Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilette and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the terminal meter. catsup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupid. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just work that around on him and tell him it was his own shift for staying up too late the previous night.

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

Ever since Kaden awoke at noonday, he had been trying to recollect up a good exculpation to skip going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable people on the cheek of the planet, save up for his aunt margarine.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. sure enough, they 'd showered him with endless gifts on his birthdays and Noel, but that was the only way they showed their affection. fountainhead, aside from his grandmother 's bone shattering clinch, which were surprisingly pixilated considering her diminished frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the side by side doorway neighbour were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elite school that his granddaddy and his father had both attended. Kaden had visited legion times and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up prof, and the kids who constantly argued about whose father had the in force job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At first, his father was willing to consider letting him serve public school with all his friends, but after his grandfather had his say, there was no discussing the topic. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same drill company that his granddad and father worked for. What a drilling life.

Perhaps if he tried veridical firmly, Kaden would be able to give himself a pyrexia. He 'd done it once, a few years ago. His parents had wanted him to serve some variety of work related party for his granddad, and Kaden had been dreading it. half time of day before they were supposed to go away, his temperature spiked to five level above rule and he 'd been able-bodied to skip the party. The undecomposed part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

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

There was a soft knocking on his threshold and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the doorway, revealing his mother standing in the threshold. She was a shortly woman with straight brown hair, the same color as his own, that was story with her chin.

"Kaden, good, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandfather wants to see you in your Smelting 's unvarying tonight. He 's gotten a new digital photographic camera and needs to claim some word-painting of you in it."

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

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

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His female parent left and Kaden shut the room access again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old babe, Bethany, or easing the tension between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the serenity.

Not ten minutes later the threshold flare-up unfold and Bethany practically flew into the way. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally scream at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearance to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, discharge with glittering shoes and a crest. She was grinning ear to ear and her yearn blond hairsbreadth was curled.

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

"Grandma Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so a lot honest than the early princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can take on photo of me, too."

"regard he 'd just contract ikon of you,"Kaden muttered.

"Mummy did my tomentum. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

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

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

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

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

"Hello,"the man greeted them. He was little than Kaden 's founder, but taller than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a happy smile on his face.

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

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My public figure is Professor Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to talk over with you. May I come in ?"

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

Kaden held the door open and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents lead them into the keep room. Christina ran to bring in beverage while Neville settled himself onto one of the couch. Dudley sat in the professorship across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

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

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

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

Dudley spat out his washing soda and started coughing. Christina let out a humble gasp and turned to expect at Dudley, who had gone blanch albumen. The two shared a look and then turned back to Neville.

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden was fully alert now. What kind of shoal was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to clear a space ? He had n't applied to any former schools besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts schooling really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was better than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

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

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

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

"well, you 're going to let to explain now,"Neville said."I 'll wait. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

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

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

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

Nobody said anything for a few moments. Kaden continued to glare at his Father-God. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own Padre pin up for him ?

"Enough,"Christina said loudly."look, Dudley, we knew this could come about. It runs in the genes ! He 's been making odd things happen for years. We tried to cut the signs, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't feature been happy going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a uprise man, Dudley, make decisions regarding your youngster based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence information. Kaden knew he was average, no unspoilt than most of the kids his age. Maybe it was football skill ? Kaden was a fair football player, but no one else in his family was particularly skilful. How would that run in his gene ?

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

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

Dudley looked up and his centre met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A special school day that Harry attended when we were kids. It 's a shoal of magic, for Wiccan and wizards-"

"Wait,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and magic scepter and stuff ?"

"Wands yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a spell,"Neville said as he pulled out a retentive marijuana cigarette which Kaden assumed was a wand.

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

"Holy crap,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got illusion running through my cistron ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how hail I ca n't do magic, like make my prep magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

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

Kaden thought, then his centre opened spacious and he stared at Neville."What if a person really did n't desire to go somewhere and they got a febricity all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't have to go where they did n't want to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be magic. Did that go on to you ?"

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

"Of course of instruction you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."thing like that happen to a lot of young beldame and wizards."

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

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

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

"James II and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too Whitney Moore Young Jr.,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no pauperization to worry."

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

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

"Yes,"Neville smiled,"Everything you need can be found in Diagon Alley in London."He rose from his death chair and pulled a letter out of his gown, handing it to Kaden."Your acceptance alphabetic character and listing of supplies."

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

He unfolded it and interpret it loudly to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the deputy sheriff headmistress, prof Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts express would provide from Martin Luther King Jr. 's Cross station on September first, from a platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

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

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of supplying. It was full of odd script such as Magical Herbs and Fungi, brass scale, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't have already known about trick, he would 've thought the whole affair was a joke.

"I can subscribe to you to London and show you where Diagon back street is, if you would care,"Neville suggested.

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

"That 's amercement,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore questions ?"

"Am I a witch ?"Bethany asked.

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

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

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

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

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

"What do you teach ?"Kaden asked.

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

Kaden watched as Neville left the house and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the nearest president and let out a diminished moan.
***


The only sound at dinner was the Chinaman of utensils hitting the PRC plates and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a glass of soda, earning him a hind end gaze from his grandmother. It seemed that nobody could think of anything to sing about. Even the usual topics of the conditions, sports, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given strict orders by their beginner not to note anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or magic whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated thaumaturgy with a passion, something that kind of amused Kaden but seemed to frighten his father. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wiz, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his children.

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

"You should get involved with boxing at Smelting 's,"Vernon said in between raciness of potatoes."Your dad was a champion boxer when he was there."

"I like football game,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would stimulate football. Wizards would still dally sports, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."ripe than zero, I suppose. Smelting 's does possess an excellent football game team. I 'll gift the manager a ring and let him know you 'll be joining."

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

"You 'll bring together a sport, though,"Vernon insisted."son grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll need to bulk you up, too,"genus Petunia commented as she placed another pork chop on Kaden 's plate.

"I 've already been to the schoolhouse twice,"Vernon said as he took another large swig of brandy."Spoke with all your prof and they 're quite excited to meet you. Long stemma of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

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

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't care lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was wrong, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his unanimous living about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he have to keep lying ?

"Dudley had a howling prison term at Smelting 's,"Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy spyglass."Another glass, Dudley ?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

Public school ? Kaden intellection. Was his dad really going to trade one lie for another ?

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

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

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

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

Kaden wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole. Was that the sort of affair he could do with magic ? It would be very utilitarian for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."print my words. Smelting 's is the but suitable schooltime out there. He 's going to neglect out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his gramps, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't need his grandfather to roll in the hay he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that amazing if they told him ? Did he really detest conjuration that much ? But he, Kaden, was a superstar. A whizz just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all wizards. Did that signify his own grandfather would detest him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach and he pushed his collection plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

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

Kaden escaped the dining way and ran upstairs to the smallest bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's bedchamber, although it no longer contained any remnants of his star full cousin. It was neat as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so arouse about finding out that he was a wizard. It explained all the strange affair he 'd done in the past. The fever was not the lone clip something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his motorcycle, landed hard on his articulatio radiocarpea, and suffered no Thomas More than a wampum. Another metre he 'd allow for a library Bible at plate that he had meant to bring in back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his haversack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some form of law preventing whiz telling Muggles about illusion ? That would explain why most Muggles did not acknowledge about witching. But his female parent had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must own done unknown things as a child and Kaden wondered if his own Fatherhood had realized what Kaden was when he did strange thing.

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


The next few workweek were both exciting and ungainly. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to count down the days until he got to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon back street a few workweek before term started and Kaden was very much looking forward to that.

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

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

The affair was very tranquillise at first, with nobody knowing what to say and the sole phrasal idiom mentioned being"pass the table salt"or"could I throw some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a unity password, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to talk a lot.

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

Dudley and Christina exchanged glance."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend populace school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a minor, private school in Scotland. He did n't apply, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you assure us-"

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

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy trash. Petunia let out what could only be described as a small squeak. Vernon 's facial expression then turned the purple coloration it did when he got angry.

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

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

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

"A feeling about what ?"Petunia asked.

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

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange look, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a eldritch mix of mix-up, anger, and the tenuous bit of revulsion, as if he could not stand to imagine that soul actually related to him was a wizard. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden could n't wish less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never receive to set pes in the place again. Anything would be advantageously than Smelting 's and what little he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a little more accepting. Kaden may not ingest particularly liked his grandpa, but he still loved him and hated feeling as if it was not mutual.

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

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

Vernon chose to cut this and continued eating. The mesa settled into uncomfortable silence once more and Kaden managed to drop dead down a few insect bite of chicken before Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very large helping of pud, but he only ate a few sting before stopping.

Kaden and his menage did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed inclined to visit any longer. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the door, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the livelihood way before they left.

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

Kaden nodded, smiling. As far as he was concerned, that was as ripe as an excuse from his grandpa. He caught up with his parents and Bethany, gave his grandmother a hug, and they left.

Kaden lay in bed that dark feeling very cognitive content. His grandparents may not give been well-chosen about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to hate him for being a star, and that was as serious as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon alleyway with Harry and the balance of his magical first cousin. It would be his outset taste of the witching earthly concern and he could not wait.


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

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

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus ceramicist stared out his sleeping room window and watched as an owl flew closer and closemouthed to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy grim pilus as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really cognize if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the alone one awake at this time of day anyway. His chum James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summertime. Albus slept in for the get-go few hebdomad, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an earlier 60 minutes. Albus watched the owl through his honey oil eyes as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the door latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brown screaming owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to undo its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped spread the gasbag. It had been weeks since he had cobbler's last seen his booster from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their varsity letter. John Brickston and mat Eckerton had each written him a distich times. Albus unfolded the missive and silently read it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and blush wine 's natal day political party !
I really was n't sure if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your star sign a twosome days before
the company, in about three weeks, and I can continue a couple days after,
too. But then I 'll make to go home ; you know why.

We 're going to assemble up with you in Diagon bowling alley, since we 're not
on the Floo Network. John the Evangelist tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousin-german ripe before your party, but that he 'll be able-bodied to last out at
your house after.

I ca n't wait until the political party. thing at my theater are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out finish workweek. You probably already knew that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all originate up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few weeks !
Your acquaintance,
Matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set lusterlessness 's letter down next to John 's most Recent one. He was thrilled that both of his best friends would be able to go to his birthday party. John had said yes right away, but matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would wind up spending about a hebdomad with Albus and he could n't hold back. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld billet. Albus had only met the woman twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own gran was. He could only imagine what lustrelessness 's mum was doing now that her girl had moved out. Only a workweek before, Matt 's babe, Amy, and Albus 's cousin-german, Victoire, had moved into a flat in capital of the United Kingdom. The two of them were beginning their Healer training in September.

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

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

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na feed Mary Martin ? ``

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

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the caldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from Matt just now. He can make out to the party and he 's coming a few Day early. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Who supports the carom ? '' Epistle of James came slowly down the stairs, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

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

St. James read the paper silently for a few min and then split out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in understanding as he started eating the rolled oats that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with St. James and his mother for the future half hour. All of them agreed that the shank had no chance of ever making it to the League Cup. When Albus had finished his rolled oats, Harry came stumbling down the stairs in his pajamas.

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

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

`` Someday you 'll understand, William James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, girls wo n't let cooties anymore. ``

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

`` Do you get to go into work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down next to her at the table.

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

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

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not trusted. professor Kendrick is looking for another teacher, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would seem as if mass think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't get anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

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

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

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

The whole Potter folk played secret plan after game of chess, until James was declared the champion. By the metre lunch rolled around, Albus was cat of the biz. `` Can we go play Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between pungency. Harry often took them to roleplay Quidditch at rose 's house. Since the ceramist lived in London, they really could n't play Quidditch at their own house. `` rose wine wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

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

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

At that mo, Albus heard a high gear pitched ring coming from the kitchen counter. He looked over and saw the small-scale peregrine phone that always sat next on the windowpane sill. The Potters did not experience many Muggle device in their house, but they did own one telephony in case they had to contact any Muggles. Usually the telephone was just used when Harry talked to his full cousin, Dudley. But William James and Albus had given the number to their Muggle born protagonist. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to recount him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a cry. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the sound. `` Hello ? '' he said. He went placidity for a few moments while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's optic widened in shock and a grin feast cross his case. `` What ? Are you grave ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holidays and birthdays. Even then, the conversations tended to be dead and not filled with excitement like this one obviously was. Albus was very rum at this peak and he glanced at William James, who looked just as curious.

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

Harry listened for a few minute as he started to tempo alongside the counter. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll need him to Diagon back street with us when we go. You can come, too, of form. ``

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

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

`` You 'll never imagine .... ''

`` So assure us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's back talk fell open. Harry 's full cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The aged one, Kaden, was a little younger than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of thaumaturgy and Albus could only suppose what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

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

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

`` I would think not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to pitch. ``

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

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

Harry and Ginny continued to talk about Kaden even after Henry James and Albus left the table. The two of them went up to Saint James the Apostle 's way, where they spent a few transactions discussing it themselves.

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

`` I 'd think Hufflepuff, '' Jesse James commented. Albus had to fit in with that. He had met his first cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff variety. James had managed to tear quite a few joke on him over the years and he did n't appear to be the acute quill in the box. Albus remembered the survive time they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a twosome years ago. Albus and his family line tended to chitchat the Dursleys every couple of yr, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his Sister did n't have sex about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

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

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon back street with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' James IV said, `` That 'll be interesting. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I know, '' Jesse James grinned, `` I ca n't hold back ! ``

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

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

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

`` Or who 's goal in life is to become the next Voldemort. ``

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

`` Or who gives you detention every early day. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boy shouted at the Lapp clock time. James grabbed his Scots heather off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a recitation Snitch.

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

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

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

Albus followed his dad and William James down the stairs and into the drawing room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo gunpowder, threw it into the flaming, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's business firm ! '' Saint James the Apostle followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione 's life room. Their household was a small-scale, tea cozy place in the middle of a arena with a timber nearby. It seemed strangely quiet without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the doorway and into the playing field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his sceptre and muttered a few spells that would hold back the canary from roaming too far.

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

Harry and King James agreed and mounted their Scots heather as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their higher-up brooms. Albus saw James release the snitch and wait a few minute before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hand and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his baton, Harry conjured a large wooden ring and suspended it in mid-air.

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

`` You 've got to adjure two more, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too prosperous for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few Thomas More basketball hoop. Albus flew around him for a little while before sending the Quaffle into the left most hoop. Harry was too slow and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` Good one ! '' Jesse James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the former side of meat. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a dyad hours, taking curt breaks to rest. Albus managed to tally a lot of destination, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a while of catching and releasing the sneak, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able-bodied to salve many end with both his sons passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to ring it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld plaza tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first off chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note to any new readers out there, I highly recommend you read Albus potter and the mystery Within, which can be found on my author Sir Frederick Handley Page.

Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon Alley a one-half time of day ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the by 30 mo.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to take Albus to Diagon Alley. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the telephone and set it down on the windowsill.

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

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

Albus followed his dad to the open fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was very crowded since it was a Saturday. Albus tried to peek through the gang in order to happen his protagonist, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry thrower ! '' somebody sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly booze. `` Hi Harry thrower ! '' he waved lazily.

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken sorcerer as he and Albus walked past the bar. The crew parted in order to appropriate them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted matt and his parents at one of the table in the back. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

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

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

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so glad you could come. ``

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

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

Harry sat down following to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them throw off hands. `` Why do n't we get some luncheon ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

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

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

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

The group ordered their food and a short while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the whole time telling each other about their calendar week apart while the grownup talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' matt asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yup, he got his alphabetic character a couple weeks ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously legerdemain in the crime syndicate. ``

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

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a little latterly. Dad was on the headphone with Dudley trying to convince him to severalize Uncle Vernon and aunt genus Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr., Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, lusterlessness, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to matte, `` Have fun, and do n't construct too a lot trouble. ``

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

`` I 'll be finely, Mum, '' lustrelessness replied once his mother stopped hugging him.

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

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

`` Er, yeah, but not in a brace years, '' mat eyed the fireplace nervously.

`` You 'll be OK, '' Harry told him, `` Just throw the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld Place .'''

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

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

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

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

`` You 'd better step away, '' Albus pulled flatness away from the fire just before Harry appeared.

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

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt coughed, `` But I think I prefer phantom. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` Come on, you can drop your stuff in my way. ``

`` Wow, this is a pretty big house, '' matte gazed around as he followed Albus up the step. `` Reminds me of the star sign we had in Commonwealth of Australia. ``

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's firm, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and Dark stuff in it. The Black category was pretty involved in the nighttime graphics. Except for Sirius, and his brother genus Regulus changed his scene at the end of his life history and tried to destruct a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get almost of the Dark poppycock out. ``

`` fountainhead, that 's good, '' Matt said as they entered the next floor.

`` My way 's the go one on the rightfulness, but first I 've got to show you something, '' Albus led lustrelessness into one of the other rooms, `` This is James 's room. But it used to be Sothis 's. ``

`` Your Brother 's not very full-strength, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a pile of bemire school day gown and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the walls, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a scene of four boys, `` Sirius put a bunch of painting up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up about of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandpa, Canicula, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

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

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` Thought you 'd wish to see it. ``

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

`` well, do you want to go to my room ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' Matt replied, turning away from the picture. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few days later, John the Evangelist arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their time playing games and talking. John the Evangelist was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to rosiness 's house to play Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of preparation after rosiness prodded them a few times.

`` So, what do you require to do now ? '' john asked. The three boys were lounging around in Albus 's elbow room, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

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

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to think. He had given his booster the howling term of enlistment of Grimmauld situation as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one place he had yet to show them. `` Want to explore the attic ? '' he grinned mischievously.

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

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

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

Albus led his friends down the mansion and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The attic of numeral 12 Grimmauld piazza was a very with child elbow room, filled with old boxful and furniture. It was moody, cramped, and dusty and surd to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

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

`` Mostly old pitch blackness household heirlooms and other stuff that belonged to the Shirley Temple Black family. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the stuff that was here originally into the Attic, '' Albus explained.

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

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

`` Wicked ! '' lav shouted as he pulled out an old ash grey tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is worth loads of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to analyze the tray, `` It 's got the Black family crest on it, too. ``

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

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

`` Why not ? '' flatness asked curiously.

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

`` What did she do to make you stay fresh her up here ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

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

`` She sounds horrible, '' mat agreed.

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

`` Look at all this ! '' can grinned, `` The whole box is filled with fancy hooey. Goblets, silverware. '' St. John pulled out a very large candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, Snake ? '' he pointed to the contribution of the candelabra that would give candela. Each of them was a Hydra 's head, and the candle would sit in the snake 's mouth.

`` I think so, '' Albus took it from can and stared at it, `` That 's form of creepy. No wonder it 's up here. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Uh, yeah, all lycanthrope are, '' Matt explained.

`` That 's interesting, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` How did we go a unharmed class without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` There 's not much silver in the Gryffindor common room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boys all laughed.

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

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

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

`` Are there any without silver gray ? '' John asked after they 'd looked at at to the lowest degree ten dissimilar boxes.

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

`` Excellent, '' John sat down and opened the box. Albus and Matt joined him and started pulling material out.

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

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

`` Broken Snitch, '' flatness announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quills, zip too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a belittled, worn out leather playscript at the nates. It did n't look much like a text ledger. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while Gospel According to John and Matt looked over his articulatio humeri. On the first-class honours degree varlet was a picture of four boys. `` It 's photo album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the side by side few pages, noticing that the word-painting were always of the Same four male child, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' John asked.

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

`` Makes sentiency, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' John the Evangelist agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to turn the pages, looking at each depiction. It was a bit strange looking at all these pictures and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their dormitory, in the common room, on the dry land, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a distich of King James playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four son waved wildly at Albus, john, and Matt. They all looked so well-chosen. It felt eldritch to know that only a few years after these pictures had been taken, Peter would betray King James and Lily. The Marauders had trusted each former with their lives, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his admirer. But they would never shit each other. Albus knew that. None of them were squealer like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photograph album, a girl started appearing in a lot of the impression. She would have her weaponry wrapped around Henry James and would kiss him every once in a while.

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

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their year of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very hold up page and saw that the lastly scene was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their school robes, holding diploma. They all wore huge grin on their faces.

`` gradation, '' John commented.

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

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

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

`` What 's this ? '' mat picked it up. `` Looks lacuna. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost space. In one of the niche were four very small paw mark. `` No it 's not. see, '' Albus pointed to the recession.

John and flatness peered at the parchment and looked at the paw photographic print. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to make up the Marauders. I 'm guessing they 're a savage, dog, stag, and rat photographic print. ``

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a impression that it was n't a meaningless piece of parchment. After all, to the average person, the predator 's Map was just a meaningless piece of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his luggage compartment once the boy returned to Albus 's room.

******

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

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stair with whoremaster and matte following him. They ran into the drawing room, where Albus 's parents were, along with James and Lily. `` We 're set up ! ``

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

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

`` Like my acquaint ? '' Albus hinted.

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

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

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

Harry was right. This clock time, Matt did not inhale nearly as much smoke and managed to not come down over as he arrived at the tunnel. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' mollie Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` happy Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

The adults quickly left to set up for the political party, leaving Albus and the other kids alone.

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

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

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

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

`` Wow, I ca n't ideate having this many cousins, '' matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any cousin. ``

The group managed to give it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the tables magically. A few of Albus 's cousins were in the air on Scots heather and a few others were playing with the gnomes in the garden. Albus spotted rosebush and Amanda at a nearby table.

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

`` how-do-you-do, '' rosebush and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' rosebush asked.

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

`` For about a half hour. We flooed, '' Rose told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` Took me fifteen minutes to stop cough. ``

`` It gets better, '' matt assured her, `` I had n't done it in geezerhood, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. Took me forever to cease coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

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

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

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' rosebush asked.

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, Thomas Kyd ! '' Bill had appeared side by side to the table, holding what appeared to be a gigantic Gryffindor social lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Albus grinned.

Bill set the pinata down on the tabular array and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! Teddy ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

teddy, who had turned his hair scarlet and gold for the occasion, came running over to the table. `` certain ! We doing it in the center of the 1000 ? ``

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

`` There 's no Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree there, '' Amanda commented, `` What are they planning to attend it on ? ``

`` hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' Teddy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousins ran over to slip. Albus, Rose, and their friends managed to promote their way through the gang to the strawman.

`` All rightfield ! '' eyeshade shouted, `` Albus and rose first, then new to oldest. ``

rose wine went first. notice put a blind-fold spell over her center and handed her an old heather. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed collision, her bend was over. Albus was up next. He took the broom from Rose and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his birthday parties, but he was never very commodity at it.

`` To the right ! '' mortal shouted. Albus swung the Scots heather around to his right field, but did n't make striking with anything. slip always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to bust it undefended, '' Albus said once his turn was over. `` He does at everyone 's political party. ``

`` Well, this is the sort of thing a beater would be good at, '' pink wine pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even touch it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little tike had finished and Albus 's supporter were up. Amanda was the first one to actually impact the pinata with the ling, but she did n't make any progress in smashing it overt. matte actually managed to hit himself in the mind with the broom, instead of the gravid Gryffindor lion.

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

toilet was up next and he hit the pinata with a cheap crunch that sounded like it should bear smashed the whole thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

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

As common, Bradley was the one to give the final gust to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to grab the Henry Sweet that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friends each got a large bagful of sweets.

`` Time for present ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and rose sat down at one one of the tables next to two turgid mickle of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, sweet, Weasley superstar Wheezes intersection, and assorted clothing items. Soon, there was just one present left.

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

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

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be perfect for when you get on the Quidditch squad this class. ``

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

`` You will, '' James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the center of the cubic yard with his friends and cousins following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The evening breeze felt cool as he soared mellow and higher. It flew just like Empire State of the South 's did. The acceleration was rattling and it turned at the tenuous touch. Albus flew around the pace for a few minutes, enjoying the rush that only flying could bring. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his outset toy broom on his firstly natal day. He promptly crashed into a tree diagram the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as full as James was. After a few more minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' John asked.

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

`` Of class ! '' John took the Scots heather and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the succeeding half hour lending his broom to his cousins and friends. They all agreed that it was a superb heather and that Albus was sure to defecate Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

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

The eventide ended with a magnificent Gryffindor Lion shaped cake that mollie had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was first-class honours degree cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going place. Albus 's syndicate were some of the last to leave.

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

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

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

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' lusterlessness yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your mob is fun. brand me wish I had some full cousin. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, unspoiled Night. ``

`` Night, '' Saint John the Apostle replied.

`` Night, '' matt said.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early baby and my chum. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

Albus sighed. He, Harry, King John, and mat were all standing outside the Leaky cauldron. The Muggle incline. It was a few days after Albus and rose 's birthday political party and Matt was meeting his parents to go home in a couplet hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few hours early so they could buy their new account book. Harry also decided that it would be a honest prison term to adopt Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplying.

A few minutes later a blueish saloon pulled up to the bridle. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a shortsighted brunet woman, and two minor. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an in or so taller than matt, and a bit on the embonpoint side. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's untried babe, Bethany, had inherited her father 's blond hair and was about a head shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

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

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

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the threshold to the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in heap while they followed Harry out the back doorway. Harry took out his baton, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon Alley appeared in front of them. `` This is Diagon Alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your magic stuff ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The initiative matter you 'll need to do is set up an story at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large White edifice at the end of the street. `` Pounds wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. ``

Albus really did n't require to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, Saint John the Apostle, and Matt go look at the shop by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a moment, `` I 'll rent Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and prove them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can contact you at tucket and Blotts in an minute. ``

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

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

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

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of nestling whose parents are n't hag and hotshot ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` Like witches do in movies ? ``

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

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

Albus, Gospel According to John, and Matt spent a honorable 20 minutes telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

`` I suppose, '' John shrugged, `` But it 's fun, honorable than that summercater Muggles play. Football or something ? ``

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

`` Well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' toilet told him, `` It 's Quidditch or cipher. Just wait until you first fly a broom, you 'll change your mind about football. ``

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

`` Not on my House team. First yr are n't allowed to play. And this twelvemonth the only opening is for a pursuer. My status is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

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

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

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

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't differentiate you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's part of the fun not to cognize. ``

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

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

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's sorcerer Wheezes, '' bathroom suggested. Although he looked a little taken aback that Kaden did n't want to look at heather anymore.

The boy left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's superstar Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant stream of questions the entirely way there. By the metre they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit tired of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the upheaval of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be more outgoing.

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

`` Joke shop, '' John Lackland told him, `` Best shop in Diagon Alley. ``

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

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

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a virtuoso, '' George turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in motivation of any pranking item at Hogwarts, just post me an owl, I 'll have what you 're looking for. ``

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

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

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

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

`` positive ; he thinks football game 's practiced than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm sure enough that 'll change after he sees Quidditch, '' St. George replied. `` fountainhead, I 've got to get back to body of work. See you later, Albus. ``

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

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

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

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

`` To get out of oil production classes, '' matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's social class, you 'll empathize. ``

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

`` Extendable Ears, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them endure Christmas only to take in his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to take heed in on conversations people are having. ``

`` Wish I had some money, '' Kaden sighed as he put back a software system of Extendable Ears.

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

The boy waved adieu to George and left the store. Albus, Matt, and John listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would chill out down once he was more used to the Wizarding human race. They continued their walk to brandish and Blotts while explaining about charming figure of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could appear and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and apparition and Flooing and all variety of magical virtual joke token, '' Kaden grinned.

`` well, let 's go get your record book now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the shop. wave and Blotts was quite hollow today. There were only a few early people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the son'lists to a sales person while the boys started looking around.

Albus, John, and flatness had been to this book computer memory numerous multiplication and did n't find anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather experience been in calibre Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the early paw, seemed as shake up there as he had been in Saint George 's shop. He ran all over the shop, picking up random books and bringing them back to depict the other boys.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this answer in response to doubt about magic spell, Transfiguration of Jesus, and defensive spells.

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

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

privy stifled a gag, `` Just wait until he gets his 1st Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` front at this book ! '' Kaden came running back a few min later with a Quran entitled, Dark brute : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got overeat about vampires and loup-garou in it ! I did n't know those were material ! ``

Albus felt matte stiffen next to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the feel of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the book from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're material. But they 're nothing like the 1 in Muggle fag story. And you do n't want to read this book of account. It 's too advanced. You 've got to start out with the staple. '' Albus quickly stuffed the book onto a nearby shelf. He did not require Kaden to read about the preconception hotshot had about werewolves.

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

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his baton. In line, Matt was starting to fatigue out due to the coming full Moon. By the time Albus, John, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first verge. He gave it a moving ridge and one of the empty verge boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the burst was clean, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wands for the side by side fifteen minutes before finding one that created gold twinkle when he waved it. Dudley paid for the sceptre and the grouping left the shop. The adjacent occlusive was the Apothecary and then Madam Malkin 's. An time of day later, Kaden was all set for his first year at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the radical met flatness 's parents at the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone was thirsty, so they all decided to eat dinner together. Albus, John the Divine, lusterlessness, and Kaden sat at their own table while the grownup and Bethany sat at the other.

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

`` I 'm going to visit some more of my cousins after I go home, '' St. John the Apostle told them.

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

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

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

`` mavin hospital, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't exhort for more info. Luckily, at that import, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platters of intellectual nourishment. Kaden immediately turned his care to the levitating trays and did n't cite ask anything about St. Mungo's.

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

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

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't cerebrate people went to St. Mungo 's when they were amercement. But he did n't press for more information, he knew Matt disliked discussing his condition, especially around so many people.

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

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

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their sayonara to lustrelessness 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew Matt into a blind drunk hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the place that Matt and his parents had been just here and now before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

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

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

`` He just did side-along phantasm. Someone who 's got their Apparition permit can take other people with them while they do it. ``

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' John told him, `` But Matt likes side-along Apparition better. ``

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

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

Albus waved au revoir as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle mankind. Albus was n't sure what to remember about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of vitality, that was for for certain. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding humans was great. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other evil wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley menage Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Henry M. Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year Scots heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd class scrape, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th twelvemonth Rose, 2nd year James, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Victor Hugo, 10 years old Albus, 2nd class
Lily, 10 eld old

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

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sister and my comrade. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their follow-up !

I also want to bid everyone to jibe out my Meet the Author page on the forum. There 's a data link to it in my visibility. spirit free to ask about my write up or writiing in oecumenical there.


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


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

Albus sped up as he pushed his tram through the crowded King 's Cross station. James was flop next to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The Potters were running late, very late. It was September first and the Hogwart 's Express would be leaving in exactly fifteen minutes. The unit morning had been very rushed. Albus woke up late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the nighttime before working on his Transfiguration essay, and William James always woke up late. Then, James I could n't happen his practice snitch and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure how it got there.

But because of all this, the potter family was now practically running through Billie Jean Moffitt King 's Cross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on fourth dimension. This was earning them many strange looks from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated owls on their trolleys.

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

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

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

Albus nodded and ran through the barrier. A few here and now later, Albus was standing on platform 9 3/4, and Rose was running up to him.

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

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

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

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

`` I 'll load your tree trunk, '' Ron appeared and took James and Albus 's trolleys to the train.

`` Be near, Saint James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always salutary, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the back, `` Right, Al ? ``

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

Ginny gave them a rump expression, `` I do n't want any owls from prof Kendrick. ``

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

`` Five minute of arc until the gearing leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

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

At that minute, Kaden outburst through the barrier with a huge grin on his face. Harry was behind him, pushing another streetcar. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` C'mon, pink wine, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John, Matt, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that piece of work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and pink wine, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a solid brick wall ? ``

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

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

Albus and Rose continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their supporter. Kaden followed close behind, still wanting to talk about the barrier. Anything remotely magical seemed to energise him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the Sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' Rose announced when they were halfway down the railroad train. Rose pulled open the room access and they walked inside. St. John, Matt, Amanda, and a young lady with long, blacken, curly haircloth Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would show up, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned.

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

`` I was on clock time, '' rosiness announced, smirking at Albus.

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

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

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

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

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

Isabelle 's eyes opened extensive and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

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

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

`` Just delay until he first gets hexed, '' John the Divine whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's smart as a whip then. ``

`` How was your vacation in Ireland, Amanda ? '' rose asked.

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

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

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really in force meter, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the rest of your summer ? ``

`` Mine was serious, '' privy said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon back street together. Nothing too agitate. ``

`` I love Diagon bowling alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't hold off to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty neat place, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with James after you left, John. other than that I spent the balance of my vacation doing homework and playacting Quidditch. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` He was the magical spell teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to slip, er, certain things that would help him achieve Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, John, Amanda, Matt, and rosebush. One of his ally dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

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

Kaden stared at his cousin, lost for news for the for the first time time. After a few present moment he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your category 's renowned ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't assure me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The chemical group spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the next spell instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling clubhouse ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as arcsecond yr ), and a bang-up deal of former poppycock. Around lunch time, the witch came around with the trolley and everyone bought large amounts of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard sweet. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans best, despite the fact that the beginning one he tried was a vomit tang. When he opened his number 1 Chocolate Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more scandalize when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the visiting card that came with it.

After they polished off the rest of the sweets, the conversation turned to which house Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently Saint John and Isabelle 's class consisted of an equal number of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't want to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some shoes where her kin had been. Kaden on the other hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too for certain he 'd wind up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't tell Kaden this.

Soon the train made it to Hogsmeade station and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the large bunch of students exiting onto the platform.

`` Firs'geezerhood ! true fir'days ! '' Hagrid called out.

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

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

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

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

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

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't await to determine how to do something like that. ``

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

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his Quaker to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never entrust us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant companionship to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' trick laughed, `` He 's got spunk. ``

`` Well, you 're kind of like him, John the Evangelist, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest empty pusher. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

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

`` So, Matt, you were awfully calm on the gear, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the in conclusion part of the summertime ? ``

Matt sighed and glanced around at his friends, `` Yeah .... I just did n't desire to evidence you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And retrieve that bailiwick I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where matte had briefly explained about a study as to why wolfsbane Potion had no effect on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't evidence you a unscathed lot about it, but it 's the reason I was at St. Mungo 's. person has to observe me after every transmutation. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the therapist like to do it at least twice a year. ``

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

`` That makes common sense, '' Rose commented.

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

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been curious about this sketch ever since flatness told him about it the previous terminus, but Albus had been reluctant to ask about it.

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

`` When ? '' trick asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Yule break. I 've got to take it a couple twenty-four hours beforehand and it 'll be good if person can look on closely, '' Matt told them.

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

`` No, '' Matt said quietly. `` That 's the point of the bailiwick, to test the potions. ``

Albus glanced at Matt. He looked a bit scare off at the expectation of taking an untested potion. No curiosity he had been quiet on the train. Albus was n't for certain if he would want to subscribe to an young potion. Of course, if the potion worked, Matt 's spirit would drastically change for the effective. But what if it did n't work, what if it had ugly side effects ?

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

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't conceive it 'll smart me. They 're just not sure if it will have the upshot it 's supposed to, '' Matt assured them, `` But it is a bit chilling. ``

`` Yeah, '' rose wine agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

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

******

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

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

`` There 's Kaden, '' pink wine pointed to Albus 's cousin-german, who was standing right at the front of the group.

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

prof Patil motioned for the room to be serenity and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to stifle a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth spread out in jar. Albus knew that hat would perplex his cousin-german. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, prof Patil started the sorting. The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John 's full cousin walked over to the crapper. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few consequence later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her dude Hufflepuffs.

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

`` wellspring, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your crime syndicate, '' rose pointed out.

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

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

Patil put the hat on his headland and after a few arcminute, it opened its lip wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

`` Well, the hat did bring an awfully longsighted time to decide, '' rosebush pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got aspects of all the family. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the eldritch thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless ding, the portraits on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping willow, Moaning myrtle, and numerous other expression of the castle that Kaden would cause never seen before.

The sorting continued and the radical of number 1 years dwindled until there were only a couple students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the former first years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must suffer been the initiative year in a long time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

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

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

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

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an just child at one of the Slug lodge meeting last yr. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last year, but now we 'll have to mete out with his first cousin. ``

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

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' trick said adamantly.

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his Friend stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do consume a few start of full term annunciation, but I think they can wait until after the feast. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his blazonry and food for thought appeared on the golden platters.

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

`` That 's how the nutrient always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a declamatory destiny of steak and kidney pie.

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John as can filled his own plate with as much food for thought as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his mouth wide-cut of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' rose wine screwed up her typeface in disgust.

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

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked Kaden.

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

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

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

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

Throughout the rest of the banquet, Albus talked to his booster about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. rosiness wanted to give him the benefit of the dubiousness and time lag and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. John, on the other script, was ready to hex him as soon as the banquet was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. lusterlessness and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his cousin, but did n't mean they should come out hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to think, and he just thought they should head off Felix, not trying to be well-disposed with him or hex him.

Kaden received a prissy electric shock when Nearly-Headless Nick decided it would be his denture he would come out out of during the spread. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his huge grin appeared on his face shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the touch circling the elbow room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a touch teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just history of Magic, '' flatness told him, `` wearisome category in the school. Best one for quiescency, though. ``

`` You 'd love, would n't you ? '' toilet joked.

`` Oh, shut it, john, '' matt laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most slow professor here. ``

Kaden looked a bit disappointed at this, `` Really ? How can a class be boring if it 's taught by a ghost ? ``

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

A few moment later the food for thought disappeared and deserts appeared just present moment later. Kaden and John immediately piled their plates with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the rest of their professor and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the stave board and assumed she was the new Charms teacher. She was an old witch, with her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun. She was very tight fitting and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was difficult to tell as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

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

Whispering immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big annunciation could be. Kendrick waited a few moment before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to introduce you to our new spell teacher, professor Cedonia. '' The old Wiccan stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a small wave and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden timber is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping willow tree. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping Willow ?', with another look of astonishment on his typeface. Albus chose to ignore this and went back to paying attention to the headmaster 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is forbidden. Also, that the list of forbidden target now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung Bombs'that have just been released at Weasleys'maven Wheezes. All other merchandise available for purchase there are also forbidden and bookman may inspect the full tilt on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

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

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch team, please establish your gens to your head of house. I think those are all the usual declaration. Now, onto the more arouse announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a Scripture, `` It has come to my attention that the stress between the houses have been increasing over the yesteryear few years. I know that certain menage have always had competition, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the competition has gotten too bombastic. I believe we need more unity. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

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

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the other prof, believe that their is too a lot House rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this yr to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be in effect, '' John muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to throw to be well-disposed with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to change the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This class, unlike yesteryear eld, we will have inter house teams. ``

`` What ! ? '' virtually of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of emit astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

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

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

`` Thank you for proving my full stop, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much competition. I believe this will help relieve it. You will have to influence together with phallus of other star sign in order to win the dueling championship. There will be Thomas More details to follow during the first coming together of the Dueling Club. As always, the club is subject to second years and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. kickoff age do n't know enough enchantment to bring together. But you can join next year. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

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

`` Of course not, Mr. ceramicist, do n't worry, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the castling if I tried to take up inter sign Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his friend could take heed him.

`` I think those are all the promulgation I have for now. I suggest you all get a good night 's rest for classes tomorrow morning. First years, please follow a Prefect to your green room. Good Nox, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

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

`` Yeah, this could get mussy, '' matt agreed, `` I 'm not sure it 's going to have the effect Kendrick wants. ``

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

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

`` Nothing could do that, '' John said.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. John, pink wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` Good, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just own to trust I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

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

Albus and his admirer continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower, and the conversation turned to the new good luck charm instructor. None of them could guess what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very rear end look about her all during the feast. When they got to the common room, they all decided to take Kendrick up on his advice and spell in betimes. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had hold up year. With that happy thought in his head, Albus drifted off into a reposeful sleep.



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

quotation mark that Kendrick said in his address was said by Ibrahim Lincoln and all acknowledgment goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Night, which is about the dark Matt got bitten. If you want to train it out, the inter-group communication is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' John asked at lunch the side by side day. The Gryffindor second long time had just gotten back from a particularly deadening story of Magic class. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as History of Magic.

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

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for metamorphosis, '' Matt groaned.

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

`` English ? '' lavatory laughed, `` Why in the public figure of Merlin would they instruct us to speak English language ? ``

`` Muggles take side category in shoal, John, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read literature. ``

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

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

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

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

`` find out it ! '' lusterlessness shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great foyer and towards the steps that lead to the keep.

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

`` I do n't suppose so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when exam metre comes. ``

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

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

The student stood outside the donjon, in separate groups of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to arrive. He arrived a few min later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, next to lustrelessness.

`` Ah, my two dearie Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his hired man together, `` Just let me run through attending real quick. '' Slughorn read off the names of all the pupil, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a stunt woman class today, I thought a lilliputian contest would be seize ! Let 's see how practically you remember from final yr. The partners that brew the considerably Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's hot chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his scholar. The Gryffindors were on one side of the room, Slytherins on the other, a lot like it had been in the former year.

`` I 'm sure enough you all heard prof Kendrick 's speech finally Night, about the fact that the school needs to be more mix, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically grievous note, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a ripe idea to take inter-house pardner this year. ``

Albus turned to Matt and mouthed, near melodic theme ? lusterlessness was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a unspoilt idea ? Albus thought it would most in all probability cause more than burst than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be lupus erythematosus tension between the houses. So, delight turn back moaning. I 'm surely you 'll recover that you can work together for the afternoon. I will show off the couplet and then you may move. ``

Slughorn picked up another piece of parchment and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda Tagger, King John Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, Matt Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who had a feel of utter repulsion on his face. He was shaking his heading and mouthing the give-and-take 'no'. Albus knew that Matt would take rather worked with any Slytherin early than Scorpius. Albus turned his mind slightly and saw that Scorpio had a smug look on his fount. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's enigma now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

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

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really know Jackson, although he did bonk that Jackson was an first-class Potions brewer. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

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

Albus gave mat a half-hearted grinning that Matt did not fall, and Albus got up to join Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's overturn place. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` ceramist, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the component, you light a fire. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the waiting line of bookman getting ingredients from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few minutes later and he and Albus started to organize the ingredients. They worked in quiet the whole time. Albus did n't sleep with what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few mallet into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to Matt, that matte was trying hard to ignore. Rose was telling Leigh something and Vivien Leigh looked like she was ready to hex Rose. John the Divine was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the wrong direction, and John looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right wing, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

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

He leaned over the cauldron and prodded it with his baton. `` splendid ! wellspring done, boys ! I think we have a winner ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of hot chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please take chapter one of your book and write a six in summary of it for next class. ``

Albus and his protagonist cleaned up their cauldrons as quickly as they could. They met up with each other just outside the donjon room access. `` wellspring, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

lustrelessness, lavatory, and rose all stared at him with looking at of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' mat muttered. St. John the Apostle and rosebush both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a round, '' John commented, `` Does n't know the difference between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' Rose replied, `` But she wo n't mind to a word I say, so we were both doing the same command over again ! ``

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' mat said, `` He spent the unanimous time asking me I would be visiting my nan this year. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Worked out skilful, '' bathroom said, `` You got the chocolate. ``

******

The next forenoon, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw s age found themselves waiting outside the spell classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all eagre to see what she was comparable. Albus did n't worry what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the bell rang, Professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a Son to her students as she unlocked the threshold. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a tabular array with John the Divine and Matt.

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

`` Only if she tries to read my mind, '' Albus whispered back.

`` silence, please, '' professor Cedonia said in a quiet, but forceful, vocalisation. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was live up to that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last twelvemonth of instruction in this subject was less than satisfactory, and I hope to interchange that for this yr. I know some of you, '' her oculus fell upon Albus 's mesa, `` Spent more time in detention with Professor Washburn than in class with him. I do not consider that that is a adept way of teaching. Now, do n't get me wrong, if there is any misbehavior, I will give detentions, but I do not script them out lightly. I would much rather find out why a student is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just give out detention like they 're free samples. ``

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

`` For illustration, some students cause pandemonium because they are bored with course of study. I do not want you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, please sense free to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in nous, I 'd like to start off with a critical review of last-place year. Please take out your sheepskin and quills. ``

The rest of the category was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking annotation, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to serve a question you did n't be intimate, like Washburn had done. The other half was spent practicing charms they had learned go year. Albus found that he was much sound at magic spell when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his text edition a duet understructure in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to wish magic spell this year, '' John announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her last class. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' pink wine commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detentions. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to have so much more free time this yr without all the custody, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just receive to do other things to bring in detainment, '' toilet laughed, `` Like pull pranks on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to ticktack them at the Dueling Club, '' rosebush said, `` You could n't get in trouble for that. ``

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

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

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

`` When 's the first merging, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that flatness would not be missing the first Dueling night club meeting.

******

The rest of the week passed by quickly. Albus and his champion fell right back into their common Hogwarts routine. They spent their evenings in the usual elbow room either doing prep or just talking and playing secret plan. Kaden usually spent the even with him. Kaden seemed to pass metre with Albus 's group rather than the other Gryffindor inaugural eld. Albus was not indisputable why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The but clip Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during course. course of instruction were going well so far. Albus was doing much better in good luck charm with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the Lapp as the old twelvemonth in the rest of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling nightspot. The first coming together was taking piazza that afternoon, after luncheon. Albus and his booster went immediately to the Dueling elbow room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the unit schooltime was joining. Well, everyone except the number one years.

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

`` Probably, '' Rose replied, `` There are n't many the great unwashed who do n't fall in. ``

`` placidity, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the bunch. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like retiring age, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling Club. If you 're second, third, or fourth yr, you have to join the Junior nine. If you 're in fifth yr or above, delight follow professor Longbottom to the next elbow room where you will have your meeting. ``

`` wellspring that 's a relief, '' Matt commented as the elderly students left the elbow room, `` I did n't fancy dueling with one-seventh geezerhood. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My full cousin Stanley is a brilliant dueller. I would n't desire to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' John grinned and pulled out his verge, `` I bet I could subscribe to on a one-seventh yr. ``

`` Yeah, for certain, '' pink wine rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his wand. `` Now, as you know, professor Kendrick has decided that we will not have planetary house teams this yr. There will be eight squad, just like last twelvemonth, but they will have extremity from each house on them. ``

There was a corporate moan from the crowd. Everyone was standing in chemical group consisting of students of their own mansion. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that Professor Kendrick would change his mind, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are felicitous about it. And frankly, I 'm not surely if it will do less tautness between the home, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team police chief will set up exercise times, and there will be rivalry throughout the class. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` low, I 'll severalise you who the captains will be. Professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last year, based on your performance. All the captain are 4th years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Omar Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davies, April Finch-Fletchley, Saul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heathland. ``

There was a large amount of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the master. Albus did n't know any of the captains besides his first cousin, Thomas Bradley. He hoped he was on Omar Nelson Bradley 's team.

The rest of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his admirer. Eventually, he was put on a squad. He was on Kate Waverly 's squad, along with Amanda. They were the but two Gryffindor first twelvemonth on that team. Epistle of James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch squad. Albus was very let off that his police captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be capable to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' Matt said, as they entered the vernacular room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions partner, '' mat pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` Good point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my first cousin for your captain. ``

`` At to the lowest degree you have n't got a Slytherin for your headwaiter ! '' John shouted. rose wine nodded. She and John both had Slytherin captains, but not the same one. John Lackland 's captain was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the male child'hall, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a patch ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of Energy. Albus was beginning to wonder if Kaden could settle down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational confluence. We got assigned team, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't do it. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't await to join the Dueling Club adjacent year. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a dribble of H2O that landed on Albus 's head.

`` take in it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his eyes, `` And put your verge away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch pitch and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I come in, please ? Flying lessons start future workweek. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your heather ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not desire Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would crash it. `` You can come lookout man, I guess. But no-good, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked charge up, `` All right hand, let 's go ! At to the lowest degree I can observe you make for Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be considerably than football. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his acquaintance, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll bring my broom and assist you recitation. ``

`` I 'll descend, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't think so, '' rose wine replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to outride here with me, Amanda. '' blush wine gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and John grabbed their heather from their dorm room and the four son left the uncouth room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, mat, and Kaden spent the relaxation of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole time, amazed that brooms could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would change his mind. John let matt fly his Calluna vulgaris for a footling while and Albus practiced his Chaser science with both of them. By the time night fell, and Albus was exhausted, can and flatness were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other baby and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

Just to let everyone be intimate, the future chapter might not be up until Friday of next hebdomad instead of Thursday. I might have to switch over my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since schoolhouse is starting and my Thursday are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the future day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat often breakfast anyway. He spent most of the aurora in the common room with his ally, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few circle of Exploding ginger nut with John, who was putting off his homework until the last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor board during tiffin and wished Albus good destiny. Shortly after dejeuner, Albus headed down to the Quidditch pitch with his new heather over his shoulder. rose wine, lav, Matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the rook to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitch and see how many former people were trying out. He did n't desire to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their walk of life to the sales talk, listening to Kaden lecture animatedly about his first week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't guess Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his incessant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to discover about how professor Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration socio-economic class the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other youthful cousin. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

John, Matt, rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stands while Albus went down to the expectant crowd of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other pursuer hopefuls gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Henry M. Stanley 's booster, two burly looking sixth year boys who looked like they 'd construct upright Beaters than Chasers, a couplet 5th year missy, quite a few fourth and third base years, and even a caboodle of kickoff age. After a few more moment of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the locker room, precede by Albus 's cousin, Georgia. Georgia had become the new police captain over the summertime. Albus distinctly remembered the break of day she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld Place, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` Attention, please ! '' Peach State shouted over the crowd. She had a very loud voice and everyone was muted immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one uncommitted spot this twelvemonth, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of go yr 's players off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few moan from the crowd, and the two one-sixth class boy stalked off the theater of operations. One of the fourth class left as well.

`` Also, I 'm deplorable but the regulation have not changed since utmost year, and first years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available side. '' The rather large chemical group of first years scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` fountainhead, now that that 's taken attention of, '' Georgia pulled out a clip board, `` first-class honours degree, I 'll call for to see you all fly around the pitch. twenty percent through seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the older students flew around the auction pitch a few times. Peach State watched them carefully and wrote eminence on her cartridge clip plug-in. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the 5th year lady friend. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few turn around the pitching, the older bookman landed following to Peach State.

`` Good. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Georgia turned to the fifth class who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't think you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't take care too discomfited and Albus suspected the lone reason she tried out was because the former fifth year girl did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the pitch shot. He took off along with the tertiary and 4th years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good bill. He sped around the lurch, going faster than the other scholarly person. Albus noticed that they were great fliers as well, even better than the seventh and one-fifth years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' GA grinned as Albus landed in front of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the eternal rest of the team. ``

During the side by side part of the try-outs, all the Chaser hopefuls went up into the air along with the rest of the squad and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The same could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' Empire State of the South smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourne and Albus Potter. '' The former hopefuls sighed and left the rake.

After this, GA simulated a real equal, in monastic order to obtain out who fit right with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his full cousin legion times, worked quite well with Heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very well-off to pass on with them while he was flying.

`` All right field, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus ceramist. I 'm blue, Gabe, experience free to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the squad clapped him on the articulatio humeri and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` fig, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch shot, `` Had to pick your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' St. James the Apostle commented. `` You obviously worked better with Calluna vulgaris and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't give care what Gabe Bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' flatness agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` vivid ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to delay and praxis a bit. ``

Albus and the residual of the team spent the unhurt afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very glad that Albus worked so well with broom and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a couple weeks for the new Chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit in good order in. Georgia was for certain they would be set for the first equal, and they might even be able-bodied to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portraiture hole the following Th feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a latterly supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple Night a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything other than preparation. He could only reckon what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the calendar week.

Albus immediately spotted whoremaster and Matt sitting at their usual table in the dorsum. He looked longingly at the threshold leading to the dormitories. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had astronomy at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few mo to deposit his Scots heather and get his schooling bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the table his acquaintance were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as tucker out as matte did. The broad moon was that Nox lustrelessness was sleeping with his head on his August 6 book.

`` How was practice ? '' lavatory asked, without looking up from her story of legerdemain notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' lav said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left arm where both Bludgers had made physical contact. He heard the portrait open and saw Kaden coming in, looking Sir Thomas More subdue than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down succeeding to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrongly ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that Matt woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them erupt out laughing.

`` What 's so odd ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his articulation returning to its common tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything sorcerous and it did n't look like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single year and did n't have a complaint. I knew that would convert once you 'd been assigned a hanker essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, make out on, how can I pen a ft long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into acerate leaf ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an conjuration and your compeer changes, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can extend that into a foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would wish it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A groundwork is null, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of lambskin. ``

`` Two paradiddle ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' lusterlessness whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to bet at Matt. `` You look terrible. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know deception fixes everything ! It 's perplex. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an instant ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' matt muttered.

`` certainly she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's bone with her verge. It was brilliant. She 'll have you right in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' flatness said quietly.

Albus and St. John the Apostle shot Kaden warning looking. Albus willed his first cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no estimation what lusterlessness went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's opinion that everything about the wizarding earthly concern was marvellous and that magic fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' lusterlessness replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and whoremonger, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of row, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to fall ? ``

`` No, I 'm finely, '' Matt replied and left the commons room.

`` Is he going to see madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems dolt to me. ``

That was the close straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin with a look of rage in his eyes. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't name him stupid ! You 've got no thought what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and St. John the Apostle could hear him, but his voice was every bit as emphatic as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that trick does not fix everything ! There are some thing that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever differentiate him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a countersign. His common cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a expression of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitories and went up the steps without so much as a glimpse back to Albus.

Albus looked at lav, who was wearing a expression of shock on his brass as well. `` I do n't think I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to tell Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' bathroom said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nervousness, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should have stopped talking when matte said Madam Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' whoremonger asked, `` Do n't you guess you were a bit abrasive ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to check not to bunt into lustrelessness 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not sure he will anymore, '' St. John replied.

The two ally sat in silence for the next few minute. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too coarse. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to bother Matt. But Kaden had practically called Matt pudden-head, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from disbursement fourth dimension with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even for certain if he wanted Kaden to terminate spending time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the mesa. `` Oh, did mat go forth ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' Rose asked.

`` He 'd have been improve if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

pink wine groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's sort of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that lustrelessness go get a potion from lady Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' John told the girls. Albus was perfectly willing to let John order the story. `` And of course of study he looked vomit up, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't live that, of course, and he would n't barricade telling matte how magic can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` Matt left. I think he really did have to leave then, but I 'm sure enough he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' St. John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always be intimate the expert thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John announced.

`` What ? ! '' both girls shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' john replied, `` Probably would throw turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his dormitory right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' rosebush sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a slight annoyed that Rose seemed discomfited, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic fixes everything. I told him that there are some things that ma'am Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to cite them around lusterlessness. I also yelled at him because he practically called flatness dullard. Kaden said Matt was stupid person for not getting a potion when he first got fed up. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a scratchy prison term adjusting and making friends. Having you angry with him is n't going to help things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd make ally, '' Albus muttered.

`` wellspring, you can justify in the dayspring, '' blush wine told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even sleep with why that upset matt, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to recite Kaden that matte was a lycanthrope. `` All rightfulness, ticket. I 'll apologize. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' lav assured him.

`` Boys, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely wear upon when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the next morning. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six hours of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was strange because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the old nighttime. Albus really did n't want to justify, but he supposed he would ingest to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of orange tree juice. He was glad that it was a relatively easy day. image Herbology in the morning and then a single form of Potions after tiffin. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go sojourn Matt in the Hospital annexe. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the Hospital Wing sleeping instead of going to class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post owls flew into the way and Albus noticed his female parent 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the varsity letter, and the owl was off again.

`` Letter from auntie Ginny ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

beloved Al,

How are you ? I hope your for the first time two weeks have gone well.
I 'm glad the new magic spell teacher is decent, and I do hope
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

congratulation on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very excited as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
Keeper after Georgia graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called hold up night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last night. I realize that Kaden
may have been LE than sympathetic with lustrelessness, but
please excuse to him. Kaden is having a boisterous
time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
unharmed lot of friends. He needs you to be variety to
him and include him in your activities.

With honey,
Mum

Albus folded the varsity letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone read that Kaden had been out of railway line shoemaker's last night ? whoremonger seemed to think so, but thought Albus should hold been nicer about it.

`` Aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' rose wine commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to apologise to Kaden.

`` fountainhead, looks like you 'll have to rationalise later, '' Rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an exculpation not to apologize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouse with his friends. Neville spent the moral teaching about devil's apples and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather soft, but not everyone in the year did. One of the mandrake root attached itself to Karina 's hair and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at dejeuner and did n't stimulate prison term to go determine him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to apologize. Potions was pretty oil production because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few meter, only to be prodded awake by rose wine who was sitting future to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former sister and my buddy. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to visit Matt like they usually did after a wax moonlight. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't trusted what he would say in gild to shake off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and visit lusterlessness with them.

`` hullo, kids, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the hospital ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed Matt usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. matt was sporting numerous gash all over his cheek and subdivision, a fatal eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's sleeping, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the pall behind them.

`` well, that 's not really storm, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should fall back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awake, '' mat mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last-place night, '' Albus told him.

lusterlessness breathed a sigh of backup, `` Good. I was trying to arrive up with a something to differentiate him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't throw to. ``

`` I do n't think you 're going to take to worry about that, '' John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm indisputable he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last night he was so flaming irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting cephalalgia. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' King John told him, and proceeded to evidence Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' lusterlessness said quietly when whoremaster had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him bunt into why you 're demented all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't expend as much time with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been spoiled, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few broken ribs, but Madam Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to depart ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' matt yawned.

`` Do you want us to leave so you can kip ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to slumber. separate me what I missed in class. ``

`` Well, a mandrake attached itself to Karina 's haircloth in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' matte stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' rosiness announced, `` I had to stir up him up a few meter. ``

`` I was n't asleep. I was just closing my heart for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm pall. ``

`` What did I miss in uranology ? ``

`` Not much. Just review, mostly. Phases of the lunar month, that kind of affair, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that matt was getting to be more well-to-do about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the residuum of the time until dinner in the hospital annex with lustrelessness. Once dinner time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd experience to sing to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus and his friends went up to the usual elbow room to get started on their growing pile of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' rose wine said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't experience like committal to writing, but he 'd rather write it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, rosiness. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' Rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' John told him as he twirled his quill around his finger's breadth, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just rationalize and enjoin him not to bother flatness anymore. defecate certainly he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm much flash than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be polite to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not salutary friends. ``

`` That 'll never pass, '' Albus rolled his middle. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowded common room to the chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text record book and writing the occasional note down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chairman opposite his cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm disconsolate for yelling at you last Nox, '' Albus said as he picked at a loosen thread on the chairwoman. `` I did n't really stand for to upset you. I just wanted you to quit telling matt to go to the hospital offstage. He told you to end and you did n't. ``

`` Well, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a halfhearted laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're be sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to understand that trick did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to empathize that trick ca n't fix everything. I do n't call back you get that yet. I know it 's hard to come into the magical globe after support in the Muggle one for eleven year. Well, actually, I guess I do n't do it that. You 'd be proficient off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my auntie Hermione- ''

`` I think legerdemain is damn brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the thing ! '' Albus stared his full cousin in the eye, `` Not all illusion is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's magic after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't know about magic. nigh of them think magic can fix all their job, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just take to learn that for yourself, if you do n't trust me. ``

`` I think I do conceive you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all conjuring trick is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do get it on that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other thing. You 've got to understand that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his actor's line carefully so as not to give away Matt 's secret, `` sickness, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're worse than your average out dusty or flu, and the Healers, those are magical doctor, have n't found curative yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a good bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just wave your wand and prepare it ripe ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle perspective. Amanda would be unspoiled at this, he thought. Or even Rose. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I surmise magical healing is n't that dissimilar than Muggle medicament. Healers try to get hold curative just like Doctor do. Doctors ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very hard to cure. `` physician try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened wide and he whispered, `` flatness 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` magician do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizard adaptation of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a while. What you 've got to interpret is that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't holler him stupid for not going to see madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his head solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't number up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to secern you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't think he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, aright Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the early first years, or anyone. Do n't refer that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. Promise me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all part of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to come in sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure as shooting what his friends would think of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's human face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his friend, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew matter were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down adjacent to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallowed his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to discover a meter for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been punishing than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice. I do n't intend the whole squad will be able to converge at the same time ; it just wo n't exercise. But that 's all right wing. The team I was on lastly year rarely ever met at the Saami clip. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wed evening will figure out for a lot of people. Can you make it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the first dueling practice would take blank space. John and Rose had already been to their first practices. flatness missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital wing. `` I should be able to make it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` perfect. The merging will be in the dueling way, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to Professor ceramist and he said it 's free. I 've got to go lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for last, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to start dueling people. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to disarm a couple people. ``

`` I disarmed a couple third years at my coming together, '' Rose announced. `` I 'm turn on about learning new enchantment, though. ``

`` like I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll make it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every meeting. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't suppose you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` outset old age are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his for the first time class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' Rose announced. Albus and his friends left the Great Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The next few days seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very delirious about the dueling practice and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch pattern on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said adieu to their Quaker and made their way to the dueling way. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 former students, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A duad more scholarly person ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the radical of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood succeeding to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house team this year, but we 'll have to deal with it. It 's not well-off for me, either. final class, captains only had to conciliate one Quidditch team, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` Professor Potter, Professor Longbottom, or one of the other professor will supervise the drill, at least for the first few. But if you have an issue, please derive to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our inaugural encounter, I 'd just wish to assess what dueling attainment you 've got. So pair off and unarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few substructure apart and faced each other. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a very duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm set. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all rightfield. ``

A few moment later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand quiver in his mitt, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her mitt and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each other for the succeeding XV minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a yoke times, but she was n't nearly as unspoiled at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` Switch partners, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your home. ``

`` ceramicist, '' Malfoy appeared adjacent to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me usher everyone how much of a better dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just unarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the story with you in a literal duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's baton flew out of his paw and landed a couple pes away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a undecomposed duelist than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your worst, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the strength he could summon. Malfoy 's wand left his helping hand and landed a couple feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, ceramicist, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some smashing duellist in here. With a niggling practice, I 'm surely we 'll beat the other squad. I think for simplicity, I 'll hold recitation every week this Lapplander day and time. It might be in a different room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't make all the meeting. Just try and realize as many as you can. I 'll see everyone future week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I mouth to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the common elbow room. ``

`` All right, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a luck to tattle to you much, '' Harry said once the room was empty. He walked over to a couple chairs and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm gladiolus you made the team, although I heard some of the early Gryffindors were n't too felicitous. ``

`` Yeah, a couple thought I just got on the team because Georgia 's captain. And Ryan 's the only one who 's not a Weasley or a potter on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a majuscule Chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with broom and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the scoop one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have course of study been ? ``

`` amercement. Charms is much bettor than last twelvemonth. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very skillful. She 's definitely not the usual kind of teacher Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad matter, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detainment, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her division under ascendence. I think the other teachers could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd hump it if nonentity gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some trouble with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheeks turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` sword lily to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore trouble, feel complimentary to descend to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't sleep with when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some citizenry are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to Potter Puppet Pals.




The second half of Sept passed the Saami way the first gear one-half had. Albus 's days were filled with classes, homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling praxis. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new spells in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the practice duel, but he had yet to succeed. The number one dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent mend in Albus 's radical of friend. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common way, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much less time in the room of essential than they had the second base half of their first yr. They seemed to induce come to an unspoken concord not to show Kaden the way, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the Room might be the only place in Hogwarts where they could go.

The s Sunday of October, Albus found himself looking for his admirer after a particularly tenacious Quidditch praxis. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a fond fall day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool down walkover was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch exercise. Albus had gotten his first mouthful of Quidditch practice in the rainwater a couple week back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed John the Divine and Matt sitting a couple yards away from the Whomping willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a attack piece of plastic attached to a retentive string. Albus went over to John and Matt and sat down next to them.

`` How was practice ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our preparation, '' St. John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the composition of charge plate as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' Saint John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really little, '' flatness commented, `` But I must hold lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen instant, could let the attending span to play with that toy.

`` About XV minute, '' flatness told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` goodness, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but unspoiled. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put somebody 's eye out with his wand a brace clock time, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to John and Matt, `` Where are pink wine and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the palace, doing homework, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't want to come outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow. `` D'you think that tree could defeat person ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a slight snug to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friend and saw a flavour of panic appear in matte 's centre. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the matter that had to do with matt 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was laughable, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, whose thrashing offshoot were now just a couple feet away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so foreign, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magic, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' Matt warned him.

`` I 'll be measured, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the tree. He was now within grasp of its subdivision. `` mustiness be a strong Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. '' He started to try and equal one of the branches, but the tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its offshoot. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and Saint John the Apostle all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even part the skin. I 'm finely, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree. But the tree did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging branches as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't propel away from the Tree. A leg hit him in the mind and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered cheeseparing at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' lustrelessness screamed in a very shaky tone. `` I 'm serious, move ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drainage from matte 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the underground passageway that led to the Shrieking Shack. Albus was about to go grab Kaden away from the tree diagram, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' Matt shrieked, shaking his head back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his shoulder and his head as he tried to duck the branches. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the hole Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a long outgrowth that was on the ground. He wordlessly shoved it into the al-Qa'ida of the tree, and the limb stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said zilch. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a long tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a hidden passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very energise, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to conceive up something to severalise Kaden. He was n't a very practiced lier, `` mulct, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. scholar are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to allow, we 'll be in Brobdingnagian trouble. ``

`` Do you make out where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be capable to displume that lie off, and he did n't need to tell Kaden where the transition led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another Christian Bible. He quickly climbed out of the hole, hoping that whatever Matt had done to finish the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was capable to climb out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge grin still on his face.

John and Matt were standing nearby, but not near adequate to be hit with branches. matt was looking white as a ghostwriter, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking Shack. Albus was just about to tell his Friend that Kaden had n't gone down the burrow when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the rules. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquents. ``

Albus turned to look at John and Matt. John was looking pretty calm, but Matt was still as pallid as Nearly Headless nick. Kaden also looked a bit disturbed, but not nearly as much as Matt. Albus was a little nervous as well. He had never gotten in trouble with the caretaker before. He had heard horror floor about Filch and was n't sure which one were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between whoremaster and Matt. Kaden was walking a little agency behind them. None of them said a Book. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the group up to the rook. They continued following Filch through the castle while other scholar stared at them. The other students were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to ignore them. Why was his fuss making always so publicized ? Of row, this was n't even his mistake, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's mistake. Why did he have to keep messing with the tree diagram ? He never seemed to require to let anything go. When he got an idea into his point, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a pocket-size, cramped, dark function filled with assorted Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 chairs in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. Matt took one of the other chairwoman, as he appeared so aflutter that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and John Lackland remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. Belligerent towards teacher, bothering house gremlin, bothering wizardly animal, bothering Snape, bothering other scholar, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping Willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of music of sheepskin. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's role before and had no idea what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his cousin-german Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the mathematical group of trouble shaper you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the manakin right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past times, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his question as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. lusterlessness seemed to be getting more nervous with every quotation of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't fault him.

Filch opened his mouth and was about to say something when there was a clangour behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few dozen Fanged Frisbees at his ft. He was holding one in his hand and there was an abandon box next to him.

`` Do n't tinge anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` vertebral column to your penalty, '' Filch continued, picking up a pinion. `` full names ? ``

For a split second, Albus considered giving Filch a imposter epithet, but figured it would do no goodness with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus ceramist. ``

Filch wrote his name down and a grin spread across his face. `` Following in your father 's step ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an intact drawer in my filing console dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent booster. I do think he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his oddity. Why had his grandfather messed with the tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to make worry, but that tree concealed one of his Best friend 's enigma. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` St. John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' lustrelessness mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very large filing cabinet. `` Your punishment. Three Nox'detainment. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing caldron, Muggle style of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do lines. And Monday you 'll cleanse the Astronomy towboat, without trick as well. contact me in the keep 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the room access unfold and ran out of the place as fast as he could. leash nights of detainment ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleanup ! That was harsh. Albus was tempestuous now. Why did Kaden bear to go near that tree diagram ? None of them would be in this mickle if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John the Divine and matte next to him, nobody saying a word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to blab to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to realise sure Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait muddle, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common room. That meant the dormitory was costless and Albus could speak to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the radical to the dormitory and shut the room access behind them.

`` Ok, what is faulty with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so quiet ? ``

`` We just got in bother because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Well, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleansing. ``

`` trinity nights worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did St. John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that burrow with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you legion times to go out that tree alone. This is what I was talking about cobbler's last month, Kaden. You never stop over when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, hazard are there 's a serious reason for it ! And this one just seemed like common horse sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could kill you .'Why on solid ground would n't you take heed to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just odd about it. ``

`` curio killed the kneazle, '' St. John the Apostle muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical brute, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other start years, no Muggles or Wizards, offspring or old, '' Albus turned to can and matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't tell any animals either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be nonliving physical object either, you never know in this seat. ``

Kaden stared at them with a baffled look on his brass. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passageway ! ``

If it was possible, lustrelessness seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't tell anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot admit all the fun away. ``

`` combine me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't know what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the lie straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I variety of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing unspoilt. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' whoremaster answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they extra closed book only people with witching parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin add up up with something like that ? `` No ! Of grade not ! Why in the gens of Falco columbarius 's beard would you think that ? ``

`` Certain hoi polloi here seem to recollect Muggle-borns should n't be taught magic, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of row. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin, enjoyed bullying early scholarly person. `` Just stay away from him. And if he bothers you again, just recount me. I 'll get my full cousin to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping willow tree affair. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just have you do most of the cleaning these succeeding few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their review !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their related material.




Albus never thought he would have a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the trophy elbow room the premature year. He thought Washburn had been the unfit person to have got hold with, but he was wrong. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in hassle with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the time he finished his second detention on Monday Night, he was beginning to wish well he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the integral clip. Filch spent all of Sun night staring at them while they scrubbed caldron, and all of the former night staring at them as they churned out transmission line after line. Filch seemed to take joy in watching the educatee rub their hands raw while scrubbing the cauldrons. Of row, the line of business could consume been considered a nice break in between the two cleaning events.

By the metre Albus trudged into the common room on Tuesday even after Quidditch practice, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their final Night and Filch was trusted to bask every minute of arc of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his hall and went back to the plebeian room to drop the ten minutes they had before they had to entrust for detention.

`` The last matter I want to do is go clean something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to cleanse your wearing apparel, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you ask ? It 's raining and it 's muddy and I just spent 45 minutes flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't happy about me leaving former, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' whoremonger agreed.

`` Hey, where 's mat ? '' Albus asked, looking around the green room.

`` Room of Requirement, '' John replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full moon was the following eventide. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' John sighed, `` Could n't didder Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any balance with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his books in his dormitory, '' whoremonger explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the door leading to the dormitories and made a beeline for Albus and john. `` Ready ? It 's the shoemaker's last nighttime ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner party. He 'd break festinate up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged aspect. `` I 'll rule him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was Saint John 's turn to present Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` mulct. See you later, rosebush, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' rosebush replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave John and Kaden a minute 's direct first before he left the green elbow room and went to the way of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to regain out where he was going. Once the seashore was exculpate, he paced three times in front of the blank rampart on the seventh floor and waited for the threshold to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was glowering and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some ignite. Immediately, woolly mullein lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the small room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the wall hanging open. Once he saw how discharge flatness looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch praxis to do detention. His exhaustion was aught compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got custody, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

flatness opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All rightfield. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the way and to the uranology tug. Neither of them said anything for near of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the Saame affair. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are can and Kaden ? '' lustrelessness asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't desire Kaden to know about the Room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' lusterlessness replied.

Albus and matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the Tower, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost wax Moon was shedding abstemious upon the Tower, enough that Albus and the others would be able-bodied to do their detention with only a couple woolly mullein. Albus noticed matte shudder and screw up his middle as the Moon hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're late, '' growled Filch, who gestured to whoremaster and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's custody, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow night. You can continue cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at mat who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too meddling trying not to be sick. There was no way that mat could possibly do detainment the following eve. He would just give to severalize Professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next nighttime. However, he would ingest to neglect dueling practice. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't uptight about them missing practice like GA was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and Matt, `` showtime scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the pail that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to sustain moved since they entered the Tower. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to irrupt with wildness. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to pick the dear telescope.

`` F-fine, '' flatness stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to seem at John who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot spoiled than last nighttime, '' Albus muttered. During the previous Nox 's custody, matte had nodded off a few times, but he had been capable of producing a proficient bit of lines. Tonight, Matt appeared to be frozen in topographic point and definitely would n't be getting much cleaning done.

`` wellspring, it is the night before, '' can whispered so quietly that Albus could barely get a line him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than nigh nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd better obliterate him from Filch, though. Filch will recognise he 's not clean. '' Albus nodded and moved to the former position of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and John barb Kaden ominous flavour and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you last sentence ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't convey it up. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

lusterlessness jumped and looked at Albus with a facial expression of confusion on his expression. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the hospital flank ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet down ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the male child, `` Get to act upon Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the adjacent one-half 60 minutes. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of scope, making trusted Matt was between them at all time so it would see like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more cheery than the other three boys did.

`` Finland, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the country for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that song for the preceding five mo and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway turn ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that Sung dynasty could have to do with a python. There had n't been any mention of snake in the grass in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding earthly concern, but you lot are really lacking in high quality entertainment. Would it kill you to watch TV and movie ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty laughable one at that. You can watch it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway free rein based on it. They turned it into a picture show a few years back. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about the song, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the pic. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty Python or Spamalot. His aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your brains out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go read a record ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleaning, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty python since it sounded just as confusing as the previous one. It had something to do with fish.

`` stop consonant that infernal humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't berate him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detention was spent in almost sodding silence. Every once and a patch, Kaden would try to charter the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that Matt had n't done an ounce of cleanup. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grievance against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed unmindful to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his grandad 's by the time he graduated. By the time the detention was over, lusterlessness was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few times, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty smell, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detention. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supplies and ambled down the step before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' matt mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` hold, where we 've been for the cobbler's last hr, '' Albus explained while looking at John. John pulled matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. mat was now leaning on John. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more sophisticated than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And lower your interpreter. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John threw one of flatness 's arms over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed toilet 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, lav, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the stairs and back into the main portion of the castle. It was dense going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` honorable thing he 's fire up, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' lusterlessness winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be disgusted. ``

Albus and John looked at each other for a dissever mo before Matt retched onto the floor in front of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

lusterlessness retched a second clock time and Albus felt him collapse onto the floor. Albus and John both grabbed his arm as he went down and slowed the drop. Now what were they going to do ?

`` mat ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to awaken up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to ignite flatness up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit rile that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I eff ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two stop arguing ? '' John the Evangelist interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? affright overtook him as he assessed the office. They were out of bed after curfew and lustrelessness was passed out on the storey. It could n't get worse than this. There was no way for them to get lusterlessness to the park room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a someone. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his protagonist. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the shadow corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's loud tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered fine. ``

The boys sat in silence for the side by side distich minutes, watching for house of consciousness in their supporter. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with sweat in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a figure of speech floating towards him. He stood up and drew his baton and John did the same. The human body came stuffy and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last affair they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's felicitous tone.

Peeves peered down at Matt and then looked at toilet and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't wish this ! No he wo n't ! scholarly person out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' toilet insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` haw-haw ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to pupil, no he does n't ! Peeves causal agent hassle when students are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! student out of bed ! ``

Albus and Gospel According to John gave each other panicked facial expression. Albus had no idea what to do to hush up the poltergeist. But if he did n't bar shouting, soul would surely find out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard hasten footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his Father 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! pupil out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud posterior vocalization shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody Baron ! ``

`` Yes, dame Nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just gentlewoman Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, can, and Matt, and immediately turn away down and put her hand on Matt 's frontal bone. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nanny clicked her natural language and conjured a coping stone. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain more once we get to the infirmary wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, trick, and Kaden ran behind dame Pomfrey all the way to the infirmary offstage. None of them said a Son, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to hold open himself from asking More dubiousness. Minutes later, the group arrived at the infirmary flank. Madam Pomfrey barged through the threshold and immediately deposited flatness onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the boys more questions.

`` Why were you out of your park room ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire astronomy Tower, '' Saint John replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to see at lavatory. `` astronomy column ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Gospel According to John answered with a flavour of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to Matt 's bed, `` I 'll throw him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him final stage year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next yr ! Falco columbarius 's beard, the uranology Tower ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The nurse continued to run back and forth from her office, potion cabinet, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd forget Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at Madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's question. The nursemaid was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why matte was there. If she was n't careful, she 'd give away everything.

`` I thought I 'd urinate it crystalize to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking Orange potion down matte 's throat. `` No hold on these nights and certainly not on the Astronomy column ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... Well, I 'm not exactly sure what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the nights of the month- ''

`` ma'am Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to stop rant. dame Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a right mind to cut off her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't have sex. '' Albus gestured to where his full cousin was standing. `` And I know matt would choose it if he did n't do it, '' Albus gave her a significant aspect that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

ma'am Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So drab about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and whoremonger were standing. John gave him a relieved flavor, but Kaden looked even more confused. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'looking at. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting full at conveying those looks now and Kaden seemed to obey right away, which was good.

`` All right, '' lady Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few more hour, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just require to persist here for a match Day. '' She looked at Albus and John when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can bring down him, right ? ``

`` Of track, dearly, '' ma'am Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what sentence are right. Now, you three salutary be off to your dormitory. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just secern them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to find him now, and he 's going to be interfering for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to choke a laugh. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a tenacious and loud scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Special thanks to my other sister and my buddy for help with the Monty Python material. Speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some liberties in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the present and 2017, when this takes spot. Otherwise, Kaden could not get seen it as it sadly closed on Great White Way conclusion calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't experience a chance to separate Rose and Amanda about the detention until after lunch the next day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of Requirement for a few arcminute before they went to confab Matt. It was the first clip since the hold that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had course of instruction all afternoon, so it was an ideal time to lecture about what had happened the old night. No one, not even Rose, seemed to have any idea why Matt seemed so often sicker that dark than the other nights before full phase of the moon Moon. Their entirely guess was that he was already worn out from the detention on the premature two nights. Eventually, they just decided to go to the infirmary Wing and ask Matt. Albus was indisputable he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital wing, Matt was profound asleep. Madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a myopic while ahead of time that break of day, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse flat out refused to let them fire up him up. She insisted that he needed all the rest he could get before nightfall and that they could chat him the following afternoon.

Albus and his acquaintance were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as measly as the showtime cauldron-cleaning custody had been. When he got back to the common room, all his Friend were doing homework and not saying lots. Amanda was already back from dueling practice. Albus was worried about Matt and he could tell the others were as well. It form of reminded him of that night of the replete moon they stayed up waiting for morning to come after uranology course of study the old class. Only this year, they had Kaden to make full in the soundlessness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to collapse the whole year antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most Recent epoch potions course of instruction. One of the former commencement long time had heated her cauldron too much and caused the potion to explode all over the integral category. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the past half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's ill-timed with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hour ! I thought you 'd at least laugh at the estimation of everyone in my potions class having diverse portion of their body turn bright pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' rosebush explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` gentlewoman Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' Rose replied.

`` sure she does. She 's the nanny, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't know for certainly that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's turn to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to see unless you tell me what 's amiss with him. ``

`` Not going to happen, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to express joy. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're one-half Weasley ! ``

`` Very divert, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his ally hurried up to their dormitories to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the infirmary Wing to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw Matt 's usual bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch practice after dinner. ``

`` Is that all rightfield ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's fine. Just for a few minutes, '' the nurse regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the curtains open. lusterlessness was waken and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in several scratches and sting, that looked a bit speculative than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` Saint John ! '' rosebush scolded.

`` What ? '' St. John the Apostle shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's ok, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detention ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even for sure, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` I do n't really commend it. ``

`` Really ? '' blush wine raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two order me what happened ? '' flatness laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You form of froze when we got up to the uranology Tower and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being tardily and assigned us another detention for finally night- ''

`` L-last Night ? '' lustrelessness interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more cauldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrongly when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even remember him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detention once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it last night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't think you 'll receive to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing detention the whole time I was scrubbing cauldron endure night. You see, madam Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so wild. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to mouth to Filch after we left the early night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm sure she insisted that you not do anymore hold. ``

`` That 's a stand-in, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and whoremonger and I stood on either side of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a form of trance. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital offstage and you said no. Then John Lackland, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an minute and a half. No one talked a great deal except for Kaden. He kept humming random birdsong and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a flick called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really odd movie. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' trick asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't desire to give up TV, '' Matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all find out it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the Astronomy pillar, we tried to get back to the common elbow room, but you got fed up partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get brothel keeper Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' flatness groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it happen, though ? '' whoremonger asked after a few instant, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the Nox before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct Moon, '' matte whispered, `` The reason I get fag out and sick beforehand is because the Moon is getting fuller. The night we did hold, it was practically wide-cut. And I was outside in the moonshine for over an time of day. ``

`` That would excuse why lady Pomfrey got so angry, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' mat replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just tell Filch you could n't do detention that night ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sort of special treatment anymore. It makes masses fishy. I do n't require anyone to question why I can pick my detainment nights. Plus, I did n't really sleep together that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really know I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure not to let me go outside the Night before. ``

`` well, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the Nox before, '' Rose insisted, `` It 'll arrive at you sicker. ``

`` I know, pink wine, '' lusterlessness assured her, `` And brothel keeper Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore detentions at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about lustrelessness 's shape, but he did n't guess ma'am Pomfrey would actually tell him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't make love. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check with her before assigning me detention due to 'health issues that will remain secret'. And she made him avow not to tell anyone that he was checking custody with her, or else she 'd wee-wee surely Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, remind me not to get on madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' matt mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that moment, the curtains opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a rich blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The hold took one feel at Matt, shook her nous, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friends said sayonara to Matt and left the hospital offstage. Albus had just enough fourth dimension to seize dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure they would nonplus Slytherin in the fist match in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions partner today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the succeed afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick granny, like usual, '' can replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his grannie. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either position of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His full cousin, except for Rose, probably did n't even have it away Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't narrate Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of track ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got ill every so often, he just had n't told him what the unwellness was. But why on ground was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't holler him that ! '' pink wine shouted, drawing her wand.

`` calm down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the skillful way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` postponement ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is upchuck all the clip. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't heal and you wo n't evidence him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the color waste pipe from his face. He told Kaden not to tell anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all multitude ! Malfoy, the one person Matt did not want knowing where he went every calendar month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more than clew as to what was amiss with Matt. With just a bit of research he was indisputable to find out. `` When did he narrate you this ? '' Albus growled. Rage and anger were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` utmost Nox, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very worry bit of information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the keep. The footfall behind him told him that his acquaintance were following. Albus did n't block up to let them catch up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than than just cry. He 'd hex him into the next century. What in the name of merlin had possessed Kaden to enjoin Malfoy that Matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all masses ? Albus knew Kaden was mindful of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flying of stairs.

`` To retrieve Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even angry than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into topographic point beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my Son. ``

`` Wait, Albus, John ! '' Rose shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flights of stairs towards the Gryffindor common room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't care. pink wine kept shouting after them, but both Albus and lavatory ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted cry after them, but Albus could narrate she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John made it to the rough-cut elbow room. They gave the Fat Lady the watchword and ran into the way. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a hot seat, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous slanted squares all over it. It looked vaguely familiar. Albus thought he may have seen Rose with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dorm room while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. John followed without saying a word of honor, and shut the door behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is incorrect with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpio Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a look of realization appeared on his face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him last night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to enjoin anyone about Matt getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't severalize ! This is exactly why I did n't want to tell you in the first place ! You just ca n't hold on your oral cavity shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to come up out about Matt since the origin of first yr, and let me tell you zip good will chance when he does line up out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO find OUT ! ``

`` I did n't mean to- '' Kaden 's part cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not mean to severalise someone something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist berth ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. toilet, who had been letting Albus take the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the door outburst assailable and rosebush and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and trousering. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's wand left his deal and landed on the trading floor near pink wine. Rose disarmed john and then gathered both wands.

`` impart it to me, rose wine, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own full cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not felicitous about it either, '' Rose replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detainment. ``

On some level, Albus knew pink wine was correct, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the clues together. That, and never desire Kaden to stay fresh a secret again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't blame you, '' john sighed, `` Why 'd he throw to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a cue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this clock time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosiness started.

`` Do n't bother, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` nix you say is going to cause me excuse to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't merit to be Friend with you if he 's going to go telling half the school matter you told him in secret. You told him not to narrate, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' Rose replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll check the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the donjon. `` I 'll just check it every once and a patch. ``

`` commodity idea, '' John said.

`` What are we going to tell Matt ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to severalize him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to severalise matte. `` We 'll just throw to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to enshroud that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If flatness wants to hex him, he can go mightily ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' blush wine insisted, `` He does n't need anymore detention. ``

`` Good stop, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll differentiate him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just induce to head off Malfoy, '' Gospel According to John commented, `` I mean, there 's zero we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all keep off Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be concentrated, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is matt 's potions married person. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling squad. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never desire Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Gospel of Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reviews !