Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilet and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last time. tomato ketchup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just dolt. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just grow that around on him and separate him it was his own fault for staying up too late the previous night.

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

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to recollect up a soundly apology to skitter going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable the great unwashed on the face of the satellite, deliver for his Aunt Marge.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. certainly, they 'd showered him with eternal giving on his birthday and Christmas, but that was the only if way they showed their affection. Well, aside from his grandmother 's osseous tissue smashing clinch, which were surprisingly stiff considering her minor material body. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the next door neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst matter Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the crepuscle. Smelting 's was an elite school that his grandfather and his father had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous meter and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the kids who constantly argued about whose founder had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At first, his father was willing to consider letting him look populace school with all his champion, but after his grandad had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to do work for Grunnings, the same exercise company that his grandfather and Church Father worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried existent hard, Kaden would be able to fall in himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few long time ago. His parents had wanted him to attend some sort of workplace related party for his grandfather, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half hour before they were supposed to will, his temperature spiked to five point above convention and he 'd been able to skip the party. The best part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no thought how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot things such as volcanos and the Equator, but even after fifteen minutes of thinking, he still felt perfectly normal. It must consume been a fluke, the other time. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft belt on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the threshold, revealing his mother standing in the door. She was a short charwoman with full-strength brown hair, the same color as his own, that was tier with her chin.

"Kaden, in effect, you 're wake,"she smiled."Your gramps wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's let a new digital photographic camera and needs to aim some icon of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it last clip I saw him."

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

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the doorway again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old sister, Bethany, or easing the tension between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the repose.

Not ten min later the door burst open and Bethany practically flew into the elbow room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally yell at her for. However, this fourth dimension he was too appalled at her appearing to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, terminated with glistering shoes and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her long blonde hair's-breadth was curled.

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

"nan Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so much unspoilt than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can take moving-picture show of me, too."

"wish he 'd just take pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

"ma did my hair. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

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

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the door, and not only because of the rationality most parents would n't let their seven-year-old girl answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty dollar bill umber taproom from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

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

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the windowpane. There was a man standing on their straw man porch wearing an outfit even foreign than Bethany 's. In fact, it sort of looked like Bethany 's. It was a dress. A black robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laugh as he opened the door.

"how-do-you-do,"the man greeted them. He was light than Kaden 's father, but grandiloquent than Kaden. His blonde whisker looked windswept and he had a happy smiling on his face.

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

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

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

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

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

More curious than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoop. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like rig he was wearing ? If that was the case, then he 'd have no circumstances at the Dursley 's house. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything unnatural and that would certainly include men wearing dresses.

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden held the doorway undetermined and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents precede them into the living way. Christina ran to bring in beverage while Neville settled himself onto one of the couch. Dudley sat in the president across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chair on the level and waited for the adults to commence talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the room. He hated when they did that. It was rather wasted anyway since Kaden had become very champion at listening in on his parents'conversations.

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

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

Dudley spat out his washing soda and started coughing. Christina let out a small gasp and turned to look at Dudley, who had gone pale white. The two shared a feel and then turned back to Neville.

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

"That 's a stupid name,"Bethany announced.

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

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

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

Kaden was fully awake now. What kind of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a place ? He had n't applied to any early school besides Smelting 's. Of course of study, if this Hogwarts schooltime really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was honorable than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

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

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

Kaden stared at his founding father, who was looking more and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car crash ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

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

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

"Of course of action I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't want to go to Smelting 's and here 's the perfect grounds not to !"

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

Nobody said anything for a few bit. Kaden continued to glare at his founding father. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own father stick up for him ?

"Enough,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the factor ! He 's been making odd things happen for years. We tried to ignore the signs, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm well-chosen. You and I both know he would n't have been happy going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a spring up man, Dudley, make decisions regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence. Kaden knew he was middling, no substantially than near of the kids his age. Maybe it was football skills ? Kaden was a fair football player, but no one else in his family was particularly upright. How would that run in his genes ?

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

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

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a shoal. A special schooltime that Harry attended when we were child. It 's a school of trick, for witch and wizards-"

"time lag,"Kaden interrupted."illusion ? Like Abra Kadabra and illusion sceptre and stuff and nonsense ?"

"Wands yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a charm,"Neville said as he pulled out a long spliff which Kaden assumed was a wand.

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

"sanctum crap,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got conjuring trick running through my cistron ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how do I ca n't do magic, like draw my preparation magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"rightfield,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to live with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car collapse. They told him nothing about trick or his parents. They thought if they ignored the conjuration, they could stamp it out of him. They hate illusion. When he turned eleven a man showed up to assure him all about it and offer him a piazza at Hogwarts."

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

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

Kaden nodded. Quite a few question were going through his head, but he could n't fancy out which to ask first.

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

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

Kaden took the letter and ripped it open. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the form of paper he imagined mass wrote on one C ago.

He unfolded it and read it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the deputy headmistress, professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts express would lead from Billie Jean Moffitt King 's mark place on Sept first, from a platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

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

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the lean of supplies. It was full of odd rule book such as Magical herb and Fungi, brass scales, and even a pewter caldron. If his father had n't have already known about trick, he would 've thought the completely thing was a joke.

"I can take away you to Jack London and picture you where Diagon alley is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

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

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

"Am I a witch ?"Bethany asked.

"Well, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a letter the summertime you 're eleven then you 're a witch. If not, then you 're not a witch."

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

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

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

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

"What do you learn ?"Kaden asked.

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

Kaden watched as Neville left the sign of the zodiac and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the nearest chair and let out a little moan.
***


The only sound at dinner was the chink of utensils hitting the china plates and the brassy burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a chalk of soda, earning him a stern gaze from his grandmother. It seemed that nobody could think of anything to babble out about. Even the common subject of the conditions, sports, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given strict lodge by their don not to remark anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or magic whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated magic with a warmth, something that variety of entertained Kaden but seemed to affright his beginner. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his nipper.

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

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

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would have football game. sorcerer would still bet sports, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."sound than cypher, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an excellent football team. I 'll hold the motorcoach a annulus and let him know you 'll be joining."

"Well I 'm not sure yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his Daucus carota sativa around his plate.

"You 'll get together a play, though,"Vernon insisted."male child grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll ask to bulge you up, too,"Petunia commented as she placed another pork barrel chop on Kaden 's denture.

"I 've already been to the school day twice,"Vernon said as he took another large draught of brandy."radius with all your professors and they 're quite excited to meet you. yearn line of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

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

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"aught,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't wish lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was wrong, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his whole life about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he receive to hold lying ?

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

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

"Every holiday, coming home with howling stories of your ally and all you 'd done during the past term ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

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

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the Potter blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the Potter side of the family, just the Evans English. So he had Evans blood.

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

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

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

"This is ridiculous, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not clean to the kids."

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

Christina stood up."I 'd like to talk with you in private, Dudley."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

Public school ? Kaden view. Was his dad really going to switch one lie for another ?

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

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

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

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

Kaden wished the terra firma would spread up and get down him whole. Was that the sorting of thing he could do with magic ? It would be very useful for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."marker my news. Smelting 's is the sole suited school out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandfather, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any shoal besides Smelting 's ? He knew the rationality why Dudley did n't want his grandfather to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that awful if they told him ? Did he really hate conjuration that much ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A wizard just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all champion. Did that mean his own gramps would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his venter and he pushed his plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

"Yes, that 's very well,"Christina said as Vernon continued to shout.

Kaden escaped the dining elbow room and ran upstairs to the minuscule bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's sleeping room, although it no longer contained any remnants of his superstar full cousin. It was dandy as could be, decorated in pastels and heyday. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the windowpane.

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so arouse about finding out that he was a star. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the past tense. The feverishness was not the only meter something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bicycle, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no More than a chicken feed. Another clip he 'd depart a library record book at dwelling that he had meant to bring back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a thaumaturgist ? Perhaps there was some variety of law preventing wizards telling Muggles about legerdemain ? That would explain why most Muggles did not know about deception. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must deliver done foreign things as a fry and Kaden wondered if his own father had realized what Kaden was when he did strange things.

There was a whang on the door a few minutes later. Christina popped her head into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked angry. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the step and out the doorway, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The next few hebdomad were both charge up and awkward. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to count down the days until he got to lead for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon Alley a few weeks before term started and Kaden was very much looking forward to that.

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

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

The affair was very subdued at starting time, with cypher knowing what to say and the only idiom mentioned being"passport the table salt"or"could I have some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a I word, which even he knew was uncommon, since he liked to talk a lot.

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

Dudley and Christina exchanged glance."No, actually, Kaden was never going to advert public school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small, secret schooltime in Scotland. He did n't employ, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you order us-"

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

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy crank. Petunia let out what could only be described as a pocket-sized close shave. Vernon 's face then turned the purple colouration it did when he got angry.

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

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

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

"A feeling about what ?"Petunia asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"He 'd be salutary off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new looking glass."Smelting 's wo n't be felicitous to learn this."

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never have to set foot in the post again. Anything would be better than Smelting 's and what short he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a petty Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not ingest particularly liked his grandpa, but he still loved him and hated look as if it was not mutual.

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

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

Vernon chose to ignore this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable secrecy once more and Kaden managed to cash in one's chips down a few snack of chicken before Petunia brought out sweet. She served Kaden a very large helping of pud, but he only ate a few sharpness before stopping.

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

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

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very message. His grandparents may not have been felicitous about his attention Hogwarts, but they did not appear to hate him for being a genius, and that was as good as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the rest of his charming cousins. It would be his first taste of the magical mankind and he could not await.


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

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

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus Potter stared out his bedroom window and watched as an owl flew close and closer to Grimmauld property. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy disastrous hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eagre to see. He was the merely one awake at this hour anyway. His brother James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the maiden few hebdomad, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his green eyes as it soared towards his windowpane. Albus leaned over and opened the door latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large browned shrieking owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration of Jesus Good Book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to untie its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the gasbag. It had been workweek since he had final seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. lavatory Brickston and lustrelessness Eckerton had each written him a yoke times. Albus unfolded the letter and silently learn it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and rose 's birthday political party !
I really was n't for certain if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your menage a couple 24-hour interval before
the party, in about three week, and I can delay a duo days after,
too. But then I 'll have got to go habitation ; you know why.

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

I ca n't hold back until the political party. affair at my house are dreadfully
oil production. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last hebdomad. You probably already knew that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all full-grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few hebdomad !
Your booster,
flatness

Albus grinned broadly as he set Matt 's letter of the alphabet down next to John 's most Recent epoch one. He was thrilled that both of his best friends would be able-bodied to go to his birthday party. lav had said yes redress away, but Matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his booster would wind up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't wait. Albus wondered what Mrs Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld Place. Albus had only met the adult female twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own nanna was. He could only suppose what Matt 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a hebdomad before, lustrelessness 's babe, Amy, and Albus 's cousin, Victoire, had moved into a straight in London. The two of them were beginning their Healer training in September.

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

Albus sat down next to her and watched her as she fed the small fauna Wizard O's.

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

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

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

`` phone good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from flatness just now. He can fare to the party and he 's coming a few Clarence Day early. ``

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

`` Would young master like any Cucurbita pepo juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

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

Albus took the glass of pumpkin vine juice and grabbed the written matter of the daybreak seer that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if flatness 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's cry and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley Cannons just lost another game. Their newest Seeker tripped over his own broom as he was kicking off from the soil and gave himself a black eye, '' Albus laughed. `` Matt supports the cannon. ``

`` Who supports the Cannons ? '' James II came slowly down the step, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

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

Jesse James read the theme silently for a few minutes and then collapse out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in agreement as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James IV and his mother for the next half hour. All of them agreed that the Cannons had no chance of ever making it to the conference Cup. When Albus had finished his burgoo, Harry came stumbling down the steps in his pj's.

`` There 's oatmeal in the cauldron, honey, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the mesa. She planted a quick kiss on his face as he reached for an empty bowl.

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

`` Someday you 'll understand, St. James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, miss wo n't hold Pediculus corporis anymore. ``

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

`` Do you have to go into workplace today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down side by side to her at the table.

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

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

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not sure as shooting. prof Kendrick is looking for another teacher, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would look as if people think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't happen anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

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

Harry grinned, `` I 'm beaming you like it. What do you say we have a adept 's Chess tournament after breakfast ? ``

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

The unit thrower family played biz after plot of chess, until James was declared the champion. By the metre lunch rolled around, Albus was sick of the game. `` Can we go fiddle Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between bites. Harry often took them to play Quidditch at Rose 's sign of the zodiac. Since the Potters lived in British capital, they really could n't take on Quidditch at their own house. `` rosebush wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

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

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

At that moment, Albus heard a high pitched ring coming from the kitchen heel counter. He looked over and saw the small Mobile earpiece that always sat next on the window sill. The Potters did not have many Muggle twist in their theatre, but they did have one phone in case they had to get hold of any Muggles. Usually the phone was just used when Harry talked to his first cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the identification number to their Muggle born booster. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summertime to secern him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a claim. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the sound. `` howdy ? '' he said. He went muted for a few minute while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock and a grin bed covering cross his face. `` What ? Are you dangerous ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

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

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

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

Harry talked for a few More min and then hung up the phone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the mesa. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

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

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

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's mouthpiece fell clear. Harry 's cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The older one, Kaden, was a little jr. than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only think what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

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

`` Nope, he got his letter this morning, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his wife about trick, but had not gone into great point and neither of the Kid knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and petunia. ``

`` I would cerebrate not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to toss. ``

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

`` goodness, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even want to be in the same room as your aunt and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

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

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

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' King James commented. Albus had to agree with that. He had met his cousin-german, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff sort. James had managed to pull quite a few prank on him over the years and he did n't look to be the sharpest quill in the box. Albus remembered the last clock time they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a twosome yr ago. Albus and his family tended to bring down the Dursleys every couple of class, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't roll in the hay about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

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

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon bowling alley with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' Saint James the Apostle said, `` That 'll be interesting. ``

`` Yeah, I ca n't wait to see what Dudley thinks of the stead, '' Albus laughed.

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

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

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

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

`` I know, '' James grinned, `` I ca n't waitress ! ``

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

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

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

`` Or who 's finish in life story is to suit the next Voldemort. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the Lapp time. James II grabbed his Calluna vulgaris off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice Snitch.

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

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

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

Albus followed his dad and James down the step and into the drawing room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's sign of the zodiac ! '' Henry James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione 's support room. Their house was a small, snug place in the midsection of a field with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely hushed without anyone else in it. Albus, St. James, and their dad headed out the door and into the subject area. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few go that would hold open the Snitch from roaming too far.

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

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their Lake Superior brooms. Albus saw Jesse James release the Snitch and wait a few bit before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his manus and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his wand, Harry conjured a declamatory wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

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

`` You 've got to conjure two More, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too slow for you. ``

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

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

They continued playing for a match hours, taking short breach to perch. Albus managed to mark a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a while of catching and releasing the fink, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to save many goal with both his sons passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to phone it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld topographic point tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the number 1 chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note to any new readers out there, I highly recommend you read Albus ceramicist and the mystery Within, which can be found on my author varlet.

Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my early baby and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would select Albus to Diagon Alley a half hr ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past thirty minutes.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to use up Albus to Diagon Alley. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his hooey. Ok, I 'll blab to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the speech sound and set it down on the windowsill.

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

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

Albus followed his dad to the open fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky cauldron. The pub was very push since it was a Saturday. Albus tried to glance through the crew in order to determine his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

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

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the open fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the bibulous wizard as he and Albus walked past the bar. The crew parted in ordering to allow them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted Matt and his parents at one of the tables in the dorsum. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

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

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

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so beaming you could make out. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more calendar month and there will be another Baby Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The chemical group ordered their intellectual nourishment and a inadequate while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the whole clock time telling each former about their weeks apart while the adult talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' mat asked.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Sorry, Mum, '' mat wiped the pumpkin succus up off the table and turned back to Albus, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yup, he got his alphabetic character a duo calendar week ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course of instruction, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously magical in the family. ``

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

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a footling late. Dad was on the telephone with Dudley trying to convince him to tell Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia. ``

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

Albus, Matt, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to lustrelessness, `` Have fun, and do n't attain too very much hassle. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged flatness tightly, `` I love you, Matthew. Do n't pause to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be fine, Mum, '' Matt replied once his female parent stopped hugging him.

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

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

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple twelvemonth, '' mat eyed the fireplace nervously.

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

`` 12 Grimmauld Place, '' lusterlessness repeated, `` Got it. ``

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

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` turn 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of jet flack and came out in the drawing room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for lustrelessness and his dad to appear.

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

`` You 'd better ill-treat away, '' Albus pulled matte away from the fervor just before Harry appeared.

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

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

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` seed on, you can shed your stuff in my room. ``

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Canicula 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and shadow clobber in it. The Black house was pretty involved in the Dark Arts. Except for Sirius, and his brother Regulus changed his opinion at the end of his life sentence and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get about of the night poppycock out. ``

`` well, that 's good, '' mat said as they entered the next floor.

`` My room 's the last one on the rightfulness, but first I 've got to show you something, '' Albus led lusterlessness into one of the other room, `` This is James 's elbow room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your pal 's not very neat, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a plenty of muddy school robe and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the paries, `` Here 's what I wanted to establish you, '' he pointed to a picture of four boys, `` Sirius put a lot of pictures up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up well-nigh of them, but he left this one. It 's my granddad, Sirius, chemise 's dad, and Saint Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt stared at the scene, `` So that 's Moony, the only early, you know, to accept gone to Hogwarts ? ``

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

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

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

`` Sure, '' lusterlessness replied, turning away from the characterization. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few days later, john arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their meter playing plot and talking. toilet was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to rose wine 's family to toy Quidditch a few time. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after Rose prodded them a few times.

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

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

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to believe. He had given his Quaker the heroic duty tour of Grimmauld Place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one blank space he had yet to show them. `` Want to explore the attic ? '' he grinned mischievously.

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

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

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

Albus led his friends down the lobby and towards the steps. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The noodle of Number 12 Grimmauld topographic point was a very gravid way, filled with old box seat and furniture. It was dark, cramped, and moth-eaten and hard to motivate around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

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

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

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

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the life-threatening and saturnine stuff. ``

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

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to examine the tray, `` It 's got the lightlessness menage peak on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' lusterlessness had walked over to the solely room access leading off the room, besides the one they had come in.

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

`` Why not ? '' matt asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sothis 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's horrible. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a relocation appeal to get it up here. He could n't banish it from the house, though. There 's some sort of charm on it that keeps it in the household. ``

`` What did she do to make you go along her up here ? '' John asked.

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

`` She sounds horrible, '' Matt agreed.

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

`` bet at all this ! '' John grinned, `` The unit box is filled with image hooey. chalice, silverware. '' John pulled out a very large candelabrum and examined it. `` Are those, snake ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabra that would reserve candles. Each of them was a snake 's oral sex, and the candle would sit in the snake 's mouth.

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

`` Not to mention the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John Lackland bent down and continued to look through the box, while Matt watched them. `` Funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another ash gray item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not often gold up here. If the Blacks were so full-bodied, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Uh, yeah, all wolfman are, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` That 's occupy, '' John said.

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

`` wellspring, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` There 's not much ash gray in the Gryffindor common room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boy all laughed.

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

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and stood up, `` Let 's find another box, one that does n't give birth silver in it. ``

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

`` Are there any without silver ? '' John asked after they 'd looked at at least ten different boxes.

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

`` Excellent, '' John the Divine sat down and opened the box. Albus and matte joined him and started pulling stuff and nonsense out.

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

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

`` Broken Snitch, '' matte announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quills, naught too exciting. ``

`` hold, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small, worn out leather book at the bottom. It did n't look much like a textbook book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in secrecy, while John and mat looked over his berm. On the first Sir Frederick Handley Page was a picture of four boy. `` It 's photo album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few pages, noticing that the characterization were always of the Saami four boys, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' John asked.

`` I think they 're the marauder, '' Albus pointed to a picture of a messy haired boy with glass, `` Because that is definitely my grandfather. ``

`` shuffling sense, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' bathroom agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the light chubby one has got to be Simon Peter Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the tightfitting boy.

`` Wow, '' Matt whispered, `` question if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to change by reversal the pages, looking at each photo. It was a bit strange looking at all these pictures and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their residence hall, in the unwashed way, on the grounds, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping willow tree in the background. There were also a couple of Saint James the Apostle playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, can, and matte. They all looked so happy. It felt eldritch to know that only a few days after these pictures had been taken, Saint Peter the Apostle would give away James and Lily. The Marauders had trusted each other with their lifespan, literally. variety of like how Albus trusted his protagonist. But they would never betray each other. Albus knew that. None of them were rat like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a daughter started appearing in a lot of the pictures. She would have her sleeve wrapped around King James I and would osculate him every once in a while.

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

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their years of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very last page and saw that the last flick was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their shoal robe, holding sheepskin. They all wore immense grinning on their faces.

`` Graduation, '' trick commented.

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

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

`` I think I 'll keep it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to lack it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the photo album and a folded up part of sheepskin fell out.

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

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost blank. In one of the niche were four very diminished paw photographic print. `` No it 's not. reckon, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

John the Evangelist and mat peered at the lambskin and looked at the paw print. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

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

`` It 's blank, though, '' trick commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old piece of sheepskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a touch that it was n't a meaningless piece of parchment. After all, to the fair mortal, the marauder 's Map was just a nonmeaningful piece of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his torso once the son returned to Albus 's room.

******

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

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

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

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

`` Like my demo ? '' Albus hinted.

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

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

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

Harry was right. This clip, lusterlessness did not inhale nearly as lots smoke and managed to not return over as he arrived at the burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

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

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Yeah, this is toilet Brickston and lustrelessness Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to satisfy you, '' mollie smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your service in the kitchen. Harry, would you help Ron set up the tabular array in the yard ? ``

The grownup quickly left to set up for the company, leaving Albus and the early kids alone.

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

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

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

`` Pretty much, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red tomentum, hazard are they 're related. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` For about a one-half time of day. We flooed, '' Rose told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` Took me xv transactions to stop coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' flatness assured her, `` I had n't done it in year, but I did it to get to Albus 's planetary house. take me forever to discontinue coughing. But then when we came here, I was OK. ``

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

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

`` Did Dudley separate them ? '' rose wine asked.

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

`` Wow, '' rosiness replied, `` Still ca n't believe it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, youngster ! '' Bill had appeared adjacent to the tabular array, holding what appeared to be a gigantic Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` splendid ! '' Albus grinned.

eyeshade set the pinata down on the board and glanced out across the pace. `` Oi ! teddy bear ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his hair scarlet and gold for the occasion, came running over to the tabular array. `` trusted ! We doing it in the centre of the yard ? ``

`` That would probably be ripe, '' card replied. The two of them set off to clear a place for the pinata.

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

`` Hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come up over here now ! '' shimmy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousins ran over to teddy bear. Albus, pink wine, and their booster managed to push their way through the crowd to the front.

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

pink wine went first. Bill put a blind-fold good luck charm over her heart and handed her an old broom. teddy bear levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed hitting, her routine was over. Albus was up next. He took the Calluna vulgaris from Rose and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his birthday party, but he was never very good at it.

`` To the right hand ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the Scots heather around to his rightfulness, but did n't make contact with anything. shimmy always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Omar Bradley 's going to burst it open, '' Albus said once his turn was over. `` He does at everyone 's parties. ``

`` well, this is the kind of affair a beater would be trade good at, '' pink wine pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a spell and no one had managed to even touch it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the picayune kids had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the firstly one to actually touch the pinata with the heather, but she did n't make any progression in smashing it assailable. matte actually managed to hit himself in the head with the broom, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

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

John was up next and he hit the pinata with a loud compaction that sounded like it should have smashed the unit thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' Teddy grinned, `` It 'll take a few more of those. ``

As common, Omar Nelson Bradley was the one to give the final snow to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to seize the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his protagonist each got a large bag of sweets.

`` Time for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and Rose sat down at one one of the tabular array next to two large stacks of nowadays. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, sugariness, Weasley sensation Wheezes products, and respective article of clothing items. Soon, there was just one present left.

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

Albus took the box and rupture the wrappings off. Excitement washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is bloody glorious ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

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

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

`` You will, '' Epistle of James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the yard with his friends and cousin following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The evening air felt aplomb as he soared higher and higher. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The acceleration was tremendous and it turned at the slightest touch. Albus flew around the one thousand for a few minutes, enjoying the frisson that only flying could fetch. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his for the first time toy broom on his low gear birthday. He promptly crashed into a tree diagram the succeeding day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as James was. After a few Thomas More minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' John asked.

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

`` Of course ! '' bathroom took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the succeeding one-half hour lending his broom to his first cousin and friends. They all agreed that it was a superb broom and that Albus was sure to make Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch squad.

Molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a gravid figure of citizenry, there was always a good bit of dissonance about which squad were the best. Matt was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley cannon fan and the two of them defended their team to the rest of the group.

The evening ended with a magnificent Gryffindor lion shaped cake that mollie had made. Hermione had enchanted it to thunder realistically when it was showtime cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's syndicate were some of the hold out to leave.

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

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

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld lieu and waited for john and Matt. They appeared a few minutes later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' mat yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your kinsperson is fun. brand me wish I had some cousins. ``

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

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

`` The lonesome one of my cousins coming to Hogwarts this year is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

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

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, commodity dark. ``

`` Night, '' John replied.

`` night, '' Matt said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sis and my buddy. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their critical review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John, and flatness were all standing outside the Leaky cauldron. The Muggle side. It was a few days after Albus and rosebush 's natal day party and matte was meeting his parents to go domicile in a couple hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few time of day early so they could buy their new playscript. Harry also decided that it would be a good clock time to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's provision.

A few minutes later a blue sedan pulled up to the curb. A rather prominent blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short brunette charwoman, and two Thomas Kid. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so marvelous than flatness, and a bit on the chubby side. His hair's-breadth was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's young sister, Bethany, had inherited her Father 's blond hair and was about a promontory shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

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

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

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll babble more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in sight while they followed Harry out the back door. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon back street appeared in nominal head of them. `` This is Diagon Alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your illusion hooey ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The outset thing you 'll want to do is set up an account at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the prominent white building at the end of the street. `` Sudanese pound wo n't buy much here. You have to use magician money, Galleons, Sickles, and Knut. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about champion money. `` Dad, can me, John the Evangelist, and mat go facial expression at the shops by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a import, `` I 'll take Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and testify them around. Why do n't you get hold of Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can fill you at Flourish and Blotts in an minute. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not have to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really for certain where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a Bench outside tone Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my acquaintance, John and matte. ``

`` Are your parents witches and wizards, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' John replied. mat nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden 's oral fissure fell open air, `` Like witch do in movies ? ``

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

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

Albus, privy, and matte spent a just twenty moment telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

`` I suppose, '' Gospel According to John shrugged, `` But it 's fun, better than that variation Muggles play. Football or something ? ``

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

`` well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' lavatory told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just hold until you first fly a broom, you 'll exchange your head about football. ``

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

`` Not on my theater team. First years are n't allowed to bring. And this twelvemonth the only gap is for a Chaser. My military position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

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

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Does n't know much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' John the Divine whispered to Albus.

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

`` What ? ! ''

`` Well, technically Slytherins are cunning, but most of the evil witches and whizz were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't secern you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's theatrical role of the fun not to have it away. ``

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

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

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's superstar Wheezes, '' John suggested. Although he looked a fiddling taken aback that Kaden did n't desire to look at brooms anymore.

The boys left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant watercourse of question the solid way there. By the time they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit exhaust of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a necromancer had caused him to be more outgoing.

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

`` Joke store, '' John told him, `` Best shop in Diagon alleyway. ``

`` Why thank you, john ! '' George greeted them. `` Hello, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` extendable auricle, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Xmas only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to hear in on conversations people are having. ``

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

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` Speaking of which, we should probably head back to Flourish and Blotts. ``

The boys waved goodbye to George I and left the workshop. Albus, Matt, and whoremaster listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more used to the Wizarding World. They continued their walk to brandish and Blotts while explaining about magical class of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that thaumaturge could appear and melt 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and Apparition and Flooing and all sorts of magic practical joke point, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Well, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the store. wave and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few other people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boy'lists to a cut-rate sale somebody while the boys started looking around.

Albus, trick, and mat had been to this Good Book store numerous times and did n't find anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in lineament Quidditch provision. Kaden, on the former hand, seemed as excited there as he had been in George IV 's shop. He ran all over the workshop, picking up random books and bringing them back to read the other boys.

`` wait at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must have been the tenth time, `` It 's a book about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this response in response to questions about charms, Transfiguration, and defensive attitude spells.

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

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

John stifled a laugh, `` Just time lag until he gets his 1st Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` Look at this Good Book ! '' Kaden came running back a few minutes later with a book entitled, darkness beast : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got thrust about vampires and loup-garou in it ! I did n't have a go at it those were real ! ``

Albus felt Matt stiffen next to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of terror on his face. Albus immediately took the Christian Bible from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the ones in Muggle fairy fib. And you do n't want to read this book. It 's too advanced. You 've got to initiate out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the Word onto a nearby shelf. He did not want Kaden to say about the prejudices necromancer had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another section of the memory and Matt relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the residual of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his baton. In demarcation, lustrelessness was starting to fag out out due to the upcoming full moon moon. By the meter Albus, John, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first wand. He gave it a wafture and one of the abandon wand boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the plosion was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wands for the next fifteen second before finding one that created gold sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the group left the shop. The adjacent stop was the Apothecary and then ma'am Malkin 's. An 60 minutes later, Kaden was all set for his first twelvemonth at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the mathematical group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky caldron. Everyone was thirsty, so they all decided to eat dinner together. Albus, John, matte, and Kaden sat at their own table while the adults and Bethany sat at the other.

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

`` I 'm going to visit some more of my cousin after I go home, '' John told them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't call back people went to St. Mungo 's when they were fine. But he did n't compress for More information, he knew flatness disliked discussing his stipulation, especially around so many people.

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

Matt lifted his head up and nodded. `` I 've just got a headache. I 'll see you on the gear, Albus, John Lackland. Nice to meet you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to matt 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew mat into a sloshed hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

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

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth yr, you can take up lessons. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a mental test to get your permission. ``

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

`` He just did side-along Apparition. soul who 's got their specter license can take up other people with them while they do it. ``

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' St. John told him, `` But matte likes side-along shadow better. ``

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

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

Albus waved adios as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle cosmos. Albus was n't sure what to intend about Kaden. He had n't seen him in long time, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of vitality, that was for surely. Kaden seemed to guess that everything in the wizarding world was dandy. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other evil wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley Family Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 John Rowlands, 7th class Georgia, 6th yr
Gabriella, 6th twelvemonth heather mixture, 5th class Bradley, 4th class
Ben, 3rd yr Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd yr
Eddie, 6 yr old Samantha & lindy hop ( twin ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year rosiness, 2nd yr James, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Hugo, 10 days old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 years old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st year
Bethany- 7 years old

*all in Gryffindor*



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

I also want to invite everyone to check out my Meet the writer page on the meeting place. There 's a link to it in my visibility. feeling unloose to ask about my stories or writiing in universal there.


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


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to St. James the Apostle and Albus, `` It 's already one-quarter to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the crowd world-beater 's Cross station. James was right next to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front man of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The Potters were running late, very late. It was September first and the Hogwart 's Express would be leaving in exactly fifteen minutes. The whole break of day had been very hotfoot. Albus woke up late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the night before working on his Transfiguration essay, and King James I always woke up late. Then, James could n't find his practice stoolpigeon and refused to will before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really certain how it got there.

But because of all this, the thrower crime syndicate was now practically running through King 's Cross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on meter. This was earning them many strange facial expression from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated owls on their trolleys.

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

`` I 'll stay here and hold back for the Dursleys, '' Harry said as he glanced at his scout. It appeared that the Dursleys were even later than the Potters.

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

Albus nodded and ran through the roadblock. A few moment later, Albus was standing on chopine 9 3/4, and rose wine was running up to him.

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

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

`` A bit ? ! The train 's leaving in seven minutes ! ``

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

`` I 'll lade your shorts, '' Ron appeared and took King James I and Albus 's trolleys to the train.

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

`` We 're always in force, Mum, '' Saint James the Apostle grinned and slapped Albus on the back, `` Right, Al ? ``

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

Ginny gave them a stern facial expression, `` I do n't need any bird of Minerva from Professor Kendrick. ``

`` Aw, do n't occupy, Mum, '' James laughed, `` You have n't gotten one yet. ``

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

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

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

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

`` You 've got to get on the string now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the gear door. She gave Saint James the Apostle and Albus a quick hug and snog. `` Bye, kids ! Be good, all of you ! ``

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

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

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

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

`` C'mon, Rose, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find toilet, matt, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that study ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and Rose, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a solid brick wall ? ``

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

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

Albus and Rose continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed tight behind, still wanting to babble out about the barrier. Anything remotely magical seemed to excite him, and Albus had to stifle a gag as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' Rose announced when they were halfway down the train. rose pulled receptive the door and they walked inside. John, matt, Amanda, and a girl with long, pitch blackness, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

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

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

`` I was on time, '' pink wine announced, smirking at Albus.

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

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

`` Yeah, soundly thing you did n't miss the gear. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' John told them. `` By the way, this is my first cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the fille Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this class. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` Hello, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus ceramicist. ``

Isabelle 's eyes opened all-inclusive and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

`` I suppose. It was kind of scary at first, but it does n't bother me much now. ``

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

`` Just waiting until he first gets hexed, '' St. John the Apostle whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's brilliant then. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Mine was good, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon Alley together. Nothing too energize. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He was the appeal instructor, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to steal, er, sure things that would help him attain Voldemort 's apotheosis. And he started a affaire d'honneur with me, John, Amanda, matt, and pink wine. One of his friends dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

Albus sighed and looked at rose, who shrugged. It was going to be a long trip-up. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the part about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure if his dad would require him to evidence Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizards are good, '' Albus finished.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The grouping spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the future Charms teacher would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as back days ), and a great softwood of other stuff. Around luncheon fourth dimension, the witch came around with the trolley and everyone bought vauntingly amounts of intellectual nourishment. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard sweets. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every tone Beans salutary, despite the fact that the first base one he tried was a emesis flavor. When he opened his first Chocolate Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more shocked when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the bill that came with it.

After they polished off the remainder of the sweets, the conversation turned to which houses Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently bathroom and Isabelle 's phratry consisted of an touch number of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't want to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some plaza where her syndicate had been. Kaden on the other deal, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd twist up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't distinguish Kaden this.

Soon the string made it to Hogsmeade station and it was fourth dimension for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the large crowd of bookman exiting onto the platform.

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

Albus lead his chemical group over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

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

`` My first cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John 's cousin-german, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two commencement year standing near him.

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

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

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't hold off to learn how to do something like that. ``

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

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his friends to the carriage, `` I thought he 'd never forget us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his perpetual company to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' John laughed, `` He 's got nerve. ``

`` fountainhead, you 're form of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest empty go-cart. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' John laughed and sat down next to Albus. rosebush, Amanda, and Matt followed after, and sat down on the seat across from them.

`` So, lusterlessness, you were awfully quiet on the gear, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the last contribution of the summer ? ``

matt sighed and glanced around at his friends, `` Yeah .... I just did n't want to tell you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

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

`` I 'm mulct, honestly. It 's just, think back over the summer when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And call up that sketch I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

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

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the reason I was at St. Mungo 's. someone has to observe me after every shift. Usually madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the therapist like to do it at least twice a year. ``

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

`` That makes gumption, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably secern you a bit more about the study. It started when I was 8. For the for the first time 2 years, I did n't get any wolf's bane potion. The succeeding 2 years, I got veritable wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a difference. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been rummy about this study ever since Matt told him about it the previous term, but Albus had been reluctant to ask about it.

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

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas break. I 've got to adopt it a couple days beforehand and it 'll be honest if someone can watch closely, '' Matt told them.

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

`` No, '' flatness said quietly. `` That 's the point of the study, to test the potions. ``

Albus glanced at Matt. He looked a bit scared at the prospect of taking an untested potion. No wonder he had been unruffled on the train. Albus was n't sure if he would require to take an unseasoned potion. Of course, if the potion worked, Matt 's spirit would drastically change for the practiced. But what if it did n't work, what if it had frightful side effects ?

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

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

`` Yeah, '' rosiness agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

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

******

`` Brings back computer storage, does n't it ? '' John said as the first yr filed into the Great Hall.

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

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

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

Professor Patil motioned for the way to be pipe down and the sorting Hat burst out in Sung. Albus had to stifle a jest as he saw Kaden 's mouth surface in blow. Albus knew that hat would amaze his cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, Professor Patil started the Sorting. The first two bookman were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and bathroom 's full cousin walked over to the commode. Patil dropped the hat on her headland and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her swain Hufflepuffs.

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

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

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

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

Patil put the hat on his forefront and after a few second, it opened its brim wide of the mark and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to look at Epistle of James, who was sitting a few seats down, wearing an identical feel of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his head. He was so sure that Kaden would wind up up in Hufflepuff.

`` wellspring, the hat did take an awfully long clip to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got prospect of all the houses. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the eldritch affair you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless Nick, the portraiture on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous former vista of the castle that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting continued and the mathematical group of first eld dwindled until there were only a duo pupil left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other first eld, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must accept been the inaugural year in a yearn sentence that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

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

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to count at his protagonist, who were all starting at each other, `` You do n't think- ''

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

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an alone child at one of the Slug cabaret merging last year. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John as John filled his own home base with as much intellectual nourishment as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' john replied with his mouth full of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, bathroom, '' rose wine screwed up her expression in disgust.

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

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked Kaden.

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

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his other protagonist, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` retrieve what I said about the Charms instructor on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his expression with the respite of his roll.

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

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

Throughout the residual of the fiesta, Albus talked to his Quaker about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. pink wine wanted to founder him the welfare of the doubt and wait and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. lav, on the other hand, was prepare to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did match with his cousin, but did n't think they should pop hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't certainly what to think, and he just thought they should avoid Felix, not trying to be friendly with him or hex him.

Kaden received a nice shock when Nearly-Headless Nick decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the feast. Kaden dropped his paradiddle in surprisal, but another one of his huge grin appeared on his cheek shortly after. He gazed around in astonishment and watched all the ghost circling the room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a spook teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just History of Magic, '' Matt told him, `` wearisome course in the schooltime. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd get it on, would n't you ? '' John joked.

`` Oh, shut it, Saint John, '' Matt laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most boring professor here. ``

Kaden looked a bit disappointed at this, `` Really ? How can a course of study be boring if it 's taught by a wraith ? ``

`` Trust me, the thrill wears off after the first day, '' Matt said.

A few minutes later the food disappeared and desert appeared just moments later. Kaden and John immediately piled their plates with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the residue of their professor and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the staff table and assumed she was the new spell instructor. She was an old witch, with her gray hairsbreadth pulled back in a stiff bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was hard to differentiate as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

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

voicelessness immediately erupted in the elbow room, as to what this big proclamation could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to introduce you to our new good luck charm teacher, Professor Cedonia. '' The old beldam stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very marvelous. She gave a small moving ridge and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of bound, as is the Whomping willow. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping willow ?', with another look of astonishment on his fount. Albus chose to neglect this and went back to paying tending to the headmaster 's speech.

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

Albus, who had experienced the effects of one of his uncle 's new muck bombs, could realize why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the flavour on his nan 's face when Uncle George brought one of the dung dud to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your mansion 's Quidditch team, please give your figure to your head of family. I think those are all the usual announcements. Now, onto the more exciting announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the scholar said a Holy Scripture, `` It has come to my attention that the stress between the sign have been increasing over the past few years. I know that sealed houses have always had rivalry, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too large. I believe we need more wholeness. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

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

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the early professors, believe that their is too much sign of the zodiac rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this year to facilitate it. ``

`` This wo n't be good, '' John muttered under his hint, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to have to be favorable with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to exchange the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This yr, unlike by years, we will suffer inter house squad. ``

`` What ! ? '' nearly of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of pure amazement. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

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

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

`` Thank you for proving my degree, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too a lot contention. I believe this will help alleviate it. You will have to ferment together with members of other theater in order to win the dueling championship. There will be more details to stick to during the first meeting of the Dueling Club. As always, the club is open to second age and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. number one eld do n't know enough spells to join. But you can join succeeding twelvemonth. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' James asked, `` That 's not inter house, is it ? ``

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

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

`` I think those are all the promulgation I have for now. I suggest you all get a salutary nighttime 's residue for classes tomorrow dawning. beginning geezerhood, please follow a Prefect to your plebeian room. Good night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

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

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' mat agreed, `` I 'm not surely it 's going to have the core Kendrick wants. ``

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

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

`` zero could do that, '' privy said.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. john, blush wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` commodity, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just bear to hope I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

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

Albus and his Quaker continued their trek to Gryffindor tug, and the conversation turned to the new magic spell teacher. None of them could think what prof Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very stern look about her all during the spread. When they got to the common room, they all decided to take Kendrick up on his advice and good turn in betimes. They were all tired from the journeying to Hogwarts. Albus got into his lovesome four-poster bed, and realized that with Professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency ambition he had last yr. With that felicitous thought in his question, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



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

Quote that Kendrick said in his speech communication was said by Abraham Lincoln and all credit goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That night, which is about the nighttime Matt got bitten. If you want to contain it out, the link is in my visibility.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got succeeding ? '' Saint John asked at lunch the next day. The Gryffindor sec yr had just gotten back from a particularly drilling History of Magic social class. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as History of Magic.

Albus looked at his agenda, `` Double Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this twelvemonth. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for Transfiguration, '' matte groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his plate with food, `` The course of instruction are brilliant here ! There is n't any maths or English people year ! ``

`` English people ? '' bathroom laughed, `` Why in the name of Merlin would they teach us to speak English ? ``

`` Muggles shoot English stratum in schooltime, can, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and record literature. ``

`` Oh, '' John replied, `` Sounds drilling. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for DoD first this morning ; it was so neat. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great dormitory and towards the step that lead to the dungeon.

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

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

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

`` Of all the family to have with them, '' Albus muttered.

The pupil stood outside the dungeon, in separate mathematical group of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to arrive. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, succeeding to Matt.

`` Ah, my two favored Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his handwriting together, `` Just let me run through attendance real quick. '' Slughorn read off the names of all the students, `` Excellent, fantabulous, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a double class today, I thought a fiddling contest would be appropriate ! Let 's see how a good deal you remember from last year. The partners that brew the adept Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his student. The Gryffindors were on one position of the room, Slytherins on the other, lots like it had been in the old yr.

`` I 'm sure you all heard Professor Kendrick 's speech terminal night, about the fact that the school day needs to be more mingle, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically serious timbre, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a good idea to have inter-house married person this year. ``

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

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the schoolmaster in that there needs to be lupus erythematosus tenseness between the houses. So, please cease moaning. I 'm sure you 'll observe that you can work together for the afternoon. I will read off the couplet and then you may motivate. ``

Slughorn picked up another spell of parchment and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda tagging program, bathroom Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, Matt Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

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

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

Could be unsound, Albus thought. He did n't really fuck Jackson, although he did know that Thomas Jackson was an excellent Potions brewer. Albus was becoming with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Katherine Mansfield is with St. Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with Rose Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his parchment and tapped his wand on the black board. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave Matt a tepid smile that Matt did not return, and Albus got up to link up Andrew Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpio Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated butt. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredients, you light a blast. ``

Albus nodded and lit a blast beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting component from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few minute of arc later and he and Albus started to groom the factor. They worked in quiet the whole fourth dimension. Albus did n't jazz what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each early, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to mat, that Matt was trying hard to cut. rosiness was telling Vivien Leigh something and Vivien Leigh looked like she was ready to hex Rose. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the incorrectly direction, and whoremonger looked like he wanted to cry. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

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

He leaned over the caldron and prodded it with his sceptre. `` Excellent ! Well done, boys ! I think we have a winner ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of burnt umber and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please show chapter one of your book and drop a line a six inch sum-up of it for succeeding class. ``

Albus and his acquaintance cleaned up their cauldrons as quickly as they could. They met up with each other just outside the dungeon door. `` fountainhead, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

matte, John, and rose all stared at him with looking at of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' matt muttered. whoremonger and Rose both nodded.

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

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' blush wine replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a give-and-take I say, so we were both doing the same instruction over again ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

******

The next morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw second years found themselves waiting outside the Charms classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all bore to see what she was like. Albus did n't handle what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the ship's bell rang, Professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a word to her educatee as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with St. John the Apostle and Matt.

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

`` Only if she tries to translate my brain, '' Albus whispered back.

`` Quiet, please, '' Professor Cedonia said in a quiet, but forceful, vox. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was satisfy that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last twelvemonth of pedagogy in this subject was to a lesser extent than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this class. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent More time in custody with professor Washburn than in class with him. I do not believe that that is a good way of teaching. Now, do n't get me ill-timed, if there is any misbehavior, I will hand detentions, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather find out why a scholarly person is misbehaving and employment to fix it, than just contribute out detentions like they 're innocent samples. ``

`` I think I 'm going to wish her, '' matt whispered. Albus and toilet nodded.

`` For example, some educatee cause chaos because they are bored with class. I do not require you to be bored in my schoolroom. If you are, delight feel absolve to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd like to start off with a review of last twelvemonth. Please take out your parchment and quill feather. ``

The repose of the course of instruction was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking banker's bill, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to answer a interrogative sentence you did n't cognise, like Washburn had done. The former half was spent practicing charm they had learned lastly year. Albus found that he was much better at magical spell when he was n't being watched by a instructor who hated him. He actually managed to hover his textbook a couple up feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like Charms this twelvemonth, '' John the Divine announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her last yr. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to possess so much Sir Thomas More free time this year without all the hold, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just have to do other things to earn detentions, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed, `` Like pull caper on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to flummox them at the Dueling gild, '' Rose said, `` You could n't get in difficulty for that. ``

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

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

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

`` When 's the for the first time group meeting, anyway ? '' matt asked.

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

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

`` trade good, '' Albus said, relieved that lusterlessness would not be missing the first of all Dueling ball club meeting.

******

The residue of the week passed by quickly. Albus and his acquaintance fell right back into their common Hogwarts routine. They spent their eventide in the usual room either doing preparation or just talking and playing games. Kaden usually spent the evenings with him. Kaden seemed to spend time with Albus 's grouping rather than the other Gryffindor first twelvemonth. Albus was not sure why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The just clock time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during social class. category were going well so far. Albus was doing much better in spell with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the same as the previous class in the relief of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling clubhouse. The first encounter was taking property that afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his friend went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole school was joining. Well, everyone except the initiatory years.

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

`` Probably, '' rose wine replied, `` There are n't many the great unwashed who do n't join. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to bet at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past years, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the even Dueling social club. If you 're second, third, or fourth yr, you have to join the Jr cabaret. If you 're in fifth year or above, please follow prof Longbottom to the next room where you will have your get together. ``

`` fountainhead that 's a ministration, '' lustrelessness commented as the previous students left the elbow room, `` I did n't picture dueling with seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My first cousin Sir Henry Morton Stanley is a magnificent dueller. I would n't want to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't fuck, '' John grinned and pulled out his baton, `` I bet I could take on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' Rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his scepter. `` Now, as you know, prof Kendrick has decided that we will not have mansion team this yr. There will be eight team, just like last year, but they will bear members from each house on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the gang. Everyone was standing in group consisting of students of their own household. Albus sighed, he had variety of hoped that prof Kendrick would change his head, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will cause lupus erythematosus tensity between the house, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work on much like Quidditch. Each team captain will set up practice clock time, and there will be competitor throughout the year. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll enjoin you who the captains will be. professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last-place yr, based on your performance. All the maitre d' are one-fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davies, April Finch-Fletchley, Paul the Apostle Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty Heath. ``

There was a large amount of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the headwaiter. Albus did n't sleep together any of the sea captain besides his cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Tom Bradley 's team.

The quietus of the get together consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a squad. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the sole two Gryffindor first days on that squad. Epistle of James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very relieved that his headwaiter was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to collaborate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so sword lily I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' matt said, as they entered the common way after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions partner, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling squad, too. ``

`` Good item, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your master. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your senior pilot ! '' John shouted. Rose nodded. She and John both had Slytherin police chief, but not the same I. King John 's captain was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the doorway leading to the son'dormitories, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a spell ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the hot seat next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of free energy. Albus was beginning to enquire if Kaden could locate down enough to catch some Z's. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational encounter. We got assigned team, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't lie with. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't wait to join the Dueling Club side by side twelvemonth. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his verge and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` view it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his eyes, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch sales talk and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I come, please ? Flying lessons start next week. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your broom ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not want Kaden on his new heather. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would doss it. `` You can fare lookout man, I guess. But sorry, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's fount fell a bit, but he still looked excited, `` All right hand, let 's go ! At least I can observe you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be better than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his ally, `` You lot want to occur ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll bring my heather and assist you exercise. ``

`` I 'll fall, '' flatness agreed.

`` Do n't call up so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to stay here with me, Amanda. '' pink wine gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and trick grabbed their brooms from their dormitory and the four boys left the park room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playacting Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole fourth dimension, amazed that ling could enable people to fly. He still thought football game was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would change his judgement. John Lackland let Matt fly his broom for a lilliputian piece and Albus practiced his pursuer skills with both of them. By the metre night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and lustrelessness were sure enough he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my former sister and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

Just to let everyone roll in the hay, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of next week instead of Thursday. I might give birth to switch my update day to Friday instead of Th from now on, since school is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the following day feeling very queasy. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the good afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent almost of the morning in the common elbow room with his friends, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding Snap with trick, who was putting off his preparation until the shoemaker's last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor tabular array during lunch and wished Albus secure luck. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch pitching with his new broom over his shoulder joint. rosebush, John, Matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the palace to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitch and see how many early people were trying out. He did n't desire to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castling. The radical continued their walk to the pitch, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his first workweek at Hogwarts. Albus did n't retrieve Kaden would ever run out of affair to say, and found his constant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to get a line about how professor Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's metamorphosis class the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his former younger cousin-german. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

lavatory, Matt, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stand while Albus went down to the turgid crowd of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other Chaser wannabee gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Sir Henry Morton Stanley 's booster, two burly looking sixth year boys who looked like they 'd make serious Beaters than Chasers, a couple twenty percent year girl, quite a few fourthly and 3rd years, and even a crowd of first eld. After a few more minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the storage locker way, lead by Albus 's cousin, Georgia. Georgia had become the new captain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head word had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld situation, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` Attention, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the crowd. She had a very loud vocalisation and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available maculation this year, for chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last year 's role player off, so if any of you are seeking a spot early than chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few groans from the crowd, and the two sixth class boy stalked off the domain. One of the fourth years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm grim but the rules have not changed since last twelvemonth, and commencement class are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available post. '' The rather large group of first long time scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken care of, '' Peach State pulled out a snip board, `` First, I 'll require to see you all fly around the auction pitch. fifth part through 7th eld first. ``

Albus watched as the older scholarly person flew around the pitch a few times. Empire State of the South watched them carefully and wrote billet on her clip circuit board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year missy. She kept lurching downwards every prison term she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few turns around the slant, the older students landed next to Georgia.

`` Good. But I 'm meritless, Carrie, '' Georgia turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't intend you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the outdoor stage. She did n't look too disappointed and Albus suspected the only cause she tried out was because the other fifth class missy did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's play to fly around the lurch. He took off along with the third and fourth years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a commodity flier. He sped around the pitch, going faster than the former students. Albus noticed that they were majuscule fliers as well, even full than the 7th and fifth yr who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Sakartvelo grinned as Albus landed in front of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the respite of the team. ``

During the future part of the try-outs, all the pursuer wannabe went up into the air along with the rest of the team and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The same could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only former person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth geezerhood, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' Peach State smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe Bourne and Albus Potter. '' The other hopefuls sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Georgia simulated a real number mates, in order to find out who fit honest with the squad. Albus, who had played Chaser with his first cousin legion times, worked quite well with Calluna vulgaris and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very easy to pass with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm sorry, Gabe, feel free to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the squad clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James I grinned.

`` Figures, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to pick your first cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' St. James the Apostle commented. `` You obviously worked better with Scots heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the pitching. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' Matt agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is bright. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stay and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the rest of the team spent the wholly afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. GA was very happy that Albus worked so well with Heather and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a couple weeks for the new chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit mightily in. Georgia was sure they would be fix for the first base peer, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrayal hole the undermentioned Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two 60 minutes and Albus just got back from snagging a of late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a duo nights a calendar week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any meter for anything other than homework. He could only think what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the week.

Albus immediately spotted John Lackland and lustrelessness sitting at their common mesa in the vertebral column. He looked longingly at the room access leading to the dormitories. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had uranology at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few mo to deposit his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the spell that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a president at the tabular array his admirer were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as flatness does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as wipe out as lustrelessness did. The broad moon was that night matt was sleeping with his foreland on his transfiguration book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her History of conjuration notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrayal open and saw Kaden coming in, looking More subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrong ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that Matt woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its common tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in dearest with everything magical and it did n't look like you thought anything was bad in the wizard world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single class and did n't possess a complaint. I knew that would commute once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, come on, how can I write a fundament long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into acerate leaf ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your match changes, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can dilute that into a invertebrate foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't call up Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of lambskin. ``

`` Two rolls ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk tranquil ? '' lustrelessness whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to look at flatness. `` You look terrible. You should go see brothel keeper Pomfrey. You know sorcerous fixes everything ! It 's bewilder. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an New York minute ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' mat muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's bone with her sceptre. It was brilliant. She 'll sustain you better in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and privy shot Kaden warning looking at. Albus willed his full cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no idea what Matt went through every calendar month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding world was wonderful and that magic fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just leave it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John the Evangelist, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to come ? ``

`` No, I 'm delicately, '' Matt replied and left the unwashed room.

`` Is he going to see gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't fuck why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the in conclusion straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin with a look of madness in his oculus. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't ring him stupid ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and John could learn him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see lady Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a Word. His usual cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a spirit of seismic disturbance and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitories and went up the stairs without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at toilet, who was wearing a look of shock on his face as well. `` I do n't think I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to tell Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should have stopped talking when flatness said dame Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' John the Evangelist asked, `` Do n't you conceive you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to teach not to adjoin into Matt 's sickness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the prison term. ``

`` I 'm not certainly he will anymore, '' john replied.

The two friends sat in silence for the next few minute of arc. Albus thought about what privy had said. Maybe he had been too harsh. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to put out Matt. But Kaden had practically called lusterlessness stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from expenditure time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't trusted. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to stop disbursement time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger first cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' rosebush said as she and Amanda sat down at the mesa. `` Oh, did matt leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' pink wine asked.

`` He 'd ingest been ameliorate if it was n't for Kaden, '' lavatory pointed out.

rosebush groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's variety of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that matt go get a potion from dame Pomfrey because he looked purge, '' toilet told the young lady. Albus was perfectly leave to let lav severalize the story. `` And of course he looked spue, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't have it away that, of course of action, and he would n't stop telling mat how magic can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' Rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` Matt left. I think he really did have to leave then, but I 'm sure enough he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your first cousin does n't always know the best thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John announced.

`` What ? ! '' both missy shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' toilet replied, `` Probably would have turned into a big row if Kaden had n't consume just left. He 's in his hall right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a little annoyed that rosiness seemed defeated, `` And you would possess to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how wizard fixes everything. I told him that there are some affair that ma'am Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to mention them around lustrelessness. I also yelled at him because he practically called Matt stupid. Kaden said Matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' rosiness replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could let said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a rasping time adjusting and making ally. Having you raging with him is n't going to help things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be tranquility once and a patch, he 'd induce ally, '' Albus muttered.

`` well, you can apologise in the morning, '' Rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even hump why that upset matt, '' rosebush insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to rationalize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a werewolf. `` All right, fine. I 'll apologize. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' St. John assured him.

`` Boys, '' rosebush muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely bore when he trudged down to breakfast with his ally the next morning. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six 60 minutes of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was foreign because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the uncouth room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would have to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of Orange River juice. He was glad that it was a relatively wanton day. Double Herbology in the morning and then a single social class of Potions after lunch. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit Matt in the Hospital Wing. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the Hospital Wing sleeping instead of going to socio-economic class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The C. W. Post hooter flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the letter, and the owl was off again.

`` alphabetic character from Aunt Ginny ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your kickoff two week have gone well.
I 'm glad the new charm teacher is Nice, and I do hope
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

felicitation on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very stir as well and is
telling me that she is going to turn the new
custodian after Georgia alumna. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called last dark and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last night. I realize that Kaden
may have been less than likable with Matt, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a approximative
clock time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything witching, but he has not made a
whole lot of friends. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With lovemaking,
Mum

Albus folded the letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to rationalize to Kaden. Did n't anyone understand that Kaden had been out of line shoemaker's last night ? privy seemed to call up so, but thought Albus should consume been nicer about it.

`` Aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' pink wine commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to apologize to Kaden.

`` Well, looks like you 'll have to apologize later, '' Rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to rationalize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his ally. Neville spent the lesson teaching about Mandrakes and helping the family to re-pot them. Albus found rather easy, but not everyone in the class did. One of the devil's apples attached itself to Karina 's hair and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at luncheon and did n't bear time to go discover him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not need to apologize. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was talk. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, only to be prodded awake by rosiness who was sitting future to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sis and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to travel to mat like they usually did after a full lunar month. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't for sure what he would say in society to shake off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and inspect matt with them.

`` Hello, kids, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the Montgomery Ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed matte usually stayed in and pulled back the drape. Matt was sporting legion snub all over his face and limb, a Black eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's sleeping, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the curtain behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really surprising, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should issue forth back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awake, '' lustrelessness mumbled hoarsely and opened his oculus a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since hold up night, '' Albus told him.

matte breathed a sigh of moderation, `` near. I was trying to come up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't have to. ``

`` I do n't cogitate you 're going to have to interest about that, '' John the Evangelist replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last Night he was so blooming irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' Saint John told him, and proceeded to tell Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' matt said quietly when John had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No trouble. I 'm not going to let him border into why you 're regorge all the clock time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd take care if he did n't spend as much time with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been spoiled, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few erupt rib, but madam Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of track. ``

`` When do you get to impart ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sun, '' matte yawned.

`` Do you require us to leave so you can sleep ? '' rose wine asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to sleep. Tell me what I missed in class. ``

`` wellspring, a mandrake attached itself to Karina 's hair's-breadth in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' Rose announced, `` I had to stir up him up a few sentence. ``

`` I was n't at peace. I was just closing my centre for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in uranology ? ``

`` Not much. Just review, mostly. Phases of the moon, that kind of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was well-chosen that lustrelessness was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his stipulation with them.

Albus and the others spent the oddment of the prison term until dinner in the infirmary Wing with Matt. Once dinner party time came, gentlewoman Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd have to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the chance to during dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus and his Quaker went up to the common room to get started on their growing mickle of homework.

`` You should go talking to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't feel like authorship, but he 'd rather write it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, rosiness. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' rose wine pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' Saint John told him as he twirled his quill around his finger, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and recount him not to bother mat anymore. Make sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm much flashy than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be cultured to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not near ally. ``

`` That 'll never bump, '' Albus rolled his center. `` Oh, hunky-dory, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowd together park way to the chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text record and writing the occasional note down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chair opposite his cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm drab for yelling at you last night, '' Albus said as he picked at a wanton thread on the chair. `` I did n't really mean to untune you. I just wanted you to stop telling Matt to go to the infirmary Wing. He told you to stop and you did n't. ``

`` Well, I thought lady Pomfrey could just contribute him a potion and he 'd be all sound, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a tepid laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're queasy. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to sympathise that trick did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that conjuring trick ca n't fix everything. I do n't think you get that yet. I know it 's hard to come into the sorcerous public after living in the Muggle one for eleven class. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be advantageously off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunty Hermione- ''

`` I think magic trick is bloody splendid ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the thing ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic is vivid ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's magic after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't hump about deception. Most of them think magic can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just give birth to get word that for yourself, if you do n't believe me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all conjuring trick is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do sleep with that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other thing. You 've got to see that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his lyric carefully so as not to present away lusterlessness 's secret, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're spoilt than your mean cold or flu, and the Healers, those are magical MD, have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a dear bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just wave your baton and make it practiced ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to believe of a way of putting this in a Muggle perspective. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even Rose. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I surmisal magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. therapist try to find out cures just like doctors do. doc ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very severely to cure. `` Doctor of the Church try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's heart opened wide and he whispered, `` Matt 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizardly version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets vomit up every once and a while. What you 've got to sympathise is that ma'am Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't promise him stupid for not going to see madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his brain solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to tell you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't think he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, properly Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't verbalise about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other first old age, or anyone. Do n't mention that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. foretell me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all part of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to hail sit with us ? '' Albus was n't certainly what his friends would suppose of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's cheek and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down adjacent to Albus at breakfast the following Mon.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd unsay his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find out a time for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been grueling than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice. I do n't intend the whole team will be able to match at the Saame time ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all right. The team I was on go yr rarely ever met at the same time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday eve will work for a lot of mass. Can you pull in it ? ``

Albus thought for a second. He had been wondering when the low gear dueling pattern would take place. John and rose wine had already been to their outset praxis. mat missed his because it took berth while he was in the hospital wing. `` I should be able-bodied to piss it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to professor potter and he said it 's liberal. I 've got to go public lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for go, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a encounter ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't waitress to initiate dueling mass. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's moderately brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new charm yet, but I got to disarm a couple the great unwashed. ``

`` I disarmed a partner off third years at my get together, '' Rose announced. `` I 'm excited about learning new spell, though. ``

`` compliments I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll take a shit it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every group meeting. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First days are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid ruler'and left to go to his initiative class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' rose announced. Albus and his Friend left the Great Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The succeeding few 24-hour interval seemed to cart on for an eternity. Albus was very excite about the dueling practice and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice session on Tues, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 former educatee, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couple more scholarly person ran into the elbow room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood side by side to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the squad. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th class Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house team this yr, but we 'll possess to deal with it. It 's not easily for me, either. Last year, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this yr we have to lodge four.

`` Professor potter, professor Longbottom, or one of the other professor will manage the practices, at to the lowest degree for the outset few. But if you have an subject, please come to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our first meeting, I 'd just like to assess what dueling skills you 've got. So pair off and demilitarize each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each other. `` make ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm quick. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand quiver in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her paw and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each other for the next fifteen minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a couple meter, but she was n't nearly as in force at it as Albus was.

`` All right wing ! '' Kate shouted, `` Switch partners, everyone ! Preferably somebody who 's not in your house. ``

`` thrower, '' Malfoy appeared adjacent to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a adept dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just demilitarize him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate squad, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the trading floor with you in a real duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's wand flew out of his deal and landed a couple feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a better dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your worst, thrower, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the force he could muster. Malfoy 's wand left his hand and landed a couple feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, ceramist, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some with child duellist in here. With a little practice, I 'm sure we 'll work over the early squad. I think for simpleness, I 'll harbour practice every week this like day and meter. It might be in a dissimilar elbow room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't interest if you ca n't bring in all the meeting. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone adjacent hebdomad. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I talk to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the common room. ``

`` All right, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a chance to blab to you much, '' Harry said once the room was hollow. He walked over to a distich chair and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the hot seat next to his dad.

`` I 'm happy you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too glad. ``

`` Yeah, a span thought I just got on the squad because Sakartvelo 's captain. And Ryan 's the only one who 's not a Weasley or a ceramist on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a big chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the best one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have classes been ? ``

`` mulct. appeal is much better than last year. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the usual kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad thing, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her classes under control. I think the other teachers could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd love it if cypher gave out hold anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some hassle with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheeks turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` Glad to get wind it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problem, find free to fall to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't make out when to take leave sometimes. ``

`` Some people are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to potter Puppet Pals.




The instant one-half of September passed the Sami way the low gear one-half had. Albus 's days were filled with classes, homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling pattern. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new magic spell in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to perplex Albus in one of the pattern duels, but he had yet to succeed. The number one dueling meet was n't until the end of Oct and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent wave fixture in Albus 's group of ally. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the rough-cut way, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in socio-economic class and because of this, Albus and his supporter were spending much lupus erythematosus time in the room of Requirement than they had the second one-half of their kickoff year. They seemed to consume come to an unspoken agreement not to express Kaden the elbow room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the way might be the only plaza in Hogwarts where they could go.

The minute Dominicus of October, Albus found himself looking for his admirer after a particularly long Quidditch praxis. He shouldered his ling, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the rook. It was a tender fall day, not a swarm in the sky, and a chill cinch was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his first taste of Quidditch practice in the rainfall a couple weeks back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed John Lackland and Matt sitting a couple G away from the Whomping willow tree, beneath another Tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round piece of plastic attached to a long string. Albus went over to John the Evangelist and Matt and sat down next to them.

`` How was drill ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our preparation, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden manoeuvre with that Muggle toy, '' lusterlessness laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the piece of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really trivial, '' Matt commented, `` But I must have lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could have the tending duet to play with that toy.

`` About 15 minutes, '' matte told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his sceptre a span sentence, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to Gospel According to John and lustrelessness, `` Where are blush wine and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the rook, doing preparation, probably, '' Saint John replied, `` They did n't want to get outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow tree. `` D'you think that tree could kill somebody ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` Wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to take the air a little closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a feel of panic appear in lustrelessness 's eyes. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with matte 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was rummy, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing branches were now just a couple foundation away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was magnificent, too. ``

`` It 's so foreign, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magical, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably ill-treat back, Kaden, '' Matt warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few More whole tone towards the tree. He was now within reach of its branches. `` Must be a strong tree. '' He started to try and reach one of the branches, but the tree got there kickoff and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' mat shouted.

`` It did n't even break the skin. I 'm alright, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree. But the tree diagram did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging subdivision as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't move away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. A branch hit him in the foreland and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered closer at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' mat screamed in a very shivering tone. `` I 'm serious, locomote ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drain from Matt 's brass, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the surreptitious passageway that led to the shrieking shack. Albus was about to go snatch Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' lustrelessness shrieked, shaking his head back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his berm and his head as he tried to dodge the branches. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the mess Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no mind how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a retentive branch that was on the ground. He wordlessly shoved it into the radical of the tree diagram, and the branches stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said zip. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a farseeing tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a closed book passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very mad, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very in force lier, `` Fine, I do already have a go at it about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. Students are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to go forth, we 'll be in Brobdingnagian trouble. ``

`` Do you recognise where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to pull that lie off, and he did n't desire to tell Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another word. He quickly climbed out of the pickle, hoping that whatever flatness had done to stop the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge grin still on his face.

John and Matt were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with branches. Matt was looking Stanford White as a ghost, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking Shack. Albus was just about to enjoin his friends that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a phonation behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping willow tree. That is clearly against the convention. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquent. ``

Albus turned to look at John and matt. trick was looking pretty calm, but Matt was still as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit distressed, but not nearly as much as Matt. Albus was a little nervous as well. He had never gotten in hassle with the caretaker before. He had heard horror narration about Filch and was n't sure enough which unity were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the palace in between John and mat. Kaden was walking a little direction behind them. None of them said a Son. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the grouping up to the rook. They continued following Filch through the castle while other bookman stared at them. The other scholar were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the footing and tried to ignore them. Why was his bother making always so publicized ? Of course, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he have to hold back messing with the tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an idea into his head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a lowly, cramped, dark situation filled with various Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 hot seat in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. Matt took one of the other chairs, as he appeared so unquiet that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the position, while Albus and John remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a console. `` Let 's see. B. belligerent towards teachers, bothering theater pixie, bothering magical creatures, bothering Snape, bothering other students, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping Willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a musical composition of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at St. John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's place before and had no idea what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his first cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of trouble Creator you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the var. right field here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his dubiety as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. lusterlessness seemed to be getting more nervous with every mention of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his sassing and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few dozen Fanged Frisbees at his base. He was holding one in his hand and there was an vacuous box next to him.

`` Do n't touch anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's manus and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` dorsum to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a quill. `` full-of-the-moon names ? ``

For a split second, Albus considered giving Filch a fake name, but figured it would do no trade good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus thrower. ``

Filch wrote his name down and a grin ranch across his face. `` Following in your male parent 's footsteps ? And your granddaddy 's ? Yes, yes, I have an full drawer in my filing console dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent champion. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that Tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curiosity. Why had his grandfather messed with the tree diagram ? He knew his grandfather loved to hold bother, but that tree concealed one of his best acquaintance 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the relaxation of you delinquent ? '' Filch growled.

`` John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Levi Conan Eckerton, '' Matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very vauntingly filing locker. `` Your penalisation. Three nighttime'hold. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldron, Muggle style of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do railway line. And Mon you 'll strip the Astronomy Tower, without conjuring trick as well. Meet me in the keep 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the door capable and ran out of the power as fast as he could. III nighttime of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleansing ! That was rough. Albus was angry now. Why did Kaden birth to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this mountain if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with toilet and lusterlessness adjacent to him, nobody saying a word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to utter to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make sure Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait muddle, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common elbow room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could spill the beans to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so quiet ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` wellspring, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` Three Night worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that burrow with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous times to leave that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree alone. This is what I was talking about net month, Kaden. You never stop when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts retentive than you have, if I tell you to finish doing something, chances are there 's a good ground for it ! And this one just seemed like green sentience to me ! 'Do n't go near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that could kill you .'Why on earth would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just curious about it. ``

`` Curiosity killed the kneazle, '' John Lackland muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical creature, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say oddity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' john said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the early first years, no Muggles or magician, Loretta Young or old, '' Albus turned to toilet and matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't say any animals either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be inanimate objects either, you never know in this office. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused look on his face. `` Why not ? It looks to be a hole-and-corner passage ! ``

If it was possible, lusterlessness seemed to become even whiter. `` Do n't secern anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot pack all the fun away. ``

`` trustingness me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't know what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the lie straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing adept. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they special mystery only people with thaumaturgist parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin-german come up up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the name of Falco columbarius 's beard would you recollect that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to think Muggle-borns should n't be taught magic, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of line. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin, enjoyed bullying other scholarly person. `` Just outride away from him. And if he bothers you again, just separate me. I 'll get my cousin-german to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am drab about the Whomping willow matter. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just bear you do most of the cleaning these next few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and baby, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my sidekick. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their inspection !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their interrelate material.




Albus never thought he would have a unsound detention than the one he had cleaning the prize room the previous class. He thought Washburn had been the worst person to have detention with, but he was ill-timed. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in bother with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the clip he finished his second detention on Monday night, he was beginning to wish he was doing hold with Washburn instead. At to the lowest degree Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the entire clock time. Filch spent all of Sunday night staring at them while they scrubbed cauldron, and all of the premature dark staring at them as they churned out personal line of credit after pipeline. Filch seemed to call for joy in watching the students rub their helping hand raw while scrubbing the cauldrons. Of course of instruction, the melody could make been considered a nice faulting in between the two cleaning events.

By the prison term Albus trudged into the common room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch practice, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such fate ; it was their final night and Filch was for sure to relish every min of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dormitory and went back to the common room to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to pull up stakes for detention.

`` The finis affair I want to do is go fresh something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to clean house your wearing apparel, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's muddy and I just spent 45 bit flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't happy about me leaving early, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' whoremaster agreed.

`` Hey, where 's flatness ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` Room of necessity, '' Saint John replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full moonlight was the keep up eve. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' John sighed, `` Could n't escape from Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why lusterlessness left. He could n't get any rest period with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the unwashed room.

`` He went to put his books in his dormitory, '' John the Evangelist explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the threshold leading to the dormitories and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` Ready ? It 's the last Night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's lustrelessness ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better hurry up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged looks. `` I 'll find him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This sentence it was John 's crook to devote Albus a disgusted feel. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` amercement. See you later, pink wine, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' Rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave Saint John and Kaden a moment 's head head start before he left the common room and went to the room of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to rule out where he was going. Once the coast was clear, he paced three multiplication in front man of the dummy wall on the seventh storey and waited for the door to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The elbow room was darkness and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some get down. Immediately, great mullein lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the minuscule room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the dangling capable. Once he saw how exhausted lustrelessness looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice session to do hold. His exhaustion was naught compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detention, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his center and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the Astronomy tug. Neither of them said anything for most of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same matter. They wished they did n't take to do custody that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' lusterlessness asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't desire Kaden to know about the Room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the Tower, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the clouds had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding light upon the tower, enough that Albus and the others would be able to do their detention with only a couple torches. Albus noticed Matt chill and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're belatedly, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another Night 's detainment, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow night. You can bear on cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left field. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too occupy trying not to be vomit up. There was no way that matt could possibly do custody the adopt even. He would just have to distinguish professor Longbottom about it the side by side day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be equal to of doing detainment the next night. However, he would feature to drop dueling practice session. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't uptight about them missing practice like Georgia was.

`` wellspring, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and mat, `` Start scrub ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the pail that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to cause moved since they entered the towboat. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to explode with fury. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nigh telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at whoremaster who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot worse than final stage Night, '' Albus muttered. During the old night 's detention, Matt had nodded off a few metre, but he had been adequate to of producing a good bit of lines. Tonight, flatness appeared to be frozen in lieu and definitely would n't be getting much cleaning done.

`` Well, it is the night before, '' toilet whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than most nighttime before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd better hide him from Filch, though. Filch will know he 's not cleaning. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other side of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he throw up again ? ``

Albus and john shot Kaden ominous flavor and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you last time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring it up. ``

`` still ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

lusterlessness jumped and looked at Albus with a flavor of mix-up on his cheek. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the Hospital wing ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow Night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boys, `` Get to put to work thrower and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the next one-half minute. St. John the Apostle and Albus worked carefully down the row of scope, making sure lustrelessness was between them at all times so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other slope, looking much more cheery than the early three boys did.

`` Republic of Finland, Finland, Suomi ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the res publica for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that strain for the past times five moment and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, follow on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Great White Way gambol ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that Song could birth to do with a Python. There had n't been any cite of snakes in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding globe, but you lot are really lacking in high gear quality entertainment. Would it wipe out you to watch TV and picture show ? Monty python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can determine it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a motion-picture show a few age back. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about the song, but he figured he 'd realize it if he ever watched the movie. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty Python or Spamalot. His aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your brainpower out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go read a volume ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleaning, and Kaden started humming a new call. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the previous one. It had something to do with fish.

`` arrest that infernal hum ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was furious about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't scold him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detention was spent in almost complete secretiveness. Every once and a while, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that mat had n't done an ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut out up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his gramps 's by the time he graduated. By the time the detainment was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few times, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another custody. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning provision and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke matte up.

`` Done with what ? '' lustrelessness mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` detention, where we 've been for the last hour, '' Albus explained while looking at john. King John pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to privy than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' whoremonger asked. lusterlessness was now leaning on St. John. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more bring forward than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And glower your representative. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John threw one of flatness 's branch over his berm and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed John 's pencil lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, John, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the step and back into the main part of the rook. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good thing he 's sparkle, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' john agreed.

`` Ugh, '' Matt winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be cast. ``

Albus and John looked at each other for a split second before Matt retched onto the floor in front of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' King John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few footstep ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second time and Albus felt him crash onto the base. Albus and Saint John both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the drop. Now what were they going to do ?

`` Matt ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to wake up lusterlessness up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I know ? '' Albus snapped.

`` volition you two give up arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? scare overtook him as he assessed the situation. They were out of bed after curfew and lusterlessness was passed out on the floor. It could n't get worse than this. There was no way for them to get lusterlessness to the uncouth way or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could hover a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's tatty tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered ticket. ``

The male child sat in secretiveness for the adjacent couple minutes, watching for signs of consciousness in their Quaker. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pallid. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with sweat in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where whoremonger was pointing and saw a form floating towards him. He stood up and drew his wand and St. John did the same. The digit came closer and closer, and soon Albus was able-bodied to arrive at it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the finish affair they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at lusterlessness and then looked at bathroom and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't wish this ! No he wo n't ! scholarly person out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` horselaugh ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to scholarly person, no he does n't ! Peeves drive trouble when students are around ! ``

`` No, tranquillity ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! bookman out of bed ! ``

Albus and whoremaster gave each other panicky look. Albus had no idea what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, person would surely witness out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard rush step coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his father 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! scholarly person out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a forte unforgiving spokesperson shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody tycoon ! ``

`` Yes, brothel keeper nursemaid, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of succor. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

gentlewoman Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, can, and matte, and immediately flex down and put her script on lusterlessness 's frontal bone. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a capstone. She waved her wand and matte landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain to a greater extent once we get to the hospital wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, St. John, and Kaden ran behind brothel keeper Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to restrain himself from asking more questions. Minutes later, the group arrived at the hospital annexe. dame Pomfrey barged through the door and immediately deposited Matt onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the boy more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common way ? '' she asked.

`` custody, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the stallion Astronomy tugboat, '' bathroom replied with a disgusted tone.

ma'am Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion storage locker and turned to look at St. John the Apostle. `` uranology towboat ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a look of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' ma'am Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to lusterlessness 's bed, `` I 'll give birth him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him finis class when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next twelvemonth ! Merlin 's beard, the Astronomy tower ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The nurse continued to run back and forth from her post, potion cabinet, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd blank out Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' dame Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at dame Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's question. The nursemaid was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why flatness was there. If she was n't careful, she 'd give away everything.

`` I thought I 'd made it clear to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orange potion down matt 's throat. `` No detention on these nights and certainly not on the Astronomy tower ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... Well, I 'm not exactly certain what would make happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the nights of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nanny to block off ranting. Madam Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a respectable estimate to disrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no selection. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't bang. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know Matt would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a significant look that he hoped would bring his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So blue about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and St. John the Apostle were standing. John gave him a free spirit, but Kaden looked even more confused. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` zip, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'face. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting trade good at conveying those facial expression now and Kaden seemed to obey right away, which was good.

`` All right field, '' lady Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few more min, `` He 's going to be delicately. He 'll just need to delay here for a couple sidereal day. '' She looked at Albus and bathroom when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the replete moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can chaffer him, right ? ``

`` Of course, costly, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what times are good. Now, you three best be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just tell them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to discover him now, and he 's going to be interfering for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to muffle a jest. He knew the nanny would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a yearn and meretricious scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! extra thanks to my other sister and my Brother for aid with the Monty Python stuff. Speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some familiarity in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a picture sometime during the confront and 2017, when this takes property. Otherwise, Kaden could not make seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway last calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't have a chance to tell Rose and Amanda about the detention until after lunch the next day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of necessity for a few transactions before they went to visit mat. It was the inaugural time since the detainment that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had grade all afternoon, so it was an ideal time to talk about what had happened the previous night. No one, not even rosebush, seemed to bear any idea why Matt seemed so much sicker that Nox than the other nights before good moons. Their only guess was that he was already worn out from the detention on the previous two nights. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital annexe and ask matt. Albus was surely he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that written report he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital Wing, lustrelessness was strait asleep. brothel keeper Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while too soon that morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse flat out refused to let them wake him up. She insisted that he needed all the residual he could get before nightfall and that they could visit him the following afternoon.

Albus and his Friend were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the vulgar room after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as piteous as the low cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the mutual room, all his friends were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling exercise. Albus was worried about matt and he could tell the others were as well. It kind of reminded him of that nighttime of the full lunation they stayed up waiting for morning to descend after Astronomy form the previous year. Only this class, they had Kaden to fill in the tranquility that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the wholly class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most Recent epoch potions year. One of the other first years had heated her cauldron too a good deal and caused the potion to explode all over the stallion class. Albus and the others nodded their header, like they had been doing for the yesteryear half hour, and continued working on their several homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrong with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the by hour ! I thought you 'd at least joke at the theme of everyone in my potions family having respective component part of their organic structure grow burnished pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' rosebush explained, not looking up from her good luck charm book.

`` lady Pomfrey said he 'd be exquisitely, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' Rose replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nanny, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't interpret. She ca n't bonk for for certain that he 'll be ok. ''

This sentence it was Kaden 's turn to suspire, `` Well, I 'm not going to realize unless you tell me what 's wrong with him. ``

`` Not going to happen, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to express mirth. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very laughable, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his friends hurried up to their dormitories to bank their bags. Then they rushed to the infirmary fender to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in stratum. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw mat 's usual bed with the drape pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtain and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch practice session after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's fine. Just for a few minutes, '' the nanny regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the drape open. Matt was wake and propped up on his pillows. He looked play out and was covered in versatile scratches and bites, that looked a bit uncollectible than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' Gospel According to John commented.

`` Saint John ! '' blush wine scolded.

`` What ? '' whoremaster shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during custody ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even indisputable, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` I do n't really remember it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two tell me what happened ? '' Matt laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the uranology Tower and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another custody for last night- ''

`` L-last night ? '' matte interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more cauldrons, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was unseasonable when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even think him saying that. Great, now I 've got another hold once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it lastly Nox. ``

`` Oh, I do n't retrieve you 'll bear to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing custody the unharmed prison term I was scrubbing cauldrons finis night. You see, dame Pomfrey was bloodless when we told her what we had been doing for custody. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so tempestuous. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to lecture to Filch after we left the early night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm sure she insisted that you not do anymore detainment. ``

`` That 's a respite, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detainment ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and Saint John the Apostle and I stood on either side of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a kind of enchantment. You did n't seem to be intimate what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the infirmary wing and you said no. Then whoremaster, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random birdcall and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a film called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really funny film. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at menage, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't want to give up TV, '' matte replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the Astronomy pillar, we tried to get back to the plebeian room, but you got nauseated partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get brothel keeper Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' Matt groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right wing, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it come about, though ? '' John asked after a few second, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct moonlight, '' lustrelessness whispered, `` The reason I get tired and sickish beforehand is because the lunation is getting fuller. The night we did detention, it was practically full phase of the moon. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hour. ``

`` That would explain why ma'am Pomfrey got so wild, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the shift worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonshine so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just say Filch you could n't do hold that Night ? ``

`` I do n't get it on, '' Matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't require any sort of extra treatment anymore. It makes hoi polloi suspicious. I do n't need anyone to wonder why I can pick my detention Night. Plus, I did n't really know that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really cognise I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure as shooting not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` wellspring, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' rose wine insisted, `` It 'll make you sicker. ``

`` I know, rose wine, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` And Madam Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore detainment at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about Matt 's condition, but he did n't think dame Pomfrey would actually tell him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't know. madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to condition with her before assigning me detentions due to 'health issues that will remain common soldier'. And she made him bank not to tell anyone that he was checking detainment with her, or else she 'd gain sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, cue me not to get on ma'am Pomfrey 's bad slope. ``

`` She 's definitely emphatic, '' matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' mat mumbled, `` I 've just got a head ache. ``

At that moment, the curtains opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a rich blue devil and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The suckle took one look at mat, shook her foreland, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave behind. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his acquaintance said adios to Matt and left the hospital wing. Albus had just plenty clip to snaffle dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was trusted they would beat Slytherin in the fist compeer in November.

******

`` So, where is my splendid potions cooperator today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the conform to afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick nanna, like usual, '' John replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his nan. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His first cousin, except for rose, probably did n't even know Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And blush wine obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got sick every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on terra firma was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't visit him that ! '' rose wine shouted, drawing her wand.

`` Calm down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the decent way. ``

`` You do not ! '' privy shouted as he drew his wand.

`` waiting ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone curse anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the colouring material drain from his font. He told Kaden not to enjoin anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all people ! Malfoy, the one somebody lustrelessness did not want knowing where he went every calendar month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more than clues as to what was wrong with matte. With just a bit of research he was sure to find out. `` When did he separate you this ? '' Albus growled. Rage and ire were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` lastly nighttime, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another Word of God to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the dungeon. The footsteps behind him told him that his supporter were following. Albus did n't stop to let them pick up up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just shout. He 'd hex him into the following C. What in the name of Merlin had possessed Kaden to recount Malfoy that lusterlessness got grisly ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was cognizant of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' rose wine shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To happen Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' toilet said. He sounded, if it was possible, even furious than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into stead beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word of honor. ``

`` Wait, Albus, toilet ! '' rosiness shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flights of stairs towards the Gryffindor common way. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't worry. rosebush kept shouting after them, but both Albus and John ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted shouts after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really handle if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John made it to the vernacular room. They gave the Fat Lady the password and ran into the elbow room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with legion color squares all over it. It looked vaguely comrade. Albus thought he may have seen pink wine with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the student residence while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his square block in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said cipher as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. John followed without saying a word, and shut the door behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is incorrectly with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to mean of who that was. Then a look of realization appeared on his face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him lastly Nox ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to distinguish anyone about Matt getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't narrate ! This is exactly why I did n't desire to state you in the maiden billet ! You just ca n't keep your mouth shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about matte since the beginning of first year, and let me differentiate you nothing good will chance when he does determine out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO uncovering OUT ! ``

`` I did n't mean to- '' Kaden 's vocalism cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The power point is, you did ! How can you not think to severalize someone something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist place ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. Saint John the Apostle, who had been letting Albus carry the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the door burst capable and pink wine and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' rose wine shouted. Albus 's verge left his hired man and landed on the floor near rose. Rose disarmed Gospel According to John and then gathered both wands.

`` Give it to me, Rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' rose wine replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin-german. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' blush wine replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some storey, Albus knew pink wine was justly, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is trust that Malfoy did n't put the cue together. That, and never trust Kaden to keep a clandestine again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll recur to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the room access. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't blame you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this fourth dimension, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rose wine started.

`` Do n't bother, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` aught you say is going to piddle me apologise to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be friends with you if he 's going to go telling half the school things you told him in secret. You told him not to say, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' pink wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' St. John the Apostle said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at to the lowest degree judge. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll check the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his body. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no dear. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just check up on it every once and a while. ``

`` trade good estimate, '' Saint John said.

`` What are we going to state Matt ? '' rosebush asked quietly. `` We 've got to recount him about this. ``

In all the topsy-turvydom of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to severalise flatness. `` We 'll just have to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to hide that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If Matt wants to hex him, he can go rightfield ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' rose wine insisted, `` He does n't require anymore detention. ``

`` Good point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll say him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just sustain to fend off Malfoy, '' John commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all avoid Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' bathroom sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never trust Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reviews !