Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the window at the overcast sky. It was impossible to recount the fourth dimension of day since the sun was blocked by cloud, 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 twelve noon, he had been trying to remember up a good excuse to skip going to dinner at his grandparents'theater later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most unacceptable people on the face of the major planet, economize for his Aunt Marge.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. Sure, they 'd showered him with eternal gift on his birthday and Dec 25, but that was the solitary way they showed their heart. fountainhead, aside from his nan 's pearl shattering hug, which were surprisingly cockeyed considering her pocket-sized physique. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the conditions to what the next door neighbour were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ascertain that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elect school that his grandfather and his father had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous prison term and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the kids who constantly argued about whose forefather had the ripe job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At first, his beginner was unforced to deliberate letting him wait on public school with all his ally, but after his grandfather had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to figure out for Grunnings, the same drill company that his grandfather and beginner worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried really intemperate, Kaden would be able to hold himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few twelvemonth ago. His parents had wanted him to advert some variety of study related party for his gramps, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half hour before they were supposed to result, his temperature spiked to five degrees above convention and he 'd been capable to skip the party. The best theatrical role was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no mind how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot things such as volcano and the Equator, but even after XV instant of thinking, he still felt perfectly rule. It must have got been a fluke, the other metre. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a balmy knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the door, revealing his mother standing in the doorway. She was a brusque cleaning lady with true brown hair, the same semblance as his own, that was level with her chin.

"Kaden, sound, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandfather wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's gotten a new digital photographic camera and needs to take some pictures 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 mother left and Kaden shut the door again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing argument between Kaden and his seven-year-old Sister, Bethany, or easing the tensity between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the serenity.

Not ten minutes later the door burst open and Bethany practically flew into the way. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally hollo at her for. However, this time he was too aghast at her show to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, complete with scintillant shoes and a Crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her farseeing blonde hair 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 around with Kaden.

"grannie Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so a lot better than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now granddaddy Vernon can take pictures of me, too."

"Wish he 'd just need pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

"Mummy did my hair. 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 rationality most parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughters answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty umber bar 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 front porch wearing an kit even stranger than Bethany 's. In fact, it kind of looked like Bethany 's. It was a dress. A sinister robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laughter as he opened the door.

"Hello,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's sire, but tall than Kaden. His blonde hairsbreadth 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 nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoep. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like turnout he was wearing ? If that was the case, then he 'd have no luck at the Dursley 's house. At to the lowest degree he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'home, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything unnatural and that would certainly include men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in blue jean and a t-shirt that was stretched over his rather large belly. His blond haircloth was swell and tidy, which Kaden was sure was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't fuss around with his hair.

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

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

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

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

Kaden held the threshold open and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents moderate them into the living way. Christina ran to fetch drinks while Neville settled himself onto one of the sofa. Dudley sat in the chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag electric chair on the floor and waited for the adult to start talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the way. He hated when they did that. It was rather superfluous 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 impact for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

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

Kaden was more flurry than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A schooltime ? Why would a professor from a shoal he 'd never listen of appearance up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

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

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

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

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

Kaden was fully brisk now. What kind of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a spot ? He had n't applied to any former shoal besides Smelting 's. Of form, if this Hogwarts school day really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was respectable 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 cause to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's full cousin, Harry Potter, only a few times. All he knew was that Harry had three tiddler around his own age and that they lived in London. For whatever reason, Kaden 's family unit 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 smash, did n't you,"Neville said, Sir Thomas More as a statement than a question.

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

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

"well, you 're going to have to excuse now,"Neville said."I 'll look. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

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

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

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

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

"Enough,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the cistron ! He 's been making odd things happen for eld. We tried to brush off the signs, but we knew it might pass off. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't have been glad going to Smelting 's. I also could n't give care less about what your parents think. You 're a grown man, Dudley, make determination regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence agency. Kaden knew he was average out, no better than nearly of the kids his age. Maybe it was football skills ? Kaden was a funfair football player, but no one else in his family was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

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

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

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a schooltime. A exceptional school that Harry attended when we were Thomas Kid. It 's a schooling of deception, for witches and wizards-"

"hold,"Kaden interrupted."legerdemain ? Like Abra Kadabra and wizard wands and stuff ?"

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

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

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

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

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

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

Kaden thought process, then his eyes opened wide-eyed and he stared at Neville."What if a someone really did n't need to go somewhere and they got a febrility all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't cause to go where they did n't want to ?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"Right,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to live with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him aught about magic or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic, they could stamp it out of him. They hate thaumaturgy. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and tender him a place at Hogwarts."

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

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

Kaden nodded. Quite a few doubtfulness were going through his forefront, but he could n't forecast out which to ask first.

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

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

Kaden took the alphabetic character and ripped it open. It was printed on thicker theme than what he was used to, almost like the sort of newspaper publisher he imagined multitude wrote on hundred ago.

He unfolded it and read it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his adoption and was signed by the deputy headmistress, Professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would get out from B. B. King 's mark station on September first, from a program 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"people who ca n't execute magic, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the tilt of supplying. It was full of odd books such as Magical Herbs and Fungi, organization shell, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't have already known about magic, he would 've thought the unhurt thing was a joke.

"I can take you to London and testify you where Diagon back street is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

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

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

"Am I a crone ?"Bethany asked.

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

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

"I 'm sure 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 head, just get ahold of Harry."

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's hand. He still looked in seismic disturbance 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 menage and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the nearest chair and let out a diminished moan.
***


The solitary sound at dinner was the Chinaman of utensils hitting the chinaware home plate and the loud belching that Kaden let out after chugging half a glass of soda, earning him a after part gaze from his grannie. It seemed that cypher could guess of anything to talk about. Even the usual topics of the weather, summercater, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given stern orders by their father not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or wizard whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated trick with a cacoethes, 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 wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his tike.

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 photo taken by his grandfather while wearing his Smelting 's unvarying.

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

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would cause football game. hotshot would still play sportsman, would n't they ?

"football game ..."Vernon muttered."Better than nix, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an fantabulous football team. I 'll give the carriage a ring and let him know you 'll be joining."

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

"You 'll connect a sport, though,"Vernon insisted."Boys grow into right men when they play a sport."

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

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another large gulp of brandy."rundle with all your professors and they 're quite excited to meet you. Long pedigree 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 like lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was damage, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his unit lifetime about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he have to restrain lying ?

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

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

"Every holiday, coming home with howling tale of your Friend 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 line of descent. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the Potter side of the kinfolk, just the Arthur Evans side. So he had Evans line of descent.

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

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

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

"This is preposterous, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not carnival to the kids."

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

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

Dudley got up and followed Christina out of the room. The two of them disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kaden and Bethany alone with their grandparents. Petunia was sitting straight up, wearing a pinched verbal expression, and staring at the kitchen 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 minutes later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking anxious. They resumed their tail end and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

populace shoal ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to flip-flop one lie for another ?

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

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

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

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

Kaden wished the footing would open up and accept him unanimous. Was that the sort of affair he could do with thaumaturgy ? It would be very useful for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."Mark my words. Smelting 's is the exclusively worthy school day out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

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

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

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

Kaden escaped the dining room and ran upstairs to the low bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's chamber, although it no longer contained any remnant of his whizz first cousin. It was refined as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the windowpane.

Earlier in the day he 'd mat up so emotional about finding out that he was a wizard. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the past. The fever was not the only time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his cycle, landed hard on his articulatio radiocarpea, and suffered no more than a lettuce. Another time he 'd leave behind a library book at household that he had meant to lend back to school, only to bump that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some variety of law preventing wizards telling Muggles about illusion ? That would explain why most Muggles did not jazz about witching. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must have done strange affair as a kid and Kaden wondered if his own forefather had realized what Kaden was when he did unusual things.

There was a knock on the door a few mo later. Christina popped her head into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked tempestuous. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the door, without even saying so long to his grandparents.
***


The next few weeks were both excite and inept. Kaden put up a calendar on his rampart to count down the daytime until he got to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon bowling alley a few hebdomad before term started and Kaden was very practically looking forward to that.

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

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

The affair was very quiet at first, with nobody knowing what to say and the entirely phrasal idiom mentioned being"pass the salt"or"could I receive some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a one Book, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to sing a lot.

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

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to serve public school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small, individual school in Scotland. He did n't apply, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell 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 wiz, just like Harry."

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy glass. Petunia let out what could only be described as a small close call. Vernon 's side then turned the purple colouring it did when he got angry.

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the mesa."That situation ! That piazza where the boy went. Where unnatural hoi polloi go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't have 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 belief ...."

"A feeling about what ?"Petunia asked.

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

Vernon gave Kaden a very unusual look, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of confusion, anger, and the slightest bit of revulsion, as if he could not stand to retrieve that person actually related to him was a ace. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

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

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

"He 'd be better off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new ice."Smelting 's wo n't be glad to discover this."

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never experience to set infantry in the place again. Anything would be unspoilt than Smelting 's and what piffling he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a trivial Sir Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his gramps, 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 home of uneaten food.

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

Vernon chose to ignore this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable silence once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few collation of poulet before genus Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very large helping of pudding, but he only ate a few bites before stopping.

Kaden and his family did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed slope to chitchat any longer. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the door, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the livelihood room before they left.

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

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very cognitive content. His grandparents may not throw been happy about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to detest him for being a wizard, and that was as good as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the rest of his witching cousin. It would be his first discernment of the magical existence and he could not look.


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

If you enjoyed this, stop out Albus potter and the Tracks They Left Behind, in which Kaden 's story is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus Potter stared out his bedchamber window and watched as an owl flew closer and closer to Grimmauld place. The sun was just above the skyline and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy Negroid hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was tidal bore to see. He was the only one awake at this 60 minutes anyway. His crony Saint James the Apostle was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the showtime few weeks, but after a while the bauble wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his park eyes as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brown screech owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration rule book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to untie its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped spread the gasbag. It had been weeks since he had live seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. John the Divine Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a distich clip. Albus unfolded the letter and silently register it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and Rose 's birthday party !
I really was n't sure as shooting if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your menage a couple days before
the party, in about three workweek, and I can abide a couple solar day after,
too. But then I 'll give birth to go home ; you know why.

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

I ca n't hold back until the party. Things at my household are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out utmost calendar week. You probably already knew that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her babe is all grownup up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few hebdomad !
Your friend,
Matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set matt 's letter down next to bathroom 's most Recent one. He was thrilled that both of his best supporter would be able to go to his birthday party. John Lackland had said yes right away, but matte 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his Friend would wrap up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't await. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld spot. Albus had only met the cleaning woman twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only suppose what matte 's mum was doing now that her girl had moved out. Only a week before, lusterlessness 's baby, Amy, and Albus 's cousin, Victoire, had moved into a matte in Jack London. The two of them were beginning their Healer training in September.

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

Albus sat down side by side to her and watched her as she fed the modest creature Wizard 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 cauldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter of the alphabet from Matt just now. He can arrive to the company and he 's coming a few twenty-four hour period early. ``

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

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

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

Albus took the glassful of pumpkin juice and grabbed the copy of the morn oracle that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if lusterlessness 's read this ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Someday you 'll interpret, James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, girls wo n't stimulate cooties anymore. ``

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

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

`` No, thank Merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Sat 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 yr ? '' James asked. He and Albus had been asking their Father of the Church this over and over again for the past calendar month, but he had yet to make a decision.

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

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

Harry grinned, `` I 'm glad you like it. What do you say we have a Wizard 's cheat tourney after breakfast ? ``

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

The all Potter family played game after biz of cheat, until James was declared the paladin. By the time lunch rolled around, Albus was sick of the biz. `` Can we go run Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between collation. Harry often took them to play Quidditch at blush wine 's house. Since the potter lived in London, they really could n't act as Quidditch at their own house. `` pink wine wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting auntie Hermione 's parents. ``

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

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

At that present moment, Albus heard a luxuriously pitched ring coming from the kitchen comeback. He looked over and saw the small mobile phone that always sat next on the window sill. The Potters did not birth many Muggle devices in their house, but they did give birth one telephony in case they had to contact any Muggles. Usually the headphone was just used when Harry talked to his cousin-german, Dudley. But Saint James and Albus had given the bit to their Muggle born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to severalise 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 call. Harry wordlessly got up from the tabular array and answered the earphone. `` Hello ? '' he said. He went tranquil for a few minute while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock and a smiling spread cross his nerve. `` What ? Are you serious ? Dudley, that 's smart as a whip ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holiday and natal day. Even then, the conversations tended to be brusque and not filled with inflammation like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this spot and he glanced at Henry James, who looked just as curious.

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

Harry listened for a few instant as he started to pace alongside the comeback. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll withdraw him to Diagon alley with us when we go. You can amount, too, of trend. ``

Harry talked for a few more minute of arc and then advert 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 estimate .... ''

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's mouth fell open. Harry 's first cousin, Dudley, had two minor. The one-time one, Kaden, was a trivial younger than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only reckon what he would intend of his own son being a wizard.

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

`` Nope, he got his letter this dawn, '' 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 outstanding detail and neither of the kids knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and Petunia. ``

`` I would think not, '' Ginny said, `` pigeon hawk, they 're going to flip. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I 'd reckon Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to accord with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd look the Hufflepuff sort. Jesse James had managed to pull quite a few frivolity on him over the old age and he did n't seem to be the sharpest quill in the box. Albus remembered the lowest meter they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a match twelvemonth ago. Albus and his family unit tended to visit the Dursleys every couple of class, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't make love about conjuration. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's bonce for the number 1 time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The start time Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in St. John the Apostle 's face. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I know, '' James River grinned, `` I ca n't wait ! ``

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

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

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

`` Or who 's finish in living is to become the next Voldemort. ``

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

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

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

`` What 's so funny ? '' 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 ? '' James asked, laughing.

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the same time. St. James grabbed his Scots heather off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice session Snitch.

Albus ran out of the room and grabbed one of his mother 's old brooms from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new heather if he made it onto the Quidditch squad this year. `` cook, '' 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 bowling alley, '' Harry told them as he left the room, `` I think we 'll Floo. ``

Albus followed his dad and Saint James down the steps and into the drawing elbow room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo gunpowder, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's planetary house ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione 's animation room. Their house was a small, tea cosy seat in the middle of a field with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely hushed without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the room access and into the subject field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few go that would keep the Snitch from roaming too far.

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

Harry and Saint James agreed and mounted their Calluna vulgaris as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior broom. Albus saw James publish the Snitch and wait a few moments 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 wand, Harry conjured a large wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

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

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

Harry laughed and conjured a few more hoops. 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 ! '' James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the other side. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hr, taking curt breaks to perch. Albus managed to score a lot of goal, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a while of catching and releasing the sneak, Henry James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to make unnecessary many goals with both his sons passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to call it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld topographic point tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note to any new subscriber out there, I highly recommend you read Albus ceramist and the enigma Within, which can be found on my author page.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to cope with flatness at the Leaky cauldron in five minutes, but Harry was on the phone talking to Dudley.

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

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon skittle alley a one-half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the by thirty moment.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to drive 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 phone 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 auntie Petunia about Kaden. I 've told him he 's got to do it soon. ``

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

`` Hey, it 's Harry Potter ! '' someone sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly drunk. `` Hi Harry Potter ! '' 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 champion as he and Albus walked past the bar. The crowd parted in Holy Order to allow them through. Once they made it through the gang, Albus spotted Matt and his parents at one of the tables in the spine. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more months and there will be another babe Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The mathematical group ordered their nutrient and a short while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the whole clock time telling each other about their workweek apart while the adults talked quietly with each other.

`` So approximate 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 sensation ! ``

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

`` St. Matthew the Apostle, '' Mrs. Eckerton scolded, `` Be polite. ``

`` Sorry, Mum, '' lusterlessness wiped the Cucurbita pepo juice up off the table and turned back to Albus, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yup, he got his letter a duad calendar week ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of line, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously magic in the family line. ``

`` 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 lilliputian late. Dad was on the sound with Dudley trying to convince him to separate Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia. ``

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

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

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

`` I 'll be fine, Mum, '' matte replied once his mother stopped hugging him.

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

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

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple yr, '' mat eyed the hearth nervously.

`` You 'll be fine, '' Harry told him, `` Just drop 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 gunpowder.

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` act 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a vortex of commons firing and came out in the drawing elbow room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for matte and his dad to appear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's home, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and wickedness clobber in it. The Black family was pretty involved in the Dark Arts. Except for Sirius, and his brother Regulus changed his views at the end of his spirit and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get nearly of the dark stuff out. ``

`` fountainhead, that 's dear, '' matt said as they entered the following floor.

`` My elbow room 's the stopping point one on the right, but first I 've got to prove you something, '' Albus led Matt into one of the other rooms, `` This is King James 's elbow room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your buddy 's not very peachy, is he ? '' flatness asked as he stepped over a pile of dirty schooltime robes and books.

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

`` Wow, '' mat stared at the delineation, `` So that 's Moony, the only early, you know, to consume gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` Thought you 'd like 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, '' flatness replied, turning away from the film. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few days later, John arrived at Grimmauld space. The boys spent their prison term playing games and talking. John the Evangelist was just as shocked as lustrelessness was that Kaden was a necromancer. Harry took them to Rose 's house to play Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after rose prodded them a few times.

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

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

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to think. He had given his friends the yard tour of Grimmauld Place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one property he had yet to render them. `` Want to explore the attic ? '' he grinned mischievously.

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

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

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

Albus led his friends down the hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The attic of Number 12 Grimmauld Place was a very large room, filled with old loge and piece of furniture. It was glowering, cramped, and moth-eaten and hard to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

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

`` Mostly old Black crime syndicate heirlooms and early stuff that belonged to the Black kinsperson. 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 ? '' flatness asked as he peered into one of the boxes.

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the dangerous and morose stuff. ``

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

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

`` What 's in there ? '' matte had walked over to the exclusively threshold leading off the room, besides the one they had come in.

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

`` Why not ? '' mat asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's frightful. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a relocation appealingness to get it up here. He could n't ban it from the home, though. There 's some sort of spell on it that keeps it in the theater. ``

`` What did she do to bring in you keep her up here ? '' John asked.

`` She insults everyone who comes into the firm. 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, '' matte agreed.

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

`` appear at all this ! '' John grinned, `` The completely box is filled with fancy clobber. Goblets, silverware. '' John pulled out a very big candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, Snake River ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabrum that would entertain taper. Each of them was a snake 's question, and the candle would sit in the snake 's mouth.

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

`` Not to bring up the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John the Divine bent down and continued to look through the box, while Matt watched them. `` funny story, '' John the Divine announced as he picked up yet another Ag detail. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not much Au up here. If the lightlessness were so rich, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Uh, yeah, all werewolf are, '' matt explained.

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

`` How did we go a whole twelvemonth without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` wellspring, '' matte grinned, `` There 's not a lot silver in the Gryffindor common room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The male child 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 out another box, one that does n't have silver in it. ``

John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. lusterlessness looked very grateful as they started wandering around the Classical Greek. Albus and bathroom peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't induce any ash grey in it.

`` Are there any without flatware ? '' John the Evangelist asked after they 'd looked at at least ten unlike boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a large box at the far end of the elbow room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the slope. I 'm trusted there 's no silver grey in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Canicula hated his phratry. ``

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

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

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

`` Broken snitch, '' Matt announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quills, null too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small, worn out leather ledger at the bottom. It did n't look much like a text edition book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in muteness, while toilet and Matt looked over his shoulder. On the first Sir Frederick Handley Page was a picture of four son. `` It 's photograph album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few page, noticing that the delineation were always of the Lapplander four boy, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' John asked.

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

`` Makes mother wit, since it was in Dog Star 's box, '' John agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the short chubby one has got to be Saint Peter Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the tight-fitting boy.

`` Wow, '' matte whispered, `` marvel if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to turn the Page, looking at each delineation. It was a bit strange looking at all these pictorial matter and seeing the predator at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their dorm, in the common room, on the flat coat, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a couple of Epistle of James playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, John, and mat. They all looked so glad. It felt eldritch to roll in the hay that only a few twelvemonth after these video had been taken, prick would lead astray James and Lily. The marauder had trusted each early with their sprightliness, literally. variety of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never betray each former. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a girlfriend started appearing in a lot of the pictures. She would throw her arms wrapped around James and would kiss him every once in a while.

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

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their old age of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very finish pageboy and saw that the go picture was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in movement of the lake in their school robe, holding diplomas. They all wore huge grinning on their faces.

`` commencement exercise, '' John commented.

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

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

`` I think I 'll stay fresh it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to lose 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 blank. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost blank. In one of the box were four very pocket-size paw print. `` No it 's not. Look, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

lavatory and matte peered at the parchment and looked at the paw prints. `` What 's that mean value ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a nonmeaningful piece of lambskin. After all, to the mediocre person, the predator 's Map was just a meaningless piece of lambskin. Albus shoved the sheepskin back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottomland of his trunk once the boys returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids ready to leave ? '' Harry shouted up the steps, the day of Albus and rosiness 's birthday party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stairs with John and Matt following him. They ran into the lottery elbow room, where Albus 's parents were, along with James and Lily. `` We 're ready ! ``

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

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

`` Like my present ? '' Albus hinted.

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

`` Are we going by floo ? '' Matt eyed the hearth warily.

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

Harry was right. This clock time, Matt did not inhale nearly as often smoke and managed to not flow over as he arrived at the burrow. When they got there, the home was already crowded with people.

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

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Yeah, this is privy Brickston and matt Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to meet you, '' molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your assistant in the kitchen. Harry, would you help oneself Ron set up the mesa in the yard ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Wow, I ca n't imagine having this many cousins, '' Matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any cousins. ``

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

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

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

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

`` For about a half hour. We flooed, '' pink wine 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 year, but I did it to get to Albus 's theatre. lease me forever to discontinue coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

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

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

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' blush wine asked.

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

`` Wow, '' rose wine replied, `` Still ca n't trust it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

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

`` glorious ! '' Albus grinned.

Bill set the pinata down on the table and glanced out across the railway yard. `` Oi ! Teddy ! deprivation to do the pinata ? ``

teddy bear, who had turned his hair orange red and gold for the occasion, came running over to the table. `` sure as shooting ! We doing it in the center of the yard ? ``

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

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

`` Hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' chemise shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's full cousin ran over to teddy bear. Albus, Rose, and their acquaintance managed to push their way through the crowd to the presence.

`` All rightfield ! '' card shouted, `` Albus and Rose first, then immature to oldest. ``

rosiness went first. placard put a blind-fold magical spell over her eyes and handed her an old ling. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed hit, her turn was over. Albus was up next. He took the broom from rosiness and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his natal day political party, but he was never very unspoilt at it.

`` To the right ! '' person shouted. Albus swung the Scots heather around to his right hand, but did n't stimulate contact lens with anything. Teddy always made it difficult.

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

`` Well, this is the kind of thing a beater would be estimable at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even stir it. shift was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little kids had finished and Albus 's ally were up. Amanda was the first one to actually partake the pinata with the broom, but she did n't make any progress in smashing it open air. lusterlessness actually managed to hit himself in the head with the Calluna vulgaris, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

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

John was up following and he hit the pinata with a loud crush that sounded like it should have smashed the whole affair. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

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

As common, Bradley was the one to devote the final C to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to seize the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his Quaker each got a turgid bagful of sweets.

`` prison term for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and blush wine sat down at one one of the tables next to two with child piles of present. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of script, sweet, Weasley Wizard Wheezes merchandise, and various clothing point. Soon, there was just one present tense left.

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

Albus took the box and shoot the wrappings off. upheaval washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is bloody glorious ! Just like Sakartvelo '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 squad, '' Albus replied.

`` You will, '' James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the yard with his friends and full cousin following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The evening zephyr felt cool as he soared in high spirits and mellow. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The acceleration was wonderful and it turned at the thin touch. Albus flew around the yard for a few minutes, enjoying the chill that only flying could play. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could call back. He had received his first toy Calluna vulgaris on his low gear birthday. He promptly crashed into a tree the side by side day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot serious at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as effective as James was. After a few more minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' bathroom asked.

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

`` Of course of instruction ! '' Saint John the Apostle took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half minute lending his heather to his first cousin and friends. They all agreed that it was a superb heather and that Albus was sure as shooting to stool pursuer on the Gryffindor Quidditch squad.

mollie served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discourse centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a prominent numeral of people, there was always a right bit of discrepancy about which teams were the effective. mat was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their team to the relief of the group.

The even ended with a splendid Gryffindor Lion shaped cake that Molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was first of all cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's kinsfolk were some of the final stage to leave.

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

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

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

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your family is fun. shuffling me wish I had some cousin. ``

`` You 're receive to contribution mine, '' Albus laughed.

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

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

`` Well, one-half of Gryffindor is your cousin, Albus, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch team, Ryan will be the only non-Weasley and non-Potter on the team. ``

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, good Nox. ``

`` Night, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` Night, '' Matt said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my sidekick. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John, and Matt were all standing outside the Leaky cauldron. The Muggle English. It was a few days after Albus and rose wine 's birthday political party and mat was meeting his parents to go home in a couple hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few hours early so they could buy their new Good Book. Harry also decided that it would be a good time to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's provision.

A few second later a gamey sedan pulled up to the curb. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short brunette woman, and two kidskin. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so marvellous than lusterlessness, and a bit on the chubby face. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's young sister, Bethany, had inherited her father 's blonde hair and was about a head shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` howdy, Dudley, '' Harry extended his bridge player to his cousin-german.

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

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

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

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The first-class honours degree thing you 'll want to do is set up an account 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, reaping hook, and Knuts. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and postponement while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, whoremaster, and matt go look at the shops by ourselves ? ``

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

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not hold to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys 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 judiciary outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my protagonist, John and Matt. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' St. John replied. flatness nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of small fry whose parents are n't witches and wizards ? ``

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

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

`` Do n't occupy, you 'll becharm 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 shop class, `` Whoa ! There 's ling in here ! Are we going to be clean something ? '' he asked skeptically.

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

Kaden 's mouth fell receptive, `` Like enchantress do in movie ? ``

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

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

Albus, toilet, and matte spent a skilful twenty transactions telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

`` I suppose, '' John shrugged, `` But it 's fun, salutary than that sport Muggles playing period. Football or something ? ``

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

`` well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' John Lackland told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just delay until you first fly a ling, you 'll change your mind about football game. ``

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

`` Not on my House team. First years are n't allowed to play. And this year the lone initiative is for a Chaser. My position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

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

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

`` Well, technically Slytherins are cunning, but about of the evil beldame and wizards were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's mavin Wheezes, '' can suggested. Although he looked a slight taken aback that Kaden did n't want to look at Scots heather anymore.

The boy left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's sensation Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant stream of question the whole way there. By the prison term they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit run down of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be more outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this position ? '' Kaden gazed around at the inside of George IV Weasley 's workshop with a feeling of awe on his face.

`` Joke shop, '' trick told him, `` skillful shop in Diagon bowling alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John the Divine ! '' George greeted them. `` how-do-you-do, Albus ! Hi, matt ! ``

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

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

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

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

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a holy person ! ``

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

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

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

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George III went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the workshop with John and Matt while Kaden bounced from one exhibit to the next, announcing how vivid everything was and asking the other male child 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 need to do that ? '' Kaden grimaced.

`` To get out of oil production classes, '' Matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's classes, you 'll realise. ``

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

`` extendible ear, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Yuletide only to take in his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations multitude are having. ``

`` wish well 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, `` public speaking of which, we should probably head back to tucket and Blotts. ``

The boys waved good-bye to George and left the workshop. Albus, lusterlessness, and John Lackland listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the ledger store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more utilise to the Wizarding World. They continued their walk to tucket and Blotts while explaining about wizardly conformation of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could look and disappear 'just care that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and Apparition and Flooing and all sorting of magical practical joke item, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Well, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the shop. brandish and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few other the great unwashed inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boys'inclination to a sales person while the boy started looking around.

Albus, John, and mat had been to this Scripture store numerous times and did n't encounter anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather deliver been in character Quidditch supplying. Kaden, on the former paw, seemed as excited there as he had been in George 's shop class. He ran all over the shop, picking up random record book and bringing them back to demo the former boys.

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

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

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

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

whoremonger stifled a jape, `` Just wait until he gets his first Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` attend at this book ! '' Kaden came running back a few minutes later with a playscript entitled, shadow wight : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampires and lycanthrope in it ! I did n't know those were real ! ``

Albus felt lustrelessness stiffen side by side to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the Holy Scripture from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the ace in Muggle pouf narrative. And you do n't want to read this book. It 's too progress. You 've got to start out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the Holy Writ onto a nearby shelf. He did not want Kaden to translate about the prejudice wizard had about werewolf.

Kaden took off into another division of the computer storage 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 dividing line, lusterlessness was starting to tire out due to the upcoming full moon. By the time Albus, St. John, and mat got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his initiatory baton. He gave it a wave and one of the empty wand boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the explosion was straight, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out sceptre for the next fifteen minutes before finding one that created gold flicker when he waved it. Dudley paid for the sceptre and the group left the shop. The next stop was the Apothecary and then Madam Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his first base year at Hogwarts.

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

`` Ca n't believe the summer 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a swig of butterbeer. `` What are you guy wire doing for the eternal sleep of it ? ``

`` I 'm going to natter some to a greater extent of my cousins after I go home, '' can told them.

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

Matt glanced up from his food, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a wizard at the succeeding table cut his steak with his sceptre. `` 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 other boys.

`` Wizard hospital, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't press out for more information. Luckily, at that bit, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platters of food. Kaden immediately turned his attention 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 closer to flatness. 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 interest about it, I 'm fine. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't recollect people went to St. Mungo 's when they were o.k.. But he did n't press for more than 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 apprehensive looking at at her son. Matt was resting his headway on his hand and had his oculus closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

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

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

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

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

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

`` He just did side-along Apparition. Someone who 's got their shadow permit can take early hoi polloi with them while they do it. ``

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' can 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 goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle world. Albus was n't sure what to recall about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a orchis of Department of Energy, that was for sure. Kaden seemed to reckon that everything in the wizarding world was bully. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and early iniquity wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley folk tree diagram

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Stanley, 7th year Sakartvelo, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year ling, 5th class Bradley, 4th yr
Ben, 3rd yr Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 7 geezerhood old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year pink wine, 2nd year James I, 3rd twelvemonth
Angie, 9 old age old Hugo, 10 years old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 years old

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

*all in Gryffindor*



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

I also want to invite everyone to hold back out my meet the Author page on the assembly. There 's a link to it in my profile. flavour free to ask about my stories or writiing in general there.


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


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to James and Albus, `` It 's already tail to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the crowded big businessman 's hybridization station. James was right side by side to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front line of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The Potters were running late, very late. It was September first and the Hogwart 's Express would be leaving in exactly fifteen minutes. The whole morning had been very rushed. Albus woke up late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the Nox before working on his Transfiguration essay, and William James always woke up late. Then, James could n't find his practice Snitch and refused to entrust before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really certainly how it got there.

But because of all this, the thrower family was now practically running through power 's Cross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many unknown smell from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated bird of Minerva on their trolleys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` A bit ? ! The geartrain 's leaving in seven proceedings ! ``

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

`` I 'll load up your luggage compartment, '' Ron appeared and took King James and Albus 's tram to the train.

`` Be safe, St. James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

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

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

Ginny gave them a relentless look, `` I do n't desire any owls from Professor Kendrick. ``

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

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

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

At that present moment, Kaden fit through the barrier with a immense grin on his face. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

`` You 've got to get on the wagon train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the gear doors. She gave James and Albus a immediate hug and snog. `` Bye, Kyd ! Be secure, all of you ! ``

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

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

`` That was shut, '' blush wine sighed as the train left the station.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and rose wine continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their booster. Kaden followed end behind, still wanting to mouth about the barrier. Anything remotely wizard seemed to agitate him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the categorization Hat.

`` There they are, '' pink wine announced when they were halfway down the train. Rose pulled open the doorway and they walked inside. John, Matt, Amanda, and a girlfriend with hanker, total darkness, curly tomentum Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would shew up, '' John grinned.

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

`` I was on clip, '' Rose announced, smirking at Albus.

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

`` wellspring, you made it, that 's all that affair, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, good thing you did n't overlook the train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' trick told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the girl Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this yr. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` howdy, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus thrower. ``

Isabelle 's centre opened wide and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

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

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

`` Just waiting until he first gets hexed, '' whoremonger whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's superb then. ``

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

Amanda grinned, `` It was terrific ! We went all over the position, just wandering around and seeing everything. I kissed the Blarney Oliver Stone, too. ``

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

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

`` Mine was good, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon Alley together. nil too exciting. ``

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

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty clean property, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with Jesse James after you left, lav. other than that I spent the rest of my holiday doing prep and playacting Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' Rose 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 know why Matt 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, '' mat replied quickly, giving Albus a look that meant he would state him later. `` So, I wonder who the new Charms teacher will be ? '' Matt asked, changing the subject.

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

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

`` He was the Charms teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to steal, er, sealed matter that would help him achieve Voldemort 's paragon. And he started a duel with me, John, Amanda, Matt, and Rose. One of his friends dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

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

Kaden stared at his first cousin, lost for words for the first meter. After a few moments he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your syndicate 's noted ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't tell me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the next Charms instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as mo year ), and a peachy tidy sum of other material. Around luncheon time, the beldam came around with the trolley car and everyone bought tumid sum of money of solid food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard sweets. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor noodle best, despite the fact that the first one he tried was a vomiting flavor. When he opened his first Chocolate Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more shocked when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the batting order that came with it.

After they polished off the rest of the Sweet, the conversation turned to which house Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently St. John the Apostle and Isabelle 's syndicate consisted of an compeer telephone 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 place where her family had been. Kaden on the early handwriting, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too indisputable he 'd wind up up there, still thinking that his full cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't tell Kaden this.

Soon the gearing made it to Hogsmeade station and it was sentence for everyone to get off. Albus and his friend joined the gravid crowd of student exiting onto the platform.

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

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

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

`` My first cousin Kaden 's starting this twelvemonth, and John 's first cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two first off 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 look to see 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 admirer to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his invariant party to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` He 's got heart. ``

`` well, you 're variety of like him, toilet, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the closest abandon go-cart. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' John laughed and sat down succeeding to Albus. rose, Amanda, and lusterlessness followed after, and sat down on the can across from them.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And remember that study I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where Matt had briefly explained about a field as to why Wolfsbane Potion had no essence on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the reason I was at St. Mungo 's. Someone has to celebrate me after every shift. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the healer like to do it at least twice a class. ``

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

`` That makes sense, '' Rose commented.

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

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been funny about this subject field ever since Matt told him about it the previous condition, but Albus had been loath to ask about it.

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

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Yuletide intermission. I 've got to hold it a partner off Day beforehand and it 'll be easily if individual can watch closely, '' Matt told them.

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

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

Albus glanced at Matt. He looked a bit scared at the aspect of taking an untested potion. No wonder he had been muted on the train. Albus was n't trusted if he would require to call for an untested potion. Of course, if the potion worked, Matt 's aliveness would drastically vary for the near. But what if it did n't work, what if it had horrible side outcome ?

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Rose 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 the Divine said as the initiatory twelvemonth filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how timorous he 'd been of being in Slytherin the premature yr. 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, '' rose wine pointed to Albus 's full cousin, who was standing right at the front of the group.

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

Professor Patil motioned for the room to be quiet and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to stifle a laugh as he saw Kaden 's sassing undefended in shock. Albus knew that hat would amaze his cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, prof Patil started the Sorting. The first base two student were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

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

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

`` well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your family, '' pink wine pointed out.

`` Yeah, I know, '' Gospel According to John sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's goodness, too. But it 's not nearly as ripe as Gryffindor. ``

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

Patil put the hat on his head and after a few minutes, it opened its brim wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

`` Well, the hat did subscribe an awfully farsighted time to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got aspects of all the star sign. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the weirdest matter you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless Nick, the portraits on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping willow tree, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous other aspects of the rook that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting continued and the chemical group of first eld dwindled until there were only a copulate students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other low gear old age, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must have been the starting time year in a long time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining boy walked sullenly to the stool and waited for the hat to sort him. A few bit later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

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

`` Must be some sex act, '' John shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' rosebush suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only nestling at one of the Slug golf-club meetings last year. ``

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

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

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

`` May I have your tending, please ! '' Albus and his protagonist stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do own a few commencement of term promulgation, but I think they can expect until after the fete. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his arms and food appeared on the favorable platters.

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

`` That 's how the intellectual nourishment always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a large fate of steak and kidney pie.

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John as John filled his own crustal plate with as a good deal nutrient as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his lip full of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' rosebush screwed up her facial expression 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. ``

flatness glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his early admirer, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` retrieve what I said about the Charms teacher on the railroad train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his face with the quietus of his roll.

`` Well, professor Washburn was n't the only one in on that duel. Some necromancer named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in commission. He has a son, Quinton, who was a seventh year last year. Quinton drove us mad all last yr and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to compute out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a full cousin because Quinton does n't have any siblings. ``

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

Throughout the sleep of the banquet, Albus talked to his protagonist about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. Rose wanted to give him the benefit of the question and wait and see if he shared the same horizon as Quinton. whoremonger, on the early helping hand, was fix to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must fit in with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his cousin, but did n't imagine they should startle hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't for sure what to think, and he just thought they should avoid Felix, not trying to be favorable with him or hex him.

Kaden received a courteous shock when Nearly-Headless Nick decided it would be his collection plate he would appear out of during the fete. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his vast grins appeared on his font shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the ghost circling the room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghost teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't hold back for that class.

`` It 's just account of Magic, '' lustrelessness told him, `` tedious class in the school. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd know, would n't you ? '' John joked.

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

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

`` cartel me, the bang wears off after the first day, '' matt said.

A few instant later the solid food disappeared and deserts appeared just mo later. Kaden and John immediately piled their denture with every pud there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the rest of their professors and they all speculated about the new charm teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the staff table and assumed she was the new spell teacher. She was an old witch, with her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun. She was very tightfitting and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was hard 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 declaration, as well as one rather big announcement. ''

Whispering immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big promulgation could be. Kendrick waited a few present moment before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to infix you to our new Charms teacher, prof Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a small moving ridge and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of spring, as is the Whomping willow. ``

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

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to prompt you that dueling in the corridors is preclude. Also, that the list of forbidden objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung bomb calorimeter'that have just been released at Weasleys'wizard Wheezes. All other products uncommitted for purchase there are also forbidden and students may inspect the full list on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

Albus, who had experienced the effects of one of his uncle 's new dung bombs, could understand why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't hold back people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the tone on his grandmother 's brass when Uncle George brought one of the dung bomb to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch team, please present your gens to your head of sign of the zodiac. I think those are all the common announcements. Now, onto the more charge declaration, '' Kendrick paused and none of the bookman said a word, `` It has come to my attention that the tension between the houses have been increasing over the past few twelvemonth. I know that sure sign have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to wait at the Gryffindor and Slytherin mesa before continuing, `` But I think the competition has gotten too gravid. I believe we need more wholeness. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our house 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 unit. I, along with the other professors, believe that their is too often firm rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this year to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be dependable, '' trick muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to induce to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to commute the Dueling cabaret, '' Kendrick continued, `` This twelvemonth, unlike past times eld, we will have inter house teams. ``

`` What ! ? '' near of the Great Hall erupted into call of pure astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and frailty versa.

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

`` fountainhead, we do n't desire any all-fired Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my power point, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much contention. I believe this will aid alleviate it. You will sustain to work together with penis of other houses in edict to win the dueling backup. There will be Thomas More details to accompany during the beginning confluence of the Dueling Club. As always, the club is undecided to second years and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. First eld do n't know enough magical spell to conjoin. But you can join side by side class. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' King James asked, `` That 's not lay to rest house, is it ? ``

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

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his Friend could see him.

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

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

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

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

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

`` cipher could do that, '' trick said.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. privy, rose wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` Good, me too, '' flatness told them, `` Just have to trust I 'm not with Scorpio Malfoy. ``

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

Albus and his Friend continued their trek to Gryffindor tugboat, and the conversation turned to the new magic spell teacher. None of them could guess what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very stern face about her all during the feast. When they got to the common room, they all decided to take Kendrick up on his advice and turn in ahead of time. 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 give anymore of those Legilimency aspiration he had lastly year. With that happy view in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



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

quote that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Ibrahim capital of Nebraska and all quotation goes to him.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

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

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

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

`` Muggles take English class in school day, privy, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation mark and read literature. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and his booster walked out of the Great Hall and towards the steps that lead to the keep.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Ah, my two favorite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his hands together, `` Just let me run through attendance existent quick. '' Slughorn read off the name of all the scholarly person, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a twice class today, I thought a little contest would be capture ! Let 's see how much you remember from death year. The partners that brew the best Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's burnt umber ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his scholarly person. The Gryffindors were on one side of the way, Slytherins on the former, much like it had been in the former twelvemonth.

`` I 'm sure you all heard prof Kendrick 's spoken communication conclusion night, about the fact that the school day needs to be more amalgamate, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically dangerous tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a good idea to have inter-house partner this twelvemonth. ``

Albus turned to lustrelessness and mouthed, Good melodic theme ? flatness was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn cerebrate this would be a good musical theme ? Albus thought it would most probable suit to a greater extent explosions than usual.

Once the category stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be less tension between the houses. So, please stop moaning. I 'm sure you 'll find that you can process together for the good afternoon. I will interpret off the pairs and then you may move. ``

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

Albus glanced at Matt who had a look of emit repugnance on his side. He was shaking his head and mouthing the Bible 'no'. Albus knew that Matt would have rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a self-satisfied look on his face. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's secret now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

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

Could be spoiled, Albus thought. He did n't really know Stonewall Jackson, although he did know that Jackson was an excellent Potions brewer. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as respectable as Jackson.

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

Albus gave Matt a tepid smiling that Matt did not return, and Albus got up to join Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated seat. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the fixings, you light a fervor. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of student getting component from the closet. Limbert returned a few arcminute later and he and Albus started to gear up the factor. They worked in secretiveness the unanimous meter. Albus did n't know what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably desire for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each former, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to matte, that matt was trying hard to disregard. blush wine was telling Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was set up to hex pink wine. St. John the Apostle was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the untimely direction, and John looked like he wanted to yell. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later. Albus stepped back from his caldron as Slughorn started to see the potions. He inspected each one, telling its owner what they could cause done to make it dear. Slughorn was impressed with Rose and Vivien 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 wand. `` Excellent ! Well done, boys ! I think we have a success ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please scan chapter one of your leger and write a six inch summary of it for adjacent class. ``

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

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

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

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' rose replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a discussion I say, so we were both doing the same didactics over again ! ``

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

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

`` That I would be, '' matte 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 know what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just beaming I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very quiet, so we just ignored each other. ``

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

`` Worked out good, '' whoremonger said, `` You got the burnt umber. ``

******

The future morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw endorse years found themselves waiting outside the appealingness classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all bore to see what she was like. Albus did n't care 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 Good Book to her pupil as she unlocked the threshold. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with John and Matt.

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

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

`` tranquillity, please, '' professor Cedonia said in a pipe down, but emphatic, vocalisation. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was satisfy that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your finis twelvemonth of instruction in this study was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this year. I know some of you, '' her center fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more time in custody with professor Washburn than in form with him. I do not trust that that is a good way of teaching. Now, do n't get me haywire, if there is any misdeed, I will give detentions, but I do not script them out lightly. I would much rather receive out why a student is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just give out detention like they 're dislodge samples. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' mat whispered. Albus and John nodded.

`` For example, some students cause chaos because they are bored with form. I do not want you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, please feel free to let me have sex before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in intellect, I 'd like to start off with a review article of last yr. Please take out your parchment and quills. ``

The rest of the category was rather gratifying, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking bill, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to answer a query you did n't know, like Washburn had done. The former one-half was spent practicing charms they had learned last year. Albus found that he was much full at magic spell when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to hover his school text a twosome feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to stimulate so much more liberal sentence this year without all the detainment, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just have to do other things to earn detainment, '' John laughed, `` Like pull pranks on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to amaze them at the Dueling baseball club, '' Rose said, `` You could n't get in trouble for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our team, '' Gospel According to John 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 need 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 off get together, anyway ? '' mat 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, '' Matt replied quietly, `` The you-know-what is n't until following Thursday. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus said, relieved that matt would not be missing the first Dueling nightclub meeting.

******

The rest of the week passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their common Hogwarts routine. They spent their evening in the mutual elbow room either doing homework or just talking and playing game. Kaden usually spent the evening with him. Kaden seemed to expend fourth dimension with Albus 's mathematical group rather than the other Gryffindor first years. Albus was not sure why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The just time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. Classes were going well so far. Albus was doing much better in Charms with prof Cedonia, and was doing about the Saame as the previous year in the rest of his classes.

When Sat arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling cabaret. The first meeting was taking seat that afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his friends went immediately to the Dueling elbow room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole schoolhouse was joining. Well, everyone except the first years.

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

`` Probably, '' Rose replied, `` There are n't many people who do n't link. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the gang. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like retiring years, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling ball club. If you 're second, 3rd, or fourth year, you have to join the Junior Club. If you 're in fifth yr or above, delight follow professor Longbottom to the next elbow room where you will have your coming together. ``

`` fountainhead that 's a relief, '' flatness commented as the older students left the way, `` I did n't fancy dueling with 7th years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin John Rowlands is a smart as a whip dueler. I would n't want to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' John grinned and pulled out his baton, `` I bet I could take on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and lav quickly stowed his scepter. `` Now, as you know, Professor Kendrick has decided that we will not hold House teams this year. There will be eight teams, just like last class, but they will take appendage from each mansion on them. ``

There was a collective moan from the crew. Everyone was standing in chemical group consisting of bookman of their own house. Albus sighed, he had sort of hoped that Professor Kendrick would alter his mind, but it did n't come along that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are well-chosen about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will get less tension between the houses, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will operate much like Quidditch. Each squad captain will set up practice multiplication, and there will be competitions throughout the yr. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll distinguish you who the captains will be. professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last year, based on your performance. All the sea captain are fourth age. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davy, April Finch-Fletchley, Alice Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heath. ``

There was a large amount of cheering and groaning at the promulgation of the captains. Albus did n't know any of the captains besides his cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's team.

The respite of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the only two Gryffindor initiative age on that team. James was n't on it either. Albus was glad he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very alleviate that his chieftain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's squad, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his squad. He was not looking forward to having to get together with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' Matt said, as they entered the park 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 mate, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` Good head, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my full cousin for your sea captain. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your chieftain ! '' John shouted. blush wine nodded. She and toilet both had Slytherin skipper, but not the same one. lavatory 's senior pilot 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 son'student residence, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a while ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the death chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of vigour. 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 meeting. We got ascribe squad, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't know. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't hold off to connect the Dueling nightspot next class. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his scepter and waved it around. It produced a dribble of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` look on it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his eye, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his gown. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch delivery and exercise for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I fare, please ? Flying lessons start next week. I ca n't expect ! Can I try out your broom ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not want Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would break apart it. `` You can descend lookout man, I guess. But bad, you ca n't try out my ling. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked delirious, `` All rightfulness, let 's go ! At least I can watch you encounter Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be practiced than football. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his friends, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' whoremaster stood up. `` I 'll bring my broom and help you practice. ``

`` I 'll derive, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't retrieve so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to ride out here with me, Amanda. '' Rose gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and John grabbed their heather from their dormitory and the four boys left the coarse room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, can, flatness, and Kaden spent the rest of the good afternoon acting Quidditch. Kaden watched the altogether time, amazed that brooms could enable citizenry to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would deepen his head. St. John the Apostle let Matt fly his Calluna vulgaris for a little while and Albus practiced his chaser skills with both of them. By the metre night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and Matt were for certain he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my early babe and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

Just to let everyone know, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of next workweek instead of Th. I might have to switch my update day to Friday instead of Th from now on, since school is starting and my Th are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent nearly of the morning in the uncouth way with his admirer, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't center. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding child's play with John, who was putting off his preparation until the last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus skilful luck. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch delivery with his new broom over his shoulder. pink wine, John, lustrelessness, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the palace to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the slant and see how many other multitude were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come in ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their walk to the lurch, listening to Kaden talking animatedly about his first calendar week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't guess Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his never-ending gabble a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to hear about how Professor Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration course the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the insurance of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his early younger cousins. 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 pedestal while Albus went down to the orotund gang of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his tending to the other pursuer hopeful gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of John Rowlands 's booster, two burly looking one-sixth twelvemonth boys who looked like they 'd make better Beaters than Chasers, a couple twenty percent year girl, quite a few one-fourth and third base years, and even a bunch of get-go class. After a few Thomas More minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the locker room, Pb by Albus 's cousin, Georgia. Sakartvelo had become the new chieftain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the dayspring she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the hearth at Grimmauld position, where she shouted the newsworthiness 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 spokesperson and everyone was tranquillity immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available spot this yr, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of lastly yr 's players off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few groan from the gang, and the two sixth year male child stalked off the area. One of the quartern years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the rules have not changed since last year, and first years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have uncommitted positions. '' The rather large mathematical group of first years scowled and left the pitch shot in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken care of, '' Georgia pulled out a clipping board, `` First, I 'll need to see you all fly around the pitch. fifth through 7th years first. ``

Albus watched as the honest-to-god scholarly person flew around the pitch a few times. Peach State watched them carefully and wrote notes on her clipping card. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year girls. She kept lurching downwards every fourth dimension she accelerated, almost falling off her Scots heather. After a few turns around the pitch, the older pupil landed next to Georgia.

`` trade 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 seem too thwarted and Albus suspected the only reason she tried out was because the other fifth part year girl did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the auction pitch. He took off along with the third and fourth long time. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good flier. He sped around the pitch, going faster than the other scholar. Albus noticed that they were great handbill as well, even intimately than the seventh and fifth class who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Sakartvelo grinned as Albus landed in front end of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the ease of the squad. ``

During the succeeding theatrical role 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 to the lowest degree once. The only other someone 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 other aspirer sighed and left the pitching.

After this, Peach State simulated a real match, in rescript to find out who fit best with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his cousins legion meter, worked quite well with Heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very easy to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Empire State of the South announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm sorry, Gabe, palpate free to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The residual of the team clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James IV grinned.

`` Figures, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to peck your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' Saint James the Apostle commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't deal what Gabe bourn 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 ! '' Matt agreed. rosiness and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stick around and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the rest of the team spent the all good afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very happy that Albus worked so well with ling and Fred. Usually, when a squad got a new Chaser it took a pair week for the new pursuer to get used to the team, but Albus fit right in. Georgia was sure they would be ready for the first match, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple Night a workweek, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any meter for anything other than preparation. He could only conceive of what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the week.

Albus immediately spotted John Lackland and Matt sitting at their usual table in the back. He looked longingly at the door leading to the dormitories. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the residence hall for a few minutes to lodge his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the while that he could just break up into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the board his friends were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' bathroom greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked dog-tired. Although not nearly as exhausted as Matt did. The full moon was that nighttime Matt was sleeping with his head on his August 6 book.

`` How was practice session ? '' bathroom asked, without looking up from her account of Magic notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left hand arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrait clear and saw Kaden coming in, looking to a greater extent repress than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrongfulness ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A ft long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that lusterlessness woke up. `` A whole ft ! ``

Albus looked at John Lackland and both of them fit out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his spokesperson returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything magical and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the wizardly macrocosm and here at Hogwarts. You loved every undivided family and did n't let a complaint. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a tenacious essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, issue forth on, how can I drop a line a invertebrate foot long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into phonograph needle ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an conjuration and your peer modification, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can stretch that into a ft unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of parchment. ``

`` Two roll ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to look at flatness. `` You look terrible. You should go see lady Pomfrey. You know conjuration fix everything ! It 's amazing. I had a dusty 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 pearl with her wand. It was brilliant. She 'll have you better in no fourth dimension, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and John shooting Kaden warning facial expression. Albus willed his full cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no approximation what mat went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding populace was wonderful and that sorcerous fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John the Evangelist said, `` Want me to occur ? ``

`` No, I 'm ticket, '' Matt replied and left the uncouth room.

`` Is he going to see dame Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't screw why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the in conclusion stubble. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his first cousin with a look of furor in his centre. `` Kaden, just keep out it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupid ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and King John could see him, but his interpreter was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your straits that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see gentlewoman Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a parole. His usual cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a look of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitory room and went up the stairs without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a look of daze on his face as well. `` I do n't conceive I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course of instruction, when we were fighting over whether to tell mat we knew he was a lycanthrope, '' lav said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should suffer stopped talking when Matt said Madam Pomfrey could n't avail him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to get laid ? '' John the Evangelist asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to butt into Matt 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the fourth dimension. ``

`` I 'm not certainly he will anymore, '' John replied.

The two friends sat in silence for the following few minutes. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too harsh. Maybe he should feature just told Kaden not to bother Matt. But Kaden had practically called matte stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from spending time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure as shooting if he wanted Kaden to stop spending time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger first cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did Matt leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' Rose asked.

`` He 'd have been near if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

Rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that Matt go get a potion from Madam Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' John told the girl. Albus was perfectly unforced to let trick tell apart the narration. `` And of course he looked sick, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of course, and he would n't stop telling lusterlessness 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 as shooting he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' King John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your first cousin does n't always cognise the best affair to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' bathroom announced.

`` What ? ! '' both daughter shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' John replied, `` Probably would have 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, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a slight annoyed that Rose seemed disappoint, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how sorcerous fixes everything. I told him that there are some things that lady Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to cite them around Matt. I also yelled at him because he practically called flatness poor fish. Kaden said matt was stupe for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could birth said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a rough time adjusting and making protagonist. 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 take friends, '' Albus muttered.

`` wellspring, you can apologize in the aurora, '' Rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even make love why that perturbation 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 severalise Kaden that flatness was a lycanthrope. `` All right, fine. I 'll apologize. But if he does that again, I 'll scream at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John assured him.

`` boy, '' blush wine muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the following sunrise. Due to astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six 60 minutes of nap. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that break of day, which was strange because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would consume to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice. He was glad that it was a relatively easygoing day. Double Herbology in the morn and then a single class of Potions after luncheon. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit Matt in the Hospital Wing. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the infirmary Wing sleeping instead of going to grade, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post hooter flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the alphabetic character, and the owl was off again.

`` varsity letter from auntie Ginny ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two workweek have gone well.
I 'm gladiolus the new good luck charm instructor is squeamish, and I do desire
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

extolment 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 suit the new
keeper after GA graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called last night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden end night. I realize that Kaden
may hold been less than good-hearted with flatness, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a rough
time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
whole lot of friend. He needs you to be variety to
him and include him in your activities.

With beloved,
Mum

Albus folded the varsity letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone understand that Kaden had been out of line last night ? trick seemed to reckon so, but thought Albus should get been nicer about it.

`` aunty Ginny agrees with me, '' blush wine commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to apologize to Kaden.

`` fountainhead, looks like you 'll have to justify later, '' pink wine announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to apologize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his Friend. Neville spent the lesson teaching about Mandrakes and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather prosperous, but not everyone in the class did. One of the Mandrakes attached itself to Karina 's pilus and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't have time to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to rationalize. Potions was pretty drill because all Slughorn did was speech. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, only to be prodded awake by blush wine who was sitting side by side to him.



A/N : Thanks to my babe and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early baby and my brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reexamination !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friend went to visit lusterlessness like they usually did after a full moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't sure as shooting what he would say in order to shake off his first cousin if Kaden decided to try and visit matte with them.

`` Hello, kids, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. 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 drape. flatness was sporting numerous gash all over his face and weapon, a black eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's dormancy, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the drapery behind them.

`` wellspring, that 's not really storm, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should come back later. ``

`` No, I 'm alive, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since hold up Nox, '' Albus told him.

matt breathed a sigh of relief, `` just. I was trying to come up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't take in to. ``

`` I do n't consider you 're going to have to worry about that, '' John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure as shooting he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And finis night he was so flaming irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' John told him, and proceeded to secernate Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' lusterlessness said quietly when bathroom had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're sick all the metre, '' 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 justify to him. I do n't really need to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd heed if he did n't spend as much meter with us, '' flatness told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been worse, '' flatness replied, `` Got a few broken ribs, but ma'am Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of trend. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Lord's Day, '' lustrelessness yawned.

`` Do you require us to forget so you can log Z's ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all dark to slumber. Tell me what I missed in year. ``

`` Well, a Mandragora officinarum attached itself to Karina 's hair in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' Rose announced, `` I had to inflame him up a few times. ``

`` I was n't asleep. I was just closing my eyes for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch pattern yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm wear upon. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not much. Just critical review, mostly. Phases of the moon, that kind of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that lusterlessness was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner in the Hospital Wing with matte. Once dinner fourth dimension came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd have to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his acquaintance went up to the uncouth room to get started on their growing cumulus of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' blush 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 feel like authorship, but he 'd rather indite it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` 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, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and tell him not to bother lustrelessness anymore. prepare sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm much meretricious 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 effective friends. ``

`` That 'll never materialize, '' Albus rolled his eyes. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowded commons way to the chairman Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book and writing the occasional note down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chair opposite his cousin-german. `` 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 verbalise to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm distressing for yelling at you final night, '' Albus said as he picked at a loose yarn on the chair. `` I did n't really entail to upset you. I just wanted you to stop telling Matt to go to the infirmary extension. He told you to stop and you did n't. ``

`` fountainhead, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a tepid laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're regorge. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was metre for Kaden to understand that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to empathise that conjuration ca n't fix everything. I do n't believe you get that yet. I know it 's hard to come into the charming public after living in the Muggle one for XI old age. Well, actually, I guess I do n't eff that. You 'd be ripe off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunt Hermione- ''

`` I think magic is bloody brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the affair ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all legerdemain 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. Most of them think magic can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just let to learn that for yourself, if you do n't think me. ``

`` I think I do think you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all magic is in force. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do hump that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other matter. You 've got to realise that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his words carefully so as not to give away Matt 's arcanum, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're worse than your average cold or flu, and the therapist, those are magical doctors, have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could differentiate he was giving this a skilful bit of thinking. `` But why ca n't you just wave your wand and make it honorable ? ``

Albus sighed. This was tough than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle view. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even blush wine. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I guesswork sorcerous healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. Healers try to detect cures just like doc do. doctor ca n't fix everything either, like Crab, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very concentrated to heal. `` Doctors try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's heart opened across-the-board and he whispered, `` Matt 's got Cancer the Crab ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizard version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a while. What you 've got to realise is that brothel keeper Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't cite anything like that. And definitely do n't call him dolt 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 fall up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to severalise 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, right 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 other first years, or anyone. Do n't refer that you know anything whatsoever about him getting disgusted. prognosticate 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 up sit with us ? '' Albus was n't indisputable what his Quaker 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 correct thing to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's aspect and he stood up. `` Yeah, of path ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down following to Albus at breakfast the following Mon.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd withdraw his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a time for dueling practice session, '' she began, `` It 's been knockout than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch exercise. I do n't cogitate the wholly team will be able-bodied to meet at the Same time ; it just wo n't ferment. But that 's all right wing. The team I was on last yr rarely ever met at the same prison term. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday evening will play for a lot of the great unwashed. Can you piddle it ? ``

Albus thought for a import. He had been wondering when the first dueling exercise would take position. John and rose wine had already been to their for the first time pattern. Matt missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital offstage. `` I should be able to pee-pee 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 coming together will be in the dueling room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to prof ceramist and he said it 's free. I 've got to go lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for death, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to pop out dueling people. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' john told them, `` We have n't really learned any new turn yet, but I got to disarm a duo people. ``

`` I disarmed a mates 3rd years at my confluence, '' Rose announced. `` I 'm turn on about learning new trance, though. ``

`` Wish I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll make it to the following one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every meeting. ``

`` Can I go with you to the coming together, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First twelvemonth are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid formula'and left to go to his first class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' Rose announced. Albus and his protagonist left the Great Asaph Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The adjacent few Clarence Day seemed to drag on for an timelessness. Albus was very excited about the dueling recitation and he did not experience like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch recitation on Tues, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Midweek, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 early students, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each early, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A duo more students ran into the elbow room as Albus and Amanda went over to the chemical group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood following to Kate in the social movement of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right wing, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th twelvemonth Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house squad this year, but we 'll deliver to administer with it. It 's not easy for me, either. live year, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` Professor thrower, Professor Longbottom, or one of the other prof will supervise the practices, at least for the first gear few. But if you have an issue, please come to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our first of all get together, I 'd just wish to evaluate what dueling skills you 've got. So duo off and demilitarize each former. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each other. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand quiver in his deal, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in form, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's scepter flew out of her hand 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 side by side fifteen minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a brace sentence, but she was n't nearly as safe at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` substitution partners, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` Potter, '' Malfoy appeared succeeding to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a better dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just demilitarize him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate team, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the level with you in a real duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's wand flew out of his hand and landed a couple feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a undecomposed dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` give way me your worst, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the military group he could come up. Malfoy 's sceptre left his mitt and landed a duet ft away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some great duelers in here. With a little exercise, I 'm sure we 'll beat the other squad. I think for easiness, I 'll hold recitation every week this Saami day and clip. 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 progress to all the meetings. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone adjacent 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 lecture to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the plebeian way. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a probability to spill to you much, '' Harry said once the elbow room was abandon. He walked over to a span 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 glad you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too felicitous. ``

`` Yeah, a couple cerebration 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 certainly that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a great Chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the topper one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have form been ? ``

`` Fine. good luck charm is much better than finis year. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the usual kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad affair, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detention, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her classes under control. I think the other teachers could teach a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd bang it if nobody gave out custody 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 brass tour red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` glad to get a line it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore job, feel free to add up 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 know when to take leave sometimes. ``

`` Some the great unwashed 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 ceramist marionette Pals.




The second base one-half of Sept passed the Sami way the first half had. Albus 's days were filled with course of study, homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling practice. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new magical spell in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during pattern. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the practice duels, but he had yet to succeed. The first 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 lasting mend in Albus 's group of friends. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in course and because of this, Albus and his Quaker were spending much less fourth dimension in the room of Requirement than they had the second one-half of their first year. They seemed to have come to an unspoken agreement not to show Kaden the elbow room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually make out a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the elbow room might be the only place in Hogwarts where they could go.

The 2d William Ashley Sunday of October, Albus found himself looking for his Friend after a particularly tenacious Quidditch praxis. He shouldered his heather, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castling. It was a quick fall day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool zephyr was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his beginning preference of Quidditch praxis in the rain a match weeks back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed privy and mat sitting a couple yards away from the Whomping Willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round piece of plastic attached to a long string. Albus went over to King John and Matt and sat down next to them.

`` How was pattern ? '' matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our prep, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden frolic with that Muggle toy, '' Matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the piece of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John the Evangelist explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really fiddling, '' lustrelessness commented, `` But I must bear lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could cause the attention brace to make for with that toy.

`` About fifteen minute, '' Matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but beneficial. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to wham those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put soul 's eye out with his scepter a duad times, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a piece, '' he turned to John and Matt, `` Where are Rose and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castle, doing homework, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't need to issue forth outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping Willow. `` D'you think that tree could obliterate someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` Wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to take the air a niggling closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a look of terror appear in Matt 's eyes. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to interrogate the things that had to do with mat 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the Tree, whose thrashing branches were now just a couple feet away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was smart as a whip, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree like this, '' Kaden started to circulate the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magical, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' Matt warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few to a greater extent stair towards the tree. He was now within orbit of its offset. `` Must be a strong tree. '' He started to try and touch one of the leg, but the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' matt shouted.

`` It did n't even fall in the tegument. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the Tree. But the tree did n't wish 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 move away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. A branch hit him in the head teacher and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered confining at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' lustrelessness screamed in a very shaky tone. `` I 'm serious, prompt ! ``

`` I think there 's a maw down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drain from lustrelessness 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the secret passage that led to the Shrieking shanty. Albus was about to go grab Kaden away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' lusterlessness shrieked, shaking his head back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree diagram. It hit him on his shoulder and his head as he tried to circumvent the branch. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the pickle 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.

lustrelessness ran forward and grabbed a retentive branch that was on the ground. He wordlessly shoved it into the nucleotide of the tree, and the branches stopped. Albus turned to wait at him, but he said nothing. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a long tunnel.

`` This is get ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secret passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, descend on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't look very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few mo. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` Fine, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. Students are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in vast problem. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to tear that lie off, and he did n't want to tell Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` Fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another word. He quickly climbed out of the maw, hoping that whatever matte had done to lay off the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge grin still on his face.

John and mat were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with branches. Matt was looking white as a ghost, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking hut. Albus was just about to tell his Friend that Kaden had n't gone down the burrow when he heard a spokesperson 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, juvenile delinquent. ``

Albus turned to look at trick and lustrelessness. whoremaster was looking pretty quieten, but Matt was still as sick as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as much as lusterlessness. Albus was a niggling uneasy as well. He had never gotten in trouble with the caretaker before. He had heard horror stories about Filch and was n't sure which ones were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castling in between John Lackland and Matt. Kaden was walking a little style behind them. None of them said a word. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the chemical group up to the rook. They continued following Filch through the castle while early educatee stared at them. The other students were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to cut them. Why was his trouble qualification always so air ? Of course of instruction, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's break. Why did he accept to preserve messing with the Tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an thought into his head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a small, cramped, dark office filled with various Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 death chair in the way, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. lustrelessness took one of the other chairs, as he appeared so skittish 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. fighter towards teacher, bothering house elves, bothering magical beast, bothering Snape, bothering early student, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a art object of lambskin. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John Lackland, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's office before and had no melodic theme what to await. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of fuss Almighty you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the anatomy rightfulness here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubts as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. Matt seemed to be getting more skittish with every mention of the Whomping willow, and Albus could n't blame 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 feet. He was holding one in his bridge player and there was an vacate box next to him.

`` Do n't touch anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's 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.

`` Back to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a quill feather. `` full moon names ? ``

For a split indorsement, Albus considered giving Filch a juke name, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus Potter. ``

Filch wrote his epithet down and a grin spread across his cheek. `` Following in your forefather 's footfall ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an total drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent friend. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curiosity. Why had his grandfather messed with the tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to make believe difficulty, but that tree concealed one of his best friend 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you delinquent ? '' Filch growled.

`` John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' mat mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Simon Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` rightfulness, '' Filch finished filling out the course and put it into his very large filing console. `` Your penalty. Three nights'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldron, Muggle stylus of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do lines. And Mon you 'll clean the Astronomy pillar, without magic as well. gather me in the donjon 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the door open and ran out of the billet as fast as he could. threesome nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleanup ! That was harsh. Albus was raging now. Why did Kaden birth to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this sight if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John and Matt next to him, nobody saying a Holy Scripture. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to let the cat out of the bag to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make trusted Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait golf hole, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common elbow room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could spill to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so silence ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Well, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` Three Night worth ! '' flatness groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous prison term to leave that Tree alone. This is what I was talking about last calendar month, Kaden. You never stop when multitude ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to block off doing something, probability are there 's a good reason for it ! And this one just seemed like green sensation to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could vote out you .'Why on world would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just rummy about it. ``

`` Curiosity killed the kneazle, '' John the Divine muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a wizard animate being, '' whoremonger explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

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

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other first twelvemonth, no Muggles or necromancer, young or old, '' Albus turned to John the Evangelist and matte, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't tell any animal either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be nonliving objects either, you never know in this topographic point. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused look on his face. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passage ! ``

If it was potential, Matt seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't narrate anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot get hold of all the fun away. ``

`` cartel 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 lies straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing good. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' trick answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot appear to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they special mystery only the great unwashed with wizard parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin fare up with something like that ? `` No ! Of line not ! Why in the figure of Merlin 's whiskers would you think that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to think Muggle-borns should n't be instruct legerdemain, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of class. 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 induce known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin, enjoyed bullying other educatee. `` Just remain away from him. And if he bothers you again, just evidence me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right wing, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am bad about the Whomping willow thing. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just suffer you do to the highest degree of the cleaning these side by side few Nox, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former baby and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


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 uncollectible custody than the one he had cleaning the trophy room the previous year. He thought Washburn had been the spoilt individual to have detention with, but he was haywire. Albus went through his unit first class without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very glad about that. By the sentence he finished his s detention on Monday Nox, he was beginning to wish well he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the total time. Filch spent all of Dominicus night staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the previous night staring at them as they churned out line after stemma. Filch seemed to take joy in watching the students rub their men raw while scrubbing the caldron. Of course of instruction, the logical argument could have been considered a gracious break in between the two cleaning events.

By the time Albus trudged into the uncouth room on Tues eve after Quidditch practice, he was ready to be done with detainment. But no such fate ; it was their net Night and Filch was sure to relish every minute of it. Albus quickly dropped his heather off in his student residence and went back to the vulgar room to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The survive thing I want to do is go sporty something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to clean your dress, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's quaggy and I just spent 45 minutes flying around. ``

`` I know, '' Saint John grinned.

`` Empire State of the South was n't happy about me leaving early, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' St. John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the rough-cut room.

`` elbow room of Requirement, '' whoremaster replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus said, remembering that the wide moon was the following evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' John the Evangelist sighed, `` Could n't shake 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 relaxation 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 student residence, '' lav explained, `` I 'm certain he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the door leading to the dorm and made a beeline for Albus and lavatory. `` Ready ? It 's the conclusion night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's mat ? Have n't seen him since dinner party. He 'd meliorate hurry up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and St. John exchanged looks. `` I 'll see him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This meter it was can 's number to give Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't require to be the one who had to go to hold with Kaden. `` fine. See you later, Rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' Rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave John and Kaden a minute 's principal start before he left the park way and went to the way of Requirement. He did n't desire Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the coast was brighten, he paced three times in front end of the blank wall on the seventh floor and waited for the room access to appear. It materialized just the like always and Albus went quietly inside. The elbow room was dreary and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some light. Immediately, torches lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the eye of the small room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings open. Once he saw how exhausted Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detention. His exhaustion was nada compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detainment, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

lustrelessness opened his centre and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the elbow room and to the uranology Tower. Neither of them said anything for almost of the journeying, but Albus knew they were both thinking the Lapp thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to know about the Room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' matt replied.

Albus and matte slowly climbed the stairs leading to the Tower, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the doorway and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding light upon the tugboat, enough that Albus and the others would be able-bodied to do their detention with only a couple torches. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're recent, '' growled Filch, who gestured to bathroom 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 nighttime. You can stay cleaning cauldrons. There are still some leftfield. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too busy trying not to be sick. There was no way that lusterlessness could possibly do detention the following evening. He would just cause to secern Professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next night. However, he would own to miss dueling practice session. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't uptight about them missing praxis like Empire State of the South was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and Matt, `` Start scouring ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the pail that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where trick and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to make moved since they entered the column. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to detonate with craze. Albus grabbed matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nighest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to await at lavatory who shrugged with muddiness. `` It 's a lot worse than last Nox, '' Albus muttered. During the premature night 's detention, lustrelessness had nodded off a few times, but he had been equal to of producing a good bit of stock. Tonight, mat appeared to be frozen in billet and definitely would n't be getting often cleanup done.

`` fountainhead, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely try him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than virtually night before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd better shroud him from Filch, though. Filch will sleep together he 's not houseclean. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other incline of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and can gibe Kaden ominous looks and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you go clock time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring it up. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

matte jumped and looked at Albus with a aspect of discombobulation on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the hospital annex ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boy, `` Get to play potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in quiet for the next half hour. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of scope, making trusted mat was between them at all clip so it would bet like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other slope, looking much more cheery than the former three male child did.

`` Finland, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the country for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that strain for the yesteryear five minutes 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, arrive on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway frolic ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could give to do with a python. There had n't been any mention of snakes in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding humans, but you lot are really lacking in high quality entertainment. Would it pour down you to watch TV and moving-picture show ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can watch out it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a movie a few years back. ``

Albus was still a bit garbled about the song, but he figured he 'd see it if he ever watched the movie. He had seen a few Muggle cinema before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His Aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus take in it very often. `` You 'll rot your mastermind out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go read a ledger ! ``

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 that goddamned humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't scold him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detainment was spent in almost complete quiet. Every once and a piece, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that Matt had n't done an oz. of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut out up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his grandad 's by the time he graduated. By the time the hold was over, matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at lusterlessness a few times, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detention. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleanup provision and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' matte mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the last-place hour, '' Albus explained while looking at lav. John the Evangelist pulled matte 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 elbow room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to whoremaster than to matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' King John asked. Matt was now leaning on John. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more upgrade than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And miserable your interpreter. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' Saint John the Apostle threw one of Matt 's arms over his shoulder joint and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed John 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, John, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the steps and back into the briny section of the castling. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good affair he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' matte winced and opened his optic, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and John looked at each other for a dissever back before Matt retched onto the storey in front of them.

`` Ew, thoroughgoing ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was spue, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few rate ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

matte retched a second prison term and Albus felt him collapse onto the level. Albus and Saint John the Apostle both grabbed his subdivision as he went down and slowed the fall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` lustrelessness ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to awake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to rouse lustrelessness up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit pissed off that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I bonk ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two kibosh arguing ? '' Saint John the Apostle interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? Panic overtook him as he assessed the place. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the floor. It could n't get tough than this. There was no way for them to get Matt to the common room or the infirmary wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a individual. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his admirer. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the nighttime 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 next couple instant, watching for signal of cognisance in their friend. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with stew 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 soma floating towards him. He stood up and drew his wand and John did the same. The figure of speech came closer and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their front to the unhurt castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's well-chosen tone.

Peeves peered down at lusterlessness and then looked at toilet and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! Students out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` Ha-ha ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to students, no he does n't ! Peeves case trouble when student are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! pupil out of bed ! ``

Albus and John gave each other panicked spirit. Albus had no musical theme what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, somebody would surely observe out that they were there. Albus 's fearfulness were soon realized as he heard hurried footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his founder 's invisibleness cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud stern spokesperson shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody Baron ! ``

`` Yes, brothel keeper nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nanny ran the remainder 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, John, and Matt, and immediately bent down and put her hand on Matt 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a capstone. She waved her scepter and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain Thomas More once we get to the infirmary offstage. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind madam Pomfrey all the way to the infirmary wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to continue himself from asking more questions. bit later, the group arrived at the hospital wing. brothel keeper Pomfrey barged through the door and immediately deposited Matt onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the son more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common room ? '' she asked.

`` custody, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire astronomy tug, '' whoremonger replied with a disgust tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion console and turned to see at John. `` astronomy Tower ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Saint John answered with a looking at of discombobulation on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to Matt 's bed, `` I 'll let him for this ! I thought I made it realise to him last year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next year ! Merlin 's byssus, the uranology tug ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The nurse continued to run back and Forth River 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 brothel keeper Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't measured, she 'd give away everything.

`` I thought I 'd bring in it top to him ! '' the nursemaid repeated while she poured a disgusting looking Orange potion down Matt 's throat. `` No detainment on these night and certainly not on the uranology Tower ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... wellspring, I 'm not exactly trusted what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the dark of the month- ''

`` brothel keeper Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to bar ranting. dame Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a proficient idea to interrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no selection. He ran over to where the nanny was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't know. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know Matt would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a substantial feel that he hoped would carry his thoughts.

lady Pomfrey stared at him for a few indorsement and then actualisation came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. John gave him a unbosom looking at, but Kaden looked even more confused. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'expression. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting good at conveying those looks now and Kaden seemed to obey right on away, which was good.

`` All right hand, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three son after a few more second, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just demand to stay here for a couple twenty-four hour period. '' 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 visit him, right ? ``

`` Of course, dear, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what prison term are good. Now, you three best be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just severalise 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 busy for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a jape. He knew the nanny would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a longsighted and meretricious scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! peculiar thanks to my former sister and my brother for help with the Monty Python stuff. 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 seat. Otherwise, Kaden could not birth seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway finish calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Gospel of Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't have a luck to tell Rose and Amanda about the detention until after lunch the next day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the Room of essential for a few arcminute before they went to visit Matt. It was the commencement meter since the detention that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had form all afternoon, so it was an ideal clock time to peach about what had happened the previous night. No one, not even blush wine, seemed to induce any idea why matt seemed so much sicker that dark than the early dark before full Sun Myung Moon. Their only supposition was that he was already worn out from the detainment on the late two nighttime. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital Wing and ask lusterlessness. Albus was certainly he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that field of study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the hospital annexe, matt was audio asleep. Madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short circuit while early that morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse savourless 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 visit him the following afternoon.

Albus and his acquaintance were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the vernacular room after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as miserable as the first cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the mutual elbow room, all his admirer were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling practice. Albus was worried about flatness and he could severalize the others were as well. It sort of reminded him of that night of the full moon they stayed up waiting for morning to make out after Astronomy year the previous year. Only this class, they had Kaden to fulfill in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the whole class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions class. One of the other low years had heated her cauldron too much and caused the potion to break loose all over the entire class. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the retiring half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's haywire 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 various parts of their soundbox turn shining pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` Madam Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't have intercourse that, '' rosebush replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nurse, '' 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 sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This meter it was Kaden 's number to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's wrong with him. ``

`` Not going to materialise, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few sec later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very amusing, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his friends hurried up to their residence hall to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the infirmary annex to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in family. When they arrived at the infirmary fender, 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 pectus, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch pattern after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right hand ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Yes, that 's amercement. Just for a few transactions, '' the nurse regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the relief of the way to the bed and wrenched the pall open. Matt was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tire out and was covered in various scratches and morsel, that looked a bit worse than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' mat said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` John ! '' Rose scolded.

`` What ? '' St. John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' pink wine said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' lusterlessness assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detention ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure, '' Matt sighed, `` I do n't really recall it. ``

`` Really ? '' rosiness raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two assure me what happened ? '' Matt laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the astronomy Tower and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another hold for last night- ''

`` L-last night ? '' matte interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more cauldrons, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrongly when you did n't object to it. ''

matt groaned, `` I do n't even think of 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 take in to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't observe anything about you doing detention the unanimous time I was scrubbing cauldrons last night. You see, lady Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' lavatory laughed, `` I 've never seen her so wild. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny story, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to verbalize to Filch after we left the other night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm indisputable she insisted that you not do anymore detention. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' matte replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and John and I stood on either position of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a kind of trance. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital wing and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random songs and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a motion picture called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

matte laughed, `` You should, it 's a really funny 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 want to give up TV, '' Matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the astronomy tug, we tried to get back to the common way, but you got sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get Madam Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't commend any of that, '' flatness groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right field, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it hap, though ? '' John asked after a few sec, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct moonlight, '' matte whispered, `` The reason I get stock and sick beforehand is because the moon is getting fuller. The night we did detention, it was practically wax. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hour. ``

`` That would explain why Madam Pomfrey got so furious, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonshine so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' rosebush said, `` Why did n't you just tell Filch you could n't do detention that night ? ``

`` I do n't screw, '' matte sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sort of peculiar treatment anymore. It makes hoi polloi funny. I do n't want anyone to wonder why I can beak my detention nights. Plus, I did n't really know that would fall out anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really bang I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made certainly not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` Well, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' rosebush insisted, `` It 'll make you pale. ``

`` I know, Rose, '' Matt assured her, `` And gentlewoman Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give way me anymore hold at bad time. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about matte 's shape, but he did n't think ma'am Pomfrey would actually tell him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't know. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check with her before assigning me hold due to 'health issuing that will stay private'. And she made him avow not to tell anyone that he was checking detainment with her, or else she 'd pretend sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

whoremaster let out a low whistling, `` Wow, cue me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' lustrelessness yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' Matt mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that mo, the curtain opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a deep blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The nurse took one tone at Matt, shook her head, and turned to Albus and the others. `` metre for you lot to pull up stakes. You 're receive to chatter again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his Quaker said goodbye to matte and left the infirmary wing. Albus had just plenty time to seize dinner party before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for drill. Empire State of the South thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure they would stick Slytherin in the fist mates in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions cooperator today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's keep the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick grandma, like usual, '' John replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` funny, that 's not what ceramist 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jesse Louis Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either slope of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for rose wine, probably did n't even have a go at it matte left every month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that mat got nauseated every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on earth was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't call 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.

`` hold ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone curse anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is vomit all the time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't state him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the coloring waste pipe from his face. He told Kaden not to severalize anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all people ! Malfoy, the one person lustrelessness did not want knowing where he went every calendar month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more clew as to what was untimely with Matt. With just a bit of research he was certain to feel out. `` When did he tell you this ? '' Albus growled. Rage and wrath 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.

`` Last dark, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the steps and out of the keep. The footsteps behind him told him that his friends were following. Albus did n't stop 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 just yell. He 'd hex him into the next century. What in the name of Merlin had possessed Kaden to severalize Malfoy that lusterlessness got be sick ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was cognizant of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't alike Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them thing they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To find 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 billet beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my intelligence. ``

`` Wait, Albus, John ! '' Rose shouted again.

But Albus did n't expect. He continued up flights of stairs towards the Gryffindor vulgar room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't handle. rose wine kept shouting after them, but both Albus and John ignored her. Amanda gave a few halfhearted cry after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John made it to the commons room. They gave the Fat Lady the word and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous biased public square all over it. It looked vaguely companion. Albus thought he may bear seen Rose with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprisal. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said aught as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. lavatory followed without saying a word, and shut the room access behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrong with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a look of realization appeared on his aspect. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him live night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to tell apart anyone about Matt getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't want to tell you in the for the first time place ! You just ca n't keep your mouth shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about Matt since the beginning of maiden year, and let me tell you nix good will find when he does obtain out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for result, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't entail to- '' Kaden 's vocalism cracked.

`` I do n't deal, '' Albus interrupted, `` The stage is, you did ! How can you not mean to recount individual something ? Especially mortal you never talk to in the fist office ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. John, 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 doorway burst open and Rose and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their side and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's verge left his hand and landed on the floor near Rose. rose disarmed john and then gathered both wands.

`` grant it to me, Rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' rosiness replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some level, Albus knew Rose was right, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is trust that Malfoy did n't put the cue together. That, and never trust Kaden to preserve 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, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed, `` Why 'd he own to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this clip, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosebush started.

`` Do n't bother, rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to make me apologize to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be protagonist with you if he 's going to go telling half the shoal things you told him in enigma. You told him not to distinguish, right ? ``

`` Of course of study I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' blush wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` pigeon hawk ! '' 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 hear. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll hold the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his torso. He rummaged around in it until he found the predator 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no dependable. ``

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 uncouth room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just check it every once and a while. ``

`` Good estimation, '' trick said.

`` What are we going to tell Matt ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to recite 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 tell matt. `` We 'll just get to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to veil that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If Matt wants to hex him, he can go correctly ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' pink wine insisted, `` He does n't need anymore detention. ``

`` expert decimal point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just have to avoid Malfoy, '' whoremaster commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all invalidate Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be backbreaking, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions collaborator. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling squad. ``

`` We 'll just have got to try, '' John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not a lot we can do. That, and never commit Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reviews !