Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent near of the twenty-four hour period preceding Christmas at Rose 's theater. James IV was determined to use all of his spare sentence for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to rosebush 's menage for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help St. James practice while rose wine read.

Harry had to practically distinguish Saint James the Apostle from his broom by magic on Yule Eve so they could go to Godric 's Hollow. James wanted to stay at Rose 's house and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The stumble was pipe down since St. James was rather sullen the entire time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a natural at Transfiguration of Jesus,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the burrow afterwards.

"That 's secure,"Albus replied.

"Yeah, so I 'm going to become an Animagus eventually. I want to be a cat."

"You do n't get to prefer what kind of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

"Oh,"Lily said,"But I think I 'll turn a cat."

Albus nodded as Lily began to depict in great detail what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an immediate affectionateness come over him as he stepped inside. It had null to do with the fact that it was so cold and snow-clad outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the burrow surrounded by all his household. He was able-bodied to forget all the way out with the Quidditch tournament and prof Killigan. All he could think about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his grandmother 's cooking would be right about then.

rosiness sat down side by side to Albus as he tucked into a large bowl of onion soup with a face of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and Aunt Katherine are going back to Romania this summer,"blush wine announced.

"To subdue Thomas More dragons ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Sir Henry Morton Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"Rose nodded,"They might stay even after the summer 's over, but Heather and print will add up back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Henry M. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. John Rowlands 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into firedrake training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's full that Stanley decided what he wants to do."

John Rowlands had been working at the Magical menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his whole life. He just did n't hump what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would take us to some former country,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"Rose agreed,"Imagine the history we could learn."

Albus personally had sufficiency of history from professor Binns, but he supposed learning account by traveling would be fun.

"Christmastime Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down next to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't count on it, Teddy,"mollie said as she handed Albus another hunk of bread,"We 're supposed to get the blizzard of the decade tomorrow. The Muggle electricity is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Chester Alan Arthur popped his fountainhead into the room,"Fascinating ! I may have to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such affair !"Molly shouted,"It 's near impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to mention the fact that it 's Christmas and you should be here."

"We do n't require electricity to playact Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be staring training weather condition ! If you can catch a fink in the middle of a snowstorm, you can catch one in any weather condition. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, shimmy,"Molly sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and heighten went into the den, where they were greeted by a cheap chorus of 'Odo the Hero', Sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. measure and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. Albus had a feeling the only reasonableness why Fleur approved was because the vocalizing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven Sickles for that !"Hotspur said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying attention,"And the gent looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that much for a tour of a questionably historical old construction. There really should be rule on such things. It 's one thing I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a gag. His Uncle Walker Percy had been talking about running for Minister for the preceding ten geezerhood, but still had n't done it. nigh of his uncles and aunt got sick of hearing him talk about what he would and would not switch.

"Hey, Albus, rosiness,"Victoire waved at him from across the room.

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is Healer grooming ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to enter out which office of the hospital I want to do the repose of my grooming in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the floors, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until Sept,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long time to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to finish grooming since we were in one-quarter year."

"You 're not in Amy 's spot,"Teddy appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do great anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the pregnancy ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a occupy ward,"Teddy grinned,"turn Damage. You 'll get all the funny injuries there."

"That 's not a practiced ground to cull a specialization,"Victoire groaned.

"Good a reason as any,"teddy shrugged.

The time grew later and after Albus played legion rounds of Exploding shot with his full cousin, his grandmother announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no spot. Everyone, including the other grownup, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the step to the mellow bedchamber that he shared with Epistle of James, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impending blizzard was. The air current was howling louder than he 'd ever heard before.

The wind was so powerful that Albus could feel it through the gaps in the window. Every once in a while, the house would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and swim out the howling.

Albus did n't make out to drift off to log Z's until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of school prescript to put a silencing appealingness on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his one-year Christmas wake-up vociferation, Lily. She breezed through the door shouting about how they all needed to inflame up and open their presents.

"And there 's three feet of snow outside,"Lily said as she left the elbow room,"I checked."

"merlin !"James IV jumped off the top bunk and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

"Whoa, you ca n't see anything !"Cedric added.

"We could build up the world 's biggest snow wizard later,"Ben suggested.

"We could construct an entire snow wizard army,"Albus said.

"present tense first,"St. James said as he located his pile of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of present and began opening them. There were the usual sweets and Weasleys'intersection from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one orange red and gold striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the ease of the nowadays from his aunty and uncles. His aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never read, including one about the account of house pixy at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present for live, although he doubted they could top finale year 's. There really was n't anything in the globe that was undecomposed than the Invisibility Cloak.

"Al, did you open Mum and Dad 's yet ?"James shouted.

"I 'm opening it now,"Albus said as he ripped the paper off the lowly box.

"You 'll never guess what they got us !"

Albus opened the box and saw two tag. Two tickets for the Quidditch World Cup that was taking berth this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"World Cup tickets !"

"I did n't even know they were on sale this early !"James said.

"You two get the best presents,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two slate,"James replied.

"Yeah, two,"Ben sighed,"You can only pick one of us to go."

Albus suddenly realized he had the same trouble. Two ticket. Five friends he would require to take in. Who was he going to opt ? Not rose. They may induce been acquaintance since they were baby, but she just did n't have a mania for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to span off the list. John and flatness were the Quidditch fans. He 'd deliver to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a squad or anything.

"Those are limited edition tag,"Ben said,"They do n't know who 's playing yet, so they do n't trade very many tickets ahead of time."

"They 're for the top box, too,"James I said in awe.

Lily burst into the room with a big grinning on her face. She was holding two tickets as well."Did you get Quidditch slate ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and Saint James the Apostle said at the same time.

"This is going to be brainy,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the time Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the mesa eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a immense hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the tickets ?"he asked.

"They were a gift from the pastor,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this yr and he 's good booster with their parson. Got him a lot of free tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping last year 's gift. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to journey to a different country.

Rose came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the ticket. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestion on how Albus was going to select between John and Matt.

"Anyone up for Quidditch later ?"shimmy announced as he sauntered into the kitchen.

"Not under my sentinel !"Molly shouted,"You ca n't see a foot in front of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after lunch, then,"shift shrugged.

molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few more phonograph recording of nut and pledge onto the table.

There was a knock on the door that could only just be heard over the howling lead. Molly glanced at Chester Alan Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would call in on Christmastide break of the day in the middle of a huge blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"King Arthur shouted outside.

"Yes !"Xenophilius Lovegood shouted back. Arthur stood aside as the man walked in and then shut the door behind him."Quite the storm we 're having ! Just thought I 'd turn back by and see if this home was still standing."

"Quite the storm, yes,"Chester Alan Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the house is still standing."

"Good, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me eff and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy industrial plant. The leaf do wonder on old building. Makes them like new. I just put a cluster into my blank space and it 's a good thing, too. Of course, they tend to draw Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll keep back that in creative thinker,"Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rolf are with his kinsperson this Christmas."

"Then you must persist here a patch. molly 's ready far too lots food, like common,"Arthur lead Xeno into the kitchen.

Albus followed them. He always found Xenophilius Lovegood to be an interesting wizard, if not a little mad. Always going on about Nargles or Nom-Noms or something.

Molly was more than happy to provide Xenophilius with a large platter of breakfast and he settled down to talk over the storm with the adults.

Albus spent nearly of the first light playing Exploding Snap, maven 's Chess, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to toy hide and go seek, but the house was too crowded to act it properly.

Teddy and Jesse James kept looking out the window, willing it to stop snowing. Both of them were just itching to go swordplay Quidditch. Albus would throw gladly gone and played if it would stop snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to flirt in this storm.

Lunchtime came and the snow was still falling. George II went outside to measure it and came back with the news that it was three and a one-half animal foot.

Teddy went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three jumpers, a boneheaded cloak, and a couple of kick. Under one arm was his broom and under the early was a box of Quidditch balls. King James was right behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus Lupin !"molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't stop you from going out there and catching death of a cold, but I will not let you drop behind James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, Grandma,"James rolled his eye,"I want to go !"

"Just let them, Molly,"Harry said,"They 'll get cold soon enough and come back inside."

"Fine,"Molly replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"shimmy grinned,"Anyone care to unite us ?"

Peach State, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm apparel and joined chemise and Epistle of James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to freeze out when he could stay inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a half an hr. Teddy, St. James, Sakartvelo, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in C and ice. molly immediately descended upon them with mugs of hot cocoa and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't find the Sn-Snitch,"teddy bear muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll find it when the tempest calms down. You put the appeal on it to stick in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"Teddy replied.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and King James I snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly rum. molly was not as impressed and gave James quite the chiding. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

The violent storm continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their room in order for any of them to get any sleep.

******

cipher left the Burrow until two days after Christmas. That was when the Snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half feet, which was a new record for Albus 's lifetime. The tunnel 's thousand had been decorated by scads of snow witches and thaumaturge, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety of other magical creature.

When Albus found out what his menage was doing after they left the tunnel, he wished the C. P. Snow would consume kept coming. They were going shopping for dress gown for the New class 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old wearing apparel gown ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon alley towards brothel keeper Malkin's.

"Because they 're five in too unretentive,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too small for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the prosperous one,"Jesse James muttered. Hugo was wearing James 's old garb robes to the party and therefore did not have to go shopping.

"mom, I want purple robes,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first twain of dress robe he found, so long as they were n't tap or empurple. The sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

rose and Lily made a beeline for the girls dress robes as soon as they walked in the doorway. Albus stood awkwardly future to James while their female parent found various gown for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a pair of emerald green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, William James,"Albus muttered.

"They 'll bring out your oculus, Al,"Ginny told him,"Now go try them on."

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robe and then left the fertilization room for his female parent to see.

"Too short,"she announced,"But the color is perfect. I 'll line up a giving size."

James wound up with a navy patrician pair of robes, which Albus would have preferred. Lily found her over-embellished robes and Rose got a sky blue couplet.

"Next prison term you 're getting honey oil robes,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the color of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't bear commons optic,"James grinned.

"Then we 'll get you a skillful red set,"Ginny said,"They 'll collide horribly with your hair."

"I do n't like. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"Epistle of James laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awful people who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In moonshine 's shadow, the first chapter of the sequel, Beyond the Shadow, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the Minister 's Mansion, the house where all the Ministers of Magic had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a match days. Usually all the parties the Minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few time of day before the party, Ginny made Albus, James II, and Lily all take showers and ransack their hair properly. She spent a goodness fifteen mo trying to get King James I 's fuzz to lie compressed and another fifteen minutes putting Lily 's up in some sort of elaborate bun type thing. Albus was very happy his own tomentum was far too short for that sort of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, James, and Lily down on the lounge and proceeded to differentiate them the rules for the evening.

"Absolutely no making hassle !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the government minister 's star sign ! I will not have you wreaking havoc in it."

"We 're trusting you to keep yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to have to mix with everyone and we wo n't be able to watch you every sec,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't worry,"James said,"I know when mischief is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his class Apparated to the minister of religion 's house, which meant side-along phantom for Albus. He hated side-along shadow. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the case in his family. It was the whammy of being the middle child. He was either with Epistle of James or Lily. This time it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

When Albus had regained his ability to breath properly, he looked around at where they had landed. He was standing on the front lawn of what was the most profligate mansion he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a home ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with bushes and sparkle on either side, lead up to the strawman door. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The mansion seemed to get bad as they got closer. It was painted brown with a black roof and reminded Albus of a castle. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of course, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the government minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"Come in !"

government minister Langston Hartwell was the 3rd curate since the fall of Almighty Voldemort. He was a marvelous, orotund man with very niggling hair left on his head. He did sport a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to think of him as a much marvelous edition of Professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated necromancer who spoke using very large words that Albus could n't really sympathise. He was long-winded and almost of his speeches could be condensed down into a few sentences, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

"rightfield this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to watch him.

Hartwell lead them through the house, which was just as immaculate as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a grand ballroom. It was the Same ballroom all the company Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with ash gray and shameful and was already filling up with people. Albus spotted Rose and lustrelessness in the binding of the way and left his family in the doorway to go see them.

"Some post, huh ?"Albus said once he reached them.

"This is the grown house I 've ever seen,"Rose agreed,"I see you 're wearing your Slytherin robes."

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you imagine, Matt ?"Rose turned to flatness,"His mum says they cope with his heart, but James says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to flatness 's downhearted robes.

"I do n't care,"flatness shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hours already,"matte said,"We were the first I here. Dad keeps introducing me to multitude and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you know almost of these hoi polloi ?"

"Some,"flatness said,"That 's the bloke Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very bombastic wizard,"McVicar."

"right hand,"Albus said,"I 've heard of him. Dad 's always said he would never retire."

"Dad never thought he would either,"Matt laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Harry Hotspur, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's colleagues,"matt gestured to a few Thomas More witches and sorcerer,"Then there 's a bunch of people from other section, but I do n't remember any of their names."

"Looks like it 's going to be a fun night,"Albus said sarcastically.

"Oh, it will be,"Matt grinned,"When I was really trivial, we went to parties like this a few times a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and champagne. It 'll still taste exactly the Lapplander,"lusterlessness grinned mischievously,"By the time midnight scroll around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

"You 've done this before ?"rose raised an eyebrow.

"Amy has,"Matt said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to admit, that 's really originative,"blush wine giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food. Charm the chocolates to savour like vanilla, charm the serving utensils to move every time you go to peck them up, that kind of stuff,"Matt explained.

"My parents gave us this oral communication about how we ca n't bring caper here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for James, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that hooey to me,"matte laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The second they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the swallow, they 'll get Amy."

"She is the one who 's going to do it,"pink wine pointed out.

"It was my approximation, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this political party,"flatness explained.

"Alcohol 's gone,"Amy said quietly as she came up behind Matt,"This is going to be interesting."

"What exactly happens when you use this appealingness ?"pink wine asked.

"Oh, it 's great,"Amy grinned,"First, only a couple people notice and they make a very quiet mention to another person and then that person agrees that there 's something wrongly with the potable. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will test the drinks, discover the alcohol 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will pep up. But some of them will act wino because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

"Are n't your parents going to be upset ?"pink wine asked.

"They might severalize me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not much they can do,"Amy shrugged,"That 's why I 'm doing it and not Matt."

"I could n't see your parents yelling at you anyway,"Albus laughed.

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

"I bet William James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the bunch. James IV and Cedric were sitting at one of the tables, heads close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"Rose smirked,"Aunt Ginny has no hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Georgia and Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his other two full cousin, who were standing near the buffet.

"That 's all they talk about,"rose said,"And Lily looks bored. Five sickle says she 's over here in about ten minute of arc or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and lindy will snarf out of the room the next meter Aunt Corrine looks away."

Albus 's aunt Corrine was talking with two hag Albus did n't sleep together and his Twin full cousin were chasing each other around the room.

"Are any of your former cousins coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head,"None of my other aunts and uncles work for the Ministry."

"Let 's go get something to eat,"Matt said.

Albus and rosebush agreed. Amy left to go public lecture to someone else and the three supporter walked over to the snack counter. There was already a belittled queue in front of it.

"There go Samantha and lindy,"Rose said as they waited. The twins ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a denture and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the best intellectual nourishment at this sort of party.

They found an evacuate tabular array far enough away from James and Cedric. Albus did n't want to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

"I do n't even make love what half this stuff is,"flatness said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

to a greater extent and More the great unwashed arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't call up any names. He also noticed that cipher was acting strangely due to Amy 's charm. They were all acting perfectly pattern for grownup who had had a few drinks.

Albus, matt, and rosebush wandered around the elbow room once they finished their intellectual nourishment. A few adults stopped to call out how big they 'd fix and to investigate what twelvemonth they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with James and Cedric 's mischief.

"how-do-you-do, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the podium at the front of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to follow him. Albus, Rose, and lustrelessness were somewhat close to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to drop the large amount of wine I was given for Christmas !"

The adults all chuckled at Hartwell 's endeavor at a joke and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this company is in pureness of none early than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the position of pass of the Department of Regulation and ascendence of Magical Creatures. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's spoken communication soon descended into one of his common speeches, which Albus could not realize. It was long, drawn-out, and Albus could 've sworn he saw his dad yawn at one point.

Albus clapped loudly when Hartwell finally finished and turned the podium over to McVicar.

"Thank you, diplomatic minister,"McVicar began,"That was quite an matter to speech communication. I, too, would like to plume Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am sure at least half of you were quite surprised to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't have done it if it were n't for the fact that my wife has been begging me to for the past ten years.

"However, the independent reason for my lack of an earlier retirement was because there was not a one individual employed in the Ministry whom I would have trusted with this job. cypher had the capability to carry out this position in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five class ago, that is.

"A petty over five class ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the regularisation and Control of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in lycanthrope Support Services, a situation that had been clear for well over a twelvemonth. I was prepare to take anyone who walked through the door at that point, but I had no estimation what was to do when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this airfield. He was the brain of the Department of rule and command of Magical Creatures in Australia for three age before leaving the office in order to locomote to England.

"Bruno Walter revolutionized lycanthrope Support Services as soon as he started. The mind he had were ones that even I had n't thought of. In five short years, he has bettered life for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their stallion careers.

"It took only six months for me to realize that I wanted Walter to take over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and word for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as concentrated for werewolf rightfulness as he has.

"The solitary matter left for me to do was convert myself it was sentence to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the better character of five eld to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I manus the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and Matt 's dad took the podium."That was quite the speech,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"mat agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise people like that."

"fountainhead,"flatness 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of trust, Rob. I certainly hope I can inhabit up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the nous of the entire department again, no subject which country I was living in. Werewolf Support inspection and repair has been such a great berth to work these past few geezerhood. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it unmanageable to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to cause more of a dispute.

"Of row, I could not cause gotten to this place without the assistant of my wife, Julie,"he gestured to Matt 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my daughter, Amy, and my son, Matt.

"I 'm not one for tenacious address, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly hope I can be at least one-half of the straits of the section Rob has been."

"I just hope none of them find out why my dad 's so dedicate,"Matt whispered.

"They 're too drunk to think much on it,"Rose smirked.

"They 're not really tope,"Albus reminded her.

"They 're certainly acting like they are,"rosebush pointed out.

A estimable portion of the grownup were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's charm, he would say they all really were drunk. The weird matter was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't seem to be anyone who was thinking there was something wrongly with the drinks.

"Let 's go ask Amy about it,"mat suggested.

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and blush wine squeezed their way through the bunch to get to her.

"Amy,"lustrelessness whispered,"Why 's everyone acting convention ?

"I do n't know,"she whispered back,"Let 's go looking at the drinks."

James and Cedric were also standing near the crapulence table, looking nearly as blur as Albus felt about this spell. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a Methedrine of wine and tried it."Well, it tastes ticket, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll have got to drink a lot more than that to get properly drunk,"Matt grinned.

"I 'm not doing that,"Amy rolled her eyes.

"Actually,"Saint James grinned mischievously,"That might get you drunk."

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra alcohol to that wine-colored,"James whispered.

Albus, rose, lustrelessness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their buffoonery had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so comical ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a prank, too,"Albus said.

"I put a charm on all the wine-colored to remove the intoxicant, while keeping the taste,"Amy explained,"I did it right field when the party started."

"So much for that prank,"King James groaned.

"Now you wo n't get in trouble,"Albus pointed out,"Mum 's been watching you two."

"I know,"James muttered,"That 's why we ca n't do it again."

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as James, Cedric, and Amy left.

"Want to research the minister 's star sign ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"Rose asked skeptically.

"I do n't see why not, I mean, this is my dad 's company,"Matt pointed out,"Plus, we 'd just be walking around."

"Let 's go,"Albus said and top them out of the ballroom.

It was much quieter in the rest of the firm. They started wandering through any rooms that had subject doors.

"This place is so bloody fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'household,"Matt said.

"Their house is this big ?"rose asked.

"Nearly,"Matt replied,"They 've got a dance hall and everything."

The three friends wound up in a very gravid sustenance room filled with antique article of furniture. There was an oriental rug on the soil and oak board and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the board were envision vessel of bloom and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be careful in here,"rosiness said as she walked into the room,"If we break any of this poppycock, our parents would murder us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"Matt pointed to a crystal swan.

"Do n't extend to it !"Rose hissed.

"I was n't,"Matt assured her,"I broke Cinda 's once, but Mum fixed it."

"Look at all these Quran,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would make out to get her bridge player on these."

"They 're all about politics, though,"Matt pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would wish them,"Rose said

"I wonder how old this furniture is,"Matt said as he looked at a rather uncomfortable looking armchair.

"Probably sr. than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, get along here,"rose wine said as she looked out the window.

Albus and lustrelessness walked over to the window and leaned over the table that was in front line of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"facial expression, there's-"

flatness leaned farther over the board and knocked one of the crystallization sculptures off. rosebush gasped and managed to beguile it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"Rose whispered as she set it back on the board,"Be careful."

"Sorry,"Matt replied,"What were you saying ?"

"There 's someone sneaking around out there,"Rose said.

Albus peered out the windowpane into the darkness. He could just barely make out a dark lurking around the bushes. It did n't look like the somebody was walking up towards the house to go to the party. Plus, why would he show up three hours late ?

"There 's definitely someone out there,"Matt said.

"Let 's go rule out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't have a cue as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no understanding for someone to be sneaking around the Minister 's sign of the zodiac at this metre of night.

"Albus Severus thrower, are you bloody insane ?"Rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"Look, I just want to go see if we can find out out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a whole room full of Ministry functionary in compositor's case whoever is out there is person bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a good point,"Matt replied,"Why would someone sneak around a house that 's full-of-the-moon of Ministry official, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't be intimate,"Albus said,"But I want to find out who it is."

Rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and Matt, muttering under her breath. They found the cheeseparing room access and went out into the cold-blooded night, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze to end,"Rose muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the house and tried to keep himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the form. However, he could n't see or hear anything.

"Do you hear anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"Matt replied,"It 's like they disapparated or something."

"good,"pink wine muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's keep going."

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his wand out in front of him. His heart was beating fast and his men were sweaty despite the low temperature. He did n't desire to terminate, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and nerve wracking at the Lapp time.

"Do n't travel !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a undimmed light in Albus 's eyes. Wand light.

Rose screamed and grabbed hold of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

"Wh-who are y-you ?"Albus stammered.

"He sounds fellow,"matt whispered,"Hang on. Bloody hell, that 's professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a second base and the voice did vocalise a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the curate 's Mansion ?

"Albus Potter, is that you ?"the man shouted.

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The verge light lowered and Albus heard the man step through the play false towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed prof Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of relief as Rose let go of his arm.

"Mr. potter,"Balladanis said and then waved his wand around,"And girl Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"matt replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of night ? I thought I 'd learn you better than that. You 're just asking for trouble,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"rose wine whispered to Albus.

"Er,"Albus began,"We saw someone lurking around out here and went to investigate. I guess that person was you ...."

"And you 're lucky it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could let been dead if that someone had been a dark hotshot. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snow and towards the door."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't mind my asking, what were you doing out of doors ?"

"If you must have it off, the parson asked me to check the grounds in order to hold sure nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did zilch but light Albus 's oddity even more. He knew honorable than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explicate his motives.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, flatness, and rosebush re-entered the construction, escorted by Professor Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the door and then proceed his search of the circumference, but instead he went back to the dance palace with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"Potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some wizard Albus did n't have sex,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it clear that you were to ride out inside."

"I 'll exit them with you,"Balldanis said,"Happy New Year."

"Happy New class,"Harry replied,"And thanks."

Balladanis disappeared into the crowd and Albus shifted uncomfortably as his dad stared at him for a few moments.

"maintenance to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We were just, er, exploring,"Albus muttered.

"Do n't do it again,"Harry sighed.

"We wo n't,"Albus assured him.

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his acquaintance back to the sideboard.

"I hope you 've learned your lesson,"rosiness muttered,"I am not doing that again."

"We wo n't do it again. Not tonight, that is,"Albus grinned.

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the approximate clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their trash of Champagne-Ardenne in the air. Amy joined Albus, Rose, and Matt.

"3, 2, 1, Happy New twelvemonth !"Albus shouted along with everyone else.

The crowd began to melt off out a little while later. Most of the the great unwashed Albus did n't know left, along with his Uncle Percy, aunt Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't look like they were in any rush to leave, so he got a collection plate of the leftover afters and at them with his friends.

Rose 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the Potters, lusterlessness, his parents, the pastor, and his married woman left. All the grownup were talking, Jesse James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and lusterlessness were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you intend there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"matte asked as he polished off a patch of chocolate cake.

"Only if Linda 's puke the day of one of the matches,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll happen,"lusterlessness said,"You never know."

"Al, we 've got to go,"Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok, Mum,"Albus replied and then turned back to Matt,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the geartrain,"Matt said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, James, and Lily. They all said congratulations to Matt 's dad and then left the minister of religion 's planetary house. Albus peered into the bushes as he left, but there was no planetary house of professor Balladanis.

******

The remainder of the Xmas holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was nothing to do after that. pink wine was visiting her other grandparents and James was at Nathan 's planetary house. Even Kaden was busy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with Aunt margarine. Albus was very thankful that he did n't take to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and petunia again.

Finally the day to return to schooltime arrived and the ceramist made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in time. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"aunt marge has got to be the most horrible aunt in the entire world,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about magic a few months ago and she 's been horrific ever since. I mean, she was always kind of atrocious, but now she 's worse. She just hates magic so much. She 's worse than my grandparents."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"sword lily I 've never met her."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had easily holidays ?"

"We found prof Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's Mansion,"Albus announced.

"What ?"King John, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the same time.

"I saw someone sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go investigate,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the Minister had apparently asked him to look into the grounds for trouble."

"Did he ascertain you ?"John asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"He was n't to happy either."

"Told us we could 've been killed,"Matt explained.

"Well, we could 've,"Rose muttered.

"Weird though,"privy said,"Why would the Minister think someone would be hiding around his house ?"

"Does n't he induce sentry duty around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's weird,"John replied,"He does hold guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"Matt asked,"Why not ask an Auror ? Balladanis is a professor."

"He has n't always been,"Albus pointed out,"He had some kind of mysterious job before."

"Again, Wyrd,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Yeah, there were a bunch of Aurors at the party, not to mention Albus 's dad,"lustrelessness pointed out.

"That settles it,"John announced,"Albus, you 've got to detect out what he did before he started teaching denial ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those special dueling deterrent example with him. He likes you for some cause. Of course, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueler, too,"John explained.

"I 'll try,"Albus sighed,"But I really do n't cerebrate he 'll tell me."

"You never know,"John said.

******

"Quiet, hush !"Balladanis shouted the chase Tuesday, their first day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to Matt and St. John and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say nothing about what happened at the party and so far Balladanis was showing no remembrance of it.

"I trust you all had superb holidays,"Balladanis said,"But the vacation are over and although I am certain none of you thought a bit about defensive magic during said vacation, it is now time to set out that thinking once again.

"First, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about defensive thaumaturgy, as the shadow humanities do not remove breaks for niggling things such as holidays.

"indorsement, in this term we will begin to explore animate being far more grievous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolves, Draco, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glance at Linda when Balladanis said lamia. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at Matt when he said werewolves. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily mean anything, but Albus had a feeling it did.

"As the headmaster would incur it highly inappropriate for a dragon to manifest itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this terminus,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will bump that there are more speech in this term, much to my disfavor. There is nothing I would care better than to teach you about acromantulas and lycanthrope with practical lessons, but there are both laws and school regulation that prevent such lessons."

Albus and Matt glanced at each early. It was official. professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of teacher would want to learn about dragon with populate dragons ? wellspring, Hagrid would, but he was n't the same as Balladanis.

"Take out some parchment,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to begin learning about acromantulas today ...."

The rest of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not suffer Quiditch practice that Night, so everyone went to the Marauder 's Den after dinner.

"soothsaying is such a prank,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the storey and collapsed onto a couch,"We started crystal ball gazing today. All I saw was a payload of fog."

"I told you not to deal it,"rose wine said as she pulled a hatful of Koran out of her own bag.

"I did n't think it would be this bad,"John groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a vitreous silica ball."

"Palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the all thing worse."

"Trelawney could make up defense mechanism bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could learn us about dark beast using the anamatek,"Rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to seem in the middle of the classroom."

"That would be stupid,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a chocolate salientian,"Those can kill you with their eyes."

"I know,"rosiness said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you think that anamatek could plough into a werewolf if the moon was n't full ?"John asked.

"Probably not,"Matt answered,"It would just be a skirt chaser. I think it would just be a wolf any other metre of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn mortal into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's unspoiled,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this term. inquire if he 'll receive it turn into a vampire."

"No motivation,"toilet laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no pointedness to have it turn into a pseud lycanthrope either,"Rose pointed out.

"good point, I guess,"bathroom muttered.

******

The rest of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch drill Thursday evening, and woods informed the all team that they 'd gotten rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next match was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in second seat.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the travel along eventide and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's old job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's way before Malfoy and entered to find Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the eye of the room.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis turned around and recognise Albus,"Is it good to acquire that you did not go wandering about late at night alone after New year 's ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus muttered as he felt his grimace turn red. He was quite happy Malfoy was n't there yet.

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may commence. I have decided that your agreement of the Protego magical spell is acceptable so we are going to move on to something else.

"This particular charm, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorient a person at the same sentence. The whizz is often described as giddiness. Can either of you tell me what why this magical spell would be more utile than a standard disarming spell ?"

"Because it 's easier to duel individual who 's dizzy than someone who is n't,"Malfoy said.

"More specifically than that,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter ?"

"Er, because you can get the somebody tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a dark wizard you 're trying to catch up with,"Albus replied.

"Another effective grounds, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel other wizards often keep multiple wands on their person. There are while that can be performed on these wands to keep them attached to your gown or your actual dead body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overcome easily. However, these spells require constant engrossment.

"If a whizz is hit with the magic spell I am about to teach you, they will lose the concentration necessary to maintain their extra scepter affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to restrain duplicate wands in our robe ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense absorption and wizard energy to simultaneously perform that charm while dueling someone,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the magic spell to demilitarise and disorientate a person at the same time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combination of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, do the good luck charm against Mr. Potter. Mr. potter, you may try and stop him using the Protego spell I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to do the new charm first, and faced Malfoy. He held his scepter up and muttered 'Protego'under his breath. He focused all of his density on holding the shield up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the magical spell hit his shell, but it did n't let on through. He gripped his baton harder and stared at Malfoy.

"Keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The appeal hit Albus 's cuticle a lilliputian harder this time. Albus could feel beads of swither forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five times to unwrap through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand leave his hired man and was overcome by a wave of dizziness at the same time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the old year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any attending to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to communicate out and he had to sit down. He sat down right on the level and was vaguely mindful of Balladanis standing over him.

Then, all of a sudden, the dizziness was gone. Albus shook his head and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in front of him. Malfoy looked strike and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that shield,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's safe to assume that you could n't consume held assiduity for any spell after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the appealingness 's effects would have lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were set to pass out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're ready, you can try the charm."

"I 'm gear up,"Albus said as he took his scepter back from Malfoy.

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few seconds to get his cuticle up and then nodded at Albus to do the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the magic spell did not demote Malfoy 's shield.

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to break the shield on the one-fourth try. One lupus erythematosus try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The charm hit Malfoy in the chest and his wand soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy bent over and fell to the primer, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rare grin and then pulled out his own baton. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

"It 's supposed to be,"Balladanis said,"Now get up and we 'll do it again."

Balladanis kept them at it for the expert part of an minute, past when Albus would consume liked to foreswear. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after time while trying to retain up a shield spell. Malfoy did n't seem to be faring often better and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to stop after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking better of it.

The practice was n't for null, though. Albus managed to support Malfoy off thirster and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting better at the shell appeal as well, Albus broke through it a few Sir Thomas More times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must have been the ten percent clock time that night,"I 'll see you in stratum on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the doorway, but Albus turned to Balladanis instead. He might as well just get it over with. There was no good way to ask Balladanis what his premature job had been. He just had to do it.

"Er, Sir,"Albus began,"I was just wondering, what did you do before you began teaching here ?"

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a smorgasbord of anger, sadness, and even repent. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should take just told trick they would n't be capable to witness out.

"Now is not the metre,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in good time, I will severalise you."

Albus was taken aback. That was Thomas More than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would have told him to listen his own business and get back to Gryffindor Tower before curfew. Albus was going to rule out, he was just going to own to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his dog-tired state, before Balladanis could change his brain about eventually telling Albus about his old career. The base on balls back to Gryffindor column seemed longsighted than usual and all Albus wanted to do was prostration into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his friends. All five of them looked traumatize and Amanda looked like she was going to be sick. He looked around the common room and saw that most mass looked shocked and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even Saint James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their usual table.

rose opened her mouth to speak and then closed her eyes, unable to do so. Albus turned to King John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that bloke who owns Dervish and Banges ?"can asked quietly.

Albus nodded, having seen the man on numerous occasions when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly former than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very vivid personality. He never hesitated to make his opinions known

"soul killed him,"John said in barely to a greater extent than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to seem at all his friends in bout. lusterlessness nodded ever so slightly and then put his head on his hands.

"Must 've just happened,"John said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on responsibility. By the prison term they got back, his shop was a complete mess inside and he was laying dead on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the woodland, the priming coat, and the school. Nobody 's allowed out of their plebeian rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would bring you back here when it happened,"Rose said.

"cipher even came in to tell us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

mass were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That form of thing just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas, but their killers had never been found and nil had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"lusterlessness wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"pink wine replied.

The portrayal hole opened and all the whisper stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was Professor Longbottom, looking speculative for the wear. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some sleep. The lookup will be long over by cockcrow, so you will be free to leave the common elbow room then."

Albus and his friends looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their student residence, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the second year'student residence. Nobody said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's spare blankets. Albus got into bed and stared at the roof. He had been so exhausted earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sleep that night.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the succeeding day. almost people had slept quite former since it was a Saturday. Every bookman of Hogwarts had their nozzle in a written matter of the seer, be it their own or a friend 's. The faculty board looked the same, with every professor either reading the vaticinator or whispering with another professor, no dubiousness about what they 'd learn.

Albus was reading Georgia 's oracle as she had finished with it and made a mental bank note to start subscribing himself. All of his Quaker were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE shopkeeper MURDERED

A commotion in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
occupant to Hogwarts to find the Auror on
duty lead to the breakthrough of the last
of a shopkeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday
evening. His shop had been broken into
and it showed sign of the zodiac of a conflict.
Wisander was discovered in the middle of
destroyed merchandise with his baton
laying a few base away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive hunting of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up nothing despite the hours Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprint were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting clock time to finding
Wisander 's killer and a possible motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a minuscule over ten years, when he
purchased the shop from its late proprietor
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing editorials he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very substantial popular opinion and did not waffle
to let others cognise his popular opinion. His to the highest degree
recent editorials have explored the topic
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'right. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorials are a potential motif for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on Sir Frederick Handley Page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their seats. Nobody said a word for a few mo. Albus did n't love what to cogitate. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it did n't exactly say what his notion were. Albus had n't ever read any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of column did he write ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no idea,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose expression was quite pale,"Want to go to the room ?"

"Yeah,"matt nodded,"I 'm not really hungry."

Albus got up and was followed by all of his Friend. John and Kaden each grabbed a stack of toast before leaving. Even blush wine and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda.

"Have any of you translate his editorial ?"Matt asked as soon as they were in the piranha 's Den.

cypher had read them. Not even Rose. lusterlessness sighed and collapsed onto one of the sofa."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even fuck which would be better, him being for or against loup-garou rights. If he 's for them, that means some bloke is on the loose killing hoi polloi for wanting werewolf rights."

matte did n't even cause to go along for Albus to know why that worried him. matte 's dad was possibly the gravid proponent of lycanthrope rightfulness in all of U.K. and everyone knew it. If someone had been killed just for writing about lycanthrope rights, what would happen to soul who was actually passing natural law for them ?

"That might not be why Wisander was killed,"Rose pointed out.

"Why else would someone accept killed him ?"flatness asked,"He was just a store proprietor in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone kill Professor Torro ?"John replied,"He was n't even writing any editorials or anything."

"To scare multitude,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense instructor position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"well, I do n't think you should worry until you find out what the editorials are about,"Rose said to Matt.

"The other option is n't a lot better,"flatness muttered,"If he did n't spell editorial for wolfman right, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought matt had a dot, but he kept his sass shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for months, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really think much about it, but maybe there was more encounter outside of Hogwarts than Albus was mindful of.

"Let 's go to the subroutine library,"Rose said as she stood up,"They 'll cause old copies of the prophesier there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowded it was. Usually Sat were the days everyone put off their homework and then Sundays were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old transcript of the vaticinator. Nearly every board had a few newspapers on it and a few bookman poring over them. madam Pince was bustling about, no uncertainty worrying about whether the students would rip her wanted newspapers.

"power not be any left,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

"This is good,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't front suspicious for us to be investigating."

St. John the Apostle was almost redress. There was a very minor lot of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded board towards the backbone of the subroutine library. Albus, Matt, and rosebush each took a newspaper publisher while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two old age old, until he got to the newspaper column section. In the very midriff, in the grown font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

therapist, BREWERS TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY OFFICIALS

As I was locking up my workshop death night,
I noticed that it was a total moon. I
could not help but think of the inadequate
masses plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
Wolfsbane. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by witches and
sorcerer with lycanthropy.

The material is expensive. I myself did
the reckoning and discovered that
it would be extremely difficult for
anyone with a low income to afford it.

And what variety of Job are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
ones. The problem where they make hardly
sufficiency money to pay the split and buy
food, let lonely purchase a potion that
could spay their lives for the better.

I am absolutely appalled that Healers
and potion brewers charge for this
significant potion. They must be making
a courteous net profit. They can use the profits
to call for spendthrift holidays while the
poor witches and magician who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so a good deal Ministry functionary
can do. Head of Werewolf backup avail,
Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
give away liberal Wolfsbane, but there just
is n't elbow room for it in the budget.

What do I nominate ? I propose that Healers
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. Most healer claim to have sex
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the power to brew it like
to let a little extra outlay money.

"cipher in this one,"Rose said as she shoved hers aside.

"This one 's got one about lamia,"matt said as he set his theme on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed Matt his theme,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

Matt took the paper and he and rosiness began to say it. St. John, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the room,"Matt said as soon as he 'd finished reading it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newspaper and walked as fast as they could back to the Marauder 's Den.

"Bloody Hell, that bloke must feature had so many enemies !"St. John the Apostle shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two years ago. suppose what he 's written recently."

"Why did he take in to mention my dad ?"Matt groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that newspaper column and he definitely doesn't."

"He was just trying to stir something up,"Rose replied,"And look where it got him."

"healer are n't like that. well-nigh of the ones I 've met would give away free Aconitum lycoctonum, but it 's more complicated that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to bring up how unmanageable it is. There are n't many Healers who can brew it and even most brewers ca n't brew it,"flatness explained.

"That bloke did n't know the half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a Healer and he 'd love to generate away free potions. It just does n't crop that way."

"My dad 's linked with that blighter,"Matt said quietly,"And now that he 's foreland of the stallion department, he 'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really good wizard, though,"Albus pointed out to his vex acquaintance,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are loads of Aurors milling about. And your mansion is more protected than any other sign I 've seen, well, except the pastor 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not good,"Matt sighed.

Albus could n't argue with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more of import than the Quidditch tourney and the dueling tournament.

******

Albus and his champion scoured the Daily oracle every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigation, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nada. The Aurors had questioned quite a few people, namely those very forthright against werewolf and lamia rights, but the hunt had proved fruitless.

The clause about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his column about Aconitum lycoctonum Potion was one of the tamer I. Each day little pieces of his various column were being published. In one, he stated the reason why werewolf should n't be locked up on full moonshine. The reasons were quite cockeyed, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why lamia should be allowed access to human to bite. He suggested using prisoners and allowing vampires to suck them dry. Thus helping lamia and reducing prison toll at the Same time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,"privy announced at breakfast the play along Sunday. He had just finished reading an clause about how Wisander spent a year living with a lamia clan in bomb when he was immature. They were some of the few people actually up at an early hour, as Albus had Quidditch practice session and Saint John the Apostle had a morning detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the stool in Moaning myrtle 's bathroom the former day.

"That 's a nice way of putting it,"Albus said as he served himself more eggs.

"What are you doing after Quidditch practice ?"Saint John asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to leave eventually ? Wood wo n't bring in us practice for the next hebdomad ? I thought he was going to preserve going until the actual match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"toilet grinned.

"What a pity,"Albus rolled his optic,"Anyway, I 'll probably deliver to do preparation, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any programme for after detainment ?"

"Thought I might realise another detention,"John grinned,"But Kaden 's meddlesome with chess clubhouse this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the chess club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any other Kadens ?"John laughed,"Rose said they want to teach him how to play properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll tell Rose good portion with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and rose wine will be fussy with that. Not that Rose would want to earn custody with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,"King John continued.

"Right,"Albus said, remembering that the wide synodic month was that night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just pay heed around the den with matt. I can have got a gracious one-sided conversation."

"You can do your homework,"Albus told him.

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"John said.

"Well, have fun in your detention. I 've got to get to practice,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice words Albus had for practice that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his finest form as he ordered the squad to do drill hour after minute. He seemed to get Sir Thomas More and more stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of one-on-one education with Teddy and Albus was more than a little jealous. teddy was a much more patient captain than Grant Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood.

wood let them have a short interruption for dejeuner, making sure they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the residuum of practice, but they were back on the pitch at the fourth dimension Mrs. Henry Wood told them to be.

The good afternoon was very similar to the morning and Albus found that he could tune out Wood 's yelling quite easily. It was similar to tuning out his mum 's yelling.

Practice finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the pitch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the rake for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, pattern Tuesday evening !"Wood shouted as the altogether team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor column and took a very long, hot cascade and then set off to find his friends.

blush wine, Amanda, and Linda were in the usual elbow room, but the boys were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to look for them after saying a speedy hello to the girls.

John and Kaden were in the center of a heated game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the Marauder 's Den a few minutes later. St. John 's fount was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite clean. There was also a big grinning on his face which contrasted the scowl on John 's grimace. matte was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the plot, but he was vocalize asleep.

"Albus !"Kaden shouted,"How was practice session ?"

"Grueling. Wood 's ten prison term worse than Peach State. Five hr we were out there. Five bally hours in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the early couch.

"punter than scrubbing Moaning myrtle 's john with a toothbrush,"toilet muttered,"I do n't know what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so cheery today,"Kaden said,"So many complaints."

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every one person in the chess club,"Kaden shook his top dog,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the bill blew up in his side again,"Have you done that Defense seek ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your help,"John said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense Department Quran. Balladanis wanted a groundwork long essay about basilisks, which were the current sullen creature of the week.

John sat down at the board while Albus lay on the lounge. He just could n't take himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled resolution to whoremonger whenever he asked a question.

"Do you incubate the wimp egg under a toad frog or a toad ?"John asked.

"anuran,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull a Rose and tell you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even nark,"Albus said. Even blush wine would n't be able-bodied to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football,"Kaden commented,"I mean, you fly, you do n't run."

Albus lifted his caput up and glared at Kaden."Natalie Wood had us doing push-ups and running laps."

"Really ?"Kaden sounded surprised,"Why ?"

"To get us into shape after the holiday,"Albus answered,"So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work."

"Ok, ok,"Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework.

Albus managed to get in a somewhat comfy position on the sofa and wrote his essay with his Koran and parchment perched on his knee joint. It beat sitting at the tabular array ; at least he was able to screen out of lie down.

A few time of day later both Albus and John the Evangelist had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever preparation he was working on.

"We should probably awaken him up,"Albus gestured to matt, who had not moved one muscularity since Albus had came back from practice.

St. John got up and began to stab matt 's arm. It took a trade good two minute of arc for mat to open his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"can told him.

"Then I should probably go,"lusterlessness mumbled,"Oh, Albus, you 're back from practice."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"It was really long, though."

"I 'll go with you to the hospital wing,"John said and Matt did not object. Albus assured him they 'd bring down him the succeeding day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John returned a little while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the piranha 's Den afterwards and john and Kaden continued working on their homework while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too early to wake up.

"Albus !"Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side.

Albus opened his eyes and saw Teddy standing over his bed. A glance at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to wake up. It was six in the morning. On a Saturday. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a second-stringer player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. Wood 's in the common room,"Teddy whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His eyes shot back afford and he sat up."What ?"

"Henry Fielding 's sick,"Teddy told him,"You 're playing today."

Now Albus was widely awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the other reserve Chaser, a seventh yr Slytherin.

"She 's sick, too,"Teddy explained,"The two of them are going out, so it does n't surprise me."

Albus took that to mean that chemise thought they were snogging and one got the former sick.

"I 'll be down in two minute of arc,"Albus muttered.

Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a T-shirt and a pair of blue jean before running down to the common room, where he found Oliver Mrs. Henry Wood pacing in front end of the void fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the common room,"You 're playing Chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very long speech. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during practices that workweek. He could n't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could have accomplished the Saami affair at ten.

Wood and shimmy left after woodwind finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was wide awake, it would be pointless.

theatrical role of Wood 's speech had been on the weather, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there was n't a rash. The stipulation were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the uncouth room reading a book he found laying around until his Quaker got up around ten.

"There you are,"flatness, who was looking significantly respectable than he had a few days ago, said,"What fourth dimension did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"teddy bear got me up. Wood had to tell me I 'm playing chaser today."

"What ?"Matt shouted,"That 's bright !"

"This is great, Albus !"lavatory grinned,"But why ?"

"Fielding 's sick and so is the other reserve Chaser,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his booster, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't recollect he had ever been more nervous for a Quidditch mate. This was a really authoritative lucifer, as Sir Henry Joseph Wood had pointed out numerous times. If they won by a wide enough tolerance, they 'd be in second place.

intelligence had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and legion hoi polloi came over to the Gryffindor table to care Albus luck.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

"Dad,"Albus smiled. He had n't been sure if his dad was coming to the lucifer or not.

"I 'll be watching the whole clock time. I 'm for certain you 're going to do great. Just think of it as a catch against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are blue,"Harry grinned,"trade good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts squad a few arcminute later. All his friends wished him good luck as he left the Hall.

nonentity talked much as they changed into their gown. Everyone sat down afterwards, gear up for Natalie Wood 's pre-match speech.

However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a picayune shocked by the shortness of the speech, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the pitch.


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

Also, I wrote a new Sung fic ! It 's from Snape 's spot of view, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my Author pageboy if you want to chink it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten second into the lucifer, Albus decided there were four case of Quidditch in the world. Casual Quidditch, like what he played with his cousins ; school Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combining of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The gang was louder, the players more determined, and the wager were in high spirits than a normal school Quidditch match.

Albus dodged one of the New House of York Chasers and flew up to catch the Quaffle, which had been dropped by Waverly as he had been hit by a bludger. As soon as Albus had the Quaffle, he was flanked by the early two New House of York Chasers.

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his dresser. Then he plunged down to the land, where cipher else was flying. He was back up senior high two minutes later when he had reached the New House of York finish position. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the go out finish post. The keeper was too slow and the Quaffle soared through.

"potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd Captain John Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

Saint James grinned at Albus as he flew past. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's steward to cast the Quaffle out. That had been his first finish of the match.

The Quaffle continued to replace work force quickly as the match went on. An hour later there was still no sign of the snitch and both squad were neck in cervix as far as points went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more destination and he began to loose a little. The peer began to feel more like a school mate and less like a professional mate, even though the stakes were still mellow.

woods had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at to the lowest degree 50 points when James IV caught the snitch, or they would n't be able to overtake New York as far as boilersuit detail went.

"New York 's Seeker has seen the snitch !"Smith announced.

Albus, who had been following one of New York 's Chasers ( the one who had the Quaffle ), turned around and saw that their Seeker was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'midsection goal.

James noticed as well and flew straight at the basket. He had been significantly closer than New York 's quester and flew away from the ring with the struggling snitcher in his hand.

The crowd roared and James held the Snitch high above his head. Both teams flew to the background and Albus saw the trouble feeling on Grant Wood 's brass. They had n't won by enough to be in second berth overall.

"I had no option !"James River shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

Wood nodded in agreement, but he still looked let down. Albus chose to disregard this and helped the rest of the team to run up James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the decimal point, the Australian School of black magic is in first place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for sec. The following mate will take piazza at the end of February !"Julia Evelina Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his supporter until they were back in the common room. Teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor common room. chemise informed everyone that the three other planetary house were hosting political party as well. The pupil from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your ripe match yet,"toilet said to Albus as they settled down at their common table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I sort of like I could toy in the next match."

"Maybe Fielding will still be sick,"John said.

"Doubt it,"Albus replied,"Plus, I 'm sure O'delle will get number 1 dibs on the next match if any of the early Chasers get sick."

"At least you got to play in one peer,"Rose pointed out.

"Anyway, the adjacent lucifer you 'll probably be playing Australia,"matte said.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"If we win that one, it 'll be a miracle. But we 're not even playing in the side by side one. Next match is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner clip, when people began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get solid food. Harry came in to felicitate Albus and Saint James shortly before Albus and his friends left for dinner. He was also scheduled to patrol the schoolhouse for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

aliveness at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch match. The Prophet printed fewer and fewer articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to block about his death. Everyone except flatness, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the student at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved execution when the following Hogsmeade trip arrived two days after Valentine 's Day. A portion of the students were too lovesick to detect the boarded up workshop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to Madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John the Divine, or matt were too preoccupied to notice the give up building, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a patch despite the biting wind. Rose and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"John asked as they looked at the evacuate building.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"The Prophet never mentioned any family."

"It 's probably still part of the investigating,"matt pointed out,"addition, who would want a construction that person was killed in ? I do n't even desire to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a soundly clip to remind Matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the Shrieking Shack.

"Good detail,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't incur who it was,"John said quietly,"They never found out who killed Torro."

"I really hope they find who it was,"lusterlessness replied.

"They will,"Albus said,"They 're still focused on it."

Albus, lusterlessness, and Saint John went to the ternion broomstick a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castle when Albus heard someone whisper his figure behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The voice sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his paw out and it touched something solid state, but it looked like no one was there.

"Kaden,"Albus groaned,"Is that you ?"

"Yeah,"Kaden whispered back,"I stole your cloak."

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for matt and bathroom, who were both looking confused, to adopt him. He assumed Kaden would succeed as well. Albus lead them up High Street until they reached the Shrieking Shack. nobody was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do agnise how stupid this was."

"Yes,"Kaden replied as he took off the cloak.

"Bloody Hell !"trick shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a goodness meter, but there was a reason I changed my brain and told you not to sneak in today. nigh of the teacher come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My cousin-german told me. They want to make sure enough no one does anything poor fish because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"matte asked.

"One-eyed enchantress statue,"Kaden replied,"atomic number 82 right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you know how difficult it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's face turned bloodless and his oral cavity dropped open. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met grimace to face with Professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd wait,"Balladanis replied,"cum with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into bother, but Albus should have known better than to think they could go the whole year.

cypher spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's field. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had zilch to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how stupid I was."

"Then it would seem that Mr. Potter and I agree on something,"Balladanis replied,"Where 'd you get that cloak ?"

"It 's Albus 's,"Kaden said quietly,"I took it. He did n't give it to me to mouse in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may revert to your coarse room. Mr. Dursley will conjoin you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and toilet could not get out of there quickly enough. They walked straight back to the common room, talking about how favourable they had been. It must have looked like all three of them had helped Kaden sneak into Hogsmeade. near affair Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned xv minutes later, looking quite unhappy. He collapsed onto a electric chair and stared mutinously at the table.

"custody every Saturday for the future month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how dangerous it was for me to sneak out and if I did it again I 'd get a worse penalization than detention. Did n't expatiate on that, though."

"He 'd probably get you kicked out,"John commented.

"Did he say what you have to do for hold ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Kaden said,"surmisal it 'll be a surprise."

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to consume him alphabetize his secret library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den ranting about the amount of books Balladanis had.

"He 's got more books on dark beast than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"lusterlessness replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his hold alphabetizing those books. He almost did n't pull off to stop and if that had been the lawsuit, Balladanis would induce given him a fifth detention.

The future entire moon came and went, as did the following Quidditch compeer. Albus was beginning to mistrust that the good moonlight were becoming tough for lustrelessness, although he did n't bed why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the stool pigeon a half time of day in. Wood insisted that this was a good affair, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a good quantity of goals before Linda caught the stool pigeon in their following peer, they would consume more overall points than New York. Wood seemed to possess lost any Hope that James could puzzle Linda in quest, something James fumed about on a near everyday basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain tempest that left the solid ground completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical animal had to charter post inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lessons. Grant Wood continued to hold Quiditch exercise and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teachers were piling on the homework and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to note the O.W.L.s even though they were a altogether two days away. The only teacher who was n't talking about the end of condition examination was Professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his moral as if end of term exam did not exist. He changed zero about his lessons except the morose wight they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampires next week,"Balladanis announced at the end of class on Thursday,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't aid but look at Linda before he began packing up his things. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them adequate about identifying vampires for anyone to picture out that Linda was one.

"So,"John said as he flipped through his defence mechanism book the following evening. Albus, Matt, lav, and Kaden were in the vulture 's Den and Saint John the Apostle was just finishing the chapter on vampire."expression what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own Christian Bible."Werewolves,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"Matt muttered,"It was bound to find eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to pee you go in for additional help during that unit,"John grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll need cargo of spare helper in identifying werewolves."

lusterlessness rolled his center."He proficient. It 'll expect suspicious if I do n't go in for extra supporter. Speaking of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

"We 'd better go then,"John said,"See you two later."

Albus managed to fetch up his Herbology homework while John and matt were gone. Then it was metre for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the sides of the schoolroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a Lucy Stone lavatory sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silvery drawing string of something out of his promontory and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the chain were store, Albus realized. For a bit, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to separate him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"Come in."

Albus stood awkwardly next to one of the front table while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two son for a few minutes before speaking.

"We 're not dueling today,"he said,"Instead, I am going to bear witness you something."He motioned for them to join him at his desk.

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for explanations, but Albus would deliver appreciated one veracious then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to explore memories. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, lean forward and put your head teacher into the pensieve. Your body will accompany. Scorpius, you will trace. I will get after you."

Albus 's pulse rate sped up a small bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a unintelligent idea ? He did n't even screw what he was getting into. But it was just a remembering. null could hurt him in a memory, right ?

Albus took a deep breathing spell and plunged his font into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard grass and looked around.

It was fall and very tranquillize. There was a small house in the distance, atop of a jolting hill. In fact, the totally expanse was mostly jumpy. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of pot in the whole place. It did n't look like any space in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed side by side to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his feet and they waited for Malfoy to get up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

Albus did so, but he still felt like he deserved an explanation. Where were they ? Why were they there ? Whose memory was this ? What did it let to do with dueling ?

"Excuse me, Sir,"Malfoy said,"Where are we ?"

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did nothing but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Hellenic Republic of all stead ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining temper, judgment by his suddenly, one Word answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small house. The just dissonance was their footsteps. There were n't even any owls hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The family must suffer been their goal. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the dampen down wooden fencing surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the screeching Shack, only low. It was form of go against down pat and did n't seem like a place that would be good to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A light source was on upstairs. It remained on for a few to a greater extent minutes and then someone turned it off.

Balladanis made no move towards the house. Instead, he seemed focused on the woodland that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the forest was as skillful a spot as any to watch.

They watched the wood for a half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded trope practically flew out of the forest. They were at the firm before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His side was hardened.

All was quiet for two minute. The figures entered the household, but did not turn on any twinkle. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the first one.

They were agonizing, long screech. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and help whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was zilch more than a remembering. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's face showed nothing. Nothing but the like hardened feel he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the former hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two different people. There was a high-pitched one that must consume been coming from a woman, and a lower one that must consume been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. offset the cleaning lady, then the man. The hooded figures left the house as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no move to leave. Instead he stared at the house. Two minutes later, soul fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew nearer, Albus could see that the mortal was a boy who looked no older than Albus himself. His typeface was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to differentiate, but Albus was certain there were bust running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't comment the three the great unwashed watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky hill in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar. There was something about his face that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite place it.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long time after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the Defense schoolroom. Albus landed adjacent to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in front of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't turn around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was zero about the scene he had just witnessed that did n't reach Albus peculiar. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each former and it was kind of strange. They were on the same side of meat. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explain.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his hands on his desk and leaned forward, looking both Albus and Malfoy in the eye.

It happened in a split bit. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the face of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked companion. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the alikeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That setting had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the tabular array in front of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right succeeding to each other and Albus did n't care. At the moment, finding out what that setting was was more of import than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few weeks ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. Potter,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the purpose of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the flop second. I feel that that moment is now."

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front of his desk. He began to pace in figurehead of it.

"There is a reason why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my stratum what I did before teaching. The reason is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have attainment beyond your years that I have never seen before, and believe me, I have seen plenty of exceptional duellist in my time. This may be a good metre to tell you how uncommon it is to have two such skilled duelers in the same year at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to bet at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the start of some variety of house 1 speech or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the Best of admirer,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how imprint I am that you seem to put the animus behind you when you step into my classroom for your lessons."

The lonesome reason for that, at least for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would allow Albus and Malfoy bickering with each early during lessons.

"Back to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That scenery that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took office while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summertime before my one-third year at school.

"I grew up in Ellas, in that very house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very poor and could barely afford to put food on the table. I think they were grateful when I went away to school day, the sole rationality being that they would n't have to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully clean-handed and fun years at the Grecian School of conjuration. I returned home plate during summers full of story about my friends and all the mischief we 'd let into."

Albus found it difficult to envisage Balladanis getting into problem at school day or doing anything fun in general.

"Everything changed the summer before my third year. It changed on the night you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that night. They attacked my parents and drank them dry. I hid in a closet, too scared to do anything. Then, once the vampires left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the house of one of my friends. His parents took me in, but affair were obviously never the same. I changed on that night."

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in finish shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by lamia ? That was one thing that had never crossed Albus 's judgment.

"I returned to shoal that September hardened. Nothing was fun anymore. zilch was funny. It was then that I decided to commit my life to ridding the world of such evils. vampire, drear wiz, loup-garou, anyone and anything that slaying viciously."

Albus could n't help but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned werewolf. Balladanis seemed to notice this and gave Albus the slightest of smiles.

"However, I did understand that not all vampire, loup-garou, giants, and other beingness are inherently evil. Not all of them want to pour down. It was for this understanding that I did not wish to be employed by the Hellenic language Ministry. The Greek Ministry prefers to deal with magic tool as a whole and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Hellenic Republic has a very bombastic universe of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the interrogative. Instead, I chose to enter a more close profession. One that you will not find pamphlets on when you get career advice from your heads of house. One that no one except me is going to intimate to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's sum sped up at this. Balladanis was going to founder them career advice ? They were only long dozen. But at the same time, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a ripe enough duellist for this calling, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am for sure neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out dark sorcerer and dark legerdemain. However, we not only seek out drear wizards and dark magic, we seek out darkness and dangerous creatures as well.

"The biggest deviation is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the humans and we are often sought out by respective Ministries and hired on an as-needed basis. We travel from country to land, whenever we are needed. It is quite closemouthed. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The idea intrigued him, though. A secretive form of Auror who did not work for the Ministry.

"I never caught the lamia who killed my parents. I have met one vampire who knew them, but she is not like them. I am still searching for them, however."

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the presence of his desk. He looked at Albus and Malfoy, but did not say anything else.

"Why are you teaching here, then ?"Malfoy asked.

"That is one thing that is between myself and professor Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back side by side year ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right now, I have no mind,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much longer than normal. If you think of anymore interrogation, do not hesitate to see me. I 'll walk you back to your common rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't make love what to make of it. It was just so a good deal information at once.

The common room was nearly empty when Albus climbed through the portrait hole. It must have got been really later, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't know what metre it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"pigeon hawk, you 've been gone for 60 minutes !"

"What did he have you doing ?"Matt asked.

"I 'll assure you tomorrow,"Albus muttered, realizing that all he wanted to do was lay in his bed and call back about what Balladanis had just said.

Albus was vaguely cognisant of his champion sighs of disappointment as he went up to his hall, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his creative thinker was racing at the same time.

Albus tossed and turned the entire night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis intellection of her. He had said he did n't throw a grudge against lamia that did n't kill people, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the vampire he had met who knew the vampires who killed his parents ? It was possible since vampires never aged. Or maybe she was a completely dissimilar vampire. Albus wondered how many vampires Balladanis knew.

Eventually Albus fell into a restless eternal rest, but his dreams were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"Merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his promontory. After waking up drenched in stew at four in the dawning after a incubus in which his whole family line had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat comme il faut sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

"He 's like you are after full moons."

"Shut it. Seriously, Albus, get up."

"Yeah, we want to know what happened last night."

person pulled the curtain open and took the pillow off Albus 's head. He looked up and saw John and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"John the Evangelist asked,"Because that would make me want to hole up in bed for the day."

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll tell you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you skilful notice Rose, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll tell you in the Marauder 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to find out this."

The girl and Kaden met them in the predator 's Den after Albus, John, and Matt had luncheon. privy kept pestering Albus all through tiffin, wanting to know why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said zip. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to differentiate his acquaintance about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the figure of pigeon hawk happened finally night ?"pink wine asked as soon as they were all in the Marauder 's Den.

"Balladanis told us what he did before he started teaching at Hogwarts,"Albus said quietly.

"And you neglected to severalise us until now ?"John gaped,"I 've been wanting to cognise for the entire yr !"

"I know, John,"Albus snapped,"But it 's not anything what you 'd think."

"Sorry,"can muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve survive nighttime,"Albus began.

"Really ?"Rose looked shanghai,"What was that like ?"

"Not that great, to be dependable,"Albus said,"Probably would induce been better if it was a better memory.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down house in Greece. kind of looked like a smaller more run-down variation of the Shrieking Shack."

"In Hellenic Republic ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the house for what seemed wish hours and then these chassis broke into it and we heard this frightfully screaming. Then the digit left. Then this blighter who was about our age came running out with this ugly scared expression on his facial expression. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a living ?"John asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his house. The screech were his parents. The boy was him. He told us this after. His parents were killed by a coven of vampires."

nobody said anything for a foresightful time. Albus looked at his friend and they all wore equal looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"Matt asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"merlin, no wonder Balladanis is so damn insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to commit his life to ridding the world of immorality, whether it be vampires, glowering wizards, or other dark beast,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"pink wine asked.

"No,"Albus shook his capitulum,"He 's a Presuler."

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after dark creatures, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the world. They 're research worker as well. Apparently it 's all very secretive,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"John the Divine said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

"Me, too,"lustrelessness agreed,"Instead he just hunts down vampires. And, werewolves."

"Only ones that kill masses,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolves have the capability of killing people, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his view on vampires and wolfman truly is, it 's going to be concern to see how he teaches us about them,"rosebush mused.

"conjecture this is why you did n't want Linda to find out about this,"John said.

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Apparently he still has n't found the lamia who killed his parents, but he knows a lamia who knows them. That vampire does n't kill people. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever find out."

"Oh, I 've got to tell you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a deep breath,"He thinks Malfoy and I should get Presulers."

"Seriously ?"lustrelessness asked.

"Yeah, because we 're in effect dueller,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't throw to bed. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't make up one's mind anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the iniquity Arts, but it might becloud his sound judgment sometimes,"rosebush warned.

"I know, that 's what I do n't get,"Albus said,"Why is he telling us this now ?"

"Maybe because he does n't plan on staying,"Matt replied,"Why would he blockade searching for the lamia who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

"Malfoy asked,"Albus told him,"But he would n't say us. He said it 's between him and Kendrick."

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"lav rolled his centre,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to recollect about it."

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be wanton said than done, especially since Defense class was soon devoted to learning about lamia. Balladanis seemed to teach that particular unit of measurement with much more enthusiasm than usual, a feat that cipher thought potential. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than common, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampires was stuff Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the school year. It was still fairly matter to, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the wight they were learning about, the more interest it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every educatee was grateful for.

However, partway through their minute week devoted to vampire, the anamatek 's bole reappeared in the Defense classroom. There was an audible moan from every student who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a vampire, I think I 'm going to get up and allow for,"John the Divine seethed as they took their seats.

"Maybe we 're moving onto another creature,"Albus suggested even though he knew the probability were slim to none.

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing werewolves next,"Saint John the Apostle reminded him,"And matte said that thing could n't deform into an genuine werewolf. oral presentation of flatness, he 's lucky he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The to the full moonlight had been the previous Night.

"Quiet,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire lesson today. Today I wish to show you what a vampire looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the accomplishment necessary to fight a vampire."

"He 's mental,"Gospel According to John muttered.

Balladanis drew his wand and pointed it at the automobile trunk. It snapped undecided and out stepped a very pale man with rip off features. He did n't move, but merely stared out at all the students.

"vampire are the sodding predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his scepter at the lamia and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the back of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The vampire had moved so tight that Albus had missed it in the blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're goodness looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The alternative is not great, either. From the moment their teeth break your skin, you begin to transform into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not blow you dry. There is no way to stop it, no potion to antagonise it.

"vampire James Henry Leigh Hunt at night when their imagination is still fantabulous, but when human vision is compromised. However, that is not the only if intellect. Does anyone know the other ?"

rose wine raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"Vampires are in essence allergic to the sun,"Rose explained,"When the sunlight hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headache and makes them palpate sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare grin,"There is no potion to counteract the effect of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to inhabit areas that see less sun and areas of dense woods, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United body politic, parts of Canada, and parts of Russia. However there is also a significant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the bole. Everyone breathed a corporate sigh of relief. The lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no credit of moving onto the side by side unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

Albus and his friends went to visit Matt late that dark after Albus got out of Quidditch recitation. They only had a half hr or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent defence mechanism lesson today,"lavatory said once madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the common single ?"matte asked tiredly. He looked gear up to descend asleep at any moment.

"Balladanis brought back the anamatek,"Albus told him.

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his vocalisation was hoarse it was n't very loud,"We 're still doing vampires, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a vampire,"John said,"We did n't stimulate to crusade it. He just used it to show how profligate lamia were and what they looked like."

"That is uncanny,"matte replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"whoremaster shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few more days of vampires."

"well, the longer we spend on vampires, the Sir Thomas More time we have before we start werewolves,"lusterlessness said quietly,"I really hope he does n't spend as a great deal time on them as he has on vampires."

"I do n't think he will,"Albus said,"His parents were n't killed by werewolves."

"Thank Falco columbarius for that,"Matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"Rose said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after lunch,"Albus told him,"secure night."

"'Night,"matt said.

They left the ward just as madam Pomfrey was coming out of her study, presumably to tell them to will and turn over Matt Thomas More potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the common way, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to rent up bets on how farsighted Balladanis was going to pass teaching the third years about vampires. Fred was for sure he 'd spend the remainder of terminus, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the next unit partway through April. None of the tierce years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would happen out.

The vampire whole was still well underway when the next Quidditch match came along. This one was the indorse Hogwarts versus Aussie School of sorcery match, which meant Natalie Wood was in his peak when it came to pattern. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing rooms since he spent More of his time on the Quidditch delivery than in the Gryffindor unwashed room.

Albus awoke the day of the mate to John 's gimcrack swearing instead of Teddy, which told him that he did not own to play during that catch. He could n't help but finger slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no pointedness in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John what happened.

"Tripped over Matt 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his correct foot,"Why ca n't he just put that stupid thing away ?"

"Like you always do ?"Albus smirked and gestured to bathroom 's own cauldron, which was sitting only a few invertebrate foot away from Matt's.

John the Evangelist muttered something indistinguishable and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the bathroom while Albus woke matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the common elbow room a little while later and then went down to the Great Hall to get something to eat.

A few hours later the male child were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the match to lead off. pink wine and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how long it 'll carry Linda to find the fink this clock time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minutes,"John said,"Hey, call back that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Was n't Linda supposed to start flying ho-hum after that ?"

"That 's what I thought,"lav shrugged,"But she did n't during the last match."

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"lusterlessness put in,"I mean, think about it, if James II could fly that fast, would he really slow down to a normal speed ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prevision proved even out. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating St. James to the stoolpigeon by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that point and only wound up losing by forty level.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New York as far as Quidditch decimal point went. Australia was still in the lead-in, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournaments. As of the most Recent tourney, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in last place and New House of York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty certainly that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck opening. Whatever the outcome of the remaining qualifying tourney and matches, the finals for both were going to determine the winner of the competition. The level were just too close.

Although there was obviously no solemnisation in the Gryffindor uncouth room after the match, cipher was particularly depressed either. Albus figured this was because nobody had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two calendar week into April, Bradley along with quite a few other sure-enough Gryffindors, were able-bodied to immediate payment in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long wait essay on vampires on Thursday, officially making the vampire building block the long unit they had done. They had spent an entire month and a half on it. The essay seemed to twin this distance, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the last possible bit, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly voiceless essay because Balladanis had given them so much information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to save. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't help oneself but be slightly covetous of them because doing the essay with an factual lamia would create it the prosperous essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's gladiolus this unit of measurement 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"rosebush answered,"She hated every hour of those object lesson. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, pink wine ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as he measured his own essay.

"leash feet,"rose answered.

John groaned."Do you think Balladanis will detect if mine 's three inch short ?"

"Yes,"Rose said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely picky about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't finish it we can just hop socio-economic class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to demo up in socio-economic class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to class,"rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to year tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to finish it,"pink wine told him,"You 've got two inches left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"whoremaster said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll copy bits of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"Nobody found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't think anyone 's going to find out you 're a loup-garou just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feeling about it,"Matt sighed.

"Look on the hopeful side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the wolfman essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really care about the essay,"Matt said flatly.

Both Matt and John managed to finish their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor pillar, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't cogitate Matt slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John got a late outset since lav had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure how it go there ), the three son rushed down to the Great Charles Francis Hall to grab piece of music of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the elbow room right hand on time and barely had a probability to catch up with their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to hand in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out sheepskin and a quill.

"well, our unit on vampires is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on lycanthrope for today ? If you had for some reasonableness decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual pacing in battlefront of the schoolroom. He stopped in figurehead of rosebush and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would lead off with loup-garou history,"he announced,"nonentity is sure when the first wolfman came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding refinement. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle polish have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of years ago, before the Muggle theatre of psychology came about and retentive before Muggles had any discernment of the human judgement, they tried to make good sense of citizenry whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to impute the insanity to the Moon. Over the years, the myth of loup-garou came about. Thus, werewolves have had a significant function in Muggle stories. In world, the the great unwashed Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from dementia praecox or tear of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to write everything down. He knew absolutely cypher about the Muggle view of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his handwriting was shaking.

"Muggles of course know zippo about real werewolf,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolf have little in plebeian with the real affair.

"werewolf are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

rose wine was the entirely one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek row 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"Rose explained,"Lykos means wolf and anthropos way man."

"Very upright,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthropes.

"werewolf have been shunned by wizarding society for as yearn as story has told us about them. In recent years, there has been a lot guess about whether this is necessary or even a in effect idea. However, it is difficult to change the minds of the majority when we have been taught to deflect lycanthropes and ostracise them from wizarding society for so long.

"It has not been for no understanding that this general prejudice has came about. When in Friedrich August Wolf mannequin, wolfman can not keep in line their activeness and thus attack helpless hoi polloi. This has long been construed as loup-garou wanting to attack people, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the vitrine when it comes to most werewolves. Most do not wish to attack others. Within the past hundred long time, lycanthropes have begun locking themselves up on the full lunar month in orderliness to avoid attacking others. However, there is one pregnant drawback to this for the werewolf. Does anyone have intercourse this ?"Balladanis 's eye rested on mat, but he continued staring down at his vacuous parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their hands. This fourth dimension Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't have anybody to lash out, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a choice and they often wind up really hurt because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't pick up what he said because lustrelessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly nervous and Albus was happy that the division was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the repose of the lecture.

"We 'll pick up next class with what happens before, during, and after full moons for a somebody with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the Vanessa Bell rang,"If you have not read the loup-garou chapter, delight do so for side by side time. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come see me."

Matt looked, if it was possible, even more spooky at this prospect. The rest of the class left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with Gospel According to John, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and John left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, Potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, nothing. Just a very elucidate example. I 've learned so a great deal,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"pigeon hawk,"whoremonger muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll know after future lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"john replied,"That 's a courteous way of putting it. The unhurt school 's going to screw in two days, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this object lesson ?"

"Yeah,"lavatory nodded,"We ca n't tell him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether mat knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no dear than he had before.

"Nothing,"whoremaster said,"What did Balladanis desire ?"

"Told me I did n't have to go to the extra help during this unit unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't know,"flatness said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll see suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many more object lesson like that. Merlin, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. mat did n't give a clue as to how dreaded it would be. They said nothing more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so glad about having ridiculously long Quidditch praxis as he was Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. He was perfectly happy to pass all his free time on the Quidditch tar and then be too tired to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so hard for him to keep what Malfoy said away from Matt. He wanted zip more than to discourage his friend about it, even though he knew that would accomplish zippo. All it would do was take in matt worry even more and then act even more uneasy during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's intellect off of what would occur after Malfoy 's hunch were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred pct sure Malfoy would announce it to all of Slytherin. Then, watchword would spread and the entire school would find out. Merlin only knew what would go on when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf right field had come a prospicient way since shimmy 's dad was in school day, but he also knew that about people would not be happy if their tyke were going to school with a werewolf, especially one that did not rent Wolfsbane. Not to mention the field day the press would feature with it. lusterlessness 's dad had just become Head of the Department for the regulation and command of Magical tool for Falco columbarius 's sake. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a slight probability that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a panic plan of attack. What would befall if Malfoy found out he was a werewolf ?

It did not facilitate that the good moon was that Fri. lustrelessness barely spoke during the legal brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch pitch. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into infinite or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch recitation took Albus 's nous off of all of that, but they did not block Th from arriving and sooner than Albus would accept liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and toilet exchanged flighty glances as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his look. Albus was so focussed on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's automobile trunk was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John in the side.

"What ?"King John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's beard,"John exclaimed,"I do n't even desire to know what he 's going to do with that."

"tranquillity down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll uphold our lycanthrope treatment today by talking about what happens to a werewolf when the moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a similar way to vampires, are somewhat allergic to the moonlight when the lunar month waxes. For the few nighttime before the factual full moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will feel ill. The moonlight gives them cephalalgia and when exposed long enough, causes them to turn a loss consciousness."

Albus did n't devil writing any of this downcast, as he knew first script what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too lots moonlight shortly before the full moon lunation. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and Matt. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing speedy glances at flatness himself. matt was staring down at his parchment and Albus was certain he was trying to dismiss everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the lesson or because the full lunar month was the following day.

"werewolf are often too ill to go about their daily activities the day of the full phase of the moon moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the real transformation, I wish to show you what a person with lycanthropy looking like the day of the replete moon."

For a abbreviated endorsement, Albus thought Balladanis was going to anticipate Matt to the front end of the room, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the bole and a diminished man stepped out of it. His pallidness looked exactly like Matt 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore mark and had a sickly look to them.

Balladanis began to verbalize about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute or so with shock absorber and then he glanced at matte. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's expression. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the lesson passed by in a form of fog for Albus. He and John the Evangelist had exchanged glimpse and the face on John 's facial expression told him he had noticed Malfoy 's realization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't process it.

The deterrent example seemed to drop behind on and speed by at the same time. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the same time he did not want to know what was going to happen after.

"Next lesson will focus on Aconitum lycoctonum Potion and the outcome it has had on loup-garou rights,"Balladanis announced at the end of the moral,"course of instruction dismissed."

Albus and whoremaster looked at each other. Albus did n't have it away what to do. Should he present Malfoy ? Or should he tell lustrelessness what happened ? flatness seemed unmindful to the unharmed thing.

They silently decided just to leave the classroom and decide what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the elbow room and Albus was not sure if this was a full or a bad matter. He had the sudden itch just to hex Malfoy right then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your stage business,"lustrelessness muttered. Albus and John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his paw around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even speculative tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got Matt 's attention. His read/write head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to John with the most panicked look on his case Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun full moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just loud enough for lusterlessness, Albus and John to hear.

matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crew, much to the disfavour of the students who were trying to get to class, and disappeared in a topic of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out lusterlessness 's enigma, but he had used it to dash him. In essence, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the worst things he could have done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to class, Albus pulled out his wand and had it against Malfoy 's pectus in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally lay down trusted you 're so identical that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a menace, potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to import it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how much better I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the like time.

"Expelliarmus !"lavatory shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a Mexican valium of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, privy, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarming spell and shot another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's carapace and hit a nearby portraiture. The portrait 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his shield charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling moral, Albus watched as his buckler held up while the hex snapshot at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling jinx at John.

This one hit John Lackland and he collapsed onto the storey in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his human face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his scepter and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shell down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John and whoremaster immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his field. Albus looked nervously at John. Of all the professors to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one good thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce flatness 's lycanthropy to the entire school while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's field of study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not begin to secern you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you near than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling science and what form of duty lies with them. I have half a psyche to quit our education session. However, I am leave to hear all sides of this story before laying out any sort of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and ceramist pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and Gospel According to John looked at each other and John rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, if you please."

Albus took a oceanic abyss breath. He was going to tell the story. The whole tarradiddle."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about matte, after listening to your public lecture on werewolves."

Balladanis 's oculus widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that true, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right to know if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to go on his medical issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His wellness is none of your concern whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After Matt left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go tell the whole school about matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your wand on me."

"You sent the kickoff hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"toilet replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much promote than a duel. All three of you will welcome four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your several houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the master. There are things more important to discuss than custody,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew to the full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said goose egg as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's cogitation. Malfoy walked a few pes behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's field since his first year, when he went to talk to Dumbledore 's portrait. The place had n't changed in the svelte. Everything seemed to be in the exact Lapp place. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awake and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, trick, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to handwriting out detentions, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am busybodied at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that Matt Eckerton is a loup-garou,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chairs and gestured for the three male child to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the middle professorship and waited for Kendrick to start. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rhapsodic attention.

"Well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. potter, perhaps you can separate me if anyone else knows about matte 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"Rose Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll need to speak with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't call back matte 's in class."

"You may be mightily,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any idea where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and whoremonger left the study. Albus went straight to the marauder 's Den while John went to the dungeons as rosiness and Amanda would be in potions.

flatness was sitting on his bed in the Marauder 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"flatness said without turning to look at Albus. His articulation was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. St. John the Apostle and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four Nox of detention and took points away."

"He 'll tell everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to finish school. That 's not even the high-risk function. It 's going to be all over the seer. My dad 's going to suffer his job again. We 'll probably have to move to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked anxious. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the same time.

"Why did Balladanis give to be such a full teacher ?"Matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of horrific teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left aught out ! Even the way he described the transmutation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupefied anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No wonder Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you cognise ?"flatness shouted,"How do you really know ? I know Teddy 's dad got to persist after Snape found out, but this is unlike. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to carry on with this."

Albus did n't really know what to say to that. Everything Matt said was true up. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. cipher could liken to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his field. He wants to mouth to all of us. Me, Gospel According to John, pink wine, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't desire to go up there,"Matt said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to last out here. pigeon hawk, my promontory is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"Matt groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't carnival. I hate it. I hate this hale thing. I do n't want to be a bloody werewolf anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable Matt was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him plain about being a wolfman. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the full-of-the-moon Sun Myung Moon or when he was laid up in the hospital annexe for solar day afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's subject area. Albus muttered the password, that he had overheard Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and Matt when they walked in. matte froze in place and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"guide a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two empty president, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the seat next to Malfoy 's, but did n't expect at him. Matt took the other one.

"commencement, I want to check you that you do not ingest to give Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to Matt,"nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't attend reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My founding father wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this school,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his stance is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Does anyone else know ?"matte shook his fountainhead."And did you differentiate the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. lustrelessness nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

Matt seemed ineffective to address. After a few present moment of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How recollective have you known, Mr. potter ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this motion with Rose, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda, who all gave the same answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus appeal. He shared one horrified glimpse with rosebush and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a little panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"professor, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this charm on Kaden, so he would n't recite anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's reaction, but before the headmaster could say a word, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus magic spell,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"rosiness answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible witch, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing effort, young woman Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how longsighted Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a class,"rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some thing to discuss with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The sleep of you may go to the Great lobby. I believe there is still a half hour or so bequeath of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew lusterlessness would tell him.

lustrelessness never showed up in the Great student residence for lunch, nor did he go to Ancient Runes or Charms. Albus could not concentrate on either of those classes and was very well-chosen when charm was over and he was able to leave.

Wood was not very felicitous that Albus had acquired four detentions. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty minutes telling Albus how he should n't be picking conflict with early students so close to the next Quidditch match, especially in social movement of instructor'classrooms. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was previous for appeal. Albus had run into Wood in in between Ancient Runes and Charms.

"What do you speculate Balladanis is going to make us do ?"John asked as they walked towards the vulture 's Den.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"whoremonger agreed.

Rose, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go bump Matt before they went to dinner. They had to look a piece for the corridor to net out before they were actually able to get into the elbow room, though.

flatness was fast asleep on the couch when they entered."Good affair he does n't have detention tonight,"John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John Lackland gently shook flatness 's shoulder until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"John the Evangelist said,"Or you 'll leave out dinner."

"I 'm not thirsty,"flatness muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the former end of the couch.

"He should put that spell on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"matte sighed,"All he did was tell Malfoy how important it was not to observe anything. He said telling his father would do zippo. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would present exclusion for revealing another educatee 's medical checkup entropy. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? for certain, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't consume it back. I 'd still sustain to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't think he 's going to tell anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate pity in the Malfoy fellowship, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified maven. Malfoy wo n't want that."

"I guess you 're powerful,"Matt sighed,"It 's just so strange, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to transport an owl to my parents, let them do it about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. John and I have got hold tonight."

"Oh, right. skilful luck with that,"lustrelessness replied.

******

Balladanis 's detention was a bit anticlimactical. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really creative and taxing detention, but instead he assigned them short letter. Lines were possibly the most oil production detention ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling deterrent example is canceled for tomorrow Night due to your detention. Detention will be at nine, after my surplus help session, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said cipher more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really take care. He just wanted to get his line of credit done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on entire Moon, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a werewolf used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the best United States Department of Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"tranquility !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's chiding. Malfoy stopped asking dubiousness and went back to his lines. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out Matt 's closed book ?

A half hr into their line writing, when Albus was contemplating switching manpower despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his veracious script, there was a roast on the door. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than Matt 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to St. John. John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last thing they needed was for Balladanis to think back they were there and tell them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to bear in private.

"genus Tethus,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Bruno Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John. lusterlessness 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? mat had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to spill the beans to you about what happened earlier today,"flatness 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your lessons,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll take to know in order to fight back themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Falco columbarius, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transmutation with an anamatek ? Do you realize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his voice a bit,"You 're not the sole expert on magical wight. I have perfect control over my anamatek."

"Nobody has stark controller over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The headmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't involve to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how much you taught the third eld about werewolves. The item about their transformations, how to plunk one out of the cosmopolitan population, what happens before, during, and after transformations. Your deterrent example was far more detailed than a third year text book."

"You 'd recover that all my moral are like that,"Balladanis replied,"textbook books do not give enough details."

"I think giving enough detail about identifying a werewolf so that a 3rd yr would be able to work out that person not even in their same sign of the zodiac is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"withholding tax selective information from an entire class because of one student is not a good method of commandment,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be life-threatening for that one scholarly person,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest good for the superlative number, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a good doctrine,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll agree to take issue, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your lessons are putting my son in peril anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll teach however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boy, none of whom were writing production line any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and lavatory before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the master has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the motivation to repeat that there will be consequences if you make world my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"Good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to look your study and schoolroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will subscribe to it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breathing spell as Matt 's dad left the elbow room with professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a coup d'oeil with can. He wanted aught more than to result, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow Night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his hurriedness to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with John following. Malfoy made no move to try and lecture to them again, so they headed straight to the predator 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely multitude who have read and reviewed this ! You bozo are amazing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to find that matte and Kaden were the just ones there. Matt 's font was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the heart of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the cards,"Oh, Albus, whoremonger ! How was your hold ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down future to flatness,"Matt, did you roll in the hay your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"fountainhead, do you know where he went after ?"John asked.

"Home, I guess,"lusterlessness shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detainment,"John said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"mat shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to figure out if person 's a werewolf and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"Matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the rationality he came here, to tell Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to inspect Balladanis 's room tomorrow to make sure he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's commandment puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to look into him."

"It 's really not a right idea to get on my dad 's bad side,"Matt said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not see happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd order you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"flatness said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not tell anyone you 're a lycanthrope,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't recall Malfoy 's going to order anyone."

******

It did not take very long for Holy Writ to spread that Balladanis had gotten in worry for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next morning at breakfast, as a few elder students had bet on how prospicient he would ingest it. Somehow everyone knew that flatness 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the former Nox and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even rigorous than usual and seemed incredibly raging. That did not bode well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's downright chilling,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in tears. But I 'd detest to be in your grade, Albus, he 's going to be brutal. I mean, it 's pretty often because of mat that he got in trouble."

flatness had gone up to the marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was right. Balladanis was going to take this out on matt, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't do it why he cares so much,"lav shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could receive just taken that thing away. He 's prosperous he just had to consume it back to his household or whatever."

"I do n't think he likes the administration,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him talk about what he did before instruction here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"wellspring, I think it 's a in effect idea for the Ministry to make him take that thing home,"John the Evangelist said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticora next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and lavatory went up to the Marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"toilet asked as he gestured to matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"doubtfulness it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"merlin, I just want to sleep together what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"lav groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"Rose commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to fire up him up,"lav muttered.

The remainder of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his custody later and Saint John complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra help session about werewolves when he already knew so very much about them.

Albus woke lustrelessness up shortly before dinner party and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of good moon. They all escorted him to the hospital fender, where gentlewoman Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to leave the hospital annex, the doors opened and in walk Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to chequer if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"John whispered.

"He 's not going to tell us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to Matt 's bed and talking to Madam Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for nothing. He entered the way before Malfoy and St. John was already doing his rail line. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him parchment. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about Matt and did n't even annotate that the full lunation was that night.

Balladanis let them allow for at half past ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the piranha 's Den and spent the remaining sentence left until uranology playing Exploding piece of cake and champion 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have this year with the Slytherins ?"toilet groaned as they made their way to the uranology tug,"If Malfoy does n't hold a unmarried scuttlebutt about the full moon, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to halt you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll have to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up next to Albus 's. Professor Marco Polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plat the place of Mars, Venus, the moon, and a handful of stars before turning them drop off to actually do so.

"The moon is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at whoremaster."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"bathroom muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the Head of the section for the regularization and Control of Magical creature ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just stop talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, add up on, Potter. Even you have to appreciate the irony,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just exclude up,"Albus seethed.

"silence over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more meter before going back to his telescope. The rest of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was capable to return to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in kickoff twelvemonth,"Albus sighed,"Remember when Madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"Well, she did n't shut up us out this clip,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his friends had slept late on Saturday aurora and after grabbing a nimble bite to eat, had gone to visit Matt in the infirmary wing. brothel keeper Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the Marauder 's Den, trying to project out why.

"She always lets us in,"toilet groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"blush wine wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the total moons have been forged the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us become Animagi,"John muttered.

"John, I honestly do n't think you could turn an Animagus,"Rose replied,"You 'd wind up with a permanent can affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"Saint John the Apostle grinned,"Always thought it would be poise to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep back going back to the hospital backstage,"can shrugged,"Until brothel keeper Pomfrey lets us in."

Their efforts proved bootless, though. They went to the hospital wing twice that afternoon and then mighty before Albus and lavatory had to go to detainment. dame Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Sunday, the last day of Albus and John 's detention, was the Saami. Madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the one-third fourth dimension that day.

"Nothing 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow evening ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any earlier than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give custody ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and john broke away from the group to complete their live detention. Balladanis gave them strain, just like he had the preceding three Nox. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may hold back,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to proceed his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the aftermath will be much more stern than detention and lost points.

"Mr. potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given slap-up thought to whether I should continue giving you extra example. I have decided to yield you one to a greater extent chance. Lessons will continue this Fri at their normal clock time. However, if either of you disregard my regulation again, I will no longer keep them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in division on Tuesday."

"Falco columbarius, I 'm glad that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't boil down at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the infirmary annex and find out how flatness was, but dame Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

rosebush and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, privy, and Kaden near the hospital backstage afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the room access to the hospital backstage, one-half expecting Madam Pomfrey to yell at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the only occupied bed, which had the curtain pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtains back. Matt looked run through and there was a rather large bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come sojourn me,"Matt gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"brothel keeper Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"mat smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't gentlewoman Pomfrey let us come sojourn ?"

"Because I did n't awake up until yesterday afternoon,"flatness answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two days later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A bunch of matter, really,"Matt sighed,"First, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm worried about something. Second, I hit my headland really severely at some pointedness that night. It still hurts. Third, the transformations in general are getting big, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's head. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting older and that brought batch of change, but he had n't even thought about how the wildcat would change when lustrelessness got older.

"So, are all of the to the full moonlight going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"lusterlessness shook his headway and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really recognise what 'll encounter in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's commodity, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow Nox at the earliest,"flatness sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"want I could overleap Defense,"John muttered,"speech production of demurrer, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"John, he just woke up yesterday,"Rose pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"Matt said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the section for the Regulation and control condition of Magical puppet in Commonwealth of Australia, he hired Balladanis to arrest a stria of vampire who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

"Sent them to prison house. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should suffer gotten life conviction. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge statement at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aboriginal Australian Ministry did n't lease him after that,"matte explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would concur on punishments. I wonder if he 's hired Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"matt replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of issues. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to hear to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lessons you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a unlike slope of Balladanis during the past times week."

******

Tues morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to demurrer with Saint John the Apostle. Neither of them really knew what course of study would be like, but judging from what he heard about recent demurrer classes in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that custody was over. He sat side by side to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his common table.

Balladanis stormed into the elbow room a few moment later. He waved his wand at the doorway and it slammed shut with a belt loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell Gemini, who had been sitting closest to it, to jump.

"Pass your prep questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the table in front of him and waited for Balladanis to collect it. He paused in front of the table in front of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can say Eckerton that his homework is late and therefore I will not bear it. If he wished to get deferred payment for it, he could birth graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him blaze from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the prep unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most lycanthrope, the potion was a life belt. Who can explain what it does ?"

Nobody, not even blush wine and Linda, raised their helping hand. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call on him.

"nobody ?"he said,"compassion. Wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during full synodic month. The werewolf turns into a Friedrich August Wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just slumber until the moon sets and will not bear the urge to bite and kill.

"The potion is a life buoy to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to depict you what a werewolf would look like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the rook,"Balladanis said with spite,"Therefore you will make to go without the visual. It seems that sealed parents, Ministry officials, and the schoolmaster do not okay of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't call it suffering,"John muttered.

"placidity, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to lend to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"Good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this classroom and your Education is going to suffer for it. nada, and I repeat nothing can replace bridge player on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the line at having what was in nub a subsist manticore in front of him. There were some meter when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't ferment for all lycanthrope and Albus found his head drifting. All in all, the example had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief fustian about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty pattern. formula for Balladanis, that is.

"Next example will be the last-place on werewolves,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will hear about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. lusterlessness would be out of the hospital annex by then. Why could n't Balladanis just end up the lycanthrope unit of measurement already ?

"He wo n't be back succeeding year,"Gospel According to John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just wonder who we 're going to get instead."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"seat your bets here !"Fred shouted the succeeding day as he walked around the plebeian room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait jam with Peach State and King James after a particularly difficult Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the lucifer against New York, which was to take place in a lilliputian over a week.

"Georgia, St. James the Apostle, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"Care to localize a bet ?"

"What are you taking stake about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff, your mum is bound to find out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's aunt Alicia was the least exacting out of all of his auntie. She 'd probably rank a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better Bob Hope Grandma does n't find out,"Empire State of the South smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. molly Weasley would probably institutionalise him a riot if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And heather and I are taking wager on how a lot longer Balladanis is going to last. precaution to take a guess ?"

"I suppose,"Georgia said as she pulled out some amber,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a workweek. I heard he had three for the first time age in tears today."

"He nearly had half of my class in tears,"Fred said as he took Georgia 's gold,"James, Al ?"

"terzetto Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"James said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head.

"cause yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the uncouth room,"wager here, place your bets !"

Albus found his friends crowded around their common table in the plebeian room. Linda was with them. All three little girl were working on homework. whoremaster and Kaden were trading Chocolate Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in bother,"Rose muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his head,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten sickle he wo n't endure the twelvemonth,"John said.

"You should make out exactly when he 'll allow for, what with your taking Divination,"rosebush smirked.

"soothsaying 's a joke,"whoremonger muttered,"I ca n't await to discharge it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"blush wine grinned,"Sick of making up stuff ?"

"It 's just so superfluous,"John groaned,"We 're still doing quartz glass orb. I just say her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking foretelling,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his social class for future year a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. prior. He decided on care of Magical Creatures, ancient runic letter, and Arithmancy.

"Easy prep, though,"trick sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got well-fixed prep ?"matt asked as he sat down in the president future to Saint John 's. He looked a bit better than he had the late day, but still worn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"John asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for refutation tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm tempted to use a Fainting fondness to get out of it."

"I think half the initiatory years are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete homework question. Made her cry."

"That 's what Sakartvelo was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two week. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

John filled his scoop with disgorgement Pastilles before he set off to Defense the next sunup. Albus did n't get to. His curiosity always trumped his dislike for certain course of instruction. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"wolfman,"Balladanis said as soon as the bell rang,"When the term is used, well-nigh the great unwashed conjure up images of lonesome grownup, condemned to a miserable life that revolves around the Sun Myung Moon.

"However, there is a whole group of lycanthrope that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, children do get attacked by lycanthrope. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too former. Even fewer survive the initial translation. Werewolf transmutation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few nestling are strong enough to make it through."

Balladanis paused and began to rate the room."Parents are faced with a decision after their fry is bitten. They have three choices. Number one, they can deal with it. make do with the monthly translation and try and make lifetime as normal as potential for the youngster. identification number two, they can abandon their kid. Force them to hold out with a wild pack of wolfman, to raise up to wipe out. However, there is a one-third option. Does anyone guardianship to guess as to what it is ?"

nobody raised their handwriting. Balladanis looked at his course until his eyes rested on Matt. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, tending to tell us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to bet at mat throughout the example, stole a flying glance at him. He was staring at the desk, quill in hired man, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"lustrelessness stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the child down. Not a pleasant choice, but one that a few parents select anyway. This alternative used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first option, to stay on to raise their shaver, are in for a very tough liveliness. Werewolf children are difficult to prove. It is a huge adjustment for parents and sibling if there are any. The bite affects the entirely family. It changes aliveness, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at Matt. His hand was shaking even harder and his font was as Edward D. White as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a tone with St. John and John reached into his pouch. He slid a vomiting Pastille across the mesa towards Albus and then slid one to lusterlessness. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. John and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his abdomen as the afters began to train affect.

"Lycanthropic fry rarely, if ever, get to attend shoal,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John the Evangelist shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the infirmary backstage ?"

"I do n't feel too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the sound of all three boys vomiting at the same meter. Albus leaned over his board and vomited right onto the floor. The course of instruction erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"amercement !"he seethed,"Get to the infirmary backstage, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to honk again as he ran for the door. lusterlessness and toilet followed. All three of them shoved the orange tree end of the sweets into their rima oris as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evil !"John shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"lusterlessness muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"john began,"What is legal injury with that fella ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the stratum,"John said to Matt as he paced around the elbow room,"None of what he said today is actually in the book. I mean, did you read the book ? There 's not practically in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stunned anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to micturate you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampires years ago."

"It 's just not fair,"Matt groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the healer did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more grim than he had when he ate the puking cough drop. How could a Healer, someone whose job it was to hold people healthy, actually suggest that to a small fry 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the same time,"matte gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own infirmary bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really care to meet your Uncle Jack,"privy grinned,"He sounds like a not bad bloke."

"He is,"lusterlessness smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a piece ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John the Evangelist sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"flatness said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"trio days,"King John said after matt left,"I give Balladanis three Thomas More days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't ware any time,"rose said to Matt as she unfolded her transcript of the Prophet the following first light at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and show the theme over blush wine 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS prof TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The Department of Magical Department of Education received an inquiry
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark liberal arts professor,
genus Aplysia Balladanis. The enquiry was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed Head of the section
for the regularization and Control of Magical Creatures,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor genus Tethus Balladanis has been teaching vindication at
the school since Sep, when he replaced principal Auror
Harry Potter. ceramist had taught the subject for two
years and wished to focus solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his surrender at the end of last shoal
year.

The impending investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this hebdomad Bruno Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be true and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was take it from school premises. Eckerton told
newsperson that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the prof
repeatedly put students in risk and humiliated them
in front of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporter,
'I 'm filing this query as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigating will begin today and be carried out
by functionary from the department of Magical breeding,
a department that was set up for this determination after
the ruination of Lord Voldemort. Officials will visit
the school and interview both educatee and staff as
a part of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to teach demurrer Against
the night Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"St. John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defence anymore,"Matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't arrest him from teaching until they do the probe,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can stop him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a transcript of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly,"But refutation is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"lustrelessness said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not chastise him about skipping family. Albus could n't blame him. He himself was half tempted to decamp, but he knew his oddity would get the advantageously of him.

"Somehow, I do n't cogitate you 'll get the fortune to bound off,"Rose muttered,"We do n't have Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't give birth to do that loup-garou essay."

"I never said that,"rose wine replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"looking, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the yak in the dorm immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or heard about the article on the front page of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the shoal today and tomorrow to comport their probe. They will be selecting bookman to consultation. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their questions truthfully.

"As of rightfulness now, professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to treat him with respectfulness and advert his course of study. This is, at the instant, an investigating and nothing more. Now, you 'd trump be off to class."

"Albus,"blush wine whispered as they made their way out of the Great Hall to History of magic,"You 're not going to that dueling deterrent example tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't think you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't want to go, but he also did n't want to recover out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

Nobody fell asleep during history of conjuring trick. It must accept been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still animated. However, the lack of fatigue was not due to Binns 's public lecture. No, that was just as wearisome as common. The students remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hush up susurration of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six students in the rook who knew the specific intellect why lusterlessness 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, rose, John, Amanda, Kaden, and flatness himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not bonk that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to put in the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the blame on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real reasonableness. The Prophet had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts student wanted specifics. They wanted to have sex what had pushed Matt 's dad to submit an enquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The reasons the students fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few 7th years, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his superfluous help sessions and perhaps used matte as an representative of someone who did not possess the skills to defeat dark magician. coalesce that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh long time claimed matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an exaggeration ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigating would blow over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited number 1 age were the on the opposite face of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a Chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin third eld. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up injured after grade and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a single person, living, ghost, or portrait, who did n't have sex it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no lupus erythematosus than six multiplication on the way from history of trick to Herbology by citizenry wanting to know the contingent of the interrogation. It was something Albus could secernate lusterlessness was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they find out that I do n't want to let the cat out of the bag about it !"lusterlessness groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second twelvemonth had just run up to lusterlessness, demanding to know why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up on the Gryffindor table and establish an announcement during luncheon,"John Lackland suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't have class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking citizenry striding up towards the castle. There were two witches and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to audience ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"Matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those individual lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"Saint John the Apostle said.

Albus, Matt, and John continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very fast luncheon. None of them wanted to stay very long since everyone was still asking Matt about the inquiry. After they finished, the male child went to Gryffindor column to lodge their base before going to the Marauder 's Den to put off their homework.

The common elbow room was mostly discharge when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tabular array.

"Do n't you three have course now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got defense force and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nada you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your class where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't like if we get custody either. Oh, and John, you 'd better not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"John said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should let just skipped from the beginning,"Ashtyn told them.

"well, you three enjoy your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boy quickly stowed their bags in their dorm room and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his study. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the piece of music of parchment she was holding."He wants to see matt, too."

"look like you two are getting interviewed,"John said as Gabriella went into the green room.

"guessing so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private example with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those affair that happened when your Father-God was the most famous wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"can replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Loads."

Albus and matte left for Kendrick 's study while John continued towards the predator 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April mug 's Day frivolity ! The staff really surmount themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing side by side to the gargoyle that concealed the entree to Kendrick 's discipline. It was apparently his job to mussitate the password to the gargoyle to reserve all the student being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the study and found three other students waiting in social movement of Kendrick 's fill up door. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh year, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's discouragement, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the reason earlier.

Albus was not at all storm to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had private object lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to begin the long wait.

What had been the stage in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the same time ? They were obviously only interviewing one soul at a prison term. Why could n't they sustain just summoned Albus later, when there were less people waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the bailiwick and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about fifteen minutes. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit More time, but finally came out and left without so a great deal as a glimpse towards Albus and Matt.

In the mean time, two more scholarly person had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the pursuer from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The former was a Danton True Young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at least an hour, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his subject field. Only the three investigators were. Albus was now able-bodied to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing limelight. Her robes were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other witch was the finish opposition. She was myopic and quite a bit corpulence. Her kinky browned hair stuck up at all sorting of odd angles and she had a small twosome of glassful perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a maven and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a calamus in hand. He looked a bit bored by the entire thing. He was gazing about the room and had the look of somebody who was n't quite paying attention.

Two the great unwashed who were paying ecstatic aid, or should he say portrait, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall hag gestured for Albus to take a seat in forepart of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the grandiloquent witch gestured to the short witch,"And that is Herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so world-weary, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please country your replete name, age, year, and house for the book,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his supercilium. Would n't they already know all of that data ?

"It 's communications protocol, love,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus thrower, thirteen, third yr, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can severalise us what goes on in an average lesson with prof Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"well, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll collect the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on fourth dimension, no matter what. He does n't take tardily work, even if you 've got a undecomposed excuse. You could be sick in the hospital wing and he would n't take aim late homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new spell or about some new creature. Then we 'll have to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions."

"Has this caused distraint to any of the students in your class ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my social class, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any excess help sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his brain,"prof Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they consist of ?"

"near sentence he just learn me new piece, while that are surd than the ones we learn in socio-economic class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each former with the spells,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'meter,"Smyth said,"What else does he accept you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chairperson,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by lamia,"Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be glad about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's brass had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the house as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the retention, run away from the firm. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't state you ahead of clip ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his top dog,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to show us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should suit Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final question. Would you feel comfortable if Professor Balladanis continued to teach here ?"

Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the kind of wizard Albus felt comfortable around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common elbow room. You are not to verbalise of this interview to anyone until after the investigating is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good portion'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just evidence us ?"John lamented as the male child sat around the predator 's Den after dinner party. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry witch said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they have it off ?"John asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the unit schoolhouse about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll recite you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to take longsighted for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"lustrelessness said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his spear carrier assistant session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty dollar bill Galleons,"John replied,"wellspring, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to have it off was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin common room, and ask.

"No estimate,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"Matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John gave Albus a strange look.

"I might line up out something about how the investigating is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the threshold. A loud squawking haphazardness had seemed to pass off from it.

"Did you hear that ?"John the Divine asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking racket was repeated.

One affair Albus loved about the Marauder 's Den was that it was always very quiesce. No racket could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard noises from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the outre raspberry he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come up to the door."

"rose wine ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"Rose said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the rough-cut room. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told Matt, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no mind what his dad wanted, but it must hold been important for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't sustain to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the pulpy armchairs in straw man of the ardour when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, well-nigh likely about Quidditch judging by their unreasonable use of handwriting gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's talking outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait pickle and down the corridor a piddling ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"Nothing,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"wellspring, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a password about you causing worry, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to Professor Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the doubtfulness of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decision is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would give notice you not to go. prof Balladanis is under a considerable amount of money of tension, of which you do n't have a go at it the half of. I 'd say the chances are high that he may take out this stress on you and Scorpius."

"Do you know if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to conceive he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A wise decisiveness,"Harry smiled.

Harry said commodity night to Albus and then Albus went back to the predator 's Den. Kaden was in the center of showing Matt and can how to realise a proper newspaper airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"John Lackland asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To separate me it was n't a unspoiled estimate to go to Balladanis 's moral tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"goodness,"mat replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of tenseness, well-nigh of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Wyrd,"Kaden shook his top dog,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't lie with for indisputable that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful cleaning lady,"Gospel According to John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't believe I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful fair sex ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably naught,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"John began,"This is the low gear Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And spend the night here,"flatness added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The male child snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many afters and pudding as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up previous eating all of it and playing various secret plan. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a piece, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent wave fixture at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of scholar mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not read up at a single meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the rook.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to clear their decision. Albus was more than a little anxious about going to Defense on Tues and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday first light that all the Hogwarts scholarly person knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the repast, something that only happened when something crucial happened. He was flanked by the two hag from the Ministry. The wizard was no longer there.

The foyer immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending announcement, since there had not been a single mention of Balladanis in that dayspring 's Prophet.

"A decisiveness has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"ma'am Torenzo will inform you of it. The seer has kindly agreed not to write the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good power point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the student with a neutral look on her face."Upon wide investigating of Professor Balladanis 's education methods and exhaustive interviews of choose pupil, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching situation here at Hogwarts School of witchery and genius. professor Balladanis packed his matter late last nighttime and no longer resides in the castling. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will go on with Defense grade for the remainder of the year. I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and uphold eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great Asaph Hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"defence Against the Dark Arts socio-economic class will not take seat until farther notice. I will try and procure a suitable alternate for Professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the clock time to study for your upcoming test,"Kendrick said and then resumed his tush. He began to talk with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"mat exclaimed,"Best newsworthiness I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Falco columbarius !"James groaned,"Why 'd they deliver to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor board as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you cerebrate Kendrick 'll find a replacement ?"john asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to commence with."

"Glad I did n't do that loup-garou essay,"St. John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find a alternate,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John replied.

The atmospheric state in the castle for the rest of the day was incredibly pollyannaish. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only bookman upset by it were those who had lost wager because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was distressed. The general excitement of the castle caused him more oeuvre. Peeves destroyed the demurrer classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), St. James and his friends set off a few Weasley pyrotechnic, and then there was the ecumenical mess that was associated with students celebrating by playing exterior in the muddy grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few scholarly person told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not fit in. For some odd reasonableness it reminded her of her death.

One mortal who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castling with a big smile on her face. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted mat. Perhaps that was because his biggest fearfulness was vampires.

There was even a company in the Gryffindor common elbow room that night. pink wine thought it was a little ridiculous, to celebrate the sacking of a instructor, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just cogitate,"John said,"We do n't ever induce to hear to him go on and on about how bad the night arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"matte added,"I could 've gone my unharmed lifespan without seeing one of those."

"What do you call back he 's doing now ?"rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Malagasy Republic or somewhere."

"Yeah,"matte agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to deposit around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the Night to debar anyone seeing him."

"regard we could 've seen him leave,"John grinned mischievously,"Would 've been dainty to give him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"rosiness muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on examination. And maybe the rook will get back to normal."

"rule ?"Albus raised his supercilium,"This place will never be convention. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the terminal match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"pink wine asked.

"start of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, St. John the Apostle, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this equal,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full class this week. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver forest is harebrained,"rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch slant,"John grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take on my place."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not accept Defense Against the Dark Arts the next morning, Albus was down in the Great Radclyffe Hall bright and early because he wanted to learn rose wine 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sacking was one affair, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

rose was already there when Albus, matte, and bathroom sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either side of meat of her and all three girls were reading the clause. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, Rose handed him the paper without saying a Book and Albus read it, with flatness and trick looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM attitude BY MINISTRY

In an event that causes much of the wizarding humankind to commend
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark
Arts teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
place by the Ministry of thaumaturgy 's section of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, Defense teachers rarely lasted more
than a year at the school, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one DoD instructor since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by psyche Auror, Harry ceramist, who is rumored to
have only taken the position after nobody else agreed to
fill it.

Harry ceramist left the lieu this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his positioning. Approximately a week and a half ago, a
complaint was lodged by mind of the Department for the
rule and Control of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a instruction tool, singling student out for lack of
skill, and embarrassing students in straw man of their peers.

An probe by Ministry officials ensued and included
the interviewing of select students and faculty. The department
concluded their investigation late Billy Sunday eve and informed
both Balladanis and headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the offspring, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very well-chosen
with the decision and that the investigation was concluded in
a timely fashion. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of minor 's base hit .'

Hogwarts bookman will not attend Defense class until a replacing
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd amaze your dad in there somehow,"John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already experience,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd retrieve out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"lustrelessness shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"Doubt it,"blush wine answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

Life soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts educatee, as it often does after something exciting happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left field to say and the pupil focused on the coming Quidditch match, which was mere solar day away.

Albus had an wanton time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch drill. He was out on the pitch every evening and was soon hearing Wood 's command in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed rule. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to deal with Ellen Price Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus agnise that Gryffindor would have a new captain the next year since Empire State of the South was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or broom, but he was n't sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great manor hall on Thursday aurora sorely wishing that john had n't woken him up. They did n't have a class maiden thing, so why 'd he nark doing that ? Albus was already running on minuscule sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the break of day this Saturday,"Albus muttered to Saint John the Apostle as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"trick grinned,"I need you to help me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't uprise help you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"toilet muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not sustain accidentally set fire to her Potions notes conclusion night,"John said.

"And I should sustain to stick out because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you grapple that anyway ?"

"It was n't an fortuity,"lustrelessness put in,"John and Kaden were tinkering with those A-one potency dung bombs finis night in the marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where blush wine 's banknote were. The dung dud exploded and pink wine 's government note caught fire."

"See, an stroke !"John exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"mat said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't indicate going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't have time to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"St. James the Apostle shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"James asked.

"I do n't know, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robe, he was just wearing convention robes. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your attention ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to take over Defense classes for the rest of terminal figure. Because of this, Defense classes will resume today."

"good thing I woke you up,"St. John the Apostle grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able to finish that essay,"Albus scene back.

"pigeon hawk,"bathroom muttered.

Albus was n't that surprise, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad teach for two years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with mat and John to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a little direction ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't turn into what happened earlier in the year.

The total class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"wellspring, I did not think I 'd be back here. I do throw to stay with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for next Th. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the entire class."Great,"Saint John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that arduous,"lusterlessness rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be prison term consuming,"John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a calendar month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you have this sentence to mess around."

The class was the most enjoyable Defense class the tierce geezerhood had had in quite a patch. Harry lectured for the totality of the class, but it was n't boring. Albus did not beware in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Sabbatum arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the cutting edge of everybody 's minds and the tautness ran mellow than they had all twelvemonth. The outcome of this compeer would determine who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly interest. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The intact team was in good health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly mental object to sit in the point of view with his friends and just look out the match, rather than have to play in it.

It was a warm spring day with a flimsy wind and cloud masking, perfect playing conditions. Sir Henry Joseph Wood had spoke of the atmospheric condition during the premature night 's praxis, telling the team that a large tempest had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The mate commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crowd. Hogwarts scored five goal within the first xv minutes of the match and New York scored two. The teams remained neck opening in neck for the remnant of the equal, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden stoolpigeon in his left hand.

The crowd erupted into sunniness and Saint James the Apostle was soon hoisted onto the shoulder joint of some of the older students.

"I have an promulgation to make !"prof Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Commonwealth of Australia in the final Quidditch couple, scheduled to read place on the first of June !"

The common after Quidditch political party ensued in the common room and everyone rehashed their favorite piece of the match. No one talked about the final examination match, although Albus was for sure it was in the book binding of everyone 's thinker. Commonwealth of Australia seemed out of the question to beat.

Once the fervour from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts scholar seemed to realize that test were quite draw close. The library soon became a popular place to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the center of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a unruffled common room in the evenings, much like her sister had two years prior. Albus and his friends spent more clock time in the marauder 's Den after that, usually without pink wine, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the soundlessness of the common room.

rosebush did forgive Saint John the Apostle for messing up her notes, but she became more tense and snappish as exam drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose.

Defense lesson took a drastic turn for the wagerer. Albus and all of his protagonist got perfect marks on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the classes bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"John shouted at breakfast one Friday in the middle of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense teacher or something.

"England did n't ca-ca it into the macrocosm Cup final,"trick sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the paper from John, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd fix for Yuletide. He had n't picked who he was going to take in to go with him. Actually, he had n't even state his friend about the tickets.

"Portugal and Soviet Russia,"John groaned,"Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch squad !"

"Obviously not,"Rose smirked,"Albus, did you pick who you 're going to take when you go to the Cup ?"

"wait, what ?"whoremaster gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Yule,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"John exclaimed.

"Well, I only got one supernumerary and I did n't know how to plunk. I had it narrowed down to you and lustrelessness. Mind you, if you hate Soviet Union, I 'll just pick lustrelessness,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to pluck then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't have got to,"matt said as he sat down next to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great Asaph Hall and had no luck. The full moon was the next day, so Albus had n't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad fourth dimension of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"lusterlessness shook his fountainhead,"It 's just that my dad got tag, so you can just give your extra one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to take a Muggle airplane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No mind,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"John the Divine said.

"indirect request I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're uncanny, Kaden,"John the Evangelist laughed.

"So are you. plane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"matt said,"I 'd conduct a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for examination and Quidditch practice session, Albus had no time for anything else. He managed to constrict in time to visit lustrelessness in the hospital wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the final exam match of the Junior 's Dueling cabaret, something Albus had been forced to neglect due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of help from Teddy, Albus was able-bodied to take care the final. Albus 's team won, much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a news to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the to the full synodic month, not saying anything about it to either Albus or lusterlessness. It was unknown, but not something any of the male child were going to sound off about it.

troika days before the Quidditch final, the Great Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. written matter of the Prophet were being passed back and forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"rosiness whispered, her side completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest written matter of the Prophet. Matt and trick crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN BREAKOUT

functionary have reported that three captive
broke out of Azkaban recently last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guards
have refused to mouth with newsperson, and the
Ministry does not wish to break information
at this time.

The names of the loose captive have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed info about all three of the loose prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an moron !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"rosiness said.

Any hope Albus had of getting homework done that week was gone. He was lucky he was capable to concentrate on Quidditch exercise. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the dark before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this team,"Wood said as he began to pace in strawman of them,"There were difficulties in the outset,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of student from all four houses can derive together and play together on the same team. I am not sure this could give been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a long way over the year. You 've all made vast improvements in your science. Quite a few of you are 7th years and I am very glad to tell you that there will be pathfinder from a yoke Quidditch teams watching tomorrow 's catch. I have senior high school hopes for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is near, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and give it your outflank. Now, I think you should all become in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the compeer. Teddy, President Tyler, anything to add ?"Wood turned to the boys.

Teddy and John Tyler both shook their point and Wood turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. adept night."

Wood, shimmy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss tactic while the squad left. Albus and Jesse James were the final two to leave. Georgia had left with the other seventh twelvemonth, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Empire State of the South 's going to signalize with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked James IV as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James II said,"I just hope it does n't wound her chances when we lose."

"We might not misplace,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to lose,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said cypher. He wished he could just tell James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thought. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch breaking,"James IV answered.

"It was too loud,"Albus said as he looked into the afforest,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't retrieve you can Apparate in the forest,"James pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James kept walking,"But what if it was someone Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James IV groaned,"This shoes is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full time now. You 'd have to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupid enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"James laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get caught and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did wangle to snatch Kaden the previous leaping, and he had been on the run for a class prior to that. He may be a rubbish duellist, but he was certainly near at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The ambience in the Great student residence the next first light was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by student from all four planetary house. teddy and John Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff table, with a magnanimous distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crowd of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the residue of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. nobody was unable to wreak that day, so Albus 's years on the team were pretty much over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tourney has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"face at everyone. Nobody seems to worry who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"rose wine shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't love, Rose,"matte said,"I do n't think one year can deepen centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"Rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't believe this has helped international magical cooperation,"John gestured to the Australian team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"Competition rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"fountainhead, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

pink wine shot him a dirty smell and then looked up at the faculty table. Albus 's gaze followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scouts from Quidditch team, Ministry functionary including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a variety of citizenry from Commonwealth of Australia and New York.

"spirit at that enchantress,"toilet pointed to a very marvellous, beautiful beldame with blench white tegument and long shadow hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"Rose told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"rosebush whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a tatty cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to go forth the Hall. Their retinue followed until they reached the room access and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Aboriginal Australian team followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the squad had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few proceedings later multitude began to leave for the pitch. The crowd at the staff board left first and the scholarly person followed.

"Albus,"St. John the Apostle said as they got up from the table,"I 've got a few pairs of omnioculars in my torso. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her center."sports meeting us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the threshold as the boys ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just take them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"lavatory said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to vacate out his entire torso in order to find the omnioculars. He had four pairs and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to overleap the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no track in the corridors rule as he made his way through the castling. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his acquaintance were n't far behind.

Albus turned a corner and ran smack into something. He fell down onto his cover and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with Matt 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was most afraid of. At that moment, it probably would hold been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to see at his friends.

Matt had turned white and looked far more afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. can was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious repugnance on his expression. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his booster, pulling them into the penny-pinching classroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his verge, putting every locking charm he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the penny-pinching electric chair and put his question in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the perdition is he doing here ?"John ranted,"He 's got no job here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the room,"If he 's here to watch the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to follow the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. lusterlessness did n't look to experience heard Kaden 's question.

"His epithet 's Lubar. He 's the headway of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a grisly and pervert evil git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the small windowpane at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"lusterlessness said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and Forth River in front of the doorway. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Scots heather ? No, that would take too long. They 'd have to use the Floo mesh, but none of the fireplace at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to receive to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

Matt nodded."You guys do n't take to add up. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"whoremonger exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably forged than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his wand and undoing the lockup spell. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd entrust them. He shoved them into his gown and ran back to the classroom. flatness, John the Divine, and Kaden were all talking quietly. Matt did n't face any less scar, but at to the lowest degree he did n't seem to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm grandiloquent so I 'll take up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and Matt were horrible liars and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to King John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed Wiccan statue on the tertiary floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed Gospel According to John out of the room. The corridor was still evacuate, very much to Albus 's relief.

John set a very dissipated tempo and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would apply away his presence. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the to the lowest degree amount of dissonance possible.

The male child made it down the two flights of step requisite to get to the third storey and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a quick tap of his wand, he statue 's hump opened and the son climbed inside.

Albus lit his sceptre and took off down the small passage. lusterlessness, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"Matt answered,"I do n't recollect Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't believe he came here to see you ?"Albus asked matt,"I mean, commemorate when Killigan saw us that one clip and he seemed so concerned in finding you ?"

"Of grade I do,"Matt muttered,"And it really would n't storm me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for surely, but it seems too cooccurring for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he desire to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a retentive story. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Australia for six years,"Matt paused,"He passed a bunch of laws against werewolves and I wound up having to transform with a gang of former werewolves. It was bad."

mat resumed walking and did n't flesh out on the discipline. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"lusterlessness shrugged,"Maybe talk to Kendrick or something."

There was no dubiousness in Albus 's mind that lusterlessness 's dad would be able-bodied to get Lubar to provide Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this twelvemonth, but now he knew that you did not desire to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to move up until it came to an abrupt plosive consonant at a knotty wooden threshold. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

visual perception nobody in the storage way beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge amount of boxes littering the base. On the far bulwark he could see a fireplace.

The boy climbed over the various loge and stood in front of the fireplace. Albus located a small firing of Floo Powder and then lit a flame. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into someone 's study at the Ministry. We 're going to have to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of gunpowder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the fire and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a unlike fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few wizards striding towards the face lifting, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

matte landed rather ungracefully on the story. He picked himself up, brushing cast ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"Matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad work Sat ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"At least mornings."

John was future to maltreat out of the flack, doing so more elegantly than mat had. He stood in front of the firing, staring around at the Atrium. His eye rested on the outpouring of Magical Brethren.

"This is more figure than I imagined,"lavatory said.

"Bloody hell on earth !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the fire,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed mat towards the desk in the front of the Atrium. There was an old wizard leafing through a copy of the quibbler, oblivious to his surroundings. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you think you 're going ?"he asked and then his eyes rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in schooling ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a piddling enervate that the man knew who he was.

lusterlessness stepped in social movement of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the headland of the section for the regularisation and ascendence of Magical animate being. It 's form of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your sceptre up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed courting. They waited impatiently as the old necromancer tested their wands and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the full point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can tell whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the lift arrived, the boy piled in and matte pushed the number four. Nobody said anything as the lift creaked its way to the quaternary floor.

mat took off at a run down the corridor after they left the face lifting. Albus had never been to this especial floor. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's base, with nondescript lot of two-baser doors on one side.

mat skidded to a stoppage in front of the only door that was undivided and banged his hand loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few seconds, he banged again.

"cargo hold your hippogriffs !"called a part from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"flatness 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to block at the flock of his son and the former three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"matt ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a hallucination,"But, why are n't you in shoal ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John the Divine, Kaden ?"

His optic rested on Matt again."Matt ? What 's wrong ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the son into his subject area. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were large windowpane on the slope opposite the doorway, although the scene exterior was not tangible, nor was the soft rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a tumid leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few modest chairs in forepart of it. Along the early two paries were shelves with loads of volume. Most of them were about versatile magical creatures.

Albus, Matt, and John took the keister that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at thing. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the presence of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"Matt said in barely more than a susurration,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch concluding,"Matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody hell !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his clenched fist loudly against his desk,"Did professor Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the match and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's face hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with prof Balladanis earlier in the condition."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his field of study and down towards the lifts. Saint John 's walking speed was naught compared to Matt 's dad 's. The boys had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The wizard at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplaces, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the flak and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to gyrate faster and faster. He saw glimpse of people 's houses, shops in Diagon Alley, and a variety of other lieu he did not discern. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a hand. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The handwriting grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden floor, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His heart was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his scepter and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the elbow room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, ceramicist,"a moth-eaten voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. John the Evangelist came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his infantry, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his handwriting in the blast again.

"What the ?"toilet whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody perdition !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the elbow room. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The windowpane were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking hovel. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo electronic network anyway.

The fireplace glowed common yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the flooring. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his hand in the flak again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his ft and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the room, but he did not know where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

park light filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that mat would be the one to next dip out of the fire. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

mat coughed and scrambled to his fundament. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fire and lit his sceptre, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to pace slowly in presence of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to Daddy just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do love when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could palpate Matt shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and demilitarise Lubar.

"Any idea where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. pin-up shop class, compassion about the proprietor. Yes, a literal shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all overthrow about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"Well, let 's not neutralize our sentence here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three prison term and Albus heard footsteps on the stairs.

Three champion descended the stairs and strode into the room. They lit their wand at the Same clip and Albus gasped when the light showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three masses Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As safe a dueler he was, he was up against four fully qualified wizards. Three of them did not possess the skills to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was open of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a pin-up reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got clip to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his sceptre pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his founder had John the Divine. flatness, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the near window.

"Not so fast, young werewolf,"Lubar caught him by the back of his gown and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his free script and pulled out an old tea kettle. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a exempt hand on it. Albus knew what was going to take place right before it did. He shared a panic-stricken glance with Matt before feeling a tug behind his belly button.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's dot of horizon. It begins in his breaker point of eyeshot and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the degree of persuasion switches.


"Spectacular save by Peach State Weasley !"the commentator shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into self-possession by Hogwarts, and all three Chasers threw it back and Forth River as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"musical score ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as flashy as the students. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't have to try and conceal his fervour when Hogwarts scored. During firm couple, he had to try and pretend he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts pursuer being very skilled, he did not have Leslie Townes Hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda morale, was the best quester Harry had ever seen outside of master Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was good, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her speed on a broom just did n't seem born. Professional Quidditch histrion would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the stool pigeon yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. Jesse James was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest of the staff who were sitting around him. nearly of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the ebullience Harry was. He did n't manage. Harry did n't share their belief that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his read/write head and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on function at the Ministry, although Harry had a feel he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was Head of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional story. Harry had never met a forefather who was more protective of his son than Bruno Walter Eckerton, although he did sustain good grounds. Never a more devoted father, either.

Walter continued his way past the early professor until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even more ball over to see the expression on his face. vexation was etched in every part of his nerve, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was wrath in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Bruno Walter muttered,"I need a word in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be compensate back and he followed Walter out of the stands. They continued walking until they were a abruptly distance away from the delivery and then Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"hold, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Bruno Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the variety of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant fella, is he ?"

Bruno Walter 's face hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The blighter is sick and worm and he 's got a grudge against me. Very long tarradiddle and I have n't got metre to order it. Short version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a building with other werewolves, older werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was the right way before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretense of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. matt 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the owner of the shop class as well as a few other Hogsmeade resident. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To Matt, yes, but I have n't the slightest thought as to why he 'd desire the other male child,"Walter said.

"Even if he did only want mat, he 'd have to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him demand Matt sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to free himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the location was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this meter there was a substantial lag. Albus had meter to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The back hint that their address was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the ground. Not gloomy like an impending storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his metrical foot. gaudy thumps around him told him that his champion had landed as well.

The ground was dampish and hard and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sort of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar trees that seemed to elongate towards the starry sky.

There was no moonshine to light the forest. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few yards away from the boys and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't enough wand Light Within to give Albus a good view of his surroundings.

flatness, John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare light it.

"Why is it Nox ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Commonwealth of Australia,"lustrelessness said in awe, as if he was just coming to terminal figure with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made good sense. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he look at them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't pass water sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could tell, the four wizards seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the world. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old house ?"privy asked.

"How should I bed ?"Matt snapped,"Commonwealth of Australia 's a huge body politic !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could conceal there,"John muttered.

"You would n't want to,"lustrelessness said,"My stupid cousin owns it now."

"You have a full cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"Matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying care,"John whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a dress circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"Matt pointed to the tea kettledrum, which was a few metrical unit away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the reckoning of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pick it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the other three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you require ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you realize how very much more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed thrower ! But no, you had to go and assert on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even suffer managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't have done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two extra one as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're tiddler, how a great deal trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't eff this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the intellect we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my Vannevar Bush, not yours."

"You own the forest now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a topic of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to flatness,"So many years have passed. separate me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was John and not Matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed can with a otiose wave of his baton, leaving John stunned in front end of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing King John 's wand, Lubar turned back to matte, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't weigh what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the Sami affair no matter where you live. The legal philosophy do n't change what you are. feign as much as you like, but it wo n't change a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The ire was boiling up inside of him and he did n't believe he had ever felt more angry in his entire life, and that included every confrontation he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. privy was already wandless. It would do them no good if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to waitress, to wait until he could hitch them off guard.

"What about your father ? I hear he 's the head of the department in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"shot it 's just a matter of time until the like affair happens. You 'll have to flee again."

matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his learning ability, trying to enter out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for pigeon hawk 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a clump of kids to Australia just to languish time taunting one of them ?"

"serenity !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the figure of Falco columbarius do you bang them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breathing space, waiting for Lubar to put some form of jinx or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a fourth dimension not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a wrestle form of smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a fair query,"Lubar said."My full cousin married this idiot,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"longanimity, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the former three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only affair Albus could think of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't induce taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at lusterlessness, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smarting, lots smarter than the other three, and that scared Albus Sir Thomas More than anything else. There was a big conflict between dueling mortal who was smart and dueling someone who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Bruno Walter Flooed there a short patch later. Harry had briefly questioned the proprietor of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the lifts at top stop number, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the bloke at the welcome desk. The lifts could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the door open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror office was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a mound of Exploding picnic poster and stood up upon seeing Harry make it. The other Auror, a rather short but heavyset witch, shoved the account book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the other two.

"ceramist, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked sorry as they waited for Harry to give them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the sensation,"Brighton,"he looked at the hag,"Get started with an extensive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busybodied with anything else. Tiburon and Lee Harvey Oswald are on duty in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden forest as soon as soul else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a magic spell. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his scepter and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footfall in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a twelve other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a disturbed tone.

Harry rehashed the entire situation again. Ron 's face paled."What about blush wine, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his head,"It was just the boys."

"Thank merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clue as to how Lubar would know him."

"With dark wizards, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the search of the Forbidden woodland. Lewster 's going with you. And take Daniel and Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the way, followed by Lewster and two other thaumaturge. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and grounds. Be discrete. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely requisite,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his head. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into fuss. Albus 's years at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd ameliorate go Floo home and secernate Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to descend apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the elbow room. Ginny. Harry snapped his top dog up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the elbow room. How was he going to severalise his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't have a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go wrong ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your imbecility,"Lubar replied,"Do you pull in who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry Potter 's son ! You have n't a clue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can control you that at this very consequence, the entire Auror Department is looking for them. Harry thrower 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't take them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to lusterlessness,"He 's got the most officious parents in the universe. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the world before letting something take place to him. Very irritating. They wo n't repose until they find him. Not to note the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry functionary. We 've got two kids of two of the most prominent Ministry officials of UK. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"wellspring, you 're the one who wanted to adopt the wolfman, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take ceramist 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you idiots had n't wanted to bring the kidskin, we could 've done this whole thing without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't have a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the necromancer would have got enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the house ?"

"Have you learned cipher ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first place they 'll see is the house."

"Got any best mind ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a clandestine footling shack somewhere in this land ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. tidy sum of spot to hide, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even contemplate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice hold again. Matt was once again in the clutches of Lubar, and John and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very trivial about the Australian outback, just that it was n't suitable for much human inhabitation. However, the one art object of information he did bang about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to guard Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat pop place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two seconds to realize what was happening before he felt the fellow but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and Forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking free of Jarrett 's grasp. He tripped over a John Rock and landed face first in the Baroness Dudevant. Spitting the grittiness out of his oral fissure, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dark to see anything but the outlines of mountains in the distance. The outback seemed very empty and very quiet. There was a very low clump of shrub and tree diagram nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see lots else in the way of plant lifetime.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted plaza in his life. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't have gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would take in no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to make out that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of roofy to tie them up or put any turn around them. Instead, he walked a short length in the way of the sight and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any mind where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"Matt replied,"I bet we 're right in the center of it. The penny-pinching civilization 's probably sea mile away."

"So we 're done for,"lavatory groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not suffer to find out."

"Do you really think your dads are going to be able to notice us ?"can asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The whole Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll find us."

"Energy stuff like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, close year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll happen future year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a next year,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the son,"I did n't tell you to spill !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the length,"There 's mass gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his bosom leapt a bit. There was a modest gathering of figures a few grounds away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"equanimity down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampires. They wo n't chafe us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess up with me. I 'll make life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"cutting off deals with lamia now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut mountain for lamia but passed restrictive legal philosophy on loup-garou ? It did n't make sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few extendible Ears with him. He did n't dare verbalize to his Quaker, just sent them anxious glances every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the sort of frigidity that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain down, or snow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no clouds, but what Albus saw was a good deal worse than clouds.

Five or six clothe figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the darkness, Albus could clearly make out their forms. As they got closer, he could even hear their rattling breath.

The globe in front of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to choke out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would go on ?

"No, no, no !"Matt shouted.

Albus squeezed his oculus shut and then opened them, forcing himself to look towards his friend. Matt was kneeling on the reason, shaking violently. Both St. John and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would affect matte the speculative. He had gone through matter that Albus, John the Evangelist, and Kaden could n't even imagine. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his verge out of his gown. He 'd heard the incantation for the Patronus appeal before and figured it was worth a shot. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his baton at the sky. naught happened.

A happy thought ! How could he have forgotten that ? It was difficult to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to matt shouting on the ground.

When the Sorting Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his sceptre to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various happy memories. Nothing was happening, but Matt 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the ground. It looked like mat had passed out.

mentation of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his baton at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few second gear. He had variety of done a Patronus appeal !

"Bloody perdition,"John the Evangelist whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"somebody shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his scepter pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's hazy brain immediately cleared and the felicity returned. He quickly stowed his scepter in his robes before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at King John and Kaden, who were bent grass to the ground trying to get flatness to awake up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a damn brilliant position to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's comment. His eyes were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious smell. Albus took a nervous footmark back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up high Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some adept news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the Centaur,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizards in the timber a few 60 minutes ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my concluding Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaurs know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the timberland trading floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't surprise him. The Resurrection Stone was someplace in the timberland."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head,"And the Centaur are pretty sure they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can find out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't think that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubtfulness in my mind,"Harry answered,"It 's just a topic of finding them. heed, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this suspicion about the position. Seems like the perfect place for Washburn to remove them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the match. I wo n't name anything to James and Lily yet."

"good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to find him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"arrest safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts grounds while Harry picked up the stride and walked the myopic distance to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windowpane were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the doorway. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The position had the smell of a recent fire in the fireplace. someone had been there. However, there was not a phone from anywhere in the edifice. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thoroughgoing check of the entire building, in which Harry found no support creatures, he returned to the main room. The hearth was filled with nearly short coal and there was a little piling of Floo pulverization spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would order him where the last mortal to use the hearth had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to ferment, his philia hammering.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to form the word 'Ministry of conjuring trick .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a doubt, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The solitary interrogative sentence was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the back dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus magical spell to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his header, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may take taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't state me you were skilled at defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is Potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be good if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his scepter harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious. John did n't feature his wand. Kaden was n't very near at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any acquisition is thrower,"Jarrett said,"The early three are n't going to be difficult."

"Fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few pace away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing spell or two."Matt, matte,"he whispered,"Wake up."

After a instant or two, Matt 's optic fluttered outdoors and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"mat gaped at him.

"It was just argent mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"Matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The early three boys shook their heads."Figures,"lustrelessness muttered.

"You need some deep brown or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"power,"Kaden began fishing around in his scoop. He produced a hot chocolate batrachian and handed it to flatness, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you cogitate you can get up ?"

Matt nodded and Albus helped him to his feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his gown and held it to his position, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a lot of forest and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boy. Albus was now clearly able to see the sophisticate expression on Lubar 's case.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"Fire 's going to attract attention !"

Lubar laughed."fervor 's going to ensure that those vampires stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that lamia are destroyed by attack. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hand, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you cognize what this is, Potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hold in his pant as he peered nigher at Jarrett 's outstretched hired man. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Christ's Resurrection stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three target he had been after for years. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful thing, ceramicist,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten magical spell, magic spell that work very nicely with long bury magical target such as this gemstone. It was merely a topic of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden Forest, and putting it to use. Quite simple now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the magical spell !"

"The other Hallows will try to be easy to obtain with the help of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the auditory sensation of that. The Stone itself did one affair and that was bring back the life of people who had passed on. How would that serve Jarrett get the former Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's venter plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another thing that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot cares who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode close-fitting to Albus. Albus took a step back as his affectionateness started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's regard swept over all four boys,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will wreak back Divine Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinges as he did so. He had to encounter Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The fireplace did not show signaling that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop class. That left either apparition or a Portkey, both of which would have left touch that he 'd need the Department of Magical shipping for.

Harry rounded a niche as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a witch. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange smell of muddiness and shock, commix with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the lucifer over ? How badly did we lose by ?"

"Only a 100 power point,"Ginny said,"But we might not induce actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's Seeker is a vampire ?"

"postponement, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his mind around that fact while still focusing his psyche on Albus.

"I 'll explicate after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"Right,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a hint. soul was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to find Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not surely where that will conduce us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And bring him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one finish expression at Ginny, Harry met Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a little while later in a small Apparition sleeping accommodation in the Ministry.

Passing the stupefy looking security measure safeguard for the 3rd time that day, Harry and Bruno Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Christian Bible as the raise clattered to the section of Magical Transportation.

The section was nearly deserted, save for one very blase looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to hump if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that Saami locating. And if you 're able to, I need to know where they went."

"Of course of action, Mr. ceramist, of course,"the beldame said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest death chair. Bruno Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the only thing I am worried about. The conclusion sentence Matt had an fracas with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for months afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not have it off much about therapy, except that wizards did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must have been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure enough if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Bruno Walter did not speak for respective seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after mat was bitten, I became the Head of the department for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia. nobody outside of the section knew about his experimental condition, of course of instruction. Ralph Lubar was given my former perspective of drumhead of the Werewolf command building block, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head spot. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grievance he held against me for many age, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that Matt was a wolfman. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all office of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry centers were set up for wolfman to transform in, together. Matt was required by law to transform there since his safe room did not pass. I refused to have him metamorphose there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the drumhead position.

"more than legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry officials could physically force werewolves into the transformation nitty-gritty. On the day of the full moon synodic month, Lubar Flooed into our house and took lusterlessness to the center. By the metre I figured out which midpoint it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"mat spent weeks in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly ready to move here. He was so traumatize, it took calendar month for him to get over it. To be honorable, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The only when rationality Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so sick and twisted,"Walter finished as he put his head in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near flatness again. Swore I 'd kill him if he went near Matt again.

Walter gave an odd variety of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the head of the Auror section that I 'd commit murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go carry through the boys,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so loath to let matte out of their slew, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One matter that Harry could say was that Bruno Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your error,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't accept mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no near to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my blood brother said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the witch came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a while of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the sheepskin. His eyes scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few light hours ago. That in itself did not traumatize Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and left such lovely reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so hard that he could Apparate. Why did you have to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the department of Magical transport, he would change that law. specter would 've enabled him to get out of Commonwealth of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to take back Lord Voldemort with the Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not think being More scared in his biography. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far speculative than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the former year. Lord Voldemort was far scarier than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually bring people back to life. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a spook. But would he be able to do magic, to perform the curses and hexes he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett plow the stone over in his workforce. Albus had no musical theme how it worked, but judging by how tranquillity all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the Harlan Fisk Stone. He did it for so retentive that Albus had to let out his intimation. The excited gleam on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it make for ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positive this is the right Edward Durell Stone ?"

"Of course of instruction I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The piece said it was !"

"well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a suspiration of backup man. Either they had the wrong pit or for whatever understanding, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the Oliver Stone over in his hands. On the third gear turn, a unknown sort of mist appeared in front of him. Albus 's heart and soul sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a physique was standing in social movement of Lubar. The figure was not Maker Voldemort, though. Albus had no estimation who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a fair sex, and a short one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging singular glimpse. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the bod, his side contorted with something Albus could only seize was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped close-fitting to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the woman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in mental confusion at Lubar. Matt in particular was giving Lubar a very strange feel. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover his mouth to hold back his snort. What kind of mother could be majestic of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to have forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Oliver Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to blow over as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to hold her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's female parent completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own verge, but neither man was hurling jonah. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few footstep back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring in back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the footing, completely unable to go. Lubar stood over him with his sceptre directed at his chest.

"My mother was a lovely person,"Lubar growled,"You 're purge to be speaking ill of the drained like that."

Albus did n't really conceive Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he cerebrate his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd consort with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's female parent, he did.

"Better they hex each other than us, right ?"John muttered.

"commodity full point,"Albus replied.

"Can we delight just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to affront each former 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my female parent ? fountainhead, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"Good,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the priming coat, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll want you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the beldame, who nodded and left the room again.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percentage sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive that they are with the boys in Australia."

"Right,"Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his vocalization,"Nearly a class ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror section needed some assist with capturing the other two. The minister hired a Presuler."

Bruno Walter let out a low whistle and then realisation dawned on his face."time lag, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Bad musical theme on the diplomatic minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not jazz that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't moderate it against you,"Bruno Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this probe, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your differences, but-"

"If he helps to find lusterlessness, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton,"the witch returned holding a deformed credit card container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore assistance, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood frozen as the four men dueled each early. wholly unsure of what to do, yet very felicitous that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, John, and Kaden did the Lapplander, although John looked more than than a bit apprehensive, most in all probability due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to take the Edward Durell Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not take kindly to this and enchant Washburn. In the mean time, the smasher had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the fire. Albus was variety of hoping one of them would misstep and burn off their subdivision or something. Or even better, maybe one or Thomas More of them would drop their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for wear. All three of them were sporting injuries. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's result arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed fine and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to hold that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red lighter at Washburn, who went flying over the fervour and landed with a sickening thud in front of the boys. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a lowly stone side by side to Washburn 's head. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all come on towards him. Three verge were pointed at his chest, being held by three masses with maniacal gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm quivering slightly. mat and Kaden had done the same. Gospel According to John tried to conceal behind matte, but was unsuccessful since he was a good header taller than him.

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant look at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the pocket of his robes and held his wand up gamey.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his center off of Walter the entire clock time.

"We have n't got metre for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his handwriting on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a little hesitation.

With a familiar jerk behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey slip was a bit longer than ones Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his base and held out his wand as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was pitch black and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly quiet. The merely strait were those of beast and the occasional rustle of trees, brought about by the steer. Not a single sound caused Harry to believe that there were multitude about, let alone his son.

"spread out and hunt,"Harry announced. The place may appear deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wizards said a news as they combed the area. Harry left no I. F. Stone unturned as he looked for the small trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't dark. Wands did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a shadow of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the forest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same topographic point he had started from.

Bruno Walter returned a few bit later, looking even more anxious than he did before."zip,"he muttered,"Not a rip objet d'art of cloak or a single Canute. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the primer with his shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to take back.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a small metal official document in his bridge player and an unknown variety of unrestrained smirk on his case. He skidded to a check in battlefront of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition demodulator. They were quite rare. The British Ministry only owned one, for the stallion Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any idea where ?"

"A universal idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic tone,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am mindful,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hired hand on the alloy instrument. It would be capable to guide them to the relative country they needed to go.

Bruno Walter put his helping hand on the instrument as well and with an exceptionally gimcrack crack, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any plant liveliness in mass. In the distance there were tall mount and cloaked figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a tremor and gripped his sceptre tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a hollering bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Bruno Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more familiar with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to top the lowly group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, ceramist,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold in his wand more steady. His verge arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to hold it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was trusted everyone was capable to hear it. However, he did not want to give up the Stone. That was one thing he was sure of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put preceding him.

"Maybe you should just founder it to him,"St. John whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John the Evangelist had suggested it. He probably would n't own if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have to duel me, ceramicist ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't birth a sceptre. Not good betting odds, if you ask me."

"And do you understand that those two are horrible duelers ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Lucy Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of Orange light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shield charm, concentrating on making it big enough to harbor him and his friends. It worked and the orange light bounced harmlessly off the buckler and hit the ground.

"check behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"flatness and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever spells you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his buckler up while casting former spells, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John. Concentrating strong, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at lustrelessness and Kaden. lustrelessness was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of pathetic as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus magical spell at each other and missing every time.

The carapace emitting from Albus 's scepter faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his density, but the cuticle was still weak than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send any spells through the shield now.

"Your carapace is weakening, thrower,"Lubar smirked as he sent another Stunner at Albus, which shook the shell.

"Merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right hand of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some variety of hex, although Albus was n't indisputable what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his baton at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the ground. Albus gasped and his buckler disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the buckler back up before Lubar shot a hex at lavatory, who fell to the footing like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be well-to-do just to chip in me the Lucy Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few accidental injury, but nothing too serious. Neither seemed to get noticed that john and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few seconds to catch his hint while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a gash across his entrust cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side of meat and the tour hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his nonverbal spell and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any former jinxes.

"You ca n't hold open dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"sentinel me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The betting odds had not really changed. toilet and Kaden were both out of the competitiveness and while whoremonger was easily the best duelist after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knees panting, not in any shape to uphold dueling. mat was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both pose and enrapture by.

No, Albus was not trying to overcome Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for fourth dimension. He tried to figure out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged turn. It must take been at to the lowest degree three or four hours, although the dark Aboriginal Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the moon had been out so he could let monitored its trip across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to bump them ? thirster than formula, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a foreign country, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, Potter, and you do n't require to see me when I 'm devil !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red Inner Light at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to file what sorting of hex it was, flatness gave a screaming of pain to Albus 's right and collapsed to the earth. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to digest the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully originate virtuoso. The two wizards blast very fountain of blue light at Albus and he managed to pull up a weakly shield.

The force hit him like a twelve Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his terms and landed vapid on his back, his brain hitting a particularly discriminating rock and roll.

"I told you not to fight, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Harlan Fiske Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his robe and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to catch the Stone.

With all the military force Albus could muster, he threw the Harlan Fisk Stone as far as he could to the rightfield. In the darkness, it disappeared in a stock split mo and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"wand where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his forefront slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few former champion. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the land. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't stick around long. He sent one silly Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the spot. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safe of the George W. Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the other two genius next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with seismic disturbance all over again.

The shorter of the two was lustrelessness 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone brilliance at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as matte 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when person mentioned Vernon and genus Petunia Dursley.

It was the former hotshot that nearly caused Albus to perish out in shock. He was none early than Professor Balladanis. What in the public figure of pigeon hawk was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and Matt 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hatred Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle expressive style,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of Good Book, but remembering what matte had told him at the beginning of the year, all surprise left him.

"Lucky for me ceramist and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent dissimilar spells at Lubar at the Sami sentence, but it was too late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely mindful of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring dispute between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly yesteryear Quinton and Washburn to reach Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious mind form and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll excuse it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm hold on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a broken charge card cup. A few instant later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his arms."Can you take John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will total with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed clutches of whoremaster 's arm before pulling his own smash plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not have fourth dimension to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the fellow jerked meat behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the Hospital wing. The question of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the least pressing question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and john on the nearest beds while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"looking at the state of them !"the nursemaid exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to lustrelessness 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to speak with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and Thomas More,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to need you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite light-headed, felt that the last thing he needed was rest. He needed to make out what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some sopor,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breath and got into bed. Once gentlewoman Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping potation, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The ward was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't give the slightest hint as to what day it was. toilet, matte, and Kaden were either still unconscious mind or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since dame Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in chairman next to flatness 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry robes he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his head. There was a bandage on the back of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his right-hand arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The room access to the hospital ward opened, letting in a lowly flood of light from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to tell me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his psyche, remembering something he had been debating for the past times year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know somewhere better."

Without saying a Book, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the room access and up to the fifth part trading floor corridor. Harry did not ask a single question as Albus pulled the arm down on the earmark knight and turned to confront the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hired man to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from final yr ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was Sir Thomas More to it. Instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their secret common room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a yr,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend metre here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the commons way,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the complete place to let the cat out of the bag,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell apart you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explain to me what happened."

Albus took a deeply hint and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the palace and ending with throwing the Resurrection of Christ Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to constitute, the duel, the fact that the resurrection Stone did n't play to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it puzzle out ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm sword lily it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasonableness that might explain it. The Resurrection pit brings back mass we love, but it does not bring them back completely. It 's almost as if their someone is coming back."

"Like a wraith ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But like. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his soulfulness so many fourth dimension, he ca n't be brought back with the Stone. The Isidor Feinstein Stone may need the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved 1 can be brought back with the Harlan Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not screw Voldemort ; they did not get laid him. They wanted to add him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the gem is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a grounds,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if cypher had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sentiency. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd order me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you bang what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling lessons he gave me,"Albus explained.

"wellspring, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to serve find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The Minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of disdain in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most in all probability working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him fuck. He came with us, and I have to intromit that he was very helpful. We would not possess found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The government minister, prof Kendrick, and I believed it would be good strategy to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would fall to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to manage teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd prefer you did n't recite anyone. I will be telling Matt, bathroom, and Kaden, because I feel they have the rightfulness to have intercourse, but I do n't need anyone else knowing about it."

"What about rosiness and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to pass off to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be tricky situation. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Aboriginal Australian Ministry to either put him on tryout or consecrate him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not surely they 'll do either."

"But that 's not fair !"Albus stood up angrily,"looking at what he did ! depend what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing more than to afford him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the laws do n't cultivate that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't know about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not let to pack a case if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd lay down a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you suppose about that ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to make up one's mind what I want to do right now."

"You do n't have to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't desire to severalize you what to do, but I am going to enjoin you something.

"Being a Presuler is a hard job and often a solitary one. You have no coworkers. You work with versatile Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can make it difficult to have a fellowship. It 's not an well-off path to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't think he 'd want to rarely ever see his admirer and family.

"There 's wad of other things you could do that would put your dueling skills to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no penury to decide now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"Well, you should probably get back to the hospital Wing before Madam Pomfrey notices you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the room and walked back to the Hospital Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the Hospital Wing with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to lecture to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the Minister of Magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to matt as he got back in bed.

"Fifteen transactions or so,"Matt answered.

Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a password in individual ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to Madam Pomfrey."Do I need your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"gentlewoman Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to catch some Z's a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as ma'am Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, love, but it 's afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to have got breakfast."

"Only Dominicus ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than XXIV time of day since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"clock time zone changes are unmanageable to align to,"brothel keeper Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was famished. When he thought about it, it must have been at least a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch compeer went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his nut. He 'd forgotten about the friction match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to say us why Balladanis was with him when he came to salve us ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"I mean, he 's had plenteousness of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The threshold to the Hospital fender banged give and blush wine and Amanda came running in. brothel keeper Pomfrey made a relocation to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a check in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch compeer ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"Rose groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the public figure of pigeon hawk 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"brothel keeper Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't glower your vocalization, you 'll take to go out !"

"Sorry,"rose wine turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire narrative, which took the better contribution of a half hour to tell. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the totally affair. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the meter Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to differentiate you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably separate the respite of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"rose wine sighed,"How lots trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my fault,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you separate us about the match ?"

rosiness exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the equal, let me evidence you,"Amanda said.

"nonentity won, Al,"Rose said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minute of arc into the match, Fred and Heather ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't know why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo Bagman and started talking to him. cypher could try what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his pennywhistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the tar and had a really prospicient talk with all the headmaster and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to recall to their uncouth rooms.

"Everyone was really angry of path. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they call it off ?"whoremonger asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rosiness said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the forepart of the crowd and heard what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the whole time-"

"Well, they were,"matt muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and ling. I 'm sure they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told mortal sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire school knows."

"How did they cypher it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Heather were sixth years, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's lamia lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all twelvemonth,"rosiness explained,"And since they 're hurt, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"blush wine said quietly.

"natural the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"Cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the completely twelvemonth on that tournament ! Do you roll in the hay how much time I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this yr ? More time than I 've spent in social class, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't have a go at it, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a little aggravating."

"I know,"rose replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"matte asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australians since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"rose wine said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make up an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to secern everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. gentlewoman Pomfrey flat out refused to let any of them leave the hospital annexe, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her study while Harry explained. Matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the character about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to help charm Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. intelligence that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely free and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Aussie Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively furious with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to afford up,"Harry said,"We 'll celebrate negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the old night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his first twelvemonth, when flatness had told them about his dad 's Thomas Young adult pipe dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the previous Night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a spirit of awe on his face.

"Falco columbarius 's whiskers,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few arcminute trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would get laid to ploughshare the tale with my buddy. Perhaps I could put in you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted nothing more than to be allowed out of the hospital Wing in time to go to dinner that Nox. He was surely Professor Kendrick would make some sort of announcement about the tourney and he did not want to miss it.

After a full ten minutes of begging on his persona ( helped out by Matt, toilet, and Kaden ), Madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to go out the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward. Albus thought this was nonsensical because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a catapult ? That should n't discontinue him from eating dinner with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a hushed meal in the Hospital Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to secernate him what Kendrick said.

The girls showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tournament 's canceled,"rose wine sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just indispose Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would have to recreate New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"bathroom asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupid,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you feel better, I 'm pretty indisputable Hogwarts would 've won if Commonwealth of Australia had n't have been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had masses on the team, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"pink wine grinned,"I know one thing that 'll inspire you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was zippo that could root on him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that lucifer,"Rose told him,"And even though the compeer was disastrous, they did bump individual they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Empire State of the South !"rosiness exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to play for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. blush wine had been right, that did jolly along him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional Quidditch squad More than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest second-stringer Keeper,"rosiness said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to play at the Ministry. She does n't wish what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got lot of former minor to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"toilet said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the carom,"John groaned.

"She 's just felicitous to be on a team,"rosebush shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any squad, she 'll be able-bodied to work her way up to a meliorate one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the alone one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"Rose said,"I heard a rumour that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle cricket bat, but I do n't know for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin-german had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't take all the disappointment away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the boy leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really have a choice since examination began that day. Albus felt perfectly amercement and was quite glad to leave the billet.

rose handed him a written matter of the Prophet as soon as he and the other boys reached the common room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few mo before his first exam to read the article that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack academy of
Magic, and the Australian shoal of black magic
has been canceled.

The tourney 's last Quidditch compeer was
interrupted this past Sat by two Hogwarts
sixth years, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few months ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian team after their quester, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigating found nothing. The tournament
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a vampire. vampire are outlawed
from playing on pro Quidditch teams due
to the unfair vantage they have.

The catch was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

master Addiar Killigan of the Australian
school of necromancy admitted to allowing Morales
to be the Seeker of his team in fiat to win the
tournament. The Australian squad was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, Morales, and the eternal rest of the Australians
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to mouth with any of our
reporters.

tourney official as well as the other two
headmaster have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tourney turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few age .'

"Killigan is an retard,"Albus said.

"face at the next article,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final exam Quidditch match was ending in tragedy
at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and genius, Harry
Potter 's halfway child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus Potter, as well as cousin-german Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Saint Matthew the Apostle Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three con were helped by
Ralph Lubar, Head of the department of the Regulation
and Control of Magical animal in Australia.

The four Hogwarts educatee were taken to Commonwealth of Australia
where Harry ceramicist and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four male child have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the yr examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry thrower has declined comment.

"wellspring, that 's not a very informatory article,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can report much,"pink wine said,"The Aussie Ministry may be asking them to keep quiet about Lubar in tax return for giving him some variety of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"Matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the backrest of his judgement as exams began. They were all significantly harder than the premature year 's had been, but he was sure he at to the lowest degree passed all of them.

There were short article in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the Saame thing. Commonwealth of Australia refused to deliver him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a foreign one for Albus. There was nothing left wing for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their meter with the son, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

matter were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot quieter than they used to be. Albus was sure as shooting they missed Linda, and he had no estimation whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

lusterlessness was lost in his own thoughts near of the clock time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went stallion evenings without saying two word to anyone, something that usually only happened around to the full moons. However, the next wax moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was surely this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daytime out of him.

privy and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their week pulling put-on and playing endless game of Exploding Snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His idea was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to continue a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The train ride back to London was subdued, the only dissonance being John and Kaden 's Exploding Snap cards. Albus and matt both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing play landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter final night,"pink wine said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his fountainhead up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was gloomy, and wanted me to tell you that she was distressing about the tourney,"rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a unlike country."

"To go to schooltime ?"Albus asked.

"No,"blush wine shook her head,"She 's been through school a couple multiplication already. She was n't even a scholar at the Aboriginal Australian school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really nasty bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"rose wine shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This all year has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope side by side year 's better."

"Me, too,"lustrelessness agreed.

"We 've got the populace Cup to await forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John the Divine grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your baby 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"John muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"wellspring, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"goodness degree,"lavatory agreed.

"Let me have it off when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"St. John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my house. My dad said he 'd take us camping."

"Excellent !"John grinned,"camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"livelihood in collapsible shelter, no electricity, no legerdemain either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"Matt said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"lustrelessness answered,"That was the clock time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a piddling taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"Matt shrugged,"Just do n't go during a replete moon. I do n't want any of you having to link me in the Shrieking hovel next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of thought Matt would n't need to go anyway.

The remainder of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like affair were form of returning to normal. It was almost nice to hear John and Matt arguing about the Cannons again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gear arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the political platform. After saying goodbye to his friends, Albus left the station with his household intuitive feeling that just maybe life would be normal from then on. wellspring, maybe the summer would be at least be pattern. Albus could n't get his Bob Hope up too high.


A/N : Hard to think it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! You guy rope are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth story but it 'll be a while before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every early week at first base, switch week with Beyond the apparition. In the mean time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the cannon, which is a collab I worked on survive class and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my front-runner account so you can witness it that way.