stared at Albus for a few moment. Albus shrugged. He had thought it was a good approximation, but maybe his tiredness was clouding his thinking. Then, all three of his friends broke out in huge grins.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` No one else will think of it ! ``

`` Yeah, '' privy agreed, `` We 'll be the lone one at the party with Muggle costumes. ``

`` As long as I do n't have to dress up as a werewolf, I 'm fine with it, '' lustrelessness said.

Albus grinned. `` Good. Kaden, what are some Greco-Roman Muggle costumes ? ``

`` trace, Wiccan, vampires, systema skeletale, mummies, '' Kaden rattled off, `` Oh, and zombies. Frankenstein, too. ``

Albus had no idea who Frankenstein was and he was n't in the mood to listen to Kaden explain it, but the former ideas were practiced. `` Who wants to be what ? '' Albus asked.

`` Matt should be a vampire, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Why 's that ? '' Albus asked.

`` vampire and loup-garou are mortal enemies, '' Kaden explained, `` At to the lowest degree in the Muggle reality. ``

`` In this world, too, '' matt muttered, `` And I 'm not dressing up as a vampire. ``

`` Aw, number on, '' John said.

`` No, '' mat said adamantly, `` I 'm being a ghost. The only if enquiry is, how do I reach myself lucid. ``

`` Aw, no ! '' Kaden sighed, `` When Muggles dress as ghostwriter, they just put a blanched sheet with eye fix over themselves. That 's what Muggles think wraith are. White. ``

`` Oh, that makes things well-fixed, '' matt laughed, `` But seriously ? ``

`` Yep, '' Kaden laughed, `` E. B. White sheets. Now, what about the rest of us ? ``

A one-half an minute later, everyone had settled on what they were going to dress up as. With Kaden 's help, that is. Albus, lusterlessness, and John really had no idea as to what Muggles wore when they dressed up for Allhallows Eve. John insisted on being a vampire, much to matte 's disgust. However, John was going to be a definitive Muggle vampire. The ugly, waxy, blood-stained sassing, turn into a bat eccentric of vampire that Muggles mentation of when they heard the Holy Writ 'vampire'. Albus did n't do it much about vampire, but he knew they were n't completely like the ones Muggles thought of.

Kaden was going to enclothe up as a ma, which was a very simple costume. All he 'd have to do was find a bunch of strips of white cloth. Albus said he 'd foot some up in Hogsmeade.

Albus was going to be a underframe, which was the most hard of all the costumes. He was going to buy a dark long-sleeve t-shirt and a pair of shameful drawers and then paint on bones in white paint. He was hoping Amanda would be able-bodied to help with it. She was the solely one in their grouping who had any artistic talent.

`` Maybe the daughter can be witches, '' Kaden suggested.

`` They are witches, '' John smirked.

`` You know what I mean, '' Kaden sighed.

`` I know, '' whoremaster grinned, `` Hey, Albus, arrest ! ``

Albus snapped his eyes open just in time to see a Quaffle come navigation across the room. It hit him right in the stomach before he had a opportunity to view it.

`` Oh, ow ! '' Albus groaned and curled up, `` That 's where I got hit with a Bludger ! ``

`` Brilliant, John, '' Matt sighed, `` Are you ok, Albus ? ``

Albus squeezed his middle shut and nodded. It did hurt. It hurt a lot. A lot more than it should, he thought. He was sick of getting pelted by Bludgers during practice.

`` Albus ? '' John asked worriedly, `` merlin, I 'm dreary. I did n't mean to hit you with it. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus whispered. He inhaled sharply. Now it was getting hard to breath. This was not good.

`` Albus, you 've got to go to the Hospital annex, '' Matt announced. He walked over to Albus and helped him off the couch. `` C'mon. ``

Albus nodded. There was no point in objecting. He knew he had to go. But honestly, three times in one week seemed excessive.

The infirmary extension was empty when Albus stumbled inside, being supported by Matt and John, a little while later. Madam Pomfrey came out of her office when she heard the doorway open. She saw who it was and threw her hands up in the air.

`` You again ! '' she groaned, `` Let me guess. Quidditch ? ``

Albus nodded and collapsed onto the nearest bed.

`` well, what did you injure this time ? '' the harbour asked.

`` Bludger in the stomach, '' Albus replied, not bothering to note that lavatory hit him with a Quaffle as well.

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and waved her wand over Albus. `` Broken rib. That 's the endorse one this week, '' she waved her wand again and pressed it to Albus 's ribs. Then she bustled away to a Potions cupboard.

Albus 's stomach immediately felt better and he sank back into the bed. The rest of his brawn still ached, though, and he wanted nothing more than to fall asleep right there.

Madam Pomfrey returned a few minutes later and throw a potion into Albus 's hands. He drank it quickly and grimaced at the disgusting taste.

`` You 're staying the nighttime, '' she announced in a tone that Albus knew not to indicate with. Not that he really felt like arguing anyway. He was just too exhausted.

lady Pomfrey turned to Matt, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden. `` You lot can rejoin to Gryffindor. Albus needs to roost. ``

Albus 's friends said practiced Night and then left the room.

`` I 'll be speaking with Professor Kendrick, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey muttered to herself, `` Honestly, what was he thinking ? Twice the total of Quidditch ? Twice the amount of harm is what I say ! ``

Albus did n't have the faint thought as to what gentlewoman Pomfrey wanted Kendrick to do, but he did n't mean about it for long. enfeeblement overcame him and he was asleep within minutes.

******

Albus awoke feeling better than he had in twenty-four hours. One look at the clock told him why. He had slept over XII minute. It was just after football team o'clock. Two hours until the Dueling Tournament. Albus pulled the blankets off and started to get up.

`` Where do you recall you 're going ? '' Madam Pomfrey appeared at his bed.

`` Er, the uncouth room ? '' Albus slowly sat back down, `` The Dueling tournament is in two hours. ``

`` Dueling ? You think I 'm going to let you duel ? '' Madam Pomfrey demanded.

`` Well, yeah, '' Albus muttered. Come to think of it, he actually was n't surprised that the nursemaid was n't going to let him duel.

`` Definitely not ! '' she exclaimed, `` You 're spending the day in bed ! ``

`` semen on ! '' Albus groaned, `` delight ? '' He had to duel. He was practically the full on his team. What would Malfoy say when he did n't show up ?

`` I wo n't have it ! '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You were dead on your feet last night ! You 're going to repose today ! ``

Albus groaned in defeat. He was going to lack the first of all Dueling tournament of the year, because of a Quidditch injury. His two favourite things to do were now conflicting with each other.

ma'am Pomfrey brought a tray of breakfast, or maybe it should induce been dejeuner, for Albus a little while later. He was n't in the mood to eat, though. Why could n't he just go to the tournament ? He felt delicately now.

Matt, St. John, Kaden, Amanda, Rose, and for some rationality, Linda, burst into the Hospital backstage just as Albus was finishing up his food. Madam Pomfrey looked a bit taken aback at the amount of visitors, but she did n't say anything.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted, `` Dueling 's in an minute. You going to be getting out of here soon ? ``

`` She wo n't let me go, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed, `` Why not ? ``

`` She says I need to repose, '' Albus explained.

`` Honestly, it would have surprised me if she did let you go, '' Matt commented.

`` I 'll convert her, Albus, '' John announced and walked over to where Madam Pomfrey was organizing potions. `` You 've got to let Albus duel. ``

`` I do not throw to do any such matter, '' she replied, not looking up.

`` But it 's Kaden 's first tourney, '' bathroom pointed out.

`` I would n't care if it was pigeon hawk 's first tournament, I 'm not letting Albus go. ``

`` Please ? '' Gospel According to John begged.

`` No, '' she said, `` And if you do n't kibosh disceptation, I 'll arrive at you result. ``

John the Divine sighed and walked glumly back to Albus 's bed. `` Sorry, '' he muttered, `` And this was variety of my fault since I threw that Quaffle at you. ``

`` No it was n't, '' Albus assured him, `` A Quaffle would n't have broke my ribs. It was that Bludger from Quidditch practice. ``

`` But still ... '' Gospel According to John said.

Albus 's acquaintance remained in the Hospital Wing until it was time for them to go to the Dueling Tournament. It was variety of tense, and Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Linda was there. It was unknown how individual who never said a word could cause the rest of Albus 's Quaker to rest pipe down as well.

After his friends left, Albus was filled with ennui. The hospital annex really was a boring plaza, especially when you were n't actually sick or injured. Albus began to count the cracks on the cap, but lost track after 467.

It was n't until after the tournament was over that Madam Pomfrey actually let Albus pass on. He figured she had n't let him allow for earlier since then she would 've had no way to experience he would n't go to the tournament.

Albus jumped out of bed as soon as he promised Madam Pomfrey that he would n't play Quidditch that day. He ran as fast as he could down to the dueling chamber, hoping that the tournament was still going on.

Unfortunately, educatee were already streaming out of the elbow room chattering excitedly about the tourney. Albus sighed dejectedly and slumped against the wall, where he waited for his friends.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, hey, Matt, '' Albus replied, `` Who won ? ``

`` My team. No thanks to me, of course. ``

`` Who 'd Malfoy duel ? '' Albus asked, thinking of his scourge to pink wine and Amanda.

`` Some Slytherin second year and a Ravenclaw fourth year, '' Matt answered.

Albus nodded, relieved that he had n't dueled either Rose or Amanda.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted excitedly.

Albus turned around and saw Kaden with a huge grin on his face. John was standing succeeding to him, looking equally happy.

`` Hey, whoremonger, Kaden, '' Albus smiled.

`` I won one of my duel ! '' Kaden announced, `` I dueled a Ravenclaw and I actually beat him ! ``

`` That 's great, '' Albus told him, still wishing that he had gotten to thump a Ravenclaw. Or a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor.

`` But he was horribly beaten in his sec duel, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` At least I won one of them, '' Kaden smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah, '' lavatory muttered.

`` Did you lose both ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, '' John sighed.

The male child set off for Gryffindor tugboat, figuring they 'd fascinate up with the girls once they were up there. Albus was eagre to see Amanda because he wanted to know how his team had done.

Amanda, rose, and Linda were talking about the tournament when Albus entered the plebeian room. He was shocked to see that Linda was actually talking. Although, she immediately stopped when Albus and the other boys showed up.

Apparently Albus 's team had came in indorsement place. Amanda said they were only two detail behind Matt 's team, which caused Albus to wish well even more that he had been there. He could have easily gotten the two level they needed. Amanda said that Malfoy thought the Lapplander matter, because he shouted angrily about Albus not being there once they announced the achiever. Albus was variety of amused by this. He never thought Malfoy would ever be lamenting Albus 's absence from anything.

The grouping, including Linda, spent the remainder of the afternoon in the coarse room. It was sort of odd, though. Linda did n't say a word, yet blush wine and Amanda tried to enlist her in every conversation. Matt remained almost completely dampen, whispering quietly so only Albus and John could find out what he was saying. Kaden of course did n't notice any of this and talked as loudly as he usually did. It did n't really aid that diverse boys kept coming up to Linda and asking her useless interrogative about Commonwealth of Australia and Quidditch and various other issue. Linda gave them very short, still answers. John paid rapt tending to every fiddling thing she said.

`` So, '' Rose began, `` foremost Quidditch match in a week. Australia versus New York. Are you nervous, Linda ? ``

Albus stared at rose wine. He could n't remember the last time blush wine actually brought up Quidditch in a conversation.

`` A bit, '' Linda muttered, not looking up.

`` Well, I hope you win, '' rose smiled, `` Since Hogwarts is n't playing. ``

`` Thanks, '' Linda whispered.

Albus was looking forward to the first match. He was gladiolus he was n't playing in it. His squad would be able to value both Australia and New York 's science before they played either team. That was definitely good for strategy. Then when they actually played, they 'd be capable to use the team 's helplessness to their advantage. Wood had given them particular directions to look for weakness in both team. Of trend, prospect are Albus would n't be playing in the first Hogwarts compeer, or really any of the matches.

Albus walked down to dinner with his friend and Linda sat in between blush wine and Amanda. He glanced absentmindedly at the staff table as he scooped mashed spud onto his plate and noticed a new necromancer talking with the headmaster from Commonwealth of Australia. He was a rather poor man, compared to Killigan, and his face seemed to have absolutely no emotion on it. His dirty blond haircloth sat level on his chief and fell over his eyes. He was wearing sound off ignominious robes.

`` I wonder who that bloke is, '' Albus said to privy as he pointed at the stave table.

`` Dunno, '' lav shrugged, not really seeming interested.

Rose turned to front at him. `` Probably some bloke from Australia, I 'd be guessing. I imagine a few hoi polloi from Australia and New York will visit to see what 's going on with the tournament. ``

`` Recognize him, mat ? '' Albus asked.

mat looked up and then quickly turned away. `` No. ``

`` How about you, Linda ? '' rose asked.

`` No, '' Linda whispered.

Albus shrugged and returned to his dinner party. It seemed like he was really the lone one interested in the unfamiliar wiz at the staff table. Was he really only there to see the tournament ? The Quidditch match was n't for another week, so why was he there already ? Would he really be spending the whole week at Hogwarts ?

Kendrick stood up after dinner party started to wander down. Albus immediately stopped eating and paid attention. Maybe he was going to secern everyone who the unknown magician was.

`` If I could give birth your attention for just one instant, '' Kendrick announced, `` Thank you. When I first began to devise this competition, I always thought we would continue with the usual Hogwarts Quidditch Cup tourney like common, but I did n't suppose about what affect it would have on the participant who would recreate on both their sign squad and the Hogwarts squad. ``

Albus had a feeling he knew where this was going and it had everything to do with that talk ma'am Pomfrey said she was going to have with Kendrick. Albus sank scurvy in his seat and tried not to calculate at anyone.

`` It 's come to my attention that playing on two Quidditch team at once is much to a greater extent work than could make been anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to call off the Quidditch Cup tourney for this class only, while the tournament is going on. ``

`` What ? ! '' Over half the room erupted in several shouts and jeers. Albus sank even lower in his stern. This was all his fault. He was the one who had been to the infirmary Wing so many times that week. He had gotten Quidditch canceled for the unscathed school.

`` silence down, '' Kendrick shouted, `` It 's what 's best for the participant. Plus, it 's been rather tight to twinge in so many drill for so many team. We only have one Quidditch pitch. With four to a lesser extent squad to accommodate, it 'll be easier to schedule practices. This is my final exam word on the field. Remember that we still have excellent Quidditch going on this year. ``

`` I should n't have gone to see ma'am Pomfrey last dark, '' Albus muttered.

`` Albus, this is n't your flaw, '' rosiness assured him, `` You 're not the solitary one who 's been injured numerous clip. ``

That was true. Pretty much everyone on the Hogwarts team had been to see dame Pomfrey at least once a week since the start of full term. So maybe it was n't all his defect. Plus, there was the scheduling conflict on the rake. Albus had witnessed a few fights between the menage captains that certainly could n't be beneficial for teamwork on the Hogwarts team.

Albus had to admit that life history would be a lot well-fixed without Gryffindor team practice. Now he would only be practicing Quidditch twice a week. wellspring, Sir Henry Wood would probably increase it to three sentence now that Kendrick canceled the household Quidditch. But even that would be less than he had been doing. He might even have an even or two off a week now.

The Gryffindor team was sitting together in the unwashed room when Albus returned. Georgia immediately flagged him over.

`` I still do n't care it, '' Fred sighed, `` Now I do n't get to make for at all this class. ``

`` Yeah, well I do n't get to play for Gryffindor in my seventh yr, but it really is for the best, '' Georgia said.

`` I 'll say, '' James I agreed, `` I 'm already behind on homework and it 's only October. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` Just think, Fred, '' ling began, `` succeeding twelvemonth, one of us will be captain. ``

`` It 'll be me, '' Fred announced.

`` Really ? '' Heather raised an eyebrow.

`` Yeah, Gryffindor 's had two little girl captains recently. It 's time for another bloke. ``

Scots heather rolled her heart. `` Not if I 'm a estimable leader. ``

`` What makes you think it 'll be either of you ? '' Omar Bradley asked, `` It might be Ryan or I. We 'll be sixth long time. They do n't always choose seventh years. ``

`` Maybe, '' Fred replied, `` I 'm still going to miss it, though. ``

`` We could play pick-up lucifer on the weekends, '' Ryan suggested.

`` I guess, '' Fred sighed.

Albus remained quiet for the quietus of the time with the team. Although he did n't blame himself for the cancellation of star sign Quidditch, he felt shamed that he was relieved it was canceled. But most of the team was far from happy about it. In fact, it seemed like only James I and Albus were relieved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this tarradiddle ! You guys are awesome !

Frankenstien belongs to The Virgin Shelley.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was amazed at how much superfluous time he had now that he did not have to go to Gryffindor Quidditch pattern. During the next week, he got all his homework done on time and got a adequate amount of quietus. Plus, he made fewer misstep to the hospital fender, which he attributed to having More sleep.

grade were going well. Albus was very gladiola they had moved onto more shake tool in Care of Magical Creatures. They were n't up to hippogriffs or thestrals, but nifflers were certainly entertaining. Despite the rather boring start, Care of Magical animate being was quickly becoming one of Albus 's front-runner social class. He seemed to birth an affinity for the variety of animals they learned about ; something Hagrid was promptly to notice.

Arithmancy was turning out to be kind of dry, but Albus was just happy he was n't taking foretelling. Even John was beginning to get tired of making up simulated predictions for Trelawney. 'What 's the point ?'he had shouted out angrily one night as they were working on homework. Albus was n't able-bodied to subdue his grinning at that, which earned him a fortune telling ledger to the headway when privy saw Albus 's smirk.

Defense Against the Dark arts continued to be the foreign class Albus had ever attended. He was beginning to suppose he was enjoying it, but still was n't trusted. He liked the class, but was n't sure if he liked Balladanis himself.

The professor continued to be a mystery to pupil of all years. minute were spent debating his background in the common room. He seemed to hire points away equally from each business firm, which either meant he was extremely fair or had never attended Hogwarts himself. Quite a few students had asked their parents if they 'd ever heard of Balladanis ( namely, had they gone to school with him ), but so far none of the parents had.

Balladanis 's teaching methods were certainly unique. Albus could consider on one hand the phone number of actual speech he had had in that category. Most all the lessons were practical, but not in the Lapplander way Harry had done them. Harry 's method had been very caring and all about trying. Balladanis 's methods were more than harsh and focused on winner. He insisted that everyone succeed and refused to let anyone block until they did, even if it meant coming in for extra help.

The amount of students going in for excess help was increasing quickly. Matt was no longer seen as weak or odd for having to go in for spear carrier help. Nearly half of Albus 's class was spending extra time with Balladanis at least once a week. The professor still had n't let Matt barricade going.

`` Stand up ! '' Balladanis barked at Albus 's class.

These two words were frequently spoken by the prof. Albus wondered why he did n't just do away with the desks all together instead of having to strike them at the showtime of each class.

`` Get a move on ! '' he shouted, `` Unless you think your playscript will attack you. book can only get you so far. You need to recitation ! ``

The class spent nearly an time of day practicing the spell to repel grindylows and once the campana rang, Balladanis announced that they 'd be practicing on real grindylows in the next class.

`` Brickston ! '' Balladanis announced, `` You 'll be coming in for redundant help tomorrow Night. You may come the Saami time Eckerton does. ``

Albus did n't cogitate John had done that bad with the spell. It had taken him a while, but by the end of the class he had managed it. Albus was beginning to think that by the end of the class, everyone would be going in for extra help.

`` He 's certifiably insane, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered as they walked to potions after they left the defense classroom.

`` Well, I 'm kind of glad you 're going in for avail, '' Matt said, `` You can save Amanda and I ship's company. ``

`` That 's nearly all of us going in for assist, '' Rose commented, `` Just Al and Linda and I. ``

Kaden had been going for helper nearly as long as Matt had. Amanda had started a few days ago.

`` Albus wo n't ever have to go, '' Matt said, `` He 's too good at Defense. ``

`` I 'm not that bang-up at it, '' Albus muttered quietly. Sure, he managed all the turn, but it 's not like they were very advanced.

******

`` What do you guess Balladanis did before he taught here ? '' Kaden mused late the next day.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I think he was an Auror, '' John the Divine said, `` I mean, he obviously hates the dark nontextual matter. ``

`` No, '' Albus shook his headspring, `` My dad would bear mentioned that. ``

`` Maybe he was a foreign Auror, '' lavatory suggested.

`` But he sounds British, '' Matt pointed out.

`` So do you, for the most part, but you 're from Commonwealth of Australia, '' John countered.

`` Really ? I always thought I sounded Aussie. ``

`` You do a bit. But your parents sound More Australian than you do. Same with Amy, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' flatness shrugged, `` So I guess he could be foreign. ``

`` Why did he come Edward Thatch here, then ? '' Albus asked.

No one had an result to that. Albus was really singular to what the solution was, but it 's not like he could actually ask the professor. In fact, the idea of being alone with Balladanis kind of scared him. He was really glad he did n't have to see the professor outside of class.

The first Inter-School Dueling Tournament was scheduled to take place the next day. The entire shoal was buzzing about it. It was the 1st big challenger between the three schools. Albus did n't know a whole lot of multitude who were on the Hogwarts Dueling team. Just his cousin, Fred. Despite this, he was still excited. Albus absolutely loved dueling and wished he was old enough to be on the schooling team.

The tournament was taking lieu in the Great mansion, since the dueling sleeping accommodation was much too small to hold the intact school. Albus walked with his friends into the elbow room and saw that all the mesa had disappeared. They were replaced with elevate stands, sort of like the Quidditch rake. Albus found place towards the front line and waited impatiently for the tournament to begin.

The dueling domain was a raised weapons platform in front of the stands. On the other face of it was a lowly set of stands, in which all the teacher were filing into. The mysterious thaumaturge who had been seen talking to Killigan, but never introduced, was sitting future to the Australian headmaster, but neither of them were talking. Both wore identical feel of determination mingled with fascination. A witch Albus did n't acknowledge was seated next to Richard J. Roberts and the two of them were talking. Albus assumed she was from New York. The Auror who had been assigned to police Hogwarts that week was talking with Albus 's Uncle Percy, who had came to constitute the Ministry. Neither Albus 's dad nor his Uncle Ron were there, so Albus assumed they were busy with work.

Once all the student, instructor, and various former spectators were seated, professor Kendrick stood up and everyone quieted down.

`` Welcome, student, stave, and visitor to the initiatory Dueling tournament between Hogwarts, the Australian shoal of Sorcery, and the Adirondack Academy of magic. All three school day will duel this good afternoon. Each schooltime 's team has five students and each bookman will participate in two duel. Whichever student wins the duel gets a point in time for their school. The school day with the most points will win. But keep in mind that this is just the beginning of many tournaments that will take post during this year. Now, here are the teams. '' Kendrick gestured to a door on the side of the room.

The room access opened and prof Longbottom led the Hogwarts team into the room. The other two schooltime'teams followed and Albus did n't know either of their professors. He had n't really thought about the other squad'headwaiter before. He kind of figured they had them, but had n't seen them before. He guessed they just came to Hogwarts for practice. They must have set up some form of special floo connection with the school.

The tournament commenced in practically the same way the Junior Dueling order had, except only one duel took piazza at a time. The spells used were much more advanced, too. The piece that Slytherin had used on Matt during the previous years paled in compare to the ones being used by the sr. scholar. Albus was absolutely fascinated. He paid ecstatic attention and wished that he could larn such advanced spells.

The tournament took nearly two hours, but Albus was n't bored at all. In fact, he was kind of disappointed when the last duel was over.

Professor Kendrick tallied the points and then rose once again. `` Thank you everyone. Each and every educatee performed well today. However, this is a tournament and I must declare a winner. And that achiever is the Adirondack Academy of magic trick. kudos to them ! ``

There was a small amount of loud applause from the New Yorkers who were in the hearing, as well as some polite clapping from everyone else. Albus sighed and clapped politely along with well-nigh of his gent students.

`` wellspring, it 's only the first gear tournament, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Plus there 's Quidditch. ``

`` And we 've got a splendid Quidditch squad ! '' John grinned as he stood up, `` Now we 've just got to desire that one of those other Chasers breaks something so Albus can bet next week. ``

`` toilet ! '' rose wine scolded.

`` I 'm only kidding, '' John the Divine shrugged, `` Sort of. ``

`` We could just give one of them the orange end of a puking pastille, '' Kaden suggested, `` And not give them the royal half. ``

`` Would n't work, '' John sighed, `` Madam Pomfrey recognizes those thing now. ``

`` I know I probably wo n't get to recreate, '' Albus said as they left the room, `` You do n't involve to bring yourselves in detainment to get me a place on the team. ``

`` We know, '' Kaden said, `` We 're just joking. ``

Albus figured they were, but when it came to those two, one just never knew.

******

Albus stowed his broom in his dormitory late Tuesday evening following a particularly tiring Quidditch practice session. Sir Henry Wood 's centering during this especial practice had been finish scoring, so Albus had worked hard the total two hr. At least the focus had n't been on dodging Bludgers. He yawned, grabbed his bag and headed out of the common room. He walked slowly to the Marauder 's Den, thinking he could squeeze a bit of homework in before bed.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted as Albus reached the wooing of armour in front end of the room.

Albus turned around and saw rosiness, red hair flying behind her, running down the corridor towards him. `` rosiness ? ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose panted, `` I saw you leave the common room. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus shrugged. He usually did his homework in the Marauder 's Den since it was quieter and easier to concentrate.

`` I wanted to talk to you, '' Rose said.

`` Ok, '' Albus said as he located the paw print on the opponent rampart, `` We can utter in here. ``

`` Actually, '' rose said, `` I kind of wanted to talk to you alone. Are matte, John the Divine, and Kaden in there ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus replied. What did rose neediness to talk about that she did n't need their former friends to discover ? `` I did n't see them in the green room. ``

`` wellspring, I 'd rather talk to you alone, maiden, '' Rose shifted nervously from foot to foot.

Albus looked at her strangely. rosebush rarely ever looked neural, especially when she was talking to Albus. What could she possibly have to tell him ?

`` Er, all right, '' Albus said slowly, `` I guess we could find an empty-bellied classroom or something .... ''

`` trade good, '' Rose nodded and took off down the corridor. Albus ran after her and she found an empty classroom. Albus followed her into it and shut the door behind him. `` What is it ? ``

rosiness paced around the way for a bit, wringing her workforce together, before letting out a loud sigh and leaning up against one of the desks. `` It 's about Linda. ``

Albus blinked. Linda ? He barely knew her. What could jump possibly have to say about Linda ? `` Linda ? ``

`` Yes, Linda, '' rose wine sighed, `` You know Amanda and I are sort of becoming friends with her. Well, we are friends with her now. She talks to us. I think she misses Australia. Anyway, I was sort of thinking it would be good if she started to make friends here. You know, like you. And maybe Matt, toilet, and Kaden. ``

Albus still had no idea why rose felt the need to tattle to him alone about this. She wanted Albus to befriend Linda. How was he going to do that if Linda did n't say a parole around him ? Not to cite the fact that matte did n't appear to like her.

`` Er, why exactly did n't you require Matt, whoremaster, and Kaden to hear this ? '' Albus asked, `` You ca n't really await them to become acquaintance with Linda unless you tell them you want them to. ``

`` I know that, '' Rose groaned, `` But the four of you are always holing up in the piranha 's Den, so I hardly see any of you anymore. What I wanted to know was whether Linda could make out into the Marauder 's Den with us. ``

Albus stared at his cousin. So that was what she wanted to verbalize about. `` You want Linda to come into the Marauder 's Den ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose nodded, `` She 's in the common room with Amanda. Can she ? I 'll go get them right now if you say yes. ``

`` postponement, wait, '' Albus shook his head, `` It 's not up to me. ``

`` Yes it is ! '' pink wine replied, `` You found that map. It 's yours, so the elbow room is yours. ``

`` No it 's not, '' Albus said, `` It 's matt, John, and Kaden 's, too. All four of us had to function to get that map to show up and to find the elbow room. If it were n't for them, it would still be a clean piece of parchment. ``

`` But- ''

`` No, pink wine, '' Albus said irritably, `` I ca n't just let you bring random hoi polloi into the room without asking everyone. ``

Albus and his friends had n't really thought much about whether they 'd let other mass into the room, but Albus knew he could n't do it without talking to them. Letting Rose and Amanda in had been a given, since they helped with it, but Linda certainly had n't helped.

`` I have to mouth to flatness, John, and Kaden, '' Albus told her, `` I can talk to them now, if you want. ``

`` All right wing, '' Rose sighed and stood up.

Neither of the cousin-german said a word to each early as they walked back to the vulture 's Den. Albus was still rather bewildered by this whole matter. First, he had never really talked to his supporter about letting former people into the piranha 's Den. He always assumed it would be their private. He was n't entirely sure he wanted anyone else in it, no topic what his admirer thought. Second, it was rather out of fibre for rose to be this ad-lib and demanding. Whether this was due to the increased work load, the sudden contention in class brought on by Linda, or something else entirely, Albus did n't know.

Albus took a deep breath as he opened the door to the room and glanced at rose. She was looking more spooky than before. Albus walked into the room and paused. John and Kaden were lounging on the level, playing a rather rowdy game of cheat ( the two of them could wrench any circuit card game into something physical ), while their neglected prep sat haphazardly on the table. Matt was paying dim attention to the plot while stretched out on the couch. It did n't surprise Albus that he was n't doing much, since the entire Sun Myung Moon was the adjacent dark. John and Kaden looked up when they heard the room access open.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How was praxis ? ``

`` rosebush ! '' John grinned, `` I was beginning to think you 'd forgotten about this place. I do n't cogitate I 've seen you here in over a calendar month. ``

`` Hey, John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` praxis was good. What have you lot been up to ? ``

`` Beating Kaden at chess, '' John explained.

`` Hey, I beat you once ! '' Kaden countered.

`` Only once, '' Gospel According to John repeated, `` I 've won four games. ``

`` I 'm surprised neither of you have detainment tonight, '' Albus smirked.

`` They almost did, '' Matt announced, `` Professor Longbottom caught them sneaking into the girl 's toilet- ''

`` What were you doing in there ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` We were going to put dung turkey in there, '' Kaden explained.

`` Anyway, '' lusterlessness continued, `` Longbottom took commiseration on them since they 're already doing so many detentions and only took away points. ``

`` Professor Longbottom is great, '' bathroom grinned.

`` I would n't expect him to let you off again, '' mat pointed out.

`` Want to playact chess game, Rose ? '' Saint John asked, `` I could use with some real competition. ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden crossed his branch across his chest, `` I 'm real competition. ``

Albus glanced at Rose. `` Er, Rose has something she wanted to ask us, '' Albus said quietly.

pink wine glared at Albus. Clearly she wanted him to bring in up the topic. Albus gave her a spry shake of his head. There was no way he was going to ask. She was the one who wanted Linda there.

`` fountainhead, what is it ? '' John asked, `` If it 's about prep, I 'll throw you know that I 've already finished most of it. ``

`` It 's not about homework, '' rose wine sighed and sat down on the end of the sofa that Matt was n't occupying.

Albus settled himself into an armchair opposite the couch and waited for his first cousin to continue.

Rose took a mysterious breather. `` You lot know Amanda and I have sort of become friends with Linda, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' bathroom said and Kaden nodded.

`` wellspring, since then Amanda and I have been spending more meter in the common room with her. But you lot still hang out here all the time .... '' her articulation trailed off.

`` Well, yeah, because this room is so lots salutary than the common room, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` I know, '' Rose sighed, `` And I do omit being with all of you, but at the Sami prison term, Linda 's my friend now, too. ``

`` So drop fourth dimension with all of us, '' John said, `` I 'm sure Linda would be amercement by herself for a few 60 minutes a day so you can be here with us. ``

blush wine groaned. `` That was n't what I had in mind. What I want is for all of us to spend time together. As in you lot can go friends with Linda, too. She needs to a greater extent friend. ``

`` She does n't spill, '' Kaden said.

`` She does when she gets to jazz you, '' Rose explained.

`` So what you 're saying, '' John began, `` Is that you want us to stop hanging out in this vivid room and go back to the tedious common room ? ``

`` No, of class not, '' rosebush replied, `` I want all of us to hang out here. Linda, too. ``

The elbow room was completely silent. Albus watched his friends'reactions with gravid interest group. Both John and Kaden gaped at Rose and then turned to count at Albus. They then turned their heads back to Rose, but did n't say anything. mat suddenly sat up, oculus wide-eyed assailable, and stared at Rose with an incredulous look on his face.

Nobody said a tidings for what must give been nearly five minutes. Albus kept looking from Rose to his booster and back. Rose was looking nervously at everybody in turn and then sending pleading glances at Albus. Albus was about to open his oral fissure, when Matt finally broke the stony silence.

`` No, '' he said. It was hardly More than a rustle, but was very forceful.

`` We have n't let anyone else in, '' bathroom pointed out, `` Why should Linda be the low gear ? ``

Kaden turned to Albus. `` What do you think, Albus ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` Why not ? '' Rose demanded, `` She 's mine and Amanda 's supporter. ``

`` But she 's not our friend, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` But she could be ! '' Rose insisted.

`` Then we 'll become friends with her before we let her in the room ! '' bathroom replied, `` It 's still our private. We have n't even told teddy about it yet. ``

Albus turned and looked at John. He had n't even thought about that. John had a point. They had n't told Teddy about the room yet. Or his dad. Should n't they see it before other people did ?

`` If anyone has the rightfield to know about this room, it 's teddy and my dad, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yes, but they are n't here, '' Rose pointed out, `` Come on, why wo n't you let her in ? ``

`` We do n't fuck her, '' John said.

`` She 's got no connections to it, '' Albus said.

`` I like keeping it a secret, '' Kaden said.

`` You could know her ! '' Rose shouted, `` Then she would sustain connective to it. And it would still be a secret. ``

`` Look, Rose, '' Matt said loudly, `` We 're not going to let her in ! You ca n't convince us otherwise ! ``

Albus, John, and Kaden turned to look at each other. Albus had never heard flatness raise his part like that, and certainly not with Rose.

`` And what 's your reason why she ca n't ? '' pink wine asked icily.

matte glared at her. `` They 're the Lapp as Albus, lav, and Kaden 's ! ``

`` You just do n't like her ! '' Rose shouted.

`` So what if I do n't ? '' Matt asked hotly.

`` You do n't even bed her ! You have n't said one discussion to her the whole fourth dimension she 's been here ! ``

`` Neither has she ! '' Matt yelled.

`` You lot are so stubborn ! '' rosebush huffed, `` I just do n't get why you wo n't let her- ''

`` Do you really want to know why ? '' Matt raised his vox even louder, `` I honestly would n't conceive I 'd have to order you ! You 're sassy ! This is the one position in the castle that cipher else knows about ! It 's the only place I can go and get some peace and quiet and not have to worry about anyone else barging in ! The only people who know about it already know what I am, so I can actually slow down ! If you let Linda in here, it wo n't be like that anymore ! I like the quiet of this place. And it was quiet before you came in here demanding that we let a beldame we hardly know into it ! ``

flatness leaned back against the arm of the sofa and squeezed his middle shut as he rubbed his temple.

Albus stared in shock at bathroom and Kaden. Albus had never seen lustrelessness shout at someone like that. Sure, he got a bit short with hoi polloi around the full moon moonshine, but had never had a matured row like this.

`` wellspring, maybe if you become ally with Linda, you 'll tell her what you are, '' Rose said. She looked quite taken aback that Matt had shouted at her like that.

`` Are you bloody insane ? ! '' Matt yelled, causing him to funk even more. Albus had a feeling he was giving himself a headache.

`` You told us, '' Rose said.

`` That 's different, '' Matt shook his promontory, `` You figured it out on your own. ``

`` What if we had n't ? ``

`` I would n't have told you, '' flatness muttered, `` And Linda 's going back to Australia after this year, so there really would n't be a point. ``

`` You know, since she 's from Australia, she might already know, '' rose pointed out, `` You did say that the integral country found out shortly before you moved. ``

That was the wrong affair to say. Albus knew she was going to say it just moments before she finished and he tried to shake his point to secern her to halt, but she either did n't observance or did n't need to stop.

All the color drained from matt 's face and with it most of the anger. He merely looked a short frighten away now.

`` You think I have n't thought about that ? '' he asked quietly, `` Why do you guess I was n't thrilled about this whole tournament affair ? Why do you retrieve I try to invalidate anyone from Australia ? I mean, it was five years ago, so I really hope most people have forgotten about it, but all it would take was one of them to remember and soon the whole school would get it on. ``

`` I doubt Linda would tell anyone, if she did experience, '' Rose said.

`` Yeah, because she does n't talk, '' Kaden laughed.

farewell it to Kaden to find sense of humour in this situation, Albus thought. He could n't aid but grin at his cousin 's command himself.

`` Could you at least think about it ? '' blush wine asked.

`` No, '' matt raised his voice again, `` Do n't you get it ? I do n't need to take chances anyone else finding out. I do n't want this to be a repeat of what happened in Australia. I like it here. I do n't want to move again. So I 'm not going to shift my mind. I 'm going to bed. ``

Matt got up off the couch and walked slowly over to his bed and rammed the drape shut behind him.

Albus exchanged coup d'oeil with John and Kaden, completely at a loss as to what to say. Rose got up off the couch a moment later and left the way without another word. Albus, Gospel According to John, and Kaden quietly began to forge on their prep, but the remainder of the evening was very subdued. Albus stared at his Herbology rule book, but could n't possibly contract on it after the row his first cousin and best protagonist had just had.


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

NaNoWriMo is now over and I managed to win, although not nearly as quickly as I did lastly year. Big praise to Dancer of Starlight for winning as well, during her get-go year of the steady NaNo program ! Now it 's back to fan fic for the clock time being.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus 's group of champion had never been torn apart by a row before. From the minute they met on the gearing ride over two age ago, the five of them had been close. During their starting time year, only one sentence had any of them had a row. It had only lasted ten minutes. Albus remembered it like it was just yesterday. The nighttime he and King John had fought about whether to tell Matt they knew he was a wolfman. It had been a very brief row, ending when Matt walked in.

Then, just a class ago, Kaden had flew into their mathematical group in a mist of hyperactivity and glitz. Albus did n't really depend the rows he had shared with his cousin as words within his group of supporter. Kaden had not been Albus 's friend then. They reconciled and then became acquaintance. That was how Albus saw it.

No row had come between them like this one, though. Albus was still in shock absorber about it the future day. If he had had to pick two of his friends to crusade, he would n't hold chosen mat or blush wine. The two of them seemed least likely to fight.

blush wine did sustain a irritability. There was no denying that. She and Albus had shared quite a few sibling-like squabbles growing up, but they had grown out of it. Rose 's temper remained, though. She was stubborn as well. Albus had a lot of experience with that. Once Rose got an approximation into her foreland there was no stopping her. It seemed that bringing Linda into their group was one of those things. Albus just could n't fathom why. Sure, she was smart, but was that really a cause to get friends with someone ?

Matt, on the former helping hand, did n't seem to possess an angry os in his body. This was definitely wry considering that he became a raging werewolf once a month. In the two years Albus had known him, he had only seen him angry a couple clip. Most of these occasions were when he was having whispered conversations with his sister. Albus would never induce predicted that he would yell at Rose like he had.

Albus had no idea what to expect the next day. He doubted this was the sort of thing that would just go down on over.

It certainly had not blown over, as Albus discovered at breakfast. His chemical group of friends was no longer sitting together. When Albus, matt, and John entered the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, they noticed that pink wine, Amanda, and Linda were sitting at one end of the tabular array, while Kaden was a few feet down from them. John immediately headed to where Kaden was sitting and Albus and Matt followed. arise did not seem to notice them flip, nor did Amanda or Linda. There was no doubtfulness in Albus 's mind whose side Amanda was on. She was rosebush 's best Quaker first and foremost. And whatever her understanding was, she had also befriended Linda.

Even though the lady friend were seated far away, cipher said anything during breakfast. john still looked furious as he stabbed his eggs with a bit too much force-out. Matt looked more tired than anything, but there was a spark of angriness in his eyes. Kaden was at a double-dyed loss for Son, which happened very rarely. Even he went the totally repast without uttering a affair. Albus had no urge to go any conversations either. He was still quite angry with his cousin. The nerve of her to ask if they could let a complete unknown into the Marauder 's Den was unfathomable to him.

The muteness continued through History of Magic and Transfiguration. Albus sat in between St. John and Matt during both classes and glared at the rear of rosebush 's question. She was sitting in between Amanda and Linda at the mesa in front of Albus 's during both classes.

Albus paid zero attention during History of illusion. He merely recounted the row over and over again, which only caused him to become more angry. Judging by the look on John 's face, he had been doing the same thing. lusterlessness merely slept the total stratum, completely unnoticed by Professor Binns.

Albus forced himself to pay attention and convey note of hand during Transfiguration Day, although John did not. matte remained awake during the class, but had a glass over face over his eyes.

It was n't until forethought of Magical wight that the uncharacteristically longsighted muteness dissolved. Matt decided to skitter that class and sleep in the Marauder 's Den instead and Albus could n't pick him. It was a particularly visionary and cold Autumn day and Albus shivered as he walked down to Hagrid 's hut with John Lackland. Rose and Linda had Arithmancy, so they were n't even there. Amanda was, but she stood with Janie, Marina, and Karina for the duration of the class.

`` Wow, '' John said in a low susurration as they sat on the common cold, hard ground drawing pictures of the puffskeins they were watching.

He did n't have to say anything else. Albus knew what he was talking about. `` Yeah, '' he muttered.

`` Have you got any melodic theme why pink wine was so insistent about Linda ? '' privy asked quietly.

`` She 's stubborn. She always has been, '' Albus replied, `` Once, when we were eight or so, she wanted to go to this sleepover my cousins Gabriella, Georgia, and heather mixture were having. Her parents said no and she did n't speak to them for nearly a hebdomad. ``

`` Seriously ? '' trick gaped and then smirked, `` Siriusly .... ''

Albus rolled his eyes. `` Yeah, she did. ``

`` Do you conceive she 'd do that this metre ? Not talk to us for a workweek ? ``

`` It would n't surprise me if she did n't verbalise to us until we let Linda into the elbow room, '' Albus sighed.

`` That 's not going to materialise, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` No, it 's not, '' Albus agreed, `` Even if by some chance we decided to let her, there 's no way flatness would. And I think Kaden would just check to whatever I said. ``

`` well, I ca n't charge Matt for not wanting her in there, '' John Lackland lowered his phonation even more, `` He always sleeps there before the you know what. He 's not going to need her to have sex about it. ``

`` I ca n't blame him either, '' Albus agreed.

`` You do have intercourse what this means, right ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` What ? ``

`` We 're going to have to take our own notes in class now, '' toilet groaned, `` No way is Rose going to let us take over hers anymore. ``

Albus could n't aid but giggle a little at that. Albus could always trust on John to lighten the mood. Either him or Kaden. Albus and whoremonger did n't lecture much for the remainder of the class and the legal brief bit of humor died away quickly.

Albus and John headed straight for the Marauder 's Den after class. They passed Rose on their way there, but she acted like she did n't notice them.

`` You awake ? '' Saint John the Apostle shouted as they entered the room.

`` I am now, '' Matt replied groggily from his bed. A few bit later he got up and laid down on the couch.

`` You do n't bet so good, '' John said as he tossed his bag unceremoniously onto the floor and jumped onto the other end of the couch.

`` You think ? '' Matt said sarcastically.

`` No, I mean, you look uncollectible than usual, '' John replied.

`` Oh, that 's nice, '' Albus said as he sat down in one of the chairs.

John the Evangelist did get a spot, though. lusterlessness was as pale as he usually was the day before a full moon, but the dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced. His oculus were also more bloodshot, which gave him the expression of a someone who had n't slept in days.

`` It 's straight, '' John shrugged, `` Have n't you been sleeping all day ? ``

lustrelessness sighed and shook his head. `` No. Did n't kip that often last night either. I just ca n't. I keep thinking about what happened yesterday .... The only veridical eternal sleep I 've gotten was in chronicle of magic trick. I need a safe Binns talking to to put me to sleep now. ``

Albus did n't think he 'd ever get a line the musical phrase 'good Binns lecture'before. `` Wo n't that create this evening defective ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Not sleeping before it ? ``

`` Yeah, of course it will, '' Matt said quietly, `` But I ca n't give myself sleep. ``

`` Ask Madam Pomfrey for a potion, '' john suggested.

`` She 'll ask too many inquiry, '' Matt said, `` I never have a problem falling asleep before the full Sun Myung Moon. She 'll be suspicious. I do n't want to tell her about the row. ``

lusterlessness did n't lucubrate anymore about his deficiency of sleep, so Albus and King John played a bit of Exploding pushover. Matt did n't feel like playing.

`` Albus ? '' matt asked after a half minute or so.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Rose would n't, '' matte paused, `` You know, tell anyone about me, would she ? Because I 've been thinking, she 's the sort of secret keeper for the appeal for Kaden, but if she tells individual then who knows what would happen with that, so maybe we should switch to you and- ''

`` No, '' Albus interrupted him, `` She would n't do that. climb might be stubborn and wild with you, but she would never ever tell apart anyone that you 're a lycanthrope. She knows that it 's your mystery to tell. ``

`` But what if she just drop away up ? '' matte asked anxiously.

Albus tried to see this from Matt 's point of view. He also reminded himself that Matt was probably sleep deprived and combine that with how sick he always got before the full Moon, he would n't be seeing things rationally. But the approximation of pink wine telling someone that matte was a loup-garou just because she was mad at him was hard to believe.

`` She wo n't, '' Albus said adamantly, `` I 've known her longer than you. She wo n't do that. ``

`` All right, '' Matt said warily and leaned back on the couch.

Albus exchanged glances with John as flatness 's optic began to glass over. This was not going to blow over quickly.

******

Albus slept horribly that nighttime. He tossed and turned and stared at the glowing round the broad moon created on the hangings of his bed. Bilius 's subdued snoring filled the room. Albus was sure as shooting he would n't fall asleep at all that night. He had too lots on his mind.

His best acquaintance and his cousin were fighting. The first cousin he had grown up with, spent all his pre-Hogwarts days with. His best friend since first twelvemonth. Albus felt abominable about it. He could consider of at least twenty thing he 'd rather do that have his best admirer and his cousin-german combat like this. A month 's worth of detention with Filch, for example.

This was different than a little variance, too. whoremaster and Rose often fought with each early, but Albus sort of thought they liked it. Albus himself sort of enjoyed squabbling with James River. Matt never fought with any of them, though. And none of them ever really rowed. What if Rose and lusterlessness never made up ? Albus swallowed heavily and stared fixedly at the end of his bed. They had to urinate up, eventually. But what if they did n't ? A nag voice in the spinal column of Albus 's capitulum told him it was a possibleness. He tried to stimulate it out of his psyche as he closed his middle in a vain attempt to get some sleep.

Albus had been hoping Defense Department Against the Dark artwork would allow for a much needed escape from his intellection of matt and rosebush never making up. That class usually required every bit of Albus 's genius power and he could n't really think about anything else during it. Unfortunately, Balladanis decided to give one of his rare talk. Albus 's mind wandered and by the metre the class was over, he really could n't remember what Balladanis had lectured about. He had assigned an essay, too, which did n't help matters.

Slughorn, on the other hand, decided to have a practical lesson even though it was only a single course. Since Matt was in the infirmary annex, Albus worked with John and Janie Creevey, whoremaster 's usual potions married person. He was just glad Slughorn did n't gain him figure out with rose and Amanda. Linda was mysteriously absent, so their group was down to two multitude.

John sent Albus to go get fixings while he and Janie set up. He joined the waiting line behind Amanda.

`` Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Amanda, '' Albus replied, reminding him a lot of the way he and Limbert had worked the old twelvemonth. Polite salutation and no talking.

`` Albus ? '' Amanda asked as they neared the cupboard.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Er, how 's matt ? '' she asked quietly.

Albus shrugged. `` Have n't had the time to impose him today. ``

Amanda nodded. `` Um, what about the row ? How is he about that ? ``

`` He 's still raging with blush wine, '' Albus muttered.

`` Oh. I was hoping ... '' her voice trailed off.

`` How is Rose ? ``

`` Angry, '' Amanda sighed, `` Oh, Albus, I hate this ! I hate not being able to be with you lot, but I ca n't abandon blush wine. ``

`` I hate it too, '' Albus said quietly. He was sort of surprise that Amanda still wanted to be around them, after they denied Linda admission to the room. After all, she was Linda 's friend, too.

`` It 's so stupid, '' she whispered, `` Fighting like this. ``

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But I do n't think pink wine and flatness think it 's dolt. ``

`` What about John and Kaden ? What do they retrieve ? ``

`` John flat out refuses to let Linda into the room. I do, too, '' he said quickly, `` We 're all in agreement about that. Kaden, too. ``

`` I know. And I get why. I just think its stupid to let it follow between us. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` But Rose is so stubborn. I know she 's your best friend, but I 've grown up with her. And she refuses to give in. So this might last a while. ``

`` I do n't need it to, Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` I do n't either, '' Albus sighed.

Albus got his ingredients and went back to St. John the Apostle 's caldron. He could n't tell John anything about the conversation, though, since Janie was there. In fact, they only talked about the potion as they worked.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later, `` Bring a sample up to my desk for grading. ``

Albus dropped their potion off to Slughorn on his way out the door with John. He glanced back at Amanda. She was talking with rosiness, but looked up and gave Albus a tepid smile. Albus returned it and left the room, somehow feeling tough than he had when he entered.

Albus and John hurried to the Great Hall and found Kaden. The three of them ate a flying lunch and then rushed off to the hospital wing before their next classes.

Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they walked in. She looked up, but remained seated when the three male child walked inside.

`` hullo, boys, '' she greeted them.

`` Hi ma'am Pomfrey, '' Albus replied.

`` Where 's ... '' the nurse began to ask, but then shook her head and closed her mouth.

Albus shrugged and continued his way towards the only occupied bed in the ward. He pulled the curtains open and sat down on the end of matt 's bed.

flatness was asleep. Sound at peace judging by the rhythmic way his chest moved up and down under the mantle. His typeface was scratched and there was a patch around his forehead, but early than that he looked all right field. Granted, nigh of his body was covered by the cover, but Albus hoped he was all redress otherwise.

He did n't stir when Albus sat down. toilet gently prodded his blanketed arm, but he did n't appear to notice it at all.

`` If he 's at peace, I suggest you let him be, '' ma'am Pomfrey shouted from her desk, `` In fact, I insist. ``

`` Is he ok ? '' lavatory asked, `` He usually wakes up when we come in. ``

`` He had a bumpy dark, '' the nursemaid sighed, `` It 's like he did n't get any rest beforehand, but Hagrid tells me he skipped fear of Magical Creatures, so I 'm sure he must consume slept. But he 's only awake up once since I brought him back this dawning. So, for whatever the reason, he must need to sleep. Perhaps it would be best if you came back after dinner party. ``

Albus nodded and got up off the bed. He knew why mat needed the extra sleep. He had n't slept much the old day. Albus did n't say a good deal to John and Kaden as they left. He muttered a quiet auf wiedersehen as he left for Ancient Runes. He was dreading that category. It was one he shared with rose wine and lustrelessness, and since matte was practically unconscious in the infirmary wing, it would just be him and Rose.

Albus was half tempted to just skip antediluvian Runes. After all, he had n't ever skipped a year before, except when he was pallid. Even when Washburn was teaching Charms, Albus was there for every course of instruction. But, he was sure the teacher would transport an owl to his parents, so he trudged his way to Ancient runic letter as slowly as possible without being late.

However, Albus had n't thought about the downside of being the last one to designate up for grade. When he walked into the room, there were only two seats left, at rosebush 's table. Linda was mysteriously absent again.

Albus groaned inwardly and sat down next to his cousin-german. He stole a fast glimpse at her, but she was facing forward, looking determined.

professor Sturly walked in a moment later. Albus crossed his fingers for a speech class, something he rarely did. If the class was a lecture, he could easily not utter to wax at all. But if they were working on decoding runes, he would have to function with a mate as usual. Since both Matt and Linda were n't in class, he 'd have to partner with Rose.

Sure enough, Sturly passed out pill of rune for the class to decipher. She placed one in between Albus and Rose and told them to puzzle out together since their usual mate were n't there.

`` Albus, '' Rose said icily as she turned to the tablet.

`` pink wine, '' Albus muttered.

They worked quietly for a patch, only talking about the runes.

`` That 's not a sun, Albus, '' Rose said as Albus wrote the word 'sun'on his parchment.

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

`` It 's a moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus muttered and changed his solvent, `` Er, where is Linda ? ``

`` Why do you care ? '' Rose glared at him.

`` I 'm just peculiar, '' Albus shrugged.

`` She 's nauseous, if you must know, '' Rose said, `` She has n't looked well for the past few days. ``

`` She was n't in the hospital wing, '' Albus replied.

`` Not everyone goes to the hospital wing for every little affair, '' rosiness said shortly.

`` Well, if she 's been sick for a few days- ''

`` That 's her line of work, is n't it ? '' Rose interrupted.

Albus nodded. Rose was properly about that. `` Er, are n't you going to ask how matte is ? ``

`` I guess, '' Rose muttered, `` How is he ? ``

`` Worse than usual, thanks to your row. ``

`` That was n't only my flaw. He was right there rowing with me, '' Rose seethed, `` So do n't guilt me into doing anything. ``

`` I 'm not trying to guilt you into anything, '' Albus groaned, `` I just thought that you might actually worry how his- ''

Albus cut himself off. transformation. Rose said Linda had been sick for the past tense few days. So had Matt. Linda had been sick around the full Moon. Was it potential that she, Linda, was a loup-garou, too ? Albus stared dumbstruck at the pad of paper he was supposed to be decoding. It was form sort of too lots of a coincidence for them both to get demented at the same time. But then why would Matt be so counterbalance to Linda finding out that he was a werewolf, if she was one herself ?

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked.

`` Rose- '' he paused. Would Rose really recount him if Linda was a werewolf ? Probably not. `` Never mind. ``

`` Er, ok, '' Rose shrugged.

The sleep of the year dragged by. As soon as the bell rang, Albus grabbed his stuff and ran out of the way. He had to find Saint John the Apostle and Kaden. They had to obtain out if Linda really was a werewolf or not.

Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den in record clock time. Neither privy or Kaden were there yet. Come to think of it, Kaden had division anyway, so he would n't even be there. But St. John the Apostle did n't. Albus tossed his bag down and began pacing around the room.

John entered the room a short piece later. Albus looked up and ran over to him.

`` Gospel According to John ! '' Albus shouted.

`` What ? '' John asked, thoroughly confused.

`` I had to partner with rose during ancient Runes since lustrelessness was n't there. surmise who else was n't there ? Linda. And she was n't in Potions either, '' Albus said quickly.

`` So ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` I asked blush wine about it and she said that Linda 's been ill the preceding few days, '' Albus continued.

`` But she 's been in class, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know, that 's component part of it ! '' Albus replied, `` Can you cogitate of anyone else who goes to class even when he 's ill ? ``

St. John paused and then his optic widened in shock. `` Matt ! Wait, are you thinking- ''

`` Linda 's a loup-garou, '' Albus said.

`` You really reckon ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Well, I obviously do n't know for for sure .... ''

`` What about the live full moon ? Was she sick then ? ''

`` I do n't remember, '' Albus sighed, `` I did n't really pay attention, did you ? ``

`` Nope, '' John said, `` But seriously ? ``

`` I do n't know. I mean, it 's possible, but if she 's a loup-garou, why was flatness so afraid of her finding out he 's one ? ``

`` Good decimal point, '' John sighed.

`` We 've got to witness out. ``

`` I know, we can ask lusterlessness ! '' John said, `` Because she would 've been with him in the Shrieking Shack, right ? ``

`` Not necessarily, '' Albus shook his head, `` If wolfsbane works for her, she could n't have been near him. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Saint John replied, `` But maybe he 'd know anyway. ``

`` Or maybe not. Maybe he has n't got a hint, but if he did know he would n't be so concern about her finding out about him, '' Albus said.

`` And then he and rosebush could take a crap up. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned. He wanted nix Sir Thomas More than Rose and mat to clear up. `` Let 's go see if he 's awake. ``


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John practically ran to the hospital wing. They slowed down as they neared it and tried to look as casual as they could as they walked in. dame Pomfrey was interfering with a patient role, so she did n't even notice them as they made a beeline for Matt 's bed.

Albus yanked the mantle back and shut them again once lavatory and himself were inside. To his backup man, matt was awake this fourth dimension. He looked exhausted, but he was awake.

`` Hey, lustrelessness, '' Albus said.

`` Hey, Albus, '' lustrelessness replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` All right field, '' Albus said, `` How about you ? ``

`` Tired, '' Matt sighed, `` Er, how is pink wine ? Is she still ignoring us ? ``

`` Pretty much, '' Albus said quietly.

John nodded and then glanced at Albus. Albus took a late breath. He had n't really thought about how he was going to ask Matt about this.

`` Are you two ok ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

whoremonger poked Albus. Albus glared at him and then turned back to lustrelessness. `` Well, we sort of wanted to ask you something, '' Albus lowered his phonation, `` I 'm certainly you 'll think its mental .... ''

Matt stared at him curiously. `` Er, all right, what is it ? ``

`` I was talking to surface in Ancient Runes- ''

`` I thought she was still ignoring us. ``

`` She was. But we were spouse, since you were n't there. ``

`` What about Linda ? '' mat asked.

`` She was n't there either, which is what I wanted to ask you about, '' Albus paused, `` Rose said Linda 's been ill the yesteryear few 24-hour interval. I could n't really help oneself but acknowledge that she was ill around the same time you were and well, John and I were sort of wondering if maybe, well, she was- ''

`` Like me ? '' lustrelessness whispered. His eye had widened in stupor and he was staring incredulously at Albus and John.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus muttered, `` Told you it was mental. ``

`` It is, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` So you know she 's not ? '' whoremaster asked, `` You saw her in here or something ? Or did dame Pomfrey tell you ? ``

Matt smiled wryly. `` Of course not. Even if she was, I doubt Madam Pomfrey would order me. You two missed the obvious cue that she 's not like me. ``

Albus turned to John the Divine, who shrugged.

`` Linda normally goes to the Australian schooling of Sorcery, '' matte stated, `` The schoolhouse that I was n't allowed to go to. Obviously, if Linda was like me, she could n't go there either. ``

Albus felt like he should have smacked himself in the head. He turned to Gospel According to John, who looked like he was about to split out laughing. How could they have forgotten about that ? It was staring them straight in the facial expression and they completely overlooked it. Professor Killigan was prejudiced against werewolves. There was no way he would admit Linda if she was one.

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' Albus mumbled, `` Should have remembered that. ``

`` It 's actually kind of funny that you thought she was like me, '' matte smirked.

`` I guess she 's just got a cold or something, '' John shrugged.

`` Yeah, probably, '' Albus said. So lots for the melodic theme of Rose and lusterlessness making up. Albus would just have to think of some other way to get them to be friend again.

`` When do you get to give ? '' privy asked.

`` Not trusted, '' matt sighed, `` Probably latterly tomorrow, if I 'm lucky. ``

`` Hogsmeade is on Saturday, '' John said.

`` I know. I 'll be out for that, even if I have to sneak out when Madam Pomfrey is sleeping, '' Matt replied.

Albus did n't really think Madam Pomfrey would slumber through someone trying to sneak out of the Aaron Montgomery Ward, but he hoped mat would be out in clock time to go to Hogsmeade. It would be incredibly unfair if he was n't allowed to go.

******

The silence continued into the following day. Linda returned from her mystical illness and went back to spending all her free time with Rose and Amanda. Albus spent his time with John and Kaden in the Marauder 's Den.

Albus hated the secrecy more and more every day. It kept him up at night, but he could n't suppose of anything he could do about it. The row was mainly between rose wine and Matt. Albus could n't solve it, but it was eating away at him like it was his own row. He was very glad he was n't playing Quidditch in the upcoming match. He would n't have been able to concentrate.

Matt did n't leave the hospital wing until Friday evening. ma'am Pomfrey had reluctantly let him leave in rules of order to go to Hogsmeade the following day.

Albus woke up not feeling nearly as excited as he probably should make about going to Hogsmeade. He and Rose had imagined going to Hogsmeade together since they were little kids. They plotted where they would go and what they would do. Both of them had been to Hogsmeade before, but never without one of their parents. The idea of going by themselves had always been exciting.

Now that the day had actually arrived, Albus could n't facilitate but feel a bit disappointed. He would n't be going with rosiness. Not while they were still in the midst of a row. It was either go with Matt and John, or ditch them and go with the girls. The latter was n't even a real option. He was still mad at Rose and if he decided to pee-pee up with her, he 'd have Matt and John wild with him. He just had to face up it ; going to Hogsmeade with Rose was not an option.

Albus, Matt, and John joined the queue of people in the Entrance Hall later on in the morning. lusterlessness and John Lackland were more shake than Albus was, but still more subdued than the rest of the tierce years.

`` We 've got to think of the stuff for the Halloween party, '' John reminded them.

The Halloween party was that Night. Albus had nearly forgotten about it over the past few days. It was another thing that would have been more fun if they were n't fighting with the girls.

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We 've got to get Kaden 's stuff, too. ``

`` Merlin, he was covetous that we get to go and he does n't, '' John Lackland smirked.

`` Ca n't blame him, '' matt lowered his spokesperson, `` I mean, this is the outset metre we 'll get to try out the Hogsmeade part of the map. ``

Albus grinned. That was one function about the Hogsmeade trip that Albus was still thoroughly excited about. He had the new map in his cloak sack, all ready to go.

`` We can see who likes to go to the Hog 's headland, '' John grinned mischievously.

`` Hey, Amy used to go there, '' Matt said.

`` Really ? '' lav asked.

`` Yeah, she liked how empty it was. ``

`` Seems like an awfully dispirit place, '' King John said.

`` Where do you lot want to go first ? '' Albus asked as they gave their public figure to Filch.

`` Weasley 's, '' can said immediately, `` I 've got loads to buy there. And Kaden gave me a list of clobber he wants me to get him, too. ``

`` Why does that not surprise me ? '' Albus smirked.

The male child walked the suddenly distance into Hogsmeade once Filch checked their names off. It was a chilli autumn day. There was a slender gentle wind in the air and it was cloudy, but not the form of swarm that threatened rain. They could n't have got asked for better conditions in belated October.

Once they arrived, they hid behind a tree diagram in society to look at the map. Albus glanced around to make sure nobody was watching and then pulled it out of his cloak. He muttered the incantation and soon, an inky return of Hogsmeade was on the yellowed paper.

`` Whoa, '' Matt whispered, `` depend, Weasleys'is so crowded, you ca n't read any of the labels. ``

There were superman spilling out of the caper shop and even more inside, piled on top of each early. Albus was n't surprised in the slightest. His uncle 's shop class was the most popular in Hogsmeade. There were Sir Thomas More modest assembling of dots in the rest of the shop class and pubs. A little few were in the Hog 's Head.

`` Anyone we know in the Hog 's Head ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus said after he read the labels.

Albus wiped the map clean and then they set off for Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. It took them a while to compress into the gang, and once there, Albus and Matt quickly lost St. John to the throngs of pupil grabbing merchandise.

Both George V and slip were behind the counterpunch, ringing up leverage as fast as they possibly could.

`` Hi Uncle George I ! Teddy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Hey, Al ! '' George shouted back.

`` Albus ! '' shift exclaimed, `` How 's your first base Hogsmeade trip ? ``

`` Great, '' Albus smiled, `` Are you coming to the Halloween party ? ``

`` Would n't miss it, '' Teddy grinned, `` Victoire and Amy are going, too. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus said, `` Are you dressing up ? ``

`` 'Course, '' Teddy laughed.

`` What as ? ``

`` Where would the fun in that be ? '' chemise winked.

Saint John the Apostle returned a slight while later, arms laden with merchandise. He dumped it all on the parry and a few Skiving Snackboxes fell on the terra firma. Albus picked them up and smirked as he put them on the counter.

`` Stocking up for a twelvemonth ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nah, this is just until next Hogsmeade trip, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` You 're one of my just customers, can, '' George laughed.

`` Do you really need five Snackboxes ? '' Matt asked.

`` Definitely. Divination 's awful. And two are for Kaden, '' John replied.

John paid for his purchase and then the group wandered down the road until they reached Gladrags Wizardwear. They slowly walked inside, only to get hold that it was filled with giggly girls.

`` I 'd be happy if I never had to set foot in here again, '' John the Evangelist groaned as he gestured to a display of pink effervescent robes.

`` We just need to get our costume hooey and get out, '' Albus muttered, equally unhappy about having to visit a clothing shop.

The three male child tried to move as quietly as possible through the crowd of girlfriend in society to find their costume material. Albus immediately found a black shirt and pants for his systema skeletale costume. He had bought glow in the non-white paint at Weasleys'and one of his cousins was going to paint bones on the shirt and pant with it.

privy had purchased Muggle lamia teeth and Muggle face pigment at Weasleys', so all he needed was a black cape, which he found quickly. Matt located a white sheet, which was all he needed for his ghostwriter costume. Albus got another white sheet, which they would cut up into flight strip for Kaden 's mommy costume.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed once they left the shop, `` That 's my least favorite place in Hogsmeade. ``

`` You should go to Madam Puddifoot 's, then, '' Albus laughed.

Saint John shuddered. `` No way. I will never set foot in that hideous spot. ``

`` Anyone want to go to the Three Broomsticks ? '' matt shivered.

`` Yeah, I could use with a Butterbeer, '' Albus agreed and pulled his cloak tighter. The wind instrument had picked up and Butterbeer would be good to warm up with.

Albus led his friends up the street and into the crowd pub. It seemed that everyone had the idea of warming up with a Butterbeer. Albus and lusterlessness snagged the last empty table while Saint John the Apostle went to the bar to get a few Butterbeers.

`` What do you imagine the political party is going to be like ? '' Matt asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's not really common for there to be an genuine party. Usually it 's just the fiesta. I guess they just want us to interact with the foreign students. Kind of like the Christmas clump for the Triwizard Tournament. ``

`` I just ca n't hold back to see what people dress up as, '' Saint John announced as he returned with the Butterbeers.

`` Think the instructor will dress up ? '' matt asked.

`` I hope so, '' John grinned, `` Probably depends on the teacher, though. I could see Kendrick dressing up. And Longbottom. Not sure about Slughorn. ``

Albus snorted into his Butterbeer. `` Slughorn, attire up ? Now that would be funny. ``

`` I think any of the instructor dressing up would be funny, '' flatness laughed.

`` So, how long do you think it 'll be until Kaden endeavor sneaking into Hogsmeade ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` Next misstep, '' Albus said immediately, `` I know he 's plotting it. He asked me if I was taking the map today. I think he wanted it to pinch in. ``

`` Are you going to let him give birth it next meter ? '' matte asked as he sipped his Butterbeer.

`` Probably, '' Albus nodded.

`` What if he gets caught ? '' lustrelessness asked.

Albus shrugged. `` He 'll get a brace detentions. It 's not like he 'll notice another two detainment. ``

`` Good point, '' flatness grinned and turned to John, `` You two spend half your waking time in detention. ``

`` It 's not that bad, once you get used to it. I think Filch is getting a bit fed up with us, though. He 's starting to hock us off on the professors. ``

`` Well, when you spend every other night with him, who can fault him ? '' Albus smirked.

`` Shut it, Albus, '' trick laughed, `` Or adjacent time we get caught, we 'll assure Filch whatever we were doing was all your estimate. ``

`` He 'll never believe you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Albus, '' a female voice said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, Butterbeer in hand, with Amanda and Linda on either slope of her.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

The mood at the mesa quickly turned from joking around to tense silence. Albus nervously glanced from Amanda to Rose and back again. He looked at Matt and John, who were both glaring at the girls.

`` All the mesa are taken, '' Amanda sighed, `` Do you beware if we sit here ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` We were just leaving, '' Matt announced as he stood up, `` Right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' lav agreed.

Albus nodded and stood up as well. He followed Matt and John through the crowded pub, looking back at the girls. Amanda was the lonesome one who was watching them leave.

`` Why could n't they have found some former table to sit at ? '' Gospel According to John groaned after they were back outside.

`` I dunno, '' Albus muttered. He had been having fun joking around with Matt and John, but as soon as the young lady showed up, he was reminded once again of the rift that had formed in their mathematical group. `` Anywhere we have n't been yet ? ``

`` gentlewoman Puddifoot 's, '' matte laughed.

`` Do n't even joke about that, '' John shuddered, `` But you know, we have n't been to the Shrieking hovel. ``

flatness groaned. `` You 're kidding, right ? ``

`` Nope, '' Gospel According to John grinned and took off up the street, `` Come on, do n't even say you 're not going. Because you are. ``

lusterlessness sent Albus a withered look and set off at a slower rate after John. Albus laughed to himself and followed them.

There were a couplet people leaning on the fence in front of the shack. They were all third years. Albus figured the thrill of the Shrieking hutch wore off after the first couple Hogsmeade trips. Albus and lustrelessness joined John, who was standing near a couple girls who were looking at the Shack.

`` It 's the most obsessed building in Britain ! '' a Ravenclaw named Ann Jane Jacobs told her friend.

`` Really ? '' the female child 's eyes widened. Albus vaguely remembered that she was Muggle born.

`` Yeah, it 's haunted by ghosts ! '' Ann Jacobs said excitedly, `` right wing, Albus ? ``

`` Er, yup, '' Albus nodded, `` trace. ``

`` I wonder if we could get inside ! '' the early miss said.

`` You ca n't, '' matte said quickly.

`` How do you recognise ? '' the fille asked.

`` My Sister tried once, '' matte answered, `` She graduated our first year. The home is completely sealed. ``

`` Oh, '' the miss sighed, `` Would have been aplomb. ``

`` We should get back, '' Matt said, `` We 've got to get our costumes ready. ``

`` commodity melodic theme, '' Albus agreed.

The boys bade goodbye to the two Ravenclaws and headed back to the castle. They were all very quiet on the walk back. Albus sunk back into his thoughts of how he should give birth gone to Hogsmeade with rosiness. He hoped he 'd be able to go with her the next trip. Albus could n't imagine that he 'd still be mad at her when that came around. At least he hoped he wouldn't.

Kaden was waiting in the Marauder 's Den for them. He immediately bombarded them with questions, and the eternal sleep of the boy launched into a detailed verbal description of their entire trip.

After Kaden 's oddity was finally satisfied, the son got to work on their costumes. matte, can, and Kaden stayed behind in the Marauder 's Den to make flatness 's ghost costume and Kaden 's mummy costume while Albus set off to find one of his full cousin to paint his skeleton in the cupboard costume.

Gabriella agreed to progress to the costume. Not wanting to find the girls and ask Amanda to do it, Albus had been hoping Gabriella would. Gabriella was the most originative of all his cousins and even though all he needed was individual to perform a picture charm, he figured Gabriella would do the best job.

`` What are you dressing up as ? '' Albus asked as Gabriella performed the charm.

`` A Veela, '' Gabriella replied.

`` Creative, '' Albus laughed.

`` My supporter actually came up with it. A mates of us are going as Veelas. ``

`` fountainhead, you 've already got the hair, so it wo n't remove much for you to enclothe up, '' Albus said.

Gabriella grinned and handed Albus his costume. `` Here you go. I 'll see you at the party. I 've got to go get ready. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said.

When Albus returned to the Marauder 's Den, he was met not by his booster, but by a specter, mommy, and lamia. All three costumes were vivid. Matt looked just like a Muggle ghost, complete with eye trap and a rhythm backtalk kettle of fish. Kaden was wrapped in strip show of white sheet that were hanging off of him in assorted places. John 's costume was the best, in Albus 's legal opinion. He wore a black cape with a white shirt and ignominious knickers underneath. He also had a red bow-tie on, which Kaden insisted would realize him wait more vampirish. His typeface was completely covered in Theodore Harold White make-up and he was wearing bright red lip rouge that dripped onto his chin. When he grinned, he revealed pearly Patrick Victor Martindale White vampire fangs.

`` You lot look great, '' Albus grinned, `` The Muggle costumes was definitely the way to go. ``

`` Put yours on, '' Matt said.

Albus nodded and went to his section of the room. When he came out, he was wearing his costume. Albus looked at his sleeve and they were glowing. Gabriella had done an first-class job with the house painting charm. His chest was covered in a gleaming in the dark rib cage.

`` Brilliant, Albus, '' lavatory grinned.

`` We 're going to give birth the expert costumes in the school, '' Kaden announced, `` Are the female child still dressing up as crone ? ``

`` No approximation, '' Albus sighed. He had n't talked to Rose about the costumes in weeks. `` Guess we 'll find out. ``

Albus had no theme what to gestate from the political party. The prof had never sponsored a party before while he was at Hogwarts. He walked down to the Great lobby with matt, John, and Kaden. They passed quite a few people on the way down and saw all variety of different costumes.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who read and reviewed this ! You Guy are awing !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus walked into the Great anteroom, he stopped in his tracks. The room had been completely transformed. There were huge old salt o'lanterns everywhere, lit up by candles. naturalistic looking spider webs were draped across every aerofoil. The four mansion table had disappeared and were replaced by spindly round wooden board. Fake wanderer were crawling around the floor. sham cricket bat were flying around. table of food were set up everywhere. Cauldrons were smoking on top of them, emitting all sorts of different colored fastball.

The professors were all milling about and talking with each other. Kendrick was dressed up as Merlin or Dumbledore, Albus could n't recount which. Neville was dressed as Godric Gryffindor, Patil as Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Slughorn was dressed as Salazar Slytherin. Polo was not dressed as Helga Hufflepuff, a fact John was quick to point out. He was probably dressed as some other noted Hufflepuff, but Albus had no estimate who it was.

In fact, nearly all the professors were dressed up. The only one who was n't was Balladanis. He was wearing his common pristine fatal robe with the intricate ash grey fastener. He was wearing a grim expression as he brushed past Albus and his friends. His eyes narrowed a lilliputian at John the Evangelist but he quickly looked away. Albus thought this was odd, but did n't dwell on it.

As the room gradually filled with more and Thomas More students, Albus noticed that there were an alarming measure of them dressed up as his forefather. Most were first years. Albus just kept staring as eleven-year-olds with charge card glasses and cook scars on their faces walked past. He thought it was really really odd.

`` We 're surrounded by your dad, '' John laughed as another miniature Harry Potter walked by.

`` This is just uncanny, '' Albus muttered, shaking his head.

`` It 's kind of funny remark, '' John the Evangelist laughed even harder.

`` Bet you would n't retrieve that if everyone was dressing up as your dad, '' Albus replied.

`` And that kid 's dressed up as your uncle ! '' Kaden announced, pointing to a red-haired boy who could 've easily passed for a Weasley. In fact, he did n't really reckon like he was dressed up at all, but Albus figured he was his Uncle Ron.

`` Uncle Ron would like that, '' Albus smirked.

`` He would, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw the really Harry thrower with a plate of cooky in hired man. `` Hi, Dad ! ``

`` This has got to be the strangest company ever, '' Harry said, `` I 've never seen people dressed up as me before. It 's rather odd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He did n't really like that so many people were dressed as his dad.

`` Too bad Ron is on responsibility tonight, '' Harry sighed, `` He would 've liked to see a kid dressed as him. Where 's pink wine ? ``

`` Er .... ''

Harry gave Albus a curious feel. `` Is everything all right ? ``

`` Um, yeah, '' Albus mumbled, `` I guess. ``

`` fountainhead, you know I 'm always here if you need to talk, '' Harry replied, `` I like your costumes, by the way. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus grinned, `` Kaden 's idea. ``

`` So far I have n't seen any other Muggle costumes, '' Harry pointed out, `` I 've got to go lecture to Kendrick, so I 'll see you soon. ``

Albus nodded. `` See you later. ``

Once Harry left, Albus and his friends wandered over to one of the food tabular array. They loaded up home with chicken and potatoes and diverse other stuff and went to see seats.

`` Look, Albus, '' Matt pointed to the door, `` The girls are dressed as Muggle hag. ``

Albus looked up and saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda strolling into the room dressed as the Muggle version of a witch. All three of them were wearing plain melanize robes, blackness beldame hat, and had painted their faces green.

Albus caught Amanda 's eye and they gave each other faint smile as the little girl walked into the room.

`` conjecture they could n't come up with any other mind, '' John the Divine muttered.

`` We did tally on costumes before they stopped speaking to us, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I guess, '' John said.

`` flavor like they 're coming over here, '' matte groaned.

Albus set down his home and watched as the young lady progressed towards them. Rose 's fount was still stony, even in honey oil. Amanda was leading them, so Albus figured she wanted to say hi, not Rose.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Amanda greeted them, `` Matt, John, Kaden. Great costumes. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` You, too. ``

cypher else said anything. Albus stood awkwardly with Amanda and looked around at the mathematical group. Rose was glaring at Matt and vice versa. John and Kaden were shifting nervously around. Linda was staring at St. John, but not in a loathing way. It was more of a combination between curiosity and revulsion, which Albus thought was sort of odd.

`` This is just so stupid ! '' Amanda finally exclaimed, `` Do you lot want to hold back fight for the quietus of the twelvemonth ? ``

`` Not really, '' Albus muttered.

Rose sent a fade look at Amanda and then turned around and left in a huff. Amanda sighed and followed her. Linda shook her head and then ran after Amanda.

`` wellspring, that was awkward, '' Kaden announced a few instant later.

`` Is this really what the rest of the year is going to be like ? '' Albus asked, looking pointedly at Matt, `` Because I think I 'll go mad if it is. ``

`` Well, Rose started it, '' flatness muttered.

`` You both started it, '' Albus snapped, `` And you both had intimately conclusion it. ``

`` It 's not that dim-witted, Albus, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` It is n't ? '' Albus asked, `` What am I missing, then ? I was there. You two fought over whether Linda should be in the elbow room or not ! And we all said no, but Rose is still upset over it ! I just do n't interpret it. ``

`` Told you it was n't elementary, '' flatness said in barely more than a whisper.

`` They 're lady friend. Nothing is childlike with fille, '' St. John the Apostle groaned, `` And do you know why it 's not bare, matte ? ``

Matt shifted uncomfortably and looked away for a few minute. `` Yeah, I do, '' he whispered.

`` charge to explain ? '' Albus asked, now thoroughly confused.

`` Not here, '' lustrelessness said, `` seminal fluid on, let 's go to the room. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the Great Hall with lavatory and Kaden on either English of him. None of them said a Son until they reached the Marauder 's Den. They went inside and sat down on the furniture. matte stood up as soon as he sat down and then began pacing around. It reminded Albus of the time he explained about the Hallows back in their outset year.

`` All right, what 's up with the girls ? '' John asked after lusterlessness paced for a few moments.

Matt stopped pacing and stood in front of them. `` Ok, here it goes. What do you do it about vampires ? ``

`` Wait, what ? '' Albus shook his head. What in the name of Merlin did lamia have to do with the girlfriend ?

`` What do you know about vampire ? '' flatness repeated.

John laughed. `` They vant to suck your rakehell ! '' he exclaimed in a bad Transylvannian accent. He opened his mouth and leaned towards Kaden 's neck.

`` Ew, '' Kaden moved away, `` lamia are afraid of garlic and they ca n't see themselves in mirrors. They ca n't go out during the day and they turn into bats. Oh, and you have to kill them with a wooden stake to the heart. ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` I do n't really get laid much besides the whole blood sucking thing. ``

`` You know, '' lustrelessness began, `` You know nothing about vampires, yet you knew enough about werewolf to figure out that I was one. ``

`` That was rosebush, '' Albus reminded him.

`` right wing, anyway, Kaden, those are the vampire as Muggles see them. They 're not like that. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said.

`` What do vampires accept to do with this anyway ? '' John asked, `` I just want to have a go at it why Rose is so stubborn. ``

`` It 's just the way she is, '' Albus muttered.

`` Vampires, '' Matt continued, `` In the wizarding world, are the undead. They 're bushed, but they 're still around, obviously. vampire feed on human lineage, but if they do n't draw a human completely dry, the victim becomes a lamia themselves. ``

`` kind of like werewolves, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, I guess, '' mat replied, `` But not really. Anyway, they basically die but they do n't. They become divinity and terminate aging. Someone could be bitten when they 're twenty and still search twenty two hundred years later. Their core stop beating and they run out of rakehell. That 's why they turn pasty white. Then, they need to give on blood in rescript to survive. They can either use human or animal blood. The vampire that like to desegregate into human society prefer to use fauna lineage. All they need to survive is blood. They do n't necessitate food. But they eat it to guess they 're human. They do n't need to sleep either. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked, `` That is uncanny. ``

Albus never knew any of that. Now the lamia unit in Department of Defense stratum was going to be incredibly easy.

`` How often do they drink blood ? '' Albus asked.

`` Depends on the vampire. well-nigh need to drink it every brace of weeks or so. ``

`` What happens if they do n't ? ''

`` They get washy, '' Matt explained, `` vampire are exceptionally strong and fast, but if they have n't had any lineage recently, they feel weak and unbalanced. ``

`` Like you do before the full moon, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, '' Matt nodded, `` Sort of like that. ``

`` Can they go out during the day ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` There 's a potion that they take so they can go out in the sun. The sun hurts them. variety of like the lunation for wolfman. ``

`` But what 's this got to do with blush wine ? '' John asked impatiently.

`` I 'm getting there, '' Matt said as he began pacing again, `` Anyway, vampires are fast and strong so they can see their prey. But they are also more beautiful than fixture humanity. That way people are attracted to them. They 're also really really charismatic. When you meet one, you 're naturally attracted to them. It 's difficult to explain, you 're just drawn to them. It does n't even matter if they 're a boy or a girl or if you 're a boy or a fille. ``

Albus suddenly remembered the day the foreign students arrived and he first laid eyes on Linda. She was beautiful. Albus had n't been able to train his center off her. But she did n't appear particularly charismatic. After hearing lusterlessness 's description of a vampire, Linda did sound like one, except for the charismatic part. She hardly said a word.

`` So if a vampire walked through the door, I 'd immediately want to to go over to them ? '' John asked.

`` Pretty practically, yeah, '' matt said.

`` How do you sleep with all this ? '' John asked.

`` Remember the library at my sign of the zodiac ? There are loads of vampire account book there because of my dad 's job. I 've read a few of them. ``

`` Well, you 'll do slap-up on whatever test Balladanis gives us on vampire when we get to that unit, '' John laughed.

`` wait, '' Kaden looked at lustrelessness curiously, `` Muggles believe that vampire and werewolves hate each other, and did n't you say that 's real ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Matt said quietly, `` That 's pretty a lot it. But mostly the big rivalry is between werewolves and vampires who live away from wizards. There are ingroup of werewolves and covens of vampire who fight over territory and material. That does n't materialise as much as it did years ago, but it still does occasionally, mostly in other countries. ``

`` So, you do n't really hate all lamia ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 've never really met one, '' Matt shrugged.

`` And what in the name of Merlin does this have to do with rosebush rowing with us ? '' trick asked exasperatingly.

Albus was getting a bit impatient as well. Sure, he liked hearing about vampires. They were kind of interesting, but he mainly wanted to eff what Matt knew about Rose.

`` Linda is a lamia, '' lusterlessness said simply.

The room was unsounded for a few moment. Albus stared at Matt. Linda was a vampire ? It was possible. She did fit some of the characteristic, but it was still tough to grasp. Albus had never met a vampire before, let alone one that was his age.

`` When did you visualise that out ? '' Albus asked.

`` As soon as she walked past the Gryffindor mesa, '' lustrelessness answered.

John looked at him in awe. `` Wow, that 's impressive. You ought to go into the section for the regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. ``

`` Now that would be even more ironic than my dad working there, '' Matt laughed, `` But I would induce known she was a vampire even if I did n't know so much about them. Werewolves and vampires can instantly recognise each other. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked.

`` Smell, '' lustrelessness said, `` Vampires have a distinctive olfactory modality, but unconstipated champion ca n't tell. Werewolves can, though. And vampires can smell loup-garou. ``

`` And you did n't tell us ? '' John asked incredulously.

`` I did n't see the point, until now. ``

`` Did n't see the point ? There 's a vampire at Hogwarts and you did n't think to enjoin us ? '' John the Divine shook his head, `` There 's always a understanding to tell us that kind of clobber. ``

Matt shrugged. `` Well, you know now. ``

Albus was still processing the entropy. Linda was a vampire. Matt knew Linda was a vampire from the start. loup-garou can smell vampires. vampire can feel werewolf. That meant-

`` Wait, '' Albus began, `` Linda knows you 're a werewolf, does n't she ? ``

lusterlessness sighed. `` Yes, she probably does. ``

`` Then why does it count if she gets to go in the predator 's Den ? '' John asked, `` Not that I want to let her in. ``

`` It 's the principle of the thing ! '' lusterlessness replied, `` I just do n't see why Killigan let her go to his schooling but he would n't let me ! I know it 's stupe to avoid her because of that because it 's not her shift, but I just do n't get it. ``

Albus had n't even thought of that. Matt was right ; it did n't make sense. How was letting a vampire into a school any different from letting a werewolf ?

`` But if you had been let in, you would n't have moved here, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, and I 'm glad we moved, but it 's just not fair, '' Matt sighed.

`` So, '' Kaden said loudly, `` There 's a vampire at Hogwarts. Who 's blood is she sucking ? ``

"That, is actually a good question, '' Albus said.

`` I have no idea, '' lustrelessness replied, `` I 'm guessing she 's sucking sensual rakehell. Probably hunts in the timber. ``

`` What about the whole 'vampires are charismatic'affair ? '' Albus asked. Even if Linda did need to imbibe human profligate, he had no approximation how she 'd manage to entice a human towards her. She seemed to avoid as many people as possible.

Matt smiled wryly, `` That 's where it gets occupy. The three of you do n't see her as magnetic, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said. John and Kaden nodded.

`` That 's what I thought. It 's because you 're acquaintance with me. ``

Albus turned to seem at John and Kaden. Both of them looked as confused as Albus felt.

`` Wait, what ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Even way back when there were More ring of loup-garou and covens of vampires running about, it was possible for human race to affiliate with one or the early. Occasionally, a pack of lycanthrope would sort out of 'adopt'a human and the human would go with the pack. I mean, the homo would leave for the to the full moon, but live with the pack the respite of the month. But if the human being came upon a vampire, the human would be completely undesirable to a vampire because they were affiliated with werewolves. ``

`` And we 're affiliated with you, so Linda would n't need to take in our blood, even if she did blow human being parentage ? '' Albus asked.

`` Exactly, '' Matt replied, `` Remember how everyone seemed to cluster around Linda when she first came here ? Everyone except us. Even pink wine disliked her backbone then. ``

`` But she does n't now, '' Kaden reminded him.

`` I know. That 's because as rose started spending more prison term with Linda, she spent LE time with us, with me. She became less associate with me, so to talk. And then when we had that row, well, now she 's just affiliated with Linda. She 's completely under Linda 's personal magnetism. ``

Rose was affiliated with a vampire ? Did this mean there was no hope of her reconciling with matte ? Albus groaned inwardly. He really did n't like Linda now. She was putting a huge rift into their group.

`` Is it possible for a person to be friends with both a werewolf and a vampire ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` I think so, '' flatness sighed, `` But blush wine wo n't even talk to us. ``

`` I think the only way she will is if we agree to let Linda into the vulture 's Den, '' Albus muttered, `` She 's just so obstinate. ``

`` But we do n't require to let her in here, '' John groaned.

`` No, we do n't, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do you suppose Rose knows she 's a vampire ? '' Albus asked. Rose was saucy, but if she had found out Linda was a vampire, she probably would throw told him. She told him flatness was a wolfman, after all. Unless of course she discovered Linda was a vampire after the row.

`` No idea, '' Matt shrugged, `` Do you make love if she knows anything about vampire ? ``

`` Probably not a good deal, '' Albus answered.

`` Then she might not. Linda 's obviously trying to conceal that she 's a vampire. I bet she 'll find out when we do the vampire building block in Defense, though. ``

`` Unless we tell her commencement, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Are we going to ? '' King John asked.

`` Would she even take heed ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of think we should at least try to severalise her, '' Albus said, `` And Amanda, too. ``

`` I suppose, '' Matt sighed, `` But they 're always around Linda. ``

`` We 'll just take in to hold off until she 's at Quidditch practice. I think the Aboriginal Australian squad practices on Monday, so I guess we 'll hold off until then, '' Albus said.

The room descended into secretiveness for a few minutes. Linda had definitely spiked Albus 's oddment. He was mostly singular about why Linda had been allowed to go to the Australian School of Sorcery but lusterlessness had n't. What was the difference in letting a vampire attend than a werewolf ? Even if Linda did suck animal blood, there was still the potential for her to take up human blood.

`` Bloody nether region, '' Kaden let out a low pennywhistle, `` A vampire at Hogwarts. ``

Albus nodded. Kaden pretty much summed up what Albus was thinking. Linda being a vampire had shocked him more than Matt being a werewolf. He was n't sure why, but maybe it was because slip 's dad had been a loup-garou and he attended Hogwarts, but as far as Albus knew, no vampires had ever been there.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atm at Hogwats the next day reminded Albus a lot of what it was like the day of the Quidditch Final. It was the day of the first Quidditch equal of the Inter-School Competition. Australia would be playing New York. Albus was excited, but not as activated as he would have been if Hogwarts was playing. He did n't particularly care who won this mates. He was curious about Linda 's seeking skills, though.

`` Hi, Al, '' someone said from behind Albus as he walked down to the pitch with lusterlessness, whoremaster, and Kaden.

Albus turned around and saw his dad. `` Hi, Dad ! Here to see the match ? Or are you on obligation ? ``

`` Just to see the match, '' Harry grinned, `` I 'm hoping to be able to see them all, especially the ones you and James get to play in. ``

`` I do n't really get to diddle in any of them, '' Albus pointed out.

`` You never know, '' Harry said, `` Well, I 'm sitting with Neville, so I 'll see you after the peer. ``

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus waved as he ran ahead of them.

The boys found becoming seats and waited for the match to set out. The weather was particularly prissy, especially for a recent October day. The sun was out and there was only a slight air in the unseasonably warm air.

`` It 's sort of odd to not be rooting for Gryffindor, '' matte said.

Albus agreed. Nobody was segregated into firm sections like they usually were during Quidditch matches. `` I do n't know who to root for. ``

`` Me either, '' john lowered his vox, `` I mostly just want to see how Linda plays. Never seen a vampire dramatic play Quidditch before. ``

`` She must be expert. She 's only a second year and she 's on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But she 's immortal, '' Matt reminded them, `` So she 's probably decades quondam than us at to the lowest degree. ``

Albus still found that aspect of lamia very strange. He sighed to himself and focused on the tar, where a few people were milling about. Albus could get out prof Kendrick, Roberts, and Killigan, along with a few other people Albus did n't recognize.

`` Welcome, student, faculty, and guests to the first Quidditch match of the competition ! '' Kendrick shouted over the crowd a few minutes later, `` This will work out exactly like habitue Quidditch matches. Ludo commercial traveller of the department of Magical athletics will referee this match. And now, I give you the Quidditch teams of the Adirondack honorary society of conjuring trick and the Australian School of Sorcery ! ``

The New Yorkers were dressed in blue Quidditch robes and the Australians were dressed in super C. Both teams entered the pitch with brooms in their hands. Albus watched as each of their maitre d'hotel shook hand. Bagman blew a tin whistle and all fifteen of them rose into the air.

`` And they 're off ! '' Sweeney Todd Smith, who was apparently the commentator for the inter-school matches, shouted, `` Haberino of New York catches the Quaffle and is flying to the Australian destination posts .... ''

It was a very fast step friction match. The Quaffle passed back and Forth between players faster than Bessie Smith could announce. Albus was very move. He also doubted he could fly as well as them and was sort of gladiolus he was n't playing.

Albus knew he should pay the cheeseparing attention to the Chasers, but he could n't help oneself but gawk at Linda as she flew around the pitch. She was noticeably faster than the rest of the players. Her word form was practically a blur every metre she darted in between the repose of the players.

`` Merlin, she 's degenerate ! '' Albus exclaimed as Linda went from one end of the pitch to the early in mere seconds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen anyone fly that fast ! '' John the Divine gaped, `` And I 've been to scores of Puddlemere matches ! ``

`` well, that would explain it, '' Matt smirked.

`` Puddlemere has plenty of fast fliers ! '' john shouted, `` It 's you who 's probably never seen anyone fly fast, what with you being a Cannons fan .... ''

Matt rolled his optic. `` She 's fast because of what she is. ``

Albus nodded. He sort of figured that. It did n't seem fair, though. None of the other teams had a vampire for a searcher. James obviously was n't a lamia and Albus doubted the New York Seeker was one either. He was a lot slower than Linda. It seemed like there should be some sorting of rule that would forestall Linda from being on the Australian team. Although, Albus was n't sure Kendrick and Bartholomew Roberts knew Linda was a vampire.

`` New House of York scores ! '' Julia Evelina Smith shouted, `` 40-20 New York ! ``

Linda may have been fast, but New York seemed to have better Chasers. Their flair of playing reminded Albus of how he played with his first cousin. When Albus played with broom and Fred, it was almost like they shared a brain.

All of a sudden, Linda shot across the pitch, from the Aboriginal Australian goals to the freighter of the New York finish. Albus stood up and watched the New York Seeker flew after her, but was cadence behind. Linda Dove for the ground and fell back into the air clutching something in her hand.

`` Is that ? '' John began.

`` The stoolie ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` It is, '' Albus stared as the two teams descended to the reason. It had only been xv minutes since the catch started !

`` Linda esprit de corps of Australia has caught the Snitch ! '' Smith announced, `` Australia wins 170-40 ! ``

`` That was the quickest game of Quidditch I 've ever seen, '' John said.

Everyone agreed. Albus had never seen anyone catch the Snitch that fast before. If the early matches were like this one, Australia was going to give birth the competition in the bag.

`` I 'm guessing this equal wo n't be followed by a party in the rough-cut elbow room ? '' Kaden asked as the son got up from their seats.

`` Probably not, '' Albus laughed, `` Hogwarts did n't act, so we 've really got zilch to keep. ``

`` Linda 's in Gryffindor, though, '' John pointed out.

`` Yeah, but I 'm betting most of the Gryffindors are going to be a bit overturned at Linda 's seeking skills. I mean, James is good, but even he 's going to consume problems going up against Linda. I think she 'd even give teddy bear a run for his money, '' Albus pointed out.

`` James can puzzle her, '' John said confidently as they began the journey back to school, `` He 's a smart as a whip seeker. ``

`` But she 's faster, '' Albus sighed.

`` She 's bound to sneak up eventually, '' Kaden said hopefully.

Albus certainly hoped so. Maybe the Beaters could just constantly pelt her with Bludgers throughout the entirely match so she would n't induce a prospect to find the Snitch.

They continued to walk alongside the wood on their way to the rook. The pilus on the dorsum of Albus 's neck bristled and he looked quickly over his shoulder. It felt like someone was watching him. He stopped in his cut and looked into the forest. He saw a dark figure jump behind a tree diagram. mortal was in there.

`` Why 'd you stop, Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` There 's someone in the woods, '' Albus whispered.

`` Hagrid ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head, `` Too minor to be Hagrid. ``

`` We should go find out who it is, '' lavatory announced.

`` Are you genial ? '' Matt said, `` Whoever 's in there could be a murderer or something ! ''

Albus was n't sure about that, but he was certain that he was curious. He wanted to know who was lurking about the forest after a Quidditch match.

`` Maybe we should, '' Albus said.

mat sighed. `` Albus, you 're supposed to be the sane one. ``

`` I want to go see who it is, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's the Forbidden wood ! '' mat groaned, `` Forbidden ! If we get caught, we 'll be in huge worry ! expression at everyone walking around. Someone is going to enamour us. ``

That was a good point. But at the Sami time, Albus really wanted to recognize who it was. He could n't just stand there and not go find out who the mysterious soma was ....

`` Al, '' a voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. His dad was standing there, looking at him curiously. `` Oh, hi Dad. ``

`` What are you doing ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, there 's somebody in the wood, '' Albus replied.

Harry peered into the forest and then turned back to Albus with a grim look on his cheek. `` Thanks for letting me sleep together, Al. I 'll check it out. I want all four of you to go back to the rook and go straight to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Albus asked. His dad seemed rather worried.

`` I have a few shot, '' Harry replied, `` If it 's anyone significant, I 'll let you know. ``

Albus nodded and started to walk back to the castle with his friends. He glanced back at his dad and saw his Patronus running in the contrary direction. A few people were pointing at it and whispering.

`` Who do you retrieve it is ? '' Kaden asked.

Albus shrugged. `` Dunno. I mean, the only people I can reckon of are Washburn and Willinson, but they have n't been sighted in months. ``

`` It 's got to be one of them, '' John said, `` Why else would your dad get so worried about it ? ``

`` But he could n't even see who it was, '' mat pointed out, `` It might turn out to be nothing. ``

`` Scary, though, '' Kaden shivered, `` One of them coming back. I mean, I 've never met either of them, but if they 're anything like Quinton .... ''

`` Do n't occupy, '' Albus assured him, `` We 'll just go back to the unwashed room and we 'll be o.k.. ``

The boy hurried back into the castle and up to Gryffindor pillar. near of the people around them were talking about the match, but Albus overheard a few multitude talking about his dad 's Patronus.

The Gryffindor rough-cut way was packed when they entered it. There was a very tumid mathematical group of multitude in the midway shouting about Quidditch and Albus had no doubt that Linda was in the middle of it, even if she did n't need to be. Albus did n't see Rose or Amanda anywhere and figured they were with Linda. Albus had a fleeting intellection that he needed to tell them about what he saw, but decided not to since Rose was n't speaking with him. He just did n't finger like telling her anything important while she was still giving him the silent treatment. He was starting to feel a bit dejected that it had been going on so long.

Albus and his supporter found a table and sat down. They were quickly joined by Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Ashtyn.

`` Can you believe she caught the stoolie that fast ? '' Lily asked.

`` That was incredible, '' Albus agreed, `` But she 's going to make it hard to beat Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Hugo sighed, `` Everyone is trying to visualise out how she 's so fast. Fred thought she had some sort of special Scots heather, but she denied it. ``

`` Well, she obviously would n't allow in to that, '' Ashtyn rolled her eyes.

`` Maybe rosebush could ask her, '' Lily suggested.

`` I doubt rose wine would do that, '' Albus muttered.

`` Are you still rowing with her ? '' Lily asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` Why ? nonentity 's told me what your row was even about, '' Lily huffed.

`` It 's not your business sector, Lily, '' Albus sighed.

`` Come on, '' Lily whined, `` I 'm your sister. ``

`` And I do n't tell you everything, '' Albus said, `` So fall in it a rest. ``

`` Can I have everyone 's attending ? '' someone shouted from the portrayal hole.

Albus looked up and saw Neville standing there. Everyone immediately quieted down. Teachers rarely went into the common room. In fact, the solely time they did was when something bad happened or when Gryffindor had a spectacular Quidditch win.

`` I do n't need anyone leaving the common room for now, '' Neville said in an unusually strict tone.

`` What 's going on ? '' Georgia asked.

`` Someone was spotted near Hogsmeade and in the woodland, '' Neville replied.

`` Who ? '' Fred asked.

`` The Aurors do n't want us to disclose that information yet, '' Neville said, `` I 'll be back when we know more. ``

Neville left and the common room erupted into whispers. Albus turned to his Friend, who had all turned a few tone lighter after hearing Neville 's announcement.

`` It 's got to be, '' lusterlessness whispered, `` They would n't shut us in if it was n't individual dangerous. ``

Albus nodded and swallowed hard. He knew he was perfectly prophylactic in the commons room, but could n't help feeling a bit scared.

`` I bet it 's Washburn ! '' someone shouted from across the common room.

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' one of the low gear years piped up.

`` immorality Charms teacher, '' someone replied.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn said, `` He tried to vote down my brother ! ``

`` Mine, too ! '' Lily put in.

`` And he tried to wipe out my sister, '' Hugo added.

Lily, Ashtyn, and Victor Hugo started telling the other first year what had happened to Albus and his protagonist. Albus groaned and shook his head as all four eleven year olds watched him.

`` wish we could go to the room, '' Albus muttered.

`` Let 's go to the dormitory, '' John suggested, `` I 'll bet it 's empty. ``

The son left the common room ( a great deal to the dismay of Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, Ashtyn, and their growing group of on-lookers ) and went up to Albus 's residence hall, which was thankfully empty.

Albus, Matt, and lav all sat on their bottom and Kaden sat on the base of Albus 's. None of them said a Scripture. Albus supposed that late down in his brain he knew Washburn would come back, but he tried not to think about it. He figured Washburn was after the resurrection gem. That meant he would n't try and break into the castle, did n't it ?

No, it did n't. Albus 's gaze fell upon his trunk, where the invisibleness Cloak resided. If Washburn still wanted to combine the Hallows, he 'd need that cloak. Albus gulped. Washburn was going to try and break dance into the palace. Albus did n't recognise when, but he knew it would happen at some point.

******

Harry never returned to the palace to tell Albus what had happened. Neville came back to the common room an 60 minutes or so later and told everyone they were disembarrass to leave if they wanted to, but he did n't give away any details. Albus and his admirer stayed in the common room, hoping Harry would eventually come up Albus, but he never did.

The Great Hall was filled with much More chatter than was normal on Mon morning. Albus and his friends sat down at the Gryffindor table and James immediately passed Albus a copy of the Daily Prophet.

`` They did n't catch him, '' James River said as he tossed Albus the paper.

Albus took it and all four boys read the front page article at the same time.

Washburn Sighted in Hogsmeade ; Mysterious Man Sighted in Forest

Jameson Washburn, wanted for torturing underage
students and the illegal use of Legilimency on an
nonaged educatee, was sighted by an anon. witch
in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon.

The sighting took place a few hours after the first
Quidditch couple in the tournament between Hogwarts,
the Australian School of sorcery, and the Adirondack
academy of Magic. The anonymous hag stated that
'a man ran from behind the Hog 's Head up towards the
pitcher's mound. He looked like Washburn .'

Harry thrower, Head of the Auror Department, was on the
Hogwarts priming coat at the time and reported quickly to
the scene. No signs of Washburn were found and Potter
is certainly he had Disapparated quickly.

Potter had previously been investigating the Forbidden
Forest, after receiving a tip from a student that
soul had been lurking around. Nobody was found.

Hogwarts School of witchcraft and genius went into
lock down after the so-called sighting of Washburn.
Students were not informed about the situation. The
Auror department has not said whether additional
protection will be given to the schoolhouse. Currently, an
Auror is assigned to the schooltime at all clock time, after the
kidnapping of a student by Quinton Willinson ( currently
residing in Azkaban ) last Spring.

'We do n't want citizenry to worry. We 're not even sure
whether either sighting was actually Washburn or not ,'
Potter told reporters.

Albus set down the theme and turned to wait at his Quaker. There was no doubt in his nous that that man in the timber had been Washburn. He had gotten away again. For person who seemed incompetent at just about everything, Washburn certainly was soundly at escaping.

`` I wonder where he 's hiding, '' John said, `` I mean, he 's probably somewhere around here, you 'd think ? ``

`` I bet he Apparated someplace far away, '' Albus replied, `` He 's not going to want to stick around and get caught. ``

`` Yeah, that 's true, '' John said, `` But I bet he 'll be back. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` Willinson might even go with him. I wonder where he is. ``

`` I hope he 's far away from here, '' Matt said, `` We 'd break get to class. ``

Albus was well-chosen that they had maintenance of Magical animal first because he would be able to continue talking about Washburn as they observed firecrabs.

`` You do n't think they 'll delete the Hogsmeade trips, do you ? '' Gospel According to John asked once they had walked a safety distance away from the Slytherins.

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` They did n't cancel them when Sothis escaped from Azkaban. ``

`` I hope they wo n't, '' john said, `` They could just have Aurors patrolling the village. That 'll keep Washburn away. ``

`` There are already Aurors patrolling the school, '' matte pointed out, `` So I 'm sure they 'll be patrolling Hogsmeade now, too. ``

`` Just as long as they do n't bring any dementors here, I 'll be happy, '' Albus shivered. He had never actually seen a dementor, but he knew enough about them to fear them.

`` wellspring, that did n't exactly make out well when Sirius had escaped, did it ? '' John replied.

`` I know, but still .... '' Albus 's articulation trailed off.

`` Dementors do n't even ward Azkaban anymore, so I do n't see why they would get sent here, '' John said as he stopped his firecrab from escaping.

`` I wonder where they went, '' Albus pondered, `` I 've never seen one. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head, `` But that 's a good full point. What did fall out to them all ? ``

`` That 's one thing my dad never told me, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I 've never seen one either, '' Matt shivered, `` But my dad has. He 's had to apportion with them at work- ''

`` So he knows where they were sent ? '' whoremaster interrupted.

`` No, '' lustrelessness shook his head, `` He dealt with them in Australia. There are a lot of them on the outback. There 's hardly anyone living around there, so every once in a while, they 'll fall on some tiny town they come upon. Then some witch or wizard news report it and my dad or someone else from his office would have to go pull in them out. ``

`` That would be a horrible job, '' John said quietly.

`` He hated it, '' Matt replied, `` He 'd come home all shaky and dismay and Mum would feed him lode of chocolate. Then they 'd go talking by themselves. He refused to tell me and Amy what he hears when he comes across dementors, though. Amy asked encumbrance of meter, but he never told. ``

`` My dad wo n't secernate me what he hears either, '' Albus said, `` It 's got to be abominable. ``

`` Neither of my parents have ever seen dementors, '' King John said, `` I think my parents lead relatively normal lives compared to yours. ``

`` No one in my crime syndicate leads a normal animation, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine either, '' matt agreed.

`` well, hopefully your dad will overhear Washburn and Willinson and then you can deliver a somewhat convention life story, Albus, '' John said.

`` Maybe, '' Albus shrugged.

`` As for me, I like a little agitation in animation, '' bathroom grinned.

`` You can throw all of mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' lusterlessness smirked.

`` Nah, '' John shook his principal, `` I 'll score my own. ``


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


In all the fervor of the possible sighting of Washburn in Hogsmeade, Albus nearly forgot about talking to Rose that evening. He was sitting in the common room trying to scan his denial Against the Dark Arts book when lavatory prodded him.

`` What ? '' Albus looked up at John.

`` Linda just went to Quidditch practice, '' John gestured to the portrait pickle, which just closed behind mortal, `` We can talk to rose wine now. ``

Albus nodded and closed his book. He had to admit that he was a bit unquiet about telling pink wine that Linda was a vampire. He had a flavor she would n't take it well. They were going to sustain to bankrupt this to her very nicely.

It was n't that Albus was worried that Rose would be upset that Linda was a vampire. Albus knew that would n't bother her in the slightest. It was the fact that Albus was the one who figured it out that he was worried about. Albus fully expected rose wine to deny that Linda was a lamia for the sole ground that she had n't figured it out herself.

`` I guess we 'd better, '' Albus said as he got up. He glanced around the usual room and his eyes rested on the board Rose and Amanda were sitting at.

Albus walked over to her table with matte, John, and Kaden following. The two girl looked to be working on homework.

`` rosiness, '' Albus sat down next to her, `` We need to talk to you about something. ``

Rose put down her pinion and looked up. `` Is it about Washburn ? If you 're worried about him coming back, do n't be. He ca n't get into the rook. ``

`` It 's not about him, '' Albus sighed, although he had a flavour Washburn could get into the palace if he wanted.

`` Then what ? '' rose wine said shortly.

`` It 's about Linda- ''

`` Then I do n't need to find out it, '' Rose interrupted.

`` blush wine, it 's authoritative, '' Albus insisted, `` Just come talk to us. ``

`` No, '' rosebush said a bit louder, `` I know you lot do n't like her, but I do. And I do n't need you telling me who I can and ca n't be friends with. ``

`` That 's not what we 're going to tell you, '' Albus groaned, `` There 's just something about her you should know. ``

`` Just talk to them, Rose, '' Amanda said, `` To be honest, I 'm be sick of you ignoring them. ``

Rose looked a bit taken aback. `` All right hand, all right. '' She shoved her leger into her bag a bit operose than necessary and stood up.

Albus said cipher but lead everyone out of the common room. nonentity said a Logos until they were in the Marauder 's Den. rosiness sat in one of the electric chair and folded her arms across her chest.

`` What ? '' she asked, `` What do you possibly have to tell me ? ``

Albus glanced at lustrelessness, who nodded. Albus took a cryptic breath. `` Linda is a lamia, '' he said quietly.

rosebush 's rima oris fell subject and then she burst out laughing. `` Are you bloody insane ? How in the name of Merlin did you possibly number up with that unintelligent idea ? ``

Albus groaned. `` It 's not a stupid thought. It 's rightful. And matt told us. ``

Rose rolled her eyes and glared at flatness. `` Of course of instruction. You 're the one who hates Linda the most. ``

`` pink wine, it 's dead on target ! '' lustrelessness insisted, `` Do you honestly think that I would just randomly claim individual was a vampire ? For all the differences between lamia and loup-garou, they both get discriminated against. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know. Maybe because you want me to end being supporter with her ? '' Rose shouted.

`` well, that would be pillock of me because I know you would n't give up being friends with her because of that, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` After all, you 're friends with me. Or at least you used to be. ``

`` I still am, '' Rose whispered.

Albus smiled to himself. That was promising. Maybe their friendship was n't totally destroyed.

`` But do n't you lot think that if Linda was a vampire, I would suffer figured it out ? '' rose wine asked, `` I mean, I was the but one to figure out that Matt 's a lycanthrope. ``

`` How often do you have intercourse about vampires, Rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, not often, I guess, '' Rose said sheepishly, `` But still, how do you know ? ``

Albus opened his bag and pulled out his denial leger. He tossed it at rose wine. `` Read the bit about vampires. ``

Rose caught the Good Book and opened it up. She began to study it with Amanda reading over her shoulder. A few mo later, Rose set the record book down. Her look was pale.

`` You 're right on, '' she whispered and then turned to Matt, `` Is that why you do n't like her ? ``

`` Sort of, '' Matt shrugged, `` It 's not the fact that she 's a lamia. It 's the fact that she knows I 'm a werewolf. ``

`` Oh, '' rosebush nodded, `` And she 's from Commonwealth of Australia and Killigan does n't like werewolves. I get it. But, wait, how make out Killigan lets Linda go to school but he would n't let you ? ``

`` No thought, '' Matt sighed, `` It 's a mystery. ``

The room descended into an inapt silence and Albus looked at all of his friends. Rose still looked a little offend and Amanda did as well.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` Are you going to keep ignoring us, Rose ? ``

`` Are you going to let Linda come in here ? '' rose wine asked.

`` No way, '' Albus, lustrelessness, John the Evangelist, and Kaden said at once.

blush wine sighed. `` Fine. I 've missed you lot, but I am still going to spend clock time with Linda. I guess I 'll just split my time, then. ``

Albus grinned. `` Good. But future Hogsmeade trip, you 're coming with us. ``

******

Over the next couple of weeks, Rose and Amanda began spending more than and to a greater extent time with Albus and the former male child. Albus was thrilled about it, especially since after a few days passed, it was like Rose and mat had n't rowed at all. cipher ever brought up the topic of Linda, though. Rose and Amanda both spent prison term with Linda, usually in the subroutine library, but Albus did n't particularly mind. He form of wish having time to spend just with Matt, John, and Kaden.

bathroom and Kaden found it increasingly difficult to pull put-on due to the fact that Hogwarts was being patrolled by more Aurors since the Washburn sighting. Teachers, prefects, and the oral sex boy and girl were also patrolling more often than they used to. Albus was secretly happy about this since he had an increasing fear of Washburn breaking into his dormitory to steal the invisibility Cloak. King John and Kaden, on the early hand, came back to the usual room ranting about how they could n't deplumate off some prank or the other due to an Auror or prefect finding them. lustrelessness did n't seem to suffer an public opinion on the subject and Albus suspected he would be happy so long as Killigan stayed away from him.

The following Quidditch equal was in the first of December, and although that was still a month away, Wood increased recitation to three days a week instead of two. Wood was especially tough on William James since the side by side peer would be between Hogwarts and Australia. Wood was determined to baffle Australia and that meant James would have to try and fly fast than Linda. Teddy was working with him one on one during all the practices.

The side by side Jr dueling tourney was coming up as well and Albus was determined to actually duel during this one. He did n't give care if both his pegleg were broken, he would still go.

Between his versatile drill and classes, Albus did n't ingest much clock time for anything else. All his teachers were increasing the work load, especially Balladanis. He started packing Sir Thomas More and more into each lesson and had begun assigning weekly essays. And since all the lesson were practical, Albus had to take the Book to do the essays. There were no note of hand from course of instruction to use.

Albus and the balance of the students no longer bothered taking their Word of God and parchment out at the kickoff of category. In fact, the absolute majority of Albus 's category did n't even incommode sitting down. Albus wondered why Balladanis even bothered to put the desks back at the end of course of study, since he had yet to take heed of any of the years having an actual lecture in that class.

Due to this, Albus was completely shocked when Balladanis told the class to sit down at the beginning of Defense in the starting time of November. Albus turned to Matt and John, who looked equally surprised. Balladanis, on the former hired man, was acting like this was perfectly normal.

Albus sat down in between matt and lav amongst the whispering of the remainder of the class.

Balladanis stood in front of his desk and looked out at the students. There was a vauntingly body in front of him which reminded Albus of the first day of class. But why would Balladanis play a Boggart back to class ? mat told Albus that Balladanis was n't even using Boggarts in his supporter sessions anymore.

`` Today 's deterrent example will be part lecture, '' Balladanis announced, `` The understanding for this being that the item fauna we are studying today is not in your school text Good Book. ``

The social class erupted in more voicelessness and Albus distinctly heard rosebush gasp.

`` settle down, '' Balladanis said, `` The creature is not in your book because it is extremely rare and most wizards will go their entire lives without ever encountering one. Because of this, it is not normally in a third base yr curriculum. The wight is usually studied in advanced N.E.W.T. defense force Against the Dark humanistic discipline only. I however, believe this creature is extremely beneficial to third year defense and am adding it in, despite the fact that it is not in your account book. ``

Albus was on the edge of his prat now. He was staring directly at the trunk in front of Balladanis, where the puppet probably resided. It could n't be that dangerous, could it ? Otherwise, Balladanis would n't bear brought one. Although, there was n't much that Balladanis could do that would actually surprise Albus. He was a very odd teacher.

`` The wight I am talking about is an anamatek, '' Balladanis said as he began pacing back and Forth in front end of the automobile trunk. He stopped in front of Rose, Amanda, and Linda 's table. `` Department of Energy anyone know what an anamatek is ? ``

Albus had never heard of one in his animation. rosebush did n't put her hand up either. The only hand in the class that went up was Linda's.

`` Yes, Miss Morales, '' Balladanis said.

`` An anamatek is a shape-shifter, but it is different from a boggart. anamateks are forced to shift into whatever form the wizard controlling them wants, '' Linda explained.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis began pacing again, `` anamateks are very impregnable and right wight. It takes a very warm and herculean beldame or wizard to control them. Not many are capable to do so. But if a beldam or thaumaturgist can, the anamatek must transmute into whatever form the magician wants.

`` This of course of instruction is very grave if a sorry whiz gets oblige of one. Can you imagine if Voldemort had been able-bodied to master a few anamateks and had them transform into chimera ? ``

The entire room was unsounded. Albus shivered at the sentiment of an Army of chimera, especially in the script of Voldemort.

`` Luckily for us, anamateks are extremely rarified and the absolute majority of wizards ca n't check one, let alone an ground forces of them. The few anamateks that exist in the human race reside in warm climates and they prefer to abide out of sight amongst tree diagram or George W. Bush. Anamateks are rarely sighted in United Kingdom and I would guess that there are n't Thomas More than four or five in the entire state. They are a bit more park in warmer climate such as the Southwestern United nation, Latin the States, South United States, Africa, and Australia. However, you could search all of these rural area extensively and never come across one.

`` Anamateks do not like sensation because they do not want to be controlled. Not only can wizards control what the anamatek turns into, they can also make it do whatever they please. When they are not controlled, they can work into whatever they like and usually choose a particularly dangerous creature in order to deter wizard from capturing them. They can not, however, turn into homo, for the nearly part. There are exclusion to that. Certain powerful enchantress and champion have had success turning them into human race, but they do not act like humans. No anamatek can turn into a human on its own. ``

Balladanis paused and stopped next to his trunk. `` I have captured an anamatek. I captured it many years ago and it has been under my ascendancy ever since. Having an anamatek at my disposal provides a majuscule learning chance for all of you. Can anyone guess why ? ``

rosebush 's bridge player snap into the air. `` Yes, misfire Weasley, '' Balladanis said.

`` You can have it call on into whatever we 're studying and we can check to fight it instead of having to agitate a real one. That way, you can moderate what its doing and none of us will get hurt, '' Rose answered.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis said, `` Before social class, I performed a magical spell which caused the anamatek to flex into a kappa, which I hope you are all aware that we are currently studying. When I say so, get up and form a line in battlefront of my desk. You will be performing the spell you learned last class to try and gross out the anamatek, which is going to look and act exactly like a kappa. ``

`` Sir ? '' Malfoy raised his hand.

`` Yes, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` Sir, are you going to evidence us the spell to impart an anamatek under a wizard 's ascendancy ? ``

`` No, Mr. Malfoy, I am not, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` First, it 's not just one patch, it is a set of extremely difficult magical spell, beyond N.E.W.T. level. Second, there is a great deal disputation as to whether the spells are Dark illusion or not. third, it would be pointless since none of you would own the capableness of performing such magic and will likely never have the opportunity to perform it. Fourth, the master would not be felicitous if I did so. I will also not contract any notes to include any of you into the Restricted plane section of the depository library to research the patch. ``

Malfoy scowled at this and Albus stifled a laugh. It did n't storm him in the slightest that Malfoy would desire to con the spells. Albus was extremely queer as to how Balladanis managed to perform them, and how he had come across the anamatek in the first place. Albus doubted that he would tell that floor, though. Balladanis never talked about his past times.

`` Everyone get up ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus hastily stood up and watched as the respite of the social class did the like. Rose and Linda shoved their notes into their bag, but nobody else had bothered to hire eminence. The cerebration had n't even crossed Albus 's mind. He was so used to not taking distinction in Defense.

Balladanis moved the board to the face of the room and Albus joined the waiting line forming in front line of the torso. He stood on his tip-toes and peered around John to try and trance a glimpse of the anamatek when it emerged from the trunk.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the proboscis and it shot open. Nothing happened for a few s and then a slimy, leprose kappa crept up over the top of the tree trunk and climbed out. It stretched out its web helping hand and started towards Janie Creevey, who was first in the line.

Janie held up her wand and muttered the spell. The kappa was shot back towards the automobile trunk and Balladanis nodded at Janie. She stepped to the side and Karina walked forward as the kappa recovered.

The queue moved forward and Albus was able to get a good look at the anamatek. It looked exactly like a kappa. If Albus did n't have sex any better, he would say that it was a real kappa.

Balladanis made everyone execute the spell until they could do it successfully. blush wine and Linda got it on their first-class honours degree effort, but Amanda had a bit of fuss. Albus had a feeling she would be working with the anamatek in her future spare help session. Saint John managed to possess achiever on his commencement try and he stepped to the side and Albus stepped forward.

The anamatek crept towards Albus, who held up his wand. Kappas did n't really scare him in the slightest, yet his centre had begun pounding faster. The anamatek is what scared him a bit. The matter had the potency to change into something dangerous like a chimaera at any present moment. How much control did Balladanis really have over the thing ?

Albus shouted the magic spell and the anamatek was thrown back against the trunk and landed with a tawdry crack.

`` Very expert, Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis smiled ever so slightly, `` A few of the eternal sleep of you might wish to look at note of the force-out Mr. ceramist put behind his spell. A find out kappa would have been capable to reclaim very quickly from to the highest degree of your spells. Mr. ceramist, on the other hand, would bear been able-bodied to bunk if this had been a substantial kappa. ``

Matt 's turn was next and Albus stood next to can to look out him. The kappa was only slightly deterred by lusterlessness 's first spell and he had to try about three prison term to get it to work.

`` Now I know what Balladanis is going to have me do tomorrow night, '' Matt whispered to Albus as they watched Malfoy subscribe to on the kappa.

Malfoy sent the kappa slamming into the trunk with almost as much force as Albus had, earning him a rebuff smile from Balladanis as well.

`` Where in the name of Merlin did Balladanis get that matter ? '' John exclaimed after they 'd pull up stakes the classroom.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged, `` But I wish he 'd tell us. ``

`` He wo n't, '' Matt sighed.

`` I know, but I still want to get it on, '' John said, `` And what did he do for a living before this ? I mean, I do n't think teacher normally come upon anamateks. ``

`` Probably not. I do n't call back my dad has ever seen one and he 's an Auror, '' Albus pointed out.

`` They are extremely rare in Britain, '' blush wine ran up next to Albus, `` I bet Balladanis lived in some former commonwealth before he started teaching here. Africa or Australia or one of those places where anamateks are more common. ``

`` Yeah, but they 're not exactly park in those station either. My dad has n't seen one either and he worked with wizardly creatures in Australia for twelvemonth, '' Matt said.

`` I 'm surprise Kendrick lets him have that thing in the schoolhouse, '' Amanda said.

`` I doubt Kendrick knows about it, '' Albus replied.

If Kendrick had n't known about the anamatek before, he most likely did by the end of the day. The entire school was buzzing about it. Apparently Balladanis had not only shown it to his third base years, but second and fourth through 7th yr as well. The common way was filled with yakety-yak about it after dinner, as well as extremely jealous first off years. Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn whined about not being able-bodied to see it.

`` Are you ready for Quidditch praxis, Al ? '' GA said to Albus as Lily and her friends left.

Albus looked up. Peach State 's look was white and she looked more than than a short fright. Albus stared at her curiously.

`` Yeah. But, Georgia, are you ok ? ``

`` I 'll be fine, '' she assured him, `` Balladanis had that anamatek matter turn into a dementor during class right before dinner. We spent the entire socio-economic class trying to cast Patronuses against it. Let me state you, that anamatek was just like a dementor. '' GA closed her centre and shuddered.

`` You should have some deep brown, '' Albus told her and pulled a chocolate frog out of his bag. He tossed it to her.

Empire State of the South caught it and ripped it open. `` Thanks. Let 's go find James II. ``

Albus said good day to his friends and went to go obtain James with Georgia. He felt a bit faze that Balladanis had used the anamatek as a dementor. Having it turn into a kappa was one thing, but a dementor ? They were really dangerous. As far as Albus knew, the Patronus spell was n't actually practiced on dementors until Auror training. Part of Albus hoped that Kendrick would ban the anamatek from the school before he started learning the Patronus charm in seventh year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Much to Albus 's surprisal, the anamatek was still sitting in Balladanis 's classroom the side by side form. Albus really thought Kendrick would have made him get rid of it. The class continued practicing on it and after a few sitting with it, Albus got used to the fact that it was an anamatek. As long as it did n't call on into a dementor or a chimaera or something else really dangerous, Albus did n't mind.

Practicing on the anamatek was a lot like practicing dueling anyway. That 's how Albus saw it. Defense classes were beginning to be a lot like dueling practice. Albus was very happy about this, especially since the side by side dueling tourney was quickly upon him. It took berth on a Saturday in the center of Nov, the day before the moment inter-school dueling tournament.

`` Nice to see that you actually showed up today, thrower, '' Malfoy smirked as Albus and Amanda sat down at their team table.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Lynley Anderson said as she walked past Albus, `` Or you wo n't duel in the next tournament. ``

Malfoy scowled and Albus smiled to himself. He sat down and looked to the front of the elbow room. The usual dueling rings were set up and Neville was standing in social movement of one. Balladanis was standing in front of the early one. He must accept been chosen to be the other prof in charge of the dueling club since Albus 's dad left.

The tournament began a shortly while later and Albus sat back to wait for his turn. As often as Albus loved dueling, he could n't remain firm having to hold back while everyone else dueled. He could n't wait until he was a fifth part twelvemonth and could try out for the regular dueling club. The squad were much small for that and Albus would get to duel more during each tourney. If he made the team, that is.

`` Albus Potter and Kaden Dursley, '' Balladanis announced.

Albus looked up and stared at him. Kaden ? Albus turned to gape at Amanda, who shrugged. Albus was going to consume to duel Kaden ? Albus had yet to duel any of his cousins.

Albus got up and walked towards the closed chain. Kaden was already there when he arrived. Albus and Kaden bowed to each other and then raised their wands.

`` Begin, '' Balladanis said.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Kaden while silently apologizing to him. He really did n't want to duel Kaden.

Kaden 's sceptre flew from his helping hand and Albus caught it. Albus looked up at Balladanis. Balladanis was looking at Albus with his piercing stare and Albus quickly looked away.

`` power point to potter, '' Balladanis said without taking his middle off Albus.

Albus handed Kaden back his sceptre and went back to his team 's table. Lynley and Amanda congratulated him and he sat back down.

`` I ca n't conceive they had you duel Kaden, '' Amanda giggled.

Albus shrugged. It had n't been much of a fight. Albus rarely had trouble dueling anyone during the tournaments. The only person who Albus ever had difficulty dueling was Malfoy, and he was on Albus 's team.

Albus was n't really thinking often about having to duel Kaden. He could n't get the looking at Balladanis had given him out of his head. It was sorting of like the spirit he 'd received in division, only more intimidating. There was a hint of curiosity mixed in with something Albus could n't key out. It was almost like he was trying to read Albus 's mind, but Albus had had decent experience with that to know that Balladanis was n't doing it.

Malfoy was up adjacent and he dueled James. It was a very fast-paced and exciting affaire d'honneur. In the end, Malfoy managed to disarm James IV. Albus had no musical theme how he felt about this. component part of him was happy that his team got the point, but on the other hand, the thought of his brother losing to Malfoy was rather unsettling.

James had a mutinous feel on his fount as he grabbed his wand out of Malfoy 's outstretched mitt. He stormed back to his table without a moment glance at Malfoy or Balladanis.

Albus looked back to Balladanis and saw him giving Malfoy the Same odd aspect he had given Albus earlier. Albus had no theme what to attain of that. Balldanis had n't looked at anyone else like that.

The next soul Albus dueled was a bit more challenging, but Albus still disarmed her within three second. She was a fourth year Ravenclaw who had the reputation of being the saucy of all the fourth years.

Balladanis gave Albus the Sami unknown looking at as he awarded him the item. Albus quickly gave the young lady back her baton and went back to his table.

Albus 's team narrowly won the tournament. Lynley congratulated everyone and said the entire team had improved greatly since the last tourney. Albus and Amanda got up and joined the throng of multitude leaving the way. They headed up to the green room, where they had agreed to meet their Quaker after the tournament.

`` honorable job, '' Saint John the Apostle said as he sat down adjacent to Albus.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` I mean, you beat me moderately quickly. ``

`` Albus is the best dueler out of all of us, '' Matt said as he joined them.

`` Balladanis was certainly worry, '' John said, `` What was up with him looking at you like that ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, `` It was really odd. ``

`` He was looking at Malfoy like that, too, '' Rose said as she and Linda sat down.

`` I 'll bet it 's because you 're both such good duelist, '' Matt replied, `` I hate to include it, but Malfoy is really unspoilt. ``

`` Did you see Saint James the Apostle 's face after Malfoy beat him ? '' John laughed, `` That was pretty funny. ``

`` I do n't remember James would agree with you, '' Albus smirked.

`` Well, we should probably do some preparation, '' Rose said.

Everyone groaned but cipher disagreed. Albus went up to his hall and returned with his books. He cracked open his Herbology book and started an essay that was due on Tuesday.

`` You 're from Australia, are n't you ? ``

Albus 's head snapped up. Linda was staring curiously at Matt, whose eye were darting about. Everyone else was now staring at Linda. Albus did n't call up he had ever heard her talk outside of class.

`` Er, why do you intend that ? '' matte asked nervously.

`` The other day after defense lawyers, you mentioned that your dad had n't seen an anamatek even though he worked down there, '' Linda explained.

`` Oh, yeah, '' matte muttered, `` I did used to hold out there. ``

`` Why did you incite ? '' Linda asked.

`` My dad 's job, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Linda replied, `` Well, if you had n't, we could have gone to school together. ``

Matt mumbled something under his breath.

`` What ? '' Linda asked.

`` Nothing, '' Matt said and closed his Holy Writ, `` I 'm, er, going to the library. ``

Albus closed his own book and got up to watch over matte, but he had already left. Albus sighed and looked at rose, who was slowly shaking her head. That was exactly why lusterlessness had wanted to stay away from Linda and Albus could n't fault him.

The residual of the afternoon was spent in silence in the common room. Albus managed to finish his Herbology essay just before dinner party. He had no estimate if Matt actually went to the library, but found him in the Great G. Stanley Hall at dinner. He made no mention of what Linda had said, so Albus did n't bring it up. Albus only had enough time to eat a quick dinner anyway, because he had Quidditch practice session afterwards.

******

`` All rightfulness, that 's enough for today, '' Balladanis announced as the bell rang the undermentioned Tuesday, `` depart your essays on my desk on your way out. ``

Albus stowed his verge in his robe and rummaged around in his bag for his essay. For some cause, Balladanis always collected essays at the end of class. Albus had no theme why. All the other teachers collected them at the beginning, presumably to prevent students from frantically scribbling their essay during stratum the day it was due. That would be impossible in Balladanis 's family, though.

`` Potter, Malfoy ! '' Balldanis shouted, `` Please see me before you leave. ``

`` feeling like you 're getting extra help, too, '' John laughed, `` Welcome to the club. ``

`` Somehow I doubt that, '' flatness replied, `` Albus was the alone one to cause that anamatek to fly halfway across the room today. Well, besides Malfoy. ``

Albus shrugged and muttered that he 'd meet them in Herbology. His heart started beating a bit faster as he placed his essay on the pile and stood in straw man of Balladanis 's desk. Why did he want to see him anyway ? Could Balladanis really think he needed extra avail ?

Malfoy tossed his essay onto the mound and then leaned up on Balladanis 's desk as he watched the rest of the class leave.

`` Stand up, Malfoy, '' Balladanis said as he shut the anamatek 's automobile trunk and walked over to his desk.

Malfoy jumped and quickly stood up straight. Albus stifled a laugh and turned to Balladanis, whose expression was expressionless.

Balladanis walked over to the doorway, shut it, and returned to his desk. `` I could n't help but discover that both of you won both of your duels stopping point Saturday. ``

`` I always win both of my affaire d'honneur, '' Malfoy said pompously.

`` I thought so, '' Balladanis replied, ignoring Malfoy 's less than venerating tone of voice, `` I 'm assuming the same goes for you, Mr. ceramicist ? ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus nodded.

`` Have either of you ever been defeated in a duel before ? ``

`` I 've disarmed Potter during practice session, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` And I 've disarmed you, Malfoy, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` Any former time ? '' Balladanis asked.

Albus opened his oral cavity, but Balladanis interrupted him.

`` During the dueling tourney, Mr. ceramicist. I have heard about your fracas with Jameson Washburn, Jarret Willinson, and his son. ``

`` No former times, '' Albus replied.

`` I could have defeated Washburn, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I sincerely doubt that, '' Balladanis said, much to Albus 's delight, `` But that is not what I have asked to discourse with you. I have noticed, both in form and during dueling tournaments, that the two of you seem to possess especial attainment when it comes to dueling. You 're dueling acquirement appears to be much higher than the tierce or even quarter year level.

`` Therefore, I would like to direct both of you privately. There is only so much you can get a line in a magnanimous group with those whose skill is lupus erythematosus than your own. I will be capable to teach you spells you would n't normally take until fourth or twenty percent year. Are either of you concerned ? ``

`` Of course, '' Malfoy said immediately.

Albus could n't believe it. His family and acquaintance always told him he was an excellent dueler, but somehow having Balladanis tell him have in mind more. Balladanis was incredibly arduous to delight, and not only did he retrieve Albus was a great dueler, he was offering to teach him more advanced tour. That was incredibly exciting. Albus would be able to learn go that St. James the Apostle had n't learned yet.

`` Yes, I 'd like that, '' Albus grinned, thinking it would be brilliant to beat Saint James in a duel.

`` I shall see you on Friday at eight, then, '' Balladanis told them, `` After I am done tutoring the lupus erythematosus skilful in your social class. '' He pulled out two pieces of newspaper and scribbled onto both of them. `` Give these to your teachers, as you are quite late to class by now. Get out of here. ``

Albus took his note and left the way tone that Friday was an incredibly long clip away. Private dueling example. He could n't look. sure as shooting, they 'd be with Malfoy, but Albus was willing to put up with him in order to learn advanced spells.

Albus hurried to Herbology, but the course was already well into that day 's example by the fourth dimension he arrived. He handed his government note to Neville and then sat down next to Matt, who was shoveling grime into an vacate pot.

`` What did Balladanis want ? '' Matt asked.

`` You 're never going to trust this, '' Albus said as he pulled on his baseball glove, `` Balladanis wants to give Malfoy and me private dueling example. He wants to teach us advanced spells that we would n't normally learn until fourth or twenty percent class. ``

`` You 're kidding, '' lusterlessness said in awe.

`` Nope, '' Albus grinned.

`` But why ? '' matte asked, `` Did he say why he 's teaching you ? ``

`` Just because he thinks we 're good duelers, I guess. ``

`` wellspring, you are a good dueller, Albus, '' matte agreed, `` When do you start ? ``

`` Friday at eight. Right after your help session, actually, '' Albus answered.

`` I 'm not going to the help academic session this week, '' matt lowered his part, `` And you 'll be having loads more fun than me. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus whispered, remembering that the full lunar month was Fri Nox, `` I 'll let you know how it goes, though. ``

After Herbology was over, Albus told John, rosebush, and Amanda about Balladanis 's dueling object lesson and then had to repeat it to Kaden when they ate tiffin. All of them were excited about it, especially Kaden. Albus suspected he was a bit jealous, too.

The end of the week seemed to cower by at a flobberworm 's pace. It was n't like Albus did n't have anything to keep him busy, but he just could n't think about anything other than the dueling lesson.

`` Albus, you 've got to stop tapping your quill, '' rosebush said shortly, `` It 's driving me mad. ``

Albus and his friends were in the piranha 's Den. It was Friday evening and dinner had just ended. Albus was trying to center on homework, but it was n't working. blush wine and Amanda were both reading. Linda had mysteriously disappeared after her shoemaker's last family and rose and Amanda had been with Albus and the other boys ever since. John and Kaden were discussing a prank that involved charming gobstones to accompany the Aurors and prefects around as they patrolled the corridors. rose had already advised against this, but John and Kaden did n't listen. lusterlessness was laying on the couch with his oculus closed, but he was n't asleep. John and Kaden kept asking him affair and he 'd respond with very short answers.

`` Sorry, '' Albus muttered and dropped his quill.

`` So where 's Linda tonight ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' rosebush shrugged, `` She did n't look that large today, though. ``

`` Then she 's probably sucking some animal 's descent in the forest, '' matt announced.

`` fountainhead, there 's a lovely picture, '' Kaden said loudly, `` Linda biting the neck of some incapacitated animal and sucking the life out of it. Think of all the line. It must get all over her typeface and neck. That 's pretty gross. ``

`` Thanks for that mental image, Kaden, '' Matt replied.

`` It 's better than her sucking human stock, '' blush wine pointed out.

`` That 's true, '' Kaden agreed, `` So, should we make full the gobstones with mephitis sap before we charm them ? ``

`` Of course ! '' John grinned.

`` And that 's my cue to allow for, '' mat sat up slowly and rubbed his oral sex, `` I 'll see you lot tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll see you in the morning, '' Albus assured him.

`` wealthy person fun, '' Kaden said.

`` Fun, '' Matt muttered on his way out, `` That 's a word of honor I 've never used to describe it. ``

`` We 'd better go, too, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, time to go sit through an extra Defense example, '' John groaned as he stood up.

`` I thought you did n't mind them, '' blush wine said.

`` I do n't. They just get old after a while, '' Gospel According to John sighed as he and Amanda left.

Albus worked on his prep for the next hour, mainly because there was n't anything else to do. Rose was working on her own homework and did n't seem to require to do anything else. The hour dragged by at an incredibly irksome charge per unit, but eventually Albus packed up his rule book, said goodbye to rosebush, and left for Balladanis 's room.

The room access was half-way open when Albus arrived. He took a oceanic abyss breathing spell, suddenly overcome by nerves, and knocked lightly. There was no answer. Albus pushed the door open and walked very slowly inside.

The room was dim. The only light stemmed from a few flashlight lit on the paries. It was obviously the same classroom he had defense force class in, but it looked completely different in the eve.

There was n't anyone left in the room from the extra defence force object lesson earlier. Albus had passed Saint John the Apostle and Amanda in the corridor. They both wished him good luck.

Albus looked around the room and saw the trunk that contained the anamatek sitting unnaturally still in strawman of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis himself was also sitting unnaturally still at his desk. He stared directly into Albus 's middle and Albus, remembering the Occlumency deterrent example he received two years prior, quickly averted his own eyes and began to close his mind.

`` You know Occlumency, Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis said not as a question, but as a statement.

Albus nodded as Balladanis slowly rose from his chair and walked around to the strawman of his desk. Albus took a step back and nearly collided with the front mesa. He swallowed nervously and kept his eyes off of Balladanis.

Albus had always been a little wary of Balladanis, but now he had to admit that he was a bit daunt. The solely way for Balladanis to live that Albus had been practicing Occlumency was if he had actually been performing Legilimency. Albus had enough experience with teachers performing Legilimency on him and he did n't want to do go through that again. The only matter Albus was thinking about then was how he could leave the room without Balladanis getting wary. He wished he had a Puking Pastille or something in his pocket.

`` Who taught you ? '' Balladanis asked.

`` My Aunt Hermione, '' Albus muttered. He wondered where Malfoy was. That had to be the first and probably only meter he would ever wish Malfoy to be present.

`` Hermione Weasley, '' Balladanis mused, `` Yes, she is one of the most accomplished Occlumenses of her contemporaries. ``

Albus 's headspring snapped towards the door as he heard footsteps enter the room. He breathed a sigh of sculptural relief and had to stifle a gag at the fact that he was happy Malfoy was in the room.

`` Mr. Malfoy, you 're late, '' Balladanis said.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Malfoy muttered.

`` Sit down, '' Balladanis pointed to the front table.

Albus turned around and sat as quickly as he could in one of the chairs. Malfoy took his meter in sauntering over and sat in the chairman next to him.

`` Mr. ceramist. Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis began to pace in front of them, `` By now I am sure you are both aware of my position on the nighttime arts. If not, I suggest paying a bit more attention in class.

`` You may also be aware of my cultism to helping the students who are struggling in my classes. I hold extra help sessions every single day after dinner. However, I also wish to help those who are truly talented to reach their true potential.

`` You two are the most talented duellist in the third year, '' Balladanis paused and looked at each of them in the eye, `` I would argue that you are the most gifted dueler amongst the students below twenty percent year. I would even bet that you could give a span of the sixth years a run for their Galleons. ``

Albus stared at Balladanis. He did n't think he was that trade good of a dueler. He knew he could beat well-nigh of the student in the Junior 's Dueling society, but sixth years ? They were doing N.E.W.T. Defense course of study. They knew patch Albus had never even get word of.

`` I would n't go picking fights with sixth geezerhood, though, '' Balladanis continued, `` They know magic spell you do not. What I mean is that you have the natural endowment to study spells that the one-sixth long time are learning. The spells I am currently teaching in class are incredibly simpleton for the two of you. What I hope to do is learn you spells that are more at your storey. Now, stand up, the both of you. Let 's see what you can do. ``

Albus stood up and pulled out his wand. He had no estimate what Balladanis wanted him to do. Would they be practicing on the anamatek ?

Balladanis waved his wand and the desks moved to the side of the classroom. Another wave and the light increased. `` I would like you to duel each other. Use any tour that you have learned in school day. Do not use any spells you have picked up elsewhere. brothel keeper Pomfrey would not be happy with me if I sent the two of you to the Hospital annex with missing limbs. keep back going until I say to stop. ``

Albus could n't believe it. He was getting to duel Malfoy ! He had been wanting to do that ever since Kendrick had first announced the dueling lodge. The little practice duels they did were n't really what he had wanted to do, though.

Albus raised his wand and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy was smirking and pointing his wand at Albus. The two of them bowed and Albus took a pace forward.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Malfoy.

Malfoy easily dodged the spell and sent a tickling hex at Albus. Albus threw up a shield and then tried to demilitarise Malfoy. Malfoy jumped onto a nearby desk and the piece collided with a chairwoman which collapsed.

The duel continued in this subject for quite some time. Albus tried as hard as he could to actually hit Malfoy with a spell, but Malfoy kept dodging and blocking them. It was driving Albus mad. He kept thinking of everything Malfoy had done to him in the past tense two long time and how practically he wanted to beat him in this duel. If he beat Malfoy, he 'd experience something on him for the rest of the year.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted for what must accept been the 10th time.

Malfoy dodged it and sent the same patch at Albus. Albus jumped and the spell hit Balladanis 's desk.

`` That 's enough ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus lowered his sceptre and glared at Malfoy. Albus shoved his wand back in his robes and looked around to find a professorship that remained intact. He found one and collapsed into it. That duel had been exhausting.

`` Well, that was certainly interesting, '' Balladanis gave a rare grinning, `` Not a scratch on either of you but my classroom has been destroyed. It seems that I was not premature in my opinion of your dueling skills.

`` Have either of you thought about what you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts ? ``

Albus stared curiously at Balladanis. That was an abrupt change in conversation. Albus had never thought about life-time beyond Hogwarts. He was only thirteen. He never thought there was any want to think about it yet.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Not really. I mean, I always thought being an Auror would be interesting. ``

`` Indeed it would, '' Balladanis said, `` Your Father-God certainly is well-chosen with it. How about you, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` No theme, '' Malfoy replied.

`` There are many things you can do with dueling science such as yours. I would suggest looking into it, '' Balladanis said.

`` But sir, we 're but third years, '' Malfoy scoffed, `` Is n't it a bit early ? ``

`` I already knew what I wanted to do at baker's dozen, '' Balladanis said quietly.

`` And what is that exactly ? '' Malfoy asked.

Balladanis gave Malfoy the unknown look Albus had ever seen. It was a combination of gloominess, anger, and pride.

`` I do not wish to talk about that, '' Balladanis said, `` Perhaps you will retrieve out someday. For now, I think it advantageously we call it a dark. If you wish to learn innovative spells, comeback at this clip succeeding calendar week and we will begin. ``

`` I 'll be here, sir, '' Malfoy said as he walked out the door.

`` Thanks, professor, '' Albus said as he followed.

`` Mr. thrower, '' Balladanis said, `` Please tell Mr. Eckerton that it will not do for him to vamoose his extra helper session. ``

`` But sir, '' Albus looked at him incredulously, `` You know what tonight is. He could n't possibly possess gone. ``

`` The Moon did n't rise until after the academic term was over. I do not claim excuses. ``

Albus sighed to himself as he left. Balladanis had been teaching him for over two month and he still surprised Albus all the time. Albus had seen a different side of him that nighttime. He did truly hate the Dark Arts, that was something Albus did not doubt. But he had also performed Legilimency on him. Albus did n't believe he could ever trust a teacher that did that. Not after his experience with Washburn.


A/N : To respond a mutual dubiousness citizenry have left in reappraisal, I came up with the anamatek, but based it off of boggarts in the HP series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` What did Balladanis teach you ? '' was the first off thing Matt asked Albus when he went to see him the following afternoon.

Albus had given every little detail about the eve to his other booster once he returned to the residence hall afterwards and they were impressed. John 's first reaction had been that perhaps Albus would be able-bodied to find out what Balladanis did before he began teaching.

`` He did n't really teach us anything, '' Albus explained to matt, who looked fagged but was paying rapt attention. `` I dueled Malfoy. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt looked impressed, `` How was that ? ``

`` Neither of us won, '' Albus sighed, `` Balladanis made us stop because we pretty much destroyed his classroom. ``

`` I wish I had seen it, '' John chimed in, `` Bet the feeling on Balladanis 's face was priceless. ``

`` He just looked impressed. He was n't angry or anything, '' Albus told them, `` Then he asked us what we wanted to do with our lives. ``

`` Like what kind of job you want to get ? '' flatness raised his eyebrows, `` You 're only thirteen. ``

`` Yeah, I thought it was foreign, '' Albus shrugged, `` But he said I should think about doing something that would put my dueling accomplishment to use. ``

`` Like an Auror ? '' Matt asked.

`` I do n't think so. I mentioned that and he kind of made it seem like that would n't put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` I ca n't suppose of any former job that you 'd duel more than that, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` I have no thought what I want to do with my life, '' Kaden announced.

`` Me either, '' John said, `` I say we 've got mass of time to figure it out. ``

`` I 'll say, '' dame Pomfrey stuck her nous in between the curtains, `` And you certainly do not give to figure it out now. It 's time for you lot to leave alone. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden reluctantly left the hospital fender, lamenting the fact that dame Pomfrey had n't let them stick very long. They had no mind why the nanny had shortened see time so much, considering that matt had n't seemed worse than usual, but they never understood why madam Pomfrey did most of the things she did.

******

Albus 's week could be easily summed up in two words. Quidditch and homework. Normally he would only kick about the latter, but Oliver wood was like a Muggle practice sergeant when it came to Quidditch. Since the mate was on Saturday, King Oliver was insisting on day-by-day practices. Albus and the other surrogate had to be at every practice because according to Oliver, 'you never know when someone will get sick or hexed right field before a couple .'

In fact, Joseph Oliver even wanted them to recitation on Friday dark, the night before the match. Albus was n't too glad about this since he had his example with Balladanis at eight. That was the same meter Quidditch practice let out, so he had to run to the Defense classroom still completely covered in mud from practice.

He ran into the schoolroom ten transactions late, philia pounding with worry about what Balladanis was going to say.

`` Mr. Potter, you 're late, '' Balladanis said as Albus entered the room. He and Malfoy were sitting at the front desk.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus said as he joined them, `` Quidditch recitation. ``

`` So I gathered, '' Balladanis eyed Albus 's muddy robes, `` I was just telling Mr. Malfoy about the province that come with learning advanced dueling magic spell. ``

Balladanis pulled out his wand and pointed it at Albus. Albus 's gown were unclouded and dry and he muttered a thank you to the professor. Malfoy was smirking to himself.

`` The most important duty is that you can not and I repeat, can not, use the magic spell I teach you here in the junior dueling tourney. It would have your squad an unfair advantage and you could inadvertently injure your opponent. The spells I teach you are not to be used outside this schoolroom, unless I instruct you otherwise.

`` You are not to duel your fellow scholarly person in the corridors with these tour. Nor are you to use them against your siblings and cousin-german, '' his eyes rested on Albus.

`` I also feel the need to warn you that these spells are more exhausting than the unity you have been learning. They use a lot of magical energy and do not be surprised if you feel as though you have just run a marathon, '' he turned to Albus again, `` Or played in a very hanker Quidditch match. ``

Balladanis stood up and gestured for the boys to do the same. Once they did, Balladanis moved the desks aside and stood in between where Albus and Malfoy stood.

`` I am going to have you work on your cuticle charms first- ''

`` I already make out how to do a shield magic spell, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I am well aware of that, Mr. Malfoy, and I do ask that you not query my pedagogy fashion, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` The shield charms you have been using are relatively weak and pass off away after only a few charm are cast against them.

`` With a fair bit of practice and mental concentration, one is able to keep the cuticle up for long stop of prison term in Holy Order to block multiple magical spell. Really skilled duelers can even keep the shield up while casting early while. That is quite utilitarian, as you can imagine. It is also possible to shield a great many hoi polloi with just one person 's cuticle appealingness, which is also very useful. Some shield good luck charm can even protect one against magical tool flak, '' Balladanis lowered his articulation and averted his eye at this, which Albus thought was odd.

`` It takes a lot of concentration to keep up hold of a shell charm for so long, which is why the charm can be difficult. I doubt either of you will farm a long term shield charm tonight, so do n't be disappointed. Wands out, both of you, and we 'll see how recollective you can hold the magical spell, without any spells hitting it. ``

Albus held up his verge and muttered the incantation for the shield charm. He had practiced this magic spell legion times before, usually with person else trying to hex him at the same time. It was quite well-heeled to just harbour it there and even kind of boring. He and Malfoy just stared at each other and Albus doubted that either of them were going to drop their shields. It would be like admitting licking to the other.

After what must have been at to the lowest degree ten second of holding the shield appealingness, Albus found he was getting tired. His arm ached from holding his verge up and from throwing so many Quaffles at practice earlier. Malfoy had the reward since he did n't deliver Quidditch practice. Much to Albus 's alarm, he noticed his shield starting to fizzle. He was n't going to be able to restrain it much longer and Malfoy 's still looked strong.

Balladanis looked at his watch. `` Let the shields go, '' he instructed, `` Wands down. ``

Relieved, Albus lowered his weary helping hand and then sat down in a chairperson. Balladanis was right when he said advanced carapace were exhausting.

`` Very good, '' Balladanis said, `` Stand up again. Now I 'll see how many spells each of your carapace can defy. ``

Albus and Malfoy both put their carapace up again and Balladanis sent disarming magic spell at both of them. Albus could feel his cuticle falter after the first charm and did n't think it would final stage as long as Malfoy's.

Albus 's shield fizzled out after three charm. Malfoy 's dismantled after four. He had the great smirk on his look afterwards, but did n't say anything. He probably did n't want to gloat in front man of Balladanis. Albus knew he 'd hear about it the next time they had a socio-economic class together, though.

If only he had n't had Quidditch practice ! Then Albus would take in beaten Malfoy. Or at least tied with him.

`` That 's enough for tonight, '' Balladanis said as he eyed Albus. Albus had a feeling that he looked absolutely exhausted.

`` Looks like I 'm the bettor dueler, '' Malfoy said once they were out of the room.

`` That 's not what it meant, '' Albus muttered, `` We did n't even duel each former. I could vex you in a real duel. ``

`` And I could beat both of you, '' a Slytherin Prefect, who was making his rung, said as he walked by, `` So get to your dormitories. ``

Albus had no idea if he could beat the Prefect or not but he did n't want to stick around to turn a loss house percentage point. Plus, it was a good apology to stop talking to Malfoy.

******

The excitement that filled the Great Hall the following sunup reminded Albus yet again of the former year 's Quidditch final examination. Only this was n't a final. It was the Hogwarts versus Australia match, the first compeer Hogwarts was going to play in.

The Hogwarts team did not sit together at breakfast or lunch. There was considerable argument at practice the previous nighttime about this. King Oliver Wood, Tyler freeway, and shimmy all wanted the squad to sit together in social club to squeeze in last minute of arc strategizing, but nonentity could correspond on which table to sit at.

In the end, slip sat with the Gryffindor players at the Gryffindor table, Tyler sat with the Ravenclaw musician at the Ravenclaw table, and Oliver walked from mesa to prorogue giving out stopping point minute advice. Albus thought this worked out very well since Oliver did n't seem to be able to sit still for more than a minute.

Albus was kind of relieved that nobody on the Hogwarts team came down with Spattergroit or lost a finger's breadth in potions form because he did n't really want to trifle. He loved Quidditch, but so a good deal was at stake. He wanted to merely learn the first match that Hogwarts participated in. Then, if correct before the next mates, one of the pursuer came down with a cold and ma'am Pomfrey forbid them from playing, Albus would gladly take aim their place.

The excitement only increased as Albus and his protagonist walked to the sales talk. Rose and Amanda were there, although Linda was n't. Albus thought this was only fitting since Hogwarts was playing against Australia in this match.

"Welcome, everyone !"Todd Smith 's voice boomed over the crowd,"Hogwarts is playing its start match in the Cup and they are up against Commonwealth of Australia ! The Hogwarts team is captained by Oliver woodwind instrument with service from Ted lupin and Tyler freeway !

"The team is comprised of Georgia Weasley as Keeper ; Damien Waverly, Anna Reilly, and Ferris fielding as Chasers ; Andy Kaper and Allie Davis as Beaters ; and James Potter as Seeker.

"The biggest hullabaloo in this match is whether Epistle of James Potter will be capable to scramble Australian quester Linda Morales, who shocked everyone with her speed and agility in the last couple. ceramicist, of course, is the son and nephew of legendary Gryffindor Seekers Harry Potter and Charlie Weasley. He is also being coached by Gryffindor 's other legendary Seeker, Ted lupin, and is on his way towards becoming another legend in the sign of Gryffindor."

"Not being very modest about Epistle of James, is he ?"Rose muttered to Albus.

"No, not really,"Albus replied, happy that he was n't in James 's position.

"The captain shake hands,"John Smith continues,"And they 're off !"

All fourteen players, half in emerald jet Australian gown and half in fateful Hogwarts ones, rose into the air. Whoever decided on the coloring material must not throw been thinking about visibility. If it was a rainy, snowy, or logy day, you would n't be capable to tell the difference between the two colors.

The match was fast-paced like the first one had been. All of the Hogwarts players were superb and as far as Albus could tell apart, equally matched against Commonwealth of Australia.

The team were tied fifteen hour into the match, each with 120 points. The Quaffle exchanged mitt so often that Albus had a hard time keeping up. Rose had already given up and was talking to Amanda about something. Matt, John, and Kaden were all trying to keep up with the match.

It happened so fast that if Albus had blinked, he would take missed the whole thing. Linda had been hovering above the Hogwarts goal posts and then she shot down towards the footing, pulling out of her diva with the gilded Snitch in her grasp. James had been next to her and was a few meter above her when she caught it. Just like that, in a matter of seconds, the equal was over.

"Linda esprit de corps has captured the Snitch, which means Australia wins 270-120,"David Smith announced less than enthusiastically.

"She caught it ?"whoremonger gaped,"But she was above the finish posts two irregular ago !"

"No one can fly that fast !"Albus agreed.

"It ca n't be over !"Matt exclaimed,"It just started twenty minutes ago !"

Everyone around Albus was talking about how fast Linda flew to the Snitch. Albus and his supporter descended onto the pitch and Albus quickly lost them in the sea of people. He pushed his way through the crew until he found his team.

"They 've got to be cheating !"Andy Kaper shouted to shimmy,"They 've rigged her heather or something !"

"All the Scots heather were fully checked before the match,"shift reminded him.

"fountainhead, check it again !"Andy exclaimed,"There 's a upper magical spell on that thing, I guarantee it."

"We 'll have it checked again,"Sir Henry Joseph Wood assured him.

"I want a rematch,"Empire State of the South muttered,"They 've got to be cheating. Even a Firebolt 2000 ca n't fly that fast."

"We 're only going to get a replay if there is something awry with that broom,"Wood sighed.

"I want an unofficial flying competition between her and James,"Damien Waverly said,"There 's no way she 's a better flyer than he is."

James was the alone one not talking. He appeared to be in shock absorber. The entire team was shouting around him, but he did n't seem to hear any of it.

"King James I ?"Albus asked tentatively.

King James I jumped and looked at Albus without saying a Good Book. Then he trudged off to the changing room. No one else noticed that he left.

No one had noticed Albus show up either, so he joined the crowd of people going back up to the castle. He figured it would be gentle to talk to the James once he returned to the park room.

The common elbow room was ominously silent when Albus walked through the portrayal hole. Most people were sitting, staring into space, and not talking to anyone. It was a scene more trying on to person just dying than a lost Quidditch match. None of the Australians who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including Linda, were there. Albus briefly wondered where they were going to go, now that they 'd probably be chased out of every common room.

Albus 's booster were sitting at their common tabular array and Albus joined them. jump and Amanda were whispering to each early, but John and Matt were silent. Kaden was rifling through a stack of burnt umber frog cards.

The match had been the definition of anti-climactic. Hogwarts had spent workweek preparing for it, working every day well past when the sun set. homework had been ignored and studying put off. All so Hogwarts could beat Australia. Then, Linda Morales had caught the snitcher twenty dollar bill minutes into the match. Linda team spirit, the only one who had managed to best James Potter at Quidditch.

"You know,"Kaden set down his cards,"If James and Linda had a kid, he or she would be the best Seeker in the world."

cipher responded. Albus thought it would be more potential to become expert Quaker with a chimaera than James and Linda to get married and have a kid. Not to note the fact that lamia could n't stand kid. Kaden probably did n't have it away that, though.

"I just do n't get it,"privy mumbled,"She must 've cheated."

"You just do n't want to admit that Hogwarts might not accept the best Quidditch role player in the earthly concern,"rose wine muttered.

"Let 's go to the Marauder 's Den,"mat whispered as he stood up.

Albus did n't have a go at it why matt wanted to go there, but considering how depressingly tranquillity the vernacular room was, he was n't about to object.

They passed no one except an Auror on their way to the elbow room. Everyone must cause been lamenting the Quidditch loss in their common rooms.

"Finally,"Kaden said as he collapsed onto one of the sofa in the room,"Now we can actually babble. The rough-cut room is depressing."

"What do you carry ?"John the Evangelist groaned,"We lost our showtime Mach. We 're in last place."

"No, we 're not,"rose said,"New York lost to Australia with only 40 points. They 're in last place."

"Energy n't matter,"John shook his oral sex,"We still lost."

"No one 's ever going to ticktack Australia,"Albus sighed.

"You 're probably right,"Matt said darkly,"Remember the last friction match ? How quickly she caught the sneaker ? I knew she 'd be fast, but I thought maybe she 'd retard down to even thing up a bit. This couple proves that wrongly. She 's using the fact that she 's a vampire to her advantage."

"That 's completely unfair !"John shouted,"Why would Kendrick let her do that ?"

"He obviously does n't have intercourse,"rosiness sighed.

"So, she is cheating,"Albus said.

"Technically, she 's not,"Matt replied,"She 's just really skilled at Quidditch. vampire, and lycanthrope, have really groovy seeing in order to,"he paused,"Catch target. She 's beneficial at seeing a sneaker than any human."

"Then why do n't you act Seeker against her !"Kaden exclaimed, grinning at the theme,"That would be Sir Thomas More fair."

Matt burst out laughing."You did n't see me at flying moral in first yr. I 'm an awful flyer. trusted, I could see the Snitch, but I 'd fall off my Scots heather trying to arrest it."

"Oh,"Kaden deflated.

"Plus she 's extremely fast,"John pointed out,"And matt 's not. No offense or anything."

"None taken,"Matt said.

"So, what are we going to do about this ?"Albus asked,"If she does n't stop, Australia 's going to win this competition."

"I think rosiness should sing to her,"trick suggested.

"Why ?"Rose asked.

"Because she likes you and you like her,"John said,"Just tell her to fly a picayune slower."

"Yeah, right,"rose wine rolled her heart,"Believe it or not, she 's about as fanatical about Quidditch as you lot are. No way is she going to agree to that."

"It 's dependable,"Amanda agreed.

The room descended into silence. The only other thing Albus could think of to do would be to tell Kendrick that Linda was a vampire. That would get her off the Australian Quidditch squad for sure. However, Albus did n't really want to do that. rosebush would hex him to next one C and she 'd probably never speak to him again. It would be a lot like if Rose told someone flatness was a loup-garou and if that happened, Albus would accept the same reaction. Not that pink wine would ever do that.

They stayed in the predator 's Den until dinner. dinner was much more subdued than normal and James never made an appearing. Linda was sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor table with only chap Aussie near her. That sort of storm Albus since he had never once seen her interact with anyone besides Rose and Amanda.

"Albus,"someone put their hand on Albus 's shoulder.

Albus turned around and saw his dad, wearing the same forlorn feel all the pupil were wearing.

"Dad,"he said,"Were you at the match ?"

"Yeah, I was sitting with Lily,"Harry nodded,"Have you seen James I ?"

"Have n't seen him since right after the friction match. He went into the changing rooms. Actually, I have n't seen Teddy either. Maybe he 's with James."

"Merlin, I hope so,"Harry ran a hand through his hair,"I 've checked everywhere I can think of. Makes me wish I had n't given him the map."

"You can use mine,"Albus suggested,"But I want to go with you."

"All right,"Harry said,"Let 's go."

Albus said bye-bye to his friends and walked up to Gryffindor Tower with his dad. He ran up to his dormitory once he was there and retrieved the map. The residence hall was empty, so Albus and his dad looked at it there.

They scoured the Hogwarts section of the map for nearly five minute of arc before coming to the conclusion that James River was no longer in the school.

"Bloody hell,"Harry muttered,"Where did he go ?"

Albus pressed the number two in the corner of the map with his wand and the map of Hogsmeade appeared. This one was a bit more difficult to seek than the Hogwarts one had been. near of the Hogwarts student had been in the Great residence hall. Everyone was spread out in Hogsmeade.

Two Department of Transportation made Albus freezing. Two dots were in the Shrieking Shack. A closer spirit told him they were shimmy and James. Albus gasped. Why were they there ? How did they get in for that matter ?

"Dad,"Albus pointed to the scream Shack.

"The shrieking Shack ?"Harry shouted and stood up.

Albus followed him out of the dorm and then out of the common room."How 'd they get in ?"Albus asked once they were walking through the corridors.

"Teddy knows the counter-charm for those ward,"Harry muttered.

"Why ?"

"Everyone who goes through Auror training learns a very large multifariousness of counter-charms. One of them was bound to sour on that tree. Now, he was n't supposed to use them outside of training, so I really have no hint what he was thinking,"Harry explained

It had gotten stale and verbose remote since the compeer, which really made Albus inquire why Teddy and Saint James would go to the Shrieking Shack of all topographic point. The decrepit old building had no heating, for Merlin 's sake.

Albus dodged a ramification from the Whomping Willow as they neared it. Harry aimed his wand at the prat and muttered the counter-charm. Then he froze the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Albus hurried after him into the passageway.

The paseo to the Shrieking hutch was merry and silent. Albus, who had been on the receiving end of many a lecture from his dad, knew that both teddy and St. James the Apostle were going to get one once they made it to the Shack.

Harry carefully opened the door and walked into the tranquilize old building. Hushed spokesperson could be heard from the back room. Albus followed his dad back there.

Teddy and William James were both sitting on the base. James II looked a double-dyed mess, still wearing his muddy Quidditch robe and his side was all blotchy. teddy bear did n't look much better, although his robes were a bit cleaner.

"shimmy. James,"Harry said sternly when he entered,"What in the name of Merlin 's pants are you doing in this post ?"

Both boys snapped their straits up at the speech sound of Harry 's voice.

"Trying to convince James not to make water the self-aggrandizing error of his life,"Teddy muttered.

"That sounds a bit overdramatic,"Harry said.

"He wants to leave office the Quidditch team,"Teddy said dryly.

"That is the most idiotic thing I 've heard,"Albus shouted,"You ca n't do that !"

"Albus,"Harry warned.

Albus shut his mouthpiece, but he still thought the very estimate of Saint James the Apostle quitting the team was mental. They 'd have no hope of ever beating New York, let alone Australia, without James.

"Twenty minutes, Dad,"James said in barely more than a rustling,"Twenty minutes."

"We 've all had our bad lucifer,"Harry said quietly as he sat down following to James II,"I fell off my broom in my third twelvemonth and lost a match."

"Because of the dementors,"St. James muttered,"There were n't any dementors at this match."

"James, I 'm afraid everyone has made you out to be the unvanquishable Seeker. Todd 's commentary today proved that. The stakes are set so high with you that when you do turn a loss a peer, it completely shocks everyone. It 's kind of unfair, actually, because nobody can win every couple,"Harry replied,"You 're not the invincible seeker, I 'm afraid. And running away will get you nowhere."

"I suppose,"James sighed.

"You 're playing New York next,"Harry reminded him,"They lost to Commonwealth of Australia sooner than we did. I think you have a probability at catching the stoolpigeon then."

"I guess,"James replied.

"So you wo n't discontinue ?"Albus asked, unable to sustain tranquil any longer.

"No,"James said.

"trade good. Because Lisa Galivant is nowhere near as good as you. You 're the advantageously Seeker Hogwarts has got,"Albus told him.

"Thanks, Al,"James gave him a half-smile,"Too bad Australia 's got a proficient one."

Albus nodded, wishing that he could just tell apart James why Linda was so good. But he had sorting of promised Rose he wouldn't.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this ! You guy wire are awesome.

I 've written a new birdcall fic, Lie to Me. It 's a Remus/Tonks and is in no way connected to my Albus serial, but if you guys want to assure it out, that would be awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On their way back to the castle, Harry gave Teddy and James that talking to Albus had been expecting him to have. Albus walked a little direction behind them. Far decent to make them reckon they had privacy, but close enough that Albus could hear what they were saying.

Harry made it clear that he was not impressed that shift was taking vantage of the charm he was learning in preparation. In fact, Harry said if he caught Teddy doing it again, he 'd have to cover it.

Then he told James that the scream hovel was well out of bounds and that if he went in there again, he 'd report James to Professor Longbottom. Albus doubted either of them would set metrical foot in the property again.

"Why did n't you just go to the room of necessary if you wanted privacy ?"Harry asked before leaving James and Albus in the Entrance Hall.

teddy and Saint James the Apostle looked at each other and then laughed."It was otherwise occupied,"slip grinned,"Fred 's got himself a girlfriend. They were enjoying the privateness of the Room of Requirement."

Harry smiled and shook his nous."Next time, just ask Neville if he 'll let you talk in his survey. I 'm trusted he will. I 'll see you boys after term is over, then."

Albus and James said goodbye to their dad and shift and then walked back up to Gryffindor Tower in silence. King James I was obviously still upset over the match and Albus did n't desire to say anything to make it worse.

"They 're doing a fully investigation of Linda 's broom !"rosebush announced when Albus found them in the common elbow room. Jesse James had gone directly up to his dormitory.

"Yeah, Wood 's just told us,"john continued,"Stripping it down, plus they 're interviewing the Australian captains, headmaster, and everyone on the team, including Linda."

"Wow,"Albus was impressed. They would n't find anything, of course, but it was still nice that they were taking this seriously,"Wish it would actually help."

"Me, too,"can agreed,"So where was James II ?"

"The Shrieking Shack,"Albus whispered.

mat dumped his ink bottle all over his homework and swore."How 'd he get in ?"

"He was with Teddy and teddy bear knows the counter-charm from Auror training,"Albus said quietly,"But he was n't supposed to use it outside of training, so my dad told him if he does it again he 'll get in problem. Do n't worry, neither of them will go in there again."

"Still, of all the berth they could 've gone ..."flatness 's voice trailed off.

"Why were they there ?"Rose asked as she siphoned the ink off of matt 's homework.

"James was thinking of quitting the team,"Albus whispered,"Do n't care, he did n't,"he said quickly when he saw the sick of feel on can 's face.

"Well, thank Falco columbarius for that,"Saint John the Apostle said.

******

It must give been a irksome intelligence day the future day. One of those days where the front page article of the prophesier was about a vernal wizard who had graciously volunteered his time in the closed cellblock at St. Mungo 's or an elderly witch who passed away, leaving her chance to her cats.

That is, if it were n't for the fact that the Department of Magical Games and sport and the Department for International Magical Cooperation doing an all out investigation on the Australian School of sorcery 's Quidditch team, Linda Morales and her broom in particular.

Albus was quite shocked to see the lengthy article by Rita Skeeter on the front page. He hardly ate any breakfast as he read it out tawdry to his Quaker before classes.

The Australian School of necromancy : Did They Cheat ?

In a competition of Quidditch and dueling, which reminds
many a witch and star of the thrilling and slightly
more dangerous Triwizard Tournament, accusal came
yesterday of whether the squad from Commonwealth of Australia cheated.

A equal was held between the Hogwarts and Australian
team yesterday good afternoon and was over in twenty minutes.
The score was 270-110, in favor of Australia. Linda
team spirit, 13, of Australia, caught the Snitch in what
some people believe to be an impossibly fast speed.

"It was like one minute she was flying above the lurch
and I blinked and then she was on the ground with the
Snitch in her hand,"one Hogwarts scholar said.

Many early educatee and a few staff members recalled
the same thing. The many witnesses of this near
impossible flying have fueled the investigation.

If it is discovered that Australia used any charms,
potions, cuss, hexes, or anything else deemed
insufferable by International Quidditch banner,
a rematch will be played between Hogwarts and
Australia.

"We do n't live what we 're going to regain,"Ian
Herkimer, of the Department of Magical Games and
Sports, said late yesterday,"On the one deal, it
is nearly impossible for a thirteen year old female child
to fly that fast on the broom she was using. On
the former mitt, all the heather used in this
competition were extensively searched for charms
before the match. It could very well be that young
Linda team spirit is just an exceptionally good
Quidditch histrion. If that is the font, then scouts
from professional teams may wish to pay attention
to this competition."

Perhaps the most intriguing part of this story is
that the Hogwarts searcher is none other than James
potter, son of the legendary Gryffindor seeker
Harry ceramist. Epistle of James ceramicist, 15, has lived up to
his father 's reputation in the past and has never
lost a mates this quickly before. Neither Jesse James
or his forefather were available for comment.

Is Linda team spirit a cheater ? Or is she merely the
succeeding large Quidditch lead ?

"Great,"Albus set down the paper,"First she 's going to win this challenger and then be drafted to play for Puddlemere United."

"We do n't cause to worry about her playing for the Cannons,"Saint John smirked,"That would get rid of their amazing reputation."

"That would be a bad thing because ... ?"matt said.

"I would n't get to make fun of them anymore,"Saint John grinned.

"Not a bad thing,"Matt replied.

The entire schooltime was talking about the article all day long. Everywhere Albus went, someone was discussing it. Most probably due to this, James spent the day in his dormitory.

"Why 'd Skeeter have to bind St. James in that article,"Albus lamented as he, Matt, John, and Kaden wandered the corridors. rose wine and Amanda had gone to find Linda, to see if she knew anymore details about the investigation.

"Because she 's Rita Skeeter,"John said,"She never writes an article without sticking your dad in it somehow."

"I know. Rita Skeeter 's horrible,"Albus said.

"There are a few newsman in Commonwealth of Australia who could give her a run for her money,"matt muttered.

"So irresponsible !"a hushed interpreter said from a classroom they were passing.

Albus stopped. He did n't recognize the articulation and it did n't sound felicitous. He gestured for his Friend to stop as well and paused to listen.

"We 're already skating on thin out ice !"the man was saying,"First she catches the canary ten minutes into the first couple and now she flies too fast for citizenry to see and beats James ceramist ? Now there 's an investigation for Merlin 's sake !"

"I did n't do it she was going to do that !"another man said,"I made it percipient to her that she could only fly slightly intimately than the former instrumentalist !"

"Told you they were cheating,"toilet whispered.

"We were n't the single arguing with you,"Albus replied,"That was Rose."

"The bloke doing the yelling is the Aboriginal Australian master,"Matt said.

"The other one 's probably the chieftain, then,"Albus said.

"Well, you must not have told her enough because now she 's on the front Page of the prophet and the Ministry is investigating ! Do you have any idea what 's going to hap if anyone finds out ?"the headmaster raised his voice.

"Of course of instruction I do !"

"Let me refresh your retentivity anyway. We 'll both be fired and Australia will be out of the competition. infernal region, we 'll be lucky to get away with fines and no gaol time !"

"That would n't be a bad matter,"John muttered.

"You hear that ?"the headmaster barked,"mortal 's out there."

Albus turned in panic to his friends and before he could run, the door opened all the way and Albus was staring at who he assumed to be the Aboriginal Australian Quidditch captain. The man was tall and lanky, the complete form for a Chaser. His hair was messy in a way that reminded Albus of his father, but this man 's hair was lightsome brown.

The headmaster appeared behind the man, along with a ugly looking boy who must 've been around Teddy 's age. Albus assumed he was the supporter captain.

"well, who have we here,"the headmaster smirked.

Albus was frozen in place. The cover of his mind said to run, but he could n't get his legs to do work. He was staring the bloke who was so prepossess against werewolf that he refused to let matte attend his school in the grimace.

"You 're the Potter boy,"the headmaster continued,"The younger one."

Albus forced himself to nod only because he did n't really require to be mistaken for James at the moment.

"That means ..."Killigan 's eyes moved from Albus to bathroom, Kaden, and then matt,"That one of you is probably,"his eye rested on Matt and then he smiled,"The Eckerton boy. I was told you were here."

Albus turned to look at Matt, who was now almost as Andrew Dickson White as professor Binns. Albus shook his head, grabbed flatness 's arm, and took off track. The footsteps behind him told him that John the Divine and Kaden were following.

Albus did n't finish running until he made it to the Marauder 's Den. He completely ignored the Prefect who told him not to run in the corridors and Filch 's new cat.

"Bloody hell, how did he manage to figure out which one of us you were ?"John the Divine asked flatness once they shut the door,"He has n't seen you in years !"

"Lucky guesswork,"Kaden shrugged.

matte shook his capitulum."No. None of you lot have blonde hair."

"But still, how does he eff I 'm acquaintance with you ?"Albus asked,"Of all the blonde haired students here, he picked you. He somehow knows we 're friends. Remember, he said 'you must be the ceramicist boy', which is n't abnormal. Everyone knows who I am. But then he said 'which means you must be the Eckerton boy .'Someone 's telling him about you."

"So much for trying to ignore him,"matte groaned,"Now he knows who I am. Falco columbarius knows what he 's going to try to do now."

"Why does he even care ?"Kaden asked,"I thought he did n't want you at his school. If he hates werewolves so much, would n't it make more sense that he ignore you ?"

Kaden had a point. Albus had n't really thought about it before, but it was form of strange that Killigan would be so interest in flatness. But then, why would he let a lamia attend his schoolhouse ?

"That actually makes a lot of sensory faculty, Kaden,"mat said,"Why does he care ?"

Albus did n't know, but something told him it meant naught good. Whatever Killigan was doing here, it went deeper than just trying to win a Quidditch tourney by having a vampire for a Seeker.

******

It took the Ministry three daylight to complete the investigation. During this time numerous Ministry official appeared at the school and held interviews with Killigan, the Aboriginal Australian police captain, and the Australian instrumentalist. They even interviewed William James, Oliver Wood, Lord Todd Joseph Smith, and prof Kendrick. Albus heard that every broom on the Australian team had been stripped and checked for illegal magic.

The solution were announced before Rita Skeeter wrote another article. A Ministry official read them at dinner Wednesday evening.

"Upon closely inspection of all the Aboriginal Australian broomsticks as well as encompassing consultation with everyone involved, the Ministry is able to say that Linda Morales 's seizure of the snitcher was a resultant of pure talent and cypher illegal. I thank you all for your cooperation during this time,"he said and then resumed his seat future to Kendrick.

The Great Charles Francis Hall erupted in wild shouts. Everyone was staring at Linda and it looked like she wanted to go away. Rose and Amanda were sitting on either English of her and Rose was whispering to her.

Albus and his friends were n't expecting anything different, but they had to act angry for visual aspect 's interest and it was not hard to do so.

Kendrick eventually had to stand up and tell everyone to quiet down. It worked, but nobody stopped talking about the results.

It was still possible for Hogwarts to win the contention. If they won every match from now on and continued doing well in dueling. The competition was n't even half over, so there was quite a little of time to pull ahead. However, the prospect of doing so were low so long as Linda was playing quester for Australia.

The rest of the week passed with continual Quidditch discussion. James was still abnormally subdued and sat quietly with Ben, Cedric, and Nate every evening in the uncouth room. Albus was hoping it would blow over during the holiday. It was strange seeing his brother so quiet.

There was a Hogsmeade visit that Saturday and on-key to her word, rosiness went with Albus and his friends instead of Linda.

It was a particularly dusty and blustery winter day with a unshakable snowfall that had already dumped six column inch on the grounds. This was n't nearly enough Snow to hold open people out of Hogsmeade and all the store were full to capacity.

Kaden had begged Albus to give him the map so he could cabbage in, but Albus refused. The Hogsmeade sojourn before Christmas seemed too risky. Too many students went on that one. The Valentine 's Day one would be better, when the other students were too absorbed in their erotic love lives to discover a second year in Hogsmeade.

"Let 's go get Butterbeer first,"Amanda suggested as they made their way into the village,"I 'm already frozen solid."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The troika Broomsitcks was already packed, but they managed to detect a tabular array and Albus went to get five Butterbeers. When he returned, everyone was talking about what they were doing for the holidays.

"My mum has decided she wants one of my aunt to do Christmas this year,"John said,"She 's done Christmas at our house since she and my dad got married and it 's finally fatigue her out. The funny thing is that none of my aunty really know what to do, so my mum is doing as much employment as she always does."

"I ca n't imagine Christmas not being at the Burrow,"Rose said.

"Me either,"Albus replied as he set down the Butterbeer,"The Burrow is just so Christmasy."

"Believe it or not, but I 'm not going to Australia for Christmas this year,"Matt announced.

lav spit out his Butterbeer."What ?"he coughed,"You always go to Australia."

"I know,"Matt said,"Never had a Christmas anyplace else."

"Why ?"Albus asked.

"Well, you know how my dad 's going to be the new Head of the section of the Regulation and Control of Magical wight. He officially starts on January second. But the Ministry is throwing a fancy party for him on New class 's Eve. He did n't really want it, but they insisted. So, we 've got to go to that. Hopefully it 'll be intimately than the parties my grandparents have."

"Rose and I will probably go to that, too. My dad 's always invited to those things since he 's head of the Auror section. My completely mob goes to them. There 's always something to do, especially if James is feeling particularly mischievous. Rose 's parents get invited, too. So does my Uncle Percy,"Albus explained.

Matt grinned."Well if you lot are there it wo n't be bad."

"This party 's going to be anything but boring,"Albus grinned.

"Never thought I 'd wish I was going to a project party,"trick sighed,"How about you, Amanda ? Any political party ?"

"Nope,"Amanda laughed,"Just spending metre with my family."

They finished their Butterbeer and went back out into the snowfall. Honeydukes was their world-class point, where lusterlessness proceeded to buy sufficiency cocoa to feed all of Gryffindor. His apology was that it was for Christmas present, but Albus doubted as to whether the chocolate would ever make it home.

Honeydukes was really too crowded to stay in very long, as were most of the other shops. They wound up just wandering up and down high Street until they got to the Shrieking shack.

After a very brief Abronia elliptica battle blush wine suggested they just go back to the school and pass fourth dimension in the vulture 's Den. Nobody argued since they were all stale and wet from the snow.

******

The next two weeks went by in a blur for Albus. It seemed like he just went from one Quidditch practice to another, with dueling exercise and moral with Balladanis thrown in. Albus had started making advancement with his shield good luck charm, but so had Malfoy and neither of them were better than the other.

At their last lesson of the full term, Balladanis reiterated how authoritative it was for them not to practice while at abode. He then told them to have got a effective holiday and be fix to ferment even harder when they returned.

Linda 's puzzle stop of the Snitch had already started to vaunt over before term ended. Everyone seemed much more focused on getting a few hebdomad off from school day than a helpless Quidditch match. This helped yield King James I to his normal self and he finished off the condition with his usual pre-holiday prank.

This one was a little lupus erythematosus harmless as he just charmed the suits of armor to sing Yule carols at random meter of the day. Of course, the carols were alternated with 'Hogwarts will win the Cup'and 'Hogwarts is better at Quidditch than Australia'and 'Hogwarts will drum New York in the next equal'. James was never caught, though.

Eventually the carols wore off as did the pro-Hogwarts messages and everyone packed and got ready to go home. Albus wondered for a consequence what it would be like to abide at schooltime over the holiday. He knew his dad had done nearly every year, but Albus could n't imagine not being with his family for Christmas.

Albus and his friends found a compartment towards the backrest of the train and settled in for the retentive journey.

"What are the Aussie and American kids doing for Christmas ?"Kaden asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"Some of them are going dwelling house, but well-nigh are just staying at Hogwarts. Linda 's staying,"Rose told them.

"I bet it was Linda,"bathroom muttered absentmindedly.

"What ?"Albus asked.

"Linda. I 'll bet every Knut in my scoop that she 's the one who told Killigan who Matt was,"John the Evangelist explained.

"You 're just mad at Linda for winning the match,"rosebush rolled her center,"She did not recount Killigan."

"Why not ?"Albus asked,"He 's her schoolmaster. Why would n't she severalize him ?"

"I do n't know. I just do n't think she did,"Rose muttered.

"Even that does n't excuse why Killigan wanted to know,"Amanda pointed out.

"Which means we have to detect out,"Albus said.

"Find out what ?"lusterlessness asked sleepily. The to the full moon was that night and he had fallen asleep as soon as they got on the train.

"Why Killigan was so interested in you that time we spied on him,"Albus explained.

"Oh,"flatness said as he leaned his head against the window,"How are we going to do that ?"

Albus did n't know. All he knew was that it could be problematic and there was a big chance of them getting in trouble. An unsettling muteness fell upon the compartment. No one knew how they were going to get answers.

"Do you think Linda 's teammates know she 's a vampire ?"Kaden asked towards the end of the journey.

Albus, who had been drifting off to sleep, lifted his top dog up."goodness question."

"They do n't,"rosebush answered,"They just think she 's really good."

"Interesting,"Albus said,"I bet she would n't be allowed to dally professionally."

"She would n't,"John confirmed,"vampire ca n't trifle professional Quidditch. It 's unjust to the rest of the teams."

"I 'd pay a lot of money to see two team of vampires playing Quidditch against each early,"Albus grinned.

"You would n't be able to see them,"John laughed,"They 'd be flying too fast."

"I 'd care to see vampire play football game,"Kaden announced.

"Of course of action you would,"John rolled his eyes.

The son spent the balance of the trip discussing vampire Quidditch while rosebush and Amanda played Muggle card game. Before retentive they were in London.

All of their parents were standing together on the platform. Albus said a quick good day to matte before his parents hurried him out of the post.


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

For those who are interested, I posted a sort of epilogue/short continuation to In moonlight 's Shadow. It 's called Life Amidst the Moonlight and is on my author 's page.