Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

The man swore under his breath as his face contorted. His round aspect was elongating and his black hair lightened to a dark-brown shade. He stumbled around and kicked off his horseshoe as his feet grew too large for them. It was not only his base that were growing, but his entire soundbox. The man was now six inches taller than he had been when he first Apparated into the woodland. Finally, it stopped. The man now looked completely different and kind of strange in Muggle wearable that was far too small for him.

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

`` Bloody Muggle airplanes, '' he muttered to himself, `` Ministry ought to just admit international Flooing. ``

It was a very placidity night, with only the occasional owl hooting in the distance. The synodic month was not full enough to provide enough light to illuminate the track, but the man did not want to draw attention to himself by lighting his wand. He merely stumbled along, swearing every time he tripped over a rock or a tree root.

The tall man was not entirely sure how far he would possess to take the air to encounter the place he was looking for. In fact, the man he was going to visit did not even cognise he was coming. Nevertheless, he kept walking through the forest, until he finally came to the edge.

A short length away stood a rather turgid house. It was not big enough to be considered a mansion house, but substantially with child than to the highest degree houses. The man glanced at his watch before continuing towards the house.

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

There was one lone spark on in the home. Other than that, the billet seemed either deserted or its occupants asleep. The man did not care if everyone was asleep ; he would merely rouse them up. He picked up his pace as he crossed the yard and ascended the steps up to the straw man door.

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

`` Is you needing something, sir ? '' a squealing voice asked.

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

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

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

`` Come in, '' the elf replied, `` Is you wanting a drink ? ``

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

`` Yes, sir. This way. ``

The man followed the elf through the exuberant house. He always wondered how Lubar managed to afford everything. It 's not like he made much money at his job. There were statues, works of art, gold encrusted tables, oriental rugs, and the fanciest furniture in all of the suite he passed.

The elf led him to a room with the room access halfway assailable. Light Within was streaming out of it, but the man could n't learn any spokesperson. Lubar must be alone, he thought. That would be Charles Herbert Best anyway.

The man pushed past the elf and into the room without knocking. He did n't see the need. Lubar was fellowship. Sure, the man had n't seen him in years, but he was family nonetheless. Lubar was the man 's wife 's cousin, to be specific.

Lubar was sitting at his desk, perusing a book. His untidy brown fuzz was dangling over his human face. He looked up when the man stepped into the room. He looked momentarily shocked, but regained his composure and stood up. Lubar was quite a bit brusk than the man in the door and was wearing similar black robes.

`` Jarrett, '' Lubar gestured for him to get in, `` What an, unusual, surprisal. ``

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

`` To what do I owe the pleasure ? '' Lubar asked, folding his manpower in nominal head of him. `` It 's been a recollective sentence, Jarrett. ``

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

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

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

Lubar raised his supercilium. `` Interesting. And has your wife been in contact with him ? ``

`` She has, '' Jarrett sighed, `` But that is just one of the many things we have different ruling on. I am well cognisant that you have no plans to forgive her comrade, which is why I am here unbeknownst to her. I would wish to put that takings behind us and rekindle our friendship, Lubar. ``

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

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

`` I am quite peculiar as to how you managed to get here. Is n't your stallion ministry after you ? I pay attention to magical news program all around the world, you know. I have been following your write up for the past times yr, '' Lubar changed the subject.

Jarrett smiled. It had been surprisingly easy to get to Commonwealth of Australia with Muggle transportation. It took a while and was rather annoying, but easy.

`` Yes, the Ministry is after me. However, I took the liberty of using Muggle transferral to arrive here. I simply took some Polyjuice Potion, bought an airplane tag, and now I 'm here. ``

`` Impressive, '' Lubar replied, `` You used the new 24 time of day Polyjuice ? ``

`` Obviously, '' Jarrett smirked, `` Otherwise I would suffer turned back into myself in the midsection of an drome. ``

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

`` Do you fuck why the Ministry wants me ? ``

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

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

`` We ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Lubar leaned back in his chairperson, `` Do you care to irradiate me about your reasons ? ``

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

`` Of course of instruction I have, '' Lubar snapped, `` Mind you, I thought it was just a children 's narrative. ``

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

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

`` I was hoping you 'd say that. Now, we have been on the run for over a class. After our starting time abortive attempt at obtaining the Hallows, we chose to lay low for a patch. ``

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

`` Two of them, '' Jarrett corrected him, `` We thought we hump where all three were, but we were wrong about the elder sceptre. well, Potter could be lying to us. That 's entirely possible. But even if he does not currently have it in his monomania, I am sure he knows where it is. The invisibleness Cloak is currently in self-will of Harry ceramicist 's middle small fry, Albus. The Resurrection Edward Durell Stone is residing in the forest next to Hogwarts, although I am not sure where. ``

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

`` I 'm getting to that. Recently, my son and I came up with a plan to get the invisibleness Cloak. My son was to entice Albus Potter out of school day by capturing his cousin. To make a yearn history shortsighted, it ended in a duel between my son and Harry ceramist. ceramist captured him and he now resides in Azkaban, '' Jarrett seethed.

`` That sounds like an absolutely unfathomable programme. Did you actually believe Potter 's kid would n't tell him his first cousin was captured ? ``

`` We kind of hoped so- ''

`` Shut up. The degree is, that was a atrocious design, and now your son is in prison. ``

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

Lubar stared at him and then smirked. `` Me ? help get your son out of prison ? How in the name of merlin do you conjecture I 'll be able to do that ? ``

`` Well, you 're a high ranking Ministry functionary, you must have a lot of influence in these kinds of affair, '' Jarrett stammered.

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

`` But do n't you keep in contact with Britain 's Department for the regularisation and Control of Magical Creatures ? '' Jarrett asked.

Lubar laughed. `` I do not get hold of Britain 's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical animate being. My opinions are vastly unlike from those in Britain. I would not desire to associate myself with the blokes there. Plus, my figure is mud with the British section for the ordinance and Control of Magical fauna. ``

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

`` That, is a very foresightful story, '' Lubar replied, `` The old straits of my section was a very liberalist man. He sympathized with werewolf and disliked any sort of rigorous legislation dealing with them. His reason for this was because his own son is a werewolf. ``

`` Really ? ``

`` Yes. Anyway, he was fired after he broke one of the lycanthrope Pentateuch. Then I became head of the department and passed more natural law. He hated me. He moved his family to Britain, where he got a job in wolfman Support inspection and repair. Turns out, he was planning on moving anyway, even before he got send away. He wanted his werewolf kid to pay heed shoal. The master of the Aboriginal Australian schooling of Sorcery obviously did not let him attend. The Hogwarts headmaster did. As far as I know, he 's there now. Once there, he made sure everyone in his department knew my name and what I believed. They do not mouth kindly of me. ``

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

`` He probably does n't know, '' Lubar smirked, `` I tend to doubt that the werewolf would announce it to the solid school. ``

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

`` Do n't think of his starting time name. close gens 's Eckerton. ``

Jarrett thought for a present moment and then his eyes popped out of his heading. `` Eckerton ? ! Quinton 's mentioned that kid. He 's one of the ones we dueled with utmost year ! He 's friends with Potter 's kid. ``

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

`` Yes, extremely matter to, '' Jarrett rolled his eyes, `` Potter 's kid befriended a werewolf. Thrilling, really. Now, can you serve get Quinton out of Azkaban or not. ``

`` public lecture like that and I wo n't help oneself you, '' Lubar muttered.

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

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

`` And how would you do that ? ``

`` starting time, I give you advice, '' Lubar began, `` You 're going about this all wrong. Your number one priority should throw been the Resurrection stone, not that Invisibility Cloak. Yes, the Stone will be difficult to find, but nobody currently owns it. It 's sitting in the bush. You 've got to look for that bush and get that Harlan Fiske Stone. Then, you use the Harlan F. Stone. ``

`` Use it ? ``

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` Then, you ask Voldemort what happened to the elderberry bush Wand ! '' Lubar continued, `` That matter is the best Hallow. The Cloak is the least utilitarian. Anyone can prepare themselves inconspicuous with a Disillusionment charm. You 've got to get that wand and stone first. ``

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

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

`` Seriously ? ``

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

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

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

`` What might that be ? ``

`` I can not explain in point. There is an event happening at Hogwarts this yr. student from Australia are participating. I have cause to be there. ``

`` Shall I wait for you to look for the Stone ? ``

`` Yes, '' Lubar said, `` I 'll earn sure you do n't sleep with it up. And perhaps, while I 'm there, we can ferment out some way to break your retard son out of Azkaban. ``

`` Thanks, '' Jarrett muttered.

`` Just call back, you owe me for this. ''


A/N : I love it when editing takes less metre than I thought ! Big thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who also named this story.

This narrative is more loop with In moonshine 's darkness than my other Albus floor have been. the great unwashed who have already read IMS will know this now that they 've read the prologue. I suggest anyone who has n't read IMS read it, although you 'll still be able to interpret this story if you don't.

I may be switching my update daylight to Wednesdays because I 'm quite busy on Thursdays. It 'll reckon on how the semester goes.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



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

Lily had been impossible to dispense with ever since Albus returned habitation from Hogwarts. She was incredibly excited about the fact that she was going to go to Hogwarts in the fall. Therefore, Lily had been constantly asking Albus about Hogwarts and the questions were usually ones Albus did not acknowledge the solvent to or did not desire to resolve.

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

`` Al ! '' Lily shoved a piece of parchment in Albus 's facial expression, `` It came ! It came ! My Hogwarts letter came ! ``

So that was what the shrieking was about, Albus thought. Lily had been waiting for that letter all summertime. Every sunup she 'd watch the window waiting for the post owl to arrive.

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

`` Lily ! '' James shouted, `` One does not pipe up and dance like a moonstruck when one receives their Hogwarts letter. ``

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

Epistle of James blushed. `` Er, no. ``

`` Oh, do n't be ashamed, James, '' Albus grinned as he sat down next to his brother, `` At least you did n't shriek like a girl. ``

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

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

`` Normal for a girlfriend, '' William James replied.

`` stay it, James, '' Ginny scolded as she set a trough of oatmeal and a few envelopes in front of Albus, `` You got some post as well, Al. ``

Albus picked up the mass of letters and opened the top one. It was the common book leaning as well as his Hogsmeade permission solecism. `` Here, Mum, '' he handed her the shimmy, `` You 'll have to signalize that. ``

Ginny took the parchment. `` I ca n't trust you 're a third year, Al. You 're growing up so fast. ``

`` Mum ! '' Albus groaned.

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

`` James ! '' Albus smacked him.

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

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

Albus opened the former gasbag. It was from lustrelessness.

Dear Albus,

My parents said you could add up visit
on the 16th for a few days. They 're
going to take us to Diagon back street too.
Let me know if you can add up !

Your supporter,
matte

`` Mum ! '' Albus shouted, `` Can I go to lusterlessness 's house on the 16th ? ``

Ginny read the missive over Albus 's articulatio humeri. `` Sure. We 'll meet you in Diagon Alley and get Epistle of James and Lily 's stuff then. ``

Albus grinned. He was very stir about going to Matt 's business firm. He had never been there. He hoped that trick and Kaden would be capable to go as well. They had n't seen each early in about a calendar month, when Albus and Rose had had their natal day party.

`` Thanks, Mum. ``

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

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

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

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

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

******

The next few days passed very slowly. Albus was unquiet to get away from Lily. She asked him no less than fifty times how the sorting was done and Albus replied with 50'I ca n't tell yous'.

Eventually the sixteenth arrived and Albus sat in the draught elbow room waiting for Matt and his parents to testify up. Kaden was with him. He had arrived a few hours earlier and they had spent their metre trying to bide away from Lily.

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

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

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

The two boys looked up when they heard a loud crack. lusterlessness 's full family had Apparated into the lottery room. Ginny walked into the room and greeted matt 's parents.

`` lusterlessness ! '' Albus grinned, `` I am so sword lily to see you. I ca n't await to get away from Lily. ``

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

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

`` auf wiedersehen, Al, I 'll see you in a few days, '' she gave Albus a hug.

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

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

They reappeared in the middle of a turgid field of honor. There was a log house in the distance.

`` This does n't look like a sign of the zodiac, '' Kaden announced as he stepped away from Matt 's mum.

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

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

`` My parents put anti-Apparition cellblock on the house, '' matt explained.

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked.

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

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

`` There are some affair I do n't recount anyone, Kaden, '' lusterlessness sighed.

Albus smirked and shook his head. Some thing never change. Kaden still did n't know how to hold open his lip shut.

Matt 's mansion was the alone one in the area. Albus could n't see any other construction besides a shed behind the house. There were fields surrounding the house and a low fencing surrounding the property. Beyond the fence was farmland.

mat 's dad unlocked the door and Albus followed him inside. He stopped in the entryway and looked around. The stead was about as different as a household could be from Grimmauld Place. It was open air and visionary and decorated in a modern yet rustic way. From the doorway, Albus could see the kitchen straight ahead, the dining room next to it, and the living room next to the door. On the other side of the door was a set of stairs leading upstairs. Albus continued walking into the living room and saw a corridor next to the kitchen that lead to a few more elbow room. Albus liked it instantly. It had a homey feel to it like the tunnel did. Except it was much cleaner. Matt had said his mum was kind of a neat lusus naturae, but Albus was n't expecting it to be this neat.

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

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` But it 's too bang-up. We 're going to have to change that. ``

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

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

`` Ok. I 'll be right back, Albus, '' Matt said and left the home with his dad.

`` You can just hold back in the living way, '' Mrs Eckerton gestured for Albus and Kaden to deform to their left.

Albus nodded and sat down on one of the couch. It was quite comfortable. Kaden sat down succeeding to him and put his metrical unit up on the chocolate board, earning a severe gaze from Mrs. Eckerton. Kaden sheepishly removed his feet from the table.

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

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

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

`` That 's great ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` I like potions too. Albus thinks I 'm insane. fountainhead, so do lusterlessness and John. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Kaden said.

Amy set her script down. `` So, Albus, how has your summertime been ? ``

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

`` I still commend when I got my letter to the Aboriginal Australian schooltime of Sorcery- ''

`` The what ? '' Kaden asked.

`` The Australian School of sorcery, '' Amy repeated, `` The shoal of magic in Commonwealth of Australia. I went there for three years. Then we moved here. ``

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

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

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

`` Yeah, my initiatory twelvemonth, '' Albus replied, `` I never really noticed that he did n't severalise you. ``

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

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

The three of them sat quietly for another few transactions. Kaden began to laugh and it became louder and louder until Albus turned to look at him.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` The Aussie schoolhouse of Sorcery, '' Kaden laughed, `` A, S, S. Ass ! ``

Albus groaned. Leave it to Kaden to estimate that out.

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

The front door opened and Matt and Saint John the Apostle ran inside followed by Mr. Eckerton. John paused in the entryway and looked around.

`` Whoa, '' he grinned, `` This theater is flaming magnificent ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Bye, Dad. ``

`` So, I 'll show you the upstairs, '' Matt said after Amy left.

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

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

Albus stepped inside and looked around. The carpet was blue and the walls were Elwyn Brooks White. It was mussy than the rest of the mansion, but nowhere near as messy as James 's elbow room. There was a Chudley Cannons spread on the bed and multiple poster on the wall.

`` Nice bed, '' John smirked, `` Nice to see the Cannons can still sell product. If only they devoted that exertion to their playing .... ''

`` Shut it, Gospel According to John, '' Matt replied, `` The carom have been playing better this season. ``

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

matt groaned. `` come on, I 'll depict you the other rooms. ``

Albus followed mat out of the room and down the corridor. The next room access was a bathroom and the one after that was Amy 's room. The last door was alongside a unlike paries and Matt gestured for them to ill-use inside.

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

`` Sounds like rose 's dream seminal fluid true, '' John laughed.

The library was twice the size of Matt 's room. Bookshelves covered all the wall and there were a few desks sitting in the center of the room. A squashy looking couch was sitting below one of the window and there were a few armchairs in various places. There were also four cot in the middle, but Albus doubted they were normally there.

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

`` I do n't think I 've ever been in a sign of the zodiac with this many books, '' Kaden said.

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

`` You should see rosebush 's sign, '' Albus commented.

`` You 've got a lot of books about magical creatures, '' Kaden pointed out.

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

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

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

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

The discomfort that had been on Matt 's cheek import before disappeared. `` It was smart as a whip ! We had so often fun. ``

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

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

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

`` Bethany thinks she 's a witch, '' Kaden announced, `` She found a stand by outside and has been pretending to cast spells. ``

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

`` He turned a pin-up shade of purple, '' Kaden laughed.

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

Albus and Kaden laughed. `` I would n't advise being anywhere near my Uncle Vernon when he turns purpleness, '' Albus put in.

`` Did I tell you that my dad 's getting a forwarding ? '' Matt asked.

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

`` The head of the department of the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna is retiring at the end of the class, '' flatness explained, `` And he 's recommending my dad for the position. It 's not final, but it 'll most likely happen. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` He works in Werewolf financial backing Services. ``

Kaden nodded. `` You know, that is sort of good story, considering .... ''

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

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

`` Pretty a lot, yeah, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` But I like Hogwarts, so I do n't really care that we had to move. ``

`` How about you, Albus ? '' John asked, `` Anything stimulate happening in the most celebrated wizarding family unit ? ``

Albus rolled his eyes. If anyone besides his friends referred to his class that way, he probably would induce hexed them.

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

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

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

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

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

flatness, John, and Kaden gaped at him. `` What ? '' John asked, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded.

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

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Dad did n't state me. He said he wants me to arise my own vox populi of the instructor. ``

`` I wonder if we 'll ever cause the exact Lapplander staff for two yr in a row, '' John commented, `` I mean, outset year they were all new to us. Last year we got Cedonia. And this year we 've got some new defence teacher. ``

`` I just hope whoever the new teacher is, that they 're prissy, '' matte said, `` So what do you lot want to do ? We 've got a few 60 minutes until dinner. ``

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

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

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

The male child decided it was as honorable an melodic theme as any and they ran downstairs. Albus had limited experience with football. He had watched a match compeer and played it a few times, but that was it. He did n't think John had ever played and he was n't sure about Matt. John was skeptical about the fun of football, but he was willing to give it a try.

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

`` We 're going to act as football, '' lusterlessness said as he pulled the threshold open.

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

Albus followed Matt down the deck stair and into the field. He stood succeeding to lustrelessness and lavatory and all three of them turned to Kaden, who had set the glob on the ground and had one understructure on it.

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

`` A few times, '' Albus answered.

`` Nope, '' John said.

`` When I was younger, I played a bit, '' mat replied, `` But I was never any good. ``

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

The early three boys nodded. Kaden pointed out two different trees that would serve as make-do destination. He future explained the rules of the game and they began playing.

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

John was hardly any better than Albus. He never managed to kick the clod where he aimed it, but Kaden 's superior skill seemed to pay off for John 's lack of skill. The two of them ( well, Kaden ) had scored more finish than Albus and Matt.

matt seemed to be able to aim the ball, but he wound up tripping over it a lot. He did do to score a few goals, though.

All in all, Albus thought it was form of fun. It was n't something he desired to be on an prescribed team of, but it was fun to encounter informally. Not nearly as exciting as Quidditch, though.

`` trick ! '' Albus shouted as John the Divine picked up the orchis and took off across the sphere, `` You ca n't touch the globe ! ``

`` I 'm turning the secret plan into Quidditch-football ! '' John Lackland shouted and threw the ball at the goal, `` See, we 've got another point now ! ``

Kaden groaned and kicked the ball back into play. `` That 's cheating, John ! And we 're winning, so we do n't postulate to shaft ! ``

`` I do n't care ! '' John grinned and picked the nut up again.

Kaden tackled John and tried to squirm the ball out of his weapon system. lavatory tried to lam, but Kaden was holding onto his leg.

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

`` Albus ! service ! Your cousin-german is Muggle dueling with me ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus stood up and sway his point. John and lustrelessness stood up after him. John the Evangelist looked quite jubilant at the win, even though he had n't really contributed to it.

`` kudos, '' Matt smirked, `` You beat a clumsy wizard and a Chaser at football. ``

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

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

Albus grinned as he walked towards the house. As very much as he enjoyed his own sign, it was fun to spend a few days with Matt and his other ally. Plus, the girls were n't there. They had never really had time away from Rose and Amanda and it was variety of fun. Not that he did n't revel their caller, there were just thing they could n't really do around Rose and Amanda. Like bout a football match into a wrestling match, for example.

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

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

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Dinner with Matt 's parents was interesting. Mealtimes at Albus 's mansion were always disorderly and never really planned in slap-up point. It seemed like one of his parents was always coming or going. Then there was the fact that at least one of his cousins or shimmy always seemed to be showing up partway through the meal. But Albus did n't really mind. He kind of liked the chaos that was his family.

Mealtimes at Matt 's home, on the other hand, seemed to a greater extent formal and planned. His mum and business firm elf, Ellie, cooked a munificent spread and served it on fancier beauty than Albus 's family had. And Matt did n't give any congenator to randomly drop curtain in. Albus enjoyed it, though. The formality of it did n't enervate Kaden in the least and he dominated the conversation, which centered around Hogwarts, Quidditch, and football game.

The boys spent the eventide in the den playing round after troll of Exploding child's play. Since rose wine was n't there, they all had a opportunity of winning. mat 's parents joined in for a few circle and once they left, Albus and his friends talked about the forthcoming schooling year. John and Kaden agreed that they needed to pull a few marauderesque joke, but Albus and flatness were a bit loth. The job of schooling pranksters was currently held by St. James the Apostle and his champion and Albus really did n't want everyone to opine he was a just like his brother.

Eventually, Mrs Eckerton returned to the room and told them they needed to get to bed. Albus followed Matt up the stairs and into the program library. They all changed into pajamas, but they did n't go to bed. Their conversations continued until Mrs. Eckerton knocked on the door and told them they had to go to bed.

`` Albus ? '' matte whispered a few transactions later, `` Are you come alive ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back.

`` I 'm really glad you came, '' matt replied.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` You three are the firstly friends I 've ever had over here, '' Matt said quietly, `` I never really thought it would ever happen. ``

Albus really did n't live what to say to that. He knew matte had had a lonely childhood until going to Hogwarts, but the fact that he had never had Quaker over to his house before never crossed his mind.

`` wellspring, I 'll definitely want to occur back, '' Albus decided to say.

`` Thanks, '' lusterlessness said, `` Well, well night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

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

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

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

`` Are you hungry ? '' Albus recognized John 's voice.

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

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

`` Sure. ``

Albus listened as John and Kaden got up from their crib and crept out of the room. There was the strait of stride on the steps, and then quiet.

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

mat rolled over and Albus groaned. It was always so difficult to rouse him up. `` matt ! '' Albus shouted a piffling louder.

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

`` What ? '' he asked.

`` St. John and Kaden went to get a snack, '' Albus told him. Albus did n't get laid what kind of snack the two of them were going to get, but he had a look they would n't make it simple. can and Kaden were known to descend up with some pretty mad musical theme when they were together, especially when they did n't own Albus or Matt to counteract them.

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

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

When the kitchen came into prospect, Albus saw King John and Kaden rummaging around in the icebox.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, come on, Albus, '' Kaden grinned, `` Mashed potatoes and chocolate patty would be a good combination. ``

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

`` It 's only nasty if you forget the ketchup, '' John replied.

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

`` No thanks, '' Albus said.

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

`` So, if you 're not down here to eat our toothsome solid food, what are you here for ? '' john asked as he dumped the patty into the potatoes.

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

`` Oh, relax, '' Saint John grinned.

Albus watched as Kaden stirred the potatoes and cake combination. It actually did n't appear that bad. Almost like some sort of strange pud. Albus was sure the ketchup would neutralize any form of electric potential edibility, though.

`` Hey, what 's this thing ? '' lav gestured to a fateful box that was attached to the underside of the cupboard along the paries. He pushed a few push and the whole thing lit up inside and started whirring.

Albus stared at it. He vaguely remembered seeing something like it at some of his cousins'houses, but he could n't ever recall using it.

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

John stared at it. `` What 's it do ? What 's the level ? ``

`` It cooks food, '' matt explained, `` flying than an oven. ``

`` Oh, '' lav shrugged and picked up a fork that was sitting on the counter. He put it in the microwave and went to work it on.

Matt grabbed his arm. `` You ca n't put metal in it ! It 'll break ! ``

Albus smirked. And John said he did n't want supervision. He definitely did, especially since there were Muggle appliances everywhere.

`` Well that 's stupid, '' John replied and took the ramification out.

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

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

`` Came with the firm. And my mum likes Muggle technology for cooking. ``

`` Oh, '' John said and turned to Kaden, who had begun pouring tomato ketchup in the mixture, `` Let 's put the whole thing in the microwave ! ``

matt groaned and turned to Albus. `` This wo n't bend out good. ``

Albus laughed. `` Probably not. But Kaden 's Muggle Max Born, so I 'm pretty sure he knows how to work the microwave. ``

`` Good point in time, '' lusterlessness said, `` John ! Let Kaden do the microwaving. ``

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

Kaden took the bowl and put it in the microwave. He turned it on and Albus watched as the bowlful turned around and around on the inside collection plate. It was rather clever, he thought. Almost like legerdemain. It seemed like a magic box that cooked solid food in record book time.

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

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

`` Me ! '' John Lackland shouted and grabbed a few spoonful off the counter.

`` No way, '' Albus shook his heading. The concoction in the bowl was the body of pud, but was a unusual reddish brown semblance that was absolutely disgusting looking.

`` Me either, '' Matt said, `` Just the odor of that grosses me out. ``

John took a puff and grinned. `` Smells good ! ``

`` Oh, vulgar ! '' mat covered his mouth.

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

`` thoroughly thing he 's not having any, '' Kaden took a Brobdingnagian spoonful and stuffed it in his mouth.

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

`` Delicious ! '' Kaden grinned.

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

bathroom tried it future and pronounced it delicious as well. Albus and lusterlessness just stared at each other and tried not to watch as John and Kaden polished off the rest of the concoction.

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

`` Almost, '' whoremaster said.

`` Done, '' Kaden replied.

`` You 'd better wash the bowling ball out, '' Matt said.

Kaden nodded and began to wash away the bag. John returned to the refrigerator and started rummaging around again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I was n't, but then I got an melodic theme and I thought I 'd pass water an egg- ''

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

`` Er, yes, '' John Lackland said, `` Why ? ``

`` Because eggs- ''

Matt never got to finish his conviction. A loud pop came from the microwave before he could continue. He quickly turned the matter off and glared at John. can was grinning and looking at the microwave.

`` Explode in microwaves, '' Matt finished.

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

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

Albus stood behind mat and looked into the microwave oven. The interior was covered in egg yolk, white, and shell. It was a complete mess, yet variety of funny at the like time.

Matt groaned, `` I ca n't conceive you did that. Well, ok, I can. I told you not to relate the microwave. ``

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

`` scavenge what up ? ''

Albus turned around and saw matte 's parents standing in the entrance to the kitchen. Both of them looked one-half asleep.

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

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

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

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

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

`` whoremaster and Kaden wanted a snack, '' Matt replied, `` So they made a disgusting combination of chat up potatoes, umber bar, and ketchup. They liked it, but Albus and I thought it was vile. Just the smell of it made me wan. ``

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

`` Ok, Mum, '' flatness replied.

`` You have to acknowledge that was fishy, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton laughed.

`` Yes, I do actually feel it funny that you made the Saami misunderstanding five years ago, and now John did it and he 's a baker's dozen year old boy, '' Mrs. Eckerton smirked.

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

`` You should birth taken Muggle Studies, '' Mrs Eckerton said.

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

******

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

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

`` No way, '' matte replied.

Matt 's parents had officially banned them from cooking for the remainder of the sojourn. Albus found this rather funny story, especially the face on trick and Kaden 's faces when they were told they could n't make. The two of them spent a good twenty minutes trying to find a loophole in the rule.

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

`` That was random, '' Albus commented, `` But yes, wizards do playact cover and seek. ``

`` I play it with my cousin-german all the metre, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus said. He loved games of skin and seek at the Burrow. There were fantabulous places to hide there.

`` We should play it, '' Kaden announced, `` It 's always dull to bring it at my sign of the zodiac because the merely one there to play it with is Bethany. And she never pelt in good places. ``

`` That 's what Amy said about me when I was trivial, '' flatness said, `` I would always hide out in the Lapp place. ``

`` Ok, let 's play, '' lav stood up, `` The couch in here can be home and we can hide anywhere in the house. ``

`` phone good. But no going outside, '' Matt agreed, `` Who 's it ? ``

`` Albus, '' John said.

Albus shrugged. He always liked being it. `` All rightfield. You lot can all go hide and I 'll count to 100. ``

Albus closed his eye and started counting. He heard the pace of his friends disappear as he got closer to 100. Usually, one of his older cousins was it whenever he played hide and seek. Albus rarely got to be it.

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

Albus walked quietly over to the one closet that was in the room. He pulled it outdoors and looked inside. Empty. He left the room and looked down the corridor. The bathroom, he thought, that would be a good concealment position. Albus himself hid in the tub on legion occasions.

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

`` Got you, '' Albus grinned.

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

`` Yeah, which is why it 's always where I hide, '' Albus grinned, `` Come on, you can avail me search for flatness and Kaden. ``

Albus and John Lackland left the bathroom and resumed the search. Albus really did n't finger comfortable searching in Matt 's dad 's work, so they left it alone. Albus figured no one would hide in there anyway. They searched the residual of the downstairs, looking in every nook and cranny and closet. But lusterlessness and Kaden were no where to be found.

Next they went upstairs and searched all the bedrooms except Matt 's parents'. The library and bathroom were searched as well, but still no luck. The game was reminding Albus of the ones he played at the burrow. James was always unimaginable to find. Although one fourth dimension he got a heather and decided to hover above the theatre to conceal. No one found him for minute and then the adults made a 'no flying'rule for hide and seek.

`` Where are they ? '' John said as they searched the library for the second time, `` We 've searched the full house ! ``

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

`` commodity idea, '' John the Evangelist agreed.

Albus and John ran down the stairs and towards the basement. They opened the door and ran down another flight of steps of stairs. Albus flipped on the lighter and the two of them began to count around. matt had showed them the basement earlier, when he showed them Amy 's potion brewing room.

John Lackland checked the potion brewing room while Albus looked in the main region of the cellar that seemed to be a combination memory sphere and den. Still nothing. The basement was perfectly quiet, too.

`` What about that room ? '' lavatory pointed to a way at the dorsum of the cellar.

`` matte said it was just storage, '' Albus replied, `` I doubt either of them are in there. Plus, it 's so placid. We 'd try some form of cause. No one 's down here. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` There 's a lowly door in there that leads to a smaller closet, '' mat got up off the couch and walked over to the wardrobe. `` aspect, '' he opened the door.

flatness pulled back a few coating that were hanging up and Albus noticed a very flyspeck door in the wall. matt opened it and revealed a diminutive W.C. that was just big enough for a diminished mortal to rise into.

`` See ? '' Matt grinned.

`` You had an unfair vantage, '' John said, `` You know glut about this mansion that we do n't. ``

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

`` My house does n't take any niggling secret closets, '' bathroom muttered.

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

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

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

`` We 'd meliorate go find him, '' John said.

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

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

The male child searched the entire house twice, but they still could n't find Kaden. He was the ultimate hide and seek player, Albus thought. He could even move over William James lessons.

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

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

`` He 'll get out once he 's athirst, '' flatness pointed out.

`` What are you boys doing ? '' Mrs Eckerton asked. She was sitting on the couch reading a playscript in the support room.

`` performing pelt and seek, '' matt replied and sat down on a chairman, `` But we ca n't find Kaden. ``

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

`` exterior was off demarcation, '' Saint John said.

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

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

mat 's boldness paled. `` Oh, Merlin ! Not the entire basement ! ``

`` You 'd better go check-out procedure, '' Mrs. Eckerton said.

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

Albus ran down the stairs and followed Matt. Sure enough, Matt went straight to the storage room.

`` pigeon hawk ! '' flatness muttered and paused in front of the door, `` Why did he hide in here ? ``

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

Matt sighed, but did n't do. He put his script on the doorknob and slowly opened it.

Albus gaped as he saw what was in the room. Well, what was n't in it. The way was completely vacuous and had no window. But the strangest section was that it was padded. The floor and walls were completely covered with what looked ilk mattresses.

`` Is that ? '' John asked, `` A footslog elbow room ? ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden, who was running around and literally bouncing off the bulwark, ran over to them, `` necessitate you long enough ! lusterlessness, why did n't you secernate us you had a fill out room in your house ? This is brilliant ! ``

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

`` Bloody hell, this is smart as a whip ! '' lav grinned and walked into the room.

`` No it 's not, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` Come on. ''

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

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

`` Yeah, '' matt muttered.

`` Was he- ''

`` Yeah, '' Matt said without stopping.

Albus followed him all the way upstairs and into his chamber. Matt flopped down on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. Albus sat down on the floor and John and Kaden sat down on either side of him.

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

`` Shush, '' Albus replied. He had an glimmer as to what that room was used for, but he was n't sure. He did know that it was usually best to let Matt tell them what was going on in his own time, though. Kaden 's pestering questions certainly were n't going to help.

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

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

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

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

`` I do n't know if you guessed what that way is for, '' Matt began, `` But I guess I 'll tell you. ``

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

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

Albus nodded. That 's what he had guessed. Judging by the tranquillise looking at on toilet 's aspect, he had guessed it too. Kaden on the former hand, was gaping at Matt.

`` Wait, what ? '' he asked.

`` That 's where I go during fully moons, '' Matt said.

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

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

Matt laid back down on his bed and stared at the roof. `` Back when I was five and I went through my first translation, I spent the whole night ramming into the paries trying to get out. My dad put the cushioning on the walls before the side by side full lunar month. Then when we moved here, my dad recreated the like room in the basement of this star sign. ``

Albus winced at the thought of Matt ramming himself into a wall. Every prison term mat told him something else about the full Sun Myung Moon, Albus felt even no-count for him.

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

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

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

`` No, '' lusterlessness replied, `` But it 's bigger, so I do n't have sex my head word as a great deal. ``

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

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


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The rest of the sojourn at Matt 's mansion went by very fast for Albus. Albus and the other boys spent the following few mean solar day playing various games and doing some of the preparation they had put off until the last instant. Amy visited for dinner one evening and let Kaden brew something in her potions room. Kaden was thrilled and after he and Amy had finished, he pronounced Amy the better potions brewer he 'd met besides Slughorn. Albus, flatness, and bathroom did not enter in the brewing since all three of them got enough of potions at Hogwarts.

Albus threw his bag over his shoulder and went downstairs with lustrelessness, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden. Mrs. Eckerton and Amy were waiting by the door.

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt answered.

Mrs Eckerton opened the door and Albus followed everyone outside. They walked a few meters away from the house and then Mrs Eckerton put an arm around lusterlessness and the other around Albus. Amy did the same with John and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.

They reappeared in the center of the Leaky cauldron, which was practically empty-bellied. Albus was n't surprised since it was early afternoon on a weekday. Albus looked around the pub and saw his mum, Uncle Ron, James, rose, Hugo, and Lily sitting at a nearby table. John 's mum and sisters were sitting with them. James looked bored out of his mind and a minuscule annoyed as john 's sisters ran around the room.

The grownup greeted each other while Lily, Hugo, and John 's baby, Ashtyn, flew out of their prat and over to Albus and the other son. rosebush followed them and stood next to Albus.

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

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn grinned, `` And rule book and robe and cauldrons and- ''

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

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

`` Am not, '' Hugo retorted.

`` There 's nothing incorrect with Hufflepuff, '' John said, `` My cousin-german is in Hufflepuff. ``

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

`` Er, rightfulness, '' Albus agreed.

`` Kids ! '' Ginny shouted, `` We 're going to go to tucket and Blotts first, then Madam Malkins. Al, you need new gown. ``

`` So do you, Rose, '' Ron put in.

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

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

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

Lily pouted and folded her weapon system across her chest, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his friends followed the grownup, King James, and the young lady out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was a bit more crowded than the Leaky Cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the large group into flourish and Blotts, where the salesman took one look at them and ran into the stake room. He returned with a saleslady.

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

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

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

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

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

`` So, what did you lot do at mat 's menage ? '' Rose asked as they were waiting.

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

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

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

`` Bet your mum was n't felicitous, '' rosebush said to Matt.

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

`` Muggle discipline ought to be mandatory, '' rosiness sighed.

Albus spent a few More proceedings telling Rose about what they had done at Matt 's mansion, although he left out the constituent about the padded room. Matt could tell Rose that later if he wanted to.

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

Once everyone had a heap of books in their subdivision, the group left the book entrepot. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin 's. Luckily, the shop was empty, although they 'd have to wait a piece until everyone was fitted for robes.

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

Albus sat down on a chair as he waited for his turn. mat and John sat down on either side of him. Albus glanced over and saw that flatness was staring full eyed at his stack of Koran. Albus peered down at his own stack of Book, but the one on top was Intermediate Transfiguration.

Albus looked over at matte 's batch of books and he gaped when he saw which ledger was on top. It was the exact same Word that Kaden had found at Flourish and Blotts a year ago. The one entitled Dark puppet : How to Protect Yourself.

`` Interesting Quran selection, '' Albus muttered.

Matt looked up at Albus. `` This does n't betoken well for the new defence reaction instructor. ``

Albus shrugged. `` Well, third gear twelvemonth defense team does rivet on dark animate being. ``

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

`` I doubt they will, '' Albus replied, `` No one 's going to pay that lots attention in class. The just one in our yr who would 've put the clew together after learning it in class is pink wine, and she already knows. ``

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

A half hour later, everyone had new gown who needed them and the enceinte group exited lady Malkin 's. They made their way down the street and towards Olivander 's. Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn arrived before anyone else did and could n't await to jump trying out wands.

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

After a visit to the Apothecary, Eyelops, and Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the upcoming school day class. Albus was rather tired by the clip they finished, but Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to have endless energy. They kind of prompt Albus of the way Kaden had been the former year. Granted, Kaden still had interminable energy, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.

Albus said goodbye to his friends in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld lieu with his mum, Kaden, William James, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to do piece with her new wand while they waited for Dudley to pick Kaden up. Lily was kind of frustrated that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.

******

In an feat to try and avoid nearly missing the railroad train like they had the former year, Ginny insisted that Albus, St. James, and Lily pack their automobile trunk the night before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the shout of his mother.

`` Albus Severus thrower ! '' she shrieked, `` Get up ! We have to pull up stakes in ten proceedings ! I seriously hope you 've got your luggage compartment packed ! ``

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

The threshold to his bedchamber opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts robes. `` Al ! We 've got to leave ! ``

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

Albus hurriedly threw on some clothes once his Sister left. He grabbed his owl batting cage and school bag and quickly left the way. He was quite glad his trunk was packed and already downstairs.

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

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

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

`` As soon as Epistle of James packs his trunk, '' Harry smirked.

`` St. James the Apostle Canicula Potter ! '' Ginny shouted from upstairs, `` I told you to pack that last Night ! haste up ! ``

`` dad, why ca n't you learn Defense this yr ? '' Lily asked.

`` Because I have too a great deal work at the Ministry, '' Harry explained as he pulled her onto his lap.

`` But it 's not fair, '' Lily whined, `` James IV and Al got to have you teach them for two years. ``

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

`` Is he nice ? '' Albus asked.

`` fountainhead, he 's, '' Harry paused, `` He 's fairly. That 's a good way of putting it. He 'll deal everyone the same. ``

At least he did n't voice like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the other hand, he did n't sound like Neville or Cedonia either.

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

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

`` I 'm not giving anything away, but Hogwarts will be an exciting place to be this yr, '' Harry said, `` Plus, the Ministry decided that Hogwarts needs more than protection in the var. of Aurors after last year 's incident. And the year before 's. ``

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

`` Come on, '' Albus replied, `` Ca n't you give us a hint ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Please, Dad ? '' James whined.

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

The thrower arrived on Platform 9 3/4 with xv minute of arc to spare, which was actually former than they had arrived the previous year. They met Kaden and his family as well as rosiness, Victor Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the body onto the train and then returned to say goodbye.

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

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

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

Once everyone had said goodby, Albus headed to the wagon train with blush wine and Kaden. James IV immediately left to witness his ally, and Lily and Hugo followed Albus and Rose. They climbed on just before the gear started moving and waved to their parents until the caravan left the station.

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

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

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

Kaden sat down next to John and blush wine sat next to Amanda. Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the sorting and the Hogwarts houses. Albus, who had been listening to Lily talk about that all summer, did not want to participate in that conversation.

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

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

`` Really ? Wish he 'd assure you what it was, '' Matt replied.

`` How could he say that and not secern you ? '' John Lackland groaned.

`` Any estimate what it is ? '' flatness asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus shook his fountainhead and then turned to Rose, `` Has Uncle Ron said anything ? ``

`` Just that it was something exciting, '' Rose sighed, `` The only thing I can guess of is the Triwizard tournament. ``

`` The what ? '' matt, Amanda, and Kaden asked at the same time.

`` Did n't someone die the last time they had that ? '' whoremonger asked.

Albus nodded. `` The Triwizard tournament is a contest that involves three wizarding schools : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion from each school participates in three magical tasks and whichever champion wins gets the Triwizard Cup.

`` The last time they had it was in my dad 's fourth year and a last feeder tricked the cup into choosing my dad as a fourth paladin. He won, but the former Hogwarts admirer, Cedric Diggory, died during the final project. ``

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

`` No, '' pink wine shook her promontory, `` There 's no way they 'd do that again. At least not for years. Cedric 's death is too unfermented in a lot of people 's minds to have that tourney again. So I have no estimate what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'd probably go in, '' Rose replied, `` But last time they did it, you had to be seventeen. So even if that is what was going on this yr, none of us would be able to enter. ``

`` I bet Empire State of the South would enter, '' Albus commented.

`` No doubt about that, '' Rose agreed.

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

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

`` All my dad said was that he was fairly, '' Albus sighed, `` He variety of dodged the doubtfulness when I asked if he was nice. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Well, '' trick began, `` If he 's mean to you, we can try and get him sacked before he starts the you-know-what unit. That unit 's not until the end of the yr. ``

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

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

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

`` Well, have you got any better ideas ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

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

The rest of the railroad train drive passed quickly. The integral compartment participated in an Exploding Snap contest, which blush wine won. Then they bought a large measure of snack from the trolley. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the next thing he knew, pink wine was nudging him awake and telling him to change into his robe.

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

The train pulled into Hogsmeade station and Albus joined the multitude of students heading out into the rainy weather. He heard Hagrid calling the first old age and said goodbye to Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an empty stroller and led his friends inside.

`` The first gear years are going to get soaked, '' lavatory said as he wrung out his hat onto the undersurface of the carriage.

`` Spooky crossing the lake in this atmospheric condition, '' Kaden grinned, `` Makes me wish I was crossing the lake. ``

`` Maybe the Giant calamari will tip over one of the boats, '' privy grinned mischievously, `` I 've heard it does n't like this variety of weather. ``

rose wine rolled her eyes. `` The Squid is not going to flip one of the boats. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too ! '' John agreed.

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` That would not experience been pleasant. ``

The end of the trip up to the palace was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the boats being tipped over by the heavyweight calamari. St. John the Apostle and Kaden decided that they wanted to find the Giant calamary that year and agreed to carry a swim in the Black Lake during the first available weekend.

The entire ingress Hall was covered in urine by the meter Albus and his protagonist entered the rook. Albus was indisputable Filch would take a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his friends to the associate Gryffindor table and sat down, aegir for the feast to start.

Albus scanned the faculty table and his oculus rested on the only if unfamiliar grimace. A keister looking man with his black tomentum cut in a Muggle military style was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to imbue every student in the intact room at the Sami time. Albus did not get the sense that this teacher would be squeamish, although he lacked the hatred that Washburn had emanated.

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

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

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

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

Albus snorted and shook his head. It did kind of feeling like the professor had a bit too much of that certain Weasley production. His Uncle Percy wore that Lapplander look when his Uncle George II put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.

The Great Hall immediately quieted down as Professor Patil led the first days into the room and towards the faculty table. They congregated near the three-legged stool upon which the Sorting Hat sat.

`` They look little than last year 's start years, '' John whispered as the Sorting Hat began singing.

`` They are, '' Kaden agreed, `` I was n't that short last yr. ``

`` Yeah, you actually were, '' John Lackland replied, `` Hey, Matt, I think these first eld might actually be curt than you. A few of them, that is. ``

lustrelessness rolled his eyes. `` At least I 'm not a giraffe like you. ``

`` Hey, altitude has its welfare, '' John retorted.

`` And so does lack of height, '' Matt pointed out, `` At to the lowest degree I did n't have to stand still while ma'am Malkin poked me with needles like you did. ``

`` Shush ! '' rosiness hissed, `` They 're starting the Sorting ! ``

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

`` Brickston, Ashtyn ! '' Patil announced.

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

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

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

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

Albus did n't really pay attention to the side by side few classification. He vaguely recognized a few names, but did n't really know any of them. He snapped back into reality when he heard Patil announce, `` ceramicist, Lily ! ``

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

The Gryffindor mesa erupted with cheer as Lily ran towards it. Albus clapped her on the back, as did Saint James and all their cousins, and Lily took a seat next to Ashtyn.

Soon, Hugo was the only foremost year left standing near the hat. Hugo had already started putting the hat on when Patil called out his public figure, which caused a few of Albus 's full cousin to erupt out in laughter.

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

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

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

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

prof Kendrick stood up. `` Welcome, scholarly person and staff ! As common, I will save all the speech making for after the feast. '' He waved his baton and sat back down.

food for thought appeared on all the golden photographic plate and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was hungry, although this year he had kind of wanted Kendrick to announce what the shake up thing was before the feast.

The theme of discussion varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. John and Matt had a heated argument about the Quidditch time of year, primarily the Chudley Cannons'dramatic loss to the Holyhead Harpies that had taken place a few days previously. Rose chit-chat non-stop about the new classes she was taking and bombarded her older cousins with questions about them. Albus was amazed she had any questions left, since she had done the same thing during the Weasley Family Dinner prior to the scratch line of term.

Kaden talked to whoever would listen about the prospect of adding Muggle engineering to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden tell one of the first years about his prayer to have televisions put into the common rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it did n't appear like she was nearly as excited as Kaden was.

`` So, how was the trip across the lake ? '' whoremonger asked Ashtyn as the dessert appeared.

`` Wet, '' Ashtyn replied.

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

`` No, '' Ashtyn laughed.

`` Hagrid said he had anti-tipping good luck charm put on them after James tipped his a few class ago, '' Victor Hugo announced.

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Kendrick rose to his feet. `` May I have your attention ! '' he shouted and the room quieted down, `` Thank you. Now, I have a few rather irksome announcement, two somewhat shake ones, and one really exciting one. I shall come out with the boring ones.

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

`` As for the somewhat wind up declaration, we have a new Defense Against the Dark artwork teacher. Please welcome professor Balladanis. ``

The stern looking prof stood up for a few seconds and received mediocre applause. He resumed his prat and professor Kendrick turned back to the students.

`` The other somewhat interesting announcement is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few days a workweek. After last year 's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a necessity caution to take. The Aurors are positive that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to return to Hogwarts at some point this yr. I do not tell you this to scare you, but to make you aware of the situation. If anyone sees any suspicious behavior or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fugitive, delight tell a teacher. ``

The entire Gryffindor table turned to Albus and his friends at this promulgation. Albus felt his face turn red and he stared down at his plate. He really hated all the tending he got from what happened the previous two years.

`` And now, '' Kendrick continued, `` I have a very agitate announcement to make. ``

Albus grinned and turned to his friends, who were all wearing equal faces of fervor, and then turned back to the headmaster.

`` First, I would like you all to remember the inter-house dueling from stopping point year. ``

The entire student residence groaned and hoi polloi started whispering amongst themselves.

`` serenity down, '' Kendrick said, `` There was a reasonableness why I enacted that last year. Sir Thomas More than just school day ace, that is. I wanted the school to become more united because of an upshot that is taking place this twelvemonth. An event that will put us into rival with other magical schools- ''

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

`` No, '' Kendrick replied, `` This is not the Triwzard Tournament. It is a dissimilar rival that will involve more than just one scholarly person from each school.

`` Tomorrow even, shortly before dinner, a select group of students from the Adirondack Academy of Magic, which is in New House of York Department of State, and the Australian schoolhouse of black magic will travel to Hogwarts, where they will live and hang class for the duration of the yr. ``

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

`` The scholarly person from both schooling will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts houses during a especial categorization ceremonial tomorrow evening. They will live in whichever sign of the zodiac they are Sorted into and attend classes with those in their year. I expect you all to treat them like they are fellow Hogwarts students.

`` However, you will also be competing against them. There are two events. The first is Qudditch. Each of the schooltime has created a Quidditch team comprised of the best Quidditch actor in their various school. We will be doing the Lapplander thing here. The three team will recreate each other throughout the class and whichever team wins shall receive the Quidditch Cup for Schools.

`` The other event will be dueling. Each of the shoal has also put together a team of the sound dueller in their several schooling. Again, we shall do the same. The tournaments will work much like the Dueling Club works here. ``

The stallion school started talking at once. Albus thought the entirely matter was superb. It was like the Triwizard tourney, only less dangerous. Maybe he could even take part. He was a in good order chaser and dueler.

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

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

`` I do n't recall they will, '' Rose said, `` Quidditch is n't that dangerous. ``

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

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

`` I think it 'll be neat just to go to schooltime with kidskin from Commonwealth of Australia and New House of York ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` Think of all we can learn from them ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Amanda agreed.

`` tranquillise ! '' Kendrick shouted over the chatter and everyone settled down, `` The Hogwarts Quidditch team is open to anyone who is currently on a House Quidditch team. I 'm sorry if that upsets some of you, but it would be impossible to make try-outs for the integral school, and I think it would be better if our team were comprised of those who have experience on a Quidditch squad. If you have interest group in trying out, please severalize your head of house.

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

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered.

`` If you want to try out, ease up your name to your school principal of house. Try-outs for both squad will most likely be future weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. low gear years, please travel along a prefect to your common way. Good dark, everyone. ``

Albus got up from the table and walked to Gryffindor tower with his champion. They talked about the competition the entire time. Albus was incredibly excited about the prospect of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch team, and a footling queasy at the same metre. Of course, his chances of getting picked were kind of slim. He was the untested Chaser eligible to try out.

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

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

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

`` You wo n't be, '' rosebush said, `` The whole stage is to birth a Hogwarts team, not a Gryffindor team. ``

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

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` But all the other chaser are Old than me. ``

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

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

`` Probably Professor Oteski, '' Epistle of James said, `` And maybe the head word of mansion will help. ``

Albus and his supporter talked about the Quidditch competition for another few minutes before retiring to their dormitories for the night. Albus climbed into his familiar four-poster bed, but found that he was too excited to kip. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch team, the more he thought he actually had a luck of making it. He was also excited about having the Aboriginal Australian and American students at Hogwarts. He had n't really met many foreign beldame and whiz before, not including his Aunt Fleur 's family. Matt and Amy and their parents were the snug he 'd get along, and they 'd been living in England for a spell. Matt did n't appear very excited about the whole thing, though. In fact, he had remained rather subdued ever since Kendrick made the announcement.

******

It was leisurely to feel the excitement at Hogwarts the adjacent day. Since it was Dominicus, social class were n't starting yet. Most hoi polloi slept late, and the chief subject of conversation in the Great mansion at lunchtime was the competition and the students from Australia and New York.

Georgia organized a spur of the moment Quidditch practice for the Gryffindor team in order of magnitude to prepare for the Hogwarts Team try-outs. Albus and the rest of the team practiced for at least two 60 minutes that afternoon.

`` You 're a romp, William James, '' Albus told his comrade as the two of them began to walk off the tar, `` Everyone knows you 're the best searcher in the shoal. ``

`` wellspring, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the only early mansion that are keeping their seeker from last twelvemonth, '' James pointed out, `` So I 'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda quoin. ``

`` And you 're better than both of them, '' Albus said, `` I 'll be competing against at least six former pursuer. ``

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

Albus nodded and shouldered his broom. He was already neural about the try-out, and it was almost a week away. What if he was so nervous during the try-out that he completely messed up ? He 'd just have to be sure to tranquilize down by then. Albus sighed and continued walking off the pitch. Just as he was getting close to the standpoint, he noticed someone sitting alone in the low-down level. It was Matt.

`` I 'll see you back in the vulgar room, '' Albus said to his pal as he detoured towards the stands. Saint James the Apostle nodded and continued back towards the castle.

lustrelessness had hardly said a password the full day. He was normally pipe down, but it was never a good sign when he was completely silent. Albus knew better than to ask why, but he was still curious. He had a feeling it had to do with the Aussie students.

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

`` Hi, '' matte mumbled.

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

`` pink wine is in the library researching about the magical schools in Commonwealth of Australia and New York, '' Matt explained, `` Amanda is with her. ``

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

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

Albus nodded. lustrelessness was going to have a toilsome time finding someplace in the school where no one was talking about the competitions.

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

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

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

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

Albus had n't even thought about that. He turned to appear at matt. He looked quite upset about the completely matter. Albus had no idea what to say.

`` I do n't desire the headmaster to hail here, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` I know that 's poor fish, really. I mean, he 's never met me. And we moved five geezerhood ago. He probably would n't even recognize my last name. ``

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

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

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

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

Albus stood up. `` Come on, let 's go recover John the Evangelist and Kaden. I 'm sure as shooting we can convince them not to talk about the competition. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the Black Lake are coming. ``

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

The rest of the afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner, Albus and his Quaker made their way into the Great Hall. The entire elbow room was buzzing with excitement. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professor were wearing dress robes. The just one who was n't was Professor Balladanis, who as wearing the same disastrous gown as the previous day.

Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table, where everyone was talking about the strange schools.

`` I heard that the Australian shoal of Sorcery is subway system ! '' Hugo shouted excitedly.

flatness snorted. `` It 's not. ``

`` Oh, maybe it was the Adirondack Academy of magic, '' Hugo replied.

`` That one 's not underground either, '' matte laughed.

`` How do you have it away they 're not ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo asked.

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

`` Well, that 's irksome, '' Victor Hugo muttered, `` Would have been bettor if one of them was hugger-mugger. ``

`` Hey, Victor-Marie Hugo, '' Kaden grinned, `` Guess what the initials of Australian schoolhouse of Sorcery are ? ``

`` A, S, S, '' Hugo shrugged and then a big smile appeared on his grimace, `` Ass ! That 's brainy ! ``

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

No Sooner had Kendrick finished his conviction, hoi polloi began to whisper and deform their top dog towards the door. Albus craned his head up and saw a marvellous man striding into the Great Charles Martin Hall. He was wearing navy risque robes and had a rather great amount of messy Zane Grey fuzz on his head. Behind him were a XII or so students wearing identical blue robe. to the highest degree of the students looked to be a few age sure-enough than Albus. They all stared around at the Great Hall, a couple of them pointing excitedly at the cap.

The improbable man ( who Albus presumed to be their master ) led the students to the staff table. Kendrick greeted them and then looked up at his own students.

`` Let me introduce prof Marvin Roberts, master of the Adirondack honorary society of Magic, and his pupil, '' Kendrick announced, `` Welcome to Hogwarts. ``

Albus and the rest of the Hogwarts pupil body fusillade into applause. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his sass again.

`` And now, if I 'm not mistaken, the students from the Aboriginal Australian school day of Sorcery are arriving at the very moment. ``

Albus turned back towards the door and saw another man entering the room. He wore emerald William Green gown and was completely bald. He made up for the deficiency of hair on his head by sporting a pointy mustache and goatee. He was n't nearly as tall as Roberts, but not short either. He walked purposefully towards the staff board with his mathematical group of educatee clad in matching emerald leafy vegetable robe following him.

Albus noticed that Matt did n't take his eyes off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in plaza, except for his eyes, which followed the man to the stave table.

`` Now I 'll acquaint professor Addair Killigan, '' Kendrick said, `` And the educatee of the Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery. ``

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

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick said once the hand clapping stopped, `` Now, we shall have a special sorting ceremony in order to discover out which house you belong in. The four sign of the zodiac are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will live in your planetary house dormitories, spend free time in your house green rooms, and attend course of instruction with the other bookman in your family. ``

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

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged. blush wine had a stop, though.

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

Professor Patil stood up and walked around to the other side of the stave mesa. She was holding the three-legged crapper and the Sorting Hat. She set the hat down on the pot and it burst into song.

There were loud pant from all of the pupil from the other two schooltime. A few of the Hogwarts student giggled at this. All the foreign scholar stared intently at the hat and whispered amongst themselves.

`` When I call your figure, follow sit on the can and put on the hat. It will tell you which home you 're in and then you can go sit at the appropriate table, '' Patil said after the hat stopped singing. `` Woody Allen, Bartolomeo Alberto Capillari. ``

A tall and gangly boy with messy brownness hair's-breadth stepped away from the grouping and sat down on the stool. He was wearing navy blue gown, so he must stimulate been from New York.

`` Slytherin ! '' the hat shouted. St. Gregory I Ethan Allen took the hat off and went to join the Slytherin table.

The Sorting continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at least two days older than Albus.

`` I think that bloke is going to have to mislay the Green River robe, '' John commented as one of the Australian students was Sorted into Gryffindor, `` It 's just not pattern to fall apart green robe when you 're a Gryffindor. ``

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

`` Do they even have house at the Australian school of Sorcery ? '' John wondered aloud, `` I mean, all their gown look alike. ``

`` They do, '' Matt told him, `` But those are the plain school robes. ``

`` I 'm guessing they wanted to reckon unified, '' Rose suggested, `` I doubt Albus will wear Gryffindor Quidditch robes when he plays on the house team. They 'll probably have special Hogwarts robes. ``

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

`` Morales, Linda, '' Patil shouted.

Albus turned back to the Sorting and saw a rather shortsighted missy step forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged stool and he could n't require his eyes off her. She was beautiful. There was n't really any other way to describe her. Albus had n't ever seen a missy as pretty as she was. Her darkness brown hair cascaded down her back in diffuse waves. It did n't quite match her surprisingly pale cutis, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her sluttish skin went well with her emerald green robes. She looked a bit aflutter as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.

Albus turned to look at his booster. mat, John, and Kaden were all staring at the girl. So was Saint James the Apostle. In fact, all the boys at the Gryffindor tabular array seemed to be staring at her. The girls were whispering to each other and glancing up at Linda Morales every so often.

The hat seemed to be taking constantly to decide. The integral Great Hall had erupted in whispers. Finally, the lip of the hat burst heart-to-heart and shouted out, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Linda Morales took off the hat and walked quickly towards the Gryffindor tabular array.

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

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

`` Albus ! '' Rose seethed, `` Do n't gaze at her ! ``

Albus shook his promontory to bring in his intellection and tried to turn his aid back to the categorization. A little while later, the last student was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the other headmasters took buns behind the staff table.

Kendrick stood up. `` I 'm sure you are all quite famished by now, so without farther ado, dinner is served. '' Kendrick waved his baton and the fortunate plateful filled with food.

None of the new students had sat near Albus and his acquaintance, so they did n't get a hazard to really get to make out any of them. nigh of them were senior anyway. Albus 's first cousin struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did notice that Linda was n't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to babble to her.

`` well, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the fiesta, '' Kendrick announced after the dental plate cleaned themselves of sweet, `` I have just a few announcement. The new students need to strike note of the fact that the forest and the Whomping Willow are out of bounds. There is also a rather turgid listing of veto objective. The entire list can be viewed on the caretaker 's door, which is located on this level. Or, you can ask your boyfriend scholarly person. Anyone with the conclusion gens of Weasley has a particularly extensive knowledge on the bailiwick. ``

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

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

When Albus and his protagonist returned to the Gryffindor commons room, Linda morale was already there, surrounded by a rather large grouping of boy and a couple young lady. She did n't look to be enjoying it, though. She looked as nervous as she had been in the Great manse and was mostly just nodding.

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

`` Probably, '' Amanda agreed.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Rose shrugged, `` She looks our age, but older at the same sentence. It 's kind of odd. ``

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

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

`` He 's been quiet all even, '' St. John the Apostle commented as Matt left.

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

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

Albus and his booster stayed up for a few more minutes before turning in for the night. Albus laid awake for a spell, though, thinking about Linda Morales.


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


Dislcaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


As it turned out, Albus did n't have to wait until social class to hump if Linda Morales was his age or not. Rose and Amanda burst out of the missy'dormitory as Albus, matte, and john were heading down to breakfast.

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

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

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

`` Still up there, '' Amanda said, `` She 's been in the privy for ages. ``

`` fille, '' John the Divine muttered, `` I 'll never understand them. ``

The group hurried down to the Great hallway and ate a quick breakfast before their first class. Neville handed out schedules and Albus saw that he had caution of Magical Creatures first.

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

`` fountainhead, we are taking two extra grade now, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Wonder who we 'll receive this course with, '' lustrelessness said.

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

`` Maybe Linda 's taking this socio-economic class, '' privy said hopefully.

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

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

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

`` 'Ello, everyone ! '' Hagrid said as he stepped out of his hut a few bit later, `` Welcome to maintenance o'Magical animal. ``

`` Hi, Hagrid, '' Albus grinned.

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

Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least exciting magical creatures in the world. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more exciting.

`` Nobody ? '' Hagrid said, `` Well, I know they are n't the most excitin'puppet, but we 've got to bug out somewhere. Now, flobberworms are small-scale white worms .... ''

Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he did n't take any notes. rose wine would have, but Albus did n't see the stage. Flobberworms were pretty basic.

`` Now, everyone can hire a worm, '' Hagrid held up a box, `` An'draw off them into yer notes an'observe 'em. ``

Albus and his friends each took a louse and began the tedious task of recording the dirt ball'every movement and sketching them. Albus thought the residuum of the class was rather boring and was a bit defeated. He had kind of been expecting Hagrid to bring in some sort of grave creature, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come to remember of it, his cousins had said Hagrid had adopted a more normal curriculum.

`` I wish Hagrid would institute in a dragon or something, '' St. John said as they made their way back to the castle for Transfiguration.

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

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

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

`` Sure, '' Albus grinned and started to walk towards her table.

`` time lag, '' lustrelessness said, `` There 's only two derriere. And do you really want to sit in the nominal head ? ``

`` Er, that 's on-key, '' John said, `` We 'll sit behind her then. ``

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

`` For the low gear few socio-economic class we shall be learning about a very difficult branch of August 6, '' Patil said after she took attending, `` And it is called the Animagus Transfiguration. Can anyone tell me what that is ? ``

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

`` Yes, miss team spirit ? '' Patil pointed to Linda.

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

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

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

Albus noticed that blush wine was staring in shock at Linda. He had to dampen a jape at this.

Patil went on to describe Animagi in more particular and Albus took a few notation.

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

Both rosebush and Linda 's hands shot up into the air. Patil called on rosebush this time.

`` Minerva McGonagall, '' blush wine answered.

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

Albus scribbled the words 'Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs'onto a opus of parchment and showed it to Matt and lav. All three of them stifled laugh and then looked back up at Patil.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' Rose grinned.

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

The relief of the stratum passed by at a reasonably spry pace and once it was over, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall for lunch.

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

`` Shut up, '' Rose muttered.

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

`` And your point is ? '' rose wine snapped.

They walked the rest of the way in secrecy, as no one wanted to set rose wine off even more. Albus had no idea she would get that free-enterprise about grade. Although after two years of easily being the smartest in their year, blush wine had n't previously had any competition.

half the Gryffindor table was roaring with laughter when they arrived for lunch. James quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Hugo had exploded his first potion earlier in the morning and was apparently quite majestic of it.

`` wellspring, you 'll suffer no rivalry from him, '' john muttered to Rose. Rose sent him a withered look and sat down to eat.

Albus spent lunch telling Kaden about Care of Magical animal. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.

The third year Gryffindors had double potions after tiffin, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the form with a limited review of the previous year 's potions. Once again, rosiness and Linda both knew the answer to every interrogation. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both blush wine and Linda tied for just potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. Albus was quite surprise that Linda seemed as smart as blush wine. He had never met anyone his age who could compete with rosebush with course. John was right. Rose did have some competition.

******

`` Well, time to go meet the new defense force teacher, '' Albus said as he finished breakfast the adjacent morning.

`` I wish your dad was still teaching, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, '' Gospel According to John agreed, `` The new teacher looks like the kind of fellow who gives a lot of homework. ``

`` You really ought to just keep an undecided mind, '' Rose commented as they left the Great Hall.

`` Easy for you to say, '' lav muttered, `` You 're freakishly smartness. ``

`` You have got to be kidding me ! '' Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, `` We 're with the Slytherins, again ! ``

`` Great, '' Matt sighed, `` Three year in a row, what are the chances of that ? ``

Albus led the way into the schoolroom. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the front tables. Rose and Amanda immediately took the other front man table.

`` Let 's sit in the dorsum, '' Matt muttered.

Albus nodded. He really did n't want to sit near the front. The teacher was already there and was wearing an indecipherable expression. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.

The schoolroom looked exactly the same as it had the yr before, except for a trunk that was sitting in front of the instructor 's desk.

A few Thomas More educatee trickled in and once the bell rang, the teacher waved his wand and the threshold slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprise and snapped his attention back to the new teacher.

He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in straw man of it. He was holding a piece of sheepskin and a pinion. Albus noticed that he was wearing the same black robes, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed silver grey fastenings on them.

`` Please raise your hand and say 'present'when I call your name, '' he said in a stern vocalization. He ran through the tilt, fixing each scholarly person with a piercing gaze when he called on them.

`` Brilliant, '' he said flatly, `` All here. I am Professor Balladanis, as you all know from prof Kendrick 's oral communication. You will address me as Professor Balladanis, or Professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of turn or misbehavior of any kind in my schoolroom. I expect all homework and early duty assignment to be completed on sentence, no excuses. ``

Professor Balladanis began to pace back and Forth River in strawman of his desk. `` As you shall discover throughout the year, I take defensive magic very seriously. '' He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.

`` Defensive magic is a very very of import leg of illusion. I would make the disputation that is the most important. It can save your biography. It has saved my sprightliness on legion function. I have no doubt that your previous two years of instruction were very all-inclusive and I am trusted you all have a basic knowledge of defensive spells good manners of Professor Potter. ``

Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his speech. `` However, the third year defense Against the Dark Arts programme focuses on vindication against shadow creatures. '' He turned to Albus 's table and gave Albus, lustrelessness, and whoremonger a piercing stare.

`` I will be continuing the course of study that has been used in this school since after the final conflict, '' Balladanis continued, `` I have looked over the programme and have deemed it satisfactory. I immensely approve of the first day 's lesson for third years. I 've always thought a practical approach was trade good for refutation, although I do wait you to carefully show your textual matter book as well.

`` In this box, '' Balladanis gestured to the bole, which jumped a little as he touched it, `` Lives a boggart. Can anyone say me what a boggart is ? ``

rosiness and Linda 's paw shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to Rose. `` Yes, Miss ... ? ``

`` Weasley, sir, '' Rose replied, `` A boggart is a shape gearshift. It takes the form of whatever scare you most. No one knows what one really looks like. ``

Balladanis nodded. `` Correct. 5 points to Gryffindor. Boggarts, '' he began pacing again, `` Take the descriptor of whatever scares us to the highest degree. The boggart focuses on the nearest mortal and turns into whatever scares them.

`` We will get an advantage over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will suit confuse about what to turn into. However, that is not enough. There is a requirement incantation for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. repeat after me, 'Riddikulus'. ``

`` Riddikulus, '' Albus said along with everyone else.

`` Good, '' Balladanis said, although his voice was n't exactly pollyannaish, `` You 'll also require to suppose of a way to turn whatever your most revere thing is into something funny. laugh is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you 're saying the conjuration. Now, take out your sceptre and stand up. ``

Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He was n't even sure what he was most afraid of. Snakes ? No, he really did n't fear Snake River. Spiders ? Nope, not them either. He had no thought what that boggart was going to bend into, and that made it even scarier.

Balladanis waved his scepter and all the tables and chairs moved to the sides of the schoolroom. `` Form a line, '' he instructed.

Everyone pushed to be at the social movement of the line. Albus wound up being towards the back, behind John the Divine and in figurehead of Matt.

`` miss Weasley, '' Balladanis motioned for Rose to step forward, `` Perhaps you could go first. ``

pink wine nodded and stepped out of the line. She stood in forepart of the trunk with her wand raised. Albus had no idea what the boggart would turn into for Rose either. Nor did he have a clue what John and Amanda 's boggarts would be. He had an inkling about Matt 's, though.

Balladanis stood off to the side and pointed his wand at the trunk. The lid slowly opened and out stepped ... Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.

The boggart Neville opened his mouth. `` I 'm sorry, Rose, you did not get the high-pitched grades in your class. You 've been beaten. ``

Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made sense. For a moment there, Albus actually thought blush wine was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Rose shouted.

The boggart Neville swayed, but did n't bet any different. He opened his mouth again. `` Rose, you have beaten everyone in the entire school ! You have the well degree in the story of Hogwarts. ``

Albus smirked. It was n't entirely funny, but it fit Rose perfectly.

`` Interesting, '' Balladanis muttered, `` side by side ! ``

rose wine stood off to the English and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very large snake.

Amanda stared at it for a few consequence and then shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The snake twirled around and tied itself into a knot. Amanda, along with most of the rest of the stratum, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the face next to Rose and Janie Creevey stepped forward.

Janie 's boggart turned into a giant rat, which then got transformed into tiny computer mouse. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda Morales 's turn.

Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a flying lizard tour into a raging attack. Linda raised her verge and shouted, `` Riddikulus ! '' The fervidness turned into a falls and Linda joined the growing grouping of students off to the side.

Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a wanderer, as did her sister, Karina 's. Karina had a bit of bother, but eventually managed to sour the spider rainbow people of colour. Ethan and a couple of the Slytherins had difficulty as well.

Leigh Montague charmed her mummy boggart into a pass jacket and then it was John 's turn of events. He stepped forward and the momma turned into a goofball. A clown around, dispatch with a big red nose and vast shoes.

Albus could hear a few of the former students snickering already. Albus was n't exactly a fan of clowns, but he could think of at to the lowest degree ten things that were shuddery than them.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Gospel According to John shouted. The clown boggart started to walk forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously bombastic feet, which were growing at an alarming charge per unit. The integral class burst out in the cheap laughter yet as John joined pink wine and Amanda.

Albus took a deep breath and stepped forward. The goofball with the huge metrical foot started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like professor Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.

`` You did not make the Hogwarts Quidditch team, '' it said.

Albus gulped. Come to recall of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that moment. But how could he gain it funny. He racked his brains as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.

`` Riddikulus ! '' Albus shouted.

The boggart spun around again and then stopped. `` You did make the team ! '' it said, `` In fact, everyone is on the team ! All of Hogwarts will play at once and therefore win the competition ! ``

Albus laughed at the thought process of a Quidditch squad consisting of over 200 hoi polloi on it and joined Saint John the Apostle at the side of the classroom. Albus watched as Matt stepped forward.

`` Hey, ceramist, '' Scorpius whispered, `` I bet the boggart wo n't sleep together what to rick into with Eckerton. He 's afraid of everything. ``

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus growled.

`` quiet over there ! '' Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his mouth and Scorpius did n't say anything else.

The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it did n't turn into the smart full moon that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very minatory looking man. He was tightfitting and rather myopic and had a mop of untidy brown hair on his oral sex. It was n't like Roberts 's hair, though. This cuss 's hair was fibrous and contaminating looking. His optic were piercing, not unlike Balladanis 's, and he was sneering at Matt. Albus did n't recognize who it was. He had n't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.

The boggart stepped slowly towards matte, who looked frozen in situation. Albus could see his wand shaking in his hand.

`` Who 's that bloke ? '' john whispered.

`` No idea, '' Albus said.

Albus continued to watch as the boggart advanced towards lusterlessness. Balladanis was n't doing anything besides watching with an unreadable expression on his facial expression.

The boggart was now only a couple foundation away from Matt, who still was n't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly arouse its mitt and muttered something that Albus could n't quite catch.

At that moment, lustrelessness seemed to unthaw. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the door. He wrenched it open and disappeared from the room. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves

Albus turned to bathroom, who shrugged. Albus could n't even commence to imagine why mat was afraid of that unusual man, but he could smell that it went beyond a normal veneration.

`` I 'm going after him, '' Albus whispered to John. John nodded and Albus ran from the way without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.

Albus could hear Balladanis trying to quieten the rest of the student down as he walked quickly down the corridor. lustrelessness was n't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to take the air down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go ? The hall ? Room of Requirement ? Marauder 's Den ? That was it, Albus thought. That 's where Matt would go. After all, only a few people knew about that.

Albus walked through the empty-bellied corridors, thankful that nobody else was wandering around. He glanced at his watch. There was only ten minutes left in class.

The fifth floor corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the set aside courting of armour and then searched the opposite paries for the petite paw mark. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the door open.

The room looked abandon when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the old year. Albus had n't been in it for months. He quietly walked further into the way and headed straight for mat 's alcove.

lusterlessness was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the wall in front of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not sure of what to say. Matt did n't even recognize the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he did n't notice.

`` Er, are you ok ? '' Albus asked after a few moments of awkward silence.

matte looked over at him. He did n't face all right. His brass was blanch livid. `` I guess, '' he said quietly, `` But everyone probably thinks I 'm afraid of everything now. nobody else ran out of the room. ``

`` Maybe everyone else 's boggarts were n't as scary, '' Albus suggested.

`` Maybe, '' Matt muttered.

Albus heard the doorway open and he craned his drumhead around to see that Rose, lav, and Amanda had come inside. John and the miss walked over to where Albus and Matt were.

`` We 've got your bags, '' John said as he dropped Albus and Matt 's travelling bag on the floor.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` Are you all right ? '' whoremonger asked Matt.

`` Yeah, '' Matt sighed.

`` What have we got adjacent ? '' Albus asked.

`` Herbology, '' Rose answered, `` And we 'd better go if we do n't want to be late. ``

`` Are you coming ? '' Albus asked flatness.

`` Yeah, '' Matt got up off the bed, `` Let 's go. I just hope we do n't make it with the Slytherins. I 'd bet my last Galleon that Malfoy 's going to micturate fun of me for this for rest of the yr. ``

Albus would own been willing to bet that as well. Fortunately, the third yr Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that class. A few of the former Gryffindors stole quick glances at Matt during the beginning section of the form, but nobody said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few flora they had learned about the previous year for a few moment. Rose and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a tolerant overview of what they 'd be doing that year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


After tiffin, Albus, Rose, and matte headed to Ancient runic letter while John and Amanda went to soothsaying. Albus did n't really hump what to expect from ancient Runes, nor did he know anything about the teacher. matte had told them that Amy said the teacher was decent enough.

Albus, Rose, and Matt sat down at one of the tabular array in the middle of the room and waited for the teacher. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the face mesa. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the number one to arrive to any division. There was also an assortment of Hufflepuffs in the elbow room. Albus, rosebush, matte, and Linda appeared to be the simply Gryffindors taking the class, though.

The professor walked in a few arcminute later. She was a short woman with curly grey hair and a patient face on her face.

`` hello, '' she smiled, `` I 'm professor Sturly. ``

She took attendance and then gave a lengthy lecture about what the work of Ancient runic letter was. Albus kind of thought she could cause condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. rose wine was paying rapt attention and Albus had a feeling this would become one of her favorite classes.

Towards the end of the social class, Sturly gave an overview of the first-class honours degree chapter in their book and then assigned the end of the chapter for homework. The chapter covered a variety of basic runes that Albus and the rest of the students would get to memorize.

magical spell consisted of Rose and Linda alternatively answering every inquiry Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a belief it would become a regular natural event in all the classes he had with both pink wine and Linda.

`` How was Divination ? '' Albus asked his friends after dinner party as they were sitting around the marauder 's Den.

`` Entertaining, '' John laughed, `` I think it 'll be my gentle class. ``

`` So, who did Trelawney say would die this twelvemonth ? '' blush wine asked.

`` What ? ! '' Kaden exclaimed, `` person 's going to die ? ``

`` No, '' Rose sighed, `` Trelawney just predicts someone 's death every class. The student in question has never actually died during that year. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden shrugged, `` So she 's not a literal psychic ? ``

`` You mean a Seer ? '' Rose asked, `` Well, she has made a few real number predictions. She 's the one who spoke the divination about Albus 's dad. But can she really predict the future tense with crystal balls and such ? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I 'm sure there are real oracle out there, but they 're extremely rarified. Divination is a very obscure branch of magic that is difficult to interpret. My mum says we should n't put much faith in it. ''

`` I still think it would be smart as a whip to jazz the future tense, though, '' Kaden grinned.

`` I do n't know, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 've always thought the time to come was best left unknown. ``

`` I 've always thought so, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` So, who 's going to snuff it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Carter Eubert, '' privy replied, `` That Ravenclaw we shared a boat with when we crossed the lake in first yr. I have to say that I 'm remedy it was n't me. ``

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

Rose groaned. `` I 've told you that it 's not real ! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a student 's death. She predicted my Uncle Harry 's end and he 's still awake ! ``

`` Yeah, but did n't he nearly die at the end of his tertiary twelvemonth ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Key Holy Scripture, nearly, '' Rose replied, `` Plus, he faced death pretty much every yr. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' John said, `` But I 'm still glad she did n't predict my destruction, even if it 's not a real number prediction. ``

`` So how was ancient Runes ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Really interesting ! '' Rose said excitedly and proceeded to give a commentary on how the class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the only one really intrigued by it.

Albus and his friends spent the remainder of the evening in the predator 's Den. Once they had exhausted the topic of their beginning two Clarence Day of social class, they moved on to the Quidditch competition and Albus 's chances of making the Hogwarts team. Everyone thought Albus had a good chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their approaching Hogsmeade trips, although that issue form of made Kaden jealous. whoremonger brought up the issue of Linda morale, but both Rose and Matt did n't want to talk about her at all.

Eventually, they had to come back to Gryffindor tower in order not to break curfew. On his way up to his dorm, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a group of admirers, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.

******

`` No ! I do n't want to go ! Dad, do n't make me go ! ''

Albus 's eyes snapped open. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the morning. He could try mortal tossing and turning and mumbling in their sleep in the bed next to him.

`` Please, I do n't need to. Just let me go habitation. ``

Albus was wide awake now. The talking was coming from Matt 's bed and Albus knew he was having a nightmare. Albus had been woken up by Matt 's nightmares on numerous function, especially during initiative class. They always seemed to come around the wax moon. Although, Albus was pretty sure that the wide-cut moon was n't for a few calendar week. This nightmare sounded worse anyway.

The mumbling continued for another few min and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creak and pace crossing the room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few arcminute before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his carpet slipper and padded across the elbow room and carefully shut the threshold behind him. None of the other boys had woken up.

The common room was dark and void when Albus got there. The blast had hanker since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the elbow room. There was light verge light coming from one of the corners. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw Matt sitting curled up in one of the death chair, staring at the floor.

Matt startled when he saw Albus. `` Oh, Albus, '' he sighed, `` What are you doing up ? ``

Albus shrugged and sat down in the chair next to mat 's. `` Followed you down here. ``

`` Oh, did I wake you up ? ``

`` kind of, '' Albus replied, `` But it 's ok. I just came to see if you were all flop. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare- ''

`` How do you know I had a incubus ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of heard you mumbling, '' Albus answered, `` You were talking in your sleep. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Listen, '' Albus paused, `` You do n't have to evidence me, but I was form of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I kind of thought it would be a wide moonshine. ``

`` So did I, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` Which is contribution of why I freaked out so much. ``

Albus nodded, wondering if Matt was going to remain or not.

`` I know I have n't told you much about what happened when I lived in Australia, '' matte began.

Albus nodded again. All he really knew about lustrelessness 's life in Commonwealth of Australia was that he had lived in a mansion and his dad had been the Head of the department for the ordinance and mastery of Magical Creatures.

`` That bloke the boggart turned into is the current drumhead of the section for the regularization and control of Magical brute, '' Matt continued, `` He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the Head of the lycanthrope Control building block. ``

Albus was still a bit disjointed about why he was flatness 's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.

`` While my parents were in the physical process of finding out where to affect, a law was passed that all loup-garou had to metamorphose in a Ministry approved centre if their situation of transformation failed an inspection. Mine failed. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus gaped at him, `` But your dad was- ''

`` The head of the section, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New York. My parents refused to let me transubstantiate at one of the Ministry inwardness, so they broke the law and were fined. The first clock time that happened, my dad was fired over it.

`` But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his name, would n't give up until I transformed in one of the centers. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some sort of farsighted term row going on or something. I do n't love the details. But anyway, '' matt paused, `` Eventually, Lubar was able to pass off a law that made it legal for the Ministry to take wolfman by forcefulness to one of the transformation center field. He flooed to our mansion, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved center before my parents had a hazard to terminate him. ''

Albus stared at Matt. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been legal. How could it be legal to basically snatch a kid for a night ?

`` I do n't call back any of it, '' Matt said quietly, `` Except for what happens in the nightmare I have. It was horrible, though. The other werewolves were all adults and they all sort of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo 's because they wanted Healer Sterling to take care of me. I spent three workweek there. ``

`` Well, it makes sense that you were so scared of that boggart, '' Albus said, `` Lubar is one of the most horrifying wizards I 've ever heard of. ''

Matt nodded and shifted slightly. `` I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five years ago. I really thought that boggart would turn into a full moon. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that poppycock that happened in Commonwealth of Australia was behind me, but I guess not. ``

`` Nothing like that is going to happen here, '' Albus said quietly, `` Lubar has no control over our Ministry. He 's in Australia. ``

`` I guess you 're right, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` I think I 'll go see if Madam Pomfrey will give me any dreamless sopor potion. Could I use the Invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Yeah, of course, '' Albus said as he stood up. He had a feeling that madam Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless eternal sleep and probably try and convert him to spend the night in the infirmary backstage as well.

Albus and Matt quietly walked back to the residence hall and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the second edition Marauder 's Map, and handed them to mat. Once Matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.

Albus lay awake thinking about what matte had told him for a patch. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch team seemed very insignificant now that he knew the item about Matt 's boggart. That did n't make Albus any less uneasy about the try-outs, though.

******

Albus and the other Gryffindor one-third years, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the next day with History of Magic. All Albus learned during the hour was that 3rd year account of Magic was equally as ho-hum as second year. Transfiguration of Jesus consisted of another lecture on Animagi and Albus noticed that John paid a considerably more amount of attending than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the previous class that they would not go Animagi.

aid of Magical beast was after tiffin and the social class moved on to the slightly more interesting bowtruckles. Albus was very thankful for the break they had afterwards, when blush wine went to Muggle Studies.

`` It 's only the third day and I 'm already brainsick of prep, '' Albus muttered as they entered the predator 's Den.

`` So do n't do it, '' whoremaster said as he pulled a burnt umber toad frog out of his bag.

`` You should do that Divination homework, '' Amanda said, `` You know, the one where we predict what happens to us succeeding Wednesday. ``

`` Already did it, '' Saint John the Apostle announced.

Albus, matt, and Amanda all stared in shock at John. toilet never ever did homework too soon. He was always the one finishing the last lines of an essay as the teacher took attendance.

`` What ? '' John shrugged, `` I occasionally do stuff and nonsense before it 's due. ``

`` No, actually, you do n't, '' Matt smirked.

`` Divination 's different. It 's fun to make up imposter predictions. ``

`` So what 's happening to you future Midweek ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm going to break my neck when I fall off my broom. ``

`` John, you do n't even run Quidditch, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Trelawney wo n't worry. ``

Albus personally thought it was a wasteland of prison term to come up with fake prognostication for Divination, but that was probably why he had n't signed up for the class.

`` Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis 's boggart was ? '' Gospel According to John asked Albus and Matt.

`` Nope, '' Matt said.

Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're going to be intimate this. ``

`` Yeah, '' King John grinned, `` When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an troy ounce of attention to it, so Balladanis stepped in front end of it and you 'll never infer what it turned into ! ``

`` A loup-garou ? '' Matt asked.

`` No, but that would accept been funny, too, '' John laughed, `` Anyway, it turned into a woman. ``

`` A womanhood ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` Yeah, '' John said, `` A tall, skinny, picket faced woman. Her peel was as pallid as Linda 's. Her pilus was a bit idle, but still a morose John Brown. The woman just sort of walked over to Balladanis with a smile on her face. She was sort of pretty in an odd kind of way. ``

`` Now that is Weird, '' Albus replied, `` Why in the name of Falco columbarius would he be afraid of cleaning lady ? ``

`` Maybe it was a specific woman, '' Matt pointed out.

That would make More signified. After all, mat was n't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a specific man. But Albus did think it was variety of odd that Balladanis, the stern man who hated darkness Arts, would be afraid of a witch. Albus would have thought he 'd be afraid of some sort of scary dark creature.

`` Who do you think she was ? '' matt asked.

John shrugged. `` His married woman ? ``

Albus smirked. `` fountainhead, that would be funny remark. ``

`` My dad prank that he 's afraid of my mum at times, '' John replied, `` But I doubt his boggart would become into her. ``

`` Maybe she 's some kind of dark beldam that he 's faced in the past, '' Amanda suggested.

`` Good intellection ! '' flatness agreed, `` Maybe she was a expiry eater. ``

`` I do n't be intimate if he fought in the War or not, though, '' Albus said, `` My dad 's never mentioned his name before and he does n't really appear like the variety of bloke to just stay in the scope, does he ? ``

`` I guess not, '' Matt replied, `` She could still be an evil witch, though. ``

`` That does construct the well-nigh sense, '' John the Divine said, `` She must be really evilness. I mean, Balladanis does n't seem like he 'd be afraid of anything. ``

`` Everyone 's afraid of something, '' Albus pointed out, `` But yeah, she must be evil. ``

`` What did Balladanis do to make her good story ? '' Matt asked.

`` Turned her into some sort of statue, '' John answered, `` It was strange, like she was petrified. She just froze in blank space. And then Balladanis banished it to the proboscis. ``

`` How is that funny ? '' Albus asked.

`` No mind, '' John shrugged, `` Just adds to the mystery that is Balladanis. ``

`` I 'm still not sure I like him, '' matte commented.

`` Me, neither, '' Albus agreed.

`` But hey, at least he did n't pay us any homework on the 1st day, '' John pointed out.

******

The next day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the backrest of the Defense classroom in between Matt and Saint John the Apostle. Malfoy kept turning around in his backside and smirking at mat. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about matte 's experience with the boggart.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few minutes later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The class immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his seat. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.

`` Well, some of you were successful with lowest class 's boggart, '' Balladanis began, `` However, there were quite a few of you who were n't. ``

Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at Matt, this time ineffectual to choke his laughter.

`` quiet, Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis growled, `` Five power point from Slytherin. ``

Albus could n't assist but grin at that. At least Balladanis was n't favoring Slytherin.

`` Therefore, we will uphold battling the boggart until you all have winner with the charm, '' Balldanis continued, `` I do not desire any of you to slip through the cracks and skate through this class on the full dress of to a greater extent successful student. That may turn patch at Hogwarts, but the moment you get out into the genuine world, it will abruptly end. Without a basic noesis of defensive spells, you will gather an untimely end at the hands of dark wizard. ``

This teacher was making it seem like they were in the thick of a war. Albus knew it was authoritative to be able to defend yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It kind of reminded him of what his parents, aunts, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.

`` darkness wizards love finding victim with short cognition of justificatory spells. The scholarly person who skirt by with acceptable stigma and just barely die each examination, without really understanding anything. They also love multitude who read Good Book after book and pretend to understand everything. And while these people may have a broad knowledge of defensive spells, they may not have the science requisite to execute them, '' Balldanis 's eye rested on Rose and Linda.

`` I want everyone in this room to give more than the canonical accomplishment needed to do justificatory acquisition. I want everyone to be able-bodied to come off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to represent themselves against dark creatures and wizards alike.

`` Starting with the boggart, I will not roost until every student is capable of performing every turn we learn in this class. I will specify redundant lessons to those I deem it necessary. You will come in for extra assistance. I do not care if it interferes with clubs or Quidditch recitation. Quidditch will be of little aid when you are facing a moody sorcerer or creature.

`` Stand up ! '' Balladanis ordered. The socio-economic class scrambled to their feet and Balladanis moved the desks aside.

`` Sir ! '' Malfoy called out, `` What if we 've already had success with the boggart ? ``

`` Then you 'll do it again, '' Balladanis replied, `` Practice makes perfect. ``

The class lined up in presence of the trunk. Albus and his friends wound up being in the back, and Albus did n't opine lustrelessness minded this in the least. He looked very nervous at the prospect of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus could n't blame him.

The line moved much faster this meter than the finale social class. Everyone who had had trouble with the boggart during the old family seemed to do a proficient job this time.

Albus stepped forward once it was his turn and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not make the squad. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would turn into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the trance and moved to the side to stand next to rosiness and Amanda.

John was next and battled his merry andrew boggart in the same way he had the other day. He stepped to the slope and Matt walked slowly towards the boggart.

`` Two Galleons says he runs again, '' Malfoy whispered in Albus 's ear.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Albus and John said at the same time.

The boggart once again turned into Lubar and mat slowly raised his wand, which was shaking.

`` R-R-Ridikkulus, '' lusterlessness whispered. Nothing happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.

`` Louder, '' Balladanis told him.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' Matt shouted. Still nothing. His wand arm was shaking even harder.

`` R-Ridikkulus ! '' he shouted once again.

This time, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a black and white striped prison outfit with a clod and chain attached to his right wing leg.

`` Looks like you owe us two Galleons, '' John smirked at Malfoy.

`` Not a fortune, Brickston, '' Malfoy growled.

`` goodness job, '' Albus grinned as Matt joined the group.

Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the automobile trunk when Albus looked back at his teacher.

`` That 's sufficiency for today, '' Balladanis announced. `` You, '' he pointed at Matt, `` Come see me. ``

lustrelessness glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the rest of the socio-economic class left the room. Albus and his friends lingered near the doorway, but Balladanis gestured for them to exit. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.

`` What did he desire ? '' Albus asked once Matt exited the room.

`` I have to go in for extra help, '' Matt groaned, `` Until I can face the boggart successfully. ``

`` But you were successful, '' John pointed out.

`` Not successful enough for Balladanis. ``

`` Somehow, I do n't remember anyone would be successful enough for him, '' Rose muttered.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` That was some speech he gave at the beginning of class. ``

Albus still did n't know what to think of their new Defense professor. He seemed very strict and Albus did n't really palpate comfortable with him, but on the former hand, he seemed very intimate in justificatory spells. Albus had a feeling they 'd learn a lot from him, and even though they were n't involved in a war at the moment, Albus knew defense science were always of import to give birth. That 's what his father had told him ever since he could remember. Albus had grown up knowing the pauperism for defending team against the dark arts. He just had never had it taught to him in such a forceful exacting way.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The remainder of the calendar week went by quickly. Albus spent all his spare metre on the Quidditch sales pitch, trying to hone his skills for the try-outs on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Slytherin Quidditch squad booked the auction pitch all Friday evening, so Albus was unable to cram in a last second exercise session.

Instead, Albus sat in the common elbow room with the eternal rest of his friend, trying to compose an essay for Transfiguration. He was supposed to enquiry a illustrious Animagi and write a foot long essay about him or her. Albus had wanted to write about his grandad, but given the fact that Prongs 's Animagus status had been a secret, Albus did n't retrieve such an essay would put to work. So, Albus eventually decided to publish about McGonagall. He had a spirit half the year would pen about her.

`` What are McGonagall 's markings ? '' lavatory asked, proving Albus 's theory.

`` Spectacle marks around her optic, '' Albus answered as he stared at his mostly blank piece of parchment.

`` Thanks, '' John grinned, `` You just saved me fifteen minutes of enquiry. ``

`` No problem, '' Albus replied. He was n't sure why the essay was taking him so long. He knew a great deal about McGonagall and her Animagus capabilities. He supposed he just had his intellect on other things, like the Quidditch try-outs.

`` How can she even concentrate on her studying ? '' Rose sighed loudly.

`` Who ? '' Albus asked.

`` Linda morale, '' rosiness muttered, with a hint of contempt in her voice, `` Just look at her. ``

Albus turned around and saw Linda sitting at a table with a crowd of record book and parchment strewn about it. There was quite a crowd of boy surrounding her, including Bilius, Ethan, James I, Ben, Cedric, Nathan, and a few second eld Albus did n't know the figure of. They all seemed to be talking at once while Linda had her eyes fixed on one of the books.

`` Well, from what you 've said, she 's so freakishly impudent she does n't call for to study, '' Kaden said.

`` Humph, '' rosebush huffed, `` Everyone needs to study. ``

`` I think you 're jealous, Rose, '' Albus smirked.

`` Am not, '' Rose replied.

`` I wonder what stead she plays, '' John mused.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` placement. You know, in Quidditch, '' John explained, `` She must be on the Aussie team. Since she 's our age, she ca n't be on the dueling team. ``

`` Seeker, '' rose said.

`` How do you know ? '' Albus asked.

`` Karina asked her one day in the dormitory, '' Rose explained.

`` Who 's a quester ? '' Matt dropped his bag onto the table and sat down in the chair next to Albus.

`` Linda morale, '' Albus told him, `` How was your boggart lesson ? ``

`` Weird, '' lusterlessness replied, `` Balladanis was n't stern like he is in course of study. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden gaped, `` I do n't think I could opine him not strict. ``

`` Yeah. I would n't say he was nice, but he did n't act like he does in class. ``

`` What did he do ? '' John asked.

`` wellspring, I walked in and he was sitting at his desk. So I walked up to him and he got up and went over to the torso. He did n't say much, just told me to battle the boggart. And then I did. Over and over again until I thought I was going to go mad. ``

`` That sounds like Balladanis, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` I know, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm getting there. Anyway, eventually he told me I could stop. Then he told me to sit down and that he wanted to talk to me. He basically told me the same affair he told everyone in class the early day. But he changed it a bit. ``

matte lowered his representative. `` He said that the pointedness of defense reaction class was n't only to learn how to defend ourselves against the dark arts. He said it 's also to teach us why the dark artwork are so horrible. He then went on to tell me that it was especially important for me to recognize that. ``

`` That is uncanny, '' Albus said quietly, `` You do n't consider he said that because of, well, you know. ``

`` Yeah, I think he did, '' Matt replied, `` But he did n't say it in a think way or anything. It was just really really odd. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Saint John agreed, `` Do you cause to go there again ? ``

`` Unfortunately, yes, '' lusterlessness muttered, `` He wants me to go every Friday until he says I do n't have to anymore. ``

`` How did it go with the boggart, though ? '' rosebush asked.

`` I thought it went ok. I mean, I 'm doing near than I was. But he still wants me to go in for extra help. ``

`` fountainhead, '' Kaden said after a few moments, `` This just proves that Balladanis is a very very unusual instructor. ``

******

Albus awoke riddled with spunk the following morning. It reminded him of the face he had only one twelvemonth ago prior to the Gryffindor team try-outs. Only this was ten times worse. He felt like he 'd rust a few live pigmy pouf and they were bouncing around his stomach trying to escape.

Try-outs were to be held shortly after lunch and Albus spent all morning talking with his fellow Gryffindor teammates in the common room. Georgia spent over an hour talking about the strengths and failing of the other people who would be trying out. Albus only sort of paid attention. The rest period of the team seemed emotional and not nearly as skittish as Albus. Albus thought James was lucky ; he was only competing against Lisa Galivant of Hufflepuff and Miranda Corner of Ravenclaw, as Slytherin was getting a new Seeker that year.

Albus sat with his team at lunch, although he did n't eat practically. Georgia continued talking about everything they 'd call for to cognize for the try-outs. The early Gryffindors kept coming up to him and wishing him chance. All Albus could manage to do was nod and mutter 'thanks'.

In an drive to keep Order on the Quidditch pitch, the schoolmaster had banned the residuum of the students from watching the try-outs. Albus was very grateful of this and was variety of relieved when Sakartvelo finally announced that they should leave for the rake. Albus 's champion wished him luck and he left the Great Radclyffe Hall following James.

The walk to the slant was quiet. GA had stopped her running commentary on the strategy of the rest of the Hogwarts Quidditch player and everyone else seemed to bring in they were more spooky than they thought.

Albus took a recondite breath as he entered the slant and adjusted his broom on his shoulder. He tried to think positivistic thoughts and followed his team onto the rake. Then, he stopped in his lead and felt his jaw driblet to the ground.

Standing in the middle of the pitch, next to Professors Oteski, Longbottom, Slughorn, Patil, and Polo, was none former than Teddy lupine. Standing with Teddy and the professor were Oliver Grant Wood and President Tyler Pike, the psyche Boy from Albus 's first year.

`` What 's Teddy doing here ? '' James whispered.

`` No idea, '' Albus whispered back, wondering the same thing. Why was Teddy there ? He had n't mentioned anything over the summer about doing anything at Hogwarts that year.

Albus stood with his team and looked at the rest of the students who were trying out. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff actor were already there. Amongst the Ravenclaws were Kate Waverly, the steward ; Natalie Cable, Damien Waverly, and Dan Burke, the Chasers ; Zack Valentino and Allie Davis, the Beaters ; Miranda Corner, the Seeker. Their intact team was trying out, like the Gryffindor team.

The Hufflepuffs had a few less players trying out. Their Keeper, tanner Royce was there, along with Anna Reilly and Shawn Ames, the Chasers. One of their Beaters, Andy Kaper was there. Albus remembered that their former Beater had graduated the previous year. Lisa Galivant, their quester, was there as well, looking determined.

The Slytherins showed up a few minute of arc later. Leading them was their new chieftain, Ferris Fielding, who was a pursuer. His fellow pursuer were Peyton Haines and Hailey Odele. Their leftover Beater, Talan Flint, glared at the Gryffindor team as he walked by.

Professor Oteski gazed around the pitch shot and then looked at his lookout. He said something to the four head word of family and then cleared his throat. Albus stopped watching the Slytherins and turned to Oteski.

`` I think everyone 's here now, '' Oteski began, `` First, I want to introduce you to your Head maitre d' and your Assistant captain. Oliver Sir Henry Wood, formerly of Puddlemere United, has agreed to captain the team. ``

There was a very loud turn of applause and a few tin whistle from the crowd of students. Albus grinned and clapped until the hand clapping began to calm down down.

`` And your Assistant Captains are former students you probably all think. Teddy Lupin, former searcher and Captain of the Gryffindor team, and Tyler Pike, former Seeker and maitre d'hotel of the Ravenclaw team will be your helper Captains. ``

Albus clapped hard sufficiency to get to his handwriting harm. He had no melodic theme Teddy was going to help run the Hogwarts team ! slip must give had a hard time keeping that a secret over the summer.

`` You will all try out this good afternoon and I, along with your captain and heads of houses will make the decisions tonight. The final list of the team as well as the stockpile players will be posted in your mutual rooms late tomorrow.

`` Now, I thought we 'd start up with the quester. Everyone else please go sit in the standpoint. ``

Albus and the vast majority of the bunch drifted towards the stand. James, Lisa, and Miranda remained in the pitch. Miranda was a tierce year and Lisa was a one-quarter year. Albus thought Henry James had a pretty honest chance of making the team. He had beaten both of the former quester legion times.

Albus paid some attention to James 's try-out, but mostly he was thinking about his own try-out. Eventually, St. James and the other searcher finished and Oteski called for the Keepers. GA practically ran down to the pitch, followed by the other two custodian. Albus watched and he was pretty confident Sakartvelo would make the squad as well. After Georgia returned with a huge grin on her face, Oteski called the Beaters down. Albus 's cousin, Bradley, as well as Ryan O'Malley did well with their try-out, but so did the other Beaters.

Finally, Oteski announced for the Chasers to enter the pitch. Albus stood up with his cousins, Scots heather and Fred, and walked nervously down to the pitch. chemise flashed him a grinning as he entered the pitch.

There were ten other Chasers besides Albus ; the worst prospect of all the status to get a spot on the team.

`` Ok, I want everyone to fly around the pitch a few times, '' Oliver Wood announced.

Albus mounted his broom and flew into the air. His spunk seemed to calm down as he felt the lead blowing against his face. Just think of it as another Quidditch equal, he thought as he flew amongst the other Chaser hopefuls.

The cerebration of try-outs being like a Quidditch peer carried Albus through the unhurt try-out. He was still flighty and did put down a few Quaffles, but all in all, it was n't as bad as he thought it would have been. The rest of the pursuer had dropped a few Quaffles as well. Albus still was n't sure he 'd make the squad, but at least he had n't made a fool of himself.

`` Everyone did great, '' Oliver Ellen Price Wood said at the end of the try-out, `` We 'll make our decision and send the team lean tomorrow. I 'll be seeing some of you really soon. ``

The chemical group started to disband and Teddy made his way towards the Gryffindor team.

`` Teddy ! '' GA shouted, `` I ca n't think you might be my captain again ! How in the public figure of Merlin did you keep this a mystic ? ``

slip shrugged. `` Honestly, I 'm not even surely. I guess I form of liked knowing something you lot did n't. ``

Empire State of the South groaned. `` Oh, shut it, slip. ``

`` You all did really well, though, '' Teddy grinned.

`` Yeah, but there 's so many other chaser, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Al, even if you do n't work it, you 're a brilliant pursuer and you 'll still hold the house Quidditch. That 's still going on during this completely affair. ``

`` Oi, chemise ! '' Tyler state highway called, `` Get a movement on, we 've got to discuss the team ! ``

`` I 'll see you later, Al, everyone else, '' chemise waved as he left.

Albus left the pitch with the repose of his team, who were all talking animatedly about the highlights of the try-outs. Albus was thrilled that chemise was going to be one of the skipper and it made him hope for a stain on the team even more than he had before.

Albus and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch squad were greeted by strident applause when they returned to the common elbow room. Albus thought it was kind of premature, since none of them were actually on the team yet, but it was still nice. Rose, Matt, and Amanda were sitting at their usual board and Albus went over to them.

`` How was the try-out ? '' lustrelessness asked immediately.

`` wagerer than I thought, '' Albus replied as he sat down, `` I think I have a slight chance of making it. ``

`` That 's honorable, '' matte grinned.

`` Oh, and shift 's one of the police captain ! '' Albus told them.

`` Really ? '' Rose said, `` Who are the others ? ``

`` Tyler thruway, the Head Boy from our first twelvemonth, and Oliver Wood- ''

`` King John is going to be thrilled when he finds that out, '' Matt interrupted.

Albus grinned. Joseph Oliver Wood had gone to Slughorn 's Christmas political party in their number one year and John had given him a Quaffle to ratify. John was a big supporter of Oliver Ellen Price Wood and Puddlemere United.

`` Where is can anyway ? '' Albus asked, `` And Kaden ? ``

`` In the Marauder 's Den, '' Matt answered, `` Plotting. They 're planning on swimming in the lake tomorrow with the Giant Squid. ``

`` I 'm rather afraid of what sort of plotting they 're doing, '' Rose muttered, `` If swimming requires plotting, zero unspoilt will come of it. ``

`` I take it you three do n't desire to join them ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Definitely not, '' Amanda said.

`` Are you insane, Albus ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` Of course not. ``

`` Nope, '' lustrelessness shook his oral sex, `` I 'd rather not get in trouble this soon into the year. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't want to either. '' Albus and his friends had gotten into quite a bit of trouble, mostly because of Kaden, the previous twelvemonth and Albus was hoping he 'd keep Filch 's detentions to a minimum this year.

`` The two of them are going to be in detention more often than they 're not, '' rose muttered.

`` That would n't surprise me, '' Albus replied. bathroom had always been the trouble-maker of Albus 's grouping, even before Kaden entered the scene. And then when Kaden had arrived, aught was going to stop him. Now John had someone to conspire with for all of his mischievous schemes.

******

Although Albus and lusterlessness flat out refused to float in the lake with John and Kaden, the two puckish male child managed to convince them to at least watch by the slope of the lake. However, pink wine and Amanda refused to be anywhere near the lake when this took place. pink wine insisted that she needed to consecrate the day to studying and Amanda decided to link up her. Albus had a feeling Rose 's increased amount of studying had a lot to do with Linda Morales, but knew full than to observe this to his cousin.

John and Kaden walked excitedly ahead of Albus and flatness on their way out of the castle the side by side day. Albus still had no idea what exactly they were planning on doing, and for that he was grateful. If John and Kaden got caught, Albus preferred to not know anything about it, so he could deny his involvement.

There were a few students sitting around the lake enjoying the warm late summer day when the boys arrived. Albus and flatness chose a touch underneath a great beechwood tree and sat back to watch the event unfold.

Saint John the Apostle and Kaden grinned at each former and then pulled off their shirts and place, so they were only wearing shorts. A few first year young woman who were sitting near Albus and Matt giggled and began whispering to each other. Albus turned to Matt and rolled his eyes. Matt stifled a laugh.

`` This is n't going to end well, '' Albus said.

`` But it will be entertaining to take in, '' Matt laughed.

John and Kaden began to obnoxiously extend by the edge of the water. Albus had a feeling they were doing it only to try and gain the attention of the few scholar who were n't watching them. side by side, they bent down to the water and felt the temperature.

`` Bloody hell ! '' privy shouted, `` It 's freezing ! ``

`` That means we 'll just jump right in ! '' Kaden announced. He turned around and walked away, and then took a running start into the lake. He landed with a loud splash that soaked John, who was still standing by the edge.

`` They 're mad, '' Albus grinned.

`` All right, here it goes ! '' John Lackland shouted and followed Kaden into the water, `` Merlin, that 's insensate ! ``

Albus laughed as john and Kaden got used to the water. The two of them were flailing around and shrieking same niggling girls. They had gained quite a few on-lookers who were standing around the lake laughing their heads off.

Albus may not have wanted to do something this nutcase himself, but he was having a good prison term watching his protagonist do it. The two of them got used to the water supply and then began swimming around.

However, merely swimming in the Black Lake was n't that exciting. Albus knew they had something else up their sleeve ( or lack thereof ) and it was only a issue of meter until they put their plan into action.

bathroom and Kaden were just beginning to have a contest to see who could stay submersed the longest when a long tentacle appeared out of the water a few animal foot behind them.

`` Ooo ! '' a girl shouted, `` It 's the squid ! ``

Both Saint John the Apostle and Kaden turned around. `` Yes ! '' they both shouted at the same meter, `` The calamary has arrived ! ``

Albus watched as John and Kaden swam towards the tentacle, wondering what sort of torment they were going to bring down upon the calamari. He did n't think the squid was particularly severe, but who knew what it would do if it was provoked.

John and Kaden treaded water on either side of the tentacle and then began to vibrate it. This earned a bunch of brassy pant and more hysterical laugh from the crowd.

A few more of the squid 's tentacles appeared out of the body of water and two of them smacked John and Kaden on their heads.

`` Hey ! '' John shouted and pushed the tentacle away.

Then, the squid 's headland emerged from the surface of the piddle. A few of the younger girls who were watching began to shriek and the older students laughed even harder. Albus was laughing and shaking his point at the same time. He could n't serve but jest at his friends'foolishness. They should suffer known that the calamary would try and titillate back. And it had more arms than whoremaster and Kaden combined.

lavatory and Kaden grinned at each other and then swim towards the back of the calamari as it rose out of the water. They grabbed onto its back and began to ride it. Albus gaped as the squid began to swim around with John and Kaden on top of it. The two of them had actually decided to ride the Giant calamari.

`` They 're idiots, '' lustrelessness commented.

Albus nodded as the calamari swam closer and closer to the shoring. The onlookers retreated and scattered as it drew nearer. John and Kaden both looked thrilled, until the squid propelled them onto the shore. They landed in the grass and the squid returned into the murky depths of the lake.

Albus jumped up and ran towards privy and Kaden, followed by matte. He squeezed his way through the crowd and looked down at his two friends.

`` Urgh, '' John groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.

`` That was incredibly stupid, '' Albus grinned, `` And very toy with. ``

`` Let 's do it again ! '' Kaden said excitedly as he examined his arm, which was bleeding.

`` How can you actually want to do it again when the calamari threw you five feet into the air ? '' flatness asked.

`` It was fun, '' Kaden shrugged.

`` move aside ! '' a female spokesperson shouted.

The crowd immediately dispersed and hoi polloi ran towards the castle and to other arena of the grounds.

Albus looked up and saw Professor Patil striding towards them. Albus groaned. He knew they would n't get away with this.

`` I 've just been informed that the two of you were riding the behemoth Squid ! '' Patil shouted at lavatory and Kaden, `` Is that dead on target ? ``

`` Er- '' St. John began.

`` Well ... '' Kaden said.

`` Of course it is ! '' Patil replied, `` look at you ! I 'm very disappointed ! I thought it was a given not to float in that lake and the fact that you provoked the squid ... '' she shook her head, `` Well, you two will need to go to the Hospital Wing and then I 'll assign you detention. ``

whoremaster and Kaden stood up and nodded. The thrill that had been on their faces just moment before, was completely gone.

`` And what about you two ? '' Patil said to Albus and Matt, `` Were you involved ? I see you 're both dry, but I 've noticed that the four of you are always getting in trouble together. ``

`` They did n't do it, Professor, '' Kaden announced.

`` Yeah, '' lavatory agreed, `` They did n't even recognise what we were going to do. ``

Albus felt a surge of gratitude for his friend, especially Kaden. Just a year ago, Kaden had been getting all four of them in trouble for matter only he had done. Now, he was actually telling instructor that Albus was n't involved. True, Albus had n't been involved, but it was the principle of it.

Patil nodded. `` All right. Mr. Brickston, Mr. Dursley, you 'll need to stick with me. Mr. ceramicist and Mr. Eckerton, you may return to your common room. ``

Albus did n't require to be told twice. He and Matt took off towards the castle and once they were out of earshot of Patil, started talking about whoremonger and Kaden 's adventure.

`` I think the two of them could single handedly cause the destruction of the full castling, '' Albus laughed.

`` It 's only a matter of when they 'll do it, '' matte smirked, `` Let 's see, Kaden 's already tormented the Whomping Willow, and now they 've tormented the giant calamari. What 'll be next ? ``

`` Filch 's new cat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` Filch would screw that, '' lustrelessness replied.

At some spot in between the end of the lowest year and the start of this one, Filch had obtained another cat. Albus had heard stories about his previous cat, Mrs Frank Norris, from his parents, aunts, and uncles, but had never actually met her. She had died before Albus was born. Apparently Filch had been so overwhelm by brokenheartedness that he had n't gotten another one, until now.

The new cat, Josie, was a young sprightly kitten, whose only resemblance to Mrs. Norris was her uncanny ability to locate students who were breaking linguistic rule. All the students took an immediate disfavour to Josie and turned in the other direction when they saw her diminished Orange body emerge from around the corner.

People were already talking about John the Evangelist and Kaden 's swim in the lake when Albus and matt entered the Gryffindor common way. Albus had a notion it would be weeks before anyone forgot about it.

Albus and flatness spotted Rose and Amanda and sat down at their board. It was spread with numerous books and rolls of lambskin and calamus. The only other table that rivaled its amount of books was the one Linda team spirit was sitting at.

`` I take it you 've heard about John and Kaden 's incident with the squid ? '' Albus asked.

`` turn and small-arm, '' Rose muttered without looking up.

Albus and Matt launched into the full story and Amanda was in stitches by the time they finished.

`` Those two are going to be expelled if they 're not careful, '' Rose said as she frantically scribbled something onto a curlicue of parchment.

Albus looked curiously at his full cousin. rosiness had always been a stickler for homework, but never had he seen her this obsessed with it unless it was right wing before the end of term exams. And this was only the foremost week of school.

`` rose, why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested. He was actually variety of worried about her. perusal was good, but too much was kind of unhealthy.

`` Ca n't, '' Rose muttered, `` My Potions essay is only a roll and a half of parchment. ``

Albus gaped at her, `` pink wine, you do know that Slughorn only wants a half a roll, right ? ``

blush wine nodded. `` Yeah, but Janie said that Linda 's essay is already two rolls. So I 've got to make mine at to the lowest degree that long. ``

`` Rose, '' Albus sighed, `` Your essay does n't receive to be farseeing than Linda 's. ``

`` Yes, it does, '' pink wine insisted.

Albus sighed and sat back in his chair. He knew it was a lost drive. His cousin had that determined feel in her eyes and Albus knew there was no convincing her that she did n't have to be so competitive with Linda.

`` I think she sketch so much because she does n't really deliver any friends here, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` What ? '' Albus looked at her incredulously. At any given moment, Linda was surrounded by at least five early masses. She was easily the most pop of all the Aussie students. `` feel at her ! She 's got eight people talking to her at once ! ``

Amanda groaned. `` They 're not her supporter. They just think she 's pretty. She does n't even desire them around. They do all the talking. All she does is sit there and study. Plus, ever notice how she 's never around any of the other Australian scholarly person ? ``

Albus looked at Linda again. Amanda was right. Linda was n't actually talking to any of the pupil around her. And come to call back of it, he had n't seen her talk of the town to any of the early Australian students either. `` marvel why that is ? ``

Amanda shrugged. `` well, all the other Aussie students are a lot honest-to-god than her. All her Friend are probably still in Australia. ``

`` She could befriend any of those blokes near her, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Again, they 're only there because they think she 's pretty, '' Amanda sighed, `` But she 's really really pipe down. Her first night here, she did n't say a word in the dormitory. Now, Janie 's really the simply one she talks to. I mean, being shy is one thing, but never talking at all ? ``

Albus turned to Linda once again. It was form of odd for her never to utter to anyone, besides the teacher. It was like the only thing she wanted to do was study. Her obsession with preparation seemed to be ten times that of rosiness 's and Albus was n't certain if blush wine could keep up.


A/N : Big thanks to PotterCast for giving me the idea for the heavyweight squid incident ! The championship for this chapter was also made up by PotterCast. It 's used in one of their consultation with J.K. Rowling podcasts.

As usual, thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this story !

Also, I am yet again doing NaNoWriMo, so if I 'm ever late on updates or seeming to conduct a long time to respond reviews, that 's why !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


privy and Kaden returned to the common elbow room an time of day or so later, completely healed and scolded. They had a workweek 's worth of detention with Filch and fifty decimal point taken from Gryffindor. The early Gryffindors had been congratulating lav and Kaden on their spunk and folly until they heard about the dot. After that, John and Kaden were glared at and ignored by their house-mates.

The boys joined Rose and Amanda in their perusal once the excitement died down. All of the male child had neglected their homework over the weekend.

Albus tried to concentrate on his Potions essay, but he could n't. The list of who made the Hogwarts Quidditch team was going to be up within the future few hours. Albus kept stealing glances at the message card as if the list would suddenly come along there.

It did n't help that various members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team were coming up to Albus and trying to get his impression of whether they made the team or not. How was he supposed to know if they made the team ? He was the youngest one trying out. If anyone was going to be asking about whether they made the team, it should be Albus.

Would it even be that bad if Albus did n't pass water it ? He was n't sure. He did desire to make the team. He wanted that Thomas More than anything, but at the same time, he knew it was going to be a lot of work and quite nerve wracking. It would be a full-grown deal than playing for Gryffindor, that was for sure. The entire school would be watching his chasing accomplishment and hoping he would win. Albus loved playing Quidditch, but if he was honest with himself, he did n't like a whole lot of people watching him. Making the Hogwarts team would ensure that one C of masses would be watching him.

Albus managed to write about half his essay before dinner, but he did n't think it was very honest. Oh, well, he thought. One failed essay would n't matter in the long run.

He went down to dinner with his acquaintance, but did n't take part much in their conversations. In fact, he was probably as still as Linda.

Albus glanced up at the staff table. His eyes rested upon Professor Oteski, who was deep in conversation with a gray-headed Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts for the week. Oteski had probably already decided on the squad. Albus hoped he 'd hurry up and post the list.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia nearly collided with Albus on his trek back up to the Gryffindor common room after dinner, `` The list is posted ! '' Georgia turned around and sprinted back to the common room.

Albus took a inscrutable breather and his heart sped up. This was it, he thought. Within a few minutes, he 'd know whether he made the team or not.

There was a tumid bunch around the message display panel when Albus entered the elbow room. King James burst out of the gang with a vast grin on his face.

`` I made it ! '' he shouted, `` I 'm the Hogwarts searcher ! ``

The integral common room volley into hand clapping. Albus grinned through his face and patted his brother on the back.

`` What about me ? '' Albus whispered to James, `` Did I make it ? ``

`` smell for yourself, '' James River grinned and pushed him towards the message board.

`` I do n't think I can, '' Albus sighed. This was regretful than go year when he tried out for the Gryffindor team.

`` You have to, '' John insisted.

Albus took a mystifying breath and squeezed his way through the crowd. He closed his eyes and then stared at the list.

Keeper- Peach State Weasley, Gryffindor, 7th year.

That did n't surprise Albus in the least. In fact, he would feature been shocked if Georgia had n't made the squad. No admiration she looked so delirious when she ran into Albus.

Chaser- Damien Waverly, Ravenclaw, 7th year.
Chaser- Anna Reilly, Hufflepuff, 7th year.
Chaser- Ferris fielding, Slytherin, 7th year.

Albus felt a moving ridge of disappointment overcome him. He had n't made it. All the other pursuer were seventh years, and sea captain of their respective house teams at that. Why had he thought he 'd be able-bodied to vie with them ?

He continued to take the list. There were still the military reserve instrumentalist after all.

Beater- Andy Kaper, Hufflepuff, 5th year.
Beater- Allie Davys, Ravenclaw, 4th year.

So, James was n't going to be the only one who was n't a 7th year on the squad. That was honest. But still, nearly of the team were 7th year. All the team headwaiter made the team. That made sense. As maitre d'hotel, they were most likely the effective Quidditch players in the school.

Seeker- James ceramist, Gryffindor, 4th year.

Reserve thespian

Keeper- Kate Waverly, Ravenclaw, 5th year.

Kate would be glad, Albus thought. She had been Albus 's dueling captain last year. She was gracious and Albus was happy she at least got to be the second-stringer Keeper.

Chaser- Hailey Odelle, Slytherin, 7th year.
Chaser- Albus Potter, Gryffindor, 3rd year.

Albus gaped at the inclination. He blinked and read it again, just to take a shit sure his eyes were working properly. They were. He, Albus Severus ceramicist, was one of the reserve Chasers ! Suddenly, the disappointment was gone and Albus felt as felicitous as he would suffer if he made the regular team. second-stringer was serious than nothing after all. Plus, there would n't be as lots pressure.

Beater- Talan Flint, Slytherin, 5th year.
Seeker- Lisa Galivant, Hufflepuff, 4th year.

Albus turned around and walked back to where his brother and Quaker were gathered.

`` I 'm a reticence chaser, '' he announced.

`` See ! '' William James grinned, `` Told you you 'd prepare it ! ``

`` Well, I 'm not actually on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Yeah, you are, '' James contradicted, `` Did n't you scan at the bum where it said the reserve players have to go to recitation and everything ? ``

`` Er, no, '' Albus shrugged sheepishly. He had n't noticed much after his own name.

`` Well, that 's what it said, '' Jesse James continued, `` First drill is on Sat. ``

Albus tried to work on his Potions essay later that evening, but it was no use. The uncouth way was in the thick of a political party that usually only followed a striking win at Quidditch. Georgia, James, and eventually Albus were thrown into the throngs of it and he quickly gave up on his essay. No one else, besides Rose and Linda, was working on homework and Albus figured it would be pointless to even try. Maybe Slughorn would n't have enough time to even get to Albus 's essay due to the duration of rose 's and Linda's.

******

In fact, the eternal sleep of the week was much like that night in the Gryffindor common room. Albus seemed to pull in aid wherever he went. On his way to class, in category, even on his way to the bathroom, people came up to him and congratulated him. Students who he had never even talked to before were telling him what a glorious Chaser he was. All in all, he was kind of shocked at the totally affair. It 's not like he was one of the main Chasers on the team.

Albus 's acquaintance were kind of enjoying the unit matter. They were form of attracting care by connection. John and Kaden were already known as 'those Gryffindor blighter who rode the whale squid'and now had the tally fame of being some of Albus 's skinny protagonist. rosebush seemed oblivious to the whole thing and devoted more time than ever to studying. Matt and Amanda seemed to wish they would n't appeal so much attention.

eve Lily and Hugo were attracting attention by being the sister and cousin of the Hogwarts Seeker. Albus 's fame paled in equivalence to James II 's. James had a group of champion following him all the fourth dimension. Lily and Hugo told anyone they could that they were the sister and cousin of James I. Ashtyn, John 's babe, told everyone she was the sister of one of the gent who rode the Giant Squid and that her buddy was friends with Albus.

trick and Kaden had nightly detentions with Filch and both son came back quietly cursing Filch every even. Apparently the caretaker was as ruthless as ever with his detentions.

The custody was n't the only matter John earned from his trip into the lake either. On Monday aurora, he was blessed with a Howler from his mother. Instead of running into the entryway Marguerite Radclyffe Hall like most student did with their sidesplitter, privy opened it at the Gryffindor mesa and the entire elbow room, including the teachers, listened to John 's mum screaming at the top of her lungs about how dazed he had been. john said it was worth it, though, and was n't fazed at all by the Howler.

Albus was relieved when the week was finally over. He was hoping that the excitement of the Hogwarts Quidditch team being picked would die down over the weekend.

On Saturday good afternoon, Albus left his friends in the common elbow room and walked with Sakartvelo and James IV to the Quidditch pitch.

Joseph Oliver Wood, President Tyler Pike, and shimmy were already there, along with a few of the team extremity. Albus stood with Georgia and James as they waited for the residue of the team to bear witness up.

`` low, I 'd like to say congratulations, '' King Oliver announced once everyone arrived, `` You are now the Hogwarts Quidditch Team. I 'm Oliver Wood and I will be your master. chemise and John Tyler are here to help.

`` Now, I know veritable Quidditch is still going on, so we 'll ingest to do work around each house 's drill schedules. I 've looked at those and I think Saturday afternoon will work best for practice. For now, we 'll stick with once a hebdomad practice and increase if necessary.

`` I thought we 'd get going by doing a few practice session, just so everyone can get used to playing with each other. I know it 'll be an adjustment, since you usually compete against the other theater, not play on the Same team as them. ``

An adaption was an understatement, Albus thought. As the praxis progressed, it became apparent that it was extremely difficult to crop with members of other houses. Albus found that it was instinct to try and keep open the Quaffle away from his mate pursuer rather than to fall it to them.

Grant Wood, shimmy, and John Tyler tried to get everyone to work together, but Albus thought it would aim more than one practice. Everyone was rather subdued by the meter the drill ended. Nobody had been able-bodied to exercise together, except for James I and Lisa. The two of them actually cooperated. But the chaser and Beaters in particular had a hard time working together. Ferris fielding, Hailey Odelle, and Talan Flint left the pitch muttering about how they could n't work with 'bloody Gryffindors'.

Ellen Price Wood looked ready to shout and throw away thing by the meter everyone left. He was whispering to Teddy and President Tyler as Albus left with Saint James the Apostle and Georgia.

`` That was a disaster, '' Georgia groaned on their way back to the castle.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` I do n't cognize how this is going to work. ``

`` It 's got to work, '' St. James said adamantly, `` I mean, Lisa and I practiced just o.k. with each other. Why ca n't everyone else ? ``

`` It 's fielding and Odelle, '' Albus muttered, `` They would n't pass anyone else the Quaffle ! It 's like they 're trying to rise they 're the best pursuer ! ``

`` Well, they 're idiot, then, '' James I said, `` And they better stop if they want to actually win this. ``

Albus definitely agreed with that. fielding and Odelle certainly were n't acting like team histrion. Fielding had actually pushed Albus out of the way in rescript to get the Quaffle before him.

Albus felt rather depressed about the practice session for the rest of the day. It seemed that the theater rivalry really were fearsome. Albus would be the first-class honours degree to admit that the dislike Slytherin and certainly was n't lining up to become honorable acquaintance with any of them, but he was unforced to put the rivalry behind him for the interest of the Quidditch tournament. But it did n't seem like many early members of the squad wanted to do so.

Luckily for Albus, the celebrity of being a reserve player on the team seemed to decrease during the adjacent week. He was able-bodied to catch up on his homework and drop time with just his Friend, without anyone else following him.

Of line, spending time with pink wine was beginning to be pointless. Albus could n't call back the last meter he 'd had a literal conversation with her or seen her without a book candid in front of her.

`` Rose, you 've got to give it a residuum, '' Albus said the following Saturday. He was sitting in the commons room, killing clip before the sec Quidditch exercise. `` No one can possibly canvass this much. ``

`` I can, '' Rose muttered as she read, `` Linda can. She subject at Nox. I woke up in the middle of the night and saw her reading. I do n't imagine she sleeps. I 've heard her sneek out in the middle of the Night before. I think she goes into the common room and written report. ``

Albus stared at Rose. He had never seen her like this. Usually Rose was rational. `` Rose, I 'm dangerous. Take a disruption. ``

`` No, '' Rose said adamantly.

Albus sighed and got up to go to praxis. He was really worried about rosiness. Unfortunately, Quidditch exercise did nothing to vacate his spirits. The practice was another disaster.

`` All rightfield, all rightfulness ! '' Sir Henry Joseph Wood shouted and motioned for everyone to fly down.

Albus landed next to James and looked at Wood. He was looking very very stern and determined.

`` We 've had two practices, '' Wood began to pace, `` Two recitation and you 're still flying like you 're a squad comprised of five-year-olds. Five-year-olds who do n't get along. I 'm pale of it. I agreed to captain the team because I thought you 'd be the undecomposed of Hogwarts 's Quidditch participant. The ones who could someday play professionally. But I 've been sorely disappointed.

`` The house rivalries are disrupting your playacting. I 've got as much Gryffindor pride as the next Gryffindor, but I would put that aside if I had gotten the chance to do this while I was in schooltime. This is the opportunity of a life. You realize that there will be sentinel for master teams at these friction match ?

`` In veridical animation, you 're going to have to work with people you do n't like. So you 'd better get used to it. All I have to say is that if you do n't determine up and put the petty bickering aside, I will not pause to kvetch you off the team. I 'll give you a workweek to do it. If any of you are still fighting side by side Saturday, you 're off the team. practice session is over. ``

No one said a Scripture as they filed out of the pitch. Albus thought Wood 's words had been good. He was sick of the fight as well. He 'd put the rivalries aside for the sake of Quidditch. After all, Albus was on the Lapp dueling team as Scorpius Malfoy and they acted civilly towards each former. Albus wondered if the Australian and New York teams had had this many issuing with getting along. He had n't watched any of their praxis, but Georgia had. She said both teams were incredibly good.

******

`` I ca n't subscribe to it anymore ! '' Rose shouted as she slammed her Koran down on the table, which startled Matt out of his homework and impending total moon induced slumber.

Albus and his Friend were in the marauder 's Den, working on the plethora of homework they had been assigned on that particular Mon. Albus, who had been watching rose acquire steadily to a greater extent tense and snappish over the preceding few days, knew it was only a matter of time before she cracked.

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

`` No ! '' Rose shouted so loudly that matte winced and rubbed his principal. `` I 'm not ok ! I ca n't hold it ! I just ca n't ! zippo I do is thoroughly enough, nothing ! I just ca n't thrum her. She got a higher course on that Potions essay and she answered more doubtfulness in Transfiguration today. Not to mention the fact that she does n't appear like she 's going to fall asleep at any moment, like toilet was so sort to direct out about me earlier. '' Rose glared at John.

John shrugged. `` Well, you do .... ''

`` I know ! '' pink wine shouted.

Albus looked at his cousin. She did bet ready to fall asleep at any import. Her heart had purpleness dish under them and were bloodshot. Combine that with the fact that she was nearly in binge, and she looked awe-inspiring. In fact, she looked an awful lot like Matt did.

`` blush wine, '' Amanda said quietly, `` You do n't let to work over her at everything. ``

`` But I do ! '' rose wine wailed, `` I do n't even do it why, but I do ! ``

`` feeling, '' Amanda continued, `` She 's from Australia. They might teach hooey in a different order down there. Maybe she 's already learned this. But eventually, we 'll get to something she has n't learned and then maybe she wo n't stick you. ``

`` Maybe, '' Rose sighed and poked Matt, `` flatness ! Do you know what they 're learning in Australia now ? Amy went there, did she enjoin you ? ``

Matt groaned and glared at Rose. `` No, how would I sleep with ? Amy went there years ago. '' He stood up and walked slowly over to his bed and collapsed onto it.

`` Did I say something ? '' Rose asked.

Albus sighed, `` You just woke him up. Do you even know what tomorrow is ? ``

`` Tomorrow ? '' blush wine asked, `` What 's significant about tomorrow ? Oh, we 've got a Defense essay due ! I have to edit mine ! ``

`` No, '' Albus groaned, `` Tomorrow 's the full moon. ``

Rose froze. `` Oh, Merlin. I had n't even realized. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus said, `` Listen, you 're not doing anymore homework tonight. ``

`` But I need to edit- ''

`` No, '' Albus said, `` You need a break. ``

`` Albus is right, '' Amanda agreed and took rose 's flock of books away, `` You 're not studying for the rest period of the Nox. ``

`` Uh, ok, '' Rose smiled nervously, `` I can do that. I mean, what 's the worst that can happen ? ``

Rose did n't look to recognise what to do with herself. Albus found it difficult to concentrate on his own prep as he watched rose pace around the room, trying to figure out something to do. Eventually, she settled on helping Kaden with his Transfiguration essay. Albus and Amanda exchanged glances at this, but neither of them said anything since rosiness was n't technically doing any preparation. She was merely helping Kaden.

Albus, mat, John, and Kaden wound up spending the night in the vulture 's Den. Matt had been so sound asleep by the time curfew arrived, that no one wanted to wake him up nor did anyone want to leave him there alone. Albus certainly did n't bear in mind. He liked spending the night there. It gave him a sort of connector with his grandfather.



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

Here 's the Weasley kinfolk Tree, to help everyone keep track of them.
Wealsey-Potter-Dursley phratry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( Wiccan ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 19 Henry M. Stanley, 18 Georgia, 7th year
Gabriella, 7th year Heather, 6th year Tom Bradley, 5th year
Ben, 4th year Mark, 5th class Cedric, 4th yr
Eddie, 7 years old Samantha & lindy ( twin ), 8 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 6th year blush wine, 3rd year Saint James, 4th yr
Angie, 10 yr old Hugo, 1st class Albus, 3rdd twelvemonth
Lily, 1st twelvemonth

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 2nd year
Bethany- 8 age old

*all in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


rosiness handed in her unedited essay to Balladanis the next morning. Albus did notice her scribbling some last minute sentences onto it as Balladanis collected the essays.

Defense Against the Dark artwork continued to be the strangest class in Albus 's agenda. Balladanis expressed such a strong dislike for the dark arts that he started nearly every category with a tush lecturing about why they were learning defensive charm and why the dark arts were bad. His eyes tended to rest on Matt and for some odd grounds, Linda, whenever he gave these lecture and Albus got the feel it made matte extremely uncomfortable. Albus could n't fault him. He certainly would n't desire to be under the instructor 's eye like that.

Albus could n't really say whether he enjoyed Balladanis 's class or not. It had been nearly a month since the terminus started, but Albus still did n't know whether he liked the class or not. It was definitely different than when his dad taught. Balladanis was strict, but a good teacher.

The eternal rest of the day went by quickly. Albus listened to St. John minx blush wine during Herbology since she was fretting about her Defense essay. Ancient Runes was rather boring and Albus doodled idly on his notes while flatness fell asleep on his. Charms was rather fun since they worked on Cheering magic spell and Albus left the room grinning profusely, along with most of the other class. mat in particular looked strange with a vast smile across his picket fatigued face.

lustrelessness left for the Shrieking shack shortly after dinner and Albus went to the piranha 's Den with his Quaker where they distracted Rose from her studying by playing virtuoso 's Chess.

The next day Albus truly began to actualise how busy his third twelvemonth schedule was. For the past two years, he and his acquaintance almost always had time to visit mat in the Hospital annex in between category. This year, however, they did n't deliver time until after dinner. Albus was positively exhausted by that breaker point, as he had stayed up late workings on homework the night before, and still had Dueling Club practice session afterwards. Lynley Anderson, the quaternary year Hufflepuff who had replaced Kate as captain, had insisted that the whole team attend that merging, as it was the commencement one and there were new bit years on the team. Kaden was n't put on Albus 's team, but he was put on lavatory 's team, much to the delight of both boys.

Hectic was really the merely way to delineate Albus 's life at Hogwarts. As Sept turned into October, it only got busier. Gryffindor Quidditch team practice picked up again and along with Hogwarts Quidditch practices and Dueling Club recitation, Albus hardly had anytime to remain.

The Hogwarts Quidditch team was shaping up nicely after Wood 's relentless warning during the instant practice. That and the fact that they now practiced on both Tuesdays and Sat. Even the Slytherin team members were beginning to work together. They did n't really recognize their mate outside of practice, but Albus did n't care as long as they got along with everyone during practice.

Albus was really starting to bask the Hogwarts Quidditch squad. He was actually beginning to like he could bet in the low gear lucifer, which would be taking station towards the end of Oct.

`` First Hogsmeade weekend ! '' John said excitedly to Albus one Friday evening as Albus was trying to catch up on his preparation. Kaden was standing adjacent to him. Albus guessed they had just returned from Dueling Club practice.

`` When ? '' Albus asked without looking up.

`` Oct 27th, '' John grinned, `` Ca n't await ! ``

`` Yeah, it 'll be splendid, '' Albus agreed, hoping he would n't have too lots homework to go.

`` That 's not all, either, '' John went on, `` There 's a Halloween political party that night. ``

`` You mean the Halloween feast ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, there 's an factual party ! '' King John said, `` But it 's not on Halloween, it 's on the 27th. It 's because of the Tournament. So we can amalgamate with the foreign students. Or at least that 's what the poster on the notification panel says. ``

Albus nodded. He really had n't had that much contact with the foreign students. indisputable, he 'd seen them in the corridors and the mutual way and stuff, but that was about it. The alone one who was around his age was Linda and she still did n't seem to mouth to anyone.

`` And, '' can continued, `` Costumes are encouraged. ``

`` Costumes ? '' Albus asked, finally looking up.

`` Yeah, costumes, '' John grinned, `` We get to dress up ! This is going to be brilliant ! ``

`` What should we tog up as ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` We 'll figure it out later, '' John said, `` Where 's everyone else ? ``

`` rose wine and Amanda are at the subroutine library, '' Albus told him, `` And Matt 's with Balladanis. ``

`` Falco columbarius, is he ever going to break up about that boggart ? '' John asked.

`` Knowing Balladanis, probably not, '' Albus said.

`` Well, let 's go to the depository library, '' John announced, `` We 've got to order Rose and Amanda about Hogsmeade. ``

Albus was all too eager to match to this. He was thoroughly sick of trying to catch up on all his prep. It was good to take a break every now and then anyway.

Albus pushed open the door to the library a little while later, fully expecting to see pink wine up to her elbows in volume furiously scribbling away on a bowl of lambskin that was nearly used up. He gazed around the depository library and he spotted rose 's bushy red haircloth and walked towards her table.

Rose was up to her articulatio cubiti in homework. In fact, there were so many Koran on rose wine and Amanda 's table that you could no longer see the real board. What Albus was n't expecting to see was a third person at their table. Linda Morales

Albus stopped short-circuit a few feet from the mesa. He turned to wait at John the Evangelist, who looked equally shocked.

`` Is that- '' John began.

`` Linda morale ? '' Albus gaped. He blinked twice to make believe sure he was n't seeing thing. After all, he was quite tired. But even after he blinked, Linda was still sitting across from Rose and Amanda.

All three of the girls were working quietly. In fact, none of them even seemed to notice the others.

Albus slowly walked towards the table and John the Divine followed. Albus was n't entirely sure what to say. He had n't had much interaction with Linda. Albus had hardly said hello to her since she arrived at Hogwarts. He was n't trying to brush aside her or anything ; it had just ended up that way. Linda had n't shown any real pastime in making friends with Albus or any of his friends. Yet here she was, doing homework at the Sami table as pink wine of all masses. Albus had n't the slightest estimate why either.

`` Rose, '' Albus whispered once they arrived at the table.

Rose startled and then looked up at Albus. `` What ? I 'm trying to study ! ``

`` Can I talk to you ? '' Albus glanced at Linda, `` Alone ? ``

pink wine sighed loudly. `` fine, but draw it promptly. ``

Albus led his cousin over to a forsake region of the subroutine library. lavatory took blush wine 's revoke tail end and began to whisper to Amanda about the Hogsmeade visit.

`` All right, what is it ? '' blush wine asked once they were alone.

`` Could n't help but notice that you were studying with Linda ... '' Albus 's representative trailed off. He really did n't know what he wanted to say to Rose about it.

`` Oh, well ... '' blush wine began, `` I guess I just realized I was being stunned in trying to vie with her. ``

Albus smirked, `` Yeah, you were. But I told you that loads of times and you did n't listen. ``

blush wine sighed. `` I know. Amanda 's the one who convinced me to stop trying to compete with her. She said Linda would know a lot about Australian wizarding account and I could learn a lot from her if I stopped with the competition affair. ``

Of course, Albus thought. Appealing to rosiness 's sexual love of learning would definitely work. Although he had n't really been trying to receive Rose and Linda become acquaintance. He just wanted Rose to comfort up on the studying.

`` I guess, if you ca n't beat 'em, you might as well bring together 'em, '' pink wine shrugged.

`` So now you 're friend with her ? '' Albus asked.

`` That 's where it gets complicated, '' rose wine sighed, `` You see, she still does n't really talk to us. ``

`` How did you wind up studying with her then ? '' Albus was still thoroughly confused.

`` Amanda and I came in and she was sitting alone at the table, so I asked if we could join her. She just nodded and moved her books over. She has n't said anything yet. ``

Albus nodded. `` I do n't remember I 've heard her say anything outside of stratum. ``

`` Neither have I, '' Rose said, `` Amanda and I figure we 'll just be nice to her and maybe she 'll start talking to us. ``

Albus thought that was probably a good musical theme. She was the competition, but even if they played against each other on the Quidditch team, that did n't entail they could n't be friends off of it. Linda seemed nice enough. Of trend it was intemperately to tell since she had n't said often. And she certainly was pretty. Albus could n't deny that. Linda was n't surrounded by half the male universe of Gryffindor every evening for nothing.

`` Oh, the maiden Hogsmeade visit 's on October 27th, '' Albus said, suddenly remembering the reason he had gone to see Rose in the first spot, `` Followed by a Halloween party in the Great Hall. ``

`` That sounds like fun, '' Rose grinned, `` And maybe Linda will want to go with us. ``

`` And it 's a costume party, '' Albus told her.

`` This could get interesting, '' rose wine said.

******

Albus did n't have a clue as to when he 'd actually have time to estimate out his costume for the Halloween party. John thought it would be cool if their grouping 's costumes coordinated, but that was the last-place thing on Albus 's mind.

The weekend seemed to literally fly by for Albus, meaning he was on the Quidditch pitch to a greater extent than he was off it. He had heard fib about Wood 's pitilessness when it comes to practice from his dad and similar stories about teddy from his older full cousin. Having the two of them captain one team seemed to create exercise that lasted nearly five hours, with short breaks every so often. Albus would never again complain about GA 's length of practices.

Albus had a momentary intellection that since he was a reserve musician, he would n't accept to practice as much as everyone else, but Sir Henry Wood shot that down during that Sat 's practice. He said he saw no intellect for the second-stringer player to be any less set for the upcoming match than the regular players.

It was n't that Albus did n't delight Quidditch praxis. He did, and very much so. He loved Quidditch, but too a great deal of anything could run a mortal down.

Albus spent a lot of his Sun on the Quidditch pitch as well, in the midsection of a drenching rain. Georgia had scheduled Gryffindor Quidditch pattern that day and she flat out refused to cancel due to rain. James had asked. He was even more run down than Albus, since either slip or Tyler were constantly training the two Seekers during Hogwarts Quidditch practice.

Albus returned to Gryffindor column after eating a late dinner with the Gryffindor team Lord's Day evening, realizing he had no idea what his champion had spent the weekend doing. He had seen them on function, but nearly of his free time had been spent doing prep or sleeping. Two things he still had to do.

Albus grabbed his bag from his dormitory and walked down to the crowd together vulgar room. He saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda at one table, but his other friends were no where in sight. The girls looked very absorbed in their homework, so Albus decided to go hold in the Marauder 's Den for his former friends.

By the time Albus made it to the marauder 's Den, he felt ready for a skilful twelve minute sleep. Unfortunately, he still had plenty of homework to do. Albus sighed to himself and opened the door to the room. He paused in the entryway, surprised to see that Matt was the only one there.

`` Hey, flatness, '' Albus said as he sat down at the table.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' lusterlessness looked up and smiled, `` I was wondering when you 'd show up. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said wryly, `` I never thought Georgia would end pattern. ``

`` Makes me glad I 'm not on the Quidditch team, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` Where are lavatory and Kaden ? ``

`` detainment, again, '' Matt smirked.

`` What did they do this time ? '' Albus groaned. whoremaster and Kaden had been earning quite a few hold every calendar week. Albus was quite beaming they were n't involving him in their pranks, since he had no uncommitted sentence in his schedule for detention.

`` They were levitating rolls of lavatory paper around the corridors and charming them to hit citizenry in the head yesterday, '' matt explained, `` I think you were at Quidditch practice. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus laughed, `` Wonder what they 're in for this fourth dimension. ``

`` No idea, '' Matt said.

`` What are you doing here ? blush wine and Amanda are in the common room. ``

`` Yeah, I know. But they 're with Linda, '' Matt muttered.

`` Oh, ok, '' Albus replied, a little confused. He still did n't quite empathise why mat did n't look to like Linda. Sure, she was from Australia, but Matt was n't avoiding anyone else from Australia. Of course, the residue of the Australian bookman were older and lusterlessness would n't really ingest to forefend them.

`` can said Rose is actually trying to suit booster with Linda. ``

`` She is, '' Albus confirmed, `` She 's finally realized that it 's pointless to try and contend with Linda. ``

`` I guess that 's good, '' Matt shrugged.

John and Kaden burst into the room a short while later, successfully ending the conversation about Rose and Linda. Both of them were freely cursing Filch, who had made them scavenge the entering Hall without magic. Once they finally seemed to run out of swearword, all four boys settled into doing their homework and no one brought up the topic of Linda again. Albus still thought it was odd how Matt seemed to have taken a disapproval to her, although Linda herself was rather odd, in Albus 's opinion.

Rose and Amanda joined Linda at her table during Transfiguration the side by side day. Linda had arrived before them, as always, and did n't seem to notice or care that rosiness and Amanda sat on either side of her.

The same matter happened in double Potions after lunch. rosiness, Amanda, and Linda even worked together on that day 's potion. Slughorn had decided to have up on the inter-house pairs idea of the premature year, which Albus was very grateful for. Linda had previously worked alone on her potions because there was an odd numeral of people in the class, but Slughorn did n't object to all three miss working together. In fact, he seemed thrilled that the two smartest citizenry in the class were now working with each other.

`` Ah, yes ! '' Slughorn exclaimed excitedly as he peered into their caldron, `` Your potion is turning just the correct shade of green. ``

Albus looked up from his and Matt 's slightly Brown potion and saw Slughorn gently stirring the miss'cauldron.

`` Ours is better, '' Malfoy muttered from behind Albus. He was working with Jackson Limbert, Albus 's partner from the late twelvemonth. Malfoy and Limbert were easily the two best Slytherin potion-brewers in the class.

Albus turned around and looked at Malfoy 's cauldron. It was indeed the correct shade of green.

`` And what are you looking at, thrower ? '' Malfoy asked, `` Jealous that I 'm Limbert 's partner now ? I doubt your potions grade will be be that good with Eckerton as your partner. ``

`` At least I 'm partnering with him for a understanding early than trying to get a nice tier, '' Albus glowered at him.

`` Yeah, well ... '' Malfoy 's vocalization trailed off.

Albus smirked to himself and turned back around, well-chosen that Malfoy could n't descend up with a good comeback.

At the end of the class, Slughorn announced that rose wine, Amanda, and Linda 's potion had been the practiced, much to Malfoy 's dismay.

`` You 'd amend watch out at the Dueling tournament, '' Malfoy seethed as they left the room.

`` We 're on the same team, Malfoy, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I was n't talking to you, '' Malfoy turned and glared at pink wine, Amanda, and Linda.

`` Is that a threat, Malfoy ? '' John asked loudly.

`` I think you can reckon that out for yourself, Brickston, '' Malfoy said as he turned in the counsel of the Slytherin common room, flanked by Limbert and Goyle.

`` He 's just jealous, '' rosiness muttered as they made their way out of the dungeons.

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` But he 's a upright duelist, much as I hate to accept it. ``

`` Chances are, I wo n't even duel him, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` And even if I do, there 's only so many patch he 's allowed to use. ``

Albus did n't inconvenience reminding rose wine about the Slytherin who used a forbidden curse on Matt last year. Albus was sort of worried about one of his friends having to duel Malfoy. Malfoy was the sole one Albus had ever dueled and did n't manage to beat. And Albus had beaten students who were two years older than he was.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` All right, we need to number up with a ripe costume melodic theme, '' Gospel According to John announced the following Sat as he flew poorly made parchment airplane around the vulture 's Den.

`` Definitely, '' Kaden agreed as his much better parchment airplane flew gracefully over John 's head and landed softly on the couch.

`` Anyone got any estimation ? '' Matt asked.

`` Have n't even thought about it, '' Albus muttered as he tried not to go anymore heftiness than he had to. He just completed a four hour Hogwarts Quidditch practice, which mainly focused on dodging Bludgers. Unfortunately, Albus had n't dodged them all.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' matt told him.

`` I 've already been there twice this hebdomad, '' Albus groaned, `` If this keeps up, I 'll break your record book. I 'm fine, I just need slumber. Sakartvelo canceled drill for tomorrow because of the Dueling tourney, so I think I 'll be fine. ``

`` Back to the costumes, '' John said, `` I was thinking that we could be the Marauders. You know, their animal anatomy. ``

Albus craned his head to see John. John looked quite excited by this idea. Albus had to admit that it was a pretty ripe idea. He could append fake antlers to his head. Or see if one of his older cousins could transfigure some onto his head.

`` That 's brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

`` I like it, '' Albus grinned.

`` No bloody way, '' Matt said flatly, `` I am not dressing up as a lycanthrope in front of the full schooltime. ``

Albus had n't even thought about that. No, there was definitely no way matte could do that.

`` Oh, right, '' St. John sighed, `` Sorry, had n't thought about that. ``

`` How about we just dress up as the Marauders in their human forms ? '' Albus suggested. All he 'd deliver to do is get a distich of round black glasses and he 'd be set.

`` I do n't hump ... '' lusterlessness said, `` Everyone knows Teddy 's dad was a wolfman. What if they realize that I 'm one, too, since I dressed up as him ? ``

`` I bet citizenry will just believe we dressed up as them because of Albus, '' John pointed out, `` And someone would take in to be Moony. Might as well be you. You probably look the most like him anyway. ``

`` He does, '' Albus said.

`` See ? '' John replied.

`` Yeah, but still ... '' matt sighed.

`` It does n't matter, '' Kaden said, `` Because there is no way that I am dressing up as Pettigrew unless it 's his rat form. ``

That Albus could definitely understand. `` Ok, so I guess we 're not doing the Marauders matter. ``

`` Too bad, '' John Lackland sighed, `` Would 've been cool. ``

`` Says the bloke who would n't receive to dress up up as a double-crosser, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` And we 're back to square one, '' Albus said, `` Any other ideas ? ``

`` The players from Puddlemere United ? '' John suggested after a few minutes. `` You know, if rose wine, Amanda, and Linda joined us, we 'd have enough people to be the entire squad. ``

`` Why not the cannon ? '' mat asked.

`` Because they 're dreadful, '' John groaned.

`` Are not, '' Matt refuted.

`` Are to, '' John said, `` Let 's be Puddlemere. ``

`` carom, '' mat said adamantly.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden interrupted.

`` Who ? '' Saint John the Apostle and matt said at the same time.

`` Manchester United, '' Kaden repeated, `` Football team. ``

Both John and Matt groaned. `` Puddlemere, '' John said once again.

`` shank. ``

`` Manchester. ''

`` Puddlemere. ``

`` None of them ! '' Albus shouted. He was already peckish due to his aching muscles and tiredness from Quidditch practice. The end affair he wanted to do was listen to his friends squabble about Quidditch and football teams.

`` Well, have you got any other theme ? '' lav asked.

`` Actually, yeah, '' Albus replied. Matt 's acknowledgment of not wanting to dress up as a werewolf had sparked an idea. Albus had been mulling it over while his friend argued about Quidditch teams.

`` What is it ? '' Matt asked.

`` fountainhead, I sort of thought it would be swell to use Muggle costumes, '' Albus said, `` You know, we can dress up as things Muggles usually dress up as on Halloween. ``

Matt, John, and Kaden stared at Albus for a few moments. Albus shrugged. He had thought it was a good idea, but maybe his fatigue was clouding his thinking. Then, all three of his friends broke out in Brobdingnagian grins.

`` That 's glorious ! '' Kaden shouted, `` No one else will think of it ! ``

`` Yeah, '' whoremonger agreed, `` We 'll be the only one at the party with Muggle costumes. ``

`` As long as I do n't have to dress up as a werewolf, I 'm amercement with it, '' lusterlessness said.

Albus grinned. `` soundly. Kaden, what are some Greco-Roman Muggle costumes ? ``

`` Ghosts, witches, lamia, skeletal system, mummies, '' Kaden rattled off, `` Oh, and zombies. Frankenstein, too. ``

Albus had no idea who Frankenstein's monster was and he was n't in the mood to heed to Kaden explicate it, but the former ideas were full. `` Who wants to be what ? '' Albus asked.

`` lustrelessness should be a vampire, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Why 's that ? '' Albus asked.

`` vampire and loup-garou are person enemies, '' Kaden explained, `` At least in the Muggle humanity. ``

`` In this world, too, '' lusterlessness muttered, `` And I 'm not dressing up as a lamia. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' John the Divine said.

`` No, '' Matt said adamantly, `` I 'm being a wraith. The only head is, how do I make myself pellucid. ``

`` Aw, no ! '' Kaden sighed, `` When Muggles dress as specter, they just put a white mainsheet with eye holes over themselves. That 's what Muggles think ghosts are. albumen. ``

`` Oh, that makes things well-fixed, '' Matt laughed, `` But seriously ? ``

`` Yep, '' Kaden laughed, `` Stanford White rag. Now, what about the rest of us ? ``

A half an hour later, everyone had settled on what they were going to dress up as. With Kaden 's help, that is. Albus, Matt, and John really had no idea as to what Muggles wore when they dressed up for Allhallows Eve. John insisted on being a vampire, much to matte 's disgust. However, John was going to be a classic Muggle vampire. The ugly, waxy, blood-stained sass, turn into a bat type of lamia that Muggles thought of when they heard the parole 'vampire'. Albus did n't know much about vampires, but he knew they were n't completely like the ones Muggles thought of.

Kaden was going to dress up as a mammy, which was a very unsubdivided costume. All he 'd induce to do was obtain a bunch of strip show of white fabric. Albus said he 'd pick some up in Hogsmeade.

Albus was going to be a systema skeletale, which was the most unmanageable of all the costumes. He was going to buy a blackamoor long-sleeve t-shirt and a couple of disgraceful pants and then paint on bones in white paint. He was hoping Amanda would be able to avail with it. She was the only one in their group who had any esthetic talent.

`` Maybe the girlfriend can be beldame, '' Kaden suggested.

`` They are witches, '' John smirked.

`` You know what I mean, '' Kaden sighed.

`` I know, '' whoremonger grinned, `` Hey, Albus, catch ! ``

Albus snapped his eyes open just in clip to see a Quaffle ejaculate sailing across the room. It hit him right in the stomach before he had a chance to watch it.

`` Oh, ow ! '' Albus groaned and curled up, `` That 's where I got hit with a Bludger ! ``

`` Brilliant, John, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` Are you ok, Albus ? ``

Albus squeezed his middle shut and nodded. It did hurt. It hurt a lot. A lot More than it should, he thought. He was sick of getting pelted by Bludgers during praxis.

`` Albus ? '' John the Evangelist asked worriedly, `` Falco columbarius, I 'm sorry. I did n't stand for to hit you with it. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus whispered. He inhaled sharply. Now it was getting hard to breath. This was not good.

`` Albus, you 've got to go to the Hospital backstage, '' lusterlessness announced. He walked over to Albus and helped him off the lounge. `` C'mon. ``

Albus nodded. There was no gunpoint in objecting. He knew he had to go. But honestly, three meter in one week seemed excessive.

The Hospital annexe was empty when Albus stumbled inside, being supported by matt and john, a little while later. Madam Pomfrey came out of her bureau when she heard the door surface. She saw who it was and threw her hands up in the air.

`` You again ! '' she groaned, `` Let me pretend. Quidditch ? ``

Albus nodded and collapsed onto the skinny bed.

`` wellspring, what did you injure this time ? '' the nurse asked.

`` Bludger in the stomach, '' Albus replied, not bothering to mention that toilet hit him with a Quaffle as well.

Madam Pomfrey clucked her lingua and waved her wand over Albus. `` Broken rib. That 's the indorsement one this week, '' she waved her verge again and pressed it to Albus 's ribs. Then she bustled away to a Potions cupboard.

Albus 's abdomen immediately felt better and he sank back into the bed. The rest of his muscles still ached, though, and he wanted nothing more than to hang asleep mighty there.

brothel keeper Pomfrey returned a few minutes later and thrust a potion into Albus 's hand. He drank it quickly and grimaced at the disgusting taste.

`` You 're staying the night, '' she announced in a tone that Albus knew not to argue with. Not that he really felt like arguing anyway. He was just too exhausted.

Madam Pomfrey turned to Matt, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden. `` You lot can come back to Gryffindor. Albus needs to rest. ``

Albus 's friends said full night and then left the room.

`` I 'll be speaking with Professor Kendrick, '' madam Pomfrey muttered to herself, `` Honestly, what was he thinking ? Twice the amount of money of Quidditch ? Twice the amount of trauma is what I say ! ``

Albus did n't have the dim approximation as to what dame Pomfrey wanted Kendrick to do, but he did n't think about it for long. enfeeblement overcame him and he was asleep within minutes.

******

Albus awoke feeling better than he had in mean solar day. One tone at the clock told him why. He had slept over dozen hr. It was just after football team o'clock. Two hours until the Dueling tournament. Albus pulled the mantle off and started to get up.

`` Where do you think you 're going ? '' gentlewoman Pomfrey appeared at his bed.

`` Er, the vernacular room ? '' Albus slowly sat back down, `` The Dueling tournament is in two hours. ``

`` Dueling ? You think I 'm going to let you duel ? '' Madam Pomfrey demanded.

`` wellspring, yeah, '' Albus muttered. Come to think of it, he actually was n't surprised that the nurse was n't going to let him duel.

`` Definitely not ! '' she exclaimed, `` You 're spending the day in bed ! ``

`` seed on ! '' Albus groaned, `` please ? '' He had to duel. He was practically the best on his team. What would Malfoy say when he did n't picture up ?

`` I wo n't have it ! '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You were utterly on your feet last night ! You 're going to rest today ! ``

Albus groaned in defeat. He was going to overleap the first Dueling Tournament of the year, because of a Quidditch trauma. His two favorite things to do were now conflicting with each other.

brothel keeper Pomfrey brought a tray of breakfast, or maybe it should take in been lunch, for Albus a little while later. He was n't in the mood to eat, though. Why could n't he just go to the tournament ? He felt fine now.

Matt, King John, Kaden, Amanda, rosebush, and for some grounds, Linda, burst into the hospital Wing just as Albus was finishing up his food. Madam Pomfrey looked a bit taken aback at the quantity of visitant, but she did n't say anything.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted, `` Dueling 's in an hour. You going to be getting out of here soon ? ``

`` She wo n't let me go, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' Saint John exclaimed, `` Why not ? ``

`` She says I need to rest, '' Albus explained.

`` Honestly, it would feature surprised me if she did let you go, '' flatness commented.

`` I 'll convince her, Albus, '' whoremaster announced and walked over to where Madam Pomfrey was organizing potions. `` You 've got to let Albus duel. ``

`` I do not have to do any such matter, '' she replied, not looking up.

`` But it 's Kaden 's first tournament, '' John pointed out.

`` I would n't deal if it was Merlin 's beginning tournament, I 'm not letting Albus go. ``

`` Please ? '' John begged.

`` No, '' she said, `` And if you do n't stop arguing, I 'll spend a penny you leave. ``

John sighed and walked glumly back to Albus 's bed. `` Sorry, '' he muttered, `` And this was sort of my fault since I threw that Quaffle at you. ``

`` No it was n't, '' Albus assured him, `` A Quaffle would n't have broke my ribs. It was that Bludger from Quidditch exercise. ``

`` But still ... '' John the Divine said.

Albus 's friends remained in the Hospital backstage until it was time for them to go to the Dueling tourney. It was sort of tense, and Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Linda was there. It was strange how someone who never said a Holy Scripture could do the ease of Albus 's booster to continue quiet as well.

After his friends left, Albus was filled with tedium. The Hospital offstage really was a tedious stead, especially when you were n't actually sick or injured. Albus began to count the cracks on the roof, but lost racecourse after 467.

It was n't until after the tournament was over that Madam Pomfrey actually let Albus leave. He figured she had n't let him leave earlier since then she would 've had no way to get it on he would n't go to the tournament.

Albus jumped out of bed as soon as he promised madam Pomfrey that he would n't play Quidditch that day. He ran as fast as he could down to the dueling chamber, hoping that the tournament was still going on.

Unfortunately, bookman were already streaming out of the way chattering excitedly about the tournament. Albus sighed dejectedly and slumped against the wall, where he waited for his friends.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, hey, Matt, '' Albus replied, `` Who won ? ``

`` My team. No thanks to me, of course. ``

`` Who 'd Malfoy duel ? '' Albus asked, thinking of his threat to Rose and Amanda.

`` Some Slytherin second yr and a Ravenclaw fourth year, '' Matt answered.

Albus nodded, relieved that he had n't dueled either rosiness or Amanda.

`` Albus ! '' soul shouted excitedly.

Albus turned around and saw Kaden with a huge grin on his face. lav was standing next to him, looking equally happy.

`` Hey, John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled.

`` I won one of my affaire d'honneur ! '' Kaden announced, `` I dueled a Ravenclaw and I actually beat him ! ``

`` That 's great, '' Albus told him, still wishing that he had gotten to beat out a Ravenclaw. Or a Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor.

`` But he was horribly beaten in his second duel, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` At least I won one of them, '' Kaden smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah, '' John muttered.

`` Did you turn a loss both ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, '' can sighed.

The boy set off for Gryffindor pillar, figuring they 'd catch up with the girls once they were up there. Albus was eager to see Amanda because he wanted to have sex how his team had done.

Amanda, Rose, and Linda were talking about the tournament when Albus entered the unwashed room. He was shocked to see that Linda was actually talking. Although, she immediately stopped when Albus and the other boys showed up.

Apparently Albus 's team had came in moment situation. Amanda said they were only two points behind matt 's team, which caused Albus to wish even more that he had been there. He could have easily gotten the two points they needed. Amanda said that Malfoy thought the same affair, because he shouted angrily about Albus not being there once they announced the winner. Albus was kind of amused by this. He never thought Malfoy would ever be lamenting Albus 's absence from anything.

The mathematical group, including Linda, spent the remainder of the afternoon in the rough-cut elbow room. It was sort of odd, though. Linda did n't say a tidings, yet Rose and Amanda tried to engage her in every conversation. Matt remained almost completely mute, whispering quietly so only Albus and John could hear what he was saying. Kaden of course of instruction did n't notice any of this and talked as loudly as he usually did. It did n't really facilitate that various male child kept coming up to Linda and asking her useless questions about Australia and Quidditch and various other subject. Linda gave them very short, calm answers. John the Divine paid enraptured tending to every little thing she said.

`` So, '' pink wine began, `` offset Quidditch compeer in a week. Commonwealth of Australia versus New York. Are you unquiet, Linda ? ``

Albus stared at rosebush. He could n't think back the cobbler's last metre rose actually brought up Quidditch in a conversation.

`` A bit, '' Linda muttered, not looking up.

`` Well, I hope you win, '' rose wine smiled, `` Since Hogwarts is n't playing. ``

`` Thanks, '' Linda whispered.

Albus was looking forward to the first match. He was glad he was n't playing in it. His squad would be able to assess both Australia and New York 's skill before they played either squad. That was definitely near for strategy. Then when they actually played, they 'd be able to use the squad 's weaknesses to their vantage. forest had given them specific commission to look for impuissance in both teams. Of course, chances are Albus would n't be playing in the first Hogwarts match, or really any of the matches.

Albus walked down to dinner with his friends and Linda sat in between Rose and Amanda. He glanced absentmindedly at the stave mesa as he scooped mashed Irish potato onto his home plate and noticed a new wizard talking with the headmaster from Australia. He was a rather forgetful man, compared to Killigan, and his face seemed to have absolutely no emotion on it. His dirty blonde hair sat flat on his psyche and fell over his eyes. He was wearing plain lightlessness robes.

`` I wonder who that bloke is, '' Albus said to John as he pointed at the stave table.

`` Dunno, '' John shrugged, not really seeming interested.

rosebush turned to look at him. `` Probably some bloke from Australia, I 'd be guessing. I imagine a few mass from Australia and New York will visit to see what 's going on with the tournament. ``

`` Recognize him, lusterlessness ? '' Albus asked.

mat looked up and then quickly turned away. `` No. ``

`` How about you, Linda ? '' rose wine asked.

`` No, '' Linda whispered.

Albus shrugged and returned to his dinner party. It seemed like he was really the only one concerned in the unfamiliar wiz at the staff table. Was he really only there to see the tourney ? The Quidditch match was n't for another workweek, so why was he there already ? Would he really be spending the whole week at Hogwarts ?

Kendrick stood up after dinner started to wind down. Albus immediately stopped eating and paid attending. Maybe he was going to tell everyone who the strange wizard was.

`` If I could accept your attention for just one moment, '' Kendrick announced, `` Thank you. When I first began to organize this competition, I always thought we would continue with the usual Hogwarts Quidditch Cup tourney like usual, but I did n't recall about what affect it would have got on the histrion who would play on both their house team and the Hogwarts squad. ``

Albus had a spirit he knew where this was going and it had everything to do with that lecture Madam Pomfrey said she was going to have with Kendrick. Albus sank lower in his seat and tried not to count at anyone.

`` It 's come to my attention that playing on two Quidditch squad at once is much more employment than could receive been anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to cancel the Quidditch Cup tournament for this class only, while the tournament is going on. ``

`` What ? ! '' Over half the room erupted in various outcry and jeer. Albus sank even down in the mouth in his seat. This was all his fault. He was the one who had been to the hospital Wing so many times that week. He had gotten Quidditch canceled for the whole school.

`` Quiet down, '' Kendrick shouted, `` It 's what 's best for the player. Plus, it 's been rather tight to hale in so many practices for so many squad. We only have one Quidditch lurch. With four lupus erythematosus teams to accommodate, it 'll be easier to schedule practice session. This is my final examination Word of God on the study. Remember that we still have splendid Quidditch going on this year. ``

`` I should n't have gone to see lady Pomfrey survive Nox, '' Albus muttered.

`` Albus, this is n't your fault, '' Rose assured him, `` You 're not the only one who 's been hurt numerous multiplication. ``

That was true. Pretty much everyone on the Hogwarts team had been to see brothel keeper Pomfrey at least once a week since the startle of full term. So maybe it was n't all his fault. Plus, there was the scheduling struggle on the pitch. Albus had witnessed a few fights between the sign of the zodiac captains that certainly could n't be sound for teamwork on the Hogwarts team.

Albus had to take that life would be a lot easier without Gryffindor squad practices. Now he would only be practicing Quidditch twice a week. wellspring, Wood would probably increase it to three meter now that Kendrick canceled the sign of the zodiac Quidditch. But even that would be less than he had been doing. He might even have an eventide or two off a week now.

The Gryffindor team was sitting together in the common room when Albus returned. Georgia immediately flagged him over.

`` I still do n't like it, '' Fred sighed, `` Now I do n't get to playact at all this year. ``

`` Yeah, well I do n't get to act for Gryffindor in my seventh yr, but it really is for the ripe, '' Peach State said.

`` I 'll say, '' James I agreed, `` I 'm already behind on homework and it 's only October. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus said.

`` Just think, Fred, '' Calluna vulgaris began, `` Next year, one of us will be senior pilot. ``

`` It 'll be me, '' Fred announced.

`` Really ? '' Heather raised an eyebrow.

`` Yeah, Gryffindor 's had two little girl sea captain recently. It 's meter for another bloke. ``

heather mixture rolled her eyes. `` Not if I 'm a honorable leader. ``

`` What makes you think it 'll be either of you ? '' Thomas Bradley asked, `` It might be Ryan or I. We 'll be one-sixth years. They do n't always choose seventh years. ``

`` Maybe, '' Fred replied, `` I 'm still going to miss it, though. ``

`` We could bring pick-up catch on the weekends, '' Ryan suggested.

`` I guess, '' Fred sighed.

Albus remained quiet for the rest of the meter with the squad. Although he did n't fault himself for the cancellation of family Quidditch, he felt guilty that he was relieved it was canceled. But to the highest degree of the team was far from happy about it. In fact, it seemed like only James and Albus were relieved.


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

Frankenstien belongs to Madonna Shelley.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was amazed at how much superfluous clip he had now that he did not have to go to Gryffindor Quidditch practice. During the next week, he got all his homework done on time and got a decorous amount of nap. Plus, he made fewer trips to the hospital wing, which he attributed to having more sleep.

Classes were going well. Albus was very happy they had moved onto more arouse creatures in Care of Magical Creatures. They were n't up to hippogriffs or thestrals, but nifflers were certainly entertaining. Despite the rather irksome outset, tending of Magical fauna was quickly becoming one of Albus 's pet course. He seemed to have an affinity for the variety of animate being they learned about ; something Hagrid was quick to notice.

Arithmancy was turning out to be variety of dry, but Albus was just happy he was n't taking Divination. Even Saint John the Apostle was beginning to get tired of making up bull predictions for Trelawney. 'What 's the gunpoint ?'he had shouted out angrily one dark as they were working on homework. Albus was n't able-bodied to repress his grin at that, which earned him a fortune telling book to the heading when toilet saw Albus 's smirk.

defence mechanism Against the night Arts continued to be the unknown class Albus had ever attended. He was beginning to retrieve he was enjoying it, but still was n't sure. He liked the course, but was n't surely if he liked Balladanis himself.

The professor continued to be a enigma to students of all year. Hours were spent debating his background in the common room. He seemed to take spot away equally from each house, which either meant he was extremely fair or had never attended Hogwarts himself. Quite a few students had asked their parents if they 'd ever heard of Balladanis ( namely, had they gone to school with him ), but so far none of the parents had.

Balladanis 's teaching methods were certainly unique. Albus could number on one hand the phone number of genuine talk he had had in that grade. Most all the example were practical, but not in the same way Harry had done them. Harry 's method had been very caring and all about trying. Balladanis 's methods were more rough and focused on winner. He insisted that everyone succeed and refused to let anyone stop until they did, even if it meant coming in for duplicate help.

The amount of pupil going in for extra help was increasing quickly. Matt was no longer seen as weak or odd for having to go in for superfluous help. Nearly half of Albus 's social class was spending extra time with Balladanis at least once a workweek. The professor still had n't let Matt discontinue going.

`` standstill up ! '' Balladanis barked at Albus 's class.

These two word of honor were frequently spoken by the prof. Albus wondered why he did n't just do away with the desks all together instead of having to move them at the beginning of each class.

`` Get a move on ! '' he shouted, `` Unless you think your books will set on you. reserve can only get you so far. You need to pattern ! ``

The class spent nearly an hour practicing the charm to repel grindylows and once the chime rang, Balladanis announced that they 'd be practicing on real grindylows in the succeeding class.

`` Brickston ! '' Balladanis announced, `` You 'll be coming in for duplicate help tomorrow night. You may number the Saame time Eckerton does. ``

Albus did n't think John had done that bad with the spell. It had taken him a spell, but by the end of the class he had managed it. Albus was beginning to cerebrate that by the end of the year, everyone would be going in for extra help.

`` He 's certifiably insane, '' John muttered as they walked to potions after they left the Defense classroom.

`` Well, I 'm kind of gladiolus you 're going in for service, '' lusterlessness said, `` You can hold on Amanda and I company. ``

`` That 's nearly all of us going in for helper, '' Rose commented, `` Just Al and Linda and I. ``

Kaden had been going for helper nearly as long as Matt had. Amanda had started a few days ago.

`` Albus wo n't ever have to go, '' lusterlessness said, `` He 's too good at Defense. ``

`` I 'm not that capital at it, '' Albus muttered quietly. certain, he managed all the piece, but it 's not like they were very advanced.

******

`` What do you think Balladanis did before he taught here ? '' Kaden mused late the next day.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I think he was an Auror, '' John said, `` I mean, he obviously hates the dark arts. ``

`` No, '' Albus shook his straits, `` My dad would have mentioned that. ``

`` Maybe he was a foreign Auror, '' lav suggested.

`` But he sounds British, '' Matt pointed out.

`` So do you, for the most constituent, but you 're from Australia, '' John the Evangelist countered.

`` Really ? I always thought I sounded Aussie. ``

`` You do a bit. But your parents go more Australian than you do. Same with Amy, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' matt shrugged, `` So I guess he could be foreign. ``

`` Why did he come Teach here, then ? '' Albus asked.

No one had an solvent to that. Albus was really peculiar to what the reply was, but it 's not like he could actually ask the professor. In fact, the idea of being alone with Balladanis variety of scared him. He was really glad he did n't suffer to see the professor outside of class.

The first Inter-School Dueling tourney was scheduled to drive place the next day. The full school was buzzing about it. It was the first big rivalry between the three schooling. Albus did n't know a solid lot of people who were on the Hogwarts Dueling Team. Just his cousin, Fred. Despite this, he was still excited. Albus absolutely loved dueling and wished he was old enough to be on the school team.

The tournament was taking home in the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, since the dueling chamber was much too minuscule to conciliate the total shoal. Albus walked with his Friend into the room and saw that all the tabular array had disappeared. They were replaced with call forth bandstand, sort of like the Quidditch pitch. Albus found seats towards the front line and waited impatiently for the tournament to begin.

The dueling area was a raised platform in front end of the stands. On the former side of it was a smaller set of stands, in which all the instructor were filing into. The secret wizard who had been seen talking to Killigan, but never introduced, was sitting future to the Aussie headmaster, but neither of them were talking. Both wore indistinguishable looks of determination mingled with fascination. A Wiccan Albus did n't acknowledge was seated succeeding to Kenneth Roberts and the two of them were talking. Albus assumed she was from New York. The Auror who had been assigned to patrol Hogwarts that week was talking with Albus 's Uncle Sir Henry Percy, who had came to represent the Ministry. Neither Albus 's dad nor his Uncle Ron were there, so Albus assumed they were busy with work.

Once all the educatee, teachers, and assorted other spectators were seated, prof Kendrick stood up and everyone quieted down.

`` Welcome, student, stave, and visitor to the firstly Dueling tournament between Hogwarts, the Aboriginal Australian schoolhouse of Sorcery, and the Adirondack Academy of thaumaturgy. All three shoal will duel this good afternoon. Each school 's team has five students and each student will participate in two duels. Whichever student wins the duel gets a full stop for their school. The shoal with the most points will win. But hold back in mind that this is just the first of many tournament that will take blank space during this year. Now, here are the team. '' Kendrick gestured to a room access on the side of the room.

The door opened and Professor Longbottom led the Hogwarts squad into the room. The other two schools'team followed and Albus did n't realise either of their professors. He had n't really thought about the early team'captains before. He kind of figured they had them, but had n't seen them before. He guessed they just came to Hogwarts for practices. They must have set up some form of special floo connection with the school.

The tournament commenced in much the Sami way the Junior Dueling night club had, except only one duel took place at a time. The spells used were much more forward-looking, too. The trance that Slytherin had used on flatness during the late year paled in equivalence to the ones being used by the older scholarly person. Albus was absolutely fascinated. He paid enraptured attention and wished that he could learn such get ahead spells.

The tournament took nearly two time of day, but Albus was n't bored at all. In fact, he was kind of disappointed when the last duel was over.

prof Kendrick tallied the point in time and then rose once again. `` Thank you everyone. Each and every scholarly person performed well today. However, this is a tourney and I must hold a winner. And that achiever is the Adirondack academy of conjuration. extolment to them ! ``

There was a pocket-size amount of loud applause from the New Yorkers who were in the consultation, as well as some polite clapping from everyone else. Albus sighed and clapped politely along with about of his fellow students.

`` Well, it 's only the start tournament, '' lustrelessness said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Plus there 's Quidditch. ``

`` And we 've got a brilliant Quidditch squad ! '' privy grinned as he stood up, `` Now we 've just got to hope that one of those other Chasers breaks something so Albus can fiddle next week. ``

`` John ! '' Rose scolded.

`` I 'm only kidding, '' toilet shrugged, `` Sort of. ``

`` We could just pass one of them the orange end of a regurgitation pastille, '' Kaden suggested, `` And not give them the purple half. ``

`` Would n't work, '' John sighed, `` ma'am Pomfrey recognizes those affair now. ``

`` I know I probably wo n't get to play, '' Albus said as they left the room, `` You do n't need to land yourselves in detention to get me a piazza on the team. ``

`` We know, '' Kaden said, `` We 're just joking. ``

Albus figured they were, but when it came to those two, one just never knew.

******

Albus stowed his Scots heather in his dormitory late Tuesday evening following a particularly tiring Quidditch recitation. Natalie Wood 's nidus during this specific practice had been goal scoring, so Albus had worked hard the intact two hours. At least the focus had n't been on dodging Bludgers. He yawned, grabbed his bag and headed out of the unwashed room. He walked slowly to the piranha 's Den, thinking he could hale a bit of homework in before bed.

`` Albus ! '' someone shouted as Albus reached the suits of armor in figurehead of the room.

Albus turned around and saw pink wine, red hair flying behind her, running down the corridor towards him. `` Rose ? ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose panted, `` I saw you leave the vulgar room. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus shrugged. He usually did his homework in the predator 's Den since it was quieter and easy to concentrate.

`` I wanted to spill the beans to you, '' rosiness said.

`` Ok, '' Albus said as he located the paw prints on the opposite rampart, `` We can talk in here. ``

`` Actually, '' rosebush said, `` I variety of wanted to talk to you alone. Are lusterlessness, John, and Kaden in there ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus replied. What did Rose need to talk about that she did n't desire their other friends to listen ? `` I did n't see them in the unwashed room. ``

`` wellspring, I 'd rather talk to you alone, first, '' pink wine shifted nervously from foot to foot.

Albus looked at her strangely. rosiness rarely ever looked nervous, especially when she was talking to Albus. What could she possibly have to evidence him ?

`` Er, all right, '' Albus said slowly, `` I guess we could observe an empty schoolroom or something .... ''

`` commodity, '' Rose nodded and took off down the corridor. Albus ran after her and she found an abandon classroom. Albus followed her into it and shut the door behind him. `` What is it ? ``

Rose paced around the room for a bit, wringing her hands together, before letting out a loud sigh and leaning up against one of the desks. `` It 's about Linda. ``

Albus blinked. Linda ? He barely knew her. What could heighten possibly let to say about Linda ? `` Linda ? ``

`` Yes, Linda, '' Rose sighed, `` You know Amanda and I are sort of becoming friends with her. Well, we are protagonist with her now. She talks to us. I think she misses Commonwealth of Australia. Anyway, I was sort of thinking it would be practiced if she started to make friends here. You know, like you. And maybe Matt, John, and Kaden. ``

Albus still had no estimation why rose wine felt the demand to peach to him alone about this. She wanted Albus to befriend Linda. How was he going to do that if Linda did n't say a Bible around him ? Not to bring up the fact that lustrelessness did n't seem to like her.

`` Er, why exactly did n't you want matte, John, and Kaden to hear this ? '' Albus asked, `` You ca n't really expect them to turn friend with Linda unless you tell them you want them to. ``

`` I know that, '' Rose groaned, `` But the four of you are always holing up in the Marauder 's Den, so I hardly see any of you anymore. What I wanted to know was whether Linda could amount into the Marauder 's Den with us. ``

Albus stared at his cousin. So that was what she wanted to talk about. `` You want Linda to follow into the marauder 's Den ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose nodded, `` She 's in the plebeian elbow room with Amanda. Can she ? I 'll go get them right now if you say yes. ``

`` Wait, waiting, '' Albus shook his point, `` It 's not up to me. ``

`` Yes it is ! '' rose replied, `` You found that map. It 's yours, so the room is yours. ``

`` No it 's not, '' Albus said, `` It 's Matt, John, and Kaden 's, too. All four of us had to sour to get that map to usher up and to find the room. If it were n't for them, it would still be a blank piece of parchment. ``

`` But- ''

`` No, rose wine, '' Albus said irritably, `` I ca n't just let you fetch random the great unwashed into the room without asking everyone. ``

Albus and his friends had n't really thought much about whether they 'd let early people into the room, but Albus knew he could n't do it without talking to them. Letting Rose and Amanda in had been a given, since they helped with it, but Linda certainly had n't helped.

`` I have to talk to mat, John the Evangelist, and Kaden, '' Albus told her, `` I can babble out to them now, if you want. ``

`` All right, '' rose wine sighed and stood up.

Neither of the cousins said a Scripture to each other as they walked back to the Marauder 's Den. Albus was still rather bewildered by this totally affair. starting time, he had never really talked to his acquaintance about letting other people into the predator 's Den. He always assumed it would be their occult. He was n't entirely sure he wanted anyone else in it, no matter what his Friend thought. endorse, it was rather out of character for Rose to be this spontaneous and demanding. Whether this was due to the increased work burden, the sudden competition in class brought on by Linda, or something else entirely, Albus did n't know.

Albus took a deep breath as he opened the door to the room and glanced at rose wine. She was looking more nervous than before. Albus walked into the room and paused. John and Kaden were lounging on the floor, playing a rather rowdy plot of chess ( the two of them could twist any circuit card biz into something physical ), while their neglected preparation sat haphazardly on the table. Matt was paying wispy attention to the game while stretched out on the couch. It did n't surprise Albus that he was n't doing very much, since the good moonshine was the next night. John and Kaden looked up when they heard the door open.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How was practice ? ``

`` rosebush ! '' John grinned, `` I was beginning to think you 'd forgotten about this home. I do n't think I 've seen you here in over a month. ``

`` Hey, John, Kaden, '' Albus smiled, `` Practice was serious. What have you lot been up to ? ``

`` trouncing Kaden at chess, '' John explained.

`` Hey, I beat you once ! '' Kaden countered.

`` Only once, '' John the Evangelist repeated, `` I 've won four games. ``

`` I 'm storm neither of you have detention tonight, '' Albus smirked.

`` They almost did, '' lusterlessness announced, `` Professor Longbottom caught them sneaking into the missy 's toilet- ''

`` What were you doing in there ? '' Albus raised his eyebrows.

`` We were going to put dung bombs in there, '' Kaden explained.

`` Anyway, '' matt continued, `` Longbottom took pity on them since they 're already doing so many detentions and only took away points. ``

`` Professor Longbottom is nifty, '' Saint John grinned.

`` I would n't carry him to let you off again, '' Matt pointed out.

`` Want to play chess, blush wine ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, `` I could use with some real competition. ``

`` Hey ! '' Kaden crossed his arms across his chest, `` I 'm real challenger. ``

Albus glanced at Rose. `` Er, blush wine has something she wanted to ask us, '' Albus said quietly.

Rose glared at Albus. Clearly she wanted him to bring up the topic. Albus gave her a warm trill of his head. There was no way he was going to ask. She was the one who wanted Linda there.

`` wellspring, what is it ? '' John asked, `` If it 's about homework, I 'll bear you know that I 've already finished most of it. ``

`` It 's not about homework, '' blush wine sighed and sat down on the end of the couch that Matt was n't occupying.

Albus settled himself into an armchair opposite the couch and waited for his first cousin to continue.

rosebush took a oceanic abyss intimation. `` You lot cognise Amanda and I have sort of become protagonist with Linda, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' St. John the Apostle said and Kaden nodded.

`` wellspring, since then Amanda and I have been spending Thomas More time in the common way with her. But you lot still hang out here all the sentence .... '' her vocalism trailed off.

`` wellspring, yeah, because this room is so much safe than the common elbow room, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` I know, '' Rose sighed, `` And I do leave out being with all of you, but at the same sentence, Linda 's my friend now, too. ``

`` So pass time with all of us, '' john said, `` I 'm sure Linda would be exquisitely by herself for a few hours a day so you can be here with us. ``

Rose groaned. `` That was n't what I had in mind. What I want is for all of us to drop time together. As in you lot can turn protagonist with Linda, too. She needs more ally. ``

`` She does n't spill, '' Kaden said.

`` She does when she gets to have it away you, '' rosiness explained.

`` So what you 're saying, '' John began, `` Is that you want us to stop hanging out in this bright room and go back to the bore common room ? ``

`` No, of course not, '' rosiness replied, `` I want all of us to hang up out here. Linda, too. ``

The elbow room was completely understood. Albus watched his acquaintance'reactions with great stake. Both St. John the Apostle and Kaden gaped at Rose and then turned to calculate at Albus. They then turned their heads back to rosiness, but did n't say anything. lustrelessness suddenly sat up, oculus wide unfold, and stared at pink wine with an incredulous feel on his face.

Nobody said a word for what must have been nearly five minutes. Albus kept looking from rose to his friend and back. Rose was looking nervously at everybody in tour and then sending pleading glances at Albus. Albus was about to open his rima oris, when matt finally broke the stony silence.

`` No, '' he said. It was hardly more than a voicelessness, but was very forceful.

`` We have n't let anyone else in, '' lav pointed out, `` Why should Linda be the first ? ``

Kaden turned to Albus. `` What do you think, Albus ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` Why not ? '' blush wine demanded, `` She 's mine and Amanda 's admirer. ``

`` But she 's not our Quaker, '' John said.

`` But she could be ! '' rose insisted.

`` Then we 'll become champion with her before we let her in the room ! '' Saint John replied, `` It 's still our enigma. We have n't even tell apart Teddy about it yet. ``

Albus turned and looked at John. He had n't even thought about that. John had a point. They had n't told chemise about the room yet. Or his dad. Should n't they see it before other people did ?

`` If anyone has the right to know about this room, it 's Teddy and my dad, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yes, but they are n't here, '' pink wine pointed out, `` cum on, why wo n't you let her in ? ``

`` We do n't get it on her, '' John said.

`` She 's got no connections to it, '' Albus said.

`` I like keeping it a surreptitious, '' Kaden said.

`` You could know her ! '' Rose shouted, `` Then she would have connections to it. And it would still be a secret. ``

`` smell, Rose, '' matte said loudly, `` We 're not going to let her in ! You ca n't win over us otherwise ! ``

Albus, John, and Kaden turned to look at each other. Albus had never heard lusterlessness parent his voice like that, and certainly not with Rose.

`` And what 's your reason why she ca n't ? '' Rose asked icily.

Matt glared at her. `` They 're the like as Albus, John, and Kaden 's ! ``

`` You just do n't like her ! '' Rose shouted.

`` So what if I do n't ? '' mat asked hotly.

`` You do n't even know her ! You have n't said one countersign to her the whole time she 's been here ! ``

`` Neither has she ! '' Matt yelled.

`` You lot are so stubborn ! '' Rose huffed, `` I just do n't get why you wo n't let her- ''

`` Do you really want to know why ? '' Matt raised his voice even louder, `` I honestly would n't think I 'd have got to tell you ! You 're smart ! This is the one place in the palace that nobody else knows about ! It 's the alone place I can go and get some peace and quiet and not have to concern about anyone else barging in ! The only people who know about it already know what I am, so I can actually relax ! If you let Linda in here, it wo n't be like that anymore ! I like the quiet of this place. And it was quiet before you came in here demanding that we let a crone we hardly know into it ! ``

mat leaned back against the arm of the couch and squeezed his eyes shut as he rubbed his temple.

Albus stared in cushion at John and Kaden. Albus had never seen Matt shout at someone like that. Sure, he got a bit short circuit with people around the wide-cut lunation, but had never had a full-blown row like this.

`` fountainhead, maybe if you become champion with Linda, you 'll order her what you are, '' blush wine said. She looked quite taken aback that Matt had shouted at her wish that.

`` Are you bloody insane ? ! '' Matt yelled, causing him to wince even more. Albus had a feeling he was giving himself a headache.

`` You told us, '' pink wine said.

`` That 's different, '' lusterlessness shook his oral sex, `` You figured it out on your own. ``

`` What if we had n't ? ``

`` I would n't hold told you, '' lustrelessness muttered, `` And Linda 's going back to Australia after this year, so there really would n't be a power point. ``

`` You know, since she 's from Australia, she might already acknowledge, '' Rose pointed out, `` You did say that the entire state found out shortly before you moved. ``

That was the wrong affair to say. Albus knew she was going to say it just moments before she finished and he tried to didder his read/write head to evidence her to stop, but she either did n't notice or did n't want to stop.

All the color drained from Matt 's human face and with it most of the anger. He merely looked a little frighten away now.

`` You think I have n't thought about that ? '' he asked quietly, `` Why do you think I was n't thrilled about this wholly tournament thing ? Why do you think I try to keep off anyone from Commonwealth of Australia ? I mean, it was five years ago, so I really hope most mass have forgotten about it, but all it would ingest was one of them to remember and soon the unanimous schooltime would know. ``

`` I doubt Linda would tell anyone, if she did make love, '' pink wine said.

`` Yeah, because she does n't talk, '' Kaden laughed.

leave-taking it to Kaden to find bodily fluid in this situation, Albus thought. He could n't facilitate but grin at his first cousin 's argument himself.

`` Could you at least think about it ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, '' matte raised his articulation again, `` Do n't you get it ? I do n't need to risk anyone else finding out. I do n't want this to be a repeat of what happened in Australia. I like it here. I do n't desire to move again. So I 'm not going to modify my mind. I 'm going to bed. ``

matte got up off the sofa and walked slowly over to his bed and rammed the drapery shut behind him.

Albus exchanged glimpse with John and Kaden, completely at a loss as to what to say. Rose got up off the sofa a present moment later and left the room without another word. Albus, John, and Kaden quietly began to bring on their homework, but the remainder of the evening was very subdued. Albus stared at his Herbology book, but could n't possibly concentrate on it after the row his cousin and just champion had just had.


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

NaNoWriMo is now over and I managed to win, although not nearly as quickly as I did last class. Big praise to Dancer of Starlight for winning as well, during her start year of the fixture NaNo programme ! Now it 's back to fan fic for the time being.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus 's radical of admirer had never been torn apart by a row before. From the moment they met on the train drive over two years ago, the five of them had been close. During their offset year, only one time had any of them had a row. It had only lasted ten minutes. Albus remembered it like it was just yesterday. The night he and John had fought about whether to severalize lusterlessness they knew he was a werewolf. It had been a very brief row, ending when lusterlessness walked in.

Then, just a yr ago, Kaden had flew into their group in a mist of hyperactivity and volume. Albus did n't really count the rows he had shared with his cousin as words within his radical of protagonist. Kaden had not been Albus 's friend then. They reconciled and then became Friend. That was how Albus saw it.

No row had come between them like this one, though. Albus was still in shock about it the succeeding day. If he had had to pick two of his protagonist to fight, he would n't have chosen flatness or pink wine. The two of them seemed least potential to fight.

Rose did bear a temper. There was no denying that. She and Albus had shared quite a few sibling-like squabbles growing up, but they had grown out of it. rosiness 's humor remained, though. She was stubborn as well. Albus had a lot of experience with that. Once rosiness got an idea into her head there was no stopping her. It seemed that bringing Linda into their group was one of those matter. Albus just could n't fathom why. Sure, she was sassy, but was that really a reason to become friends with somebody ?

lustrelessness, on the other hired man, did n't seem to have an wild bone in his torso. This was definitely wry considering that he became a raging werewolf once a month. In the two yr Albus had known him, he had only seen him angry a twosome times. Most of these occasions were when he was having whispered conversations with his sister. Albus would never have predicted that he would holler at rose like he had.

Albus had no thought what to bear the next day. He doubted this was the sorting of thing that would just blow over.

It certainly had not blown over, as Albus discovered at breakfast. His mathematical group of acquaintance was no long sitting together. When Albus, Matt, and John the Evangelist entered the Great manse, they noticed that rose wine, Amanda, and Linda were sitting at one end of the mesa, while Kaden was a few base down from them. John immediately headed to where Kaden was sitting and Albus and lusterlessness followed. Rose did not seem to acknowledge them pass, nor did Amanda or Linda. There was no doubtfulness in Albus 's creative thinker whose side Amanda was on. She was rosebush 's best friend first and foremost. And whatever her grounds was, she had also befriended Linda.

Even though the girls were seated far away, cipher said anything during breakfast. whoremonger still looked furious as he stabbed his ball with a bit too practically force. matte looked more tired than anything, but there was a glint of anger in his eyes. Kaden was at a complete deprivation for tidings, which happened very rarely. Even he went the unharmed meal without uttering a affair. Albus had no impulse to start any conversations either. He was still quite tempestuous with his cousin. The heart of her to ask if they could let a double-dyed stranger into the piranha 's Den was abysmal to him.

The secrecy continued through History of Magic and Transfiguration Day. Albus sat in between toilet and Matt during both classes and glared at the rachis of Rose 's head. She was sitting in between Amanda and Linda at the mesa in straw man of Albus 's during both classes.

Albus paid zero attending during History of Magic. He merely recounted the row over and over again, which only caused him to become more angry. Judging by the look on john 's face, he had been doing the Lapplander thing. Matt merely slept the integral class, completely unnoticed by prof Binns.

Albus forced himself to pay attention and take notes during metamorphosis, although John did not. flatness remained awake during the course of instruction, but had a glazed feel over his eyes.

It was n't until caution of Magical beast that the uncharacteristically farseeing quiet dissolved. lusterlessness decided to skip that course and eternal rest in the vulture 's Den instead and Albus could n't charge him. It was a particularly breezy and cold autumn day and Albus shivered as he walked down to Hagrid 's hut with Saint John. Rose and Linda had Arithmancy, so they were n't even there. Amanda was, but she stood with Janie, Marina, and Karina for the duration of the class.

`` Wow, '' John said in a low rustling as they sat on the frigidity, punishing ground drawing movie of the puffskeins they were watching.

He did n't own to say anything else. Albus knew what he was talking about. `` Yeah, '' he muttered.

`` Have you got any estimate why rose was so insistent about Linda ? '' John asked quietly.

`` She 's stubborn. She always has been, '' Albus replied, `` Once, when we were eight or so, she wanted to go to this sleepover my full cousin Gabriella, Empire State of the South, and broom were having. Her parents said no and she did n't speak to them for nearly a week. ``

`` Seriously ? '' John gaped and then smirked, `` Siriusly .... ''

Albus rolled his heart. `` Yeah, she did. ``

`` Do you call back she 'd do that this clock time ? Not talk to us for a week ? ``

`` It would n't surprise me if she did n't mouth to us until we let Linda into the way, '' Albus sighed.

`` That 's not going to happen, '' lav said.

`` No, it 's not, '' Albus agreed, `` Even if by some opportunity we decided to let her, there 's no way Matt would. And I think Kaden would just agree to whatever I said. ``

`` fountainhead, I ca n't blame Matt for not wanting her in there, '' can lowered his voice even more, `` He always sleeps there before the you know what. He 's not going to want her to experience about it. ``

`` I ca n't charge him either, '' Albus agreed.

`` You do know what this means, right ? '' John asked.

`` What ? ``

`` We 're going to give birth to take our own notes in socio-economic class now, '' John groaned, `` No way is rose wine going to let us borrow hers anymore. ``

Albus could n't serve but giggle a little at that. Albus could always rely on John to buoy up the mood. Either him or Kaden. Albus and Saint John did n't blab much for the remainder of the course and the legal brief bit of humor died away quickly.

Albus and whoremaster headed straight for the Marauder 's Den after category. They passed Rose on their way there, but she acted like she did n't comment them.

`` You awake ? '' John shouted as they entered the room.

`` I am now, '' Matt replied groggily from his bed. A few moments later he got up and laid down on the couch.

`` You do n't look so effective, '' John said as he tossed his bag unceremoniously onto the floor and jumped onto the other end of the couch.

`` You think ? '' Matt said sarcastically.

`` No, I mean, you look worse than common, '' John replied.

`` Oh, that 's decent, '' Albus said as he sat down in one of the chairs.

St. John did have a gunpoint, though. lusterlessness was as pale as he usually was the day before a wide lunation, but the dark traffic circle under his oculus were more judge. His optic were also more bloodshot, which gave him the look of a soul who had n't slept in days.

`` It 's genuine, '' John shrugged, `` Have n't you been sleeping all day ? ``

Matt sighed and shook his head. `` No. Did n't catch some Z's that a lot finale night either. I just ca n't. I keep thinking about what happened yesterday .... The only very sleep I 've gotten was in History of Magic. I need a good Binns talking to to put me to log Z's now. ``

Albus did n't mean he 'd ever see the phrase 'good Binns lecturing'before. `` Wo n't that realize tonight worse ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Not sleeping before it ? ``

`` Yeah, of path it will, '' matt said quietly, `` But I ca n't micturate myself sleep. ``

`` Ask Madam Pomfrey for a potion, '' lavatory suggested.

`` She 'll ask too many query, '' matte said, `` I never have a problem falling asleep before the full lunation. She 'll be wary. I do n't want to tell her about the row. ``

flatness did n't elaborate anymore about his deficiency of sleep, so Albus and John played a bit of Exploding Snap. Matt did n't feel like playing.

`` Albus ? '' Matt asked after a one-half hour or so.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Rose would n't, '' Matt paused, `` You know, tell anyone about me, would she ? Because I 've been thinking, she 's the sort of undercover keeper for the charm for Kaden, but if she tells individual then who knows what would happen with that, so maybe we should change over to you and- ''

`` No, '' Albus interrupted him, `` She would n't do that. prove might be stubborn and angry with you, but she would never ever differentiate anyone that you 're a loup-garou. She knows that it 's your secret to recount. ``

`` But what if she just slips up ? '' flatness asked anxiously.

Albus tried to see this from mat 's point of sight. He also reminded himself that Matt was probably eternal rest deprived and merge that with how macabre he always got before the full moon, he would n't be seeing things rationally. But the idea of Rose telling someone that Matt was a loup-garou just because she was mad at him was hard to believe.

`` She wo n't, '' Albus said adamantly, `` I 've known her longer than you. She wo n't do that. ``

`` All right field, '' matt said warily and leaned back on the couch.

Albus exchanged glances with John the Evangelist as Matt 's eyes began to glaze over. This was not going to tout over quickly.

******

Albus slept horribly that night. He tossed and turned and stared at the glowing lap the good moon created on the hangings of his bed. Bilius 's soft snoring filled the elbow room. Albus was certain he would n't fall asleep at all that Night. He had too much on his mind.

His best friend and his cousin were fighting. The cousin-german he had grown up with, spent all his pre-Hogwarts daytime with. His good friend since kickoff year. Albus felt fearsome about it. He could guess of at least twenty matter he 'd rather do that receive his Best friend and his full cousin battle like this. A month 's worth of detention with Filch, for example.

This was dissimilar than a little dissension, too. John and blush wine often fought with each other, but Albus kind of cerebration they liked it. Albus himself kind of enjoyed squabbling with James. matte never fought with any of them, though. And none of them ever really rowed. What if Rose and Matt never made up ? Albus swallowed hard and stared fixedly at the end of his bed. They had to pee up, eventually. But what if they did n't ? A nagging vocalism in the rachis of Albus 's chief told him it was a hypothesis. He tried to agitate it out of his head as he closed his eyes in a vain attack to get some sleep.

Albus had been hoping Defense Against the Dark prowess would provide a much needed outflow from his thoughts of Matt and Rose never making up. That class usually required every bit of Albus 's brain power and he could n't really think about anything else during it. Unfortunately, Balladanis decided to give one of his rare lecture. Albus 's thinker wandered and by the time the class was over, he really could n't remember what Balladanis had lectured about. He had assigned an essay, too, which did n't help matters.

Slughorn, on the other hand, decided to have a practical example even though it was only a single course of instruction. Since mat was in the infirmary wing, Albus worked with John and Janie Creevey, John 's common potions partner. He was just glad Slughorn did n't make him work with Rose and Amanda. Linda was mysteriously absent, so their mathematical group was down to two citizenry.

John sent Albus to go get ingredients while he and Janie set up. He joined the queue behind Amanda.

`` Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Amanda, '' Albus replied, reminding him a lot of the way he and Limbert had worked the former year. Polite salutation and no talking.

`` Albus ? '' Amanda asked as they neared the cupboard.

`` Yeah ? '' Albus replied.

`` Er, how 's Matt ? '' she asked quietly.

Albus shrugged. `` Have n't had the sentence to chat him today. ``

Amanda nodded. `` Um, what about the row ? How is he about that ? ``

`` He 's still angry with blush wine, '' Albus muttered.

`` Oh. I was hoping ... '' her interpreter trailed off.

`` How is pink wine ? ``

`` Angry, '' Amanda sighed, `` Oh, Albus, I hate this ! I hate not being able to be with you lot, but I ca n't abandon rosebush. ``

`` I hate it too, '' Albus said quietly. He was sort of surprised that Amanda still wanted to be around them, after they denied Linda access to the way. After all, she was Linda 's friend, too.

`` It 's so stupid, '' she whispered, `` Fighting like this. ``

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But I do n't think Rose and matte think it 's stupid. ``

`` What about John and Kaden ? What do they recall ? ``

`` Gospel According to John flat out garbage to let Linda into the room. I do, too, '' he said quickly, `` We 're all in agreement about that. Kaden, too. ``

`` I know. And I get why. I just think its stupid to let it do between us. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` But Rose is so unregenerate. I know she 's your best friend, but I 've grown up with her. And she refuses to give in. So this might end a while. ``

`` I do n't want it to, Albus, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` I do n't either, '' Albus sighed.

Albus got his ingredients and went back to John 's cauldron. He could n't distinguish John anything about the conversation, though, since Janie was there. In fact, they only talked about the potion as they worked.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later, `` Bring a sample up to my desk for grading. ``

Albus dropped their potion off to Slughorn on his way out the door with John. He glanced back at Amanda. She was talking with Rose, but looked up and gave Albus a halfhearted grin. Albus returned it and left the room, somehow feeling worse than he had when he entered.

Albus and King John hurried to the Great lobby and found Kaden. The three of them ate a quick lunch and then rushed off to the hospital wing before their next classes.

Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they walked in. She looked up, but remained seated when the three boys walked inside.

`` howdy, boys, '' she greeted them.

`` Hi ma'am Pomfrey, '' Albus replied.

`` Where 's ... '' the nurse began to ask, but then shook her caput and closed her mouth.

Albus shrugged and continued his way towards the only concern bed in the ward. He pulled the curtains open and sat down on the end of Matt 's bed.

flatness was asleep. levelheaded deceased judging by the rhythmic way his bureau moved up and down under the blankets. His face was scratched and there was a patch around his os frontale, but former than that he looked all right wing. Granted, well-nigh of his soundbox was covered by the blanket, but Albus hoped he was all correctly otherwise.

He did n't stir when Albus sat down. John gently prodded his blanketed arm, but he did n't appear to notice it at all.

`` If he 's gone, I suggest you let him be, '' dame Pomfrey shouted from her desk, `` In fact, I insist. ``

`` Is he ok ? '' John asked, `` He usually wakes up when we come in. ``

`` He had a crude nighttime, '' the nursemaid sighed, `` It 's like he did n't get any rest beforehand, but Hagrid tells me he skipped tending of Magical animate being, so I 'm sure he must have slept. But he 's only wake up once since I brought him back this morning. So, for whatever the reason, he must ask to sleep. Perhaps it would be best if you came back after dinner party. ``

Albus nodded and got up off the bed. He knew why matte needed the redundant sleep. He had n't slept much the old day. Albus did n't say much to John and Kaden as they left. He muttered a subdued good-bye as he left for ancient rune. He was dreading that division. It was one he shared with rosebush and matte, and since matte was practically unconscious in the hospital wing, it would just be him and Rose.

Albus was half tempted to just bound off Ancient Runes. After all, he had n't ever skipped a class before, except when he was demented. Even when Washburn was teaching Charms, Albus was there for every course. But, he was sure the teacher would send an owl to his parents, so he trudged his way to Ancient Runes as slowly as possible without being late.

However, Albus had n't thought about the downside of being the hold up one to show up up for class. When he walked into the room, there were only two tail left, at blush wine 's tabular array. Linda was mysteriously absent again.

Albus groaned inwardly and sat down next to his cousin. He stole a ready glance at her, but she was facing forward, looking determined.

prof Sturly walked in a minute later. Albus crossed his fingerbreadth for a public lecture class, something he rarely did. If the course was a talk, he could easily not talk to develop at all. But if they were working on decoding runic letter, he would have to work with a partner as usual. Since both lustrelessness and Linda were n't in class, he 'd suffer to collaborator with Rose.

Sure enough, Sturly passed out tab of runes for the grade to decode. She placed one in between Albus and Rose and told them to act upon together since their usual partners were n't there.

`` Albus, '' pink wine said icily as she turned to the tablet.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

They worked quietly for a while, only talking about the runes.

`` That 's not a sun, Albus, '' rosiness said as Albus wrote the word 'sun'on his parchment.

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

`` It 's a moonshine. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus muttered and changed his reply, `` Er, where is Linda ? ``

`` Why do you deal ? '' Rose glared at him.

`` I 'm just curious, '' Albus shrugged.

`` She 's sick, if you must cognize, '' blush wine said, `` She has n't looked well for the past few days. ``

`` She was n't in the hospital wing, '' Albus replied.

`` Not everyone goes to the hospital flank for every piddling thing, '' rosiness said shortly.

`` fountainhead, if she 's been sick for a few days- ''

`` That 's her business concern, is n't it ? '' Rose interrupted.

Albus nodded. Rose was right about that. `` Er, are n't you going to ask how mat is ? ``

`` I guess, '' rose muttered, `` How is he ? ``

`` spoiled than usual, thanks to your row. ``

`` That was n't only my fault. He was right there rowing with me, '' rose seethed, `` So do n't guilt me into doing anything. ``

`` I 'm not trying to guilt you into anything, '' Albus groaned, `` I just thought that you might actually like how his- ''

Albus cut himself off. Transformation. Rose said Linda had been sick for the retiring few day. So had Matt. Linda had been pale around the entire moon. Was it possible that she, Linda, was a lycanthrope, too ? Albus stared dumbstruck at the pad of paper he was supposed to be decoding. It was kind form of too very much of a coincidence for them both to get crazy at the like clip. But then why would Matt be so opposed to Linda finding out that he was a lycanthrope, if she was one herself ?

`` Albus ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Rose- '' he paused. Would Rose really tell him if Linda was a werewolf ? Probably not. `` Never mind. ``

`` Er, ok, '' rose shrugged.

The rest of the class dragged by. As soon as the Vanessa Bell rang, Albus grabbed his stuff and ran out of the room. He had to find John and Kaden. They had to ascertain out if Linda really was a werewolf or not.

Albus made it to the Marauder 's Den in platter time. Neither john or Kaden were there yet. Come to think of it, Kaden had class anyway, so he would n't even be there. But whoremonger did n't. Albus tossed his bag down and began pacing around the room.

john entered the room a short while later. Albus looked up and ran over to him.

`` John ! '' Albus shouted.

`` What ? '' John asked, thoroughly confused.

`` I had to partner with rose during Ancient runic letter since lustrelessness was n't there. Guess who else was n't there ? Linda. And she was n't in Potions either, '' Albus said quickly.

`` So ? '' Saint John asked.

`` I asked Rose about it and she said that Linda 's been ill the past few days, '' Albus continued.

`` But she 's been in class, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, that 's division of it ! '' Albus replied, `` Can you suppose of anyone else who goes to class even when he 's ill ? ``

John paused and then his oculus widened in jounce. `` mat ! postponement, are you thinking- ''

`` Linda 's a werewolf, '' Albus said.

`` You really intend ? '' John asked.

`` well, I obviously do n't know for for sure .... ''

`` What about the last wide moon ? Was she sick then ? ''

`` I do n't remember, '' Albus sighed, `` I did n't really pay attention, did you ? ``

`` Nope, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` But seriously ? ``

`` I do n't know. I mean, it 's possible, but if she 's a werewolf, why was lustrelessness so afraid of her finding out he 's one ? ``

`` ripe point, '' St. John sighed.

`` We 've got to notice out. ``

`` I know, we can ask Matt ! '' St. John the Apostle said, `` Because she would 've been with him in the shrieking Shack, right ? ``

`` Not necessarily, '' Albus shook his psyche, `` If Aconitum lycoctonum works for her, she could n't have been near him. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John replied, `` But maybe he 'd know anyway. ``

`` Or maybe not. Maybe he has n't got a clue, but if he did know he would n't be so worried about her finding out about him, '' Albus said.

`` And then he and rose wine could make up. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned. He wanted nothing more than Rose and Matt to hit up. `` Let 's go see if he 's awake. ``


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and St. John the Apostle practically ran to the hospital extension. They slowed down as they neared it and tried to look as casual as they could as they walked in. lady Pomfrey was busy with a patient, so she did n't even discover them as they made a beeline for lustrelessness 's bed.

Albus yanked the mantle back and exclude them again once toilet and himself were inside. To his relief, Matt was awake this time. He looked beat, but he was awake.

`` Hey, Matt, '' Albus said.

`` Hey, Albus, '' Matt replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` All right field, '' Albus said, `` How about you ? ``

`` Tired, '' Matt sighed, `` Er, how is Rose ? Is she still ignoring us ? ``

`` Pretty much, '' Albus said quietly.

bathroom nodded and then glanced at Albus. Albus took a deep breathing place. He had n't really thought about how he was going to ask matte about this.

`` Are you two ok ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

John poked Albus. Albus glared at him and then turned back to Matt. `` Well, we sort of wanted to ask you something, '' Albus lowered his representative, `` I 'm sure you 'll reckon its mental .... ''

matt stared at him curiously. `` Er, all right, what is it ? ``

`` I was talking to go up in Ancient Runes- ''

`` I thought she was still ignoring us. ``

`` She was. But we were partners, since you were n't there. ``

`` What about Linda ? '' Matt asked.

`` She was n't there either, which is what I wanted to ask you about, '' Albus paused, `` blush wine said Linda 's been ill the past times few daytime. I could n't really help but notice that she was ill around the Saame metre you were and well, John and I were form of wondering if maybe, well, she was- ''

`` Like me ? '' lusterlessness whispered. His heart had widened in shock and he was staring incredulously at Albus and John.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus muttered, `` Told you it was mental. ``

`` It is, '' mat said adamantly.

`` So you know she 's not ? '' whoremonger asked, `` You saw her in here or something ? Or did Madam Pomfrey tell you ? ``

mat smiled wryly. `` Of course not. Even if she was, I doubt Madam Pomfrey would tell me. You two missed the obvious clue that she 's not like me. ``

Albus turned to John Lackland, who shrugged.

`` Linda normally goes to the Australian School of black magic, '' Matt stated, `` The school that I was n't allowed to go to. Obviously, if Linda was like me, she could n't go there either. ``

Albus felt like he should have smacked himself in the head. He turned to Gospel According to John, who looked like he was about to burst out laughing. How could they have forgotten about that ? It was staring them straight in the fount and they completely overlooked it. Professor Killigan was prejudiced against werewolf. There was no way he would admit Linda if she was one.

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus mumbled, `` Should have remembered that. ``

`` It 's actually kind of funny that you thought she was like me, '' matt smirked.

`` I guess she 's just got a cold or something, '' John shrugged.

`` Yeah, probably, '' Albus said. So often for the estimation of Rose and Matt making up. Albus would just give to believe of some other way to get them to be Friend again.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Not surely, '' matt sighed, `` Probably late tomorrow, if I 'm favorable. ``

`` Hogsmeade is on Saturday, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` I know. I 'll be out for that, even if I have to hook out when Madam Pomfrey is sleeping, '' Matt replied.

Albus did n't really conceive Madam Pomfrey would catch some Z's through soul trying to sneak out of the Montgomery Ward, but he hoped Matt would be out in clock time to go to Hogsmeade. It would be incredibly unfair if he was n't allowed to go.

******

The silence continued into the next day. Linda returned from her mysterious unwellness and went back to spending all her resign metre with Rose and Amanda. Albus spent his clock time with John and Kaden in the predator 's Den.

Albus hated the muteness more and more every day. It kept him up at night, but he could n't think of anything he could do about it. The row was mainly between Rose and Matt. Albus could n't solve it, but it was eating away at him like it was his own row. He was very glad he was n't playing Quidditch in the upcoming mate. He would n't take in been able to concentrate.

lusterlessness did n't allow the hospital wing until Fri evening. Madam Pomfrey had reluctantly let him leave in order of magnitude to go to Hogsmeade the following day.

Albus woke up not feeling nearly as excited as he probably should suffer about going to Hogsmeade. He and pink wine had imagined going to Hogsmeade together since they were little Kid. They plotted where they would go and what they would do. Both of them had been to Hogsmeade before, but never without one of their parents. The idea of going by themselves had always been exciting.

Now that the day had actually arrived, Albus could n't help oneself but finger a bit thwarted. He would n't be going with rose wine. Not while they were still in the thick of a row. It was either go with Matt and John the Divine, or dump them and go with the female child. The latter was n't even a existent choice. He was still mad at Rose and if he decided to make up with her, he 'd have flatness and John raging with him. He just had to face it ; going to Hogsmeade with rose was not an option.

Albus, Matt, and John joined the queue of hoi polloi in the Entrance Hall later on in the morning. lustrelessness and bathroom were more commove than Albus was, but still Thomas More subdued than the rest of the third years.

`` We 've got to remember the hooey for the Hallowe'en party, '' John reminded them.

The Halloween political party was that night. Albus had nearly forgotten about it over the past few days. It was another affair that would consume been Sir Thomas More fun if they were n't fighting with the girls.

`` Yeah, '' Albus nodded, `` We 've got to get Kaden 's stuff, too. ``

`` merlin, he was jealous that we get to go and he does n't, '' trick smirked.

`` Ca n't blame him, '' Matt lowered his articulation, `` I mean, this is the first time we 'll get to try out the Hogsmeade portion of the map. ``

Albus grinned. That was one part about the Hogsmeade trip that Albus was still thoroughly excited about. He had the new map in his cloak pocket, all ready to go.

`` We can see who likes to go to the Hog 's oral sex, '' can grinned mischievously.

`` Hey, Amy used to go there, '' mat said.

`` Really ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, she liked how empty it was. ``

`` Seems like an awfully uncheerful place, '' John said.

`` Where do you lot require to go first ? '' Albus asked as they gave their names to Filch.

`` Weasley 's, '' John said immediately, `` I 've got warhead to buy there. And Kaden gave me a list of poppycock he wants me to get him, too. ``

`` Why does that not surprise me ? '' Albus smirked.

The boys walked the short distance into Hogsmeade once Filch checked their names off. It was a chili pepper autumn day. There was a slight breeze in the air and it was cloudy, but not the kind of cloud that threatened rain. They could n't have asked for honorable weather in previous October.

Once they arrived, they hid behind a tree diagram in rules of order to await at the map. Albus glanced around to make for certain nobody was watching and then pulled it out of his cloak. He muttered the incantation and soon, an ink-black sound reflection of Hogsmeade was on the yellowed paper.

`` Whoa, '' matt whispered, `` reckon, Weasleys'is so crowded, you ca n't interpret any of the label. ``

There were dots spilling out of the joke shop and even more inside, piled on top of each former. Albus was n't surprised in the slightest. His uncle 's store was the most popular in Hogsmeade. There were More pocket-size collections of pane in the rest of the shop and pubs. A slight few were in the Hog 's Head.

`` Anyone we know in the Hog 's Head ? '' John asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus said after he read the labels.

Albus wiped the map clean and then they set off for Weasleys'superstar Wheezes. It took them a while to stuff into the bunch, and once there, Albus and lustrelessness quickly lost John to the throngs of scholar grabbing merchandise.

Both George V and shimmy were behind the parry, ringing up leverage as fast as they possibly could.

`` Hi Uncle George ! Teddy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Hey, Al ! '' George V shouted back.

`` Albus ! '' teddy exclaimed, `` How 's your outset Hogsmeade slip ? ``

`` Great, '' Albus smiled, `` Are you coming to the Halloween party ? ``

`` Would n't miss it, '' Teddy grinned, `` Victoire and Amy are going, too. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus said, `` Are you dressing up ? ``

`` 'Course, '' Teddy laughed.

`` What as ? ``

`` Where would the fun in that be ? '' Teddy winked.

John returned a little while later, weapon system laden with merchandise. He dumped it all on the parry and a few Skiving Snackboxes fell on the priming. Albus picked them up and smirked as he put them on the counter.

`` Stocking up for a twelvemonth ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nah, this is just until next Hogsmeade trip-up, '' can said.

`` You 're one of my best customers, John, '' George II laughed.

`` Do you really ask five Snackboxes ? '' Matt asked.

`` Definitely. fortune telling 's awful. And two are for Kaden, '' lav replied.

Saint John paid for his leverage and then the group wandered down the road until they reached Gladrags Wizardwear. They slowly walked inside, only to see that it was filled with giggly girls.

`` I 'd be happy if I never had to set foot in here again, '' John groaned as he gestured to a display of pink bubbling robes.

`` We just involve to get our costume stuff and get out, '' Albus muttered, equally unhappy about having to visit a clothing shop.

The three boy tried to run as quietly as possible through the bunch of girls in order to find their costume poppycock. Albus immediately found a black shirt and pants for his underframe costume. He had bought glow in the benighted blusher at Weasleys'and one of his cousins was going to paint bones on the shirt and knickers with it.

St. John had purchased Muggle lamia dentition and Muggle facial expression paint at Weasleys', so all he needed was a black cape, which he found quickly. matt located a livid sheet, which was all he needed for his ghostwriter costume. Albus got another flannel sheet, which they would cut up into strips for Kaden 's mom costume.

`` Finally ! '' privy exclaimed once they left the shop, `` That 's my least favorite position in Hogsmeade. ``

`` You should go to Madam Puddifoot 's, then, '' Albus laughed.

Saint John the Apostle shuddered. `` No way. I will never set metrical unit in that hideous place. ``

`` Anyone want to go to the triplet broomstick ? '' Matt shivered.

`` Yeah, I could use with a Butterbeer, '' Albus agreed and pulled his cloak tighter. The farting had picked up and Butterbeer would be good to warm up up with.

Albus led his friends up the street and into the crowded pub. It seemed that everyone had the idea of warming up with a Butterbeer. Albus and matt snagged the final empty board while lavatory went to the bar to get a few Butterbeers.

`` What do you intend the company is going to be like ? '' Matt asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's not really common for there to be an actual political party. Usually it 's just the banquet. I guess they just want us to interact with the foreign educatee. sort of like the Noel Lucille Ball for the Triwizard Tournament. ``

`` I just ca n't wait to see what people dress up as, '' John announced as he returned with the Butterbeers.

`` Think the teachers will apparel up ? '' matt asked.

`` I hope so, '' John grinned, `` Probably depends on the teacher, though. I could see Kendrick dressing up. And Longbottom. Not sure about Slughorn. ``

Albus snorted into his Butterbeer. `` Slughorn, dress up ? Now that would be funny. ``

`` I think any of the teachers dressing up would be funny, '' Matt laughed.

`` So, how long do you guess it 'll be until Kaden tries sneaking into Hogsmeade ? '' John asked.

`` succeeding slip, '' Albus said immediately, `` I know he 's plotting it. He asked me if I was taking the map today. I think he wanted it to creep in. ``

`` Are you going to let him have it next fourth dimension ? '' lustrelessness asked as he sipped his Butterbeer.

`` Probably, '' Albus nodded.

`` What if he gets caught ? '' Matt asked.

Albus shrugged. `` He 'll get a couple detention. It 's not like he 'll notice another two custody. ``

`` upright point, '' lustrelessness grinned and turned to John, `` You two spend half your waking metre in custody. ``

`` It 's not that bad, once you get used to it. I think Filch is getting a bit fed up with us, though. He 's starting to pawn us off on the professor. ``

`` Well, when you spend every other Night with him, who can fault him ? '' Albus smirked.

`` Shut it, Albus, '' John Lackland laughed, `` Or side by side time we get caught, we 'll tell Filch whatever we were doing was all your idea. ``

`` He 'll never believe you, '' Albus grinned.

`` Albus, '' a distaff phonation said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Rose, Butterbeer in hand, with Amanda and Linda on either incline of her.

`` Rose, '' Albus muttered.

The mood at the mesa quickly turned from joking around to tense silence. Albus nervously glanced from Amanda to Rose and back again. He looked at lustrelessness and Saint John, who were both glaring at the girls.

`` All the table are taken, '' Amanda sighed, `` Do you heed if we sit here ? ``

`` Er- '' Albus began.

`` We were just leaving, '' Matt announced as he stood up, `` Right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John the Divine agreed.

Albus nodded and stood up as well. He followed Matt and can through the crowd together pub, looking back at the daughter. Amanda was the only one who was watching them leave.

`` Why could n't they have found some other tabulate to sit at ? '' John groaned after they were back outside.

`` I dunno, '' Albus muttered. He had been having fun joking around with Matt and trick, but as soon as the young woman showed up, he was reminded once again of the rift that had formed in their radical. `` Anywhere we have n't been yet ? ``

`` madam Puddifoot 's, '' Matt laughed.

`` Do n't even joke about that, '' John Lackland shuddered, `` But you know, we have n't been to the Shrieking shanty. ``

Matt groaned. `` You 're kidding, right ? ``

`` Nope, '' toilet grinned and took off up the street, `` seminal fluid on, do n't even say you 're not going. Because you are. ``

matt sent Albus a dried-up look and set off at a slower tempo after privy. Albus laughed to himself and followed them.

There were a twin people leaning on the fencing in nominal head of the Shack. They were all third yr. Albus figured the flush of the Shrieking shack wore off after the first couple Hogsmeade trips. Albus and lustrelessness joined John, who was standing near a couple fille who were looking at the Shack.

`` It 's the most ghost building in Britain ! '' a Ravenclaw named Ann Jacobs told her friend.

`` Really ? '' the girl 's eyes widened. Albus vaguely remembered that she was Muggle born.

`` Yeah, it 's haunted by ghostwriter ! '' Ann Jacobs said excitedly, `` Right, Albus ? ``

`` Er, yup, '' Albus nodded, `` trace. ``

`` I wonder if we could get inside ! '' the early daughter said.

`` You ca n't, '' mat said quickly.

`` How do you have it away ? '' the girl asked.

`` My sister tried once, '' flatness answered, `` She graduated our outset twelvemonth. The spot is completely sealed. ``

`` Oh, '' the missy sighed, `` Would accept been cool. ``

`` We should get back, '' mat said, `` We 've got to get our costumes quick. ``

`` goodness idea, '' Albus agreed.

The male child bade goodbye to the two Ravenclaws and headed back to the palace. They were all very subdued on the base on balls back. Albus sunk back into his thoughts of how he should let gone to Hogsmeade with rosiness. He hoped he 'd be able to go with her the next trip. Albus could n't imagine that he 'd still be mad at her when that came around. At least he hoped he wouldn't.

Kaden was waiting in the marauder 's Den for them. He immediately bombarded them with questions, and the rest of the male child launched into a elaborate description of their intact misstep.

After Kaden 's oddment was finally satisfied, the boy got to work on their costumes. matt, John, and Kaden stayed behind in the Marauder 's Den to take a leak matte 's ghost costume and Kaden 's mummy costume while Albus set off to find one of his cousins to paint his skeletal frame costume.

Gabriella agreed to make the costume. Not wanting to find the girl and ask Amanda to do it, Albus had been hoping Gabriella would. Gabriella was the most creative of all his cousins and even though all he needed was soul to execute a house painting magical spell, he figured Gabriella would do the topper job.

`` What are you dressing up as ? '' Albus asked as Gabriella performed the charm.

`` A Veela, '' Gabriella replied.

`` Creative, '' Albus laughed.

`` My supporter actually came up with it. A span of us are going as Veelas. ``

`` Well, you 've already got the hairsbreadth, so it wo n't hire much for you to dress up, '' Albus said.

Gabriella grinned and handed Albus his costume. `` Here you go. I 'll see you at the party. I 've got to go get ready. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said.

When Albus returned to the Marauder 's Den, he was met not by his acquaintance, but by a ghost, mummy, and vampire. All three costumes were brilliant. Matt looked just like a Muggle ghost, complete with eye holes and a round mouthpiece mess. Kaden was wrapped in landing strip of white sheet that were hanging off of him in various berth. John 's costume was the advantageously, in Albus 's opinion. He wore a black cape with a Andrew Dickson White shirt and black pants underneath. He also had a red bow-tie on, which Kaden insisted would cook him depend more vampirish. His face was completely covered in white make-up and he was wearing vivid red lip rouge that dripped onto his chin. When he grinned, he revealed pearly white lamia fangs.

`` You lot look great, '' Albus grinned, `` The Muggle costumes was definitely the way to go. ``

`` Put yours on, '' matt said.

Albus nodded and went to his department of the way. When he came out, he was wearing his costume. Albus looked at his arms and they were glowing. Gabriella had done an excellent job with the painting good luck charm. His chest was covered in a glow in the wickedness rib cage.

`` Brilliant, Albus, '' John grinned.

`` We 're going to have the best costumes in the school, '' Kaden announced, `` Are the girls still dressing up as beldam ? ``

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed. He had n't talked to develop about the costumes in workweek. `` Guess we 'll find out. ``

Albus had no theme what to carry from the political party. The professors had never sponsored a party before while he was at Hogwarts. He walked down to the Great manse with lustrelessness, lavatory, and Kaden. They passed quite a few people on the way down and saw all kind of different costumes.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who read and reviewed this ! You guys are awe-inspiring !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus walked into the Great manor hall, he stopped in his course. The room had been completely transformed. There were immense diddly o'lanterns everywhere, lit up by standard candle. realistic looking spider WWW were draped across every airfoil. The four House tables had disappeared and were replaced by spindly round wooden tabular array. Fake wanderer were crawling around the floor. juke bats were flying around. Tables of solid food were set up everywhere. Cauldrons were smoking on top of them, emitting all sorts of different colored skunk.

The professor were all milling about and talking with each other. Kendrick was dressed up as Merlin or Dumbledore, Albus could n't tell which. Neville was dressed as Godric Gryffindor, Patil as Rowena Ravenclaw, and even Slughorn was dressed as Salazar Slytherin. Polo was not dressed as Helga Hufflepuff, a fact John was quick to point out. He was probably dressed as some early noted Hufflepuff, but Albus had no idea who it was.

In fact, nearly all the professors were dressed up. The only one who was n't was Balladanis. He was wearing his usual pristine black robes with the intricate silver fastenings. He was wearing a down face as he brushed past Albus and his friends. His center narrowed a little at John but he quickly looked away. Albus thought this was odd, but did n't lie on it.

As the room gradually filled with Sir Thomas More and more educatee, Albus noticed that there were an alarming amount of money of them dressed up as his father. Most were first long time. Albus just kept staring as eleven-year-olds with plastic glasses and fudge cicatrix on their faces walked past. He thought it was really really odd.

`` We 're surrounded by your dad, '' John laughed as another miniature Harry Potter walked by.

`` This is just Wyrd, '' Albus muttered, shaking his head.

`` It 's kind of good story, '' John laughed even harder.

`` Bet you would n't opine that if everyone was dressing up as your dad, '' Albus replied.

`` And that kid 's dressed up as your uncle ! '' Kaden announced, pointing to a red-haired boy who could 've easily passed for a Weasley. In fact, he did n't really attend like he was dressed up at all, but Albus figured he was his Uncle Ron.

`` Uncle Ron would like that, '' Albus smirked.

`` He would, '' somebody said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw the real Harry thrower with a plate of biscuits in hand. `` Hi, Dad ! ``

`` This has got to be the strange political party ever, '' Harry said, `` I 've never seen people dressed up as me before. It 's rather odd. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He did n't really like that so many multitude were dressed as his dad.

`` Too bad Ron is on duty tonight, '' Harry sighed, `` He would 've liked to see a kid dressed as him. Where 's Rose ? ``

`` Er .... ''

Harry gave Albus a curious look. `` Is everything all right ? ``

`` Um, yeah, '' Albus mumbled, `` I guess. ``

`` well, you know I 'm always here if you need to talk, '' Harry replied, `` I like your costumes, by the way. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus grinned, `` Kaden 's idea. ``

`` So far I have n't seen any other Muggle costumes, '' Harry pointed out, `` I 've got to go talk to Kendrick, so I 'll see you soon. ``

Albus nodded. `` See you later. ``

Once Harry left, Albus and his Friend wandered over to one of the food tables. They loaded up collection plate with chicken and potatoes and various other stuff and went to find seats.

`` looking, Albus, '' mat pointed to the threshold, `` The missy are dressed as Muggle witches. ``

Albus looked up and saw Rose, Amanda, and Linda strolling into the room dressed as the Muggle version of a witch. All three of them were wearing homely black gown, black crone hats, and had painted their faces green.

Albus caught Amanda 's eye and they gave each other weak smile as the miss walked into the elbow room.

`` guess they could n't come up with any other melodic theme, '' Gospel According to John muttered.

`` We did agree on costumes before they stopped speaking to us, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I guess, '' john said.

`` Looks like they 're coming over here, '' flatness groaned.

Albus set down his home plate and watched as the girl progressed towards them. rose wine 's face was still stony, even in green. Amanda was leading them, so Albus figured she wanted to say hi, not Rose.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Amanda greeted them, `` Matt, bathroom, Kaden. Great costumes. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` You, too. ``

cypher else said anything. Albus stood awkwardly with Amanda and looked around at the group. pink wine was glaring at Matt and vice versa. John and Kaden were shifting nervously around. Linda was staring at John, but not in a loathing way. It was Sir Thomas More of a combination between curiosity and revulsion, which Albus thought was kind of odd.

`` This is just so stupid ! '' Amanda finally exclaimed, `` Do you lot want to keep back fighting for the sleep of the twelvemonth ? ``

`` Not really, '' Albus muttered.

rose wine sent a withering look at Amanda and then turned around and left in a huff. Amanda sighed and followed her. Linda shook her head and then ran after Amanda.

`` Well, that was awkward, '' Kaden announced a few endorsement later.

`` Is this really what the ease of the yr is going to be like ? '' Albus asked, looking pointedly at Matt, `` Because I think I 'll go mad if it is. ``

`` Well, blush wine started it, '' Matt muttered.

`` You both started it, '' Albus snapped, `` And you both had better cultivation it. ``

`` It 's not that simple, Albus, '' Matt sighed.

`` It is n't ? '' Albus asked, `` What am I missing, then ? I was there. You two fought over whether Linda should be in the Room or not ! And we all said no, but rose wine is still upset over it ! I just do n't realize it. ``

`` Told you it was n't mere, '' lustrelessness said in barely more than a whisper.

`` They 're girls. aught is bare with little girl, '' trick groaned, `` And do you have it away why it 's not simple, lusterlessness ? ``

mat shifted uncomfortably and looked away for a few seconds. `` Yeah, I do, '' he whispered.

`` Care to explicate ? '' Albus asked, now thoroughly confused.

`` Not here, '' matte said, `` seminal fluid on, let 's go to the way. ``

Albus followed Matt out of the Great Hall with can and Kaden on either side of him. None of them said a Holy Writ until they reached the Marauder 's Den. They went inside and sat down on the furniture. Matt stood up as soon as he sat down and then began pacing around. It reminded Albus of the time he explained about the Hallows back in their initiatory year.

`` All right, what 's up with the girls ? '' john asked after Matt paced for a few moments.

Matt stopped pacing and stood in front of them. `` Ok, here it goes. What do you know about vampires ? ``

`` Wait, what ? '' Albus shook his brain. What in the epithet of Merlin did vampires accept to do with the lady friend ?

`` What do you do it about vampire ? '' Matt repeated.

St. John the Apostle laughed. `` They vant to suck your pedigree ! '' he exclaimed in a bad Transylvannian accent. He opened his sassing and leaned towards Kaden 's neck.

`` Ew, '' Kaden moved away, `` Vampires are afraid of garlic and they ca n't see themselves in mirrors. They ca n't go out during the day and they turn into bat. Oh, and you have to kill them with a wooden stake to the heart. ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` I do n't really have intercourse much besides the whole blood sucking matter. ``

`` You know, '' lustrelessness began, `` You know cypher about vampire, yet you knew adequate about werewolves to figure out that I was one. ``

`` That was blush wine, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Right, anyway, Kaden, those are the vampires as Muggles see them. They 're not like that. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said.

`` What do lamia have to do with this anyway ? '' John asked, `` I just want to know why rose is so stubborn. ``

`` It 's just the way she is, '' Albus muttered.

`` Vampires, '' Matt continued, `` In the wizarding world, are the undead. They 're drained, but they 're still around, obviously. Vampires feed on human stock, but if they do n't suck a human completely dry, the dupe becomes a vampire themselves. ``

`` Sort of similar wolfman, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, I guess, '' Matt replied, `` But not really. Anyway, they basically die but they do n't. They become immortal and stop senescence. individual could be bitten when they 're twenty and still count twenty two hundred geezerhood later. Their hearts quit beating and they run out of blood. That 's why they turn gluey Andrew D. White. Then, they need to feed on blood in social club to survive. They can either use human or animal blood. The lamia that like to desegregate into homo high society prefer to use animal line. All they need to pull through is blood. They do n't need nutrient. But they eat it to feign they 're homo. They do n't postulate to slumber either. ``

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked, `` That is weird. ``

Albus never knew any of that. Now the vampire building block in Defense class was going to be incredibly easy.

`` How often do they drink origin ? '' Albus asked.

`` Depends on the vampire. well-nigh need to fuddle it every twain of weeks or so. ``

`` What happens if they do n't ? ''

`` They get weak, '' Matt explained, `` vampire are exceptionally stiff and firm, but if they have n't had any blood recently, they feel weak and sick. ``

`` Like you do before the full moon, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Yeah, '' flatness nodded, `` form of like that. ``

`` Can they go out during the day ? '' John asked.

`` There 's a potion that they take so they can go out in the sun. The sun hurts them. Kind of like the moon for werewolf. ``

`` But what 's this got to do with Rose ? '' John asked impatiently.

`` I 'm getting there, '' flatness said as he began pacing again, `` Anyway, lamia are fast and strong so they can catch their target. But they are also more beautiful than regular mankind. That way hoi polloi are attracted to them. They 're also really really charismatic. When you meet one, you 're naturally attracted to them. It 's gruelling to explain, you 're just drawn to them. It does n't even matter if they 're a boy or a young woman or if you 're a boy or a girl. ``

Albus suddenly remembered the day the foreign students arrived and he first laid eyes on Linda. She was beautiful. Albus had n't been able to take his middle off her. But she did n't appear particularly charismatic. After hearing matte 's description of a vampire, Linda did vocalize like one, except for the magnetic constituent. She hardly said a word.

`` So if a vampire walked through the door, I 'd immediately want to to go over to them ? '' John asked.

`` Pretty much, yeah, '' mat said.

`` How do you screw all this ? '' trick asked.

`` Remember the library at my planetary house ? There are loads of lamia Good Book there because of my dad 's job. I 've read a few of them. ``

`` well, you 'll do great on whatever test Balladanis gives us on vampires when we get to that unit, '' John laughed.

`` Wait, '' Kaden looked at Matt curiously, `` Muggles believe that vampires and wolfman hate each former, and did n't you say that 's real ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' mat said quietly, `` That 's pretty much it. But mostly the big rivalry is between werewolves and lamia who live away from wizards. There are large number of werewolves and covens of lamia who fight over territorial dominion and clobber. That does n't happen as much as it did year ago, but it still does occasionally, mostly in other commonwealth. ``

`` So, you do n't really detest all vampire ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 've never really met one, '' flatness shrugged.

`` And what in the public figure of Merlin does this have to do with rose wine rowing with us ? '' toilet asked exasperatingly.

Albus was getting a bit impatient as well. Sure, he liked hearing about lamia. They were kind of interesting, but he mainly wanted to know what Matt knew about pink wine.

`` Linda is a lamia, '' matt said simply.

The room was understood for a few arcminute. Albus stared at lustrelessness. Linda was a vampire ? It was possible. She did fit some of the characteristic, but it was still hard to comprehend. Albus had never met a lamia before, let alone one that was his age.

`` When did you forecast that out ? '' Albus asked.

`` As soon as she walked past the Gryffindor table, '' Matt answered.

lavatory looked at him in awe. `` Wow, that 's telling. You ought to go into the section for the regulating and Control of Magical Creatures. ``

`` Now that would be even more wry than my dad working there, '' matte laughed, `` But I would have known she was a vampire even if I did n't sleep together so much about them. Werewolves and lamia can instantly recognize each other. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked.

`` Smell, '' Matt said, `` lamia have a distinctive odour, but habitue wizards ca n't state. Werewolves can, though. And vampires can smack werewolves. ``

`` And you did n't tell us ? '' John asked incredulously.

`` I did n't see the stop, until now. ``

`` Did n't see the full stop ? There 's a vampire at Hogwarts and you did n't reckon to tell us ? '' John shook his foreland, `` There 's always a grounds to tell us that kind of stuff. ``

Matt shrugged. `` Well, you know now. ``

Albus was still processing the information. Linda was a vampire. Matt knew Linda was a vampire from the start. werewolf can sense lamia. lamia can smell out werewolves. That meant-

`` Wait, '' Albus began, `` Linda knows you 're a werewolf, does n't she ? ``

matte sighed. `` Yes, she probably does. ``

`` Then why does it matter if she gets to go in the Marauder 's Den ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` Not that I want to let her in. ``

`` It 's the principle of the thing ! '' lustrelessness replied, `` I just do n't see why Killigan let her go to his shoal but he would n't let me ! I know it 's stupid person to avoid her because of that because it 's not her fault, but I just do n't get it. ``

Albus had n't even thought of that. matt was right ; it did n't make sense. How was letting a vampire into a school any different from letting a werewolf ?

`` But if you had been let in, you would n't have moved here, '' Saint John pointed out.

`` I know, and I 'm glad we moved, but it 's just not fair, '' Matt sighed.

`` So, '' Kaden said loudly, `` There 's a vampire at Hogwarts. Who 's blood is she sucking ? ``

"That, is actually a good question, '' Albus said.

`` I have no idea, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm guessing she 's sucking beast bloodline. Probably Richard Morris Hunt in the woodland. ``

`` What about the altogether 'vampires are charismatic'affair ? '' Albus asked. Even if Linda did want to suck homo ancestry, he had no idea how she 'd manage to lure a homo towards her. She seemed to void as many people as possible.

mat smiled wryly, `` That 's where it gets interesting. The three of you do n't see her as magnetic, right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said. John and Kaden nodded.

`` That 's what I thought. It 's because you 're acquaintance with me. ``

Albus turned to await at John and Kaden. Both of them looked as confused as Albus felt.

`` time lag, what ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` eventide way back when there were more packs of loup-garou and covens of vampires running about, it was potential for humans to affiliate with one or the other. Occasionally, a pack of lycanthrope would assort of 'adopt'a human and the human would live with the pack. I mean, the human being would leave for the full-of-the-moon moon, but live with the pack the residual of the month. But if the human being came upon a vampire, the human would be completely undesirable to a vampire because they were affiliated with werewolves. ``

`` And we 're affiliated with you, so Linda would n't want to imbibe our blood, even if she did suck up human blood ? '' Albus asked.

`` Exactly, '' Matt replied, `` recollect how everyone seemed to cluster around Linda when she first came here ? Everyone except us. Even Rose disliked her backbone then. ``

`` But she does n't now, '' Kaden reminded him.

`` I know. That 's because as blush wine started spending more time with Linda, she spent LE fourth dimension with us, with me. She became less connected with me, so to speak. And then when we had that row, well, now she 's just affiliated with Linda. She 's completely under Linda 's charisma. ``

Rose was affiliated with a lamia ? Did this mean there was no hope of her reconciling with mat ? Albus groaned inwardly. He really did n't like Linda now. She was putting a huge rift into their group.

`` Is it possible for a person to be friends with both a werewolf and a vampire ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` I think so, '' Matt sighed, `` But Rose wo n't even talk to us. ``

`` I think the sole way she will is if we agree to let Linda into the piranha 's Den, '' Albus muttered, `` She 's just so stubborn. ``

`` But we do n't want to let her in here, '' John groaned.

`` No, we do n't, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do you opine Rose knows she 's a lamia ? '' Albus asked. Rose was hurt, but if she had found out Linda was a lamia, she probably would have told him. She told him Matt was a werewolf, after all. Unless of row she discovered Linda was a lamia after the row.

`` No idea, '' mat shrugged, `` Do you have it off if she knows anything about vampires ? ``

`` Probably not a great deal, '' Albus answered.

`` Then she might not. Linda 's obviously trying to conceal that she 's a vampire. I bet she 'll see out when we do the vampire unit in Department of Defense, though. ``

`` Unless we tell her outset, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Are we going to ? '' lav asked.

`` Would she even mind ? '' Matt asked.

`` I sort of think we should at least try to tell her, '' Albus said, `` And Amanda, too. ``

`` I suppose, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` But they 're always around Linda. ``

`` We 'll just have to expect until she 's at Quidditch praxis. I think the Aboriginal Australian squad practices on Mondays, so I guess we 'll waitress until then, '' Albus said.

The room descended into silence for a few minutes. Linda had definitely spiked Albus 's curiosity. He was mostly curious about why Linda had been allowed to go to the Australian school of Sorcery but Matt had n't. What was the departure in letting a lamia attend than a werewolf ? Even if Linda did absorb animal line of descent, there was still the potential for her to suck man blood.

`` Bloody hell, '' Kaden let out a low tin whistle, `` A lamia at Hogwarts. ``

Albus nodded. Kaden pretty much summed up what Albus was thinking. Linda being a vampire had shocked him More than Matt being a werewolf. He was n't for sure why, but maybe it was because shimmy 's dad had been a lycanthrope and he attended Hogwarts, but as far as Albus knew, no vampires had ever been there.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere at Hogwats the side by side day reminded Albus a lot of what it was like the day of the Quidditch Final. It was the day of the starting time Quidditch match of the Inter-School contest. Australia would be playing New House of York. Albus was excited, but not as excited as he would take in been if Hogwarts was playing. He did n't particularly care who won this match. He was curious about Linda 's seeking skills, though.

`` Hi, Al, '' soul said from seat Albus as he walked down to the pitch with matte, John, and Kaden.

Albus turned around and saw his dad. `` Hi, Dad ! Here to see the couple ? Or are you on responsibility ? ``

`` Just to see the couple, '' Harry grinned, `` I 'm hoping to be capable to see them all, especially the single you and James get to act in. ``

`` I do n't really get to play in any of them, '' Albus pointed out.

`` You never know, '' Harry said, `` Well, I 'm sitting with Neville, so I 'll see you after the match. ``

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus waved as he ran ahead of them.

The boys found in good order place and waited for the match to begin. The conditions was particularly prissy, especially for a late Oct day. The sun was out and there was only a slight gentle wind in the unseasonably fond air.

`` It 's sort of odd to not be rooting for Gryffindor, '' Matt said.

Albus agreed. nobody was segregated into House section like they usually were during Quidditch matches. `` I do n't lie with who to root for. ``

`` Me either, '' St. John the Apostle lowered his voice, `` I mostly just require to see how Linda plays. Never seen a vampire bid Quidditch before. ``

`` She must be good. She 's only a secondly year and she 's on the team, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But she 's immortal, '' Matt reminded them, `` So she 's probably decades older than us at to the lowest degree. ``

Albus still found that view of vampire very strange. He sighed to himself and focused on the pitch, where a few people were milling about. Albus could reach out prof Kendrick, Roberts, and Killigan, along with a few other hoi polloi Albus did n't recognize.

`` Welcome, students, staff, and guests to the first base Quidditch match of the competition ! '' Kendrick shouted over the crowd a few instant later, `` This will work exactly like veritable Quidditch matches. Ludo roadman of the section of Magical Sports will referee this catch. And now, I give you the Quidditch teams of the Adirondack Academy of Magic and the Australian School of Sorcery ! ``

The New Yorkers were dressed in aristocratic Quidditch gown and the Aboriginal Australian were dressed in putting green. Both teams entered the rake with Scots heather in their hands. Albus watched as each of their captains shook men. Bagman blew a whistle and all fifteen of them rose into the air.

`` And they 're off ! '' Todd Smith, who was apparently the reviewer for the inter-school mate, shouted, `` Haberino of New York catches the Quaffle and is flying to the Australian destination posts .... ''

It was a very fast paced mates. The Quaffle passed back and forth between players faster than Smith could announce. Albus was very impressed. He also doubted he could fly as well as them and was sort of sword lily he was n't playing.

Albus knew he should pay the closest attention to the pursuer, but he could n't help but gape at Linda as she flew around the lurch. She was noticeably faster than the rest of the players. Her manikin was practically a fuzz every time she darted in between the rest of the players.

`` Merlin, she 's fast ! '' Albus exclaimed as Linda went from one end of the pitch to the other in mere seconds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen anyone fly that fast ! '' John gaped, `` And I 've been to loads of Puddlemere matches ! ``

`` wellspring, that would explicate it, '' lustrelessness smirked.

`` Puddlemere has peck of debauched bill ! '' whoremaster shouted, `` It 's you who 's probably never seen anyone fly fast, what with you being a Cannons fan .... ''

mat rolled his eyes. `` She 's fast because of what she is. ``

Albus nodded. He kind of figured that. It did n't seem fair, though. None of the other teams had a vampire for a quester. James obviously was n't a vampire and Albus doubted the New York searcher was one either. He was a lot slower than Linda. It seemed like there should be some form of convention that would foreclose Linda from being on the Aussie team. Although, Albus was n't certain Kendrick and Roberts knew Linda was a vampire.

`` New York scores ! '' Smith shouted, `` 40-20 New York ! ``

Linda may take in been fast, but New York seemed to consume well pursuer. Their style of playing reminded Albus of how he played with his cousins. When Albus played with heather mixture and Fred, it was almost like they shared a brain.

All of a sudden, Linda shot across the pitch, from the Australian goals to the bottom of the New York goals. Albus stood up and watched the New York searcher flew after her, but was beat behind. Linda Columba for the ground and aviate back into the air clutching something in her hand.

`` Is that ? '' bathroom began.

`` The Snitch ? '' Kaden gaped.

`` It is, '' Albus stared as the two teams descended to the priming coat. It had only been fifteen bit since the friction match started !

`` Linda Morales of Australia has caught the Snitch ! '' Smith announced, `` Australia wins 170-40 ! ``

`` That was the quickest secret plan of Quidditch I 've ever seen, '' john said.

Everyone agreed. Albus had never seen anyone watch the stoolie that fast before. If the former matches were like this one, Australia was going to take in the contest in the bag.

`` I 'm guessing this mate wo n't be followed by a political party in the green room ? '' Kaden asked as the boys got up from their seats.

`` Probably not, '' Albus laughed, `` Hogwarts did n't wager, so we 've really got nix to celebrate. ``

`` Linda 's in Gryffindor, though, '' St. John the Apostle pointed out.

`` Yeah, but I 'm betting to the highest degree of the Gryffindors are going to be a bit disordered at Linda 's seeking skills. I mean, James is safe, but even he 's going to have job going up against Linda. I think she 'd even hand Teddy a run for his money, '' Albus pointed out.

`` James can outfox her, '' toilet said confidently as they began the journey back to schooling, `` He 's a brilliant Seeker. ``

`` But she 's faster, '' Albus sighed.

`` She 's bounce to slue up eventually, '' Kaden said hopefully.

Albus certainly hoped so. Maybe the Beaters could just constantly pelt her with Bludgers throughout the entirely friction match so she would n't suffer a probability to find the Snitch.

They continued to walk alongside the forest on their way to the castle. The haircloth on the back of Albus 's cervix bristled and he looked quickly over his berm. It felt like individual was watching him. He stopped in his tracks and looked into the forest. He saw a darkness flesh jump behind a tree. Someone was in there.

`` Why 'd you stop, Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` There 's soul in the woodland, '' Albus whispered.

`` Hagrid ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` No, '' Albus shook his fountainhead, `` Too small to be Hagrid. ``

`` We should go find out who it is, '' St. John the Apostle announced.

`` Are you mental ? '' Matt said, `` Whoever 's in there could be a murderer or something ! ''

Albus was n't sure as shooting about that, but he was trusted that he was rum. He wanted to know who was lurking about the woodland after a Quidditch match.

`` Maybe we should, '' Albus said.

Matt sighed. `` Albus, you 're supposed to be the sane one. ``

`` I want to go see who it is, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's the Forbidden forest ! '' Matt groaned, `` Forbidden ! If we get caught, we 'll be in huge difficulty ! Look at everyone walking around. somebody is going to catch us. ``

That was a commodity percentage point. But at the like time, Albus really wanted to experience who it was. He could n't just stand there and not go find out who the mysterious figure was ....

`` Al, '' a vox said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. His dad was standing there, looking at him curiously. `` Oh, hi Dad. ``

`` What are you doing ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, there 's someone in the forest, '' Albus replied.

Harry peered into the forest and then turned back to Albus with a grim flavour on his side. `` Thanks for letting me know, Al. I 'll discipline it out. I want all four of you to go back to the castle and go straight to Gryffindor towboat. ``

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Albus asked. His dad seemed rather worried.

`` I have a few guesses, '' Harry replied, `` If it 's anyone important, I 'll let you do it. ``

Albus nodded and started to walk back to the castle with his ally. He glanced back at his dad and saw his Patronus running in the opposite charge. A few hoi polloi were pointing at it and whispering.

`` Who do you think it is ? '' Kaden asked.

Albus shrugged. `` Dunno. I mean, the only mass I can think of are Washburn and Willinson, but they have n't been sighted in month. ``

`` It 's got to be one of them, '' John said, `` Why else would your dad get so worry about it ? ``

`` But he could n't even see who it was, '' lusterlessness pointed out, `` It might wrick out to be nothing. ``

`` Scary, though, '' Kaden shivered, `` One of them coming back. I mean, I 've never met either of them, but if they 're anything like Quinton .... ''

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus assured him, `` We 'll just go back to the common room and we 'll be hunky-dory. ``

The boy hurried back into the castle and up to Gryffindor Tower. well-nigh of the people around them were talking about the match, but Albus overheard a few people talking about his dad 's Patronus.

The Gryffindor mutual room was packed when they entered it. There was a very gravid group of people in the middle shouting about Quidditch and Albus had no doubt that Linda was in the middle of it, even if she did n't want to be. Albus did n't see Rose or Amanda anywhere and figured they were with Linda. Albus had a momentary thought that he needed to severalise them about what he saw, but decided not to since Rose was n't speaking with him. He just did n't feel like telling her anything authoritative while she was still giving him the silent treatment. He was starting to feel a bit dejected that it had been going on so long.

Albus and his friend found a table and sat down. They were quickly joined by Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Ashtyn.

`` Can you believe she caught the canary that fast ? '' Lily asked.

`` That was incredible, '' Albus agreed, `` But she 's going to form it hard to beat Australia. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Hugo sighed, `` Everyone is trying to figure out how she 's so fast. Fred thought she had some kind of special broom, but she denied it. ``

`` well, she obviously would n't admit to that, '' Ashtyn rolled her eyes.

`` Maybe rose wine could ask her, '' Lily suggested.

`` I doubt rose would do that, '' Albus muttered.

`` Are you still rowing with her ? '' Lily asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` Why ? Nobody 's told me what your row was even about, '' Lily huffed.

`` It 's not your business, Lily, '' Albus sighed.

`` come on, '' Lily whined, `` I 'm your sister. ``

`` And I do n't recite you everything, '' Albus said, `` So give it a ease. ``

`` Can I have everyone 's tending ? '' someone shouted from the portraiture hole.

Albus looked up and saw Neville standing there. Everyone immediately quieted down. teacher rarely went into the common room. In fact, the only time they did was when something bad happened or when Gryffindor had a spectacular Quidditch win.

`` I do n't require anyone leaving the common room for now, '' Neville said in an unusually strict tone.

`` What 's going on ? '' Georgia asked.

`` Someone was spotted near Hogsmeade and in the forest, '' Neville replied.

`` Who ? '' Fred asked.

`` The Aurors do n't require us to break that information yet, '' Neville said, `` I 'll be back when we know more. ``

Neville left and the common room erupted into whispers. Albus turned to his friends, who had all turned a few nicety lighter after hearing Neville 's announcement.

`` It 's got to be, '' matt whispered, `` They would n't shut us in if it was n't someone serious. ``

Albus nodded and swallowed hard. He knew he was perfectly safe in the park room, but could n't help feeling a bit scared.

`` I bet it 's Washburn ! '' someone shouted from across the commons room.

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' one of the first year piped up.

`` Evil magic spell teacher, '' someone replied.

`` Yeah ! '' Ashtyn said, `` He tried to vote down my comrade ! ``

`` Mine, too ! '' Lily put in.

`` And he tried to belt down my sister, '' Hugo added.

Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo started telling the former first year what had happened to Albus and his friends. Albus groaned and shook his head as all four football team twelvemonth olds watched him.

`` Wish we could go to the room, '' Albus muttered.

`` Let 's go to the hall, '' can suggested, `` I 'll bet it 's abandon. ``

The boys left the usual way ( often to the dismay of Lily, Hugo, Ashtyn, and their growing mathematical group of on-lookers ) and went up to Albus 's dormitory, which was thankfully empty.

Albus, matt, and St. John all sat on their bottom and Kaden sat on the human foot of Albus 's. None of them said a Good Book. Albus supposed that deep down in his mind he knew Washburn would hail back, but he tried not to think about it. He figured Washburn was after the Resurrection Harlan F. Stone. That meant he would n't try and divulge into the castle, did n't it ?

No, it did n't. Albus 's gaze fell upon his body, where the invisibility Cloak resided. If Washburn still wanted to link the Hallows, he 'd need that cloak. Albus gulped. Washburn was going to try and break off into the rook. Albus did n't know when, but he knew it would pass at some point.

******

Harry never returned to the castle to tell Albus what had happened. Neville came back to the usual way an hour or so later and told everyone they were free to pull up stakes if they wanted to, but he did n't give away any item. Albus and his friends stayed in the common room, hoping Harry would eventually get Albus, but he never did.

The Great entrance hall was filled with much more than chattering than was normal on Monday morning. Albus and his friends sat down at the Gryffindor table and King James I immediately passed Albus a copy of the Daily Prophet.

`` They did n't entrance him, '' James said as he tossed Albus the paper.

Albus took it and all four boys read the front page clause at the Sami time.

Washburn Sighted in Hogsmeade ; Mysterious Man Sighted in timber

Jameson Washburn, wanted for torturing underage
pupil and the illegal use of Legilimency on an
minor pupil, was sighted by an anon. witch
in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon.

The sighting took post a few hours after the beginning
Quidditch equal in the tournament between Hogwarts,
the Australian shoal of black art, and the Adirondack
Academy of deception. The anonymous witch stated that
'a man ran from behind the Hog 's Head up towards the
pitcher's mound. He looked like Washburn .'

Harry Potter, Head of the Auror section, was on the
Hogwarts grounds at the time and reported quickly to
the prospect. No signs of Washburn were found and Potter
is sure he had Disapparated quickly.

Potter had previously been investigating the Forbidden
Forest, after receiving a tip from a pupil that
someone had been lurking around. Nobody was found.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and genius went into
lock down after the hypothesize sighting of Washburn.
Students were not informed about the situation. The
Auror Department has not said whether additional
tribute will be given to the school. Currently, an
Auror is assigned to the schoolhouse at all times, after the
kidnapping of a student by Quinton Willinson ( currently
residing in Azkaban ) last Spring.

'We do n't want people to worry. We 're not even sure
whether either sighting was actually Washburn or not ,'
Potter told reporters.

Albus set down the paper and turned to look at his friends. There was no dubiousness in his mind that that man in the timberland had been Washburn. He had gotten away again. For someone who seemed incompetent at just about everything, Washburn certainly was respectable at escaping.

`` I wonder where he 's hiding, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` I mean, he 's probably somewhere around here, you 'd guess ? ``

`` I bet he Apparated someplace far away, '' Albus replied, `` He 's not going to require to amaze around and get caught. ``

`` Yeah, that 's unfeigned, '' John said, `` But I bet he 'll be back. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed, `` Willinson might even go with him. I wonder where he is. ``

`` I hope he 's far away from here, '' lustrelessness said, `` We 'd meliorate get to course. ``

Albus was well-chosen that they had tutelage of Magical Creatures first because he would be capable to continue talking about Washburn as they observed firecrabs.

`` You do n't intend they 'll delete the Hogsmeade trips, do you ? '' John Lackland asked once they had walked a prophylactic distance away from the Slytherins.

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` They did n't delete them when Dog Star escaped from Azkaban. ``

`` I hope they wo n't, '' John said, `` They could just have Aurors patrolling the village. That 'll keep Washburn away. ``

`` There are already Aurors patrolling the school, '' Matt pointed out, `` So I 'm sure they 'll be patrolling Hogsmeade now, too. ``

`` Just as long as they do n't bring any dementors here, I 'll be felicitous, '' Albus shivered. He had never actually seen a dementor, but he knew enough about them to dread them.

`` Well, that did n't exactly work out well when Sirius had escaped, did it ? '' John replied.

`` I know, but still .... '' Albus 's vocalisation trailed off.

`` Dementors do n't even guard Azkaban anymore, so I do n't see why they would get sent here, '' John said as he stopped his firecrab from escaping.

`` I wonder where they went, '' Albus pondered, `` I 've never seen one. ``

`` Me neither, '' toilet shook his head, `` But that 's a dependable point. What did happen to them all ? ``

`` That 's one matter my dad never told me, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I 've never seen one either, '' lusterlessness shivered, `` But my dad has. He 's had to look at with them at work- ''

`` So he knows where they were sent ? '' John interrupted.

`` No, '' Matt shook his head, `` He dealt with them in Australia. There are a lot of them on the outback. There 's hardly anyone living around there, so every once in a while, they 'll descend on some flyspeck town they come upon. Then some witch or mavin reports it and my dad or person else from his office would have to go clear them out. ``

`` That would be a horrible job, '' John said quietly.

`` He hated it, '' lustrelessness replied, `` He 'd fare place all rickety and gloomy and Mum would feed him piles of burnt umber. Then they 'd go talk by themselves. He refused to tell me and Amy what he hears when he comes across dementors, though. Amy asked consignment of times, but he never told. ``

`` My dad wo n't tell me what he hears either, '' Albus said, `` It 's got to be awful. ``

`` Neither of my parents have ever seen dementors, '' trick said, `` I think my parents lead relatively normal lives compared to yours. ``

`` No one in my family leads a normal life, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine either, '' mat agreed.

`` Well, hopefully your dad will catch Washburn and Willinson and then you can have a somewhat normal life story, Albus, '' whoremonger said.

`` Maybe, '' Albus shrugged.

`` As for me, I like a little turmoil in life, '' John grinned.

`` You can have all of mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' mat smirked.

`` Nah, '' John shook his fountainhead, `` I 'll make my own. ``


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


In all the hullabaloo of the possible sighting of Washburn in Hogsmeade, Albus nearly forgot about talking to Rose that evening. He was sitting in the common room trying to read his Defense Against the nighttime Arts book when John Lackland prodded him.

`` What ? '' Albus looked up at John.

`` Linda just went to Quidditch practice, '' Saint John the Apostle gestured to the portrait hollow, which just closed behind individual, `` We can talk to rose now. ``

Albus nodded and closed his book. He had to admit that he was a bit nervous about telling pink wine that Linda was a vampire. He had a flavour she would n't take it well. They were going to induce to intermit this to her very nicely.

It was n't that Albus was worried that pink wine would be upset that Linda was a vampire. Albus knew that would n't bother her in the slightest. It was the fact that Albus was the one who figured it out that he was worried about. Albus fully expected blush wine to deny that Linda was a vampire for the sole reason that she had n't figured it out herself.

`` I guess we 'd better, '' Albus said as he got up. He glanced around the mutual elbow room and his eye rested on the table Rose and Amanda were sitting at.

Albus walked over to her table with lusterlessness, john, and Kaden following. The two fille looked to be working on homework.

`` Rose, '' Albus sat down next to her, `` We need to talk to you about something. ``

Rose put down her quill and looked up. `` Is it about Washburn ? If you 're worried about him coming back, do n't be. He ca n't get into the castle. ``

`` It 's not about him, '' Albus sighed, although he had a feeling Washburn could get into the castle if he wanted.

`` Then what ? '' Rose said shortly.

`` It 's about Linda- ''

`` Then I do n't want to hear it, '' rose interrupted.

`` rosiness, it 's important, '' Albus insisted, `` Just come lecture to us. ``

`` No, '' blush wine said a bit louder, `` I know you lot do n't like her, but I do. And I do n't ask you telling me who I can and ca n't be Quaker with. ``

`` That 's not what we 're going to tell you, '' Albus groaned, `` There 's just something about her you should know. ``

`` Just talk to them, rosiness, '' Amanda said, `` To be honest, I 'm sick of you ignoring them. ``

rosebush looked a bit taken aback. `` All right, fine. '' She shoved her books into her bag a bit unvoiced than requirement and stood up.

Albus said nothing but lead everyone out of the coarse room. Nobody said a word until they were in the vulture 's Den. Rose sat in one of the chairperson and folded her arms across her chest.

`` What ? '' she asked, `` What do you possibly have to separate me ? ``

Albus glanced at mat, who nodded. Albus took a mysterious breathing spell. `` Linda is a vampire, '' he said quietly.

Rose 's backtalk fell open and then she burst out laughing. `` Are you bloody insane ? How in the name of merlin did you possibly do up with that stupid idea ? ``

Albus groaned. `` It 's not a stupid idea. It 's avowedly. And matt told us. ``

Rose rolled her eyes and glared at lusterlessness. `` Of course. You 're the one who hates Linda the most. ``

`` rose wine, it 's true ! '' flatness insisted, `` Do you honestly think that I would just randomly claim someone was a vampire ? For all the remainder between vampire and loup-garou, they both get discriminated against. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know. Maybe because you want me to stop being friends with her ? '' rosiness shouted.

`` Well, that would be stupid of me because I know you would n't stop being friends with her because of that, '' flatness said quietly, `` After all, you 're friends with me. Or at least you used to be. ``

`` I still am, '' rose wine whispered.

Albus smiled to himself. That was promising. Maybe their friendly relationship was n't totally destroyed.

`` But do n't you lot think that if Linda was a vampire, I would have figured it out ? '' blush wine asked, `` I mean, I was the only one to cypher out that matte 's a loup-garou. ``

`` How much do you know about vampires, rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, not much, I guess, '' rose said sheepishly, `` But still, how do you know ? ``

Albus opened his bag and pulled out his defensive structure book. He tossed it at rose. `` Read the bit about vampires. ``

Rose caught the book and opened it up. She began to read it with Amanda indication over her shoulder. A few minutes later, rosiness set the Holy Writ down. Her face was pale.

`` You 're powerful, '' she whispered and then turned to lustrelessness, `` Is that why you do n't like her ? ``

`` form of, '' matte shrugged, `` It 's not the fact that she 's a vampire. It 's the fact that she knows I 'm a werewolf. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose nodded, `` And she 's from Australia and Killigan does n't like werewolves. I get it. But, wait, how come Killigan lets Linda go to schooling but he would n't let you ? ``

`` No idea, '' Matt sighed, `` It 's a secret. ``

The room descended into an bunglesome quiet and Albus looked at all of his friends. blush wine still looked a lilliputian shocked and Amanda did as well.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` Are you going to hold ignoring us, Rose ? ``

`` Are you going to let Linda hail in here ? '' Rose asked.

`` No way, '' Albus, matt, John, and Kaden said at once.

rosebush sighed. `` Fine. I 've missed you lot, but I am still going to spend time with Linda. I guess I 'll just split my time, then. ``

Albus grinned. `` Good. But next Hogsmeade slip, you 're coming with us. ``

******

Over the next couple of weeks, pink wine and Amanda began spending to a greater extent and More meter with Albus and the former son. Albus was thrilled about it, especially since after a few days passed, it was like rose wine and mat had n't rowed at all. cypher ever brought up the topic of Linda, though. rose and Amanda both spent time with Linda, usually in the library, but Albus did n't particularly listen. He kind of liked having clock time to spend just with flatness, John, and Kaden.

John and Kaden found it increasingly hard to deplume caper due to the fact that Hogwarts was being patrolled by more Aurors since the Washburn sighting. teacher, prefects, and the nous boy and girl were also patrolling more often than they used to. Albus was secretly happy about this since he had an increasing fear of Washburn breaking into his dormitory room to steal the Invisibility Cloak. can and Kaden, on the other paw, came back to the vernacular room ranting about how they could n't draw out off some prank or the other due to an Auror or prefect finding them. matt did n't seem to have got an opinion on the subject and Albus suspected he would be glad so long as Killigan stayed away from him.

The adjacent Quidditch match was in the beginning of Dec, and although that was still a calendar month away, Ellen Price Wood increased practice to three days a week instead of two. Wood was especially bully on James since the future compeer would be between Hogwarts and Australia. wood was determined to trounce Australia and that have in mind James IV would have to try and fly faster than Linda. Teddy was working with him one on one during all the practices.

The next Jnr dueling tourney was coming up as well and Albus was determined to actually duel during this one. He did n't care if both his stage were broken, he would still go.

Between his respective practices and classes, Albus did n't induce much time for anything else. All his instructor were increasing the employment shipment, especially Balladanis. He started packing more and more into each lesson and had begun assigning weekly essays. And since all the lessons were hardheaded, Albus had to read the book to do the essays. There were no Federal Reserve note from class to use.

Albus and the residuum of the students no longer bothered taking their Good Book and parchment out at the commencement of class. In fact, the majority of Albus 's course did n't even bother sitting down. Albus wondered why Balladanis even bothered to put the desks back at the end of course of instruction, since he had yet to hear of any of the years having an literal lecture in that class.

Due to this, Albus was completely shocked when Balladanis told the grade to sit down at the offset of Defense Department in the beginning of November. Albus turned to lustrelessness and john, who looked equally surprise. Balladanis, on the other hired hand, was acting like this was perfectly normal.

Albus sat down in between lustrelessness and Saint John the Apostle amongst the whispering of the rest of the class.

Balladanis stood in strawman of his desk and looked out at the students. There was a heavy trunk in front of him which reminded Albus of the first of all day of class. But why would Balladanis bring a Boggart back to class ? Matt told Albus that Balladanis was n't even using Boggarts in his help sessions anymore.

`` Today 's lesson will be constituent lecture, '' Balladanis announced, `` The cause for this being that the especial creature we are studying today is not in your text Quran. ``

The division erupted in more whispering and Albus distinctly heard blush wine gasp.

`` settee down, '' Balladanis said, `` The creature is not in your book because it is extremely rare and most whizz will go their integral lives without ever encountering one. Because of this, it is not normally in a third gear year curriculum. The creature is usually studied in advanced N.E.W.T. Defense Against the night humanistic discipline only. I however, believe this fauna is extremely beneficial to third year defense reaction and am adding it in, despite the fact that it is not in your book. ``

Albus was on the edge of his ass now. He was staring directly at the body in front end of Balladanis, where the animate being probably resided. It could n't be that serious, could it ? Otherwise, Balladanis would n't have brought one. Although, there was n't lots that Balladanis could do that would actually surprise Albus. He was a very odd teacher.

`` The fauna I am talking about is an anamatek, '' Balladanis said as he began pacing back and forth in front of the body. He stopped in front of rosebush, Amanda, and Linda 's table. `` Does anyone know what an anamatek is ? ``

Albus had never heard of one in his life history. rosiness did n't put her hand up either. The only hand in the class that went up was Linda's.

`` Yes, Miss Morales, '' Balladanis said.

`` An anamatek is a shape-shifter, but it is unlike from a boggart. anamateks are forced to change into whatever form the wizard controlling them wants, '' Linda explained.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis began pacing again, `` anamateks are very strong and hefty tool. It takes a very stiff and powerful witch or wizard to control them. Not many are able to do so. But if a beldame or wizard can, the anamatek must transform into whatever form the sensation wants.

`` This of course is very unsafe if a dark wizard gets grip of one. Can you conceive of if Voldemort had been able to control a few anamateks and had them transform into chimaeras ? ``

The entire room was silent. Albus shivered at the thought of an Army of chimaeras, especially in the hands of Voldemort.

`` Luckily for us, anamateks are extremely rare and the majority of wiz ca n't control one, let alone an ground forces of them. The few anamateks that exist in the world reside in affectionate mood and they prefer to abide hidden amongst Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or pubic hair. Anamateks are rarely sighted in Britain and I would pretend that there are n't more than four or five in the integral land. They are a bit more common in tender climates such as the West Saxon United commonwealth, Latin USA, South America, Africa, and Commonwealth of Australia. However, you could search all of these land extensively and never come across one.

`` Anamateks do not like superstar because they do not require to be controlled. Not only can wizards keep in line what the anamatek turns into, they can also make it do whatever they please. When they are not controlled, they can change state into whatever they like and usually choose a particularly dangerous tool in edict to deter wizards from capturing them. They can not, however, turn into human beings, for the most part. There are elision to that. Certain powerful beldame and wiz have had success turning them into humans, but they do not act like humans. No anamatek can become into a human on its own. ``

Balladanis paused and stopped next to his trunk. `` I have captured an anamatek. I captured it many years ago and it has been under my control ever since. Having an anamatek at my administration provides a great learning chance for all of you. Can anyone guess why ? ``

rose wine 's handwriting shot into the air. `` Yes, fille Weasley, '' Balladanis said.

`` You can have got it turn into whatever we 're studying and we can learn to press it instead of having to fight a real one. That way, you can assure what its doing and none of us will get hurt, '' blush wine answered.

`` Correct, '' Balladanis said, `` Before family, I performed a tour which caused the anamatek to turn into a kappa, which I hope you are all aware that we are currently studying. When I say so, get up and work a telephone line in front of my desk. You will be performing the go you learned finis course of instruction to try and repel the anamatek, which is going to look and act exactly like a kappa. ``

`` Sir ? '' Malfoy raised his hand.

`` Yes, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` Sir, are you going to order us the tour to bring an anamatek under a wizard 's dominance ? ``

`` No, Mr. Malfoy, I am not, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` First, it 's not just one patch, it is a set of extremely difficult spells, beyond N.E.W.T. level. Second, there is much debate as to whether the patch are darkness illusion or not. third base, it would be pointless since none of you would have the capability of performing such magic and will likely never have the opportunity to perform it. fourth part, the schoolmaster would not be happy if I did so. I will also not sign any notes to include any of you into the Restricted Section of the program library to research the spells. ``

Malfoy scowled at this and Albus stifled a laughter. It did n't storm him in the slightest that Malfoy would want to get wind the spells. Albus was extremely funny as to how Balladanis managed to do them, and how he had come across the anamatek in the first place. Albus doubted that he would state that story, though. Balladanis never talked about his past.

`` Everyone get up ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus hastily stood up and watched as the ease of the class did the same. Rose and Linda shoved their musical note into their bags, but nobody else had bothered to admit notes. The thought had n't even crossed Albus 's mind. He was so used to not taking annotation in Defense.

Balladanis moved the tables to the sides of the elbow room and Albus joined the queue forming in front of the trunk. He stood on his tip-toes and peered around lav to try and catch a glimpse of the anamatek when it emerged from the trunk.

Balladanis pointed his scepter at the automobile trunk and it shot capable. Nothing happened for a few seconds and then a slimy, scaly kappa crept up over the top of the trunk and climbed out. It stretched out its lacy helping hand and started towards Janie Creevey, who was first in the line.

Janie held up her baton and muttered the go. The kappa was shot back towards the proboscis and Balladanis nodded at Janie. She stepped to the side and Karina walked forward as the kappa recovered.

The queue moved forward and Albus was able to get a effective face at the anamatek. It looked exactly like a kappa. If Albus did n't cognise any good, he would say that it was a real kappa.

Balladanis made everyone do the spell until they could do it successfully. Rose and Linda got it on their first try, but Amanda had a bit of trouble. Albus had a feeling she would be working with the anamatek in her next supernumerary help session. John managed to have winner on his beginning try and he stepped to the side and Albus stepped forward.

The anamatek crept towards Albus, who held up his baton. Kappas did n't really scare him in the slightest, yet his philia had begun pounding faster. The anamatek is what scared him a bit. The thing had the potential to change into something dangerous like a Chimaera at any here and now. How much dominance did Balladanis really have over the thing ?

Albus shouted the magic spell and the anamatek was thrown back against the trunk and landed with a tatty crack.

`` Very near, Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis smiled ever so slightly, `` A few of the residual of you might wish to take distinction of the effect Mr. ceramist put behind his spell. A see kappa would have been able to recover very quickly from most of your spells. Mr. Potter, on the other hired hand, would have been able to escape if this had been a tangible kappa. ``

Matt 's crook was next and Albus stood next to lavatory to watch him. The kappa was only slightly deterred by matte 's first charm and he had to try about three times to get it to work.

`` Now I know what Balladanis is going to have me do tomorrow night, '' matt whispered to Albus as they watched Malfoy lead on the kappa.

Malfoy sent the kappa slamming into the body with almost as much personnel as Albus had, earning him a slight smiling from Balladanis as well.

`` Where in the public figure of pigeon hawk did Balladanis get that thing ? '' Saint John exclaimed after they 'd depart the classroom.

`` No approximation, '' Albus shrugged, `` But I wish he 'd tell us. ``

`` He wo n't, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` I know, but I still want to have it away, '' St. John said, `` And what did he do for a living before this ? I mean, I do n't cogitate teachers normally come upon anamateks. ``

`` Probably not. I do n't think my dad has ever seen one and he 's an Auror, '' Albus pointed out.

`` They are extremely rare in Britain, '' Rose ran up future to Albus, `` I bet Balladanis lived in some other area before he started teaching here. Africa or Australia or one of those places where anamateks are Sir Thomas More green. ``

`` Yeah, but they 're not exactly vulgar in those places either. My dad has n't seen one either and he worked with charming animal in Commonwealth of Australia for years, '' Matt said.

`` I 'm surprised Kendrick lets him suffer that thing in the school, '' Amanda said.

`` I doubt Kendrick knows about it, '' Albus replied.

If Kendrick had n't known about the anamatek before, he most likely did by the end of the day. The stallion school was buzzing about it. Apparently Balladanis had not only shown it to his 3rd eld, but second base and fourth through one-seventh years as well. The mutual way was filled with yack about it after dinner party, as well as extremely jealous first class. Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn whined about not being capable to see it.

`` Are you quick for Quidditch practice session, Al ? '' Georgia said to Albus as Lily and her friends left.

Albus looked up. Georgia 's look was white and she looked more than a little scared. Albus stared at her curiously.

`` Yeah. But, Georgia, are you ok ? ``

`` I 'll be fine, '' she assured him, `` Balladanis had that anamatek thing turn of events into a dementor during socio-economic class right before dinner party. We spent the entire grade trying to cast Patronuses against it. Let me enjoin you, that anamatek was just like a dementor. '' Georgia closed her eyes and shuddered.

`` You should make some chocolate, '' Albus told her and pulled a chocolate toad out of his bag. He tossed it to her.

Georgia caught it and ripped it open. `` Thanks. Let 's go detect James. ``

Albus said goodbye to his champion and went to go find James with Empire State of the South. He felt a bit faze that Balladanis had used the anamatek as a dementor. Having it turn into a kappa was one thing, but a dementor ? They were really grievous. As far as Albus knew, the Patronus magical spell was n't actually practiced on dementors until Auror training. Part of Albus hoped that Kendrick would ban the anamatek from the school day before he started learning the Patronus charm in seventh year.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Much to Albus 's surprise, the anamatek was still sitting in Balladanis 's classroom the next class. Albus really thought Kendrick would have made him get rid of it. The category continued practicing on it and after a few sessions with it, Albus got used to the fact that it was an anamatek. As long as it did n't turn into a dementor or a chimaera or something else really grievous, Albus did n't mind.

Practicing on the anamatek was a lot like practicing dueling anyway. That 's how Albus saw it. defense lawyers category were beginning to be a lot like dueling practice. Albus was very happy about this, especially since the next dueling tournament was quickly upon him. It took place on a Sat in the middle of November, the day before the secondment inter-school dueling tournament.

`` Nice to see that you actually showed up today, potter, '' Malfoy smirked as Albus and Amanda sat down at their team table.

`` Shut it, Malfoy, '' Lynley Anderson said as she walked past Albus, `` Or you wo n't duel in the following tournament. ``

Malfoy scowled and Albus smiled to himself. He sat down and looked to the front of the room. The common dueling rings were set up and Neville was standing in front of one. Balladanis was standing in social movement of the other one. He must accept been chosen to be the other professor in charge of the dueling golf club since Albus 's dad left.

The tournament began a short while later and Albus sat back to wait for his good turn. As much as Albus loved dueling, he could n't stand having to wait while everyone else dueled. He could n't wait until he was a fifth year and could try out for the habitue dueling club. The team were much smaller for that and Albus would get to duel more during each tournament. If he made the team, that is.

`` Albus Potter and Kaden Dursley, '' Balladanis announced.

Albus looked up and stared at him. Kaden ? Albus turned to gape at Amanda, who shrugged. Albus was going to have to duel Kaden ? Albus had yet to duel any of his cousins.

Albus got up and walked towards the ring. Kaden was already there when he arrived. Albus and Kaden bowed to each early and then raised their wands.

`` Begin, '' Balladanis said.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his wand at Kaden while silently apologizing to him. He really did n't desire to duel Kaden.

Kaden 's wand flew from his hand and Albus caught it. Albus looked up at Balladanis. Balladanis was looking at Albus with his piercing stare and Albus quickly looked away.

`` Point to thrower, '' Balladanis said without taking his eye off Albus.

Albus handed Kaden back his verge and went back to his team 's mesa. Lynley and Amanda congratulated him and he sat back down.

`` I ca n't think they had you duel Kaden, '' Amanda giggled.

Albus shrugged. It had n't been much of a fight. Albus rarely had trouble dueling anyone during the tournaments. The exclusively person who Albus ever had difficulty dueling was Malfoy, and he was on Albus 's team.

Albus was n't really thinking much about having to duel Kaden. He could n't get the look Balladanis had given him out of his mind. It was sort of like the looks he 'd received in class, only more intimidating. There was a hint of curiosity mixed in with something Albus could n't key. It was almost like he was trying to learn Albus 's mind, but Albus had had decent experience with that to know that Balladanis was n't doing it.

Malfoy was up next and he dueled Saint James the Apostle. It was a very fast-paced and turn on duel. In the end, Malfoy managed to unarm James IV. Albus had no idea how he felt about this. Part of him was happy that his team got the point in time, but on the former hired hand, the thought of his brother losing to Malfoy was rather unsettling.

James had a mutinous look on his look as he grabbed his wand out of Malfoy 's outstretched hired hand. He stormed back to his mesa without a second glance at Malfoy or Balladanis.

Albus looked back to Balladanis and saw him giving Malfoy the Sami odd spirit he had given Albus earlier. Albus had no approximation what to seduce of that. Balldanis had n't looked at anyone else like that.

The next person Albus dueled was a bit more intriguing, but Albus still disarmed her within three minutes. She was a fourth year Ravenclaw who had the repute of being the smartest of all the fourth years.

Balladanis gave Albus the Saami strange feel as he awarded him the point. Albus quickly gave the girl back her wand and went back to his table.

Albus 's team narrowly won the tournament. Lynley congratulated everyone and said the total squad had improved greatly since the utmost tourney. Albus and Amanda got up and joined the multitude of people leaving the room. They headed up to the common way, where they had agreed to meet their champion after the tournament.

`` Good job, '' privy said as he sat down succeeding to Albus.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Kaden agreed, `` I mean, you beat me reasonably quickly. ``

`` Albus is the good dueller out of all of us, '' matt said as he joined them.

`` Balladanis was certainly concern, '' bathroom said, `` What was up with him looking at you like that ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, `` It was really odd. ``

`` He was looking at Malfoy like that, too, '' Rose said as she and Linda sat down.

`` I 'll bet it 's because you 're both such well duelers, '' lusterlessness replied, `` I hate to admit it, but Malfoy is really full. ``

`` Did you see James 's face after Malfoy beat him ? '' John laughed, `` That was pretty laughable. ``

`` I do n't think King James I would agree with you, '' Albus smirked.

`` Well, we should probably do some homework, '' rosebush said.

Everyone groaned but nobody disagreed. Albus went up to his dormitory and returned with his books. He cracked open his Herbology book and started an essay that was due on Tuesday.

`` You 're from Australia, are n't you ? ``

Albus 's head snapped up. Linda was staring curiously at mat, whose eyes were darting about. Everyone else was now staring at Linda. Albus did n't consider he had ever heard her lecture outside of class.

`` Er, why do you opine that ? '' Matt asked nervously.

`` The other day after Defense, you mentioned that your dad had n't seen an anamatek even though he worked down there, '' Linda explained.

`` Oh, yeah, '' mat muttered, `` I did used to live there. ``

`` Why did you move ? '' Linda asked.

`` My dad 's job, '' Matt said.

`` Oh, '' Linda replied, `` Well, if you had n't, we could have gone to school together. ``

lusterlessness mumbled something under his breath.

`` What ? '' Linda asked.

`` nada, '' mat said and closed his book, `` I 'm, er, going to the depository library. ``

Albus closed his own Koran and got up to keep up Matt, but he had already left. Albus sighed and looked at blush wine, who was slowly shaking her head. That was exactly why lusterlessness had wanted to abide away from Linda and Albus could n't blame him.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in silence in the common room. Albus managed to finish his Herbology essay just before dinner. He had no estimate if Matt actually went to the library, but found him in the Great Hall at dinner. He made no mention of what Linda had said, so Albus did n't bring it up. Albus only had enough prison term to eat a quick dinner anyway, because he had Quidditch practice afterwards.

******

`` All right, that 's decent for today, '' Balladanis announced as the Alexander Graham Bell rang the succeed Tues, `` Leave your essays on my desk on your way out. ``

Albus stowed his wand in his robes and rummaged around in his bag for his essay. For some grounds, Balladanis always collected essays at the end of social class. Albus had no idea why. All the other teachers collected them at the first, presumably to prevent bookman from frantically scribbling their essay during class the day it was due. That would be unacceptable in Balladanis 's course of instruction, though.

`` ceramicist, Malfoy ! '' Balldanis shouted, `` Please see me before you leave. ``

`` tone like you 're getting additional helper, too, '' John laughed, `` Welcome to the order. ``

`` Somehow I doubt that, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Albus was the just one to cause that anamatek to fly halfway across the room today. Well, besides Malfoy. ``

Albus shrugged and muttered that he 'd get together them in Herbology. His pith started beating a bit faster as he placed his essay on the agglomerate and stood in front of Balladanis 's desk. Why did he want to see him anyway ? Could Balladanis really call up he needed extra helper ?

Malfoy tossed his essay onto the plenty and then leaned up on Balladanis 's desk as he watched the quietus of the grade leave.

`` Stand up, Malfoy, '' Balladanis said as he shut the anamatek 's trunk and walked over to his desk.

Malfoy jumped and quickly stood up straight. Albus stifled a gag and turned to Balladanis, whose face was expressionless.

Balladanis walked over to the doorway, shut it, and returned to his desk. `` I could n't avail but notice that both of you won both of your duels conclusion Saturday. ``

`` I always win both of my affaire d'honneur, '' Malfoy said pompously.

`` I thought so, '' Balladanis replied, ignoring Malfoy 's less than reverential timber, `` I 'm assuming the like goes for you, Mr. thrower ? ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus nodded.

`` Have either of you ever been defeated in a affaire d'honneur before ? ``

`` I 've disarmed Potter during praxis, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` And I 've disarmed you, Malfoy, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` Any other metre ? '' Balladanis asked.

Albus opened his mouth, but Balladanis interrupted him.

`` During the dueling tourney, Mr. ceramist. I have heard about your altercation with Jameson Washburn, Jarret Willinson, and his son. ``

`` No former times, '' Albus replied.

`` I could suffer defeated Washburn, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I sincerely doubt that, '' Balladanis said, much to Albus 's joy, `` But that is not what I have asked to discuss with you. I have noticed, both in class and during dueling tournaments, that the two of you seem to possess exceptional acquirement when it comes to dueling. You 're dueling skill appears to be much high than the third or even fourth year level.

`` Therefore, I would like to civilize both of you privately. There is only so a great deal you can learn in a large grouping with those whose accomplishment is less than your own. I will be able to teach you spells you would n't normally larn until fourth part or twenty percent year. Are either of you interested ? ``

`` Of course of action, '' Malfoy said immediately.

Albus could n't believe it. His family and admirer always told him he was an first-class dueler, but somehow having Balladanis order him meant more. Balladanis was incredibly hard to please, and not only did he think Albus was a large duelist, he was offering to teach him more advanced spells. That was incredibly exciting. Albus would be able to larn spells that James had n't learned yet.

`` Yes, I 'd like that, '' Albus grinned, thinking it would be brilliant to beat St. James the Apostle in a duel.

`` I shall see you on Friday at eight, then, '' Balladanis told them, `` After I am done tutoring the less skillful in your year. '' He pulled out two art object of theme and scribbled onto both of them. `` apply these to your teachers, as you are quite late to course by now. Get out of here. ``

Albus took his note and left the room feeling that Friday was an incredibly long fourth dimension away. individual dueling lesson. He could n't wait. trusted, they 'd be with Malfoy, but Albus was willing to put up with him in fiat to learn advanced spells.

Albus hurried to Herbology, but the class was already well into that day 's moral by the sentence he arrived. He handed his short letter to Neville and then sat down next to Matt, who was shoveling grunge into an evacuate pot.

`` What did Balladanis want ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` You 're never going to believe this, '' Albus said as he pulled on his mitt, `` Balladanis wants to fall in Malfoy and me private dueling moral. He wants to teach us advanced spells that we would n't normally watch until quarter or twenty percent year. ``

`` You 're kidding, '' Matt said in awe.

`` Nope, '' Albus grinned.

`` But why ? '' Matt asked, `` Did he say why he 's teaching you ? ``

`` Just because he thinks we 're good duellist, I guess. ``

`` Well, you are a right dueler, Albus, '' Matt agreed, `` When do you start ? ``

`` Friday at eight. Right after your helper school term, actually, '' Albus answered.

`` I 'm not going to the help school term this week, '' lustrelessness lowered his phonation, `` And you 'll be having loads more fun than me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus whispered, remembering that the full moon moonlight was Friday night, `` I 'll let you hump how it goes, though. ``

After Herbology was over, Albus told whoremaster, rose, and Amanda about Balladanis 's dueling deterrent example and then had to restate it to Kaden when they ate lunch. All of them were excited about it, especially Kaden. Albus suspected he was a bit jealous, too.

The remnant of the week seemed to creep by at a flobberworm 's step. It was n't comparable Albus did n't have anything to save him busy, but he just could n't think about anything other than the dueling lesson.

`` Albus, you 've got to stop tapping your quill feather, '' pink wine said shortly, `` It 's driving me mad. ``

Albus and his friends were in the Marauder 's Den. It was Friday evening and dinner had just ended. Albus was trying to rivet on preparation, but it was n't working. blush wine and Amanda were both reading. Linda had mysteriously disappeared after her last class and rosebush and Amanda had been with Albus and the other male child ever since. John and Kaden were discussing a frivolity that involved charming gobstones to trace the Aurors and prefects around as they patrolled the corridors. Rose had already advised against this, but toilet and Kaden did n't heed. flatness was laying on the lounge with his eyes closed, but he was n't numb. John and Kaden kept asking him things and he 'd respond with very short answers.

`` Sorry, '' Albus muttered and dropped his quill.

`` So where 's Linda tonight ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' pink wine shrugged, `` She did n't wait that great today, though. ``

`` Then she 's probably sucking some animal 's blood in the forest, '' lusterlessness announced.

`` Well, there 's a lovely picture, '' Kaden said loudly, `` Linda biting the neck of some helpless fauna and sucking the life out of it. call back of all the blood. It must get all over her face and neck. That 's passably 144. ``

`` Thanks for that image, Kaden, '' flatness replied.

`` It 's skilful than her sucking human stock, '' pink wine pointed out.

`` That 's genuine, '' Kaden agreed, `` So, should we take the gobstones with stink sap before we charm them ? ``

`` Of trend ! '' John the Divine grinned.

`` And that 's my cue to leave, '' lusterlessness sat up slowly and rubbed his head, `` I 'll see you lot tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll see you in the daybreak, '' Albus assured him.

`` have fun, '' Kaden said.

`` Fun, '' Matt muttered on his way out, `` That 's a word I 've never used to describe it. ``

`` We 'd better go, too, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, metre to go sit through an redundant defense reaction moral, '' whoremaster groaned as he stood up.

`` I thought you did n't listen them, '' rose said.

`` I do n't. They just get old after a while, '' lavatory sighed as he and Amanda left.

Albus worked on his prep for the succeeding minute, mainly because there was n't anything else to do. Rose was working on her own homework and did n't seem to want to do anything else. The hour dragged by at an incredibly retard rate, but eventually Albus packed up his books, said goodbye to Rose, and left for Balladanis 's room.

The threshold was half-way open when Albus arrived. He took a trench breath, suddenly overcome by nerves, and knocked lightly. There was no solution. Albus pushed the door open and walked very slowly inside.

The way was dim. The simply Light Within stemmed from a few torches lit on the bulwark. It was obviously the same classroom he had DoD class in, but it looked completely different in the eve.

There was n't anyone left in the elbow room from the duplicate Defense lesson earlier. Albus had passed John and Amanda in the corridor. They both wished him good luck.

Albus looked around the room and saw the automobile trunk that contained the anamatek sitting unnaturally still in front of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis himself was also sitting unnaturally still at his desk. He stared directly into Albus 's centre and Albus, remembering the Occlumency object lesson he received two age prior, quickly averted his own eyes and began to fill up his mind.

`` You know Occlumency, Mr. thrower, '' Balladanis said not as a question, but as a statement.

Albus nodded as Balladanis slowly rose from his electric chair and walked around to the front of his desk. Albus took a step back and nearly collided with the front tabular array. He swallowed nervously and kept his eyes off of Balladanis.

Albus had always been a fiddling wary of Balladanis, but now he had to admit that he was a bit scared. The only way for Balladanis to love that Albus had been practicing Occlumency was if he had actually been performing Legilimency. Albus had enough experience with teachers performing Legilimency on him and he did n't need to do go through that again. The simply affair Albus was thinking about then was how he could depart the room without Balladanis getting suspicious. He wished he had a emesis Pastille or something in his pocket.

`` Who taught you ? '' Balladanis asked.

`` My aunty Hermione, '' Albus muttered. He wondered where Malfoy was. That had to be the first and probably only time he would ever wish well Malfoy to be present.

`` Hermione Weasley, '' Balladanis mused, `` Yes, she is one of the most accomplished Occlumenses of her multiplication. ``

Albus 's capitulum snapped towards the threshold as he heard footfall enter the room. He breathed a sigh of relief and had to strangle a laugh at the fact that he was happy Malfoy was in the room.

`` Mr. Malfoy, you 're late, '' Balladanis said.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Malfoy muttered.

`` Sit down, '' Balladanis pointed to the front table.

Albus turned around and sat as quickly as he could in one of the electric chair. Malfoy took his time in sauntering over and sat in the hot seat next to him.

`` Mr. ceramist. Mr. Malfoy, '' Balladanis began to pace in presence of them, `` By now I am sure you are both aware of my posture on the wickedness Arts. If not, I suggest paying a bit to a greater extent attention in class.

`` You may also be aware of my cultism to helping the students who are struggling in my class. I hold extra help sessions every single day after dinner. However, I also wish to facilitate those who are truly talented to accomplish their straight potential.

`` You two are the most talented duelers in the third year, '' Balladanis paused and looked at each of them in the eye, `` I would argue that you are the most gifted dueller amongst the educatee below one-fifth yr. I would even bet that you could give a couple of the sixth class a run for their Galleons. ``

Albus stared at Balladanis. He did n't believe he was that good of a dueller. He knew he could gravel about of the students in the Junior 's Dueling guild, but sixth year ? They were doing N.E.W.T. defense force course of instruction. They knew charm Albus had never even learn of.

`` I would n't go picking fight with sixth years, though, '' Balladanis continued, `` They know while you do not. What I mean is that you have the talent to read magical spell that the sixth year are learning. The spells I am currently teaching in socio-economic class are incredibly bare for the two of you. What I hope to do is instruct you spells that are more at your horizontal surface. Now, stand up, the both of you. Let 's see what you can do. ``

Albus stood up and pulled out his baton. He had no idea what Balladanis wanted him to do. Would they be practicing on the anamatek ?

Balladanis waved his wand and the desks moved to the sides of the classroom. Another wafture and the lightness increased. `` I would wish you to duel each other. Use any spell that you have learned in school. Do not use any spells you have picked up elsewhere. gentlewoman Pomfrey would not be happy with me if I sent the two of you to the Hospital flank with missing limbs. Keep going until I say to halt. ``

Albus could n't believe it. He was getting to duel Malfoy ! He had been wanting to do that ever since Kendrick had first announced the dueling nightclub. The fiddling practice duel they did were n't really what he had wanted to do, though.

Albus raised his wand and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy was smirking and pointing his wand at Albus. The two of them bowed and Albus took a step forward.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Albus shouted and pointed his baton at Malfoy.

Malfoy easily dodged the spell and sent a tickling hex at Albus. Albus threw up a shield and then tried to demilitarize Malfoy. Malfoy jumped onto a nearby desk and the spell collided with a chair which collapsed.

The duel continued in this matter for quite some clock time. Albus tried as hard as he could to actually hit Malfoy with a enchantment, but Malfoy kept dodging and blocking them. It was driving Albus mad. He kept thinking of everything Malfoy had done to him in the by two years and how much he wanted to get him in this duel. If he beat Malfoy, he 'd give something on him for the rest of the year.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted for what must have been the 10th time.

Malfoy dodged it and sent the same trance at Albus. Albus jumped and the tour hit Balladanis 's desk.

`` That 's plenty ! '' Balladanis shouted.

Albus lowered his wand and glared at Malfoy. Albus shoved his wand back in his robes and looked around to find a president that remained intact. He found one and collapsed into it. That duel had been exhausting.

`` wellspring, that was certainly interesting, '' Balladanis gave a rare smile, `` Not a scratch on either of you but my classroom has been destroyed. It seems that I was not previous in my legal opinion of your dueling skills.

`` Have either of you thought about what you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts ? ``

Albus stared curiously at Balladanis. That was an abrupt change in conversation. Albus had never thought about living beyond Hogwarts. He was only baker's dozen. He never thought there was any indigence to conceive about it yet.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Not really. I mean, I always thought being an Auror would be interesting. ``

`` Indeed it would, '' Balladanis said, `` Your male parent certainly is happy with it. How about you, Mr. Malfoy ? ``

`` No idea, '' Malfoy replied.

`` There are many things you can do with dueling skills such as yours. I would advise looking into it, '' Balladanis said.

`` But sir, we 're only third years, '' Malfoy scoffed, `` Is n't it a bit former ? ``

`` I already knew what I wanted to do at thirteen, '' Balladanis said quietly.

`` And what is that exactly ? '' Malfoy asked.

Balladanis gave Malfoy the strange look Albus had ever seen. It was a combination of lugubriousness, anger, and pride.

`` I do not wish to discuss that, '' Balladanis said, `` Perhaps you will determine out someday. For now, I think it right we call it a night. If you wish to pick up innovative spells, takings at this time next week and we will set out. ``

`` I 'll be here, sir, '' Malfoy said as he walked out the door.

`` Thanks, Professor, '' Albus said as he followed.

`` Mr. Potter, '' Balladanis said, `` Please assure Mr. Eckerton that it will not do for him to skip his surplus help Sessions. ``

`` But sir, '' Albus looked at him incredulously, `` You know what tonight is. He could n't possibly have gone. ``

`` The moon did n't rise until after the academic session was over. I do not take excuses. ``

Albus sighed to himself as he left. Balladanis had been teaching him for over two months and he still surprised Albus all the time. Albus had seen a dissimilar side of him that night. He did truly hate the Dark humanistic discipline, that was something Albus did not doubt. But he had also performed Legilimency on him. Albus did n't think he could ever bank a teacher that did that. Not after his experience with Washburn.


A/N : To resolve a usual question hoi polloi have left in critical review, I came up with the anamatek, but based it off of boggarts in the HP series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


`` What did Balladanis teach you ? '' was the first-class honours degree affair mat asked Albus when he went to see him the following afternoon.

Albus had given every piddling detail about the evening to his former friend once he returned to the dorm room afterwards and they were impressed. John 's first of all reaction had been that perhaps Albus would be able-bodied to find out what Balladanis did before he began teaching.

`` He did n't really teach us anything, '' Albus explained to lustrelessness, who looked spent but was paying rhapsodic attention. `` I dueled Malfoy. ``

`` Wow, '' matt looked impressed, `` How was that ? ``

`` Neither of us won, '' Albus sighed, `` Balladanis made us break off because we pretty much destroyed his classroom. ``

`` I wish I had seen it, '' John chimed in, `` Bet the look on Balladanis 's grimace was priceless. ``

`` He just looked impressed. He was n't wild or anything, '' Albus told them, `` Then he asked us what we wanted to do with our lives. ``

`` Like what variety of job you want to get ? '' Matt raised his eyebrows, `` You 're only thirteen. ``

`` Yeah, I thought it was strange, '' Albus shrugged, `` But he said I should imagine about doing something that would put my dueling attainment to use. ``

`` Like an Auror ? '' mat asked.

`` I do n't think so. I mentioned that and he kind of made it seem like that would n't put my dueling skills to use. ``

`` I ca n't think of any other job that you 'd duel More than that, '' Matt replied.

`` I have no idea what I want to do with my life sentence, '' Kaden announced.

`` Me either, '' John said, `` I say we 've got mickle of time to figure it out. ``

`` I 'll say, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey stuck her head in between the curtains, `` And you certainly do not have to visualize it out now. It 's time for you lot to leave. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden reluctantly left the hospital backstage, lamenting the fact that madam Pomfrey had n't let them persist very long. They had no idea why the nanny had shortened chat time so much, considering that Matt had n't seemed worse than common, but they never understood why lady Pomfrey did about of the things she did.

******

Albus 's workweek could be easily summed up in two intelligence. Quidditch and homework. Normally he would only plain about the latter, but Oliver Wood was like a Muggle drill sergeant when it came to Quidditch. Since the mate was on Saturday, Oliver was insisting on day by day recitation. Albus and the other alternates had to be at every practice because according to King Oliver, 'you never know when individual will get spue or hex rightfulness before a match .'

In fact, King Oliver even wanted them to pattern on Friday night, the night before the lucifer. Albus was n't too happy about this since he had his lesson with Balladanis at eight. That was the Sami time Quidditch drill let out, so he had to run to the defense team classroom still completely covered in mud from practice.

He ran into the schoolroom ten arcminute late, heart pounding with worry about what Balladanis was going to say.

`` Mr. potter, you 're late, '' Balladanis said as Albus entered the room. He and Malfoy were sitting at the front desk.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus said as he joined them, `` Quidditch exercise. ``

`` So I gathered, '' Balladanis eyed Albus 's muddy robes, `` I was just telling Mr. Malfoy about the obligation that come with learning advanced dueling while. ``

Balladanis pulled out his wand and pointed it at Albus. Albus 's robes were clean and dry and he muttered a thank you to the professor. Malfoy was smirking to himself.

`` The most important obligation is that you can not and I repeat, can not, use the enchantment I teach you here in the junior dueling tourney. It would pass your team an unfair reward and you could inadvertently offend your adversary. The spells I teach you are not to be used outside this classroom, unless I instruct you otherwise.

`` You are not to duel your fellow educatee in the corridors with these go. Nor are you to use them against your siblings and cousins, '' his eyes rested on Albus.

`` I also feel the need to warn you that these spells are more exhausting than the ones you have been learning. They use a lot of wizardly energy and do not be surprised if you feel as though you have just run a Marathon, '' he turned to Albus again, `` Or played in a very farsighted Quidditch match. ``

Balladanis stood up and gestured for the boy to do the same. Once they did, Balladanis moved the desks aside and stood in between where Albus and Malfoy stood.

`` I am going to have you work on your shield charms first- ''

`` I already make out how to do a buckler charm, '' Malfoy announced.

`` I am well mindful of that, Mr. Malfoy, and I do ask that you not question my educational activity style, '' Balladanis said darkly, `` The shield appeal you have been using are relatively weak and fade away after only a few turn are cast against them.

`` With a fair bit of drill and genial concentration, one is able to keep on the shell up for long periods of sentence in purchase order to obturate multiple spells. Really skilled duelist can even keep the cuticle up while casting former magical spell. That is quite utilitarian, as you can imagine. It is also potential to shield a slap-up many people with just one person 's shield appeal, which is also very utile. Some cuticle appeal can even protect one against charming creature attacks, '' Balladanis lowered his interpreter and averted his eyes at this, which Albus opinion was odd.

`` It takes a lot of compactness to hold hold of a screen charm for so long, which is why the good luck charm can be difficult. I doubt either of you will bring forth a foresightful term shield charm tonight, so do n't be disappointed. Wands out, both of you, and we 'll see how farseeing you can hold the charm, without any magical spell hitting it. ``

Albus held up his scepter and muttered the conjuration for the shell magical spell. He had practiced this charm numerous times before, usually with someone else trying to hex him at the same time. It was quite easy to just hold it there and even kind of boring. He and Malfoy just stared at each early and Albus doubted that either of them were going to drop their shields. It would be like admitting defeat to the other.

After what must take been at to the lowest degree ten instant of holding the buckler charm, Albus found he was getting tired. His arm ached from holding his sceptre up and from throwing so many Quaffles at practice earlier. Malfoy had the advantage since he did n't consume Quidditch practice. Much to Albus 's alarm, he noticed his buckler starting to fizzle. He was n't going to be able to hold it much longer and Malfoy 's still looked strong.

Balladanis looked at his watch. `` Let the buckler go, '' he instructed, `` Wands down. ``

Relieved, Albus lowered his wear handwriting and then sat down in a chair. Balladanis was right when he said advanced shields were exhausting.

`` Very unspoiled, '' Balladanis said, `` Stand up again. Now I 'll see how many enchantment each of your shields can withstand. ``

Albus and Malfoy both put their cuticle up again and Balladanis sent disarming magic spell at both of them. Albus could sense his shield faltering after the first appeal and did n't think it would lastly as long as Malfoy's.

Albus 's cuticle fizzled out after three charms. Malfoy 's dismantled after four. He had the biggest smirk on his face afterwards, but did n't say anything. He probably did n't want to triumph in front of Balladanis. Albus knew he 'd get a line about it the next time they had a grade together, though.

If only he had n't had Quidditch praxis ! Then Albus would consume beaten Malfoy. Or at to the lowest degree tied with him.

`` That 's enough for tonight, '' Balladanis said as he eyed Albus. Albus had a feeling that he looked absolutely exhausted.

`` feeling like I 'm the considerably dueler, '' Malfoy said once they were out of the room.

`` That 's not what it meant, '' Albus muttered, `` We did n't even duel each other. I could beat you in a real duel. ``

`` And I could shell both of you, '' a Slytherin Prefect, who was making his one shot, said as he walked by, `` So get to your dormitories. ``

Albus had no idea if he could beat the Prefect or not but he did n't want to bond around to mislay house points. Plus, it was a safe excuse to discontinue talking to Malfoy.

******

The hullabaloo that filled the Great Hall the next morning reminded Albus yet again of the previous year 's Quidditch final exam. Only this was n't a final. It was the Hogwarts versus Australia lucifer, the outset match Hogwarts was going to dally in.

The Hogwarts team did not sit together at breakfast or lunch. There was considerable argument at practice the previous night about this. Joseph Oliver woods, Tyler Pike, and Teddy all wanted the squad to sit together in rules of order to squeeze in last minute strategizing, but nonentity could tally on which board to sit at.

In the end, Teddy sat with the Gryffindor players at the Gryffindor table, President Tyler sat with the Ravenclaw players at the Ravenclaw board, and King Oliver walked from table to table giving out endure minute advice. Albus thought this worked out alright since Oliver did n't appear to be able to sit still for more than a minute.

Albus was kind of relieved that cipher on the Hogwarts team came down with Spattergroit or lost a finger in potions course of study because he did n't really want to spiel. He loved Quidditch, but so a good deal was at stake. He wanted to merely watch the first match that Hogwarts participated in. Then, if mighty before the future match, one of the Chasers came down with a moth-eaten and dame Pomfrey forbid them from playing, Albus would gladly choose their place.

The excitement only increased as Albus and his friends walked to the lurch. Rose and Amanda were there, although Linda was n't. Albus thought this was only fitting since Hogwarts was playing against Commonwealth of Australia in this match.

"Welcome, everyone !"Todd Smith 's voice boomed over the gang,"Hogwarts is playing its showtime match in the Cup and they are up against Australia ! The Hogwarts team is captained by Joseph Oliver wood with help from Ted Lupin and Tyler thruway !

"The squad is comprised of Georgia Weasley as custodian ; Damien Waverly, Anna Reilly, and Ferris fielding as Chasers ; Andy Kaper and Allie John Davis as Beaters ; and James thrower as Seeker.

"The biggest excitement in this couple is whether Henry James ceramist will be able to beat Aussie Seeker Linda Morales, who shocked everyone with her swiftness and agility in the survive couple. ceramicist, of course, is the son and nephew of fabled Gryffindor Seekers Harry Potter and Charlie Weasley. He is also being coached by Gryffindor 's former legendary Seeker, Ted Lupin, and is on his way towards becoming another legend in the house of Gryffindor."

"Not being very pocket-size about Saint James, is he ?"Rose muttered to Albus.

"No, not really,"Albus replied, well-chosen that he was n't in James 's position.

"The sea captain didder deal,"Smith continues,"And they 're off !"

All fourteen thespian, half in emerald green Australian robes and half in black Hogwarts one, rose into the air. Whoever decided on the colors must not have been thinking about profile. If it was a rainy, snowy, or foggy day, you would n't be able to differentiate the difference between the two colors.

The match was fast-paced like the inaugural one had been. All of the Hogwarts role player were brilliant and as far as Albus could tell, equally matched against Australia.

The squad were tied fifteen minutes into the catch, each with 120 points. The Quaffle exchanged manpower so often that Albus had a hard clip keeping up. rosiness had already given up and was talking to Amanda about something. matte, toilet, and Kaden were all trying to go along up with the match.

It happened so fast that if Albus had blinked, he would sustain missed the whole thing. Linda had been hovering above the Hogwarts end Wiley Post and then she shot down towards the reason, pulling out of her diva with the golden snitch in her grasp. William James had been next to her and was a few metre above her when she caught it. Just like that, in a affair of mo, the match was over.

"Linda Morales has captured the snitch, which means Australia wins 270-120,"Kate Smith announced less than enthusiastically.

"She caught it ?"Saint John gaped,"But she was above the goal posts two seconds ago !"

"No one can fly that fasting !"Albus agreed.

"It ca n't be over !"mat exclaimed,"It just started twenty minutes ago !"

Everyone around Albus was talking about how fast Linda flew to the snitcher. Albus and his friends descended onto the tar and Albus quickly lost them in the sea of people. He pushed his way through the crowd until he found his team.

"They 've got to be cheating !"Andy Kaper shouted to shimmy,"They 've rigged her broom or something !"

"All the brooms were fully checked before the couple,"slip reminded him.

"Well, check it again !"Andy exclaimed,"There 's a speeding magic spell on that thing, I guarantee it."

"We 'll consume it checked again,"Wood assured him.

"I want a replay,"GA muttered,"They 've got to be cheating. Even a Firebolt 2000 ca n't fly that fast."

"We 're only going to get a rematch if there is something amiss with that heather,"Sir Henry Joseph Wood sighed.

"I want an unofficial flying competition between her and James,"Damien Waverly said,"There 's no way she 's a adept flyer than he is."

James was the only one not talking. He appeared to be in jar. The entire team was shouting around him, but he did n't seem to hear any of it.

"James ?"Albus asked tentatively.

James River jumped and looked at Albus without saying a word. Then he trudged off to the changing room. No one else noticed that he left.

No one had noticed Albus show up either, so he joined the crew of people going back up to the castle. He figured it would be easier to talk to the Epistle of James once he returned to the vulgar room.

The common room was ominously still when Albus walked through the portrayal cakehole. Most citizenry were sitting, staring into distance, and not talking to anyone. It was a scene more fitting to someone just dying than a mazed Quidditch match. None of the Aussie who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including Linda, were there. Albus briefly wondered where they were going to go, now that they 'd probably be chased out of every common room.

Albus 's friends were sitting at their usual table and Albus joined them. jump and Amanda were whispering to each other, but St. John the Apostle and mat were unsounded. Kaden was rifling through a stack of drinking chocolate frog cards.

The match had been the definition of anti-climactic. Hogwarts had spent calendar week preparing for it, working every day well past when the sun set. preparation had been ignored and studying put off. All so Hogwarts could beat Commonwealth of Australia. Then, Linda Morales had caught the fink 20 mo into the match. Linda esprit de corps, the only when one who had managed to best Saint James ceramist at Quidditch.

"You know,"Kaden set down his add-in,"If James River and Linda had a kid, he or she would be the best Seeker in the world."

cipher responded. Albus thought it would be more probably to turn comfortably friends with a chimaera than James and Linda to get conjoin and have a kid. Not to refer the fact that vampires could n't bear minor. Kaden probably did n't know that, though.

"I just do n't get it,"whoremonger mumbled,"She must 've cheated."

"You just do n't need to admit that Hogwarts might not feature the effective Quidditch players in the world,"Rose muttered.

"Let 's go to the Marauder 's Den,"Matt whispered as he stood up.

Albus did n't love why matte wanted to go there, but considering how depressingly quiet the common elbow room was, he was n't about to object.

They passed no one except an Auror on their way to the room. Everyone must have been lamenting the Quidditch release in their plebeian rooms.

"Finally,"Kaden said as he collapsed onto one of the couch in the way,"Now we can actually verbalise. The park room is depressing."

"What do you carry ?"Gospel According to John groaned,"We lost our first mach. We 're in lastly place."

"No, we 're not,"rosebush said,"New House of York lost to Australia with only 40 points. They 're in live on place."

"Does n't count,"John Lackland shook his brain,"We still lost."

"No one 's ever going to beat Australia,"Albus sighed.

"You 're probably right,"matt said darkly,"Remember the last match ? How quickly she caught the sneaker ? I knew she 'd be fast, but I thought maybe she 'd slacken down to even things up a bit. This match proves that awry. She 's using the fact that she 's a lamia to her advantage."

"That 's completely unfair !"Gospel According to John shouted,"Why would Kendrick let her do that ?"

"He obviously does n't fuck,"Rose sighed.

"So, she is cheating,"Albus said.

"Technically, she 's not,"flatness replied,"She 's just really skilled at Quidditch. lamia, and lycanthrope, have really smashing seeing in order of magnitude to,"he paused,"taking into custody prey. She 's respectable at seeing a snitch than any human."

"Then why do n't you encounter seeker against her !"Kaden exclaimed, grinning at the idea,"That would be more fair."

Matt burst out laughing."You did n't see me at flying lessons in low gear twelvemonth. I 'm an awful flyer. surely, I could see the snitch, but I 'd lessen off my broom trying to catch it."

"Oh,"Kaden deflated.

"Plus she 's super fast,"trick pointed out,"And lusterlessness 's not. No offensive activity or anything."

"None taken,"matte said.

"So, what are we going to do about this ?"Albus asked,"If she does n't stop, Australia 's going to win this competition."

"I think rosebush should utter to her,"John suggested.

"Why ?"Rose asked.

"Because she likes you and you like her,"trick said,"Just enjoin her to fly a slight slower."

"Yeah, right,"pink wine rolled her eyes,"Believe it or not, she 's about as fanatical about Quidditch as you lot are. No way is she going to agree to that."

"It 's on-key,"Amanda agreed.

The way descended into silence. The only other affair Albus could think of to do would be to tell Kendrick that Linda was a vampire. That would get her off the Australian Quidditch team for sure. However, Albus did n't really require to do that. Rose would hex him to adjacent century and she 'd probably never speak to him again. It would be a lot like if Rose told soul matte was a werewolf and if that happened, Albus would hold the same reaction. Not that Rose would ever do that.

They stayed in the Marauder 's Den until dinner. Dinner was much Sir Thomas More subjugate than pattern and Saint James never made an appearance. Linda was sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor mesa with only fellow Australian near her. That kind of storm Albus since he had never once seen her interact with anyone besides Rose and Amanda.

"Albus,"somebody put their hired hand on Albus 's shoulder.

Albus turned around and saw his dad, wearing the same forlorn look all the educatee were wearing.

"Dad,"he said,"Were you at the mates ?"

"Yeah, I was sitting with Lily,"Harry nodded,"Have you seen William James ?"

"Have n't seen him since right after the match. He went into the changing elbow room. Actually, I have n't seen slip either. Maybe he 's with James."

"Merlin, I hope so,"Harry ran a hand through his hair's-breadth,"I 've checked everywhere I can think of. make me wishing I had n't given him the map."

"You can use mine,"Albus suggested,"But I want to go with you."

"All right,"Harry said,"Let 's go."

Albus said so long to his ally and walked up to Gryffindor tower with his dad. He ran up to his student residence once he was there and retrieved the map. The student residence was abandon, so Albus and his dad looked at it there.

They scoured the Hogwarts section of the map for nearly five bit before coming to the finish that James was no longer in the school.

"Bloody hell,"Harry muttered,"Where did he go ?"

Albus pressed the bit two in the corner of the map with his wand and the map of Hogsmeade appeared. This one was a bit more unmanageable to seek than the Hogwarts one had been. most of the Hogwarts students had been in the Great Hall. Everyone was spread out in Hogsmeade.

Two dots made Albus freeze. Two dots were in the scream shack. A closer flavour told him they were Teddy and St. James the Apostle. Albus gasped. Why were they there ? How did they get in for that matter ?

"Dad,"Albus pointed to the screaming Shack.

"The Shrieking Shack ?"Harry shouted and stood up.

Albus followed him out of the dormitory room and then out of the green elbow room."How 'd they get in ?"Albus asked once they were walking through the corridors.

"teddy bear knows the counter-charm for those Mrs. Humphrey Ward,"Harry muttered.

"Why ?"

"Everyone who goes through Auror training learns a very large variety of counter-charms. One of them was bound to act upon on that Tree. Now, he was n't supposed to use them outside of education, so I really have no hint what he was thinking,"Harry explained

It had gotten insensate and windy remote since the mates, which really made Albus wonder why Teddy and James would go to the Shrieking shanty of all position. The decrepit old building had no heat, for merlin 's sake.

Albus dodged a subdivision from the Whomping willow as they neared it. Harry aimed his wand at the bottom of the inning and muttered the counter-charm. Then he froze the tree. Albus hurried after him into the passageway.

The pass to the Shrieking shack was brisk and silent. Albus, who had been on the receiving end of many a lecture from his dad, knew that both shift and James were going to get one once they made it to the Shack.

Harry carefully opened the room access and walked into the quiet old construction. Hushed interpreter could be heard from the rachis elbow room. Albus followed his dad back there.

slip and James II were both sitting on the storey. James looked a complete mess, still wearing his muddy Quidditch gown and his human face was all blotchy. slip did n't look much better, although his gown were a bit cleaner.

"shift. Saint James,"Harry said sternly when he entered,"What in the name of Merlin 's pants are you doing in this place ?"

Both boys snapped their headspring up at the sound of Harry 's voice.

"Trying to convince James not to make the heavy misunderstanding of his biography,"shift muttered.

"That sounds a bit overdramatic,"Harry said.

"He wants to discontinue the Quidditch team,"slip said dryly.

"That is the most nonsensical thing I 've heard,"Albus shouted,"You ca n't do that !"

"Albus,"Harry warned.

Albus shut his mouth, but he still thought the very theme of James River quitting the squad was mental. They 'd own no hope of ever beating New York, let alone Australia, without James.

"Twenty minutes, Dad,"St. James said in barely to a greater extent than a rustle,"Twenty minutes."

"We 've all had our bad matches,"Harry said quietly as he sat down next to James,"I fell off my ling in my third yr and lost a match."

"Because of the dementors,"James muttered,"There were n't any dementors at this match."

"James, I 'm afraid everyone has made you out to be the invincible Seeker. Lord Todd 's commentary today proved that. The interest are set so high with you that when you do lose a lucifer, it completely shocks everyone. It 's kind of unfair, actually, because cypher can win every catch,"Harry replied,"You 're not the unbeatable quester, I 'm afraid. And running away will get you nowhere."

"I suppose,"James II sighed.

"You 're playing New York next,"Harry reminded him,"They lost to Australia sooner than we did. I think you have a luck at catching the Snitch then."

"I guess,"James replied.

"So you wo n't quit ?"Albus asked, unable to prevent quiet any longer.

"No,"James said.

"Good. Because Lisa Galivant is nowhere near as good as you. You 're the C. H. Best Seeker Hogwarts has got,"Albus told him.

"Thanks, Al,"James gave him a half-smile,"Too bad Australia 's got a better one."

Albus nodded, wishing that he could just tell James why Linda was so practiced. But he had sort of promised rosebush he wouldn't.


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

I 've written a new Sung fic, Lie to Me. It 's a Remus/Tonks and is in no way connected to my Albus series, but if you guys want to check it out, that would be awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On their way back to the castle, Harry gave shift and James that talk Albus had been expecting him to kick in. Albus walked a piddling ways behind them. Far enough to make them think they had privacy, but close decent that Albus could hear what they were saying.

Harry made it clear that he was not affect that shimmy was taking vantage of the magic spell he was learning in training. In fact, Harry said if he caught slip doing it again, he 'd take to report it.

Then he told James that the screeching Shack was well out of bounds and that if he went in there again, he 'd report James to professor Longbottom. Albus doubted either of them would set infantry in the blank space again.

"Why did n't you just go to the Room of Requirement if you wanted privacy ?"Harry asked before leaving James and Albus in the Entrance Hall.

slip and King James I looked at each early and then laughed."It was otherwise occupied,"Teddy grinned,"Fred 's got himself a lady friend. They were enjoying the privacy of the Room of Requirement."

Harry smiled and shook his head."Next metre, just ask Neville if he 'll let you talk in his study. I 'm sure enough he will. I 'll see you boys after terminal figure is over, then."

Albus and James said good day to their dad and Teddy and then walked back up to Gryffindor Tower in silence. Jesse James was obviously still upset over the mates and Albus did n't need to say anything to arrive at it worse.

"They 're doing a full investigation of Linda 's Scots heather !"rosiness announced when Albus found them in the commons room. William James had gone directly up to his dormitory.

"Yeah, Sir Henry Joseph Wood 's just told us,"John continued,"Stripping it down, plus they 're interviewing the Australian captains, headmaster, and everyone on the team, including Linda."

"Wow,"Albus was impressed. They would n't rule anything, of course, but it was still squeamish that they were taking this seriously,"Wish it would actually help."

"Me, too,"bathroom agreed,"So where was James ?"

"The shriek hovel,"Albus whispered.

Matt dumped his ink bottle all over his homework and swore."How 'd he get in ?"

"He was with Teddy and teddy bear knows the counter-charm from Auror training,"Albus said quietly,"But he was n't supposed to use it outside of training, so my dad told him if he does it again he 'll get in worry. Do n't vex, neither of them will go in there again."

"Still, of all the places they could 've gone ..."Matt 's representative trailed off.

"Why were they there ?"Rose asked as she siphoned the ink off of mat 's homework.

"James was thinking of quitting the team,"Albus whispered,"Do n't concern, he did n't,"he said quickly when he saw the disgusted look on John 's face.

"Well, thank merlin for that,"trick said.

******

It must have been a behind news day the side by side day. One of those twenty-four hours where the front Sir Frederick Handley Page clause of the prophesier was about a young ace who had graciously volunteered his clock time in the closed ward at St. Mungo 's or an elderly witch who passed away, leaving her fortune to her cats.

That is, if it were n't for the fact that the section of Magical Games and sportsman and the Department for International Magical Cooperation doing an all out investigation on the Australian School of Sorcery 's Quidditch squad, Linda Morales and her heather in particular.

Albus was quite shocked to see the prolonged clause by Rita Skeeter on the front page. He hardly ate any breakfast as he read it out loudly to his friends before classes.

The Aussie School of Sorcery : Did They Cheat ?

In a challenger of Quidditch and dueling, which reminds
many a beldam and wizard of the thrilling and slightly
more dangerous Triwizard tournament, accusation came
yesterday of whether the team from Commonwealth of Australia cheated.

A match was held between the Hogwarts and Australian
teams yesterday afternoon and was over in twenty minutes.
The grudge was 270-110, in party favor of Australia. Linda
Morales, 13, of Australia, caught the snitch in what
some people believe to be an impossibly fast speed.

"It was like one minute she was flying above the slant
and I blinked and then she was on the ground with the
Snitch in her hand,"one Hogwarts scholar said.

Many other students and a few staff members recalled
the same affair. The many witnesses of this near
unacceptable flying have fueled the investigation.

If it is discovered that Australia used any good luck charm,
potions, curses, whammy, or anything else deemed
unaccepted by International Quidditch criterion,
a replay will be played between Hogwarts and
Australia.

"We do n't make out what we 're going to get hold,"Ian
Herkimer, of the Department of Magical Games and
Sports, said tardy yesterday,"On the one hired hand, it
is nearly impossible for a baker's dozen yr old missy
to fly that fast on the Calluna vulgaris she was using. On
the former hand, all the ling used in this
challenger were extensively searched for charms
before the catch. It could very well be that vernal
Linda Morales is just an exceptionally in force
Quidditch actor. If that is the case, then scouts
from master teams may wish to pay attention
to this competition."

Perhaps the most intriguing part of this history is
that the Hogwarts seeker is none other than Saint James the Apostle
Potter, son of the fabled Gryffindor Seeker
Harry potter. Saint James the Apostle Potter, 15, has lived up to
his Fatherhood 's reputation in the yesteryear and has never
lost a match this quickly before. Neither James
or his Father of the Church were uncommitted for comment.

Is Linda morale a cheater ? Or is she merely the
next large Quidditch star ?

"Great,"Albus set down the paper,"offset she 's going to win this challenger and then be drafted to play for Puddlemere United."

"We do n't have to occupy about her playing for the Cannons,"John smirked,"That would get rid of their awful reputation."

"That would be a bad affair because ... ?"flatness said.

"I would n't get to clear fun of them anymore,"can grinned.

"Not a bad thing,"lusterlessness replied.

The integral school was talking about the article all day long. Everywhere Albus went, someone was discussing it. Most in all likelihood due to this, James spent the day in his dormitory.

"Why 'd Skeeter feature to stick Epistle of James in that article,"Albus lamented as he, Matt, John, and Kaden wandered the corridors. Rose and Amanda had gone to find oneself Linda, to see if she knew anymore details about the investigation.

"Because she 's Rita Skeeter,"John said,"She never writes an article without sticking your dad in it somehow."

"I know. Rita Skeeter 's horrible,"Albus said.

"There are a few reporter in Australia who could make her a run for her money,"Matt muttered.

"So irresponsible !"a hushed voice said from a classroom they were passing.

Albus stopped. He did n't recognize the voice and it did n't sound happy. He gestured for his friends to stop as well and paused to listen.

"We 're already skating on slim down ice !"the man was saying,"kickoff she catches the Snitch ten arcminute into the first lucifer and now she flies too fast for masses to see and vanquish James IV thrower ? Now there 's an investigation for pigeon hawk 's sake !"

"I did n't know she was going to do that !"another man said,"I made it clear to her that she could only fly slightly better than the other players !"

"Told you they were cheating,"John whispered.

"We were n't the I arguing with you,"Albus replied,"That was Rose."

"The bloke doing the yelling is the Aussie schoolmaster,"Matt said.

"The other one 's probably the captain, then,"Albus said.

"Well, you must not have told her plenty because now she 's on the front varlet of the Prophet and the Ministry is investigating ! Do you have any musical theme what 's going to encounter if anyone finds out ?"the headmaster raised his voice.

"Of trend I do !"

"Let me refresh your memory anyway. We 'll both be fired and Australia will be out of the contender. Hell, we 'll be lucky to get away with fine and no jail time !"

"That would n't be a bad thing,"John muttered.

"You hear that ?"the schoolmaster barked,"Someone 's out there."

Albus turned in panic to his champion and before he could run, the threshold opened all the way and Albus was staring at who he assumed to be the Australian Quidditch captain. The man was tall and lanky, the perfect build for a Chaser. His tomentum was messy in a way that reminded Albus of his father, but this man 's hair was light brown.

The headmaster appeared behind the man, along with a surly looking boy who must 've been around slip 's age. Albus assumed he was the assistant captain.

"well, who have we here,"the headmaster smirked.

Albus was frozen in lieu. The backbone of his nous said to run, but he could n't get his legs to run. He was staring the bloke who was so discriminatory against loup-garou that he refused to let lustrelessness attend his schooling in the face.

"You 're the Potter boy,"the headmaster continued,"The vernal one."

Albus forced himself to nod only because he did n't really want to be mistaken for King James at the moment.

"That means ..."Killigan 's oculus moved from Albus to can, Kaden, and then lustrelessness,"That one of you is probably,"his heart rested on matt and then he smiled,"The Eckerton boy. I was told you were here."

Albus turned to count at Matt, who was now almost as white as Professor Binns. Albus shook his head, grabbed Matt 's arm, and took off running game. The footstep behind him told him that John and Kaden were following.

Albus did n't stop running until he made it to the piranha 's Den. He completely ignored the Prefect who told him not to run in the corridors and Filch 's new cat.

"Bloody infernal region, how did he manage to figure out which one of us you were ?"King John asked matte once they shut the door,"He has n't seen you in years !"

"Lucky guesswork,"Kaden shrugged.

matt shook his head."No. None of you lot have blonde hair."

"But still, how does he cognise I 'm friends with you ?"Albus asked,"Of all the blonde haired students here, he picked you. He somehow knows we 're ally. Remember, he said 'you must be the ceramist boy', which is n't abnormal. Everyone knows who I am. But then he said 'which means you must be the Eckerton boy .'Someone 's telling him about you."

"So much for trying to push aside him,"flatness groaned,"Now he knows who I am. Merlin knows what he 's going to try to do now."

"Why does he even wish ?"Kaden asked,"I thought he did n't want you at his school. If he hates werewolves so often, would n't it pull in More signified that he ignore you ?"

Kaden had a gunpoint. Albus had n't really thought about it before, but it was kind of strange that Killigan would be so interested in mat. But then, why would he let a vampire attend his schooltime ?

"That actually makes a lot of sentiency, Kaden,"Matt said,"Why does he care ?"

Albus did n't know, but something told him it meant nothing unspoiled. Whatever Killigan was doing here, it went deeper than just trying to win a Quidditch tournament by having a lamia for a Seeker.

******

It took the Ministry three days to complete the investigating. During this time numerous Ministry officials appeared at the school and held audience with Killigan, the Aboriginal Australian maitre d', and the Aboriginal Australian participant. They even interviewed St. James, Joseph Oliver Wood, Todd Smith, and Professor Kendrick. Albus heard that every heather on the Aboriginal Australian team had been stripped and checked for illegal magic.

The termination were announced before Rita Skeeter wrote another article. A Ministry official read them at dinner Wednesday evening.

"Upon close inspection of all the Australian broomsticks as well as extensive interview with everyone involved, the Ministry is able to say that Linda Morales 's capture of the snitch was a result of pure gift and nil illegal. I thank you all for your cooperation during this time,"he said and then resumed his rear end future to Kendrick.

The Great G. Stanley Hall erupted in wild yell. Everyone was staring at Linda and it looked like she wanted to evaporate. pink wine and Amanda were sitting on either side of her and blush wine was whispering to her.

Albus and his friend were n't expecting anything different, but they had to act tempestuous for appearance 's sake and it was not difficult to do so.

Kendrick eventually had to bear up and tell everyone to quiet down. It worked, but nobody stopped talking about the results.

It was still possible for Hogwarts to win the contender. If they won every compeer from now on and continued doing well in dueling. The competition was n't even one-half over, so there was quite a little of clock time to deplumate ahead. However, the chances of doing so were low so long as Linda was playing searcher for Australia.

The rest of the hebdomad passed with continual Quidditch discourse. Henry James was still abnormally subdued and sat quietly with Ben, Cedric, and Nate every even in the common elbow room. Albus was hoping it would blow over during the vacation. It was strange seeing his comrade so quiet.

There was a Hogsmeade visit that Saturday and genuine to her news, Rose went with Albus and his friends instead of Linda.

It was a particularly cold and blustery winter day with a unbendable snow that had already dumped six inches on the grounds. This was n't nearly enough snow to keep people out of Hogsmeade and all the workshop were fully to capacity.

Kaden had begged Albus to give him the map so he could sneak in, but Albus refused. The Hogsmeade visit before Noel seemed too risky. Too many students went on that one. The Valentine 's Day one would be easily, when the other students were too absorbed in their love lives to notice a second class in Hogsmeade.

"Let 's go get Butterbeer first,"Amanda suggested as they made their way into the village,"I 'm already immobilise solid."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The 3 Broomsitcks was already packed, but they managed to find a board and Albus went to get five Butterbeers. When he returned, everyone was talking about what they were doing for the holidays.

"My mum has decided she wants one of my aunts to do Christmastime this twelvemonth,"privy said,"She 's done Christmas Day at our house since she and my dad got matrimonial and it 's finally don her out. The funny thing is that none of my aunts really know what to do, so my mum is doing as a lot workplace as she always does."

"I ca n't imagine Christmas not being at the burrow,"Rose said.

"Me either,"Albus replied as he set down the Butterbeer,"The tunnel is just so Christmasy."

"Believe it or not, but I 'm not going to Commonwealth of Australia for Christmas this year,"Matt announced.

John spit out his Butterbeer."What ?"he coughed,"You always go to Australia."

"I know,"Matt said,"Never had a Christmas anyplace else."

"Why ?"Albus asked.

"Well, you know how my dad 's going to be the new caput of the department of the regularization and control condition of Magical wight. He officially starts on Jan instant. But the Ministry is throwing a image company for him on New Year 's Eve. He did n't really desire it, but they insisted. So, we 've got to go to that. Hopefully it 'll be better than the political party my grandparents have."

"Rose and I will probably go to that, too. My dad 's always invited to those things since he 's head of the Auror department. My whole family goes to them. There 's always something to do, especially if Saint James the Apostle is feeling particularly mischievous. rose wine 's parents get invited, too. So does my Uncle Harry Hotspur,"Albus explained.

lusterlessness grinned."Well if you lot are there it wo n't be bad."

"This party 's going to be anything but boring,"Albus grinned.

"Never thought I 'd wish I was going to a envision party,"John Lackland sighed,"How about you, Amanda ? Any political party ?"

"Nope,"Amanda laughed,"Just outlay time with my family."

They finished their Butterbeer and went back out into the snow. Honeydukes was their first stop, where Matt proceeded to buy decent burnt umber to feast all of Gryffindor. His alibi was that it was for Christmastide presents, but Albus doubted as to whether the chocolate would ever make it home.

Honeydukes was really too crowded to bide in very long, as were well-nigh of the other shop class. They wound up just wandering up and down High Street until they got to the scream hovel.

After a very brief snowball fight rose suggested they just go back to the school and pass prison term in the Marauder 's Den. Nobody argued since they were all dusty and wet from the snow.

******

The next two weeks went by in a blur for Albus. It seemed like he just went from one Quidditch practice to another, with dueling practice and lessons with Balladanis thrown in. Albus had started making progression with his shield charms, but so had Malfoy and neither of them were expert than the other.

At their last deterrent example of the term, Balladanis reiterated how important it was for them not to practice session while at home. He then told them to experience a good holiday and be ready to shape even harder when they returned.

Linda 's astound match of the Snitch had already started to blow over before term ended. Everyone seemed much more focused on getting a few calendar week off from school than a helpless Quidditch match. This helped give back James to his normal self and he finished off the terminus with his usual pre-holiday prank.

This one was a little less harmless as he just charmed the suits of armour to sing Yule carols at random times of the day. Of course, the carols were alternated with 'Hogwarts will win the Cup'and 'Hogwarts is undecomposed at Quidditch than Australia'and 'Hogwarts will circumvent New York in the next peer'. James II was never caught, though.

Eventually the Christmas carol wore off as did the pro-Hogwarts messages and everyone packed and got ready to go family. Albus wondered for a moment what it would be like to stay at schooling over the holiday. He knew his dad had done nearly every year, but Albus could n't imagine not being with his family for Christmas.

Albus and his friends found a compartment towards the vertebral column of the train and settled in for the long journey.

"What are the Australian and American Kid doing for Xmas ?"Kaden asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"Some of them are going home, but virtually are just staying at Hogwarts. Linda 's staying,"Rose told them.

"I bet it was Linda,"John muttered absentmindedly.

"What ?"Albus asked.

"Linda. I 'll bet every Cnut in my pocket that she 's the one who told Killigan who Matt was,"John Lackland explained.

"You 're just mad at Linda for winning the peer,"Rose rolled her eyes,"She did not tell Killigan."

"Why not ?"Albus asked,"He 's her headmaster. Why would n't she recite him ?"

"I do n't know. I just do n't imagine she did,"Rose muttered.

"Even that does n't explicate why Killigan wanted to live,"Amanda pointed out.

"Which means we have to receive out,"Albus said.

"Find out what ?"Matt asked sleepily. The wide lunar month was that Nox and he had fallen asleep as soon as they got on the train.

"Why Killigan was so interested in you that time we spied on him,"Albus explained.

"Oh,"mat said as he leaned his straits against the window,"How are we going to do that ?"

Albus did n't know. All he knew was that it could be problematic and there was a big chance of them getting in trouble. An enervate silence fell upon the compartment. No one knew how they were going to get answers.

"Do you think Linda 's teammates know she 's a vampire ?"Kaden asked towards the end of the journey.

Albus, who had been drifting off to sleep, lifted his forefront up."Good question."

"They do n't,"Rose answered,"They just think she 's really good."

"Interesting,"Albus said,"I bet she would n't be allowed to bring professionally."

"She would n't,"John confirmed,"lamia ca n't play pro Quidditch. It 's unjust to the rest of the teams."

"I 'd pay a lot of money to see two teams of vampire playing Quidditch against each former,"Albus grinned.

"You would n't be able to see them,"Saint John laughed,"They 'd be flying too fast."

"I 'd like to see vampires play football game,"Kaden announced.

"Of row you would,"lavatory rolled his eyes.

The boys spent the eternal sleep of the trip-up discussing vampire Quidditch while Rose and Amanda played Muggle notice games. Before retentive they were in London.

All of their parents were standing together on the platform. Albus said a quick goodby to mat before his parents hurried him out of the station.


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

For those who are interest, I posted a variety of epilogue/short sequel to In Moonlight 's Shadow. It 's called life history Amidst the moonlight and is on my author 's page.