Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.
Weasley home Tree is in the generator 's Note at the bottom.


Molly Weasley did n't presume serve dinner until after the Quidditch mates had been completed because even she did n't sustain the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. Teddy secured a win for his squad by practically stealing the Snitch out James 's clench and then everyone was off their Calluna vulgaris and sitting at the large crowd of board in phonograph record time. After all, Quidditch was one of the in force things one could do to acquire a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite athirst and in a very good mood as he had been on Teddy 's team.

Albus and rose sat following to each former in the middle of the group of tables and unfortunately Walker Percy sat directly across from them. Early experience had taught them never to sit near Percy due to his habit of talking government during dinner, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each other as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Percy said to no one in particular as he served himself some Daucus carota sativa,"something 's going to happen. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought things would get a bit riled up terminal year when Bruno Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had similar views. More standardised than I expected anyway ..."

parting it to Percy to try and find oneself something wrong with the Ministry when all was fine, Albus thought. He reached over Rose to take hold of a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping dowery onto his plate.

"What do you think, Harry ?"Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting next to him."Any stirrings in the Auror department that I may not birth heard about ?"

"Things are reasonably cool it, Percy,"Harry replied.

"Of course they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Percy decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Sir Henry Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the Minister, but his actual title was so longsighted and complicated that Albus never bothered to commend it.

"Well, it 's an election twelvemonth,"Percy pointed out."things never stay calm air during election year. Party announcements come offset week of September and after that things will be helter-skelter around the Ministry. loads of study to do. Let me recite you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Walker Percy runs for government minister. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Percy,"Molly assured him."You would score a marvellous curate. But this dinner party is supposed to be about the minor. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. year ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must calm down down a bit and study."

"Gran, really,"James IV muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the teachers. Uncle Walker Percy, why do n't you tell us more about your running for minister of religion ?"

"well, as a thing of fact."Percy stood up."I have a rather exciting announcement to urinate and I feel I must distinguish my family first, before the rest of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for striking effect."I will be formally announcing on Monday, Sep second that I will be running for minister of religion for April 's election."

There was absolute silence for about five seconds before a whole lot of thing happened at once. Ron, Saint George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her supercilium as far as they could go. Ginny, Bill, and King Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her straits slightly and then jumped up from her electric chair, running towards Harry Hotspur and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the brow.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for years and I think it 's high time you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your other boy have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for merlin 's rice beer !"

"And you 're a okay adept one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being rector. You just do n't have the ambition Hotspur does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

atomic number 79 was exchanging hands at the other end of the board. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sort of bet involving when Hotspur would run for Minister. That bet must have been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of course had been on the receiving end of many a Percy rant about what he 'd do when he ran for Minister, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was fair with himself, he did n't really want Percy running. His family was illustrious enough without having an actual Minister in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you reckon he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me wrong, Sir Henry Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the rest of the wizarding humankind ?"

"Harry Hotspur, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for 10 !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all bark and no bite,"Bill pointed out.

"I am not !"Percy shouted."And I would 've expected more support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"Boys,"Arthur warned."Harry Hotspur 's right. If he wants to run for parson he can without any of us making it difficult for him. You do n't deliver to vote for him, but I wo n't have you arguing during dinner. You 'll upset your mum."

Everyone resumed their backside but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Walker Percy running for Minister. They just continued to do so in lower vocalisation. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a hindquarters near Percy.

"Do you jazz who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure enough,"Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had enough. But I 've got his support. After all, I am the senior Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing of Laws to the Minister."

So that 's what Percy 's statute title was, Albus thought. He had no thought if that was a position that had a lot of power or not, but apparently it was enough to receive living for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Georgia shouted from a niggling ways down the board."I figure this is as good a time as any to state you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Hotspur choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the draw close. I 've got a categoric with a friend finisher to the pitch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"workplace,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"flavour, I know how these elections work. You 're going to require to make yourself wait like a family man, so you 're not going to want to deal me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd break start thinking of me as your girl who 's the Modern reserve keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound practiced to the press."

Sir Henry Percy stared at her with his mouth agape. He shook his pass slightly and resumed eating, without another word to Georgia. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that short argument.

Albus turned to rose and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to urinate Percy 's running for Minister work to her vantage.

"Rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the relaxation of his family in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her head."Her mum might have wanted her to look a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really quiet about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so untimely, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"rosebush muttered."It 's like I could go to France, rob a bank, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a bank ?"Henry James shouted.

"Of track not,"blush wine replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't risk talking about Lubar for the rest of the evening. sure enough, the rest of their sept knew about what had happened but neither of them wanted to talk over their theory with any of them.

The rest of the even was rather out of character for usual Weasley family dinner. All the previous eld'dinner had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the adults exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the initiative clock time would get a fair bit of care, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the attention was focused on Hotspur. The adults were talking politics and Albus 's older cousins were placing bets on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the for the first time to leave as he had to go back to Romania the following morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their year in Romania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and Teddy left shortly after that since they both had to crop the next day.

Percy was still discussing campaign tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousin were smaller and he had to pretend he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. For the first time in his living, he was actually glad to lead and get back to Grimmauld plaza. The before school dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a time to let fun all together before shoal started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some stroke of portion or miracle that had never descended upon the Potters before, James had packed his proboscis the Night before they left for shoal. Albus was for certain that some sort of apocalypse was going to come soon because Percy running for pastor and the ceramist arriving early for the Hogwarts limited were two events that cipher ever thought would find. Albus did n't call into question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at Platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not betimes, so the Potters went through without him. Rose and her family were already there of course, so Albus said a promptly bye to his parents before getting on the caravan to line up rosebush. With any portion his friends would n't be there yet and he could verbalize to rear alone. Usually there was nil he would n't verbalize to his booster about, but the unusual flavor he had had about his kin was something he only wanted to blab out to blush wine about.

Rose was alone in a compartment about halfway down the train, reading one of her new schoolbook. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't get the slender thought what any of the symbols in it meant. He chose the nates next to her and waited for her to be done recital whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"rose wine said after setting her book down.

"James River packed last night,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is prosperous if James packs earlier than five minutes before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the tactile sensation things are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three yr, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the same time. I know they 're really pudden-head when it comes to dueling but I think they 're wise than anyone 's giving them deferred payment for. things are going to vary, Al. The creation 's getting scarier,"rose wine said quietly.

Albus swallowed backbreaking. That was in the back of his thinker of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to utter to climb about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all Rose said. Both cousin sat quietly for a minute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at Gran and grandad 's ? It was all Percy. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are less of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"Rose interrupted."And Eddie and the twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Francis Edgar Stanley, and Georgia. We talked about Hotspur for merlin 's sake !"

"What do you think will happen if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't think things will change political-wise but I think it 's going to be really eldritch for Georgia and Tom Bradley and Cedric. Even the Twin will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most important someone in the wizarding world has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you imagine if my dad ran for Minister ?"

"Walker Percy would n't stick out a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that thing are already different from endure year. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Percy 's campaign."

"Things never stay the Sami, Al,"blush wine said.

"What 's not staying the Saame ?"John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my divination gull, rose wine, because my parents nearly murdered me this by summertime when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just bear to deal with your slaying, John, because that Mark is not getting any higher,"Rose replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"Nothing,"Rose said quickly.

"I 'll tell you once lustrelessness and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd distinguish them about Sir Henry Percy running for Minister.

"This is going to be the best year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a patch of parchment out of his bag."facial expression, it 's my Hogsmeade permission slip !"

"Excellent,"John replied."Now I do n't have to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this twelvemonth ?"matte asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin uncouth room,"John assured him."Our destination is to work out out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to act upon,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the early side of rose."You ca n't get into someone else 's common room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smell like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should accept just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"John told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All rightfulness, everyone 's here. differentiate us what you and stand up were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a deep breath."well, my Uncle Percy 's running for Minister."

"Seriously ?"John replied.

"Cool !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"matt asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for years ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously extend, it 's not that poise, I 'm honestly not for certain why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and Rose both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever need to do. He would n't want anymore power than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is kind of office hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you know who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the candidates on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our house,"rosiness said quietly."Uncle Walker Percy is so focused on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Georgia 's got it all figured out. Sir Henry Percy 's going to act he 's completely well-chosen with her Quidditch playing just to constitute himself seem like a family line man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stunned,"John said."Empire State of the South 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"rose wine pointed out.

"He 's right, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you have in mind, he 's right ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, rose wine, and lustrelessness are n't the only unity of us who have category in government,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"privy replied.

"I never said the Ministry of Magic, John. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather quiet and rarely talked about her family. He always figured that was because she was so quietly and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding reality.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's comrade,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprise when she told him that I was a witch only to find oneself out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Percy wins ...,"Albus began, his vox trailing off.

"He 'll fulfill my Uncle Mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Sakartvelo does have it all figured out. If Holy Scripture gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to get off wrong in the printing press and turn a loss him voting. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the front line row of every single one of her matches, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"blush wine muttered.

"It 's politics from the early side. The world wants multitude in mightiness to bear a certain image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"Rose went on."Just another reason I am not getting into politics."

"My cousin Leanne went a piffling wild at university her first of all year, our first year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the masking of some tabloid, but that was the only one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not like Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch skill and is using them to make an honest living,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the public to know he 's not well-chosen with her calling alternative so he 's going to pass water himself search like a devoted father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just wish I had a pattern family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"bathroom said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's dead on target, Albus,"Matt said."Amanda 's completely veracious. It 's the unhurt grounds why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is part of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nonentity wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but lusterlessness was veracious. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before Matt mentioned that. And now the same thing was happening with his sept. Harry Hotspur was going to act and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it rent before the public did n't like the prototype he and the rest of his cousin were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will encounter on the first off of every month and updates for Beyond the tincture will chance on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter phratry Tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th class

Charlie-Katherine ( witch )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th year
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th class
Cedric- 5th yr
Samantha & Lindy ( Twins ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th year
Angie- 1st year

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th year
Hugo- 2nd year

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th yr
Lily- 2nd class

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no mention of politics or minister of religion throughout the remainder of the caravan trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the bloom curate and how it had affected her family, but Albus was still really odd about it. How had she managed to proceed that a closed book for three age ? judging by Rose 's reaction, she did n't even cognise about it. Matt had n't even managed to retain it a secret that he was a lycanthrope for a twelvemonth. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the intimately mysterious keeper in their group.

The public lecture lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the companion subject of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense teacher. John was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas Rose wanted somebody who would actually teach, and not teach like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really manage, so long as the new teacher did n't wish well to harm his students, physically or emotionally.

As the train neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his admirer changed into their gown and prepared to conk the train for the jolting rig devolve on up to the school. The journeying was now so routine that they did so with lilliputian chatter and transferred to the pushchair with none of the ostentation of the previous two years. They were one-fourth years now and Hogwarts was intimate territory. As quaternary years, they were well on their way to being the erstwhile scholarly person of the schooling.

The Great Hall was filled with laughter and inflammation as the student found their fundament at their sign tabular array. Albus and his booster quickly found seats together at the Gryffindor tabular array and all five glanced up to the stave table to get hold the new face that would be their Defense teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the demurrer teacher ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the fragile,"Albus replied.

There were two new wizards sitting at the tabular array. One was deep in conversation with Professor Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the room, his eyes never resting on the Saami thing or individual for more than a few instant. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry gown, which made Albus wonder if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from close year standing off to the side of meat in his common daub. The second new wizard was dressed in spare black robe and had nearly no haircloth atop his caput, but instead had a vauntingly beard and mustache, as if he was trying to indemnify.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a respectable sign,"John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad thing,"pink wine pointed out."Maybe they just want to make trusted everything is back to normal after the rivalry last year."

can opened his mouth to reply but was silenced by the doors opening and Professor Patil entering with the new first years. They looked scar and petite, far smaller than the previous year 's first days. It was weird how they seemed to get smaller every year.

As with the previous twelvemonth, Albus did n't pay any attending to anyone 's sorting unless their concluding public figure was Potter or Weasley. This yr, of course, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's boastfully family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the family line had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three secondment before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the stool to the excited shouts of the Gryffindors, her blood brother Fred 's whistling ringing over the rest. Everyone at Hogwarts would have got bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would make annunciation before the banquet was served just so he could detect out why there were two new virtuoso at the staff tabular array, but like usual, Kendrick waited until after the banquet. Thus, the duration of the feast was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent somebody to honour,"James said confidently."Look at the by three years. Every exclusive one at to the lowest degree one of Al and his friend have gotten kidnapped by insane superstar. Clearly the Ministry does n't consider the teachers can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"blush wine pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't think that gent is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to recruit people for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a yr with us 7th years and try to convince us that we should ask on boring Ministry jobs. Bet Uncle Percy 's the reason for it. Probably does n't need anymore of his kin to fill up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's ridiculous,"a seventh-year miss replied."He 's probably just the new Defense teacher."

"Then who 's that other bloke ?"lusterlessness gestured to the bald man sitting next to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's longsighted lost Gemini ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his beard and he 'll bet just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite someone to the Welcome banquet,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as unsubdivided as that."

Albus doubted it. Nothing was ever simple when it came to spirit at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed the likes of ages, the pud disappeared and Kendrick stood to give his usual first of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a warm welcome to our new showtime years and promise you have enjoyed your first gear Hogwarts feast. I 'll prompt everyone that the wood is out of bounds as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their House Quidditch teams can hold their epithet to their head of menage. Now, you may have noticed that there are two new staff members this year even though only one position is vacant. The first is round-eyed to explain and the second is a little more complicated.

"get-go, I would wish to receive prof Elliot Thomas Young to Hogwarts. prof offspring is going to be taking over the Defense Department teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the beard, while scattered clapping was received from the scholar and other professors.

"prof ancient if you ask me,"John muttered.

"Many of you may be cognizant and quite a lot of you I 'm sure enough are not aware that this is an election year for the Ministry of Magic. Tomorrow the candidates running for Minister of Magic will take in their words announcing their candidacy, which will begin a seven month safari period. At the beginning of Apr, anyone who is of age will vote and the winner shall be announced. The fact that this is an election year is a tremendous educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it pass us by. Therefore I have decided to add another category to the curriculum. It will receive once a hebdomad and in it you will learn the ins and outs of our political organization and its history.

"This is professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the bloke sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new stratum that we have designed. The course of instruction will appear on your schedule that you will have tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as classes begin bright and former in the morning. Prefects, please see the first of all old age to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their derriere while Albus and his friends rose. The joined the mob of bookman making their way out of the Great Hall and towards the main staircase. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the pack to settle to their student residence and then the Ravenclaws left for their tug. Soon, Albus and his protagonist were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The common room was abuzz with give-and-take about the new prof when they arrived. most of the younger bookman had gone to bed, but the elderly student were making no relocation to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up flat solid for Quidditch try-outs on the notice circuit card while Heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act to a greater extent like co-captains since there was no way Heather was going to let Fred make all of the team determination this year.

"So now we have another class,"lav muttered as they sat down at a table near the fire."More homework. Sir Thomas More exams."

"It 's only once a week,"Rose pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to take a class about politics ?"John asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take category on politics,"Amanda pointed out."My sister took one last class and my cousins have taken them. I really do n't intend it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"rose wine said."Can you believe that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next yr ?"

John groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."They 're a retentive way off."

"Well, I think I 'm going to turn in,"Rose said as she stood up."Classes start tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

blush wine and Amanda left for the little girl'dormitory a little while later. Albus and the other son stayed up a piece longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the 3rd years'residence hall and then continued on to their own. It had been a tenacious day and Albus was ready to go to slumber, just so he would n't have to think about politics or the election anymore.
******


"well, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"John said at breakfast the following aurora."We start off the day with Herbology and then have defense mechanism right before lunch."

"When do we have that political relation class ?"Matt asked as he scooped a plenty of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right before dinner,"John replied."merlin, that would 've been devoid clock time if we did n't have that bloody class."

"It could be fun, can,"blush wine said.

"I have n't got it until Friday dawn,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle politics are boring but magic makes everything better."

"Bad news is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course,"matt muttered."Would n't expect anything unlike. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every year now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would have preferred they have no division with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in defence the previous year. The last thing he and matte needed was more contact with Scorpio Malfoy.

"Good news is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on purpose after last year,"John said."He 'd cause to be an idiot to kick in us that class with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in understanding. After the scene that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpio Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in defence mechanism class together again. Albus was thankful. He 'd spent the final few hebdomad of his third yr avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to forfend him for the remainder of his Hogwarts life history. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling squad.

The group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted ways with Kaden before heading down to the nursery for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to worry about anything awful happening when it came to submit matter or instructor. Neville was a fair teacher who made classes interesting. Albus never had to worry about anything odd happening while in the nursery, unlike potions and demurrer.

Everyone was slightly wary of the new defense team professor and thus the seats in the back of the room were in heights demand. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had August 6 beforehand and had a much shorter walk, so they claimed all of the far behind. Albus, matt, and John had the ill luck of having to sit at one of the front tables and all three boy were on bound.

The professor ambled into the room just as class was scheduled to start. He had a very bombastic tidy sum of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to anticipate roll.

"I am prof Young,"he began after he finished with paradiddle."And welcome to quartern year Defense Against the shadow graphics. This year we will concenter on Dark curses, hexes, and cosmopolitan spells, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can use up your books out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his Bible on the table. Professor Young picked up the push-down storage of sheepskin and began passing it out to the students. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank questions and short resolution questions.

"Please read the initiative chapter of your books and complete the worksheet by the end of the division,"young said as he walked back to his desk. He said nothing more and began to study what appeared to be a novel while stroking his face fungus.

Albus glanced at John and lusterlessness, unsure of whether Brigham Young would yell at him if he spoke in whispering to his acquaintance. Actually, Young might not even hear him. He did come along to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the first base day of year. Would n't a lecture shuffling Thomas More sensation ? Albus could n't think back a metre when a professor had n't lectured on the first day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the next five arcminute everyone sent each former confused looks and glances before finally cracking open their textbooks, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides read his novel.

Albus began to read the first chapter, which was dreadfully deadening. It was about the most mundane of darkness whammy, if a iniquity hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even mention unforgivable curses, which while horrible, were far more interesting than the basic precept of what made a anathemize Dark.

Albus finished his worksheet a few minute before Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the strange socio-economic class ever,"Albus said once they had left the room."Who gives a worksheet on the first of all day of class ?"

"Someone who just wants to read their book all day,"john replied."Works for me, since he did n't give any homework."

"Still, it was horribly boring,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm glad it 's boring after dealing with Balladanis live year,"Matt said.

"Somehow I do n't recollect this fellow is going to be bringing any Anamateks to grade,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably finish up him off,"St. John replied."I do n't believe he could deal one."

"Not many people could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Georgia hurrying Omar Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's wrong ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Georgia was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her eyes."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What time is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Georgia replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the eventide Prophet."

"There is no way GA 's going to be able-bodied to pretend everything is exquisitely between her and Uncle Percy for the whole election,"Rose said once Georgia and her brothers had left."She looked annoyed already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to overlook praxis for it,"Albus replied."I just want to know who he 's running against."

"wish we could go watch,"rosiness said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of course they are,"Albus agreed."Matt 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"Matt said."Has n't got a hint as to who 's running, though."

"guesswork we 'll find out out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Tom Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to bewitch one of them in between classes, but either their schedules did n't permit them to sweep paths or the announcement had gone until dinner. The dissonance in the Great dormitory was n't any trashy than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite indisputable how much the rest of the bookman cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor tabular array, all of Albus 's cousins were clustered at one end of the tabular array, their heads leaned in to one another.

"flavour like a family merging or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the common room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled St. John and Kaden towards the other end of the table, matte following.

Albus followed Rose to the far end of the table, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Victor-Marie Hugo and James while rose wine found a seat next to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"James I said."Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a give-and-take until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just have to distinguish the write up over and over again,"Omar Nelson Bradley muttered.

"Well, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a huge fancy party with a bunch of boring speeches,"Tom Bradley began."A lot of Ministry people and their wife or husbands and Dad was the center of attention, of course. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his official promulgation yet. It did n't get concern until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty boring,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many changes and how we need strong leading to keep the magical residential district together and firm. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of course. Then everyone clapped politely and the resistance stood up."

"The witch who 's actually range look like she was a hawk in a former life story. Her nose is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this sleek smuggled hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of people who she introduced as her political campaign squad,"Omar Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the crowd riled up. She kept putting holes in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a strong united front but she talked about how break are forming and the Ministry is slipping and change is needed again. She made all these pernicious citation of how the Aurors are n't as on top of things and how if we do n't do something the magical world will light apart."

"That 's ridiculous !"Fred said."The magical world is fine."

"I thought they were just making their promulgation that they were running,"Rose said."words do n't set out yet."

"Neither of them are going to waste an chance to get votes,"Heather pointed out."So do you two have to take a shit anymore appearances ?"

"Yeah,"Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his first spoken communication this weekend and he said there are going to be some debate here, so we have to sit up strawman with Mum at those."

"And the prophesier wants to do a huge article on our family,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the enchantress, too."

"What 's her name ?"Rose asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sorting of adviser to the current Minister. Her title 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the candidate were working under the flow Minister,"Rose said.

"well the parties chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be delight that I missed the showtime lesson."

Cedric and Omar Bradley left, leaving the rest of the cousin to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a little and it was mostly because part of him thought she was right. affair were n't as perfect as his Uncle Percy thought. Willinson was still on the lax and not to note the issue with Lubar was still unresolved.

But Albus 's dad and the other Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the same Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the right mortal to be Minister,"heather said quietly."The Ministry has been working the same way since the final examination Battle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to clear power."

"But things ca n't always bide the same,"rose pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to alter that much ?"Heather asked.

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly."I just do n't think hoi polloi are as join as Uncle Percy thinks."

"I 'm going to the common room,"Albus said as he pushed his plate away. He was n't athirst anymore.

stride behind him told him that pink wine was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? People not being united ?"he asked once they were in an empty corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"rose said."Far from it. I think Uncle Hotspur 's slightly delusional about that. And remember what you told me about that odd cuss who gave your dad a monition at the Quidditch World Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did possess a point. In an election year everything matters. Uncle Percy 's aligned his impression with the current rector 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to continue doing things the same way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for well in the three class they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their grasp numerous sentence. It 's not going to be difficult for that Laurentis lady to convert people we need to change tactic, even if her tactics are n't great either."

Albus said nothing for a few moment."How do you know all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda More than you have,"Rose replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that unlike in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

rose wine laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to assure. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Sir Henry Percy needs to open his eyes a bit."

Albus did n't reply. He knew that his Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's political views were slightly unlike than the rest of his family 's, but they were still quite alike. If what Rose was saying was true, that meant that his whole family needed to open their middle and Albus was n't certain how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the late update. There were some site issues. See the meeting place for more item about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this political science class is taking away from our unblock periods,"John said the accompany daybreak at breakfast. He shook his head as he loaded his plate high with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's reply about how they needed to take vantage of any watch opportunities, even if they meant less free time, but it did n't issue forth. Albus turned to face at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own scale high with eggs and toast. Albus raised his eyebrow at her.

"What ?"she demanded."Girls get athirst, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."John just complained about having another class and you did n't moan and tell him off."

"I kind of agree with him."Rose shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

Rose pushed his hand away."Stop it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't enjoy the class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourth years and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the fourth dimension we can get to study. Not that John would use the metre to study, mind you."

"There 's the rosebush we all know."privy grinned as he stuffed his case with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a nice variety,"matt put in."Something different. Notice they gave us History of conjuration on two sequent morn. inquire who the idiot was who did that."

"Same one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"John said."Double Potions this morning and I 'd bet my the right way arm and both my pegleg we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your subdivision and pegleg ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm incorrect, I 'll need some sort of arm to get around with,"John answered.

"I only had one course of study with the Slytherins stopping point year,"Kaden said."You lot must experience terrible hazard. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"Good luck. That professor is unearthly,"John said.

"Ca n't be bad than last year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, matte, pink wine, and Amanda waited for John to finish up his batch of nut before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the doorway was already open and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the straw man mesa, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the backrest of the schoolroom, where he sat down in between lusterlessness and John.

"Wonder what he 's so glad about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the bookman entered the room.

"I do n't eff. But I do n't care it,"John said.

Slughorn chose that here and now to waddle into the room so Albus and John could not retain their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite home together again ! What luck. Well, well, receive to quartern year Potions. This is the year that things get hard since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s next year ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this year ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a class off."

"... Since today is a two-baser class I thought we 'd set about brewing the offset potion in your text edition and see where your skill lie after a summertime of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to read your text books over the summertime !"

Albus glanced at rose wine, who was sitting next to Amanda at one of the battlefront table. She seemed to sit up higher in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can work in pairs of your choosing. The pair that produces the better potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

privy set off to sour with Janie Creevey who lacked a partner while Albus and matte set up a cauldron at their table.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the end product your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to concoct a freeze resolution with fire ?"Matt asked as he stuck his wand under the caldron to ignite the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three years, have you noticed that he always starts the year with a contest ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Lapplander curriculum every year,"Matt added."Ca n't imagine that much alteration in term of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the Lapp potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's possible for this potion to irrupt,"lustrelessness mused as he tossed a few firearm of chopped beetroot into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling part from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottle he must have gotten from the supply press."I 'm surely you two will manage it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own table. Albus was slightly surprised that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"lustrelessness said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

matt let out a joke."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a better dueler than he is and he 's got to watch out. Speaking of which, you think you 're going to be captain of your dueling team this year ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that class, the finis thing Albus needed was to be captain of his dueling team, but he did not want Malfoy as captain either. He 'd pick out the extra work if just to keep Malfoy from being in commission. Malfoy needed power like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and lusterlessness did not blow up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the Lapp body that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-colour, it did manage to freeze the quill Slughorn stuck in it. Rose and Amanda won the chocolate, which was no surprisal to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their chocolate with the boys as they walked up to the Great Hall for dejeuner. Albus and Matt told the girls and John about Malfoy 's bizarre behavior and rose wine told them that they should just be well-chosen he 's backing down, rather than analyze his motives.

The Great mansion house was buzzing with activity when they entered it a few bit later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table and no Oklahoman had he grabbed a roll did heather toss a written matter of the vaticinator onto his plate.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This cockcrow 's vaticinator. The owls were late delivering it. Something about a storm in London,"Heather explained.

Albus set down his bun and opened the paper. There on the breast Sir Frederick Handley Page was a moving-picture show of his Uncle Walker Percy, smiling wide, in elaborate gown, shaking hand with a very tall woman, who was also smiling wide and wearing elaborate robe. Above the picture was the claim,"nominee for Minister of conjuring trick Announced."

By this degree rose wine and Matt had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and John hovered behind him, all trying to read the clause. Albus 's eyes traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In nominal head of the total Ministry of Magic,
minister hopefuls Hotspur St. Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
campaigner work under pastor Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
parties.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
mechanical drawing and Editing of Laws, has been
elect to run for the Merlinus political party,
which is the party that current Minister
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, elder
advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
functionary has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A enceinte gang turned out for the promulgation,
which is only the first base of many visual aspect
by both candidate. The start debate is
scheduled for September 8th, at the
Ministry of conjuring trick.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running play against,"Matt said.

"Guess so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a short like this mathematics teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a chilling lady. I remember once I forgot to do my homework so I spent the intact morning in the loo before individual came looking for me."

"You can state they both hate each other,"flatness said as he gestured to the word-painting."indisputable they 're shaking hands and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just Wyrd that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposite party he is,"rosiness mused."Why would Hartwell have hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched parties ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"Rose said."It just seems fishy. Her switching parties and hinting at all these theme changes. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't help but have the Saame feeling. But all he could do was hope that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not accept the probability to change everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that paper ?"Saint James the Apostle called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the seer down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no point worrying about the election now. It was months away. Plus, the politics family was later that day and Albus was incredibly funny about it.

Transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the same as it was every yr. Professor Patil explained about that year 's syllabus and how they needed to start thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased work load. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to political relation since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration was over and Albus and his friends hurried to the one-fifth level to the classroom where government was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the first off to enter.

"We better not stimulate this with the Slytherins,"John muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the door."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

King John let out an audible sigh of relief and Albus pushed the door open as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the binding, and the professor was nowhere in visual sense. rosiness immediately claimed a desk in the front end and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the other son headed to the radical of Hufflepuffs in the rear.

"Do you believe there will be homework in this class ?"John asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his eyebrows."Is that a serious doubtfulness ?"

John shrugged."Well it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even give birth this class side by side class. So why would there be homework ?"

"Because it 's a category and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The rest of the class filed in, filling in the stern that remained in the middle of the schoolroom. As the bell rang, professor Embry entered, walking with an air that this socio-economic class would be all workplace and no play.

"Good good afternoon,"prof Embry began as he shuffled a few papers on his desk."Welcome to basic Wizarding Politics. I am prof Embry and you will address me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to pace the duration of the classroom."I understand that most of you know absolutely nil about politics and sham that the Minister of deception is born the Minister and laws just magically come into existence. A select few of you,"his eyes rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff girls,"have parents in the Ministry and may have slightly More knowledge than the relief, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put much stake in political Education Department before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's education and wishing to regenerate this twelvemonth. The curriculum will include history of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The form let out a collective grown at the word history. Albus glanced at rosebush, who was on the bound of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly dauntless Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the chronicle. We take story of Magic."

Embry let out a short laugh."With professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before most of the history happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the class dared to laugh."I 'm going to give you a right history of our Bodoni font government, starting with a brief overview of what the government was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a division period each to the way the government is run in France, the United States, and Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this class would take place, you have not acquired leger. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to regale them as program library books and return them to me in similar shape at the end of the year. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his scepter and stacks of record flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in front of the students. Albus glanced down and show the title. Politics and Government in Modern Wizarding UK by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very good. Now, get out parchment and quills. I 'm not going to let the ease of this class catamenia go to wastefulness,"Embry said as he tapped his baton on the dining table. greenback immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the residuum of the class about how the beginning government was formed in Britain. It was incredibly dry. The only reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to call for notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a John not taking distinction and threatened him with custody this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."Next class we 'll fast forward in fourth dimension and learn about the government pre-Voldemort. understand the world-class chapter for homework and come up with three serious-minded questions to set to the relief of the stratum. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts attract the most outlandish instructor ?"Albus asked once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the list of job necessary,"John replied."Must be out of your freaking mind to take this position."

"I think he 's master,"Rose piped in."It seems like we 'll really study stuff."

"Why bother ?"John asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to have a say in the government anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be honorable, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, lavatory. Muggles get politics classes in schooling. It makes gumption that we should, too."

"She 's got a full point, Ilex paraguariensis,"Matt said."Who has the power in your nation topic. If you elect the wrong multitude, things can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their loss leader, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positions that Albus 's dad has and my dad have ? In the United States, those are elected positions. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our government minister,"Rose said.

"How do you lot even know this material ?"John asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor common room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too new to care to eavesdrop."

"Wait."John the Divine stopped in the middle of the corridor and looked at his Friend."wait. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the sorcerous ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

lavatory groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked normal friends ?"

"formula is highly overrated,"lustrelessness said as they reached the Fat Lady.

******


The rest of the calendar week went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's vox populi. Everyone, students and teachers, fell back into their usual Hogwarts function and by the time Fri arrived Albus had a good deal of preparation as high as his bed and was to a greater extent than ready for a few days off. But when he saw the mark display board in the mutual room when he got back from Charms on Friday afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch practice session on Saturday at eight in the morning.

"Eight !"Albus exclaimed."In the morning ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the kickoff week back ! Even Sakartvelo was n't nutcase enough to do that."

"Tough circumstances, mate,"John said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."Eight in the morning. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, matt ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning ? Flying through the rainfall ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"Course not."Matt grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an get dream where I 'm playing for the cannon. In perfect experimental condition of course."

"The shank are the only team you 'd ever give Leslie Townes Hope of playing for,"John Lackland replied.

Albus threw himself down on the sofa. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could go for for a professor spatial relation once he graduated. He 'd converge the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the the Tempter,"St. John said as Fred entered the common room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the public figure of everything Merlin owns did you schedule practice at eight in the morning on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a seventh year taking four socio-economic class. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked upstanding all weekend except for Saturday morning and evening. All the other firm are having try-outs. We ca n't even hold our keeper try-outs until next weekend because of it."

"Why not the eventide then ?"

"Omar Nelson Bradley 's got to make an appearance at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his eyes.

"Then why have drill at all ? We do n't need to coach anyone new until we get a new Keeper,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're rusty. We 've got to start training ahead of time. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summer,"Albus said flatly.

"aspect, Al, I 'm not changing it. Just slew with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his hall.

Albus spent the remainder of the eve fuming about practice and cursing Fred under his breathing space, until Rose suggested they all go to the Room after dinner party. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the way he 'd be up half the nighttime and would only get a few hours'eternal sleep.

In the end he was glad Rose suggested it. They spent the evening playing Gobstones and Exploding grab and listening to John and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to call it a nighttime and headed back to his dorm room, leaving his friends to retain discussing whether it would be better to turn Malfoy 's hair red or purple.

Only a few unawares 60 minutes later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an hour of day that was only entail to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his Scots heather and went to meet his teammates in the uncouth room.

No one looked happy. King James I was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his horseshoe without opening his middle. Calluna vulgaris 's tomentum was sticking up at odd angles while she tried to domesticate it into a ponytail. Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a petty worse for clothing. But they trudged through the castle, only seeing Peeves loosening a few door hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a suit of armor.

The atmospheric condition was at least nice and the four hours they spent on the pitch went by relatively fast. Albus and his teammates landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the pitch. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory to convert, Albus headed into the Great anteroom hoping there would be something good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor table and after stowing his Scots heather underneath the terrace, he sat down and grabbed the nighest dish.

"You could at least shower beginning, Al,"rosiness said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the board. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a small-arm of parchment."They want us to go to the debate tonight since it 's the initiative one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's field to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the letter of the alphabet."That gives me about four hours to slack and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to receive to go to every public debate ?"Rose asked.

"Hope not,"Albus replied in between bites."You do n't take to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even want to go himself so he wo n't make us. And Mum probably expects that it would just subscribe to away from my studies."

"This says I have to bear full-dress gown,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can say us if anything commodity happens,"Matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, desperate to find somebody else who could hold open him company.

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only throw to go to ones at Hogwarts. And then whatever political party the candidates will throw for the officials. Does n't believe an election should give birth much upshot on my spirit,"Matt explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the virtually of the rest of the day. He and his friends took preparation down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech tree while they sat by the bound of the lake and dangled their feet in. Kaden swore the Giant calamary tried to eat his foot, but nobody believed him. rosiness and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the edge of the forest, insisting that none of the boys follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the young lady left and the boys began tossing it around. This was peachy fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a section of Kaden 's hair, leaving his foreland bleeding rather profusely and Albus, John Lackland, and flatness having to rush him to the hospital wing. By the fourth dimension Kaden 's head had been bandaged up and all four had received a lecture on the dangers of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the movement ) it was time for Albus to channelise back to Gryffindor Tower to get make for the disputation.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a class left ! I 'm now home for the summer and am having issues getting my net to cooperate with HPFF. matter take a long time to load and I can not reply to reviews. I will still read every limited review, but responses will adopt a while since I have to be at the library to answer to them.

Since I final updated I 've had some event with citizenry plagiarizing my stories. I really hate that I have to tell you laugh at this, but it is against the rules to take in anyone 's chronicle from here and put them on other sites. It 's also against the rules to withdraw plots, grapheme, etc without permission. I do not impart my permission for anyone to take my patch or characters. I 'm really happy that you guys like my fib, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry outcome. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's fame and Ministry position because he hated the attention. Saint James the Apostle had always been the type who would bask in the care, enjoying when all the Ministry functionary proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was sure to be the star of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather neutral towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own affair. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old ladies and did not like random people telling him how tall he was getting. As he got honest-to-god, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of life and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald green apparel robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sort of ironing charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Percy 's night and it seemed like this full year was going to be his Uncle Percy 's year.

Albus tamed his hairsbreadth with a bit of water and then met James I, Lily, Bradley, and Cedric in the common elbow room. St. James looked suave and perfectly comfortable in his sorry dress gown, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed rotted fish in their matching grey robe. Lily was wearing a imperial frock and as usual, did n't seem to have an opinion about going to the debate.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter this morning,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the commencement one."

"At least you do n't have to go to all of them,"Bradley muttered.

The rest of the tripper to Kendrick 's subject area was silent. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in attire robe as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would stay to keep an eye on the public debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo powder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after Henry James and soon found himself in the Ministry of Magic 's entree Radclyffe Hall. The place was far quieter than it was the last clip he had been there, the conform to year, when he went with matte to recite his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the lifts and down to the homage rooms."The lone place big enough to accommodate everyone witnessing the debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only case. It 's being broadcasted over the radio receiver, however. Kendrick stopped in front line of court room ten and opened the door. The room was about half total. Albus spotted his female parent 's brilliant red hair in the commencement row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather moody looking Georgia and the twins, who were both reading Quran. Kendrick began to mouth quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. King James, Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would show up for steward try-outs the followers weekend. Georgia immediately perked up and began giving the boys advice on who they should hold an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the odd side of the front row of the seating room was reserved for Sir Henry Percy 's mob. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunt and uncles, as well as Victoire, Teddy, and Stanley. In fact the only one of his older cousin that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the first row on the right side of meat was reserved for Laurentis 's sept, although Albus did n't recognize a unmarried one of the people in that row. He turned around and focused on the masses filing in. He recognized a few of them including lusterlessness 's parents and a few early Ministry officials he 'd met before. Matt 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that Matt had been forced to go, but quickly erased that thinking because what sort of friend would wish their best Quaker had to attend to a political debate ?

The yack in the room immediately subsided when minister Hartwell entered followed by a few of his closest advisers. Behind them were Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robes. Hartwell and his adviser sat along a table at the front of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind pulpit, also at the straw man of the way. The government minister spoke with his advisers briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the consultant rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robe stretched very tightly across his middle. He was completely bald and had no beard, but a very wide mustache. Aiming his wand at his own pharynx, he muttered a turn and then set his wand down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the audience,"to the starting time argumentation of the 2020 election for diplomatic minister of Magic. Our two campaigner, Walker Percy Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an prefatory debate on a potpourri of issues. My name is Wendell House of York and I am the headland of the department of Magical Transportation and will suffice as moderator for tonight 's public debate. I will pose the topic and each candidate will get five minute to reply, then two minutes for a rebuttal.

"The first of all topic is how our world is concealed from Muggles. Do you intend the current Ministry is doing an passable job ? What changes would you suggest ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an exciting issue like catching dark wizards ? Or at least something relevant to his life, like the lack of good Defense professor at Hogwarts. Now that would be a disputation he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying attention to much of his uncle 's response.

"... current police force do a satisfactory job of concealing our world from Muggles. Magic sightings by Muggles are low in number and when they do happen Obliviators do an fantabulous job of altering the retentivity of our Muggle neighbors ..."Percy droned on.

Albus turned to James River who rolled his heart. Could they have come up with a more tire topic ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron hind end heaviness, which was a report card Walker Percy had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying aid that meant he was really bored but was trying to falsify it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our form by Muggles is too many. Each clock time a Muggle catches lot of an act of trick puts our entire world at risk of exposure, and not only United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 's wizarding world. We have a responsibility to the populace that we keep our magic under wraps. According to cobbler's last yr 's statistics we were in the top five countries in terms of numbers of sightings. That 's not good ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various laws that could be enacted to secure that Muggles did not see acts of magic until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Sir Henry Percy have his two minute rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an unimaginable finish to try, to accomplish no thaumaturgy sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her previous logical argument.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the flow schooling year. He was a quartern year, which meant he was no prospicient one of the immature shaver. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two years and now he was hoping he 'd be able to have some say in how practices went and how matches were played. Then there was the Dueling Club. Each of the eight squad had a headwaiter and the police captain were fourthly year. prof, mostly Neville, picked the maitre d'hotel. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpius and as much as he did not really want the responsibility of being captain, he did not want Scorpio to have power over him. He would use that to his advantage.

The public debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay attention until he heard the word of honor 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his tending. It was Laurentis 's turn to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the Saame way for genesis and while no one can deny that Headmaster Kendrick runs a wonderful schoolhouse, we also can not ignore that changes could be made to gain the students. The world is a constantly changing home and Department of Education pauperism to save up in order for our students to be better inclined.

"The class choices for exercise. It is my understanding that a new family has been added this year about politics, which I think is greatly beneficial to educatee. But former than that the same classes are offered now as have been offered for tenner. New course need to be phased in while old ace that either no foresighted interest students need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about gist stratum such as Potions and Charms, but elective.

"teacher also need to be kept up to date with recent findings in their fields. They should not be teaching the Saami information I or my opposer learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid info available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your clock time is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent brings up an interesting degree, but even she admits that Headmaster Kendrick is running an excellent school. I believe that some government regulation is necessary, example being last-place year 's incident with professor Balladanis, but we as government officials do not own the preparation nor experience needed to properly run a school. I, as well as my opponent, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a improve job running Hogwarts than Professor Kendrick.

"Just as professors most probably believe it outdo to leave law qualification and the running of the body politic to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it in force to leave the running of Hogwarts to professor Kendrick and the other professor. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is fine as is and if the headmaster thought he needed government assistance bringing about change in curriculum he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than prof Kendrick. I am merely stating that the students would benefit from more administration treatment. If the Ministry had been more mired with teacher selection, for example, we could have possibly avoided hiring Professor Balladanis last year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government official would have found prof Balladanis to be an inappropriate professor during his interview. In fact, I would be given towards the opposite, considering that neither I or my opponent have ever hired a prof before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the brass. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsored debate could get so heated. He craned his head and turned around in social club to see what Kendrick 's response to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far better than either Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the way was paying ecstatic attention, including Saint James and Lily. The only when two mass who were n't were Samantha and Lindy.

There was one last inquiry about law making that Albus did n't really read, nor did he care to empathize. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts question. Harry Hotspur 's argument was far safe, in his opinion. Hogwarts was fine the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to change everything ? What sort of changes was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the issue would be explored more specifically at the educational activity themed debate which was scheduled to take place at Hogwarts the following calendar month. But one thought that Albus could not get out of his pass was that if Laurentis won, what would chance to Hogwarts ?
******


"The only if variety I want to see at Hogwarts is less homework and fewer exams,"John said as he walked with Albus and the rest of their acquaintance to the Great Hall.

A week had passed since the first public debate and pupil were still talking about the possible changes to Hogwarts. A very large full Thomas Nelson Page spread had appeared in the Daily prophesier the day after the disputation, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to vary Hogwarts. This had both educatee and professors up in arms and affair were only beginning to calm down. The professors had been on edge the previous hebdomad, snapping at student for nothing and assigning extra preparation. This resulted in the students being very unhappy. Albus did not quite empathise why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not care Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Sabbatum morning and Albus and his Quaker were heading to the Great Radclyffe Hall for the first Junior 's Dueling Club coming together of the twelvemonth. Albus 's spunk were on end. It was at this maiden encounter that the maitre d' would be announced.

"If Scorpius gets captain I 'm going to polish off something,"John muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his squad,"Rose said.

"I am and I could n't fend it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's captain, tournament are going to be atrocious,"John countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great manor hall was in mass chaos, as it always was during the kickoff get together of the year. Two teams were congregated at each board and much to Albus 's disdain, his team was holding court at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the jumble back years who had yet to be assigned a squad and stood next to his squad. Scorpius was seated across the table from him.

"well, ceramist, gear up to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpius greeted him.

"I could say the Lapp to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so sure enough you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the better dueler, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"tranquillity, quiet everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a come back and paid attention to Neville instead. Professor Patil stood following to him. Albus supposed the new DoD professor had not had a desire to help with the Dueling night club. Somehow, Albus was not surprise.

"Thank you,"Neville said."first base I 'd like to herald that Professor Patil has graciously agreed to aid me patronise this twelvemonth 's Dueling baseball club. As a reminder, all teams must have a professor present during drill and it is up to the team police chief to organize practice time and settle a professor to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or Professor Patil. However, this year we are allowing seventh year Dueling Club extremity to superintend as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a 7th year to supervise.

"first orderliness of line is this year 's instant yr. I 've already assigned you to teams and shall now read off the list."

Albus let his psyche wander while Neville read off the list. The entirely second yr he knew were his sister, and she was assigned to flatness 's team, as well as Victor-Marie Hugo, who was assigned to lavatory and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking second years had congregated at his own team 's touch and he smiled at them, encouraging them to use up seats next to the former students. There were five of them. Two son and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could last with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth years have been waiting for, headwaiter promulgation ! Let me remind you that I, as well as the early professors who have been involved with this society have been watching you over the past two geezerhood and have chosen not only prodigious duelers, but exceptional leadership. Without further adieu.

"The senior pilot of squad One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

sunniness erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff mesa, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very nice and would make an excellent captain.

"The maitre d' of squad Two is Harvey Tucker."

John and Kaden 's team. Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every response in every single class.

"The captain of Team triplet is Peter Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His father had attended school with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of team Four is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpio. Scorpius grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The skipper of team five is Jace Johnson."

Rose 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't seem to ever be not happy. It was variety of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of Team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't know well. He swallowed hard. Team Seven was side by side and that was his team.

"The senior pilot of Team 7 is Albus Potter."

whoremonger 's whistle could be heard above everyone 's shouting. Albus grinned. His entire squad ( salvage for Scorpio and his supporter ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made chieftain ! All the uncertainties he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus Potter, was the new captain of team Seven.

"The captain of Team Eight is Dayton Coons."

Matt 's squad. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedias in his brain.

"That 's all for today. senior pilot, please frame out a time for your get-go practice, which should take place during the following two calendar week. Once you have a date, delight see me to get a classroom. Then find a professor or 7th year to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one word as Albus talked with the rest of his team and figured out a recitation time that did not interfere with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones Club, and Bromus secalinus Club. Eventually he settled on the play along Thursday even. Neville assigned them to an abandon schoolroom on the sixth level. Albus figured he 'd ask a 7th year to supervise rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his for the first time pattern.

Albus 's Quaker joined him at the door to the Great G. Stanley Hall. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was set to murder soul. Albus thought he looked far too wild over a lost captaincy. It was just the junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"whoremonger asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a Son,"Albus replied.

"Do n't think about him,"Rose said."What 's the head ? You made master and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."near of the headwaiter are pretty decent, too. I mean Lydia 's kind of irritating, but the rest are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a good year for dueling, that 's for sure,"Matt agreed.

The six Friend discussed dueling all the way back to the common room. When they entered they saw a preindication that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the table and all of Albus 's cousins were cracking them open. Marina was surrounded by her Friend and Albus was accosted by his cousins as soon as he entered. Someone thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the back. He smiled as he looked out at the usual way, at the party that his cousins had thrown together for himself and Marina. flatness was not only right about the fact that it would be a good twelvemonth for dueling. It was going to be a right year in general.


A/N : So I bet you 're all fuddle about the figure variety ! wellspring, I 've been doing some thinking and a game change was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The variety only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old title was n't going to work with the new plot, so I had to exchange it. I like the new one bettor anyway. And do n't worry, Walker Percy will still run for Minister. Actually, the new plot focuses more on that.

To reply in advancement, because I know this will add up up, I wo n't tell what the old plot of ground was going to be. I 'd rather masses not compare the old game with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the assembly, you 'll know about the tragedy we had last week. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the forums ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the for the first time stories she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this news report to you, Mugil liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The next day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor steward aspirant. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to commence in 15 hour, yet the delivery had been packed since before luncheon. Albus speculated that some hopefuls, including Victor Hugo, had not even taken a break for luncheon. Poor Victor Hugo need n't have bothered skipping his meal since even an extra half hour of practice would not consume helped him.

Students from second gear through seventh yr were hoping for a spot on the squad, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized most of them, but there were a few older bookman whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were interpreter from other teams, surely there to check out Gryffindor 's new steward.

Albus stood on the pitch a few cadence from the crowd, with his squad. Fred was holding a clipboard and ling was standing next to him, gazing out at the students hoping for a spot. James, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"Quiet, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the ground and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a Keeper this year. And if you ca n't restrain, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as custodian and then postulate another 's slur when they graduate, you might as well not desolate your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both GA and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would joke around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in thrill, thing had changed.

A few of the younger students walked slowly off the pitch and into the stands, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to have you fly around the pitch to appraise your BASIC flying skills. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll propel on to guarding the goal posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the hopeful fly laps around the pitch. Quite a few could not even manage to fly straight or accomplish turns properly. About a quarter of them were eliminated during the outset ten minutes. one-half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the offset ten moment of destination keeping, including Hugo. He hung his principal as he walked to the stands, broom trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The residual of the of the students took retentive to extinguish. After about an hour the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the sole fair way to do this is to eliminate anyone who misses a save. Last one standing, er, flying, gets the spot,"Fred announced.

It took another half time of day to fetch up the try-outs. To Albus 's surprisal, the winner was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no idea that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her broom and accepted the praise from the ease of the team.

"Nice to have another girl,"ling said."I thought I 'd be the only when one after Georgia left."

"I thought your full cousin Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the only Weasley who ca n't take on Quidditch ?"

"have you seen Rose on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was little. So happy to accept won the spot. When 's number 1 practice ?"

"rightfulness now,"Fred said."We 've got the lurch all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into Georgia. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a bright and sunny day, so it would n't be bad.

Practice lasted a few hours and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to ask a shower and then set off to locate his ally. dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's friend were in the predator 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor common way when he had traipsed through after practice. whoremaster and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing John, like usual. rose wine and Amanda were sitting on the couch discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. Matt was not there since the full moon had been the previous Night.

"Albus !"St. John the Apostle exclaimed after Al had shut the room access."So, who 's the new Gryffindor keeper ?"

"You 're never gon na trust it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby hot seat."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for long time and was just waiting for the steward spot to open."

"Seriously ?"John asked."She never mentioned it all these years that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too engaged making sure you do n't blow anything up,"rosebush replied.

"Hey, I 'm advantageously than Al and matt are,"John muttered.

"speech production of Matt, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so lady Pomfrey did n't let us stay. Figured we 'd go after supper,"John answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in agreement and they set off towards the Great mansion house. The corridors were filled with students who had spent the day outdoors and Albus felt very capacity walking alongside his friends, despite how every unity one of his brawniness ached from praxis.

"Shhhh, tone !"John seethed as he grabbed the cover of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a doorway. Kaden, rosebush, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"Rose asked.

"Shush !"John whispered."It 's Scorpius and Willinson 's first cousin. What was his name again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his head around the door frame. Scorpius and Felix were standing following to a few cause of armor, heads leaned in towards each early. There was a female child about a head short than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the same vividness hair, except hers was yearn and curly.

"She 's a first off class. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't remember her name,"Rose answered.

"I have half a mind to save her from the two of them,"Saint John the Apostle muttered."She 'd be bettor off not getting mixed up with the ilk of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpius began walking down the corridor and Felix and the female child followed. Albus and his friends watched them until they turned a box, disappearing out of pot.

"Weird,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending low years, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoiac,"Rose said."They were just talking and they 're in the same planetary house. Maybe she had a question or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."pink wine let out an exasperated sigh."Two weeks into the condition and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember cobbler's last twelvemonth ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to forefend something like that again."

"Fine. But I 'm not getting involved,"blush wine muttered.

Albus walked in secretiveness the eternal rest of the way to the Great residence hall. rosebush may have been right. Albus may have just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a intuitive feeling that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


Matt returned from the infirmary wing two twenty-four hours later and the month wore on in its usual way. The professor were assigning more and more homework and it took longer and longer to complete.

Once October arrived excitement began to brew when the outset Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Allhallows Eve and Kaden in particular was very excited. He never did manage to make it to Hogsmeade under the invisibility Cloak the late year.

Albus 's first dueling drill had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpius had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may have been solely because prof Cedonia had been present during the drill. His team was shaping up well and he had high hopes for them winning many tournaments. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say thing were going equally well for the election. Ever since the first debate various magazines and radio set show had been latching onto Percy 's affirmation about education and his lack of willingness to deepen, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Omar Nelson Bradley said one Night at dinner. The Weasleys and ceramist were all eating together in order to discuss the election."Does n't write us as much and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to refer the five Thomas Nelson Page cattle farm that Wizards cartridge holder is doing about our house,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a turkey leg."That 's sure to fuel the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Bradley answered."Only good part is we got permit to leave out all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five pages ?"James asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's life story,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our lives. Just a happy clause about how we all love each other and Dad 's a family man. That 's what his campaign handler wants to portray him as seeing that Laurentis does n't have any kids."

"And Uncle Percy has a whole lot,"James pointed out.

"Hey, you lot better watch out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the total Weasley-Potter clan,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"James asked.

"Around Christmas, I think. Adds to the felicitous class atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to audience Uncle George VI when he 's had a bit too much eggnog."James IV laughed.

"When 's the succeeding debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."Must be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's focusing on law origination and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we bear to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't think so,"James answered."Dad said we just had to go to the I at Hogwarts from now on."

"speaking of elections, what does everyone think of that political sympathies class ?"Albus asked.

"prof 's very intense,"James said in between insect bite."But it 's not nearly as unspeakable as the other grade. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my flow favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an advantage,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and stuff. A few of my Friend have absolutely no idea about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a hard time."

Professor Embry seemed to be teaching the course of study in chronological order and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the fall of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a little boring but he had a feeling it would get more interesting once Embry started on the fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the class is necessary,"rose said."Think about it. No class like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry functionary learn the history of the Ministry ? Where did they get a line about politics ? They learned it as they went, but did n't know much when they started. That 's a small scary. masses should roll in the hay how their country is run."

Albus thought about what rose wine had said as he chewed on his pealing. She had a good point. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Walker Percy really known nothing about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't take. Percy 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to reckon about.

Albus mostly listened during the rest of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't indisputable why. Nor could he figure out whether he wanted Walker Percy to win or not. Either way, liveliness would be drastically unlike after Election Day, and Albus liked thing the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to convert Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few daytime later. The law enforcement disputation had taken place the night before and the full front page of the Prophet was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Percy Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creative activity
and enforcement final night at the Ministry
of conjuring trick. Like the old cosmopolitan disputation,
sparks flew in this one, with each prospect
speaking passionately about the topic.

'I 've worked in law innovation for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the defeat
of Voldemort, I think we can all agree that
things are running smoothly. I intend to
ensure that things save going the way they
are, with enforcement of laws that benefit
the entire wizarding biotic community .'

Laurentis took a more radical posture, in
her response to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the laws we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to ask a good hard look at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are clear. Far more felon
are being acquitted and even Thomas More are
being released from Azkaban. In my study
at the prison house, I see many outlaw being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement indigence to change .'

Without a dubiousness, things are only going to
heat up. The candidate seem to get
completely different opinion on everything
from breeding to law. The next public debate,
which will be on teaching, will use up place
at Hogwarts on Saturday, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"Matt asked, taking the paper from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't have the king,"rosiness answered."The pastor has to sign off on most things, unless all representatives and functionary disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's multitude who do n't fit in with her,"lusterlessness replied.

"Think they 'll ever agree with each former ?"Albus asked.

"uncertainty it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually staring opposites. What I do n't understand is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle fit in on everything."

"Me either,"Rose agreed."surmise we 're watching the adjacent debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"mat said."Embry will probably make us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"Rose said."That will be the disputation that will directly impact us. The election 's in Apr which means we 're going to deliver over three years of Hogwarts under whichever candidate is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those change are going to touch on us."

Bradley sat down side by side to Albus and threw a copy of champion magazine onto the table."Article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out right around the debate,"Omar Nelson Bradley muttered."You really ought to read it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Bradley shook his brain."This Lady 's almost spoilt. corporate trust me."

Rose, Amanda, King John, Matt, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the magazine. The article was in the midsection, with the two pages being a full colour photograph of Uncle Hotspur, auntie Corrine, and their kids. Walker Percy and Corrine were sitting on their living room couch, with Georgia in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Omar Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the couch and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the page and saw a very lengthy article, interspersed with various pictures of his family and boxes about each of those five cousins. The clause finished up on the following Thomas Nelson Page.

Upon entering the home of government minister of magic
candidate Percy Weasley 's Southampton household
I am storm to see that it does not look
like the dwelling house of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with lashings and piles of paper and
Weasley 's effort manager is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the unseasoned Weasley children,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and lindy hop. A
shell of warm biscuit sits upon the coffee berry
mesa and Weasley 's married woman, Corrine, bustles
into the way carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to hold open the campaign at the Ministry ,'
Harry Hotspur explains after I ask where his military campaign
materials are. 'The movement is employment. It is my
job. The house is for my family .'

"Really ?"rosebush raised her eyebrows."She should 've seen his study. That 's where all his campaign poppycock is."

The article went on to talk over Hotspur and his fathering acquisition. Albus grew more than and more tired of as it went on. Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be father of the twelvemonth. No wonder Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more lofty of Georgia ,'
Percy said, speaking of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as Reserve Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
identification number of her matches and it is clear
that she could accept a farseeing career in
Quidditch .'

"What a load of muck !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Percy has never once agreed with Georgia 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that newsman just saying he did ?"Matt asked.

"Oh he said it,"Bradley, who had taken a seat a short ways down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the principal article. His eyes glanced across the pageboy and rested upon the pocket-sized box that discussed Georgia.

Peach State Weasley, the eldest daughter
of Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays Reserve steward for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Georgia said when the
topic was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full keeper one day .'
Georgia 's dream is to play for England.

Next to Georgia 's box there was one for Bradley.

Thomas Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Harry Hotspur and Corrine, is currently in
his sixth yr at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't need to
play professionally like Sakartvelo. I
want to ferment for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his one-fifth class
at Hogwarts and is the hoaxer of
the family. 'Every Weasley folk
has to receive soul who will encounter the
jape. It 's like a rule or something.
I come up with the best idea when I 'm
with my cousin King James I [ Potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll rivet on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The concluding box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy ) Weasley are
nine years old and attend a local
chief schoolhouse for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't hold off to enter Hogwarts in two
class .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my sister and crony ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't care what house I 'm
in, just as long as I can play Quidditch.
Well, okeh, I do n't need to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the magazine publisher,"was the regretful article I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to recall what the one about our intact family will be like,"Rose muttered.

"Nah,"John said."That one will be better because they wo n't get to make as much up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding world. They 'll just play that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are the great unwashed really going to believe all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nothing about your uncle 's family. Sure, they know all about your dad, but really, how much do they recognize about Percy ? Not much. They 're going to want to think it and why should n't they ? They have no idea Walker Percy does n't O.K. of Georgia 's Quidditch vocation. It 's the same as in the Muggle populace.

"It would be nice if people voted on prospect who shared their same scene, but it honestly comes down to who presents the well cause. hoi polloi are n't going to want person in top executive who has issues with his own family."

"That 's dazed,"Kaden replied."Glad my family 's not involved with politics."

"My sept is your family,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still call him Uncle Harry Hotspur,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my blood uncle."

"Well, I can honestly say my family 's not in politics and I 'm very sword lily about that,"whoremaster said.

Albus could not imagine aliveness without having kinsperson involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly jealous of St. John the Apostle. What would it hold been like to have parents who were n't famous ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guys are all amazing. Just as another admonisher, I ca n't reply to reviews while I am home for the summer, but I read every one one. If you have some sort of inquiry that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the writer page at the forums or send me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from vacation next week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following week brought a storm so long and so intense that Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the 2nd half of the week. It was thoroughly impossible to walk outside without being doubled over by the wind and the younger students could not take the air without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would suit soaked within two arcminute. The students secretly rejoiced, for the duplicate justify periods were helpful to all.

It remained so showery and windy that even Quidditch practice had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would have canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doors until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday evening and contemplated holding a strategy seance in the park room instead, but Heather convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to ask the chance to spend the day at the library, something that John the Evangelist and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. matte and Amanda joined them as well, for they had mint of homework as well. blush wine had mentioned something about tutoring a unseasoned scholarly person and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with pupil, most likely due to the atmospheric condition and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a unspoilt five moment for Albus and his friends to locate an vacate mesa. It was a lot louder than usual and ma'am Pince was glaring at each table of students in twist.

Albus set his down of books down and got to crop on a Potions essay that was due the following week. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few solar day to do it. He thought he was ahead of the game anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about homework.

bathroom and Kaden, as usual, were unable to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by Madam Pince twice before finally opening their books. Amanda immediately set to work on the like essay Albus was working on. Matt cracked open his Charms text but stared at the Same pageboy for five minutes before Albus noticed that his centre had glazed over. The October full lunar month was the comply night, so Albus was not storm.

"This is dead boring,"John muttered after they 'd been studying for an time of day."Politics back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely different now, so why do we require to put out reading it ?"

"So we do n't gain the same mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."Simple, really."

"You 're channeling Rose now,"lavatory stated.

"Someone has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my Divination predictions ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"John exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the malarky while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's regulation against going outside ?"

"Perfect. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can total down with a nasty frigidity after being outside in the rainwater so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been insane to guide soothsaying in the first place, but at least they seemed to enjoy making up their faker predictions. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some ridiculous prediction.

An hour later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration of Jesus reading. John and Kaden had given up on preparation and were planning an elaborate harlequinade that involved a crybaby, birdseed, and the Slytherin common room. flatness had been dozing on his Charms book. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's Charms ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."lustrelessness glanced at his ledger and quickly wiped it with the sleeve of his robes."Great, really. Think I 'll head to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this Reading done."

John Lackland and Kaden rose to connect lustrelessness. They 'd been yelled at two Sir Thomas More times and figured they 'd do better to design in the Den.

"Wait,"can said when he was only a few metrical unit from the table."Is that rose wine ?"He pointed to a pass of bushy red haircloth at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the way and hid behind a Word ledge to get a closer look.

Albus craned his read/write head. rosebush was sitting with a small girl. toilet returned a few bit later.

"I thought so. It 's that girl we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few workweek ago."

"Wait, that Slytherin first yr ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly bury about her, finally deciding that Scorpio probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right wing,"bathroom said."What 's turn out doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring person. mustiness be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Weird. Tutoring a Slytherin,"Saint John replied.

"What 's it issue ?"Matt snapped."No degree in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his berm and headed for the door, not waiting for lav and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it matter if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpius but this you do n't care about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring political platform. I do n't think you get to control who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."John Lackland sighed."Well, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as can and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another hour before joining their friends in the Marauder 's Den. John the Evangelist and Kaden were having a serious discussion on how they were going to prevail a volaille and Matt was sound asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of cards of Exploding Snap and played round after round while listening to John and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be easier to receive an older scholar transfigure something into a wimp,"Kaden said a full 20 minutes later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousin-german will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our japery. We could just go ingest one of the crybaby from Hagrid 's poulet hencoop,"John replied.

"Sir Thomas More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to surmise if one of Al 's cousins is practicing their transfiguration. But sneaking a volaille into the rook ? They 're fairly cheap with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no chance of getting caught ?"John asked.

"There will be slew of chance of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin common elbow room. Merlin only knows how we 're going to carry off that."

The room access opened and Rose walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin common room ?"

"You do n't desire to know,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

Rose rolled her eyes and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few card game to join in on the next round.

"How was tutoring ?"John asked, abandoning the topic of chickens.

"mulct,"pink wine answered."Same as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"John replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"blush wine smirked.

Gospel According to John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summertime. Fourth years and above can be in the tutoring political platform. The professors match you up with younger pupil and I 've been tutoring a firstly year for a few week now."

"Yeah,"bathroom said as he got up and walked over to where Rose was sitting."We saw you earlier. That girl you 're tutoring ? That 's the same girl that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few weeks ago."

"Wait, that one prison term that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that time. I was just wondering who she was."

rosiness sighed."She 's Willinson 's fiddling sis. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really dainty, actually. calm, does n't look much like a Slytherin to me but her whole family 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"John said."surmisal that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"pink wine answered."You lot require to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except lustrelessness, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great mansion house. pink wine had been right. Nothing suspicious about Willinson 's sister tagging after him and Scorpio. Albus 's instincts had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's life did he ever think there would be a prof who could top prof Binns in terms of oil production stratum. But Professor Young had done the impossible. Twice a week Albus and his Quaker traipsed to Young 's classroom to make for on a ace worksheet. Young did nothing else, except hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an entire grade period to fill out, resulting in students using the remaining time to catch up on other homework, something that Young neglected to notice. The only good part about the class was that Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll last the yr ?"mat asked as they were leaving Pres Young 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected diplomatic minister and deems him unfit to teach."

"He does n't really teach,"rose wine pointed out.

"But still, he 's salutary than Balladanis,"lustrelessness reasoned.

The rest of Albus 's socio-economic class were properly, although most assigned too a good deal homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of Oct drew nearer, Albus became very excited about the low gear Hogsmeade visit of the year. It would be the first time that all of Albus 's friends would get to go together and possibly the last, given how officious everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch practice session on that day in order to prepare up for the missed practices due to the storm. However, the total team was outraged and Heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not rescind the practice. Albus was very relieved as it was a prissy day and perfective for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new plurality of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the way from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up ages ago."

"That the pack I sent you over the summer ?"John asked.

"Sure is. Did n't last too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"John announced."And loads of early stuff and nonsense from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird seed if we 're going to do that japery,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and mat exchanged feel. King John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's elder cousin to metamorphose them a chicken that they would then somehow stool pigeon into the Slytherin coarse room. The birdseed was to scatter throughout the blank space in order to chafe the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't come complaining to us when you get a calendar month of detentions, because there 's no possible way you can slip into the Slytherin common room without getting caught."

"We 'll make Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Allhallows Eve,"St. John the Apostle answered.

"Idiots,"rose wine muttered.

Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes was packed with student. Being the number 1 Hogsmeade weekend, most students had a dangerous lack of pranking products and needed to blood up. George was behind the counter ringing up leverage after leverage and waved at Albus as he walked in with his supporter. They quickly scattered, each heading towards the showing that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of Defense at least once and History of Magic a few times a month. John and Kaden each had about five boxes and matt watched with a disgusted look on his face. Since he missed at least a day or two of class a month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would make themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there last,"lavatory said as he lugged his old bag to the trio Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must remember that for next metre,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to have a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His first cousin had had Butterbeer before when citizenry snuck it back to the Gryffindor common room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The Three broomstick was crowded, but Matt managed to grab a tabular array in the back. Rose set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about 15 hour before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpio surveyed the room and his middle rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"thrower,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's admirer, glaring at Matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are ready to duel next weekend."

"path we are,"Albus answered."The team 's mickle prepared. Last practice session on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be ready to carry the team on Saturday since the rest of our team could n't win a duel against a world-class year."

"Shut it. Our team is ticket,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a decent captain ..."Scorpius 's voice trailed off."But the prof love anyone whose last name is potter or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on attainment,"Albus replied, staring him in the optic."Not identify. Rose did n't make chieftain and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a potter and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpio squabble, ignoring Albus 's commentary."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the earth likes that your entire family line runs the wizarding universe and that nothing gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my family may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to facilitate people. And they 're only there because the great unwashed voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpius muttered. Then he turned to matte."Or yours."

"masses voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpius took a step closer to Albus."The point is that your family might not be running this commonwealth much longer. So you 'd improve vigil out."

Scorpius turned to allow for and his admirer followed."My family does n't run the humankind !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his seat after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the start place."He 's just so stunned !"Albus exclaimed."My phratry does n't run the country."

"He 's just jealous,"Amanda said."You got made police chief of our team and he hates that. Your dad 's far-famed and he 's envious of that."

"His dad 's renowned too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the wrong reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was notable for the right-hand intellect,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a notable dad is n't always a good affair,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"blush wine said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's menace have worn off,"Matt said quietly."I liked it in September when he just sorting of disregard us."

"It does n't mean he 's going to tell apart anyone,"rose wine whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't matter what he 's looking for. One chemise of the tongue is all it takes and my living at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his friend."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a licence wizard, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be nothing Sir Thomas More than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you conceive he intend by your syndicate not being in charge of the wizarding earth much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't mean much. My dad will still be in charge of the Auror department."

"No,"Rose whispered."Have n't you been paying attention in Politics ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you mean ?"

"OK, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the playscript. New Ministers can constitute new header of the departments if they want to. Most do n't because so many new people makes for a bad transition period, but it 's happened a few metre. If Laurentis wins, she could supersede Uncle Harry,"Rose explained.

"postponement, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

Rose nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"lusterlessness said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"Rose replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new Minister was one affair, but having new promontory of all the departments ? The Ministry would be run in a completely dissimilar way. Nothing would stay the Sami. nobody would replace Harry Potter as Head of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his forefront."No one would interchange my dad. He 's a great Auror."

"He 's a great Auror, that 's straight,"blush wine agreed,"but great is an legal opinion. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Harry Hotspur undoubtedly thinks he 's a smashing Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will matter. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a neat Auror. And the question is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would think my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a regular Auror,"Rose said."Look, you do n't require to interest about it. I 'm sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heading have terms like the rector. When their term is up, the electric current diplomatic minister can replace them or keep them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a hearing. Like with my dad."

"DOE n't look carnival,"Albus said.

"It works both direction. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to replace who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm surprised Hartwell has n't done that,"John said.

"She 's probably kept quiet about her opinions so she could keep on her view while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he replace her now ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"It would seem bad. Remember, half of politics is how you look to the public,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a sequester boarding school in the United States, just in case anyone asks why the parson 's niece disappears for most of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his head."It 's so confusing. I do n't know how anyone keeps track of it."

"Luckily we do n't birth to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the termination of word warfare with them. You two are amazing ! HPFF now loads properly on my Internet and I am able to reply to refresh, so I 'm slowly working through them. Keep a look out for responses !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Allhallows Eve,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting private Bertie Bott 's Every savor noodle and tossing the nasty ace into a spate on the floor.

"That 's dazed,"toilet countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a caper on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the lowest minute essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll lose the match."

The number one Quidditch match of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to direct place on Sat, two days after Halloween.

"Again, the Prefects and professor will be expecting it,"whoremonger said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a match before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a sign you 've pranked them too much,"rose pointed out.

Albus and the rest of his supporter were in the vulture 's Den, attempting to resolve on a day to put the poulet and poulet provender in the Slytherin common room. They 'd been arguing for a half 60 minutes and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to participate in the harlequinade at all, had decided that they would serve as look-outs while John the Divine and Kaden snuck into the vernacular elbow room.

"I think Wed would be a full alternative. Wednesday nighttime. We 've got to do it really late, though. The first years have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to wait until they 're back in their hall,"John explained."dark before Halloween-"

"By the meter you manage to do it after astronomy, it 'll technically be Allhallows Eve,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Hallowe'en dark,"John the Divine said."Pre-Halloween."

"mischievousness night,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another dome onto his bundle and started laughing."You 're rightfulness !"

"Mischief Night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle affair. It 's when Muggles pull put-on and cause mayhem. It 's traditionally the night before Halloween or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, it 'll be on mischievousness Night."

John grinned."perfect tense. Wizards do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's Americans and Canadian River who celebrate before Halloween, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Allhallows Eve,"privy said."We have Astronomy on Tuesdays so the dark before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except Rose, who rolled her eyes.

"Do you have everything you need ?"matt asked.

"Not yet, but we have plans. Tonight I 'm going to lurk by the Slytherin common way under the Invisibility Cloak to discover their word. Midweek evening we 'll ask Bradley to transfigure us a few chickens. Then, Al and Matt will endure guard while Kaden and I let them loose in the park room,"John explained.

"How in the gens of pigeon hawk are you going to hold open the chickens calm while you bring them to the donjon ?"Rose asked.

"Stun them, of line,"Kaden answered."By the time they wake up, we 'll be long gone."
***


Wednesday brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather ominous prognostic for Operation Slytherin poulet as the japery had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having dubiousness about the whole thing. Previous pranks had been harmless and had not broken any major schoolhouse rules, but this one broke at to the lowest degree ten. This could get them regretful than a few detentions.

bathroom and Kaden seemed to have no such reservations. Both of them were particularly gleeful the entire day and whoremaster even returned from prophecy with a smile on his human face, which never happened. Matt seemed inert to the unhurt thing and acted as common.

"You do actualise we 'll be getting three hour of sleep, tops, tonight,"Matt said after dinner, while they were attempting to do homework in the Marauder 's Den."And that we have story of conjuration tomorrow morning."

privy sighed."All rightfulness, maybe that was n't the best bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"matt agreed.

Albus had a very difficult time getting any homework done while they were waiting for the time to get in. He found himself drawing awing pictures of volaille in the mete on his metamorphosis essay. No one else was having often luck either. John and Kaden were playing Bromus secalinus and flatness was taking a nap. rosebush and Amanda had holed away in the depository library, neither one wanting to be associated with the son that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."deficiency to be seen by as many people as possible so there 's no chance anyone will reckon we were with you."

At one in the sunrise the boys left the Marauder 's Den and headed back to the common room, where Omar Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering students were in the common room. All of them went to bed within XV minutes and the boys were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the lounge and set them on a table."Three wimp going to be enough ?"

can nodded."I do n't cerebrate we 'll be able to do by any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid,"Bradley said as he pulled out his wand."Even Saint James has n't gotten into the Slytherin common room."

"According to blush wine, we 're incredibly poor fish,"John said."But I think it 's vivid. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common room ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to pull a prank."

John, Matt, and Kaden turned to seem at Albus."I 'll explain later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an conjuration and flicked his wand at each of the pillows. All three turned into crybaby. One brown one, one white one, and one large black and brown rooster. The cock opened its mouth to gloat and Thomas Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Bradley said."Want me to daze them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should last about a half hour and then you 'll birth to re-stun them,"Bradley told them."I 'm going to ask off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the volaille for you. Ca n't open another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Omar Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his friends. privy was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two wimp."Back to the Den ?"

The boys spent the side by side two 60 minutes in the Marauder 's Den, playing Exploding piece of cake and re-Stunning the chickens every half hour. Shortly after three in the morning Albus re-stunned the chickens one more time and then threw the Invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four son to walk under the Invisibility Cloak.
Being fourth years, they were all a lot larger than they had been in second twelvemonth when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even recall the last clock time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in particular had grown quite a few inches over the summer and was now as tall as John. The two of them had to walk with their knees bent to assure their understructure would n't testify.

The pass was uneventful. The boys did not even see Peeves or any of the ghosts out for a nighttime time stroll ( or air bladder, which would probably be the more appropriate full term ). Matt tripped going down the stair once and nearly dropped a poulet, but since the corridors were empty, no one heard the sound.

Once they had reached the entrance to the Slytherin common elbow room John and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John whispered the password and it opened. Both boys slipped inside and shut the doorway behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the wall a little path down the corridor, giving them a horizon of the stair as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a password while John and Kaden were pulling their buffoonery because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in presence of them.

The next five minute felt like an eternity and Albus was very still when John and Kaden exited the park room and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the volaille feed, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a word to Albus and lusterlessness as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for fear that someone would get wind them.

They were walking down the second trading floor corridor when Albus heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Professor Cy Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deep thought about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his admirer were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four boy froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jumper and pulled them through the nighest room access, while Young happened to be looking the other way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A miss 's loo. And the floor was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a splashing and then Albus felt the unpleasant whiz of a ghost floating through him.

"I know you 're there."Myrtle giggled."Harry Potter had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well read it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a daughter 's bathroom anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry ceramicist 's son ! What brings you to my toilet ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"toilet announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully prof Young had left by the prison term they exited the loo. The oddment of the journeying back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The common room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving public eye of the Fat Lady, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. bathroom and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"Epic !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the common room and we spread the provender and put the crybaby each on their own lounge and left hand. The Slytherins are going to have got a unmannerly awakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"matte said as he looked at his sentry."Almost four. We 'll get three and a one-half 60 minutes sleep if we 're lucky."

The male child headed back to their dormitories, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenaline was still racing through his system. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to hound the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if person saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would take gotten them in trouble right then and there, would n't they have ? Albus pushed the thought from his point. He settled into bed and thought about the reaction from the Slytherins the come morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the side by side morning and he rolled over and went back to sleep. He woke up once Sir Thomas More with XX minutes left until History of Magic and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke Matt and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to realise it to class on time.

They arrived with two mo to spare and the way was filled with laughter and chattering. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his seat, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about poulet and muttering about getting retaliation. Turns out individual snuck a rooster and two poulet into their common elbow room last night and spread head chicken provender around. Apparently their commons room was a good deal and it took all of their Prefects to daze the crybaby and bestow them to Hagrid. like I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to feign shock and excitement."Seriously ? That 's superb. Does anyone bonk who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never figure it out then. That 's three-fourths of the school day to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

Professor Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on about some sort of hob uprising. Albus rested his headland on his hand and began to doze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the chickens. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the former firm tables. The instructor did n't seem at all upset about the unscathed thing, probably because the chickens had n't done that often damage. Nothing that could n't be easily repaired with the moving-picture show of a scepter.

"Six in the break of day !"Albus overheard a Slytherin mutter as he walked past the Gryffindor tabular array."Can you imagine ? And the sunrise after we 'd been on the pitch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of stew. If the prank had messed with the Slytherins'training schedule, all the punter. Albus had finally begun to relax. It did n't seem like they were going to get in trouble after all.

As Albus walked to the dungeons with John, Matt, blush wine, and Amanda he realized that his nap in History of conjuring trick was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the exhaustion and was very happy for the detached catamenia after potions. But he did n't make bold skip potions because he was quite excited to get a line Malfoy public lecture about the chickens.

During this particular category they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking resolution was a rather bare potion that they had learned in their offset year, its twin was more difficult and required simmering for forty-eight hr before the last ingredient could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary element while his partner, Limbert, located their potion in the closet. Limbert, who was usually very nonchalant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their table.

Just as Albus was beginning to hack his celery root, Malfoy appeared in front man of the table. Albus looked up from his works and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"Potter,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't bump to know which idiot Gryffindor put chickens in our common way, do you ?"

Albus snorted."Chickens, Malfoy ? I 'd heard something about that."

"Bloody birds,"Limbert muttered as he began to pulverize the rat quick temper they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bloody morning. feeding chicken feed all over the common room. Getting their feathers and former stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."Point is, one of your lot got into our mutual room and I want to know who."He folded his arms across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't find out his heart pounding in his breast."We ca n't get into your plebeian room. Do n't have the password. And even if we did, why would we want to ? It 's probably covered in ophidian slime."

"Well it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupe and a Hufflepuff would n't be able to see out how-"

Albus rose from his chair."That 's rude. I know plenty of Hufflepuffs that are smarter than you, Malfoy. And they 're decorous multitude, too."

"Boys, get to work now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's cauldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to lusterlessness and Malfoy 's cauldron, which was indeed overflowing. lusterlessness was frantically waving his wand at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for pigeon hawk 's saki,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own tabular array.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief and continued to hack his celery theme. Limbert retrieved another rat quick temper, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't sing to Albus for the remainder of the socio-economic class except for the occasional"flip the knife"or"turn down the flame ”.

Following potions Albus, Matt, and John immediately went upstairs to the. Marauder 's Den to take a much needed nap. Rose went to Muggle Studies and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his school principal hit the pillow and did not wake up until John Lackland swatted him with a pillow when it was time for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner and Albus and his ally giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner, Professor Kendrick rose from his seat. Albus turned to expect at mat, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner speeches when it was n't the scratch or end of term.

"Just a few announcement,"Kendrick said once the Great Hall quieted down."low gear, I am sure you are all aware of the prank that took place in the Slytherin common room in conclusion Night. I, nor do any of the teacher, have any estimate who is responsible, but if we do find out, be cognisant that those responsible will be punished. Entering another house 's commons room is not tolerated and all students should learn this as a warning, in pillowcase they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not aware of it, please see a Prefect.

"endorsement. following weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry officials including the minister of religion of deception, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the caput of the Auror section, the Head of the Department for the Regulation and restraint of Magical Creatures, as well as a few of the pastor 's nighest adviser. In addition, both candidates for curate will be here as well. They will arrive Fri Nox and stay until William Ashley Sunday morning. Saturday they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All educatee will have the fortune to view the debate by a random drawing since we can not reconcile all of you in addition to the Ministry officials and members of the worldwide population that will be attending. The rest will mind via wireless in a few schoolroom. All students are required to listen or learn. More information about that, such as how to ascertain out if you 've been selected to watch and what assignments you will have on the debate, will be distributed by Professor Young in your politics class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a stead of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, teacher, or stave. You will not pull pranks, especially not like the one that was pulled last night. You will abide by the Ministry representative. I will afford you encourage information next week. In the meantime, head start thinking up a few questions to ask our nominee in case they have time to do a question and answer session."Kendrick resumed his nates.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so serious,"toilet said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"Rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the schoolhouse properly. If she wins, chances are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a good show next workweek if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few first age looked over at him and he lowered his voice."I mean, Kendrick took over as Headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the property. How can she plunder someone who helped rebuild Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to hope your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Empire State of the South and Bradley and Cedric wo n't be felicitous but can you think what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"Matt said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to change it."

"Guess we 're going to find out out next Saturday,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to watch it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to matt and himself."Our dads are two of the representatives, so I bet we 'll have to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really fascinating, wizard politics. In some agency it 's completely the Saame as Muggle politics, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"Rose agreed.

"You can have my ticket if I get one,"whoremaster told her."It 's going to be harder to doze off if I 'm in the like room."

"Sami here,"Kaden said.

pink wine rolled her eye."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the evening in the library ?"

The male child reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the old night due to the prank and had multiple assignments due the next day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor tug and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome. Big thanks to all my writing friends that I word war with. There are now too many to appoint individually, but they are awesome.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a violent thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would pass before Saturday, when he would deliver to front Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling much better after a adequate night 's sleep, although he was dreading having to go to History of magic trick first gear matter in the morning again. Whose bright musical theme was it to move over them that class two mornings in a row ?

The position owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his crime syndicate owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his home with intellectual nourishment. His parents only occasionally sent him Emily Price Post now that he was in fourth year and no longer needed a alphabetic character from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Walker Percy 's screaming owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his fork down and untied the missive from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the letter and saw his aspect go from vague curiosity to slight horror and then finally extreme disgust. Percy 's varsity letter were always interesting and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"unbelievable !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James River asked as he snatched the letter out of Cedric 's deal."Is he making you sit next to him while he debates next workweek ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to interpret the letter."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you unspoiled than this ... stunts like these could hurt my fortune for a win in April ... must get a line to remember about the consequences of your action mechanism ... fifth year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... time to grow up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his bacon with a bit too much force."He really believes I did it. And with no evidence !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that article. The part where you mentioned that you like pulling pranks. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh wait, hey ! He 's going to tell my parents that I was in on it too !"James slammed the letter down."No way they 'll consider him without substantiation though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the part where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without cogent evidence,"James said.

"Yeah but our records are n't exactly make clean,"Cedric pointed out."Merlin, I wish I 'd thought up this prank. It was account worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin common elbow room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before first year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd like to get some tips,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his fierce blushing was n't noticeable. He could not conceive that Hotspur actually believed Cedric pulled the prank without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in trouble without grounds, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt atrocious that Percy had even had the nervus to criminate Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to calculate out who did it,"James decided."To clear our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that hard. No joke can be done without evidence left behind. It 's out of the question to do in this plaza. We 'll take care for cue around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are right. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should talk to the ghosts, too,"James said."They wander at all hours."

"rightfield,"Cedric agreed."effective be off to year now, though.

Albus turned to lav after his brother and cousin had left the table. John and lusterlessness had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James I to hear the entire conversation. Both boys were wan than usual and Albus was sure he was as well.

"myrtle saw us,"matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their suspect list."

"D'you call up your own brother would turn us in ?"John asked.

Albus laughed."Of path he would. He 's my brother."

"Good period,"Saint John muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"promise Vinca minor does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."Matt sighed.

"On the addition side, we 'll be Hogwarts legends,"John the Divine said.

"Tell that to my parents,"lustrelessness replied.

Albus thought about James River and Cedric 's quest to figure out who pulled the chicken prank during the totality of account of Magic. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to Vinca minor. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the morn, not that they 'd left chickens in the Slytherin common way. Sure, there might have been random chicken feathers in the common room that dawning but the menage elves would experience already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Bradley. Albus 's stomach dropped. Would Thomas Bradley rat out Albus in order to save his own comrade from potential trouble ? Albus liked to suppose not, especially since doing so would criminate Bradley as well. But it was possible that Omar Nelson Bradley would request Cedric to leave him out of it when he told Kendrick in proceeds for the information in the first seat. Albus rubbed his frontal bone. It was all so mix up and there were too many possibilities.

Matt and King John looked equally disturbed by the hypothesis. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at professor Binns but not looking at him. mat was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook computer. John was twirling his quill around in his handwriting and had splattered ink all over himself and his History of illusion book.

Albus was grateful that they had Care of Magical Creatures next, despite the stabilise waterspout. They would be able-bodied to lecture. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular lesson he had an actual unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John, and matte, unicorns did not like son and thus had an excuse to hang back and talk.

"The only way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Omar Bradley and Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to consume notes on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the lady friend of the class.

"Or if they talk to Vinca minor and put the clues together,"Matt pointed out.

"What clues ?"John Lackland asked."We did n't leave alone anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said nil can be done at Hogwarts without person knowing about it. For all we know there was another touch lurking by the Slytherin plebeian room while we were there that we did n't notice,"Matt explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the common room hold out night-"

"We 're rarely in the green room,"John said."Not since we found the piranha 's Den."

"True. They could also babble to Bilius or Ethan and find out that we got back at four in the morning. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, remember ?"Matt said.

"That would n't tell them anything more than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few preeminence about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find feather or chicken feed or something ?"flatness asked.

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The house elves clean everyday,"john said."I think Albus is right on. The only way they 'll know is if they talk to Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's voice trailed off. He knew how a great deal of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

cipher said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking preeminence on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"Matt finally said."We ca n't discontinue them or tell them not to look into because that would look suspicious. All we can do is await and hope they do n't count on it out."

Albus nodded. matt was completely right, of course. But what Albus did n't say was that Henry James and Cedric would figure it out. They were the school day practical joker and for the inaugural metre they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the school 's caper experts and could easily comply the trail that would lead them right to their own brother and cousin.
******


The fierce thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Saturday morning and the condition could not deliver been unspoiled for Quidditch. It was sunny, with thin swarm cover and trivial wind. The temperature was mild for Nov. Weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch match. No, the team that won would win solely based on their skill.

The Hogwarts population, both educatee and prof alike, were very excited for the match. star sign Quidditch had been suspended the old twelvemonth in order for the Quidditch and Dueling competitions with the schools from New York and Australia, although the final match in the Quidditch event had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for things to go back to normal and that included House Quidditch.

pattern also included the taunting that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right hand before the match. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to learn out else he find oneself himself in the infirmary Wing for Clarence Day. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't possess enough Quidditch skill to be on a children 's squad. He tried his best to discount the taunting from the actual Slytherin squad as well, but still found his tummy was a bit too queasy to eat much More than toast.

The squad gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the mate, ready to get wind his world-class squad actor's line.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our exercise have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so learn yourselves. They also have two new player, a pursuer and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new Chaser is a second year and the new Beater is a third year, so I do n't think we 'll hold much result there. I 've seen them praxis and they still do n't work as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and play like we did two years ago and we 're certain to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the sales pitch. The ground was soft beneath Albus 's feat, but not too muddy, which would piddle for a good kick off. He stood in between Scots heather and Jesse James while Fred went to throw off hands with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean match and then the two maitre d' crunched each early 's hands. Oteski released the Bludgers and sneak and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the priming coat and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Todd Smith announced."number 1 House match in two days due to the breach last yr, during the contest with the other schooltime. Both teams have some new faces this twelvemonth. Slytherin has a new Chaser, moment year George Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third year Devon Frank Lloyd Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, quaternary year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his attention from smith as the fellow Gryffindor began to announce the names of the residue of the players. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the other side of the pitch, where Fielding was attempting to throw the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular economize by Creevey !"Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in possession. Heather Weasley in possession, passes to Albus potter ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the former slope of the pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's pursuer but was hit by a Bludger sent from Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and chase Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to catch the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This metre Albus made it to the Slytherin end C. W. Post and feigned decently before sending the Quaffle soaring through the get out hoop.

"Score !"Smith announced."Albus Potter scores the for the first time goal of the match. Ten point in time to Gryffindor !"

The residue of the friction match continued in the same fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging manus, rendering it very unmanageable for Ian Smith to continue up with the comment. Gryffindor maintained a skinny incessant musical score of 20 decimal point ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two More finish and assisted on five more. The Slytherin Chasers looked More and more fed up as the match wore on.

An hr and a half into the match Albus saw James abandon his spot above the residue of the players and fly towards the priming. Hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's Seeker, followed.

"Looks like ceramicist has seen the stool pigeon !"Joseph Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal Emily Post. James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering objective when Devon Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving nix in between the bat and James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with Saint James 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the ground. Albus stopped where he was.

The total crowd gasped, with the elision of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling sneaker in his outstretched hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to James, who was clutch his leg on the background.

Albus abandoned his broom once he landed and hurried towards King James. He was surrounded by Madam Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, Professor Kendrick, Professor Longbottom, the rest of the Gryffindor team, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to look at the young woman. She was pocket-sized, like most second age are, but sinewy. Her grime blond hair was in a messy bun and her nerve was streaked with crying. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm sorry"over and over again.

"Foul !"ling shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James to the infirmary annex and then we 'll care about a replay,"Neville said as Madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, somebody with some gumption around here,"ma'am Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The crowd quickly dispersed as Madam Pomfrey guided the stretcher towards the palace, followed by the collected prof. After a few minutes, professor Patil ordered the sleep of the students to get back to their common room. Albus walked back to the castle with his team, who were heading straight to the hospital annexe.

James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer break. He no longer looked to be in annoyance, but looked like he wanted to hex the stallion Slytherin team. madam Pomfrey appeared in front of them before they could reach out James I 's bed.

"Ten minutes,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the first thing out of James 's mouth."No one will separate me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"Fine, now. Just a short painful. lady Pomfrey said I can lead tomorrow afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two seconds from catching the Snitch when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she think she is ? Does n't she fuck the rules of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their histrion these daylight ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the conclusion mo and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"James asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"Heather agreed."I do n't know if they 'll make us a rematch."

The threshold to the infirmary Wing opened, revealing the Beater in question. She walked tentatively inside and stopped when she saw the total Gryffindor team. gentlewoman Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in voices too calm to overhear before she walked slowly over to St. James the Apostle 's bed.

"I know you probably hate me and I do n't blame you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an accident. I swear it. It was my first match."

Albus glanced at the remainder of his team. Their looking at of muddiness mirrored his own mentation.

"Er, well, thanks for the excuse, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"James replied.

Devon reached into her robe and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's burnt umber. She handed it to James, her eyes staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the total metre."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devon said and turned to run from the Mrs. Humphrey Ward, before any of the Gryffindor team had prison term to respond.

"That was strange,"James muttered after the door had slammed shut."Anyone project some chocolate ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"Energy not,"King James I argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone sacrifice us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"Well clearly some of them have scruples,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's twelve,"James said flatly.

"lady friend mature faster than blokes."heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about rectify for you."

"Shut up,"James muttered."Not sharing my chocolate anymore."

"Ten minute of arc are up !"ma'am Pomfrey announced as she returned to James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few filthy looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the residual of the team bade James arrivederci and left the hospital annexe. They walked up to Gryffindor pillar together, but parted once they entered the vulgar room. Albus found his friends at a mesa near the door to the dorm and sat down to excuse the entire Devon Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James River 's leg ?"John asked.

"And she apologized ?"flatness added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"whoremonger agreed."I 'm surprised she 's on the team. Is n't it a demand for the Slytherin squad to be a fan of violence ?"

"She might not be on practically longer, right on ?"Matt asked.

"It was an accident,"Albus said."I already said that. The rest of the squad saw it and so did half the professors. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not bonny,"John muttered.

"It 's only the first match,"Albus pointed out."muckle Thomas More time to acquire those points back. And their Seeker is fearful anyway. He could n't feature caught that Snitch if James had n't deliver been hit."

Albus, matt, and Saint John the Apostle spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's chances of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the attainment spirit level of all the players on all the mansion and the points earned so far, along with the potential weather interference that were surely to come. Kaden paid aid, but did n't put up a good deal except for the occasional commentary about how something was unlike in football. Amanda did the same, hold open for the football remark. ascend sighed and dug a book out of her bag and read it until they had finished.

Professor Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare happening due to the fact that he has a wife and young children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castling for stratum and Quidditch matches. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the entire anteroom silent.

"The other professor and I have reviewed the upshot at today 's match,"Oteski began."We 've taken into story a few take scholarly person'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professors'. I have come to the termination that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's Seeker with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate accident. No disciplinary action mechanism will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their board and saw that Devon Frank Lloyd Wright was the only Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her head on her bridge player and was picking at her dinner party. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't think there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But listen, we can still win. Losing the first off lucifer does n't mean we 'll lose the Cup."

"mortal 's going to have to tell James,"Heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly sealed he can count the number of clock time he has n't caught the snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the clip Epistle of James had lost a compeer against Linda the vampire and hid in the Shrieking Shack. Luckily his brother had come a long way from that and would not feel the penury to hide after missing the snitcher.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the future month at to the lowest degree.

If you are enjoying this story ( or any of my stories ), head over to the forums and nominate one for a Dobby accolade ! Be sure to read the rules before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very relieved that he was not given the project of telling James River that there would not be a replay. Fred, being the captain, took that job for himself and the rest of the team merely went with him. Henry James was understandably knock over, but did n't take aim the news nearly as badly as Albus would give expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a minuscule sum of money. On Sunday, James was released from the infirmary annexe and life history at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a double class of potions and single class of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his Friend had political science and this was the day where they would rule out who would get to sit in the Great Hall during the public debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more bigmouthed in the minutes before Professor Embry began stratum. Most of the students hoped that they would get to attend the debate, with the exception of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and Matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. Rose had also found out that since she was Percy 's niece, she would also get to attend no affair what.

"settee down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how mad you are for Sabbatum 's debate. It 's very exciting to see young people so interested in politics. Since I know none of you will pay attention during class unless I announce who gets to attend before I begin, I will declare them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a patch of lambskin on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able-bodied to attend the debate without being chosen. flatness Eckerton and Albus Potter, since both your fathers are top dog of departments at the Ministry you will be able-bodied to attend. rose Weasley, since you are related to one of the nominee, you may attend as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not get hold of away smirch from the regular educatee body.

"One boy and one girlfriend were picked randomly from each year, for each house. So eight scholar from each yr were chosen total. For Hufflepuff the lucky two are Olivia toll and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blond haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quiesce, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic shouts and the rest of the class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning scholarly person were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the but debate to take place at Hogwarts and for the next one, different student will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to report to the Great Hall at ten o'clock in the morning. The debate will get at eleven. You will give your name to whichever professor is waiting by the room access and then a Prefect will demo you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, Matt, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the lambskin down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the tables of his students."Now, what Professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both candidates will be hosting two joint question and response session. These will be for bookman and Hogwarts staff only. The Saame scholar chosen to attend the debate will be able-bodied to go to the question and answer seance. It will claim position at three in the Great residence. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the argument on the wireless. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration of Jesus classroom. Please report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no thing whether they are attending the debate or listening on the wireless are expected to write a groundwork long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their distributor point. It will be due at the beginning of next week 's class."

The integral class groaned at the honorable mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his speech. They had finally made it into the twentieth century, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The residuum of the hebdomad passed very slowly. The Hogwarts students were getting very excited at the prospect of the candidate arriving for their argument, with the exception of Bradley and Cedric. Even toilet and Kaden, neither of whom were going to see the debate, were catching a little bit of agitation. Albus was rather shocked at how the bulk of the scholar were getting involved with the election. Being soul who had grown up with politics and the Ministry of Magic, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when reporters from the Daily oracle showed up on Friday morning.

"deficiency to take wager on how quickly they find you ?"whoremonger asked as they passed two newsman on their way to precaution of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the newsperson. One was a very tall and lanky man, with messy brown hairsbreadth and considerable stubble on his grimace. He was frantically writing down questions that the early reporter, an equally magniloquent woman with immense red lips and black hair, was asking an uncomfortable looking first year.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak room access.

Albus had absolutely no desire to seem in any issues of the Daily prophesier. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a genial notation to discourage Omar Bradley and Cedric about them the next metre he saw his two full cousin.

In an endeavour to forefend the reporters, Albus, Matt, and John spent their free period after magical spell in the Marauder 's Den. With any luck when the Ministry official arrived the reporters would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts students. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after caution of Magical wight, he found out that no less than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that aurora.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his friends were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the noble-minded staircase while the blue-robed witches and wizards entered the Great vestibule, gracefully avoiding the reporters that were standing following to the entrance to the Great Granville Stanley Hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Hotspur, and lustrelessness 's dad.

The Staff table had been magically elongated enough to offer seats for all of the Ministry officials, who had at sat down and began speaking with the prof. Albus and his friend all found hindquarters at the Gryffindor table, near all his first cousin. Cedric was scowling while reading a alphabetic character. He then crumpled it up and then set flaming to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that prank, William James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to make time to address with me before he leaves."

"We 'll find out,"James River said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't figure talking to her."

"She 's our close hope,"James said."We 're going to find her. After all this debate poppycock is over."

Albus let out a suspiration of rest. He had two Thomas More days. In all honestness, he 'd nearly forgotten about Cedric and James 's quest to find out who put the chickens in the Slytherin plebeian room. But apparently his crony and full cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great Hall was full."On behalf of myself, the rest of the Hogwarts staff, and the Hogwarts scholarly person eubstance, I 'd care to welcome our Ministry congressman to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd wish to introduce everyone.

"kickoff, our candidates,"Kendrick gestured to Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left field."Harry Hotspur Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left."Our current pastor, Langston Hartwell."

The rest of the functionary were intersperse amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a Zane Grey haired hag sitting in between Professors Patil and Cedonia."headway of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to Matt 's dad who was sitting next to Albus 's dad and prof Trelawney."headspring of the Department for the ascendency and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

Half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at matte, who gave a grin and shrugged. Never one to talk about his class, nearly of Gryffindor was incognizant of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm certainly you all remember Harry Potter, read/write head of the Auror department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's other advisor, who had title that were just as farsighted and jumble as Walker Percy 's current job title of respect. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his hired hand and solid food appeared on all the board.

During dinner party Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch practice for the succeeding day since it was scheduled for the same meter as the question and reply academic session. The sleep of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large amount that were related to Percy, were going to attend the argumentation. Both John 's footling sister, Asthyn, and James 's upright ally, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After sweet had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the meter of the succeeding day 's public debate and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry officials would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own place for the Night. Cedric took off for the common way as soon as he had finished eating, in order to keep off his father.

Albus and his friends decided to remain in the common room that dark since everyone was so lively and the turmoil was catching. John brought a pack of cards of Exploding duck soup down from his proboscis and the six friends sat around a put over playacting for at to the lowest degree an hour. Kaden had just had the visiting card explode in his cheek when the door to the usual room opened and someone gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common room went silent. Percy was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eye landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his descent of Skiving Snackboxes with James and Nathan. Cedric went as sick as Moaning myrtle.

"Cedric,"Hotspur said quietly."I need to talk with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his hindquarters, glancing at his friends. pink wine was giving him a disapproving face while Matt, toilet, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was ridiculous. Why could n't Percy let it go or believe his son ? Or at to the lowest degree quite a little with it privately ? It was unjust of him to surprise into the Gryffindor coarse way and phone out his own son like that.

Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled japery like this ever since you were petty. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Sir Henry Percy said."This is not acceptable. Now I 'd like to speak with you privately."

Cedric did n't stir. Albus swallowed arduous and looked at Matt, Saint John, and Kaden each in go. Pranks were all in estimable fun, but not when inexperienced person the great unwashed were punished for them. And Albus had no doubt that Percy would punish Cedric whether he had validation or not. Cedric 's past tense betrayed him and Percy was too focused on winning the election to give his son the benefit of the question. Albus did not like his cousin-german taking the downfall for something he and his friends did. It just was not something he was prosperous with.

matt gave a svelte nod of his foreland. toilet and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to mean"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your concern,"Percy said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's nice and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of bother, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin common room."

"It was n't only him,"John the Evangelist said, standing up."Kaden and I did most of it. Al was just a spirit out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his friends suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in front of Albus, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden."lord ! You are the kings."

The full common way exploded in applause and whistles. Albus could n't facilitate but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in trouble. King James I gave Albus an odd look before breaking out in a wry smile himself. A few starting time years ran up and high-fived them. Victor Hugo was practically rolling on the floor laughing.

"sufficiency, enough !"Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd improve hail with me. You three as well."He gestured to Matt, john, and Kaden.

Albus and his Quaker reluctantly followed Walker Percy out of the vernacular room to Kendrick 's discipline. On the way there Albus could n't help but notice that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the place. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his Head Boy twenty-four hours. Head Boy was probably now well out of reach for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to go a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's cogitation Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry officials were there, including his own Padre. matte had paled considerably on seeing his Padre as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boys and then looked questioningly up at Percy."I think we need a moment of privateness,"Kendrick said to the officials,"except Harry and Walter."

The residue of the officials left the way, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his seat behind his desk and conjured enough professorship for the remaining people. Albus took a hindquarters in between Matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a New World chat with my son about that prank last week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was delight to see that Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a individual talk of the town, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the poulet in the Slytherin park room harlequinade ?"

"Yes,"Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

mat 's dad let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Bruno Walter added."You 've never been one to force pranks."

"It was our approximation,"John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was preserve a look out while we were in their common room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his hands on his desk."All four of you broke school day rules and you will be punished. Fifty points from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As a good deal as I 'd care to start your detention tomorrow we have other matters happening in this castle and none of the staff is liberal to supervise. You will start your detention on Mon evening and you will have it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and lusterlessness said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple school rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the calendar week before the commencement tournament-"

"Your teams will have to bind practice without you, Mr. potter,"Kendrick said shortly."You should deliver thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"Matt asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, wax lunar month is Tuesday,"mat muttered.

"right wing,"Kendrick replied."Attend the hold that you can and whichever I you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Bruno Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. matte 's situation is vastly dissimilar from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheeks reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his sopor when he found out Albus would miss at least two practice for detention. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's place on Monday at seven. He 'll give you further instructions on what your detention will entail. Now, get back to Gryffindor pillar,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his derriere. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to throw to tell your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do need to tell you that I 'm proud of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As disappointed as I am that you pulled that prank, I am very happy to have such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. stimulate a good nighttime and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"Love you too,"Albus said quietly.

Matt was having what was surely a interchangeable talk with his own father and once they were finished, the four son left Kendrick 's cogitation and went immediately back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Seven detentions,"whoremaster muttered as they walked up a set of steps."septet. This is worse than that sentence in indorse year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to note the points,"Albus replied.

"And detention with Filch no LE,"Matt said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

John grinned."Most definitely worth it."

Albus and Matt gave each other looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 points from Gryffindor, seven custody with Filch, and no Quidditch practice for a week was not worth it.
***


In on-key Hogwarts manner by the next break of day at Breakfast the entire school knew that it had been three Gryffindor fourth part old age and one Gryffindor thirdly class that had managed to swipe into the Slytherin vernacular way and depository two Gallus gallus and a rooster, as well as cover the entire shoes in bird come. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's loss of 200 points put them in the lead story for the House Cup. Gryffindor was now stagnant last and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his friends and their horror that the prank had cost them so many point in time.

blush wine and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boys told them their luck the previous nighttime. They were angry about the loss of points, though. Rose was especially disgusted by John and Kaden 's want of remorse.

All the ministry officials were at the staff table, whereas the firm tabular array were not nearly as total as the previous day. It seemed that some scholar had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed early.

There was a whoosh of offstage and Albus looked up to see that the postal service hooter had arrived. His heart started beating faster and he swallowed grueling upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red gasbag in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew closer. His friend glanced up and saw the howler just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in presence of Albus 's crustal plate of eggs and he took the howler in his helping hand before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the nearest bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully empty loo. He reluctantly opened it and the elbow room was soon full with Ginny 's high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS POTTER, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN park ROOM AND PUTTING CHICKENS IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT CARE THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE LOOK OUT. YOU MAY AS fountainhead HAVE BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY BREAKING MULTIPLE SCHOOL dominion INCLUDING being OUT OF BED AFTER HOURS.

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. THIS IS THE SORT OF THING I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT eve St. James KNOWS WHEN NOT TO crossing THE transmission line. AND YOU DID N'T JUST crossing THE subscriber line. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO have PERCY breakthrough OUT ABOUT THIS WHILE HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP visual aspect IN Holy Order FOR HIM TO HAVE A chance AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOES NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE detention AND LOSS OF POINTS. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE disappointed IF YOUR entire HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL HAVE More THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The missive exploded with a brief hassock of smoke. Albus stood there staring at it for a few arcsecond. His female parent had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was gallant about his silver dollar, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short laughter from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpius Malfoy leaning on one of the cesspit, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't expect it to be you lot. Did n't cerebrate you 'd be smart enough to figure out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the howler, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a late hint and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the debate coming in an hour, the rest of the students would blank out about the prank and the release of power point and get something new to talk about.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype penning grouping. You cat are all awesome ! Thanks for all the amazing inspection ! The new banner was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a little under a week left to constitute stories for the Dobby Awards, so if you like this floor, head over to the assembly and nominate it ! Just think to read the formula first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a farsighted waiting line of students waiting to get into the Great entrance hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great residence hall had been completely emptied in gild for the prof to prepare it for the argumentation. Albus craned his heading in endeavor to see it. As far as he could separate it looked the same except the long house tables had been replaced by row of seating. He, along with Matt and Rose, were only a few bookman away from the strawman of the queue.

Once they made it to the front they gave their names to Professor Longbottom and then were precede inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. adult were milling about talking with each other and students were already seated. The world-class few quarrel were cordoned off with roofy and the Ravenclaw Prefect lead Albus, rosebush, and matte to the one-third roped off row. He lifted the rope and told them to lodge all the way in, to the very end of the untenanted row. Albus sat in between Rose and lustrelessness. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry official and their mob. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the front row along with the respite of his aunts and uncles. GA was also in the front row and was handing out coloring script and wax crayon to Samantha and lindy hop.

James II, Ben, Lily, and Hugo filed in next to ascend a few minutes later. Albus saw that Cedric and Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the nominal head row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and Mark finished out their row five transactions later. Albus gazed around the way and make out Victoire and shimmy sitting across the aisle. John Rowlands walked in with Gabriella and took backside next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to admit he was surprised to see them there. lastly he heard she was in France and he was in Romania.

The elbow room soon became load down with the bookman who had won tooshie as well as other witches and genius who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in shop in Hogsmeade including dame Rosmerta. He turned to the front of the room and noticed that the faculty tabular array had also disappeared and had been replaced with two rostrum and a small table, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the doors to the Great Granville Stanley Hall were shut and people began to sit down. Professor Kendrick entered the room from one of its vestibule, followed by the Minister, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the pass of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The other Ministry official were seated in the front row.

Kendrick lead them to the pocket-sized table near the podium. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the front of the ambo and the hearing quieted.

"Welcome to the 3rd public debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Today 's disputation will be on education. I 'd like to precede today 's moderator, the Head of the department for the Control and Regulation of Magical brute, Walter Eckerton."

The interview clapped and Albus whispered to lustrelessness, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. Matt shook his head no and the two looked back to the front.

Kendrick had taken his place and Matt 's dad had rose."Now I 'd like to welcome our two candidates. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more clapping as Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis walked out of the antechamber and took their places behind the podiums. Once the clapping subsided, matte 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's argument will run similarly to past public debate, with five minute of arc responses and two minute rebuttals. All interrogative sentence and prompting will be about education. The disputation will run for an 60 minutes and a half. After it is over, the elbow room will be cleared and then dejeuner will be served. After luncheon there will be a short gap and then the scholar doubtfulness and solution seance will call for topographic point in this Saami room. Without further auf wiedersehen, the first question. Mr. Weasley, you will do first.

"How do you feel about the Hogwarts physical environment ? Do you sense it is equal and tributary to learning or do you feel variety should be made ?"

Harry Hotspur took a footfall forward and smiled at the consultation."I believe that the Hogwarts rook is very contributory to learning. Being in a privy area provides little in the way of distraction to the educatee. Yet the law of proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade small town gives scholarly person in third twelvemonth and above a much needed break. The solely modification I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and revive what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Matt 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts rook is very conducive to learning and I see naught haywire with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's full point are very valid."

Albus turned to Matt and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. Matt 's dad seemed a little shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few indorsement after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no need for rebuttals. Moving on to the next dubiousness. Ms. Laurentis, this prison term you will go first. How do you sense about the current Hogwarts curriculum ? Do you feel the classes adequately prepare today 's young people for living in British wizarding society ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts curriculum has not been updated in tenner. In fact, the simply new class that has been introduced is this year 's class on politics. Curricula is something that needs to exchange with the times and be re-evaluated at least every other class. The world is a constantly changing topographic point and what scholarly person learn pauperization to transfer with it. New classes should be offered and outdated stratum should be removed. Curricula for classes that are kept needs to change in ordering to keep up with today 's research. Potions, for instance, should not be taught the same way now as it was forty geezerhood ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The kernel course of study of Hogwarts is interchangeable to that of magical schools all over the public. The classes taught here offer basic and ripe instruction in topics that wizards need in gild to function in bon ton. We can not put up here and advocate getting rid of Charms or Transfiguration in favour of some new subject that may or may not learn our students anything. Yes, the world is constantly changing, but the basic turn remain the same. Students forty days ago used 'Alohomora'to open doors and the magical spell remains the same today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of magical spell or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Walker Percy 's accusation."All I am saying is that we need to look at the electives that are offered. The staple core classes should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professor are using the Lapp school text they used thirty years ago, which is preposterous considering how much has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to puff out his thorax a bit."Those textbooks still teach the rudiments ! How is a textbook written finale year going to be any better at teaching a student how to bring up a cauldron ? Additionally, older textbook have more used copies usable making it more affordable for students from lower income families to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off issue from the proposed question, but neither candidate seemed to notice or care.

"Next question. How do you sense about the way that teacher selection and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you feel any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach path to teacher selection and I believe this has worked well. Ministry officials do not have the expertise to take teacher and leaving this up to the Hogwarts staff has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded faculty at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a little teaching department was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the small amount of regulation has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."instructor survival of the fittest, along with curriculum changes, is the the aspect of Hogwarts that needs the most radical variety, in my opinion. While professor Kendrick is a fine headmaster, I think more guidance is needed when it comes to choosing prof. For the past tense four year, Hogwarts has been ineffectual to guarantee a defense lawyers Against the night Arts professor for more than two years. One only lasted a year. Other professor have been here for ten and yet others have remained even beyond their own death. There is nothing wrong, of course of study, with onetime teachers, but Hogwarts appears to have no way of evaluating these staff fellow member. They remain here, teaching, twelvemonth after twelvemonth, whether or not they are actually successful in providing student with an education."

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

Percy 's face had gained some people of colour that was not always there."I hardly think it is set aside to find fault Professor Kendrick for the fortune of previous DoD professor. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would happen in the end. As for the early professors, if you would look at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. resultant role of the past few years you 'll see that the majority of students are passing. Might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would agree that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for one or two professor who should not have been hired in the first place, but Hogwarts has seen Thomas More than its fair ploughshare of inadequate professors in the past times few years. Clearly something is wrong. More citizenry need to be involved with curriculum and teacher selection."

"Next question,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you feel that the security measures at Hogwarts is decent ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could cause sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and give a slight eye curlicue before beginning."Let 's just call it what it is, why do n't we ? lack of security at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can squall it that, is sorely lacking. Might I bring up the fact that for the yesteryear three geezerhood there had been a serious breach in protection here ? Three age ago, a grouping of first years dueled the spell professor, a seventh twelvemonth, and that seventh yr 's father on the evidence for a pregnant period of prison term before the professors stepped in. The followers yr, another starting time year was kidnapped by that same 7th year, who had then graduated. last-place yr, those like students were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your time is up,"lusterlessness 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking Thomas More and more disgruntled. His face now resembled his hair."Might I remind my opponent that following the incident three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the play along incidents resulted in any hold up damage to any of the student. Last year, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous contender that took place here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantments and all the professors are open of protecting the students. Last year 's incident was an extremely unfortunate accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in bookman death !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the full room was staring at himself and lustrelessness. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to capture the mastermind of that incident. Which by the way was not the only incident last yr. lowest yr 's defence mechanism Against the darkness Arts professor kept a highly life-threatening animal in the castling for months before anything was done. And by the time it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to own it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to last out, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating pupil in his class all yr, not to mention the fact that his programme were not appropriate. Following that atrocious rear of tube in security, regarding the animal, the same prof proceeded to divulge information that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was shy whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her time was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about matt. Come to call back of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly know about Matt 's condition, could she ? Albus glanced at Matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of meter,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please passing the room while dejeuner is set up. You may recall in a one-half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his bout to leave the room. The entire bunch was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and flatness every so often. He was tempted to hop tiffin all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any reporters before and during tiffin, which proved difficult because they seemed to give birth multiplied during the debate. All seemed cracking on interviewing him, matte, can, and Kaden in particular due to their having been kidnapped the premature June. Albus was quite relieved when the food in front end of them vanished and the majority of the hoi polloi in the room left in order for the interrogative sentence and answer session to take office.

Both prospect seemed to take regained their composure during the meal because Percy 's face was no yearner beet red and Laurentis had fixed her hair and was wearing a grin. The reporters had been banned from the room for the duration of the sitting, much to their alarm. lusterlessness 's dad also looked beneficial and was standing in the movement of the room in front of the podiums, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was much empty-bellied now, considering that only the student chosen to listen to the debate and the professors were allowed in the room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few seats in the front row. Jesse James and Lily joined them.

Once the threshold had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the enquiry and reply sitting. It will run for an minute and the prospect will serve as many questions as they can during that time. Please raise your hand if you have a question."Nothing about the gush during the debate was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to talk to Laurentis and anything that he would want to ask Percy he could just ask at Dec 25 or place him an owl. Not that he really had any interrogative sentence for his uncle, either.

A grandiloquent Ravenclaw boy raised his hand and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This interrogation is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you suggest to make Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly positive that the most in advance magical spell are already used."

"That is very true,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to look outside the world of while and contribute professor basic training in defense lawyers against intruders. I think a computer program, alike to very staple Auror preparation, would gain all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a question for both candidates next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible curriculum changes,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come later. Not for at to the lowest degree two years."

"Most probably, no,"Percy said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The interrogative and answer session continued in the Lapplander way, proving itself very different from the argument. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both candidates had said during the debate. He was very singular about what the Prophet would say about it the next day.

"We have time for one More question,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of rest period. A glance at flatness told him that his respectable protagonist was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his chairperson, his eyes nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a fille sitting in the far back. Albus did n't realise her, but she had Ravenclaw gown on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving students info that they could use to endanger another pupil. Is that really unfeigned ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded matt in the side and whispered to him what the interrogative had been. Given matt 's reaction, which was a look of utter scare, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the scholarly person before turning to the candidates."You may resolve the beginning office of the question and that theatrical role only."

"It is true,"Laurentis said just as Percy had been opening his mouth to answer."prof Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a credit line between teaching to broadcast knowledge and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it take in to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Percy said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe teachers need to be evaluated so we can avert this eccentric of billet,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of information could queer someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the question said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be dependable for professor to deliver curricula that they stick to."

"I just do n't read,"the Ravenclaw went on."If masses are kept in the dark they just blindly play along confidence. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

matte and his dad were both wearing similar expressions. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clasp on his gown. Matt looked like he wanted his chair to accept him up.

"We 're all out of sentence,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The prof have requested that you all return to your common way and that you are free to decline gossip to the newsman that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of electric chair as people got up and exited the room. lusterlessness grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his father, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"flatness said quietly, not waiting for him to cease his conversation with Laurentis and Percy.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his face became kindly. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, lusterlessness, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to argue about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its antechambers. The room was furnished with a few lounge and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while lusterlessness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really sorry, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not look live year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your fault,"lusterlessness replied as he picked at a sluttish thread on the couch."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she lie with, Dad ? She seemed to jazz an awful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The only people at the Ministry who know are in my section. However, she and the sleep of the Ministry did sustain to cognize why I was filing a account on Balladanis last twelvemonth. I had to give reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf lessons ?"Matt asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his head."There are laws protecting bush league in this sort of billet and I was not legally required to mention your name. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a certain lesson that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to launch the investigation. That alone would not have gotten him sacked, but enough evidence was found through interview scholar about his teaching methods that nothing else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third twelvemonth course of instruction in my master copy report."

"But she seemed to acknowledge so a good deal,"Matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians beautify what they know in order to get elected. You do n't suffer to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could look at the programme for Defense for that time of year and research and human body it out, but it would use up a lot of work. And trust me, she does not bear the prison term for that. Nor does she really have any reason to care what lesson it was or why a student was threatened or who that bookman was."

"But she said my life had been at risk,"matt said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only ones who are really rum are your companion students and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"Good,"matte replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd better get to the master 's study,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while mat said good-by to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor tower. The reporter had either scattered or had found pupil willing to be interviewed, for the boys came across no one but Prefects and a few low gear years setting off dungbombs on their way back to the rough-cut room. Albus was very glad to take heed that Laurentis did not sleep with the specific about what had happened with Balladanis the old year, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever land it up again in a debate. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! prison term has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new meet the Author thread on the forums. There 's a connection to it on my Author page. Please check it out and ask me questions !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the Prophet on Sunday proved to be just as outrageous as the actual public debate had been. It took up the entire strawman Thomas Nelson Page and was ripe with quotation from both nominee and a few students, although none of Albus 's full cousin had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the motion about Balladanis at the question and answer academic term had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the second page. Albus groaned when he opened the Page and saw it, complete with a picture of the Ravenclaw in enquiry. His supporter quickly crowded around the paper to read it over his shoulder.

censorship AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy debate at Hogwarts
school of witchcraft and Wizardry proved
not only to be a time to learn about the
nominee'rightful opinions on magical
education, but possibly uncovered an proceeds
of censorship that had been looked over
last twelvemonth.

Following the debate a question and resolution
session was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts students who had gotten to sit
in the Great Hall during the disputation. The
live on question was asked by sixth year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth II House of York. During the debate
Patricia Laurentis brought up the issue
of the investigation of Professor Tethys
Balladanis, previous defense Against
the Dark Arts professor ( see clause on
breast varlet ). York then questioned what
entropy had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a bookman 's life."

'I just wonder what information was being
taught because I 'm a firm believer that
students should never be denied
information. If it was bad enough
to menace person 's life, then sure,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the information was .'House of York
said in an interview following the
session.

After the question was asked, debate
moderator and Head of the Department for
the regularisation and control condition of Magical
Creatures Bruno Walter Eckerton told the
candidates that they could not say
what the selective information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the academic session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to mark that Eckerton
is the whizz who filed the complaint
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a comment,
Eckerton said'I 'm the Head of the
section for the Regulation and ascendance
of Magical Creatures. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the berth and had
to engage action .'

The situation provided Thomas More interrogation
than solvent and it will be interesting
to find out out whether this incident plays
a further role in April 's election.

Albus set down the report and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the seer have to print that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's rightfield,"Amanda said to lustrelessness later on when they were in the vulture 's Den."She 's just trying to prepare things into a bigger mountain so she can win to a greater extent vote. politician turn the unproblematic things into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"matte said as he picked through a plenty of Bertie Bott 's Every tang Beans."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life they 're making a big deal of."

"Honestly, I do n't think it 's actually the information that citizenry want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions textbook."Think about it. If someone were to leak the information, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying werewolf that people could picture out you were one, they 'd have nothing else to mouth about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts,"Matt said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"blush wine replied."They 're interest in the bigger issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't like what the information is that 's been censored. They just wish that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all hold that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"matte said."But that 's the affair, no one 's going to really know what it is."

"It 'll all blow over soon enough,"Albus said."future debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of affair, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Sunday afternoon on the Quidditch pitch, which was a welcome relief from discussing the public debate and the election and Percy and Laurentis. He loved his friends, but they all seemed to be capable to discourse the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the pitch longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the evening.

The give-and-take of the censorship article seemed to becalm down the next day, if only because a sound majority of the professor had all scheduled exams that day and everyone was busy with close mo studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and demurrer Against the Dark Arts, although the latter was really no unlike from the usual worksheets. Luckily there was no examination in maintenance of Magical fauna and then Albus had a free period.

matte slept the entire free period and up until dinner in hopes that he would be able to attend that Night 's detainment. He had no desire to do hold on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be capable to get away with just missing the next night 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll induce to leave,"Matt said as the four son made their way to Filch 's written report."Falco columbarius I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"whoremonger said."Ground 's horribly muddy after conclusion dark 's storm."

"Bet the team will hump that."Albus said They had practice that Nox and Albus was missing it.

The boys continued their way through the palace until they made it to Filch 's subject. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to afford the doorway.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his arms when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the wrinkle on his face showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to superintend the boys'detention. He let the cat down on the dry land and she took a swat at Kaden 's robe before darting behind a nearby suit of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four boys had n't had a joint custody with Filch since second yr."You 're scrubbing the 2nd floor girl 's bathroom. With toothbrushes, of course."Filch reached into his air hole and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom,"Albus whispered to his friend as they distributed their cleaning implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the threshold, his arms across his chest, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to call off the trading floor, John and Kaden doing the same. The three had agreed to induce the detention as easy as possible for flatness and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two minute when he heard a splashing behind him and a schoolgirlish giggle. He turned around and saw Vinca minor, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the department of level that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my toilet. Oh, but this fourth dimension you 've been in bother, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common room, is it ?"Vinca minor asked."Your brother asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your Invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the words"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some hearing loss in his old age. The last thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't roll in the hay you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Vinca minor continued."I like boy who pull clowning, you know."myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so ending that his hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some yr I hardly get any boy coming in here,"Myrtle said as she floated towards John."And this class there 's so many. I think you should come inflict me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being dead,"Kaden said.

Myrtle let out an ear-piercing screeching and started wailing. She sped yesteryear Albus and into one of the carrell, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"Sensitive character, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another brassy splatter and Myrtle was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were dead !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John asked."The other ghosts float about the castle all the time."

"Leave the loo ?"Vinca minor repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to believe about my death rightfulness here. right wing where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other ghostwriter ?"John Lackland asked as he began to scrub up one of the stall doors.

"The former ghosts do n't understand,"Myrtle lamented."They 're all quenched being dead. Even the Grey Lady and she 's always seemed slightly misfortunate. But no, none of them are as pathetic as me."Vinca minor seemed gallant about that.

"Weird,"John muttered under his breath.

"Quiet !"Filch shouted."You 're in custody. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boys, letting out a loud wail every so often. Kaden and Matt continued to scratch the floor while King John scrubbed the sales booth. Matt was still scrubbing the sinkhole, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look piteous !"myrtle exclaimed as Matt 's hand slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to pick it up and leaned on the sump, squeezing his eyes shut. Myrtle floated down to loom just above the cesspit next to him and smiled.

Matt said goose egg and turned from Myrtle, to get started on the sink on the former side. Vinca minor followed."You know, I 'm pathetic here all the fourth dimension. I just sit here and contemplate my death ..."Myrtle continued.

Myrtle continued to travel along Matt around the bathroom while he was clearly trying to ignore her and put as much distance between them as possible. He had no luck with this since he was exhausted and Myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught John 's eye as Myrtle giggled for the twentieth meter and the two shared a silent laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hours Filch finally told them they could stop. Albus 's knees and hands were raw and he had a look he smelled strongly of cleaner. John and Kaden looked equally misfortunate and Matt looked as bad as he did the morning after a full moon moon, only without the cuts and bite. myrtle looked delighted at their misery.

"Visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to Matt with another giggle.

"Someone has a crush on you,"John said to Matt as soon as they were out of earreach of Filch.

"Shut up,"Matt muttered.

"Matt and Myrtle, what an adorable brace you 'd make,"John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be happier knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"Matt shouted.

"Fine, was only making a jocularity,"John replied.

The male child walked in secretiveness the residual of the way to Gryffindor Tower. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was thankful for since he was uncertain as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, Matt immediately went to the dormitory without saying another word to Albus, john, or Kaden.

"Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"whoremaster muttered as he sat down on the closest professorship and pulled up his pant leg."feel at that. My knee joint 's all red."

"mates my finger,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the quietus of the custody would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch practice session and the lowest dueling praxis before the first duel. Some captain he was, missing the last practice before their starting time tourney. Their concluding practice was Thursday eve and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the practice session, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The threshold to the plebeian room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch squad, minus Albus of course, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a pang of guilt as he watched them lead up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch peer until after the holidays, seeing as the side by side match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't help but feel that missing dueling practice right before a tournament was worse than missing Quidditch recitation right before a match.
***


Albus 's week did not ameliorate the following day, when he began it with twofold potions. lusterlessness, feeling too ill to brew potions all morning, stayed in the dormitory to kip, leaving Scorpio Malfoy without a partner to brew that day 's wart remotion Potion. Even worse, Albus 's cooperator was also not in class. Slughorn saw this as the perfect opportunity to pair Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his cauldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the ingredients. He returned a suddenly while later and began to chop up a shrivelfig into perfectly sized while. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to stir it.

"Word is you and your friends got a week 's detention for that caper,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your job,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by chance get Th off from custody, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breaths, trying to tranquillize himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own senior pilot, missing practice because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found someone else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat quick temper into the cauldron with more force than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily truthful, as Albus had slept too lately that morning to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the keep.

"Tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the senior pilot ought to have at to the lowest degree some skill at dueling."

"Why does it count so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would realise you captain."

"When the professors see what a better job of it I do-"

"One intellect, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."yield me one cause why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's fount broke out in a malicious grin."One reason ? The moonshine 's going to be in an matter to phase tonight."

Albus lowered his articulation."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the attic,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the rip drain from his face. Why had he never thought of that ? Of form there were ways Malfoy could let it slip without anyone knowing it was him."Fine,"Albus muttered."amercement. You captain the squad on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't have custody on Saturday afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how things had turned out.

Albus took a Pastinaca sativa and began to chop it with as lots violence as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking look upon the vegetable 's aerofoil. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another Scripture to Albus throughout the integral class, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into following hundred after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward helix when Patil had them work on transfiguring rats into teacupful and Albus 's teacupful ran across his mesa and crashed onto the base. Politics was no better because professor Embry had the division discuss the past Saturday 's debate, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help but feel as if the entire course was staring at him for the whole hour since Embry brought up the matter of his kidnapping and the sacking of Professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, Matt, whoremonger, and Kaden an owl at dinner party informing them that their detention would require topographic point in Greenhouse Two, where professor Longbottom needed help transferring his tartar dung fertiliser from a vast atomic reactor outside to various toilet inside.

"Disgusting !"whoremonger exclaimed upon reading the note."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."mat will be missing this one, obviously."

John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the residence hall. He was auditory sensation asleep when I went up there to snaffle my transfiguration book at dejeuner,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to sustain time to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his branching down. He had been picking at his squawk stew, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his Quaker that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling practice session later that week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see Matt before the full moon and it was just turning out to be an awfully evening.

Rose seemed to learn Albus 's idea."We 'll go check on him after dinner party,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the residual of their meal and then the three male child set off for the greenhouses. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the flat coat and Albus knew that meant that lusterlessness would be heading to the Hospital Wing soon. He hoped rosiness and Amanda would manage to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovels and four hardening of gloves.

"Matt ca n't occur tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the male child the shovelful and baseball mitt."All of this,"he gestured to a large pile of manure,"motivation to be moved into the pot in glasshouse Two. You can get out once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the pile. It must cause been at to the lowest degree six metrical unit high and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch pitch. It would take away them at least an hour. He sighed as he pulled on his baseball mitt and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boy working steadily it took them an hour and a half to move all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor tugboat and take the human beings 's longest shower bath. He felt worse than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rain.

"Two down, five to go,"whoremaster said after Neville parted shipway with them on the second floor."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really wish some lines."

"I just wish they 'd call off Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling pattern ?"John asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"time lag, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your team. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some understanding he did n't need to get into why Malfoy was going to be captain for the Nox."And it 's only for a night."

can gave Albus a strange look."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to give birth detention on Thursday and drop that practice. I 'll remind you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's musical theme. Not mine."

"I know,"John said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a honest half time of day in the shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up and find out that the day had been an frightening dreaming. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to withdraw away Albus 's captaincy and give it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the solely update this calendar month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his indirect request the following evening when the son spent an time of day doing lines with prof Young, which was slightly pointless since Brigham Young paid absolutely no aid to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the Hospital extension, as they had been ineffective to visit flatness earlier in the day.

Madam Pomfrey was refilling potion bottles when they arrived a shortly spell later. The curtain were drawn around Matt 's usual bed while all the other beds remained void.

"hullo, boys,"the nanny greeted them."I 'll let you chit-chat for ten proceedings, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led King John and Kaden to mat 's bed, where he pulled back the mantle and entered the minor area. Matt was laying in bed with a patch around his left over arm and another on his forehead.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"matt replied."But I do n't desire to babble out about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hour of bank line,"Saint John the Apostle said."And last night we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're lucky you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"mat lamented.

"Three ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually matte got out of the Hospital annexe two daytime after the full moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the custody is. If it 's line then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to skip it. dame Pomfrey wants me to roost tomorrow."

"Ca n't consider of what else they 'd ingest us do,"John Lackland said."Guess what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's praxis tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"Matt exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One practice. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are former mass on your team,"Matt pointed out."One of them could stimulate captained it."

"As I told St. John the Apostle and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't find again."

lustrelessness shrugged, but he did n't seem convinced. The last thing Albus wanted to do was tell him the really reason why Malfoy was going to run the practice. mat did n't involve that on his scale.

"Time 's up !"dame Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The last thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other things that the professors thought of for the boys'detention. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldrons without magic in Professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in betimes instead. Albus spent the stallion custody thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be able to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really nasty,"Amanda said once the boy were back in the commons elbow room after custody. Amanda had gotten out of dueling practice before they 'd finished detention."A few of the 2nd years were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able to do a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he expect ?"Albus replied."They 're minute years !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't wish,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really sword lily Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd quit otherwise."

"I would 've quit if he was on my team, period,"john said.

"He would n't last as maitre d' anyway,"Amanda pointed out."prof Cedonia was supervising and she had to tell apart him to modulate it down about five fourth dimension and then once one of the moment years was close to bout, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't assist but feel a bit of satisfaction that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did palpate bad for his mate. He doubted Malfoy would stop insistence that he should have been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would stop that.

Saturday brought with it a tawdry thunderstorm that rendered it nearly impossible to hear what anyone was saying in the Great Hall at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the violent storm would calm down by the prison term the tournament began since his team would postulate to be able to hear each former speak.

Malfoy was already seated at Team Seven 's slur at the Hufflepuff table when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was pleased to see that the rest of the team was giving him a encompassing post, including a few of the untested Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the second yr Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So glad you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot gear up ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's team. The last few duellist ran into the room and snagged the concluding few arse, which were unfortunately next to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five minutes until the tournament began. He felt like he should arrive at some sort of talking to, like all of his Quidditch police captain did before matches. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The 1st tournament,"Albus began."You are all fantabulous dueller, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing hard and you 've all made great improvements. We 're going to do bully, but commemorate, just take in fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in recitation, I think we can definitely win this."

The rest of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty sunniness and then turned to professor Longbottom, who had just called for attention. Albus 's squad immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the initiative dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duel happening simultaneously. prof Cedonia is coming around with the tournament schedule, which will be given to each sea captain. Please pay care and have intercourse when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. professor Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling traffic circle and will announce the winners. The first individual to demilitarize their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use while you have learned in your classes. The firstly duels will part momentarily."

Professor Cedonia handed Albus a piece of lambskin and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you know when you 're to duel. I 'll tell you two affaire d'honneur before you 're scheduled. Alice and Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the tenth part duel in Neville 's anchor ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of time to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overwhelming, having to constantly be paying care to the list and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duel, he managed to get the hang of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duels, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a word the full tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the rest of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling annulus, where he was set to duel lavatory. Two Hufflepuffs from other team were currently battling it out and Albus was next. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to demilitarise his opponent.

"degree to Team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus John Brickston."

Albus and John gave each early apologetic smiles before bowing and raising their sceptre, waiting for Neville 's O.K..

"Ready, affaire d'honneur !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker condemnation at John, who easily deflected it. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending go at John, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs Curse and nearly lost his footing. In the meter it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was capable to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as John fell over. He caught John 's wand in his veracious helping hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"percentage point to Team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on John and the two boys left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling ring.

Malfoy dueled a second base twelvemonth and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre clapping. It seemed that the eternal sleep of the squad was still acrimonious about Thursday 's practice.

The repose of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their instant duels, although Malfoy had a lot More difficultness since he dueled a fellow fourth year.

"attention, I 'd care to announce the succeeder !"Neville shouted a short while after the concluding duel. The full room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In third situation with 44 points is squad Four !"

Cheers erupted from the Ravenclaw table, where Team IV was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In minute place with 52 points is Team sevener !"

The balance of Albus 's team began to shout and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't believe it ! His first ever tournament as captain and his team had gotten mo place ! A few hoi polloi slapped him on the book binding and he broke out into a grin.

"And in low gear place, with 55 peak is squad Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheerfulness from the other end of the Hufflepuff table, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own squad had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his composure."I knew we could do it !"

The table was filled with upheaval and yakety-yak and it continued even after they got up and began to allow for the room. Albus was anxious to get back to Gryffindor tower where he could fete his go up win with his friends.

"Nice going, Potter,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got second,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"First would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got second considering how awed you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your drill on Th. Did you detect how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a step closer to Albus.

"fountainhead it does n't much matter because I 'm the chieftain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his wand, which he was still brandishing in his left hand.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's verge."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll replace you."

"C'mon, Albus."lusterlessness had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the vulgar room."

"punter listen to him."Malfoy gave a short-change laugh."You 'd think it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a certain time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And adopt that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"Matt grabbed the back of Albus 's robe and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the Entrance dorm. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to fetch it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"Matt said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's contemptuous !"

"I 'm used to it,"lusterlessness said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't mean you should have to spend the rest of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would experience solved everything ?"Matt asked."You just would 've receive another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't have,"Matt argued."You 've just got to ignore him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that future year he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't retrieve he will. Did n't they go back to House teams for dueling for fifth through 7th years this year ?"Matt asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the sixth year said,"matt answered.

"goodness,"Albus said."Then I just have to suffer through this year."

Albus and Matt were the finish of their friends to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing preparation. James had set a few pyrotechnic off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating platters upon disk of biscuits.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with nothing to do. wellspring, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"rose wine asked as she walked up to Albus and Matt. John and Kaden were behind her, a biscuit in each hand.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the Entrance Radclyffe Hall,"Matt explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore detention !"

"I know, but he said something really loathsome,"Albus said and turned to John."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"pink wine asked.

"He said that he was surprise I was n't attacking him,"Matt said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth detention over,"Matt repeated.

"But if it continues,"Rose said,"you 've got to separate Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"matt insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the possibility of the entire school day getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the epithet of Merlin are we doing detention in the wood ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the following morning.

"Seriously,"St. John the Apostle agreed."That 's not really custody, is it ? The forest is cool. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all variety of creatures in there."

"My sister did detainment in the woodland once,"Matt said."She had to harvest these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the full moon."

"Well that 's one detention you 'll never have to do."trick laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some other kind of works ?"Matt suggested, ignoring privy 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The letter they 'd received had not gone into specifics. It just stated that they were to meet Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At to the lowest degree you 're not going at nighttime,"rose wine pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his booster had until custody went by rather quickly. They spent the hours in the common room alternating doing homework while participating in very great unit of ammunition of Exploding catch with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousin. Everyone was covered in ash by the clip three o'clock rolled around and the boys had to run up to their student residence to wash their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was little and was slightly confused as to how detention with Hagrid could possibly be considered custody. Perhaps professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his friends visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed spending time with him.

Hagrid was already outdoor when Albus and the former three boy arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his side. Albus swallowed arduous upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would require that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple custody today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn tail hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't wish boys."

Hagrid gave a booming laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a crime to take 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from bushes and trees. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a loud bark as they made their way to the forest. Collecting unicorn hair. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the forest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their time the previous year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's Church Father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn hairs for ?"whoremaster asked as they entered the woods."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot Thomas More'n sceptre, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. seventh yr are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn hairs so prof Kendrick volunteered you four to collect 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for for sure,"John muttered to Albus.

It was very moody in the forest, despite the fact that it was day. All four boys lit their scepter and Hagrid 's pink umbrella was providing more light than two baton combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't line up any hair until they were at least fifteen minutes into the forest since unicorns rarely ventured near the sharpness.

The forest was very dim and it was difficult for them to walk next to each early. Soon, they were forced to take the air exclusive file cabinet through a very small path that was riddled with shoetree outgrowth and rock-and-roll. Albus stumbled every so often and mat managed to fall over three sentence before anyone found any unicorn prat hair. Galloping hooves could be heard in the space and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a herd of centaurs in the wood, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty minute paseo. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a looking around here and I 'm surely we 'll feel plenty. This is a known region where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with bucketful in which to gather the hair. Albus set off for the nearest scrub and found a few hairs snagged in the branch.

"stopping point detainment,"John said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"matte called out from a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree a few m away.

"Do you know what you have to do for your next one ?"Albus asked.

"Lines, all three Nox,"lusterlessness said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"Better than cleaning bathrooms again. Or digging up dragon dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a unanimous clump of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half hour Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their whole tone through the forest. Albus found it a slight less chilling on the walk back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the haphazardness or because he could see the sunlight at the boundary. He was very free to find that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the forest, although now that the hold was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection of Christ Stone was no longer there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guy are awesome ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a frantic finishing of all the written document I 'd neglected during Nov. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a secure bit of writing done within the next month.


The last few calendar week of Nov provided the Hogwarts scholarly person and staff with a much needed full point of calm. The next election disputation would not take property until December and the the censorship at Hogwarts subject seemed to have died out, with the Daily oracle no longer publishing articles on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournament were over for the term, leaving the students with a bit more meter to devote to their studies. The side by side Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the sec Sabbatum in December, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the monotony of those few weeks. His mean solar day were filled with preparation, Quidditch praxis, and dueling practice. Team heptad was very happy to possess Albus back as their chieftain and most continued to ignore Malfoy during pattern. Malfoy still reserved a special glower of hatred for Albus and his booster, but he did not attempt to set out anymore affaire d'honneur in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

Dec arrived with a play false violent storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch team to cancel two of their exercise. This gave Fred the chance to book the pitch for two spear carrier practices, something that earned him a goodly back breaker of U-No-Poo in his morning autumn pumpkin juice courtesy of James and Omar Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of school prankster had been rightfully returned to James and his friends. The hebdomad of hold had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore prank. The Saame could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not know what.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda spent the low gear Saturday of Dec ignoring their homework in the vulture 's Den. The Slytherin team had the pitch for the entire day, which gave Albus a much needed breakout from Quidditch. John and Kaden 's location would probably only be found with the Marauder 's Map and rose wine was tutoring in the depository library.

There was a loud squawk from outside the room, which was rosebush 's sign that she was outside and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm worried about Elsie,"rose wine said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The kickoff year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the idiot for a blood brother and a cousin-german and uncle who want to bring in back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his game.

"No, I 'm not worried about her stupid person brother. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"flatness asked.

"No, she 's actually doing much better,"Rose said."She 's just very tranquillize. She never talks about anything other than homework-"

"Sounds like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her sidekick walks her to the depository library for our sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone former than them, either."

"That is kind of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"blush wine said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"Rose said quietly."But if she 's having issues. We all know about her family. If her buddy 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to keep an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her kinfolk does n't care I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"pink wine agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something adept. Or he 's trying to make sure she does n't spill mob secrets."

"You think they have to a greater extent family line secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"Matt asked.

"Of course they do,"rosebush said."We only found out survive yr that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in first or endorse year."

matt shuddered."Probably a estimable matter that I did n't. I probably would give birth refused to come to Hogwarts."

"nearly pure-blooded mob like them have dark mystery,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquid on his robes."The 1 that want the blood to remain gross and choke up. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to tell apart someone,"pink wine stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm surely it does."

"The only job for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"lusterlessness said darkly.

Rose got up and started walking around the room."To be reliable, I do n't fuck how often he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to select post in Britain. Think about it, finis year he had the excuse of the tourney to be here. He 's got no excuse this year. He 's a Ministry official. A horrid one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his best pastime to be trying to work back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a trace of him, with the Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"Matt pointed out.

"He was a secretary for the Obliviator office. That 's a slight dissimilar from a Head stead,"pink wine explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping secret and I bet it 'll have something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when rose wine is tutoring her."Albus turned to Rose."You think you could try and get her to open up ?"

"wellspring she 's not going to just come out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll claim a while,"rosebush said.
***


Albus told John and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that night. John proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that girl from the moment they had seen her at the beginning of the year. Both boys agreed that they needed to find out what it was she was keeping mysterious. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but bathroom and Kaden mysteriously went tranquilize as soon as Albus brought the issue up.

Albus laid awake that Night for a long time thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not shake the effigy of her with Felix and Malfoy in the beginning of the yr from his mind. She had looked so timid and unacquainted, far too sinless and Danton True Young to be involved with anything like what her kinsfolk was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't sure why since Lily was anything but timid.

aurora arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only amaze a few hours sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the common room. He knew he would n't be able to hang back benumbed.

Upon arriving in the mutual room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eye and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The paradigm before his heart was real, and it was painful to appear at.

The Gryffindor common room was no longer red and gold. It was now decked out in honey oil and silver medal. The comfy couches and chairs were gone and had been replaced instead with standard schoolroom chairperson. Various banners were hung up in the room that depicted ophidian. In fact, the Gryffindor mutual way now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common room to expect, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the common room was not the weirdest change, by a foresightful shot. The unusual new addition to the Gryffindor common elbow room was a Lady Jane Grey and white Capricorn the Goat. It was standing in the middle of the room, its head down and buried in a Word of God. The affair about goats, though, was that they did not enjoy books the way people did. Goats ate Word. This Goat was currently munching on The Standard Book of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's centre drifted from the goat and around the way again, where he now noticed remnants of other Christian Bible, quills, prep, and even a cloak.

The goat looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the Scripture. Albus crept a minuscule closer and noticed that a sign of the zodiac was affixed to the laughingstock. It said 'The Gryffindor Capricorn the Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next time, remember twice about putting chickens in our common room .'

Albus stood in the midsection of the way, his stare alternating from the goat to the bank note and back again. A butt ? That did n't even wee any mother wit. Not only that, they were clearly trying to simulate privy and Kaden 's prank. And changing the way into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his oculus away from the goat and ran back up the gyrate staircase until he got to his own hall. He flicked on the lights and Ethan, the lightest sleeper of the crew, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the morning !"

"I know it 's six in the morning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the park room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke Matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the common room. Their cry of ire could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John the Divine asked as he and flatness followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their retaliation,"Albus said, handing lavatory the annotation.

Albus took a detour to the third twelvemonth 's student residence to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roommates got up as well and soon there was a with child crew in the usual room. By the prison term Albus entered the room again, the first, second, and 6th years were all there. The 7th and twenty percent twelvemonth were right behind him.

The uncouth room was in chaos. James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the goat. The prefects were all congregated in one spot, clearly trying to compute out what to do. A tail of the educatee were standing freeze down, with looking of horror on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the prank had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the goat for the copy of the Standard Book of Spells : gradation Two, which evidently was his.

The girls'dormitory room threshold opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. Rose and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the ease of the boys, who were receiving numerous stares and glares from their gent pupil. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his ally for the Slytherins'indigence for retaliation.

"What in the name of Merlin happened ?"rosiness asked.

lav handed her the preeminence."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to get it on, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"John said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted retaliation,"rosebush said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's cousin-german, Mark, shouted over the crowd. He was one of the one-sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your hall. I 'm going to fetch Professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

fool sighed, as if thinking he should have known."Al, ride out down here. The eternal sleep of you, back upstairs.

Rose handed Albus the note back and she and the balance of Albus 's friends turned to go back to their student residence. There was a general murmuration and whispers as everyone left. Soon, the green room was empty-bellied except for Albus, the goat, and the six Prefects. target left in purchase order to go get prof Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while Mark was gone. Albus stood off to the side, as he did not know the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as friends of his cousins.

Mark returned ten mo later with professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the goat to the banners and back to the laughingstock.

"Albus discovered it,"Mark said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Capricorn had been chewing on one of Victor Hugo 's books so he took that. And soul 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right hand, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can find any clues to reckon out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his dormitory, where he found not only all of his roomie but Kaden as well, discussing the prank. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"Find anything out ?"toilet asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping prof Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The male child whiled away the time until breakfast by trading coffee Frog posting, playing rounds of Exploding breeze, and discussing the Quidditch time of year. lusterlessness fell back asleep after defending the carom to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

mark knocked on their door a few hours later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke Matt up and the boys went back down to the common room. It looked rule once More. All remnant of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in mess. The schoolroom president had disappeared and the steady comfy sofa were back. Albus was relieved to see their unwashed room back to its usual state of matter, although that did nothing to fulfill his curiosity about who had done it.

"Wonder what they did with the goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"Matt said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's crony. He owns the Hog 's point in Hogsmeade. Keeps goats in his pub. Weird bloke,"matte answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great Hall was populated only by Gryffindor educatee, which did not surprise Albus in the slightest given the too soon hr and the fact that it was Sunday. The professors were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No doubt that Longbottom had told them about the harlequinade. Slughorn in particular looked faze.

rosiness convinced the relief of the group that it would be a skillful idea to head to the library after breakfast to take advantage of the fact that it would be void. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to prepare up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hours of studying Albus felt his attention start to wander. The library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the blank space like a hawk. The doors opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk in, followed by her brother and Scorpius. Scorpius 's eyes met Albus 's and he veered from his picayune radical in order to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your common elbow room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course of action not. It 's all over the schooling. Everyone knows that your green room looked like an extension service of mine this break of the day. And that stooge, I heard it ate a few books. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the professors to try out it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't accept left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"toilet said flatly."Albus confessed to make unnecessary his cousin and brother who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just secern me one affair,"Albus said."How did you get into the vulgar room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his friend had used the invisibility Cloak to figure out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not deliver an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't tell you how I did it."With one More glare at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the mesa that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our commons room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No approximation,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first year into telling him what it was,"John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't cognise it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find out who it was, either,"Rose said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"conjecture it does n't really count at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's prison term for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

Rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to change by reversal into a huge prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the point,"John replied.

If John and Kaden were trying to start a put-on war Albus did n't desire any component part of it. He had had plenty custody for a lifetime and did not desire disbursement anymore of his Hogwarts vocation scrubbing bathrooms or doing stock. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden got up and left the depository library, presumably to work on their next buffoonery.

Later that day at dinner Professor Kendrick gave a very stern speech to the entire school about breaking dominion, especially the normal about not entering common rooms that were not yours. It was very standardized to the speech he gave after the chicken frivolity, except this time Albus could separate that the headmaster was even more angry. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not seem shamed at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's Goat ( as the caper had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. almost of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade misstep and then the winter holidays. Professor Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those students who wished to delay house during the holiday, although none of Albus 's Quaker signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to stay on,"John the Divine said as Professor Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this yr since there 's some big Ministry Christmas party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"lusterlessness said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the second twelvemonth in a row,"Albus replied.

Matt nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all ride out next year,"Kaden said."Then I can go a whole shoal year without seeing my grandparents. Or aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a undecomposed reason to stay at Hogwarts over the vacation."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castle 's great at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Noel is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's kin was Judaic and historied Channukah.

"You 're receive to come to our grandparents'house for Christmas this yr,"rosebush suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm for certain they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got post,"Albus said, gesturing to blush wine 's kinsperson 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, good !"rosiness said as she ripped unfold the letter of the alphabet. She scanned it for a moment before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a questioning look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the argumentation that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's sketch at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how trials are run. I think it 's going to be the most matter to one since both Uncle Walker Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their perspective on that topic."

That was for for sure. This debate would probably be even more explosive than the one on educational activity."You 'll possess to let us know all the contingent,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything back handwriting from the Prophet."

She had a head there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that Rose was the one going and not him. As much as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his booster than sitting in a court listening to pol all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with schooltime ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update to a greater extent often.


The calendar week leading up to the Hogsmeade trip-up dragged by very slowly. Albus was sealed that Wednesday in particular was at least twice as long as a formula day and by the time Fri finally decided to make an appearance Albus was sure he would go insane from all the prep he had to complete. Tues had been the wide-cut moonshine, but luckily Matt left the hospital wing Thursday afternoon and had been cleared by Madam Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Saturday arrived there was a welcomed break in the blizzard that had blanketed the Hogwarts evidence in two metrical foot of snow. Albus and his champion slept lately and by the clock time they woke up blush wine had already left to go to that day 's public debate. Albus, lusterlessness, and John the Divine quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to exit."Albus ! Glad I found you. I booked the rake for today at three since there 's a fracture in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As a good deal as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips were rare occasions and he had Christmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other team have booked the pitch. It 's booked solid the rest of the calendar week and we need another practice in before conk out starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was right, of course. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through dejeuner he would still receive a good two hours in the village."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to ascertain James I ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to leave alone, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, John, lusterlessness, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to recount you,"Amanda began."pink wine and I were in the library last hebdomad and overheard William James asking some Hufflepuff twenty percent year out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."Wait, St. James has a date ?"

"Saint James the Apostle asked a little girl out in the library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't recount him that Rose and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd mutilate us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They better not be in Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't visualize going in there to tell him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the estimation of James II asking a girl out in the subroutine library of all shoes. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd get by to catch a glimpse of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to will her to go to Quidditch exercise,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the common room.

"He will if the date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"wellspring let 's hurry up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can figure out who this girl is."

Albus hurried out of the common room followed by his friends. They ate a very hasten lunch in the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall and then ran outside and down the path to Hogsmeade. As they neared the small town Albus kept his middle peeled for his Brother.

"Where to first ?"flatness asked.

"Weasleys',"John and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a glance. They should have got known. They followed John and Kaden as the two prankish boys led the way to Weasleys'whiz Wheezes.

The shop was packed to mental ability as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George II who was behind the comeback ringing people up as fast as the till would let him. teddy was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. John and Kaden each grabbed two as the boys passed.

Albus grabbed a few extendable ear as his seemed to have disappeared and a box of Deluxe Whizbangs for St. James the Apostle for Yule. He joined the long queue at the trough and was joined by John and Kaden who each had weaponry overflowing with ware. matt and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few Pygmy Puffs that were in a John Cage in the strawman of the depot.

"Neither of you have seen James River, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the Three Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. madam whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"Madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying place. Covered in frilled thing, and pink stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and John both agreed. They would see for James, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden had their supplies.

The next stop was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on confect and Albus bought a Christmas present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle Shop and then the Three Broomsticks. Albus had yet to see James, but his clock time was quickly running out. He had a half minute before he had to head back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the sleep of the mathematical group found a board. Luckily Scorpius Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his chum 's familiar red pilus. Unfortunately the young woman he was with was facing away from Albus 's tabular array so all he knew was that she had very long, very straight brown hair's-breadth.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to Matt, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the girl is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"King John said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My first cousin knows her. She 's one of the 5th class prefects."

"Wait, so James not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"hypothesis so."Gospel According to John shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to have to watch out his step."

"You realize that there 's a safe opportunity one of us might be a prefect next yr,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll peck Bilius or Ethan,"John said."They 'd never beak me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"Well pink wine is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just have to sneak around more following year,"John said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"mat said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's sort of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to need to buy a store where someone was murdered."

"Still, it 's just strange,"Matt said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not want to do anything with it or betray it."

"surmise that 's a adept point,"flatness said.

"Look, William James and the girlfriend are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that St. James was indeed rising from his chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side by side out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to admit. Her eyes were bright and her buttock were garden pink. James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll show to Quidditch drill ?"John asked.

"If he values his life,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodby to his friends and headed back out into the coldness. The sun was out and there was no wind, but it was still bitingly cold. He trudged his way through the Charles Percy Snow and stake up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor tugboat to drop off his purchases and variety into his Quidditch robes.

The residue of the squad was already on the pitch shot when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the relief of the team stood off to the side.

"She 's not even on their squad !"Henry James shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a closed recitation !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the viewpoint and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slight Wave back.

"I could n't just leave her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to learn you roleplay Quidditch ?"Fred asked."Fine, mulct. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and Henry James joined the rest of the group."All right field !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warm up up."

Albus mounted his Calluna vulgaris and soared into the air. He joined the quietus of the team in their escape around the lurch and lost himself in flying. It was Nice to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his mind.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their serious drill in weeks since the conditions was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not have any subject with playing, but the weather was usually awful whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a good matter since it would aid them learn how to play in matches with bad stipulation but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to give birth a practice where the conditions were ideal. It made Quidditch so much more enjoyable.

James and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice ended and the rest of the team walked back to the castle together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tower when rosebush, matt, bathroom, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's legal injury ?"Fred asked.

"It 's cipher,"rosebush said."We just take to verbalise to Albus."

"Meet us in the elbow room after you stash your ling,"matte whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the common room and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no approximation what was going on, but it must let just had to do with his booster because everyone else in the vernacular room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his broom away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to reach the predator 's Den. All his friends were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the name of merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two thing,"Rose began."One, the argumentation. It was ... well ... insane is the solely Logos to distinguish it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the Shrieking shanty,"Matt said."After you went to Quidditch practice we walked around the village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"Matt said."There 's Barbara Ward. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Energy he know that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down next to Rose.

Matt shook his head."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is admirer with Felix Willinson so anything Weird that he does needs to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"John the Divine replied.

"He 's not the showtime one to be odd about the screaming shanty,"Matt pointed out.

This was dissimilar, Albus thought. He would have expected Matt to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not beneficial that he 's trying to get in,"John said.

"Well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"Matt countered."Let 's just block about it for now. What blush wine has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to count at Rose, who looked disquieted and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly think of a prison term when Rose was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"rose wine said quietly."She wants to completely commute the section of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to inquire every single Auror and reorganize the section because she does n't think things are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in complaint of the Auror department for years and there had never been any charge. How could Laurentis just affront him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to lose,"John said confidently."No one 's going to vote for mortal who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"Rose whispered."They will. There 's been newspaper column in the prophet for hebdomad about how the electric current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Sir Henry Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"rose said."Talked about all the practiced your dad has done, but she argued right back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all polite about it and there was no way to tell who supported who,"Rose said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to interchange all the chief of section who do n't agree with her. She 's going to want people in power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, mat 's dad 's job, mind of Magical Law Enforcement, mind of Magical transferral, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his finger's breadth."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"Rose said as she stood up and began pacing around the room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical Accidents and disaster, Magical Games and Sports, and then the Department of Mysteries."

"Do you bang anything about the head of those departments ?"John asked.

"The dame who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the public debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"Rose said."But I do n't jazz much about the others. The bloke in burster of magic Transportation moderated the first debate."

"That 's eight positions,"matt said quietly,"and she could replace all of them. That would wind up up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"pink wine said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected parson do n't replace everyone. It 's too much upheaval. But if she wants immediate variety, it would be the easiest way to get it done."

"What 's the future debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"rose wine said."Originally they were going to deliberate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a classify Azkaban debate. She 's in complaint of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new yr,"blush wine answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then February 's disputation is on magic creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be good,"matte said."supposition that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in Master of Architecture they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the outset of Apr,"Rose continued."That one is going to drive station here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't call back anyone 's going to vote for her,"John muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry Potter would n't get sufficiency votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's fears. I mean, I have n't been in the witching world long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the electric current Ministry and Auror department are too soft and speck at the possibility of another war, and then claim that she could squash it before it became a war, she would easily get the vote. People are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"rose agreed.

The room descended into uncomfortable muteness. At the kickoff of the school year, none of them had much interest in the election or the Ministry in general, but now, just a few month later, Albus and his friends were learning just how much the final result of the election would affect them. The possibleness of drastic changes to both Hogwarts and the wizarding man did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and mat 's dad were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of school went by quickly. With the looming holiday and recess from schooltime, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on homework or the election. Instead, the cackle that filled the Great G. Stanley Hall during meals was about Christmas and snowball fights and spending prison term with family line. Albus was sucked into the Christmas cheer as well, but the election was still on the cover of his mind.

For Albus, blush wine, and the eternal rest of the Weasley/Potter kinship group, the Christmas holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New twelvemonth 's company at the government minister 's Mansion was scheduled for New Year 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking functionary and their families, as well as Sir Henry Percy, Laurentis, and their folk. All of Albus 's extended kinsfolk would be attending. But perhaps the most bizarre facet of the holidays was the fact that Uncle Walker Percy was going to allow a reporter from sorcerer magazine to follow him for not only the Ministry political party, but Christmas at the burrow as well.

"This is just Weird !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the finis day of full term."A reporter ? At the Burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his wand and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did grandmother agree to this ?"James IV asked as he loaded his photographic plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Tom Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I form of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't want that Laurentis cleaning woman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't require some reporter staying with us at the Burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the real Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permit to abide with rose wine for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big deal. With your home, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no estimate,"Albus said."We 'd improve get to History of Magic."

Albus got up and his Quaker followed. Despite the fact that it was the go day of term, Professor Binns still gave a lecture. Nobody paid him an apothecaries' ounce of aid. The rest of the professors did n't inconvenience teaching any new material as they figured the scholar would just forget it over the break. professor Cedonia set them a virtual object lesson, but did n't chide them when they stopped charming their teacupful to dance and instead talked about Christmas Day. Hagrid had a prominent balefire going to retain them warm up, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the story of Norberta and bawled about how often he missed her. In antediluvian Runes, there was an exam.

The espouse daybreak Albus and his champion climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express for the tripper back to London. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding Earth. He felt condom from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't seem as big a great deal. The train was like its own little creation with but scholar and sweets from the trolley ; on the string, nothing bad could happen.


Long hiatus ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the second half of June 's Camp NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so much for all the reassessment !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"volition she really publish anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the rest of the thrower had just Apparated to the field behind the Burrow. Albus was a bit spooky about being in the bearing of a newsman from Wizards magazine publisher and was not at all cracking about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the newsperson would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even observance Albus.

"And James, do n't even recall about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at James."Seriously, St. James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"James II said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"William James Canicula Potter, listen to your Father,"Ginny said.

Albus put his hand over his backtalk to veil his laughter while his brother pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue toffee and a ampoule of Weasleys'Itchiest Itching Powder out of his pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her verge. She brushed the ash onto the ground and James River stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a puncher in the shoulder from James. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"Boys, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"Molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas !"

"Happy Dec 25, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grandmother a quick hug, grabbing a handful of biscuit on his way to the den. The first affair he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a stool in the box. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy assemblage, in her lightlessness skirt, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore bounder to the tunnel ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet hair was done up in some sorting of bun and her rim were smeared with shining red lipstick.

The endorse affair Albus noticed was just how clean the Burrow was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many pots and dishes full of warm, steaming food for thought, but out in the den, it was very noticeable. The burrow was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately neat like Matt and Kaden 's houses were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with mint of record and stacks of circuit card game and various Muggle and charming devices. mantle and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairs, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was neat. The stacks of books had been shelved and the blankets folded. The sheer amount of material seemed to take been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a single Muggle electronic gimmick half-taken apart on the floor or mesa. It was flaky. The Burrow did n't bet like the tunnel without its smother. You never knew what you 'd find at the burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his head slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his first cousin and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the floor. They had a large phonograph recording of food in front end of them, making Albus realize how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of roll."I see someone cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to have a good impression. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the laws he 's assist bye,"Rose said."But all the reporter wants to do is audience the ease of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Sir Henry Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"aunt Corrine, grandmother, gramps, Uncle banker's bill, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and Lindy,"rosebush said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"rose said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

pink wine indicated to the steps, where Percy was leading a scrawny blighter back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"Dress robes ?"blush wine said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few shots of you playing a game with the twins,"the photographer said as he and Percy walked past tense Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"Wonderful musical theme !"the reporter exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she hear that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the newsman said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to drop the cookie he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the elbow room, her eyes finally coming to pillow on Amanda."We 'll need a shot with you and Percy as well. Candidate plays Exploding ginger snap with the heyday Minister 's niece ! double-dyed ! I could not have planned this better."

"How did she get it on that I 'm the prime Minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a snoop secret plan of Exploding ginger nut with Uncle Walker Percy, Samantha, and Lindy. The completely matter was very ridiculous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's turn, but she was posed with a set of Wizard 's Chess,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't have,"Percy said jovially after the lensman finished."Photograph with the Prime Minister 's niece."

"But nonentity knows I 'm the prime quantity Minister 's niece,"Amanda said once she, rosebush, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the doorway. He peered into the den and took stock of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, Bill, and Charlie, were stuffy to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the fighter .'All four had mugs of eggnog in manus. nan was listening to Celestina Warbeck while Aunt Fleur glared at the wireless. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and aunty Hermione. almost of his cousin-german were eating or laughing about one thing or another. Samantha and Lindy were playing Exploding press stud for substantial now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the exclusively one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Walker Percy, who was talking with the reporter and the lensman. aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their older children were anywhere in sight.

"Have you seen Omar Nelson Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"Rose said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed Rose out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each bedroom, Albus found out just where his grandmother had stored all the stuff that used to be in the den. Every single elbow room had a pile of random stuff in it. They eventually found their three cousins hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedroom at the top of the house. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the doorway.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to get hold it was only Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the newsperson,"Georgia said,"and talking about how much it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is damn insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite bed."Uncle Percy has to win."

"Well, I do n't want him to,"Bradley said."Do you realize how much life story will interchange if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down adjacent to Albus. Rose sat on his other side.

"Before his safari started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his public figure they would have it off him, but he was just Harry Hotspur Weasley. Do you sleep together what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Percy Weasley, Minister of illusion. Not just Hotspur Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."parson is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll leave at the federal agency at five. It 's Sir Thomas More a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the Minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you recognize all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the peak diplomatic minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Britain ?"Thomas Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this mystic for four old age ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much prospicient since that photographer just took a scene of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're in good order that your life story wo n't be the Lapp if he gets elected. And even after his term is up you 'll still always be the curate 's son."

"And we 'd receive to move into the curate 's Mansion,"Tom Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Georgia already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the year,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a rap on the door and then it swung wide candid. Percy stood in the doorway flanked by the reporter and photographer. Hotspur had changed out of his robes and was now wearing a greenish Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the front line. In his weapon system was a spate of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Percy said."We 're doing a mental picture of the all kin in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his children and then one each to Albus and rose."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial pinny this year ?"Sakartvelo asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purple'G .'

"Must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was blue with a Au'A .'

"Bet it 's to establish us look like a cheesy family,"Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and blush wine followed their cousin back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photograph.

Albus 's entire family was posed in half the den. The photographer was running around making small readjustment, which Albus thought was pointless. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all look at the camera and smile nicely at the Sami time.

The photographer noticed Albus, rosiness, Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James and Lily, who were sitting right in the middle, on the floor.

"Lovely !"the lensman exclaimed a few minutes later. He ran to the former incline of the room and stuck his head behind the camera."Everyone smile ! Beautiful !"He took rafts of pictures and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the newsperson shouted once the lensman finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a happy Dec 25. The clause should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one Night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the reporter and lensman out of the tunnel, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"mollie shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley house had ever had and Albus was very very much looking forward to tomorrow, when things would get back to some gloss of normal. Albus walked up to bed with rose and Amanda, wishing them both near night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. James IV, Ben, Cedric, and Omar Nelson Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their bottom.

"You 're going down, thrower,"Thomas Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Christmas tradition for his family and nothing, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to prevent it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Georgia exclaimed, having just saved a destination by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into play by the end of her broom."Kenmare Krazy Keeper relocation !"

"You 're still going to suffer !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got shimmy !"

"If teddy were a real Seeker he 'd be playing for a League team and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as serious as James,"Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James everything he knows !"Teddy said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's impart goal postal service."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the Snitch clutched in his helping hand."Aurors have to take constant weather eye, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a good plot, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the cloud were rolling in. It was a unspoiled fourth dimension to maneuver back inside for Christmastide dinner party, especially since the scent of roast turkey and tater had been drifting outside for the past times half minute.

tabular array, already covered in numerous sweetheart of intellectual nourishment, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstair to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tables. Albus hurried to the rear Rose and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere good Walker Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"Rose asked.

"Good,"Albus said."We lost, but Teddy 's pretty much unvanquishable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm storm he did n't play professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had offering, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't sure. Then he just decided to join the Auror Academy, because of his parents, you know."

"Makes sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd care to give a toast,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his methamphetamine hydrochloride of pumpkin vine juice."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the political campaign. We only have three months to go, so let 's make the nigh of it. keep open up all the smashing study. Here 's to a win in Apr !"

Albus clinked glass with blush wine and Amanda and then served himself a large helping of Meleagris gallopavo. This was what he enjoyed the most about Noel at the tunnel. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousin-german, aunts, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left wing, his aunty Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study tips for their O.W.L.s. The male child were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and Teddy were holding hired man under the mesa, which was kind of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left hand, a skill she clearly did not own. James, Bradley, and Georgia were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the twins, Lily, and Hugo just how many peas he could fit into his oral fissure at once. Walker Percy was, of course, discussing the mettlesome details of his campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and Mark were telling Angie about the secret passageway that lead into the cellar of Honeyduke 's. The remainder of his family was too far away for Albus to pick up what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really like,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one to begin with,"rosebush said while Amanda laughed."James put one of those wind-up Pygmy drag in nanna 's bounteous pot, so while she was chopping vegetables it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was James, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no proof !"James I cut in."It could accept been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"rose wine said."It was you."

"James, did you get wind me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to start with your washy depicted object first off. Honestly, you should 've started preparing end year. Albus, pink wine, Amanda, are you listening ? You should originate revision now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"Rose said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be favorable if Saint James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stunned,"Rose said."What does he need to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll need certain O.W.L.s to get into the right N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no idea,"Albus said,"except he wants to act as Quidditch."

"He 'd break get going,"Rose said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, rose ?"James asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"rosebush said."Get my healing degree, specializing in psychiatry."

"amercement, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

pink wine nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really want I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit young to get decided that ?"Albus asked.

"Matt 's sister had it all figured out in one-fourth twelvemonth and flavour where she is now,"Rose pointed out.

She did give a pointedness there, Albus thought. Matt 's sis was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a half more long time to go. Albus did n't even need to intend about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an announcement to make !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to look at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to work address or announcements during crime syndicate dinner. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousin-german, certainly not coming near to the spirit level of boisterousness of Bradley, Saint James the Apostle, or Georgia.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just enjoin you all at once today. I 've decided to displace to France."

The elbow room was silent, much like it was after Harry Hotspur announced his design to run for rector at the before school dinner. Then, as happened after Hotspur 's announcement, everyone began to talk at once.

"You 're what ?"account exclaimed.

"Gabriella, dearest !"Fleur shouted, dropping her glass of wine."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in Anatole France is very unsteady,"Hotspur said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few weeks in France that pin and seemed to enjoy it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me verbalize !"Gabriella shouted. The way quieted one more than."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my feet. When I painted there this gloam it just felt so right. My paintings there were so much break than the ones I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"broadsheet asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to pass everyday in an federal agency and miss out on life. No umbrage. painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"billhook began.

"Bill,"molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the same when you were her age. commemorate the earring ? The hair ?"

Bill 's boldness reddened."It 's not the Lapp, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a salutary creative person ! I 'm not going to thirst !"

"You know my parents would never let her hunger,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the compass point. The point is that she should be doing something fat. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the elbow room, running up the stair. A few second later a door slammed.

eyeshade made to get up, but Victoire put her hand on his shoulder joint, forcing him back into his posterior."Dad, I 'll go."

The way lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's programme. Albus had always thought of peak as his cool uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his fry wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Percy had about Sakartvelo 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, invoice,"Sir Henry Percy said pompously."artist is not a career. You 've got to struggle this. Went through the same thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the past few months of going to my games and making the jam think you 're supportive of my dreams, you still do n't think I should diddle Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a avocation,"Sir Henry Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're improbable !"Georgia exclaimed."The support, the cheering, it 's all pretender, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the board in a similar manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's phoney support,"James muttered.

"fountainhead, she did at first but she probably thought there was no way he could misrepresent it for so long and not get down to come around. She surely thought it was literal by now,"rose wine said.

"You 're going to stool a adept psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can set forth with Uncle Harry Hotspur,"King James I said.

"Does anyone want pudding ?"Gran asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews !


Never before had Albus experienced such an uneasy Christmas dinner, and that included the prison term his aunty Katherine went into labor with Eddie at the board. After Gabriella and Georgia stormed out, grannie served pudding to the remaining family member, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, Rose, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't think anyone else would go- the attic.

The attic of the burrow was similar to an archaeological site. It contained layer of Weasley house history and if you dug deep enough you could even find pictures of Uncle beak when he was a babe. It used to theater a ghoul, but the graverobber died years before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic often anymore, but when he was little it had made an excellent hiding spot.

"I never realized how alike Gabriella and Georgia were,"Albus said once they 'd close the attic door.

"I never realized how alike Uncle Walker Percy and Uncle banknote were,"rosiness replied."I never thought Uncle bank note would respond like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not blab about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's gaming monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle game. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rosiness readily agreed and soon the three were playing monopoly in the Ionic. It took Albus and Rose a little while to get the knack of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favorite thing about it was how long it took. They spent hour on one game and by the time Amanda beat him and pink wine, almost all of his kinsfolk was asleep.

By breakfast the next sunrise nearly everything had blown over. half of his aunts and uncles had left because they had to go to do work and the other half were in the appendage of getting ready to leave. Some of his cousin were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle eyeshade and aunt Fleur having a talk of the town with Gabriella over platters of sausages. Albus paused in the doorway, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't want you to think we are n't supportive of your art,"Bill said."We are. Both of us. I just want to know you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"flier said."And I did overreact death night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't want you to think I 'm anything like your uncle Walker Percy,"banknote whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"well, painting in France is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll patronise you,"card said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm disconsolate for overreacting hold out night. I think we were all on edge from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"Bill said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

Bill stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at plate later. I love you, Gabby."

"Love you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausage and a cinnamon bun on his way to the table. He was relieved that Uncle bank bill and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to Anatole France. He wanted his cousin to be glad and he still wanted to call up of Bill as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld lieu later that day and it only took him a few hours of tedium to start his vacation reading. Rose and Amanda had returned to Rose 's menage, so without them, he was forced to be generative. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the sole reason that he 'd get to see pink wine and flatness.

The few days in between pugilism Day and New Year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmas day. Sakartvelo and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and GA came over for a heart-to-heart with Albus 's mum the day before the party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to bring professional person Quidditch and would be the perfect person for Empire State of the South to attempt advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via Extendable Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble charm on the kitchen door because he could n't hear a thing. Dejected, he put away his extendable Ear and returned to reading his Transfiguration of Jesus book.

Shortly after Georgia left James I walked in the spine door with a grin on his cheek.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the good luck charm on the windowpane,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, severalize me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't cognize ...."

"Come on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't tell Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the political party tomorrow."

"mulct,"Saint James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Harry Hotspur and does n't want to go to the political party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to guide the high road and be supportive of Uncle Percy even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no secret to getting him to recognize Quidditch as a valid calling. He just has to realize it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the better participant she can and support herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that gramps was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"nada too turn on, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"Henry James agreed."Going to make for an interesting party, though."

"That 's for sure enough,"Albus said.
***


"Is the pastor 's Mansion glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding route to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the ceramist were slightly late for the party, as usual. This clock time James had not been the reason ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robes stopping point bit.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the inside. The election New twelvemonth 's Eve party at the Minister 's Mansion is one of the grand occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the company that will take away berth for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far enthusiast than the party for Mr. Eckerton last year."

Albus nodded. As they drew closer to the planetary house Albus noticed that the disconsolate brightness seemed to stem from the ground, illuminating the house as it went upward, but he could not see where the light came from. It looked to just appear out of the earth. The route itself was lined with flatware cd.

The door was already open when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a broad tux with butt stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wrapping while another man led the ceramist into the marvellous dance hall.

The ballroom was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the people in attendance were his aunts, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by silver medal wax light standardised to the I that lined the path outside. The windows were draped in heavy navy curtain tied with silver ropes and matching linens dressed the tables and chairwoman scattered throughout the way. Larger tables containing platters of food stood in the center of the room, each one holding an ice sculpture. The sculpture were of respective diachronic buildings in wizarding U.K., including one of Hogwarts.

waiter dressed in the same dinner jacket as the wizards by the door walked throughout the elbow room carrying plates of intellectual nourishment and drink. After taking a look at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything pattern or if it was just fancy hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to find your cousins,"Harry began, staring more than at his Logos than at Lily."King James, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to other parts of the mansion or going outside this twelvemonth. Promise me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James River each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And preserve an eye out for your younger cousins. Make sure they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the gang in search of lustrelessness, Rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunty Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the dessert table where he found both a expectant piece of chocolate bar and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"blush wine said."We 've been here for an hour already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between bites of cake.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a foot in the by year,"pink wine commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"Matt said."You make me reckon like a second year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly empty board. Its alone occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

Rose nodded."Even GA showed up. But I did find oneself out that the only reason we were all invited was to make Uncle Harry Hotspur look like more of a family man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because sept of the prospect were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only immediate family members, plus all the pass of departments and top Ministry officials and their kinsfolk. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us front like a very shut knit family."

"You are a secretive knit family,"Matt said."It 's like you 're all crony and baby rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Percy never really require any of us in his Ministry career before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, matte, how was your Christmastime ?"

"Good,"Matt said."Rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to inflict and they went plate yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't visit them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes home except for holidays. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could argue over nothing."

"Sounds like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

lusterlessness shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm gear up to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and teddy,"mat said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't drink the clout,"Albus warned them."Epistle of James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"Rose asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be gross,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousin will get to exist here,"lustrelessness said as he gazed around the room."Wyrd to think about. This place looks bounteous than my old house."

"It probably is,"rose said."And you 're right, that is eldritch to opine about."

The old man let out a snort and woke up. His center darted around until they rested on Albus, Rose, and Matt."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus thrower and that 's Rose Weasley and Matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His aspect softened."Oh, nice to contact you ! I 'm Gregory Laurentis. My daughter 's running for government minister. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus potter, Merlin 's beard ! I told Patty, I told her she was nuts to run against Harry Hotspur Weasley what with him being related to Harry ceramicist himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was zilch I could do about it. And she could n't turn down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at Rose and lustrelessness while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet marvel at her folly for running against somebody related to Harry ceramicist. He was rather amusing, Albus thought.

"This place is too damn illusion,"Gregory XII Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the food, my God, what I would n't give for some bangers and mash ...."

Albus stifled a laugh, but he did jibe with the old man."I think I hear one of my full cousin calling me,"Albus said."We 'd better go."

"Oh, right, right,"Bartolomeo Alberto Capillari Laurentis said."I do n't hear anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these days. wellspring, good luck to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll need it !"

"trade good luck to your girl, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of hearing of Gregory XIII Laurentis. A few Ministry officials looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't care.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"Matt pointed to the far dorsum box, where a man in complain blackness robes stood with his sleeve folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few import."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"Matt asked.

"Probably in case of an plan of attack,"Rose said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every door outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"Matt said as he grabbed both Albus and rosebush and pulled them behind a declamatory group of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked more than a slight unquiet. Albus did n't blame him. After last year 's outrage with Balladanis, it was no wonder flatness never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the hope from his mind. If flatness did n't want to be in the Lapplander elbow room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to give birth to come apart his promise.

"cum on,"pink wine said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and flatness 's custody and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much quieter than the dance hall. Albus had n't even realized just how cheap the dance hall was until now. Between the music and people 's articulation, it was a wonder he 'd even been able to consider in there.

"Thanks,"lustrelessness said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No trouble,"Rose said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and find that library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and flatness nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them fifteen minutes and three wrong turns to find the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than GA, Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to hold back using the same concealing situation,"Georgia said with a joke as they entered."Just joking. follow on in."

Rose shut the doorway behind them and they joined Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric on the other position of the room.

"Sick of the party ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"flatness said quietly as he sat down."Did n't want him to notice us."

Sakartvelo shuddered."Do n't blame you there, especially since your dad is the reason he got sacked."

"I form of liked him,"Tom Bradley said.

matt looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was kind of cool."

"You 're mad,"flatness said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave in off an argument between his ripe friend and cousin.

"Decided to research the sign,"Cedric said."If we 're going to possess to live here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you think ?"Rose asked.

"animation here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Tom Bradley and I would n't have to share a elbow room. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can ingest my elbow room,"Georgia said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Georgia groaned."Really, the religious belief he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

GA burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the account. All three of his cousins were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can receive him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very matter to lad,"Bradley said.

Matt got up from his chair and began wandering around the library. He paused by the threshold, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"flatness whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Georgia immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. mat 's heart grew big and he hurried back over."Someone 's coming !"

"I do n't hear any-"Tom Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."reliance him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a closet,"rosiness said as she hurried to open the door."It 's not very big-"

"Energy Department n't matter,"Matt said."haste, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the interpreter as they hurried inside the water closet. It was a very mean hug and Rose was stepping on his leftover invertebrate foot, but he said nothing as he shut the door. Two seconds later he heard the door to the library undefended.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her spokesperson was muffled ; Albus could barely make out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't hear anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this threshold solid mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"matt seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't lend any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The voices were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the unscathed family man thing,"another voice said. This one was male."Not to refer he 's Harry Potter 's brother-in-law for God 's rice beer !"

"Harry Potter is an bungling changeling and you know it,"the woman replied."He 's notable for something he did as a nestling and the worldwide public is stupid to still think of him as the hero of the wizarding world. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"matte said.

"How can you tell ?"Bradley asked."This threshold is so blinking thick."

"I just can,"matt said.

Albus could n't recount that the voice was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, Matt was justly.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to think of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a week. I 'm indisputable you can call up of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her cause coach,"lusterlessness said.

"She sounds dire,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that hard. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to pull in Potter 's not the sub they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A ceremonious idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the wholly fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch career, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really know that-"

"I can,"she disrupt."I can show masses, Pierce. That 's why I got into politics. It 's all about reading masses and figuring out the lies from the verity. See what you can dig up. We 'd ameliorate return to the political party. I left my forefather alone with minister of religion Langston. That wo n't turn out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Franklin Pierce replied.

Albus heard the sound of high school bounder on hardwood floor, the door creak spread out, and then click shut again. He waited two full min and then opened the door to the cupboard. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"Matt demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you entrance all that ?"Omar Nelson Bradley asked."Do you have super human hearing or something ?"

"Or something,"Matt muttered,"but never mind that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and reverse the wizarding public against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"lustrelessness began.

"No way,"Sakartvelo said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is pick me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his campaign,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's right field,"rosiness said."It wo n't help anything. campaign are half about digging up poop on the other nominee. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will think it unless they 're an half-wit. Anyone with half a mind knows he runs the Auror department well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Thomas Bradley added.

"Not to mention we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did seduce me promise not to exit the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Georgia said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the ballroom, just in pillow slip anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reviews ! Remember to go on them 12+. props to all who caught the 'mahogany'hungriness Games reference. quotation for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are appendage of the forums ( and if you 're not, you should be, relate on the right slope of the page ! ), feel complimentary to check out my sports meeting the author page ! It 's linked on my author page. Please ask me query on my MTA page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the ballroom Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to patrol the terra firma. Albus did n't really like ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crowd in the room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more rough, about probably due to the drinkable.

Sir Henry Percy accosted them before they were even capable to get to the desert board to recharge their scale with bar. He walked with purpose, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his admirer to Kendrick 's field of study. He seemed very at dwelling in the rector 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Percy replied."I need you to demand Samantha and lindy plate. It 's nearly eleven and your mother and I are going to be here well past midnight. Samantha ate too a good deal cake and flavor ill. I just think it would be Charles Herbert Best for them to go home and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby tabular array, where Samantha and lindy hop were sitting, both with their header in their hands, looking extremely bored.

Empire State of the South raised her supercilium, as if surprised that Percy was actually going to not only let three of his children leave, but request that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even thought about the fact that it was n't really a political party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can bring them family,"Peach State said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we lease them base ?"

"I 'd rather Georgia do it,"Percy said."You do n't even have your Apparition licence yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not ready to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do accept fireplaces here, Dad,"Bradley muttered.

"Georgia 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Sir Henry Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Georgia said as Walker Percy strutted off to talk to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go recover James."

Georgia headed over to the mesa her sister were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crew. Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered over to the dessert mesa, piled a scale richly with the biscuits a waiter had just set out, and then set off to determine another mesa. They found one, which Victoire, teddy bear, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got early rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the cockcrow. If we 're golden we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see much detail in staying if they 're not here,"Teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry Potter 's Godson, no one was going to kick me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, teddy bear, and Amy left Albus sat down and his friends sat on either side. He absentmindedly chewed on a cookie and watched the crowd.

"Do these taste funny story to you ?"matt asked, holding up a partially eat on biscuit.

Albus took another bite. They did perceptiveness weird."Yeah."

Rose burst out laughing and started pointing at their heads."I think James messed with the cooky instead of the punch. Al, your hair is blue and flatness, yours is green."

Albus and flatness both started laughing. Albus took another look at the crowd."facial expression, that gentlewoman 's hairsbreadth is royal !"He pointed to a witch a few yards away. The gent she was talking to was clearly trying not to gaze at her head.

Over the side by side few second hoi polloi gradually began to recognize that their pilus was turning various colors and that the cookie were the perpetrator. verge appeared everywhere, as the guests charmed each early 's pilus back to its normal colouration. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the border of the room, clearly looking for James II, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this prank,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hair as is."

"Me too,"flatness agreed. They both turned to rosebush."You should eat one."

pink wine sighed."mightiness as well."She took a biscuit and a min later her formerly red hair was a lovely shade of pink.

The rest of the party was rather drill. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his elbow room for the remainder of the holiday, only being allowed out for meal. When midnight rolled around Albus, lustrelessness, and rose wine toasted to the new year with Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo. Matt and his parents left immediately after and Albus and his family left a light while later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the Nox had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the library out of his idea.
***


"It 's here !"King James I shouted the following dawning at breakfast, brandishing a copy of Wizards magazine. The front cover was a picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Walker Percy, Uncle Bill, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George III, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James River shouted back.

"I want to read it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Kids, reconcile down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can read it next, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James or Lily who got things first, never Albus. expletive of being the middle child, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while James read the article. His sidekick let out groans and sighs and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more uneasy to read it. After what seemed alike forever, it was finally Albus 's turn. He yanked the magazine out of James 's bridge player and opened it up to the article.

The first varlet ( or rather, first two page ), contained the painting of his entire household. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've gotten a picture that they all looked ripe in. Albus himself at least looked halfway decent. He was smiling and kept turning to attend at Rose and then back to the camera. Lily on the other hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that bewilder every few sec. Across the photograph was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the page and looked at all the other photographs that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their kids. Another featured Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding Snap with the twins and Percy, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing chess. The caption on that study 'Minister aspirant Hotspur Weasley challenges the prime of life minister 's niece to a game of cheat .'Amanda was not going to be happy, Albus thought as he turned his tending to the article.

When I first entered the childhood family of Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the Delicious olfactory modality
that filled the air. molly Weasley, Sir Henry Percy 's mother,
was hard at work cooking Christmas Eve dinner. The
small, but cozy, home was filled to capacitance with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowd with
the arrival of the Potters an time of day later.

The Weasley syndicate gathers for Dec 25 at the
home of Arthur and molly Weasley every year.
Arthur, a retired Ministry employee, says ,'I
love having the entire family together. It 's
disorderly, but I would n't make it any former way .'
The evening begins with a meal, although eating
seems to consume spot over many hr. The atmosphere
is homey and happy, with every individual folk
extremity enjoying their fourth dimension with each other.

Percy Weasley, a loving father of five, joins in
on the fun and Christmas life by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and lindy hop,
as well as nephew Albus Potter, 14, to a game
of Exploding ginger snap .'I feel it 's of import to
spend metre with my kid, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such piffling
clock time with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My eldest is already out on her own and my sons
only have a lilliputian clip left at Hogwarts. The
Gemini the Twins are still young, so I try to spend metre
with them every single day .'When asked
about their founder 's campaign, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's undecomposed at his job .'
Lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be sang-froid if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The home of Arthur and mollie Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Christmas time. This
year they were joined by a friend of Albus Potter
and Rose Weasley, 14. Amanda Tagger, also 14, is
a fourth year student at Hogwarts. tagging program is no
unknown to political families since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, flush minister of Great
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland .'I think it is just wondrous that
the Prime minister of religion 's niece is a enchantress ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to boost a
goodish relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only serve .'

Before posing for the photograph found on pages
20 and 21, the Weasley family first donned
their Weasley jumpers. Each appendage of the family
receives one of these jumpers for Christmas
every year. The traditional jumpers are knitted
by Molly Weasley .'I 'm not indisputable how it started,
really ,'Molly said, when asked about the pedigree
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when neb and
Charlie were little, before Walker Percy was born. I
wanted to crumple them matching pinafore and they
outgrew them by the trace class, so I made
new one. Then when Harry Hotspur was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a yearly thing .'

If I had to opt one word to describe the Weasley
family, I would choose 'laid-back .'Spending a
Dec 25 Eve with this family unit, you would never
think that they were famous for their efforts in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry Potter, oral sex Auror, is just your
average father. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing plot
with his children, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a typical Yule day is like in the
Weasley house and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the weather we
get out there every Xmas and play a match or
two. Then we 'll arrive inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's round-eyed, but perfect .'

There you have it. Noel with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none other than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
Christmas Eve with Percy Weasley and his total
family. following time I interview him, I really must
ask for his mother 's sheepherder 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the mag to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the family and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the eternal rest could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"James pointed out."Notice how she only included stuff Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to aim pictures of us playing plot with Uncle Hotspur,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's news media,"Ginny said."Not good news media, mind you, but it is fairly rough-cut practice."

"I guess it could let been sorry,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't stay for Christmas dinner."

James laughed."I wonder how she would 've spun that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Harry Hotspur does n't really care that Georgia plays Quidditch."

"dungeon your mouth shut about that, William James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a brain could see it,"James muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely for sure that saying nothing about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his cousins and Matt had agreed not to.

"Henry James,"Ginny said."enough. And I suggest you use the end of your break to canvas for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot sooner than you think."

King James certainly did a good job of pretending to analyze for the remainder of the holiday, while shut up in his room for his penalization. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked out-of-doors nearby, to grab when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the same Christian Bible, opened to the Lapplander page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their thinker on Walker Percy 's election. Albus finished all his homework before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful solar day of doing null. On Saturday he, along with his parents, King James I, and Lily, visited Kaden and his house for a late Yule and New Year 's festivity. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was sentence to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite glad about this because he had grown bored of staying at menage and doing nothing and was sick of being in such ending fourth part with James and Lily. At least in Gryffindor towboat they kept to their own mathematical group of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's yield on the conversation they overheard at the pastor 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, Rose, Matt, John, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to retrieve you, just because people kept wanting to talk to me. It 's that dazed magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece."

"It was bound to bump sooner or later,"Rose pointed out."But I 'm sorry. If I 'd known the reporter was going to talk about that, I would n't have invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's o.k.,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm glad I went. It 's just annoying. supposition I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"John said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're normal, John Lackland,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's firstly cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me marvel how I got wrapped up in all this,"John said."My parents just are n't nearly as ambitious as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly boring,"Albus said."But we did wind up in a tiny loo with my cousins Empire State of the South, Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"St. John the Apostle exclaimed."And you did n't conceive that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to say you in individual,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from lustrelessness, who had been able to hear it a bit more clearly. St. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be good,"John said."What do you intend she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't know,"Albus said."And all my cousins and matt agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're right, of grade,"Amanda said."You 'd just raise up worry. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing masses he 's the right one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convert everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't think she 's going to be able to convince all of wizarding Britain that your dad 's incompetent by April."

"But what about the Georgia thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politico do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince hoi polloi the opponent is bad for the job. As much as it should just be spent on trying to convince mass they 're right for the job, campaigner just do n't do that. Trust me. My uncle 's on his second term. I know how these things work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's opinion, but he still felt restless."Something is going to encounter at the Azkaban debate, though. She wanted her campaign director to dig something up."

"Worst case scenario, she figures out that your uncle Sir Henry Percy does n't really O.K. of Peach State 's Quidditch career,"Amanda said."Then he 'll give an consultation and say that at first he was n't because he was concern about her future but then he saw her play and now he realizes how proficient she is and blah, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you know all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a smiling."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"john agreed.

"It 's simple, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your kin that goes unnoticed. My older Sister is the drama queen, so everything that happens to her, no matter how small, is a huge slew. My petty sidekick is a brat who demands invariable attending. Me ? I 'm the quiet one. They 'll accept whole conversations about poppycock in front of me that they 'd never feature in front of either my pal or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a Wiccan became normal,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low whistle."wishing I had that skill. I still ca n't even go into the like elbow room as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an hyperbole, but still."

"I think my parents spent too much of their childhood eavesdropping on people to fall in me a decorous fortune at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can sense an extendible Ear a knot away."

"I think I 'm too meretricious,"St. John the Apostle said.

"Same,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you consider me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"John asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

blush wine burst out laughing."Really, King John ?"

"Yes, really,"John the Evangelist said, popping a bean plant into his mouth."Butter, weird. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the bloom Minister's niece and all,"lav said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always need my spot, John,"matte said as he got up to slip a handful of John 's Bertie Bott 's."full phase of the moon moonshine 's on Friday, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince Madam Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

matt popped a attic into his lip and then promptly spew it out."Ew, dirt. Does n't weigh what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the full moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just take in to take tone and let me know what happens."

john groaned."I 'll fall out on your daub if I have to take notes."

"Someone 's going to have to take government note either way,"mat said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't occupy, I 'll take billet,"Rose told him.

"Thanks,"matte replied."Now, who 's wants this bean ? It looks just same dirt, but it could be chocolate."mat held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll charter it !"Saint John the Apostle said. He took a petite nibble, screwed up his case, and threw the rest of the edible bean back at Matt, hitting him feather on the forehead."Thanks, first mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a handful of beans. The remainder of the tripper was much more blithe than their conversation about the campaign maneuver of Laurentis and Walker Percy. They finished off King John 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the same flavor. The train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's arcsecond home plate, just a light carriage ride away.


Sorry for the latterly update ! My cousin-german got married on Friday so I was gone the whole weekend and did n't own my data processor with me. Thanks to my sis, Linda, who in my family, is just like Amanda and can listen in on everyone. She gave me the idea for that. Thanks for all the cover girl reviews !


"This condition we will focus on how the number 1 and back warfare against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"professor Embry announced after the Vanessa Bell rang for Tuesday 's politics class."This part of the grade will overlap with your History of Magic social class quite a bit, although I 'd hazard a guess that none of you pay attention in History of Magic, not that I blame you. I never could stay awake in that division either.

"First, we will take a closer look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to power and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."Part of the reason why Voldemort was able to move up to business leader as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a takeover. Since then, precautions have been taken to prevent a similar place. Does anyone know the main difference between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few manpower went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the answer, but he did n't really desire to raise his manus. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, Miss tagger ?"

"The minister of religion was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle Minister is elected, sort of. It 's not like in the United States, but the world suffrage on which party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the reorganization of the Ministry of conjuring trick in 1998, the government minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone tell me why that is a trouble ?"

Amanda 's hand shot into the air once more. She was even firm than rose wine in this class.

"Miss Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the the great unwashed had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any power in the Ministry, because they were the ones who appointed the Minister, who then appointed all the former officials. No one had any say in anything."

"right wing again. Ten dot to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a group of very influential crone and wizards, mostly purebred, who essentially ran the Ministry of Magic. They also served as the juridic system. These beldame and ace inherited their bottom on the Wizengamot from family phallus because each influential family in the Brits wizarding world once held a seat in the Wizengamot. The job with this are obvious because it meant that only purebloods and a choice few half-bloods had any semblance of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the rudiments of the political system just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the item were brumous. Now that he was learning the gritty details, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on blood position and how much money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to excuse the old Ministry and the various power that each person or grouping of citizenry in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's sovereignty. By the end of the lecture Albus had just over a foot of short letter, which was good because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll declare who will be attending Sabbatum 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like last time, Albus potter, blush wine Weasley, and flatness Eckerton will be able to attend. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Dorothy Parker Wayland the Smith. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will report to the Great Hall at ten and wait for instruction manual from the prefects waiting by the doors. Everyone else will be listening to the debate via wireless in the Transfiguration Day classroom. I expect an essay on which prospect you feel made their stop better by next course. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the debates after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be good, though,"Rose said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"Wish I got picked,"John lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"flatness insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't think they 'll let-"

"Planning on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his friends stopped in the middle of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpio Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his chest. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as common, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"return it a rest, Malfoy,"John said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped tightlipped, ignoring John and turning to flatness."How do you get into the Shrieking hut ?"he demanded.

Matt 's face paled. John grabbed hold of Scorpio 's robes and dragged him into a nearby classroom. toilet had at least four inch on Malfoy, so it did n't seem difficult. Albus and the others followed, Rose shutting and locking the room access behind them.

"Why do you want to know about the shriek shack ?"Gospel According to John asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked doorway. He slowly drew his wand.

whoremaster drew his own sceptre."Put your verge away. And it 's his stage business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to lusterlessness, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like blaze I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does transform in the scream Shack,"Scorpius said with a sly grin. The look of sadness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"toilet !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"John said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never creative thinker,"Matt said, getting up from the desk and walking over to John and Scorpius."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you metamorphose safely ?"Scorpio asked."I did a little enquiry in the library and that was built the summer before Remus lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a werewolf. No one ever lived in it, but people reported try weird disturbance from it. Everyone said it was ghosts, but they went strangely quiet seven years later, only to reappear four and a half geezerhood ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a coincidence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was kind of shocked Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his Quaker gave him credit for.

"Well, you ca n't state anyone, just like you ca n't evidence anyone I 'm a wolfman,"Matt said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't deal that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The point is that it 's abandon except for one night of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"matt said.

"mulct, I 'll figure it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his wand at the door. The whorl clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was Weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"mat said, sitting down on the nearest desk."Why does he want to get in the Shrieking Shack ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's vacuous, but the question is what is he planning on doing ?"rose wine asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"Rose said.

Matt groaned."He better not actually figure out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be dumb enough to go in there during a full synodic month,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

flatness hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The go thing he wanted, amidst all of the election clobber and his family 's play, was another proceeds with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like thing were heading in that direction.
***


The pursuit morning when Albus and his Quaker entered the Great vestibule for breakfast the students already eating were much garish than pattern. Albus turned to rose wine, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, students and teachers alike, were talking ominously. written matter of the seer were exchanging hands faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin mates.

"Albus !"James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor table."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where Henry James was sitting. He took the newspaper publisher and his Friend crowded around him.

"Not like last time,"James II said darkly."High-profile prisoners and more of them. Death eater. There has n't been a break-out like this in twelvemonth. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's heart began to pound as he unfolded the newspaper publisher. There it was, right on the strawman Sir Frederick Handley Page. A big photo montage of five mass, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the middle, with the words 'Five prisoner Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an article below them. Albus 's abdomen churned when he recognized the painting of the centre prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His eyes drifted to the article so he could figure out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban officials
reported that five high security prisoners
escaped late endure night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The prisoners, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

Little Joe of the five prisoner have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war criminal offense. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
Eaters. The fifth prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just utmost
year.

'Finding and recapturing these soul is
our top anteriority ,'Head Auror, Harry Potter,
said to newsman early this morning. minister of religion
nominee and Head Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to comment on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the clause. Three destruction Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that happen ? How did five high security prisoner just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't hold sense.

"This is not going to clear Laurentis search safe,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is malign, twisted wickedness. My dad 's got scars on his mitt from what she did to him when she was a instructor here. And the Carrows, they were instructor, too. They taught Dark graphics. Not defense reaction, but real Dark Arts, and how to torment Muggles. Greyback-"

"greyback bites people, for fun,"Matt said, his font blanch white."He 's the one who bit slip 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird affair,"Rose said."The others are in prison house for aliveness for war offence. Willinson will be in there for a spell, but he 'll get parole eventually and the just reason he 's a high surety prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he break away out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war outlaw who had been in prison house since before he was born ? It did n't make sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his family that day, but did n't amount up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low whispers when they thought students were n't around, student no longer wandered the castle by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more chasten during dueling practice on Thursday.

All five prisoners still remained at large on Friday, when Ministry officials began arriving for the debate. Laurentis still had yet to comment on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her soil and yet she said nothing on the subject.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were last time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, Matt, Gospel According to John, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from upkeep of Magical fauna. It was slow going since the fully moon was that Nox and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably warm for Jan. They 'd just been passed by a chemical group of hurry looking newsman coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"matt said."Laurentis is going to consume to finally say something about it tomorrow since the topic is Azkaban."

"Does anyone else think it 's weird that there was a break-out three Clarence Day before the Azkaban debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"Well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"St. John the Apostle said."Laurentis is going to calculate like an idiot, not being able-bodied to keep five high-pitched security measure prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one good matter that came from three death Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping good luck charm,"Matt said through a yawn."And Ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprise you did n't skip Care of Magical Creatures,"John said.

Matt shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in History of Magic."

John laughed."I felt much better after my nap in History of trick, too."

"Very funny,"matte said as they reached the castling.

Albus found it increasingly hard to concentrate on anything for the sleep of the day. By the meter he went to antediluvian Runes he was unable to think about anything besides the break-out and the fact that last Eaters were now roaming give up. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry officials to Hogwarts at dinner that dark and Albus thought back to the stopping point debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very glad that this time he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor commons room. Neither whoremaster or Kaden had done their revenge frivolity to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a spasmodic sopor Albus woke early on Saturday morning and contemplated visiting matt before everyone else woke up, but figured that matt would be asleep and thus it would be pointless to visit. He 'd visit with everyone else later, after the debate. They 'd have muckle of time sine there was n't going to be a motion and answer session this time.

At ten o'clock Albus, rosiness, and Amanda stood in line in forepart of the Great Charles Francis Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could deal Matt 's shoes, since he did n't want to attract any attention to the fact that matt was not there.

"Albus,"Rose whispered, poking him in the incline."facial expression. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where rose wine was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in descent. He looked sullen and upset again and Albus wished he knew why. It was eldritch seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant scratch, upset.

"Guess he won the Slytherin spot,"Albus said.

The doors to the Great hall opened and Albus and Rose said bye-bye to Amanda before they were lead to the front end of the way by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the Same row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts cousin.

The Great anteroom slowly filled up over the side by side one-half 60 minutes. The rest of Albus 's cousin-german, auntie, and uncles arrived, taking spots in the presence few rows. Albus caught Sakartvelo 's eye as she took her seat in the row on the opposition side of the room from him and she gave him a slight grin.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's campaign coach had actually found anything on Uncle Walker Percy and whether she would say anything during the disputation. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up very much dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the front of the room and watched a very short man accompany Professor Kendrick to the moderator 's ambo. He was dressed in Ministry blue robe and had very footling fuzz on his question.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The bunch quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to receive all of you to Hogwarts and introduce our moderator for this dayspring. master Farleigh, Head of the section of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, Professor,"the short, balding man said."I 'd now like to introduce our prospect, although I am sure you all know them. Mr. Hotspur Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Percy and Laurentis walked into the room from one of the antechambers and took their spot at each of the podiums. Percy looked as confident as always and Laurentis, despite the outrage of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the judicial arrangement, specifically Azkaban prison house,"Farleigh announced."The usual linguistic rule apply. Five minute line, two moment rebuttals."

Laurentis inched nearer to her podium, as if she was readying herself to swoop on whatever Percy said. Percy remained calm and collected, continuing to act the role of the coolheaded political leader.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you feel that the juridical organization as a whole is fair to both the accused and victim of crimes ? Are the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fair ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a fair tryout by the Wizengamot,"Percy began."I have reviewed many cases, and while I am not nor do I act to be a canvasser, and I feel that the absolute majority of the sentence handed out by the Wizengamot fit the crime. However, there is always a luck that a soul guilty of a law-breaking will go free, as there is an equal chance that someone will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial organization works heavily to make sure this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrong when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opponent,"Laurentis said."Most of the prison term handed out by the Wizengamot are not abrasive enough. Ever since the licking of Voldemort prison house judgment of conviction have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war offense. And one hangdog someone who roams costless is too many. If I am elective Minister I will work hard to ensure that no hangdog people get off. prisoner belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a end of not having any guilty people get set detached is worthy, it is unrealistic,"Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and whizz like you and me. They are not any more hefty than we are and do not possess the ability to bonk for for certain that the accused are guilty. Mistakes happen and while we should work to minimize them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering false hope."

"I am not offering false hope,"Laurentis said."There are patch, potions, ways to witness out if multitude are shamefaced that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elect rector I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty outlaw are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no potential way Laurentis could guarantee that all malefactor would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you feel the parole system of rules is effective ?"

Laurentis gave a wry grinning before beginning."Much like the Wizengamot, the password system is too lenient. I have seen criminals guilty of terrific larceny get paroled after a bare two long time in prison. The statistics are light, almost of these crook who are paroled early on in their sentences wind up back in Azkaban within a yr, whether for breaking the rules of their password or committing another crime. As read/write head of Azkaban, I am capable to consecrate my stimulus of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opposite has said, many criminals are paroled too quickly. However, I do not believe that leaving them in Azkaban thirster is the result. If I am elected I will create and affirm a beneficial system for integrating criminals back into smart set. Muggles have seen achiever with halfway houses and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway theatre ?"Laurentis said with raised brow."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoners. Most are not fit for society and many never will be. Even with halfway theater they will roll up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't exercise ?"

"It 's about giving people a luck,"Percy said."Not everyone is a misplace cause and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoners have made a few bad choice as a resolution of bad childhood and a bit of rehabilitation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."Next question. Is Azkaban an appropriate place to house prisoners ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an conquer quickness for high security prisoners, but I have always felt that we need a less restrain edifice to house our low protection captive. Right now all crook, from those who committed petty larceny theft or skipped bail to those who have murdered people, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in ascendance of the dementors it is still a terrifying and richly security place. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to ramp up a minor construction located on the mainland to sign of the zodiac lower security prisoners, we would be able to decrease spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security department at Azkaban without wasting travail and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another facility going to save money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the juridical system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in charge of the prison, including its upkeep and it is in perfect precondition. We are not spending an exorbitant amount of money on the place. Further, I do not believe that LE grievous crook deserve a low-toned security system prison. They are all malefactor and if they did not care to be in Azkaban, they should not feature committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Percy said."It is also extremely hard to lease guard because of its location and general tone of the place, not to name the serious crook. If we housed less life-threatening criminals in another edifice, it would be well-heeled to find safety to influence there. We could then use the safety unforced to guard senior high security measure prisoners only to guard high security measures prisoners. We would no longer have to waste them on down in the mouth security system prisoners."

"But we will still have to maintain Azkaban, and then another construction,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far More sensory faculty to keep all criminals in one place and an island is a good post to do that-"

"Obviously not that good, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of turning. It is time to move on to the next question. In luminance of the recent Azkaban break-out, what do you finger needs to be done to ensure it does not bechance again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the crew. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to appear to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Percy and gave him one of those creepy smiles that seemed to let become her signature facial manifestation. Albus turned to rosiness, who raised her supercilium and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained restrained on the subject of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on intention. I see that all of the reporters in the back have their Quik-Quotes Quills poised and prepare to write down my every tidings on this subject. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first base to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will traverse that there is anything wrong with the security measures at the prison and that the break-out was a bare flue and it wo n't find again. I am not going to say either. There is a trouble and if we do not fix it, it will happen again. Every single one of those escaped prisoners is highly grievous and if we do not retake them soon, who knows what will happen. When they are captured, we will need to have dear security in stead. After all, what is more important that the safety of our fry ? With those five prisoners roaming devoid, every soul in this room, in this palace, in this land is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial solution, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our mob, especially our children. That is why if elected curate, the first thing I will do is restore the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the cliff hanger ! I did n't require to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a just shoes to break up it. Thanks for all the lovely reviews !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the room. The Great Hall was suddenly in topsy-turvyness. Everyone was whispering and a few people had let out cries of outrage or excitement. Albus could practically hear the reporter'quills scratching across rolls of sheepskin, and Laurentis was grinning again. Hotspur stood behind his dais, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a wide, gawk position. Farleigh was attempting to pull ahead social club, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"Rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will people actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

Rose nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as brain of Azkaban will surely desire the dementors back, too. Then she 'll sanction it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be dullard to convey them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're grave and their allegiance changes so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not sure everyone will feel that way. Not with those prisoners on the loose."

"Quiet, quiet !"Professor Kendrick shouted. The crowd finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your turn to utter,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to regain his calmness. He 'd miss his assuredness, calm, and collected political leader look and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch career.

"fountainhead, I, er, do not believe that dementors are the resolution to the security department problem in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in armorial bearing of high security measures prisoner as well as a revamp of the spell and enchantments currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help to go over the organization of the precaution schedule because at the time of the leak, only three sentry duty were maintaining that part of the prison house. That was surely an superintendence that could have been prevented."

"Human fault,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will befall again. Can we really risk the lives of our minor in the chance that another error will occur ? Dementors were proven guards who did not allow captive to escape. During their reign in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one mortal managed to escape. Since their remotion we have had numerous escapes."

"Clear evidence that we need to revamp prison security,"Harry Hotspur said."But dementors are not the solvent. They are life-threatening creature and as you said, their allegiance changed. What 's to say that wo n't happen again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to rise to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a adept deal than we did they 'd possess a whole prison of dangerous felon at their disposal to do their bidding. It 's not worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to surface to power,"Laurentis said with a jest."We have learned from our account and it wo n't happen again."

"You ca n't secure that,"Percy said."Even if there is a very small chance of it happening, it is not Charles Frederick Worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is clock time to incite on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her bridge player up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five grave felon have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side during the war, and are out there, wreaking havoc as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would consume happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Harry Hotspur shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain attempts to get both candidates to stop talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a late laugh."Five captive leak when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one person was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoners are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are dangerous magic creatures. Not to mention the ethics of subjecting prisoner to their effects-"

"Prisoners have no right wing,"Laurentis said."They give up their right field when they commit crimes-"

"BASIC man rights !"Percy exclaimed."There are basic human right wing that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our history. chronicle tells us what happens when somebody believes they are above others. Or do you not remember the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my female parent to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell me that I do n't remember it."

Albus was on the edge of his seat. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to ferment purpleness and resemble Kaden 's granddaddy. Laurentis 's hair was breaking resign from its taut bun and there was a venous blood vessel popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both nominee to hold on talking and failing miserably, while every former person in the Great vestibule sat completely still, staring at Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis.

"muteness !"prof Kendrick shouted in a magically expand voice.

Both Percy and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's forehead continued to throb, and Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of time,"Farleigh said, in a vocalism barely more than a squeak."Thank you all for coming."

"Students, please render to your common rooms,"Kendrick announced."luncheon will be in an 60 minutes. As a monitor, there is no question and answer seance today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the noise level rose very high. Albus, rose wine, and Amanda joined the queue of people ambling to leave the Great Hall, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the predator 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody hell is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the door.

"She 's lost her psyche !"Rose shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her idea. That 's the entirely explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you cerebrate ?"Rose asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't sound like a programme she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia last year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to hold the prison house ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as safeguard. That and all the dementors changed allegiance and let last feeder escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched loyalty so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to feed off of."Rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could offer up. But right now they do n't consume a good source. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll guard if given the opportunity."

"Should n't masses be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dull of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't harbinger anything if she did n't think it would get her votes,"pink wine said."Most the great unwashed our parents'age and older, who lost loved single in the war, will have absolutely no understanding for destruction feeder and would n't give care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then secure no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the couch and started counting the numeral of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor Beans that were scattered on the base. He got to twenty-three before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"John mused."Was n't his dad a Death feeder ? So he should n't need the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the leash Broomsticks a piece back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of row he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His whole family disfavour my solid kinsfolk and it goes the early way, too. But his dad was never found guilty of his crimes so he never did time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got protagonist there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really care what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to luncheon and then visit Matt,"rosebush said."Catch him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that Matt was still in the hospital wing, in the midst of Laurentis 's promulgation. He felt vaguely guilty about it, but at least Rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for dejeuner in the Great hallway was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bring back the dementors. Hotspur, Laurentis, and the Ministry officials were still there, having lunch with the professor at the staff table, and all were deep in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be able to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the invisibility Cloak in the push Great Hall was n't a safe idea.

"Better get used to the estimate of your dad being curate,"one of the 7th age was saying to Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Bradley muttered something under his breath that Albus could n't hear. Albus took a stern a few people down from his first cousin and began to relieve oneself a sandwich.

"She 's got my whole kin 's voter turnout now,"one of the former seventh long time said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir greyback. If the dementors will catch him and keep him in there forever, it 'd form all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from other quondam students sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many students approved of her estimation, a lot of adults probably did, too. And these were seventh years ; they could vote.

"Wait, the dementors find criminals, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoner,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to give him the Dementor 's buss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's Kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out someone 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his head."No, they live without a someone. Everyone says it 's worse than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the first to escape Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the time everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely horrible !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and one-seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you wish that on person ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by Death Eaters you would, too,"one of the little girl snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't need the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"Well, Voldemort 's idle,"the girl said."Maybe if Greyback were deadened I 'd experience differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't opine she 's going to lose as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of form she 's not,"rosebush said."This is probably better for vote than digging up dirt on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely uncivilized,"Amanda said, shoving her plateful forward."Sucking out mortal 's soul ? And they just imbibe your felicitous computer memory out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the previous June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your high-risk memories."

"That 's all you can mean about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad ace ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of course it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not mighty ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprise Amanda had had such a strong reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle reality, where she had n't even live such animate being existed, it would be a bit of a shock. He was even more surprise that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting match with a one-seventh yr over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"Rose said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

John and Kaden each grabbed the remaining halves of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great residence. Amanda lead the way, stomping her feet a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just haywire on so many level !"she said as she led them to the infirmary annexe."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. aroused torture. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"rose wine said."They ca n't. They just sorting of ... exist. Once my mum gets Bible of this, well, she 's not going to quell quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she quit Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is minister,"blush wine answered."Right now Mum 's the elder Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to communicate now, my mum could serve blockade it. But parson Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're foul puppet,"Amanda continued."Having them guard anything or anyone is a terrible idea."

Albus decided now would not be a good time to tell Amanda that when his dad was a third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital Wing."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage illusion in the bearing of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the famous Harry potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a grievous illustration of injustice,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"rose wine said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do voice just like her mum."

"Your mum has the proper idea,"Amanda said as they reached the infirmary Wing.

Matt was the only patient role in the Mrs. Humphrey Ward. The curtain were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a bowl of soup, which was a good mansion. madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"amercement,"Matt said."triplet cracked rib and a lot of smutty cold shoulder, but I 'm fine. Listen, I heard the debate. Madam Pomfrey had it on on the wireless. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should have heard Madam Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to recapitulate what you heard,"Madam Pomfrey said."But Albus and rose, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my vote. Always thought he was a little pompous when he was at Hogwarts but at to the lowest degree he 's not obtuse enough to employ dementors as precaution of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a violent disorder,"Albus said.

"It 's variety of good story,"St. John the Apostle added.

"It is not peculiar !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that one-seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh year !"Amanda shouted and turned to matte."John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Greyback and she wants to make sure he stays in prison."

flatness toyed with his mantle and did n't conform to Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't tell me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the whole greyback thing, I can sort of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scary, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sort of lucky. The bloke who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard matte talk about the wolfman who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out side by side twelvemonth,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you know much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his name and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Australian prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

Matt shook his principal."No, and it never has been. And I do n't think prison should be guarded by dementors. But Rebel ... he 's scarey. He 's spoilt than Silas Humphrey, that was the feller who bit me. Humphrey 's plan of attack on me, that was an accident. Greyback bit the great unwashed on purpose. He 'd sting mass and then raise them in his camp. That 's why he liked going for kids. teddy bear 's dad ... grayback bit him and tried to get his parents to sacrifice him up. They did n't, of course of study, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about slip 's dad and was n't even certainly if shift knew that. teddy bear 's dad 's parents died foresightful before shift was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about Teddy 's dad when she was catching up on British chronicle of legerdemain. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to gain me feel better. But then I decided to research other werewolves and found out about Rebel in one of my dad 's books. It talked about his unanimous thing with burn tike. It never said teddy 's dad specifically was one of those kids but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's ugly,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a completely coterie of werewolf to do his bidding,"lustrelessness said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"bite people and make a pack ?"Albus asked.

matt nodded."That or chance people who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to find you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the past tense few years it really has n't. think of concluding year ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castle when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the castle ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a warrantee,"flatness said."I wonder how many people he bit last night."

Albus did n't do. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Greyback did during the full Sun Myung Moon, just like there was no way to undertake that Hogwarts would be dependable. All Albus and his protagonist could do was hope that it would be safe and that the escaped expiry feeder would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors guard Azkaban was an absolutely atrocious estimate, but after listening to Matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Greyback, he sorting of understood why some mass might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this time ! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews ! If you like Marauder era, please condition out my newfangled novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for class,"Albus said the following cockcrow at breakfast, as he set down a transcript of the Prophet.

The article on the debate had been a long one, taking up nearly the entire front page. It featured a photograph of Percy and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's face turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the picture was in black and white. The article that followed elaborated Laurentis 's apparently years-long safari to bestow the dementors back. She had put the proposition up for vote four time and it was shot down by curate Hartwell each meter.

"Of course he shot it down,"rosiness said after skimming the clause."It 's a dolt idea. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll take it. 'Hermione Weasley, Senior assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal of marriage, said, 'It 's absolutely barbaric. Everybody, including prisoners, have basic human rightfulness that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the days when the Ministry sanctioned emotional abuse of its prisoners and the thought that a woman running for pastor is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my sincere Leslie Townes Hope that the people of wizarding Britain will think long and surd about the core this will have, not only on captive, but on our society as well, before they cast their votes in April. ''"

"Always one to verbalize her intellect, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't agree more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"Rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the government minister. If she were read/write head of the department, then yes, but she is n't manoeuver yet. It 's confusing."

"Good,"Amanda said."We 'll need some sane citizenry in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"King John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to spend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't desire to screw,"Rose said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to inquiry dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the match on Sat against Ravenclaw. After the net match, we 've got to build sure we we win by a right amount of points if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's place for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia miss ? She had a vast calf love on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent Henry James a box of chocolates for Christmas,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't hear that from me."

"I was there when he opened his present,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went home base for the vacation,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage and bruise up riding to the gearing with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the whole time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit Matt before Quidditch recitation,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to incur me."

"And us !"Saint John the Apostle announced."predator 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't require to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

john shrugged."suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the infirmary backstage and managed to get inside without Madam Pomfrey noticing, although the nanny would n't deliver minded him being there. But she was very obsessed with two educatee who had somehow fused their left weapons system together. matt was already waken and much gay than he had been the previous day, when talking about knot. He was pretty certainly Madam Pomfrey was going to let him out that night, so they agreed to meet in the Marauder 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch practice went very well and Albus was fairly sure they would beat Ravenclaw on Sabbatum. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to land back the dementors, which was a certain sign that things were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the rest of the day in the Marauder 's Den working on his preparation with Matt while trying to fend off hearing any part of Saint John the Apostle and Kaden 's new prank.

The week went by quickly since Albus spent every moment he was n't in class on the Quidditch pitch. But the weather remained decent so it was pleasurable. The only day Albus was n't on the rake was Thursday, when he had dueling practice.

"When 's the next tourney ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration schoolroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. heather was there to monitor, sitting in a corner. A few of the team phallus were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sort of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying attention. Instead he was hunched over a long composition of lambskin."Wonder what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."close minute homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up straight and crumpled the piece of lambskin. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked sullen and averted his heart after only a few seconds.

"I do n't imagine that 's homework,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should drill blocking."He took a sideways coup d'oeil at Malfoy, expecting him to scoff and lay claim that they already knew how to blank out, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student skinny to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even weirder was that the student he partnered with was a 2d yr Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to make surely he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice academic session got stranger as the Nox went on, in terms of Malfoy 's demeanour. Not once did he indorse guess what Albus said and he did n't say one Christian Bible to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Heather raised her brow at Albus on legion occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practices before and knew how very much Malfoy usually tried to be the master. He ran out of the way as soon as the practice was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the debate.

"That was the unusual thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common elbow room."And I witnessed my brother attempt to brew a potion this by summertime and booze it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts alphabetic character ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no estimation,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No estimation, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during following week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awfully ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't know that it is, so I do n't consume to believe about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything in force would make Malfoy shut up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's tendency to bet Quidditch during really bad weather came up in full force out on Saturday, when the unseasonably tender temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its piazza were freezing cold temperatures and a howling snow storm that probably should have resulted in the match being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a low-down match. He wished they could own nice conditions, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last time Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his second gear year and offend up in the hospital wing with the flu afterward. He certainly did not need a repetition of that so he was hoping that James would entrance the Snitch Sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is crazy,"Ryan said as they stood in the doorway of the changing suite, waiting for the match to begin."There is literally no way to see the snitch in this."

"There 's zip I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could tell he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to flirt unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was right hand. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't distinguish if to a greater extent snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a Snitch in it was going to be approximate impossible.

"I 'll get it,"James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to hear the commentary,"Fred said."Just catch it as soon as you can. Do n't concern about catching it after we 're up a sealed number of dot. We just postulate a win at this point."

There was a very dull, tranquilize thunder of applause and Fred led the team out onto the rake. The balls were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't cognize which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten minute of meandering around the pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the finish posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the right direction, but instead of reaching the goal posts, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal posts. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to rack up, mostly because Ravenclaw 's Keeper did n't see him.

The match continued in chaos, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a ace Bludger the whole time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to preserve track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposite team 's players. Fred had been right about the comment ; Albus could n't pick up a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a friction match by himself. The only other histrion he saw were the Ravenclaw Seeker, Fred, and ling. They had given up chasing as a squad and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the goal posts as sound they could.

"Albus, Albus !"someone shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't piddle out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to figure out who it was. He did n't even recognize their interpreter, but it could make been distorted by the wind. Finally, he began to pass water out a frame flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The match has been canceled. We 're all to return to our common room right now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his senses. It was just impossible to play a good secret plan of Quidditch in a storm like this.

When Albus and ling finally reached the changing room they found the remainder of the squad sitting in their wet Quidditch robes, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even broom looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so high, you probably did n't pick up,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That match was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first eld,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the peer and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing difficult."She saw Fenrir Greyback on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling queasy."But it 's so snowy. How could she possibly know for for certain ?"

"She ca n't, of course,"Fred said."But she went running to Professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the match and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred mention his name, professor Longbottom walked into the changing elbow room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his sceptre and followed the rest of his teammates out of the changing suite. They were all silence on the base on balls back to the rook since the storm was still raging. No one would have been able to hear anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to blab out. The persuasion of Fenrir greyback being loose was bad enough, after hearing what matte knew about him, but the persuasion of him being here, on the Hogwarts background, was too awful to even think about.

As they walked up to the castle and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw girl had n't seen Fenrir Greyback. She was probably just thinking about the escaped captive and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to make out his own cousin-german when she 'd been calling his public figure in this storm. What were the chances of a first year being capable to pick out Fenrir Johnny Reb ?

But still ... what if it had been Limnodromus griseus ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The common room was buzzing with chatter when the team entered a short piece later. Albus avoided everyone, including his friends, until after he went up to his dormitory to drive a rain shower. He was shivering and felt awful and did n't want to blab to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his friends were all gathered in his dorm room after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the Marauder 's Den,"matte explained."We 're not allowed to pass on our common suite until further notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a little before Longbottom came to need us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rose said."No one really cognise what was happening because it was so snow-clad and the fart was so flashy. We could n't see the match, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating charms and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing voicelessness about Greyback on the grounds. Then, probably two hour later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our unwashed way immediately and to take the air back with our wands out and in with child groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for sure, we knew that someone had seen Greyback on the grounds. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw beginning yr thought she saw him on her way to the match and told Professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't jazz much. No one 's told us anything for surely and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"mat said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three feet in front of them and the wind is so loud no one can take heed anything either. It was the hone day for him to creep onto the grounds, and if that miss had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"lusterlessness said."No one knows the full story yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the mountains, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"lusterlessness asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to produce his own wolfman U. S. Army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; ideate how brainsick he is now. They do n't demand dementors in prison to make people go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and forecast out how to best posture himself to bite kids during the full lunation ?"lusterlessness interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"matte said. He looked more worried than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts kids. Last meter he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even do it for sure that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes mother wit, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"flatness said."You have to forebode me you wo n't go out-of-door during the full moon. I do n't need any of you joining me in the Shack."

John looked disbelieving."There 's other reason why he could be here."

"promise me,"Matt repeated, staring directly at Saint John."It 's not Charles Frederick Worth the risk."

John shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the rest of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Limnodromus griseus are with them. The Carrows were expiry Eaters, but Reb was n't technically a last eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a lycanthrope. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door undefended and he followed,"John said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right,"John said.

"Two death eater, a war criminal, a loup-garou, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"Sounds like the start of a put-on,"King John said."Two Death Eaters, a war malefactor, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next fully moon. There was n't anything in the prophesier about him biting anyone this end full lunar month, but I do n't think he 'd go two moons without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on wolf's bane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"Rose mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a smash on the doorway and then it opened. James II walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to babble to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave the common elbow room for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they take in him ?"mat asked anxiously.

"No,"St. James the Apostle said."But, Longbottom said the owner of ma'am Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw girl probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no sign of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the match ?"Albus asked.

James nodded."Next Sabbatum. dependable affair, too, because I do n't think that one would 've ever ended. Do n't tell Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Greyback being on the curtilage, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't attack that girlfriend,"lusterlessness said as James IV left."He attacks mass even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle circular,"Albus said.

"Really ?"Matt asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth yr, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rarified meat. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. Wait, Matt, do you like really rare gist ?"

Matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll make me ill. And they do n't answer it here."

"My uncle eats it all the meter,"Albus said."aunty Fleur likes her steaks pretty rarified, too. So does Teddy for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's gross,"matt replied."I should ask the house elves to work me rarefied steak."

"They probably would,"rosiness said."They make you pretty practically whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"mat said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to suffer to witness you eating a art object of raw gist ?"

"Not raw,"flatness said."Slightly cooked, bit of blood dripping out."

"Oh, crying !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the common room."

Albus laughed and Matt grinned as Kaden ran out of the elbow room. There was nothing like a trip-up to the kitchens to get their intellect off of Greyback and the former escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful critical review ! Please check out my piranha fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first twelvemonth who saw grayback on the grounds became an instant Hogwarts celebrity. By the succeeding day her entire narration had spread throughout the scholar body like wildfire, and every one mortal in the castle knew her name. She was Quinn St. Gregory of Nazianzen, a bantam girl who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her yearn red hair's-breadth and spray of freckles across her face. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound celebrity and always had a crowd of people around her, asking her to recite the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the chronicle at least five metre. Quinn had been running to the pitch, late, because she 'd spent a half hr trying to convince one of her roomy to go to the match, but in the end her roommate had decided she did n't want to brave out the storm. Quinn then spotted someone lurking near the greenhouses and went to investigate, but instead of finding another educatee, she found Fenrir greyback. Apparently Reb had said 'hi, little girl'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitch. knot then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the week progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Rebel after a 20 minute affaire d'honneur and running to the Quidditch tar in order to warn the rest of the bookman, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very glad that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his protagonist.

"surmisal what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the marauder 's Den Fri eve, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the Marauder 's Map, which he 'd pass the last ten hour studying. John and Matt were in the room as well, Matt studying and whoremonger sorting umber toad carte du jour. blush wine was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down adjacent to Albus."She 's now saying that greyback stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's laughable. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an claim replica,"Kaden replied.

"But no two verge are the same,"toilet pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to consider her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the Marauder 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts sections, looking for Limnodromus griseus every so often since utmost Saturday. He 'd yet to notice anything remotely interesting on it, to the lowest degree of all Greyback or one of the other on the loose convicts.

"Scorpio is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common room, but instead slowly making its way across the grounds.

"What ?"flatness asked, closing his script."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."Come see."

flatness, John, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot travel further and further from the castle. There were no early dots on the curtilage, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't come out that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in luminosity of his early odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should follow him,"lav said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at Night during a tempest for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's freezing,"mat added.

"We 'll make your Invisibility Cloak,"St. John said.

"I do n't think we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his name off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll seize it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

Albus laughed and turned to see at John."Of path you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will murder me."

"Your dad 's Harry Potter,"trick said."He 's not going to slay his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would get it on it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry ceramicist murder Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"postponement,"Matt said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that Matt was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, giving it a wide slip."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't think he 's figured it out, do you ?"Matt asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"whoremaster said, standing up.

matt nodded."Come on, Albus, let us hire your cloak."

"Fine,"Albus said, knowing that the battle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping willow tree, which meant that this was now personal for Matt, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't know if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his friend spent far more time in the piranha 's Den than they did in the uncouth room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his acquaintance walked over to him. They stood tightlipped and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"half my soundbox is showing,"John said, turning to see at his still visible arm.

"And all our feet are showing,"lusterlessness pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and whoremonger are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five in of space that separated his foreland from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to crouch down,"Matt said.

"But what about the fact that half my consistence is showing ?"whoremaster asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do Disillusionment magical spell,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't learn those until seventh year."

"Rose could probably envision them out,"John said."We should have her pick up them."

"fountainhead we do n't stimulate fourth dimension for that now and we 're wasting clip arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"Matt said.

"There are wards,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"amercement,"trick said."Albus and Matt can go and Kaden and I will stay here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stay ?"

"well, Albus is n't going to let anyone take the cloak without him going and Matt has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping willow tree,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't mean more than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"Matt said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to hold on up with matt and keep himself crouched down enough to last out hidden, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much faster than lusterlessness. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the front doorway and were n't noticed by any of the scholarly person or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front room access."We do n't desire to be locked out like back in sec year."

"This is total deja vu,"matte added."Two yr ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping willow tree. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't think we 'll wind up champion with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The dry land were very tranquillize, the only if speech sound being the crunching of their animal foot in the C. Albus carefully vanished their footprint as they walked, while mat led them down the route to the Whomping Willow. It was very cold and snowy, which reminded Albus even More of the metre they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the Shrieking hutch.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the predator 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a forget me drug around the tree diagram."Yeah, he 's there."

matte nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wands, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the willow tree 's large outgrowth. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its striking range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his headland always turned toward the tree. He had his baton out and did n't look to notice that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at Matt as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to telephone his aid to their front. Since they were invisible, they could just tolerate there and watch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every Aaron Montgomery Ward has a watery point. They do n't all live forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending several hexes and hex into the wards, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree once more, a hex bounced off the Ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to jump out of the way to avoid it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to function,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"lustrelessness mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to hold another circle around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and this time one of the hexes reflected off the wards and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried shoetree root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. matt let out a flow of curses and a cry of hurting. Albus heard a sickening crush as he fell and hoped it was the tree origin and not flatness 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and Matt. He lit it and his face visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. Matt was still sitting in the Baron Snow of Leicester."I could ask you the like affair, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his wand at lusterlessness and reached down to help him up. He was clutching his radiocarpal joint and his font was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for dissimilar ground.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking money plant would be the best policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the prescript. Not a good deal compass point in denying it or making up self-justification.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't know if it was from the common cold or fear.

"Saw you leave the castle,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you want with the tree diagram ?"lustrelessness demanded. His voice sounded pained.

Malfoy 's back talk turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my hunch. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking shack. I did a little more research, and turns out this thing was planted the Same twelvemonth the screeching shanty was built. The same class Remus lupine started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some kind of tunnel leading to it and what expert way to hide a tunnel than to put a murderous tree above it ? trouble is, I ca n't invalid the wards. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"Matt asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to wonder if his carpus was broken."Why do you need to get in there ?"

"Ca n't tell you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the wards,"lusterlessness said.

"I 'll figure it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his demeanor at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice session the previous day and again, Malfoy had n't said two news to anyone. It was just strange. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't answer.

"It 'd be mute, you know,"Matt said."Going into the shriek Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a fully moon, cretin,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nothing to do with you or your immorality side. I could n't manage less that you 're a filthy werewolf. I have better things-"

Albus jabbed his scepter into Malfoy 's chest, nearly knocking him over in the cognitive process. His core was pounding and he could feel oestrus rising up in his torso."You. subscribe to. That. spine,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"flatness said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's reliable. I do n't care. It was the mystery that I liked and cypher Sir Thomas More. You do n't know the half of what 's going on or why I want that hovel. He only uses it one night out of xxviii. I want it the former xxvii. I do n't get why that 's such a Brobdingnagian deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a loud articulation boomed over the grounds."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his wand and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the grounds after darkness but another to be caught threatening another student. He pointed his wand in the direction of the spokesperson and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his side.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."flatness ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, cipher,"Albus muttered.

"Well, yer breaking the rules so I 'm going to cause to convey yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll feature to see Slughorn."

"Hospital annex,"matte said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his wrist joint."O'course of action,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"matte said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped lustrelessness on the spine, a gesture clearly meant to ease him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the rook, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a myopic distance. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping Willow again, although Albus had a feeling he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree diagram was there and the fact that flatness was a lycanthrope.

The palace was much empty-bellied when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their rounds and realized that curfew must cause passed. So often for not getting in difficulty.

Hagrid walked them to the infirmary flank and left Albus and matte there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's written report. Malfoy had remained pipe down during the entire walk, but lost the sneer he 'd bust when he insulted matte.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"Madam Pomfrey said as she examined matt 's wrist."This sneaking about in the dead of night, following people. At to the lowest degree you did n't get locked out this time.

"Yes, your radiocarpal joint is definitely broken. But I can mend it quickly."

brothel keeper Pomfrey took her verge out of her gown and pointed it at lusterlessness 's wrist. She muttered a spell and instantly, his wrist joint was healed.

"Thanks,"matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nanny replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a chalice of potion."Take this for the pain in the neck and you 'll be unspoiled as new. No need to stay the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to look here until professor Longbottom comes to collect you."

matt nodded and downed the potion in one gravid gulp. Albus sat down adjacent to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his wand pointed at Malfoy, so his penalty should n't be too bad.

"You do n't believe he 'll seduce you girl Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would kill me."

The doors to the ward opened and Professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his brain when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the primer after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt weird calling Professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this billet.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his pass, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detentions, nor would it stop Malfoy from trying to cipher out how to get into the Shrieking Shack.

"I 'll make water this loose, then,"Longbottom said."Ten points from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both dish up detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch peer. tune, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave. He nodded to brothel keeper Pomfrey as he walked to the door."Good nighttime, Poppy."

"goodness night, Neville,"dame Pomfrey said.

Albus and Matt said salutary night to the nurse and then left the ward, both automatically going back to the usual room rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor pillar twice in one night they 'd get a much spoiled punishment than twenty dollar bill lost points and a custody. Albus thought they 'd fetch off well-situated, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. toilet and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a Bible,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an 60 minutes,"John said."What 's your penalty ?"

"Detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten point,"Albus said.

"You got off easy,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and John we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took pity on us because flatness broke his wrist while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of grade he did."

"Shut it,"matte said."It really hurt. I was dodging a curse that Malfoy sent to the Willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything useful out ?"rosebush asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and Matt explained what had happened, including the percentage where Malfoy insulted matt and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"Rose mused."What can he possibly want the Shack for ? And what did he think when he said he had other stuff going on ? What early stuff could he possibly have going on besides shoal ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"Saint John the Apostle suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousin-german are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the Shack ?"

"Who knows,"privy said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"Speaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting Weird,"rosebush said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't seem to have any friends."

"DOE her crony still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to attend out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another prison term and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd love to know what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in contact with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupid to be,"rose wine said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two years ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to cypher out what 's up with Elsie,"john said.

"I 'm trying,"Rose insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd think. She hardly lecture at all."

"Just sustain trying,"John said.

"team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the green room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second chance at this and let 's not break it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't argue. Turning in early was a good estimate and he was actually quite tired after his excursion to the Whomping Willow. He bade good night to his friends and went up to his tranquilize, empty dorm room. It did n't take aim him long to fall asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping Willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! I am doing Camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a good idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather condition for the rematch was vastly different from the former Saturday 's atmospheric condition. The sky seemed to be all out of blow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly cold, there was little wind instrument. Albus hoped the match would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to serve detention with prof Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Hall by himself for breakfast. His too soon Nox had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was skillful being able to linger over breakfast, though, and concentrate on the coming couple rather than interact with his booster. As he ate, the Great Charles Martin Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his egg when the post owls arrived.

Albus observed the bird of Minerva and did n't recognize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any post today, which was a goodness thing because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very large owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a sidesplitter and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin board. Albus continued watching it and saw it land right in front line of Scorpio, who yanked the gasbag off the owl 's leg and tripped over the work bench in his haste to will the elbow room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awful opening a howler in populace. From the auditory sensation of it, Malfoy did n't quite defecate it to a loo or empty schoolroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the Entrance Hall.

Malfoy did n't render to the Great Granville Stanley Hall. Albus figured it must have been a particularly awful howler and was wondering what it could possibly have said when his protagonist sat down following to him.

"Malfoy got a howler,"Saint John the Apostle said as he started loading his shell with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"Well, we heard the bum end of it,"bathroom said.

"It was awful,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"lavatory said."It was a man 's vocalisation. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in trouble for pudden-head matter when he should be studying and concentrating on his school work and keeping his point down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more of import thing on their minds than worrying about Malfoy getting in trouble in schooling. And how they ca n't worry about him at school when they 're busy worrying about other things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the early matter were ?"

"Nope,"John said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeon after the howler blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at practice was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his family,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to link up up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"flatness said."His dad was a last eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His grandpa was, but his dad form of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his granddaddy, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is eldritch,"Matt said."Maybe his gramps is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't sound right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"matte muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's indirect request for a long compeer came straight. Since the weather was cooperating, James put off catching the sneaker until Gryffindor was up by 200 points, instead focusing his effort on faking nosedive to keep Ravenclaw 's Seeker away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a half hours later James caught the Snitch and won the match for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely foiled that he 'd take to miss the resulting political party in the park room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detention for rightfield after the match.

matte was waiting for Albus in the Great manor hall and the two of them grabbed a quick lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's office. They spent the next two hr writing'I will not sneak out of the rook after dark'over and over again. By the time they were done Albus wanted to curl up and take a nap, since the Quidditch compeer itself had exhausted him. He and Matt decided to expend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the midriff of plotting their new japery. rosiness and Amanda were in the library, apparently avoiding John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure as shooting you do n't want to be involved with this ?"John asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detentions,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to mean a lot of detentions."

"mulct,"John said.

Gospel According to John and Kaden lowered their phonation, but Albus distinctly heard the Holy Scripture 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm clocks .'At that power point, he really did n't want to know. He and Matt decided to begin a biz of chess and attempted to tune out John and Kaden 's rustling.

"I was thinking the other night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"mat said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that mean you 'd move again ?"

"I do n't know,"flatness said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't cogitate so because the real ground we moved here was so I could go to school, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of Matt 's bishops.

"But if he does recede it, it 's going to probably stand for Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf issues,"lusterlessness pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other matter your dad muckle with that they might disagree on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal on werewolf right field. Everyone knows that,"Matt said."If they 're going to differ on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll take to wait until the argumentation,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"mat said quietly."It might be awful, but I want to be intimate what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three weeks,"lusterlessness said."February 15th. That 's the sole matter ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when pink wine went. sucking that they do that."

Matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade tripper. public speaking of that, is James still going out with that Hufflepuff young woman ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no thought, to be honest. I guess we 'll chance out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch exercise for that day again,"flatness pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too practically since the weather was so nice, but I think if he did it again the whole team would hate him."

"That would score an awkward sept dinner, considering over half the team are your cousins,"Matt said.

"folk dinners with my family have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the next one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a little over two months to go,"matte said."You can bring in it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his tabby in the direct line of Matt 's king."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the utmost Minister of trick to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"Professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the initiatory week of February and the year had finally gotten to the point where they were beginning to discourse the second war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the least competent Minister ever to hold office,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in strawman of him, for fear of being known as the pastor who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right hand in strawman of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of course, because he is now known for being the to the lowest degree competent Minister.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly sound light than Fudge, although he was Minister when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in Aug of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course. He 'd arise up listening to his parents laugh at the incompetency of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a government minister at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed eminence since the essays Embry set were often longsighted and difficult.

"The clip of the second war was a time of fear and topsy-turvyness,"Embry said as he reached the front of the way again."No one knew what was going on or who to believe. Many masses heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraudulence or even senile. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't love what to do or who to become to, or even what to believe. They 'd been fooled for a total yr, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a class, what were they to do ? They did n't hope anyone, let alone the Ministry. Most people 's end were to protect their family and friends and that was it.

"It was the fear and chaos that allowed Voldemort and his following to take control of the Ministry. Without the support of wizarding United Kingdom, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a coup. It was simple for Voldemort to slue in and coup d'etat in a matter of weeks."

"Excuse me, Professor ?"Olivia Price said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Price ?"Embry replied."You have a question ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to serve, but what were you doing during the second gear war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal life, he did n't show it. Instead he gave a slight grin and began to walk around the schoolroom again.

"I do n't mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war effort, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six years. I got a job as an undersecretary in the Department of Magical conveyance when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the rank.

"I 'd pick up a promotion shortly before minister of religion Fudge resigned and worked to enlist police force, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weakly and debase and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's frustration, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would wish to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what sort of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no idea he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so of import to educate all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."looking like we 're out of time for today so please pen an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's terminal figure as Minister for homework, due next Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor tower with his acquaintance. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the poster board, which was strange. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other notices garner such a crowd around the notice board.

Albus shrugged at his supporter and they squeezed through the gang until they could read it. It was a prominent poster, covering the majority of the board, imposing an early curfew Sunday Nox. Everyone, first through seventh years, were to be back inside the castle by five in the evening, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to lock the front doors at exactly five and that everyone was to account to their common room at five-thirty.

"That 's Wyrd,"Albus said as he and his protagonist retreated."I do n't suppose they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Greyback has n't been caught,"mat said quietly."Sunday 's the full moon."

"They must recollect he 's going to come back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt said."But I 'd bet my parents'whole Gringotts vault that he 's going to sting soul Sunday night."

"time lag,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the Shrieking Shack until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be dependable,"matte said."In cause some people do n't follow it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a foreland count. That 's why we all have to come back to the green room at five-thirty."

Rose nodded."Then you 'll suffer to go away later, after the doors are locked."

"Either that or brothel keeper Pomfrey will have me go other,"matt replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the screeching Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his supporter were probably the but students who knew the rationality why a curfew had been imposed on Sunday. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to figure it out. More than a few students were furious about it, although Albus had no musical theme why since it was n't common for students to take a amble on the grounds on a Sunday Nox in February. He supposed they liked the choice, though.

As Sunday drew closer Matt became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in for the first time class, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and Rose tried to get him to give up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was ok. John and Kaden did n't appear to notice any difference in matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Sat 's Dueling tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the intact few hours worrying about Matt because he had elected to cut the tournament in order to kip, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to take part. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life prosperous by remaining quiet throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in thirdly plaza. Albus himself won both of his duels, as did Malfoy.

On Dominicus Albus and his friends spent the day in the predator 's Den, working on homework and playing plot. Matt slept for much of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the reason Matt was so quiet was Greyback. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to return to Gryffindor to turn up they were in the castling. Matt was still departed, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"lusterlessness,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the park room."

"This is stupe,"matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to clear certainly no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one aliveness in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so quiet this week ?"Albus asked as lusterlessness got up. He did n't reply."You and Greyback are n't the same."

"I know,"Matt said as they left the room. The corridor was empty, so he continued to talk."It 's just the fact that we 're both wolfman. That 's the Saami. What if they start doing this curfew thing every full moon, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not dangerous because you 're in the Shrieking hovel. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Greyback are dissimilar because he wants to bite people. He purposely transforms near citizenry, not on wolfsbane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does come to Hogsmeade,"flatness continued."He 'll hear me howling and know there 's a loup-garou in the Shrieking shack and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does sting person, and let 's face it, he will,"matt said."It 's going to look bad for all werewolves. All it 'll subscribe is a few flak and mass will start believing we should give our rights taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the uncouth way."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to happen. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat Lady said as she swung her portrait open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the coarse way the most crowd together they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to quiet down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an early curfew had been set. The way was so crowded that Albus and mat could n't happen the rest of their friend and since being in a crowded room was not the best theme for Matt right before the full moonlight, they quit searching and instead sat down near the student residence doors.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"broom announced in a magically amplified representative. The way finally quieted down."I know you 're all distressed about the curfew but they have n't even told us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a deal since it 's Feb, wickedness, and freezing outdoors. None of you would be alfresco anyway. Now just remain hushed while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner party. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to tramp the palace until your formula curfew."

Heather began calling out names in alphabetical monastic order by year. It took her fifteen or so minutes to get to the fourth years and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen minutes after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common way emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great Hall for dinner party. Matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him waken, he went up to the dormitory to sleep until he had to go to the hospital wing.

When Albus and his champion returned from dinner party Matt had already left for the infirmary annex. They decided to just stick around the common room since it was fairly discharge and spent the evening working on their essays for professor Embry.

"Any prospect you lot know why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the lastly hot seat at Albus 's mesa."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a coup d'oeil with rose wine. He supposed it could n't spite to tell Epistle of James the understanding why, just so long as he did n't distinguish him why they knew. Of row, as soon as he told James it would circularize around the castle like dragon pox at a wizarding nursery schooltime, but again, that would n't really smart anything.

"We 've got a suspicion,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw knot on the grounds during the Quidditch equal ?"

"Yeah,"William James said.

"Well, tonight 's a good moonshine,"Albus said."Put it together."

King James I was soundless for a moment and then his eyes grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to come here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his Friend nodded.

"Makes sense,"Jesse James said."Can you imagine what kind of fuss Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a werewolf on the grounds ?"

Albus did n't want to consider about it. He doubted lusterlessness wanted a companion in the screech hut.

"Scary,"James said,"thinking about Rebel transformed while wandering around the basis. I wonder why they did n't just tell us. No one would be furious about it if they 'd state us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"conjecture so,"William James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Johnny Reb would be mutual knowledge in the palace within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish his essay and decided to visit it a Night shortly after. He did n't feel like talking, not with the possible action that Limnodromus griseus was either running around the Hogwarts footing or setting himself on some unsuspicious hamlet, wanting to infect belittled tiddler with lycanthropy. It was awful to call back about. Albus laid awake for minute, trying not to cerebrate about it, but try as he might, he just could not push the sentiment from his mind.


It was a uncommon affair that Albus witnessed the sun rise. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to log Z's until the very recently morning or early afternoon, but this peculiar dayspring he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that Nox due to his headache about Fenrir Greyback and mat, and decided that it was pointless to try and catch some Z's when he 'd just bear to be up in an hr anyway.

Albus sat at the window and watched as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The grounds looked peaceful, and not at all like the place where a werewolf could 've been roaming just a few time of day before. The moon had set and both Matt and Greyback would be back in their human forms by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was goose egg anyone could do to change it. Albus wondered just how long it would take for the oracle to publish some sort of article on any attacks Calidris canutus might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before lav did and busied themselves with lecture of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken piazza Saturday, completely carefree about Greyback. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the escaped loup-garou. But they at least knew that the previous night had been a replete moon, since James had spread that information around the castle.

John finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now utter freely.

"What time is it ?"John asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got time to visit mat before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no power point in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The moon just set two hours ago."

"Yeah, but he might hump something,"John said as he closed the suspension on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Greyback hold out night."

"He never remembers anything about full moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still worth a crack,"John replied.

Albus thought it would be variety of pointless, but they did n't sustain fourth dimension before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the student residence and down to the Great Hall for a prompt breakfast before class. rose, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

Rose shook her heading and swallowed her Francis Bacon before answering."No. Absolutely cipher, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for enough details to own emerged."

"fountainhead, we 've got a liberal period this afternoon, so we can go ask flatness,"John said.

"I told you that he 's not going to have a go at it anything,"Albus reminded him.

toilet shrugged."You never know."

The rest of the student body seemed to accept already forgotten about the early curfew and the to the full moonlight. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at luncheon later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an flak, it was old newsworthiness for the Hogwarts scholarly person. Everyone that is, except for Albus, Saint John, Rose, and Amanda.

Albus, whoremaster, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to attention of Magical Creatures that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by cages filled with small, black, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone narrate me what makes nifflers unparalleled ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like shiny things."

"Tha 's rightfulness,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got ticker or jewelry on, bring it off. I 've buried a load of leprechaun gold and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to find it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever pair finds the most gold gets a pack of deep brown Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to adopt off their jewelry and find a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly treasure Orion. Albus took off his sentry, shoved it into his pocket, and followed John and Amanda over to the nifflers. With Matt in the infirmary wing, Albus was without a partner and decided to just join John and Amanda.

John grabbed the niffler with the longest snout and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the grounds. Every so often the niffler would stop and dig through the blow, revealing a small pile of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The intact procedure was rather harbor. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the rest of the class 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, funny puppet. At one point, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniffle out a set of exfoliation in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his scale in there anyway ?"lavatory asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, look !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figure walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few seconds, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a young Auror from his dad 's department. His gens was Paul Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to serve when Kaden was kidnapped two days ago. The second man was none other than flatness 's dad.

"What 's matte 's dad doing here ?"John asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other fellow ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two whizz walked past Albus, John the Evangelist, and Amanda without making any sort of eye contact, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the social class was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and Cardinal Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's booster cable and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a bush. John and Amanda crouched down on either position of him.

"I s'ppose I did listen some funny noises las'night,"Hagrid said."More'n common, that is. Always funny noises from the forest. A bit more howling than pattern las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the basis ?"Matt 's dad asked. His voice sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outdoor late. What 's this about ? Greyback ?"

Matt 's dad and Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"Matt 's dad said."We have reason to believe Greyback was in the expanse in conclusion night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."Wish I could help oneself yeh. But yeh know, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a agile glimpse at Paul Leonard Newman."We 've had reports of more vicious, louder howling. Howling that seems to change location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could assist. I 'll pay a bit More attention next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

Matt 's dad and Newman turned and left, without a indorsement glance at Hagrid or the grade. The rest of the course of study had long since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of gold far tumid than Albus, John Lackland, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate Frogs. It seemed that something did happen close night, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the class, Albus, toilet, and Amanda came in bushed finis for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed defeated, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the castle, anxious to stow their bags and go visit flatness.

"If Greyback is n't on Wolfsbane should n't he be sluttish to find after the wide moon ?"lavatory asked as they walked to the infirmary wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."Matt only bites and attacks himself because he has goose egg else to round. If Greyback 's out roaming the countryside, he can attack animal and people."

"But what about the actual shift ?"Saint John replied."Even lycanthrope on wolf's bane are achy the following day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the last thing on your head,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure enough. lusterlessness would probably know."

matte was the only patient in the hospital wing and Madam Pomfrey was busy in her written report, so Albus and his friends were unloosen to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was happy to see that Matt was awake, although he did front slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the Prophet ?"Matt asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken seats on his bed."And I 'm fine, so do n't irritate asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last night was weird,"matte said.

"Told you he 'd know something,"John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"lusterlessness replied."It was just weird. I do n't be intimate how else to key it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"matt said quietly as he pulled his manus out from under the blanket. They were completely bandaged."Look. My hands are the lone theatrical role of me that 's injured. I mean, I ache all over from the shift, but I did n't bite myself at all endure night."

Albus looked at the patch."But your custody. You did n't seize with teeth them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"splinters,"Matt said."gentlewoman Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the skirt chaser, but I do sometimes call back feelings. Like if the beast was really raging or something. Last night it was desperate, although I have no thought what for. I guess to get outside, if lady Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head teacher."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking hut for three and a one-half class and the wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll tell you something weirder,"Saint John said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"lustrelessness exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During Care of Magical creature, he and some Auror came to utter to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"Matt cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything weird last Night. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than common from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may have just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been reports of more vicious howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Greyback was in Hogsmeade go dark,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the shanty ?"Matt asked."Nothing good. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll continue coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to escape from the Shack. The wards are too good."

The door to the ward flew open and lusterlessness 's dad came striding inside, still looking as serious as he had earlier. After a quick glance around the way, he strode over to Matt 's bed.

"Dad,"Matt said.

"You do n't calculate surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. wellspring, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short circuit laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. Next time you 're trying to obliterate, do n't hide with a niffler. They 're notorious giveaways. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"Matt asked, clearly disappointed.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're near, though."

"I need to speak with you about last night, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In private, perhaps ?"

matt shook his head."I already told them about last night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and call back if you heard or saw anything foreign last nighttime. I know you never commend anything, but try."

Matt held up his bandaged hired hand."brothel keeper Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the Shack hold up night. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the wolf occupied all nighttime. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's optic grew vauntingly and Albus noticed that the serious feeling had dissipated. It was replaced with a face Albus had seen quite often on his own father. It was a sire 's shock and worry.

lusterlessness explained the rest, including the part about the woman chaser feeling desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to contemplate this for a few minutes before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"Matt asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't pain to tell you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last night. It 's a town about five Swedish mile away, on the other side of that mountain next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to envision out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"flatness asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me believe that this was a carefully planned flack. little Shingleton is a Muggle Village, with these two tyke and their parents being the only witches and wizards in the area. It 's too coincidental. And why attack both kid ? most werewolf take off immediately after biting mortal, their instinct telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... survive ?"lustrelessness replied.

"They 're both in stable experimental condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their pungency heal, they 'll be fine, relieve for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The sting were strip and small, not formula loup-garou sting. These bites were inflicted just to infect. Another sign toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"fin stat mi is not an insufferable journeying for a werewolf in a Nox,"Mr. Eckerton explained."Most probably Greyback heard Matt 's howls last nighttime and followed the sound. Once there, he probably spent the eternal rest of the night attempting to get inside the screeching Shack, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"lusterlessness asked.

"I do, and Auror Paul Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to visit you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"whoremaster asked."He ca n't be that far. No offensive, lustrelessness, but if you were outside you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so unmanageable to study, and also most likely the reason why wolfsbane does n't work for all lycanthrope, is that each person 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its consequence depend a lot upon a soul 's views toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Greyback has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and sustenance for that one Nox a month where his unfeigned nature emerges. He embraces his woman chaser position so very much that he even attacks mass when the moonshine is not full.

"You, mat, on the other manus, describe most with your human position. As you should, considering you 're only a Hugo Wolf one dark out of twenty-eight. Therefore, you resist the transformation. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. grayback embraces it, and probably shifts a lot sluttish than you do. His translation most likely do not cause him the same pain."

"I guess that makes sense,"flatness said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the woods for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. Trust me. They have the entire werewolf control condition unit of measurement searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally discharge Aurors to conquer knave werewolves, as that 's usually the Werewolf Control Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to inquire werewolf attacks. But this is a high profile case, so they want many masses on it, including hoi polloi in cathexis. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if shift was on the case. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing Teddy, he 'd desire to be on the case since Greyback had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and sate out a news report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chairperson."If you think of anything else, mat, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. hooter are easily intercepted."

lustrelessness said goodbye to his dad and soon the boys and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't know what to say. Fenrir Greyback, it seemed, was up to his old tricks and somehow lusterlessness had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Limnodromus griseus 's attack on the two kid took the whole front Sir Frederick Handley Page of the vaticinator the pursue morning. The entire Great antechamber was talking about it, professors, scholarly person, and ghosts. Copies of the paper were being passed faster than record of bacon. Albus managed to snag a copy from his full cousin Ben.

FENRIR greyback ATTACKS IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Greyback, escaped yard bird and werewolf,
was sighted last nighttime in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, preserve for one
wizarding family line. The family, whose
names have not been released due to the
Underage Lycanthrope protection Law,
suffered an extreme tragedy last-place night,
when Fenrir greyback attacked both of
their children. Both children are
reportedly in unchanging condition at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror section and the Department for
the rule and Control of Magical
creature, headed by head of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded late yesterday.
'We 've interviewed respective eyewitnesses
who saw or get wind a wolfman in Hogsmeade
during the replete moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five sea mile from Little Shingleton .'
police detective said that numerous early
hint led them to believe that the attack
was by Fenrir Reb, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not prepared to let out all details
of the probe. But we are confident
that this was an attack by Greyback. A team
of Aurors and werewolf ascendance unit of measurement employees
are working around the clock to catch
knot .'

The clause was followed by a recap of Greyback and the crimes that had landed him in Azkaban in the showtime position, along with a nasty exposure of him. Even in his man contour he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic contrast compared to matte, who did n't resemble a masher at all, keep open for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the article and his eyes fell on matte 's. They had a yellowish tint to them, with scrap of atomic number 79 amidst their natural blue vividness. They were indeed the merely wolf-like trait he possessed when the moon was n't total.

"This is why people want stricter werewolf ascendency laws,"flatness said quietly.

"Even those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't think about that. All they 'll think about is how their fry are n't safety, and they 're right. It 's just lousy timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure matte that everything would be all in good order, that Laurentis would n't blow everything out of proportion, but he could n't. He knew that mat was good, that Laurentis would once again use a terrible tragedy to draw Thomas More support from the wizarding world. If his uncle Percy was going to stand a chance against her, he was going to have to drastically change his run scheme.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the wrong chapter concluding Friday. This is the real chapter 25 and the one I uploaded last Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The affair about werewolf fire was that they were only able-bodied to come about once a month. There was absolutely no fortune of a werewolf attack during the balance of the calendar month, so it was tardily for the Hogwarts pupil to soon forget about Fenrir knot, or at to the lowest degree push him into the farthermost corners of their thinker. After the initial clause about Calidris canutus 's plan of attack on the two new children, the paper returned to its common election reportage, although both prospect were being very quiet about the onslaught. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a statement, which did n't surprise Albus. The debate on regulating of magical brute was scheduled for Saturday, so both candidates would score instruction then. There had been a few column in the composition written by people pushing for stricter werewolf laws, but that had been it.

Sat was also the day of the adjacent Hogsmeade tripper, and this gave the Hogwarts student a much needed beguilement from the external world. Word spread amongst Albus 's first cousin that William James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other cousins had dates as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda. Matt had arranged to wait on the debate with his dad, and would miss the trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked mat as they played Bromus secalinus in the predator 's Den.

"What ?"Matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the pretext of taking his turn for the past five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that debate Saturday."

flatness had seemed distracted all calendar week and whether it was from grayback being so near during his translation or the forthcoming debate, Albus did n't bang.

"Yeah, I 'm trusted,"matte said."I 'd rather take heed it straight from her than read it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to address out against her if she wants stricter laws ?"

mat shrugged."I do n't jazz. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The door to the Den fit unfastened and bathroom and Kaden came barging in, both wearing identical grins. It was slightly eldritch, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a good sign when John and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished preparation. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any hypnotism ?"St. John the Apostle asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to Matt, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect adjacent year. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want detention again,"Matt explained."Honestly, I could n't care less if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. frivolity him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't want to bonk what it 's going to be ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a chance,"lustrelessness said.

john shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just wait and see when the meter flavor right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

Saint John the Apostle and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and Matt exchanged a glimpse.

"We could tell you why that was so comic,"privy said.

"Or you could just wait and see like the ease of the castle,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not queer enough to possibly wind up with another week 's detention.

Whatever the prank was, can and Kaden did n't go through it before the following day. Sabbatum brought blue skies and bitterly cold temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in preparation for walking around Hogsmeade.

Matt left early on for the argumentation, Flooing from prof Longbottom 's study. Albus and John slept late and met Kaden, Rose, and Amanda in the Great entrance hall for a nimble tiffin before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The Feb Hogsmeade trip was always an interesting one. The village became filled with vernal couplet either snogging passionately in front line of the shop class or staring awkwardly at each other across a table in the 3 Broomsticks or madam Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a appointment before in his life, Albus found it really peculiar to watch. John and Kaden found it amusing as well, but rosiness and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the distich and did n't find them at all rum.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not Madam Puddifoot 's,"John said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck dyad headed toward the berth.

"I plan on never setting foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John laughed."You 'd have to get a girl to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The rest of the group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only void board in the terzetto Broomsticks. Albus was hoping to becharm a glimpse of William James because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his blood brother was going out on particular date. It was just weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to breed up on Skiving Snackboxes and Chocolate frog. By then it was nearly dinner fourth dimension and they decided to call it a day. The wind was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"John Lackland shouted just as they were setting off on the path back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what John was pointing at.

"James and Gabby Ellis,"whoremonger said.

Albus squinted and just made out his blood brother, leaning against the exterior of Honeyduke 's, his mouth attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so close that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"Rose added."I could 've gone my entire living without seeing someone snog James."

John the Divine and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"John said.

"Oh complete !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the itinerary."Let 's go."

"I think it 's rubber to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in Jesse James ..."rose muttered.

"Well, he does play Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my full cousin,"Rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we interchange the theme ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet Matt 's binding from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'psyche off of St. James the Apostle 's romantic life. Albus himself wanted to put the double of his brother kissing someone out of his idea forever. At to the lowest degree she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never sustain to see them kissing in the vernacular way. If he did he may have to spend all of his fourth dimension in the predator 's Den.

Dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the castle, so the group decided to go bump Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the piranha 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the debate, but lustrelessness was sitting on the couch casually reading his Charms book, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"Matt asked as he set his book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down next to lusterlessness. John, Rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

mat raised his brow."Disgusting ?"

"We saw James II snogging his new lady friend,"rosebush said with a shudder."trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a girl while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

Matt laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll use up your word for it."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the argumentation ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"lusterlessness said."Well, okay, component of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those tribunal suite in the basement. Mostly it was the great unwashed who work at the Ministry there, but there were some early mass there, too, because the way was so big.

"I 'm not for sure how much you know about the Department for the regulation and mastery of Magical wight, but every animate being is divided into one of three categories. Beings, liquor, and Beasts. booze are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. Beings are creatures that are n't human, but have human intelligence. animate being are everything else. The bloke who was running the debate started by asking Hotspur and Laurentis how they feel about the rights given to existence. You know, hob, house-elves, centaurs, those sorts of wight. They did n't have much to reason about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should induce their rightfulness taken away. And rose 's mum has worked so hard to get them right.

"Then they moved on to the Spirit division and there was n't much argument with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about spirits. They 're just variety of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the issue of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to have an thought on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much controversy with the Being division. There had been a lot of debate cover and forth about the rights of Beings back when his parents had been in shoal and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her study living toward giving right field to Beings, especially house-elves. Over the years she 'd done a very good job with it and had n't met often opposite. As for the Spirit naval division, Albus did n't think there had ever been a good deal argument there. ghostwriter were just ghost. They pretty much did as they pleased.

lusterlessness paused."Then there was the Beast division. Throughout account both werewolves and vampires have sometimes been in the Being division and sometimes been in the wildcat division. categorization in the Beast variance is the intellect why loup-garou have been stripped of their rights and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as Beings, then legally, they do n't own to be given the Saame right field as humans. It 's a trifle, really.

"A long time ago werewolves were in the Being air division, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a vast werewolf attempt on an total town. It was frightful. But ever since then, no one has wanted to classify them as being again. My dad has been an advocate for sorting as organism ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about classification is that, for the to the highest degree part, Ministries all over the world have to jibe. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult thing to do. individual has to bring it up and coordinate negotiations between land and it requires a lot of effort. When Voldemort came to might no one in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland had the sentence or Department of Energy to put toward the reclassification of werewolves. Not to mention they could n't spare the people to put the time into it. Since the brutal plan of attack in the 50s happened in England, the other rural area have n't wanted to touch the melodic theme. Although I 'd wager that Australia would put up a effective conflict if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for geezerhood, but he does n't have the support. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to touch it since it 's such a controversial issue and he does n't have often clock time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in history of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a well-known publication since most people probably do n't care to put in the feat to reclassify werewolves. The exclusively people who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's abominable,"Amanda said."But what happened at the disputation ?"

"The wizard in guardianship of the public debate dodged the question of Greyback for a spell, asking questions about other creatures like thestrals and dementors and the like. But he finally brought up the topic of knot and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a matter of werewolf ascendence laws, but a subject of Azkaban security-"

"fountainhead, that 's good,"Albus said. He would n't have expected that of Laurentis.

"Sort of,"flatness replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then grayback would n't give birth escaped and those nestling would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in armorial bearing cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of werewolf as existence for years and how he 's got the supporting of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to help oneself house-elves and hob, then why could n't she do it for loup-garou at the same time ?"Rose asked.

"House-elves and goblins have always been classified as existence,"lustrelessness explained."They were being denied rights that they technically already had. It was just a thing of reworking the police and enforcing them properly. None of the werewolf rights laws can be changed unless their assortment is changed-"

"But that 's just stupe,"John said.

matt shrugged."It is, but there 's null anyone can do about it."

"Well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying werewolves as existence would render the current loup-garou control laws unenforceable and that it would make the Ministry far less control over loup-garou. Which is genuine,"Matt said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of path not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if loup-garou were currently classified as existence it would make it difficult to even captivate Greyback and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't lawful at all. My dad was turning purple at this compass point. She really knows nothing about the way his department works."

"What about Uncle Walker Percy ?"Rose asked.

lustrelessness did n't say anything for a full-of-the-moon minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to exchange anything. I 'm sure you 've noticed that he says everything 's fine the way it is and we do n't need to change anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the same about werewolves."

"What do you mean ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

Matt averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and blush wine."He thinks that 'putting get-up-and-go into reclassifying loup-garou as Beings would be a pitiful idea, given the early upshot facing the greater wizarding community .'And that is a direct citation. I ca n't ever forget that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't like to put forward the cauldron, so to speak. If things were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather keep matter the same then speak out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him support or right to vote.

"Then he went on to excuse,"matte continued."He said that werewolf assortment does n't affect a large number of witches and maven and that it 's very complicated and would necessitate a lot of sweat, which is true. But it 's like he did n't think it was Charles Frederick Worth it, just because it would n't involve a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise me,"Rose said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"lustrelessness said, turning back to Albus and rosebush."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't rationalise,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't have to choose between the two candidates.

"It 's like he does n't even birth a strong sentiment on it. He does n't want to have a unassailable opinion on it,"lusterlessness added."Laurentis at to the lowest degree has a reason. Your uncle does n't even accept that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no estimate who my parents will vote for now. Sami with Amy."

"I do n't have it away who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't conceive lycanthrope will get reclassified,"lusterlessness replied."Nothing will pass off without support of the British people pastor at this point."

"That 's just not fair,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

Matt averted his gaze once more. This was another issue that Matt had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"Matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The rest of his friends let out similar exclamations of shock.

"But chemise 's dad-"Rose began.

"Not legal,"Matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the idea of allowing me to hang. It 's form of murky, to be fair. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend Hogwarts, but at the same prison term, Hogwarts headmasters have gross ascendence over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"rosiness asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would expel him,"Matt explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be damaging to another student 's education for him to break my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The repose has mostly to do with employment,"Matt said."fountainhead, that and the Ministry is allowed to keep werewolves for questioning about full Sun Myung Moon onslaught without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no rights.

"But anyway, usage. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potentiality employers of my stipulation. If werewolves were classified as beingness, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical condition and employment can not be terminated based on a person 's medical conditions."

"That is the most confusing thing in the world,"Albus said. His head was spinning."How do you keep open all that straight ?"

flatness shrugged."It 's my sprightliness. That 's the other thing, Albus, your uncle really has no idea how things are run in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He 's not really qualified to say what effect the reclassification would make on everything. Because, honestly, it would only affect werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So soul can not lease you just because you 're a werewolf ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

Matt nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on Aconitum lycoctonum or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No idea,"lustrelessness said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this whole pretence to be normal thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would support the reclassification of werewolves as Beings, despite the fact that it might lose him a few votes. It might even cost him a few not to bear spoken up, because now, Matt 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a prominent effect than just the election. Matt was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to get up up more ballot. Maybe Uncle Sir Henry Percy was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would happen after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the awful reviews !


The debate on the Regulation and ascendance of Magical puppet did not seem to be a hot topic of discourse amongst the Hogwarts students. Unlike the argument on didactics, this especial public debate did not have-to doe with directly to Hogwarts students, and thus there was n't much discussion beyond a few opinions at breakfast the next day. The article on the debate was much to a greater extent tame than the former articles, to the highest degree likely because Hotspur and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his friends kept close ticker on the Prophet in event there were any updates on the escaped prisoners, but the rest of February passed without any sightings or captures. It was sort of strange since the prisoners had to have been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two month and the only one who had been sighted was Greyback. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the want of captures to her advantage, by publishing a new command every few Clarence Day declaring how incompetent the Auror department was. These statements were usually followed up with another resolve of how the prisoners would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in control of Azkaban.

When March arrived, the oracle began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the front pageboy, every unmarried day.

"April saphead 's Day,"bathroom commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 days .'“ Does n't that seem a bit unearthly, to do an election on that day ?"

"A little,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our prank that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"rose wine said."Hogwarts is a pollard shoes. You 'll mess it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John said as he exchanged a mischievous smile with Kaden."Want to recognise why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll find out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Department of Energy this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all evening yesterday ?"Matt asked.

"Possibly,"John said."Oh, look at the metre. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's time for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at matte and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every mention of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few hebdomad, but had yet to share why. Albus could only presume that it had to do with their prank.

Albus, Matt, John the Divine, Rose, and Amanda said adios to Kaden and headed for the dungeon. Since it was a double over grade, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and flatness partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the second course of study they were chopping asphodel when flatness suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never mind,"matt muttered."Could 've sworn ... conjecture I 'm hearing things."

A few min passed and matte stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing international. It sounds like an dismay clock."

Albus glanced around the schoolroom, but nobody else seemed to have heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except John, who was staring at the threshold for some strange reason. Then Albus heard it. The feeble ring.

"Do you find out it now ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The rest of the class was beginning to notice as well, and John suddenly turned around to appear at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their prank,"mat hissed."It 's got to be."

Nobody was paying any care to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the elbow room, without saying a word to the class. He returned a few minutes later.

"Bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sorting of alarm system going off all over the rook. After you 're done cleaning up you may leave early."

Albus and Matt worked quickly, wanting to talk to John as soon as they could. They met him, along with Rose and Amanda, outside the schoolroom a few minute of arc later, and headed to the Great anteroom. lav still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alert started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, more than mad than she already is."

"Are you going to tell us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every single suit of armour and charmed them to go off at five second intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's magnificent !"

"That 's actually really soundly appeal work,"rosiness said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be capable to turn them off with one spell. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to take them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration adjacent,"James I said as he sat down future to Albus."There must be twenty lawsuit of armor across the corridor from the metamorphosis room. It 's so loud in there you can barely hear yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got Transfiguration next."

"feel, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."John pointed to the staff table.

"silence !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing prank. It would seem that the alarm filaree have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling category for the afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a loud cheerfulness as Kendrick resumed his behind. The stave board was only half-full, as the remainder of them must throw been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't seem upset,"Albus said."This is actually kind of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll follow another day."

After dejeuner Albus and his friends went to the Marauder 's Den with the intention of spending the day there, but the incessant alarum quickly grew too annoying. Despite the low temperature, they decided that outside would be preferable to inside. The C. P. Snow had melted, so they were able to find a dry spot to sit.

"I still hear the reverberance,"lusterlessness said as they settled down under a huge beech tree tree by the lake."It 's like my head is an alarm clock. I think if you had done this around the full phase of the moon moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon,"Gospel According to John said.

"Really ?"Matt asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a history of Magic exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will bury about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"bathroom asked.

"The full moon ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"lusterlessness answered."I 've been thinking about it. About grayback. He 's probably going to derive back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an idea,"Matt said quietly."I think we can aid catch them, using my wolfy side."

"As sweetener ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"mat said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the shrieking shack like usual. Albus, the Marauder 's Map recording label Animagi as their human names, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how Teddy 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"fountainhead, should n't it be the Sami for werewolves ?"mat asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his clock time of having the second edition Marauder 's Map, he 'd never turn back the Shrieking hutch during a total lunar month."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is watch the new edition of the Marauder 's Map during the good Sun Myung Moon, wait for knot to record up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few import. It seemed so simple, almost too unsubdivided to work."Matt ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you think of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few weeks ago,"flatness answered."Greyback was there by the screeching hut for nearly the integral Nox. It would 've been promiscuous to conquer him if someone just knew he was there."

"Wait,"rosiness said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't call up my dad 's in charge of the Greyback capture,"Albus pointed out."It 's that other Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and secernate them my architectural plan then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a wolfman. Cardinal Newman does n't. I do n't make out what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what matt had told them about how it was n't clear whether admitting wolfman to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right wing. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come back to this same office ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"matte said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to adopt our wolf-selves and endure together in large number. I do n't think he 's going to apply up easily on finding me. He did the Same affair with shimmy 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those small fry he attacked finally calendar month,"blush wine pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

lusterlessness nodded."Let 's go post some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their letters to their fathers, wanting to relieve virtually of the particular for later. Both of them replied saying they would see the boys at Hogwarts Friday eventide in order to work out the contingent.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that Matt drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out tawdry, but Albus had a smell he was incredibly nervous about the plan and his use in it, despite his saying he would be fine. By the time Friday arrived he was completely silent, except for the few multiplication he snapped at Gospel According to John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and grayback is captured it 's going to realise Uncle Harry await very good,"Rose said."Which will be good for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three weeks away, it 's everlasting timing."

"When are you meeting your dad ?"John asked.

"seven-spot,"Albus answered as he glanced at his watch."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the concluding chomp of his patty into his rima oris and left the Great Hall with flatness at his side of meat. professor Longbottom had leant them his study for the meeting, so Albus and Matt walked up to the fourth floor.

prof Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the doorway was partially undetermined. Albus led Matt inside and they sat down on a couch to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's study. It was filled with all sorts of exotic plants that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the whole place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few minutes later and shut the door behind them. Both looked very scheme and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quick hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own Padre. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can view Greyback,"Matt said quietly, and then proceeded to explicate the intact plan."See ? trade good plan, right ?"

Harry and Bruno Walter exchanged glances. Bruno Walter looked incredibly worried."matte, flavour, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Calidris canutus 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"Matt interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."spirit, he 's going to come to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the problem ? I 'll be in the Shrieking hovel with all the wards up."

"There really is n't a trouble,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the surface, me using my son as bait. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in kick of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Newman ca n't be there,"Matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't know about me."

"He 's good,"Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to footstep the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll bring Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"flatness asked.

"blush wine 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a suspiration of relief."Oh, all decent then."

"They 'd be fine,"Walter said."Four of us should be capable to handle it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll arrogate Paul Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can piece a few hoi polloi form your section to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't flow around the Shrieking hovel all night. It 'll take care suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pouch and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can watch over until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Dog Star Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should evidence us when Rebel turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's header until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the report ? In the report the next day ?"Bruno Walter asked.

"No acknowledgment of Matt or his being in the shrieking Shack,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anon. tip that he 'd show up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll outride in the castle, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatory early curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the commons rooms a few days ago. This metre, no one seemed upset about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"Well, if people are smarting they 'll stick around inside with ward up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many the great unwashed talking about the full moonlight. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard soul mentioning either the full moon or Greyback or both. Suddenly, lycanthrope were the hot topic of treatment at Hogwarts.

to the highest degree multitude, from what Albus could gather, did n't have a strong judgment on lycanthrope one way or another. But a few citizenry, most having had a relative murdered by Fenrir Greyback, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither prospect wanted to change the classification of lycanthrope from Beasts to Beings. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to settle to expend the rest of the weekend in the vulture 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three calendar week,"Amanda said."Once the election takes place no one is going to care as much. But these retiring few weeks have certainly made me marvel if I should go into the Department for the regulating and Control of Magical Creatures."

It was Sunday night and Albus and his ally were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their preparation that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"lustrelessness announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"wellspring, it 's just horrific,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sense. Why should hobgoblin and house-elves be being but not werewolves ? You 're more homo than a house-elf."

mat laughed."Tomorrow Night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that grievous. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a endorse year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to ruin his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"Rose asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"lamia are Beings,"flatness explained."It 's because they do n't have to drink in man stemma to survive. It 's a alternative. Werewolves, when we bite someone, it 's not a pick. We ca n't control it."

"Except with wolf's bane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolf we might get reclassified,"Matt said.

"What about vampire who bite citizenry ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison house,"lusterlessness said.

"So can vampires go to school and halt jobs ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so most do n't require to go to schooltime or already have, because most vampires are older. As for jobs, they do n't have to tell employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"can said."Does n't make a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"Matt said with a yawn."But it 's life."

flatness slept the rest of the evening and well-nigh of the future day, not attending any of his category. Albus could n't blame him, what with all the werewolf talk that was going around the school. Albus himself found it difficult to decoct on any of his course of study or homework since there was the decided possibility that Fenrir Rebel would be captured that night.

Albus and his admirer reported to the common room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. lusterlessness did n't fall in them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the night and played a few half-hearted unit of ammunition of Exploding snapshot with toilet and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory early. He knew he would n't slumber, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was straighten out, giving him a very good view of the virtuoso. After locating a few constellations Albus watched the horizon and the faint glowing that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may have noticed that I screwed up hold up week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( Full moon Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( John Barleycorn, Beings, and creature ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the real chapter 25. The floor will make much more sense after that.

I am pleased to announce that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may originate updating this twice a calendar week, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in review article when the next update will be, so I 'll reiterate that I update every Friday. The exact clip will diverge. Thanks for all the reviews !