A/N : This story describes how Albus, Matt, Amanda, John, and Rose get their Hogwarts missive. Each chapter contians lyric from a song by Jared Campbell. Each chapter 's public figure is a lyrical from the same song. The story is named after his song, animation Is Good.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist or any of Jared Campbell 's songs.

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effort fate, it 's in my way
and I do n't own the patience to put life on hold,
I think I 'm holding out for something more.
~Fate, Jared Campbell



Eleven-year-old Albus Severus ceramist was standing in front line of the windowpane in the drawing elbow room of his London house, Grimmauld spot. He had been standing perfectly still for the yesteryear two minutes, watching as a dot in the sky got larger and bombastic until it was recognizable as an owl.

The owl was close now and it looked like it was heading straight for Grimmauld office. It was close enough for Albus to discover its ruffled Brown University feathers and the letters wrapped around its legs. Albus gulped and he rubbed his sweaty manus on his pants.

Watching for the sunrise post had become a everyday for Albus over the past few days. As soon as he woke up, he would remain firm by the window waiting for the owl that he knew would arrive soon. The owl from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and Wizardry that would bring in him his toleration letter. Albus 's older brother, William James, had received his alphabetic character a twelvemonth ago, in mid-July, and Albus was sure his would arrive at roughly the same time.

Albus wrenched open the window and the owl soared inside. It stuck out its leg and Albus quickly detached the letters. The owl gave a loud hoot and then soared out the window. Albus shut it as he rifled through the letter. One was addressed to James. But the other, the other was addressed to Albus.

Albus sat down on the sofa and slowly turned the letter over in his hands. He swallowed hard and began to open it with shaking manus. He pulled it out of the envelop and learn it.

Albus closed the missive, grinning to himself. It had finally arrived. Albus had been variety of queasy about it the full summer. He knew it would get, but after sidereal day of no owls from Hogwarts, he had gotten a bit worried.

Albus stood up and ran to the stairs. He had to heat James II up. James IV had been teasing Albus ever since he returned from Hogwarts, telling him he would n't get his varsity letter. Albus knew Jesse James liked to joke, but it had gotten a bit devil by the third week.

James 's bedroom door was closed, but that did n't give up Albus. After all, James II always barged into Albus 's room. Albus banged open the door and peered down at James, who was curled up on his bed. He looked rather inexperienced person when he was sleeping, but if anyone could wee-wee trouble even while sleeping, it was James.

Albus glanced around the way, trying to think of a creative way to wake him up. He wished he had a wand and could spout water in James 's face.

Albus decided to just go with the old standby of staring at James until he woke up. It usually worked. Albus peered down until he was only inches from Jesse James and waited.

All of a sudden, Jesse James 's eyes shot open and he jumped back. He hit his forefront on the bulwark behind his bed and winced.

`` What the hell, Al ? '' James shouted as he rubbed his head, `` Do you agnise what time it is ? ``

`` Nine in the dawning, '' Albus said, `` Sorry about your header. ``

`` It 's ok, '' James muttered, `` I 'll get you back eventually. But why in the name of Merlin did you wake me up so early ? ``

Albus pulled his letter out of his envelop and proudly shoved it in James I 's face. James IV grabbed it and scanned it. He gave it back to Albus and grinned.

`` See, you got it, '' St. James said.

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But you 're the one who said I would n't. ``

`` I was only joking, '' James shrugged, `` It 's what brothers do. Now you get to do it with Lily. ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of doubted Lily would believe him if he told her she was n't going to Hogwarts. She 'd been waiting impatiently for her Hogwarts missive since she was five or so. Now she was nine and she still had two long time to go.

`` Oh, you got your book lean, too, '' Albus handed James River the letter addressed to him.

`` Excellent, '' James grinned as he ripped it open, `` Maybe Mum and Dad will get me a Calluna vulgaris as an early birthday present. Then I can try out for seeker this yr and not give to use one of those schooling brooms. ``

James II was entering his endorse year and was determined to become Gryffindor 's new quester. He had been practicing all summertime on one of their mum 's old broom. Saint James the Apostle 's birthday was in November and he had been giving their parents not so subtle mite about a new broom ever since he returned home from school.

`` well, I 'm going to go see if we can go to Diagon alley today, '' Albus said.

`` Then I can get my broom, '' King James I replied and laid back down.

Albus looked back at James as he left, and noticed that he already had his eyes closed.

Albus ran back down the stairs and to the kitchen. Both of his parents were sitting at the table eating eggs and toast.

`` It came ! '' Albus said proudly as he set his letter of the alphabet down in between his parents.

`` praise, Al, '' Harry grinned and ruffled Ablus 's whisker, `` Told you you just had to be patient. ``

`` That 's rattling, Albus, '' Ginny got up and kissed the top of his oral sex, `` We can go shopping today, if you 'd care. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned, `` James II wants to go, too. He wants his new broom. ``

Ginny rolled her eyes as she put her photographic plate in the sink. `` We 'll see about that. ``

`` mum ! ! ! ! '' Lily came shrieking down the stairs.

Albus turned around and saw that she had a hair brushing stuck in her haircloth and her eyes were welling up with tears.

`` mom ! '' Lily cried, `` It 's nonplus ! ``

Ginny sighed and picked up her wand. `` Lily, what were you doing ? ``

`` I was just trying to make my hair curly like Rosie 's, '' Lily pouted as Ginny started to extricate the skirmish from her hair.

`` Lily, what have I told you about wrapping your hair around your brush ? '' Ginny asked.

`` Not to do it, '' Lily muttered.

`` Exactly, '' Ginny said, `` Albus got his Hogwart 's letter. ``

`` Really ? '' Lily shrieked and ran away from Ginny just as she got the skirmish free, `` Where is it ? I want to see ! ``

Albus grabbed his letter off the mesa and held it in front of Lily. Lily stared astray eyed at it and tried to grab it away from Albus. Albus held it up above her head.

`` I wan na hold it ! '' Lily shouted.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head.

`` Mum ! '' Lily shouted, `` He wo n't let me see it ! ``

`` It 's his letter, Lils, '' Harry replied.

Lily crossed her arms across her breast. `` Fine. I want to go to Hogwarts, too. ``

`` You 're not old enough. You just have to be patient, Lily, '' Ginny told her.

Harry snorted into his juice. `` I seem to remember someone else who was impatient about going to Hogwarts. ``

Ginny smacked Harry playfully on the promontory with that morning 's written matter of the Prophet. `` Oh, shut it, Harry. ``

Albus poured himself a bowl of food grain and sat down just as the fireplace lit up with green flames. It cleared a few seconds later and out stepped a boy in his late teens who had turquoise colored hair.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up from the mesa, `` I got my letter just now ! '' Albus handed teddy his letter.

`` Brilliant, '' shimmy grinned and scanned Albus 's missive, `` pigeon hawk, I wish I still had another year there. ``

`` That 's only because then you could put off deciding what you want to do with your life, '' Ginny laughed.

`` No, so I could be there when Albus is there, '' Teddy groaned, `` But I suppose you 're mightily, too. ``

`` Of line I am, '' Ginny said.

`` Anyway, I just stopped by to say hi on my way to work, '' teddy said as he grabbed a piece of toast off Harry 's plate.

`` And to steal my food, '' Harry muttered.

`` That, too, '' Teddy grinned, `` I 'm working at the Diagon back street storehouse today, so will I see you lot there later ? ``

`` Yep, '' Harry nodded, `` We 'll be there. I 'm going to see if Ron and Hermione want to go as well. Rose probably got her varsity letter today. ``

`` audio upright, '' shift said as he stepped back into the fireplace and disappeared in green flames.

******

A few hr later ( after James had woken up ), the potter syndicate found themselves in Diagon Alley. The street was filled with returning Hogwarts students and their families.

Albus had been to Diagon Alley numerous times before, but there was something very exciting about going there to buy supplies for Hogwarts. He was getting to do everything St. James had done the previous yr. Albus was especially excited about going to Olivander 's and getting his wand.

They met Ron and Hermione Weasley, as well as their two kids, pink wine and Hugo, in front of Gringott 's. rosebush was a couple months immature than Albus, but would be turning eleven in Aug and would be going to Hogwarts as well. Hugo was Lily 's age.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` fanfare and Blotts ! '' Rose said excitedly.

Albus stared at her like she had three principal. How could his cousin want to go to the book memory before she got her wand ?

`` You 're mental, Rose, '' James II laughed, `` I say we go to Quality Quidditch Supplies ! ``

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's genius Wheezes, '' Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the apothecary first. ``

Everybody groaned, but followed Harry down the street anyway. Albus sighed to himself. That was always how his dad settled tilt. He 'd beak what nobody had suggested.

The trip to the druggist was quick. nonentity really wanted to mill about in there. Albus did n't particularly love the office. It had an odd smell to it and there were cauldrons to the full of affair that looked like they were decaying.

After the Apothecary, they went to lady Malkin 's, which was boring as well. Albus just did n't find out buying robes very exciting. It seemed like his dad was doing the to the highest degree boring shopping first.

Finally, after a foresightful tripper to tucket and Blotts, Harry announced that Olivander 's was next on the tilt. Albus and Rose ran ahead of the rest of the group and arrived a few minute of arc before anyone else.

`` Ah, Albus and rosebush, '' Olivander turned around and greeted them with a wispy voice.

`` Hello, Mr. Olivander. We 're getting our verge today, '' Albus grinned.

`` I thought so, '' Olivander smiled and walked slowly to the words of wands that were behind him.

Olivander took measure and then walked to the backrest of the shop. He returned with a few wand just as the balance of the Potter and Weasley families entered the shop. Olivander greeted them and then handed Albus and blush wine each a wand.

Albus smiled as he held the wand in his hand. It was an incredible feeling ; holding a verge that could be his. He waved it and the window behind him exploded.

King James I burst out in laugh as Albus 's face turned bright red. He set the wand on Olivander 's desk and looked sheepishly at his home. Harry grinned and repaired Olivander 's window with a wave of his own wand.

`` Perhaps this one, '' Olivander handed Albus another wand, `` XI and a quarter inches, Ash, phoenix feather. ``

Albus took the baton and all of a sudden a warm feeling enveloped him. If he did n't know any meliorate, he 'd say the sceptre actually glowed in his hand for a Split second. He could feel that it was the correctly one even before he waved it. He gave it a wave and atomic number 79 sparks erupted from it.

`` Excellent, '' Olivander grinned.

A little while later, Rose had her baton as well and the radical left the shop. Albus was carrying his wand with the maximum care and staring Sir Thomas More at the box than what was in front line of him.

The grownup decided that it would be best to see Eyelops conclusion since both Albus and Rose were getting owls. They did n't want to have to persuade the owls around all day.

James River was asking to go to quality Quidditch Supplies every five minute or so, but Harry led the way into Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes first.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their wands. ``

Albus proudly opened the box and showed his Uncle George his new scepter. arise did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George said, `` And now I shall get you both make for Hogwarts in the trick department .... ''

Albus followed St. George into the depths of the shop. He was not at all surprised that his uncle was assisting him with pranks. George was the owner of Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes and was legendary at Hogwarts as one of the most impish scholarly person ever to attend.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' Saint George said as he handed Albus and rose wine each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't ideate you 'll want to sit through History of Magic very often. ``

Albus grinned as he took the box of sweets to make one ill. He had heard many a story from his parents, auntie, uncles, cousin, and William James about how drill Professor Binns'classes were.

`` And then you 'll need some dung bombs, '' George said as he led them to a different display.

`` hold out time I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm sure they are, '' St. George winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't determine out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a better example for these two ! No wonder Fred was in detention every week finale twelvemonth ! ``

Albus laughed as he took a pack of dung bombs off the shelf. His cousin Fred was George 's son and just finished his one-third yr at Hogwarts. Fred had taken after his father as far as pranking went.

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them deliver their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even worse ! ``

`` Harry ! '' teddy burst out of the back elbow room and joined the chemical group, `` Getting Al all the pranking mathematical product he 'll need this twelvemonth ? ``

`` Sure am, '' Harry grinned, `` Although I do n't retrieve Hermione is too glad about it. ``

`` I am not buying this stuff for Rose, '' Hermione stated.

After a few more minutes of arguing, Hermione gave up and both Albus and rose had bag of Weasleys'product. Henry James had replenished his hoard as well and Albus had a tactile sensation he 'd use everything up within a month.

George closed the shop so he and shimmy could get something to eat and everyone went to the Leaky caldron for dinner. Albus mainly listened to the conversation but was very cognitive content. Going to Hogwarts was something he had been looking forward to for years and now it was finally happening.

James finally got to go to lineament Quidditch provision after dinner and got his too soon birthday present. Albus was slightly jealous about this, but knew that he could n't birth his own heather at Hogwarts anyway. He was determined to make it onto the Quidditch team eventually, though.

The last stoppage of the day was Eyelops Owl department store, which was a place Albus was almost as shake up about as he had been about Olivander 's. His parents had told him he 'd be capable to get an owl when he went to Hogwarts.

`` I want an owl, '' Lily whined as they entered the shop.

`` In two years, '' Harry replied.

`` That 's so far away, '' Lily groaned.

`` I know, '' Harry said as he picked her up, `` But it 'll go by faster than you think. ``

Albus began looking around at all the owl. He did n't really have any estimate about what kind of owl he wanted ; he just thought he 'd bet around and see what owl liked him.

There were owls of all size of it and colors. white I, black unity, and speckled ones. little ones, large ones, and metier sized ones. Albus walked slowly through the shop class and looked at each owl. His eyes rested on an owl with gleaming topaz eyes and dark browned plume. The owl had a few flecks of T. H. White on its head word and it was staring directly at Albus.

Albus walked over to the owl and gave the owl a pat on its read/write head. The owl gave a sonant boo and Albus knew it was the one for him. The owl flew onto his shoulder and Albus walked back to his parents.

`` I 've got my owl, '' he grinned.

`` What 's his figure ? '' Harry asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Have n't thought of one yet. ``

`` Name him Salazar, '' James smirked, `` Because you 'll be in Slytherin. ``

`` What ? '' Albus stared at his brother, `` I 'm not going to be in Slytherin. ``

`` You never know, '' James said, `` There 's a 25 per centum opportunity that you might. ``

Albus was stunned. It was so obvious. There was a 25 percent chance that he 'd be in Slytherin. After all, there were four houses. But the persuasion of being in Slytherin had never crossed his mind. He always thought he 'd be in Gryffindor, where everyone in his whole kin had been. It was possible for him to be in Slytherin, though. Or Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Neither of those would be that bad, but Albus wanted to be in Gryffindor.

`` make to go, Al ? '' Harry asked, `` Rose just found her owl. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said quietly, `` I 'm quick. And I 'm naming my owl Godric. ``

Albus followed his family out of the owl shop and to the Leaky caldron. In two month, he 'd be at Hogwarts. The piazza where his parents went and most of the residue of his menage. The piazza he had been impatiently waiting to go to for class. He could n't think of a time in his aliveness where he had been more excited. All he hoped was that he would thread up in Gryffindor and maybe, just maybe, he would be able to wee a name for himself.


But he knows that it 's going to be all veracious
grounds the love life that he 's got will keep him warm through the dark
living is dear, life is near
~LIfe Is Good, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Saint Matthew Conan Eckerton was sitting below a turgid oak tree in his backyard. His eyes were closed and he was resting his head against its rough tree trunk. The sun was beating down on him through the outgrowth above. For the past hour, the only if sound had been the periodic bird chirping or cow mooing. Then a loud revving broke the silence.

Matt slowly opened his eyes and squinted in the bright sunlight. He glanced around to try and discover out where the noise was coming from. In the distance, he saw the husbandman riding his tractor through the airfield that surrounded Matt 's house.

Matt lived in the country, far from any Ithiel Town. His house was on an acre of property that was surrounded by farmland on three sides and a timber on the former. The nearby farmer owned all of the surrounding farmland and was regularly seen plowing or performing other tasks. The James Leonard Farmer 's sign was quite far away, although mat could see it from where he was sitting. other than the farmer, lustrelessness had no other neighbors.

Matt 's parents, Walter and Julie, wanted it that way. Matt was not an ordinary eleven-year-old boy, even by wizarding standards. At the age of five, he was bitten by a werewolf and became one himself. For the past five and a one-half years, over half his life, he had been enduring painful translation every month that left him exhausted and sick of. As if he could be anymore strange, the Wolfsbane Potion which normally enabled a werewolf to keep on his judgment during full lunation, did not work for Matt.

That item day happened to be the day of the to the full lunation. In only a few short-change hours, matte would be locked in a elbow room in the basement and go through the painful transformation into the wolf.

As the full synodic month was only a abruptly while away, Matt was already feeling the burden of it. A few days beforehand, he would tire quickly and get a lot of vexation. He also lost his appetite. At the instant, he had a splitting headache which was not helped by the tractor, but felt too exhausted to proceed. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the hammer in his head and the tractor 's roaring.

`` Matt, are you out here ? '' someone shouted.

lustrelessness opened his oculus again and saw his sister, Amy, walking towards him. `` I 'm over by the tree diagram ! '' he shouted.

Amy ran the rest of the distance and sat down next to him. Her blonde hair was thrown up into a mussy ponytail and flying everywhere as she walked.

`` Thank merlin, '' Amy sighed, `` I could n't find you anywhere. You know Mum does n't like it when you go outside the day of the full moon. ``

matt groaned inwardly. His mother was extremely overprotective, in his judgment. He understood she had her reasons and after what had happened in the past, he could n't really fault her. But he was n't a baby anymore and he did n't think going outside was going to hurt. He liked going outside before full Moon since he 'd be cooped up inside for a few days afterwards.

`` Is she back yet ? '' Matt asked. His mother had gone to Diagon bowling alley to pick up some groceries a little while ago, leaving Amy to 'babysit'him. lusterlessness thought this was preposterous since he was eleven and certainly did not need a sitter, but did n't reason with her. Plus, Amy was home anyway.

`` No, '' Amy replied, `` But I had to find you because this just came by owl. ``

Amy grinned as she handed lusterlessness a varsity letter. Matt took it and turned it over. His breath caught in his chest as he saw the Hogwarts top stamped on it. It was his Hogwarts letter.

Ever since Amy had begun her magical education, when Matt was four, he had been excited about going himself. Even after he had been bitten by a werewolf, he thought he 'd get to go. His parents had never said otherwise. Until they received a letter telling them Matt could n't serve, that is.

The Eckertons had not lived in England their solid lives. Up until three geezerhood ago, they had lived in Australia. Amy had attended the Australian school of black art until she was XIV. That was when their parents had asked the schoolmaster if Matt would be able to attend. He said he could not.

Everything got speculative from there. Someone who held a score against mat 's dad at the Ministry announced to the total state that Matt was a lycanthrope ( something they had successfully hidden for over two years ) and then his dad lost his job because of it. He had been the psyche of the Department for the Regulation and command of Magical fauna. After that, the man who had announced Matt 's lycanthropy became the headway and egest legislating restricting the rightfulness of werewolves.

Matt 's parents sent letters to numerous former schools asking if he could look. Hogwarts School of witchcraft and genius in Scotland said yes. matt 's dad found a job at the British Ministry, in Werewolf living religious service, and they moved. Life had been better since then. Amy had a hard clip adjusting, but eventually began to bask Hogwarts.

Due to all of this, Matt knew he would get a letter from Hogwarts this summer. He had been waiting for it for calendar week since he had no estimation when it would make it, but had momentarily forgotten about it that day. Despite knowing it was going to make out, there was something very excite about it actually arriving.

mat slowly peeled back the seal and opened the envelop. He pulled the missive out and carefully unfolded it.

`` Merlin, you 're slack with that ! '' Amy exclaimed, `` I think I nearly ripped my letter from Australia when I got it. ``

`` That 's why I opened mine slowly, '' lusterlessness smirked. He looked at the letter of the alphabet and read it aloud. There was a office script at the end, one that flatness knew the rest of his fellow students would not have received.

P.S. Please have your parents reach
us so we can set up a time for you to
come to the schoolhouse so we can discuss
the precautions we have set up for
your lycanthropy.

Matt folded the letter and then looked up at Amy. He still could n't believe that it was finally his turn to go to Hogwarts. He had been secretly envious of Amy for class. Every time she got to go shopping for supplies and then zip away on the Hogwarts express, he watched with covetous eyes.

`` It 'll be both of us going this year, '' Amy grinned.

flatness nodded. `` I just hope I 'm in Gryffindor. ``

`` You will be, '' Amy assured him, `` Siblings usually get sorted into the same house. Victoire 's sister and brother are in Gryffindor like she is. All their cousins are there, too. ``

`` I got my provision list, too, '' Matt said as he pulled out another objet d'art of parchment, `` You get yours ? '' Amy was entering her seventh and terminal yr at Hogwarts.

`` Yup, '' Amy nodded, `` We can go to Diagon Alley once you 're recovered from tonight. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, wishing he did n't let to hold off, `` Says I ca n't get a bring a broom, though. ``

`` Like Mum would let you take one anyway, '' Amy laughed, `` speechmaking of Mum, she 'll probably be back anytime. We should go back inside. ``

`` You wo n't tell her I was out here, will you ? '' Matt asked as he stuffed his letter back in the envelop.

`` Nah, '' Amy grinned, `` Since when have I been one to do what Mum says anyway ? ``

Matt stood up and felt dizzy as soon as he did so. He stumbled and Amy grabbed his arm. She let him lean on her as they walked slowly back to the firm. The thing Matt hated even more than the actual transformation into the skirt chaser was how vomit up he felt the days leading up to it. It was like getting the flu once a month.

To Matt 's easement, his mother was not back from Diagon Alley when they got back to the planetary house. Amy helped him to the lounge and he laid down on it.

`` I am going to lose so many socio-economic class during the fully moonshine, '' Matt groaned.

`` Yeah, you probably will, '' Amy agreed, `` But the teachers are nice so you 'll be able to fascinate up. Well, most of them are dainty. Washburn 's a nasty slice of work, but the eternal rest are Nice. And it 's not necessarily a bad thing to overleap story of Magic. There 's usually about a one-fourth of the people in my course of instruction using Puking pastille or nosebleed Nougats before that class. You 'll have a built in excuse once a month. All the repose of the small fry in your class will be jealous. ``

`` I doubt that, '' Matt said darkly. Ever since he had first seen the sweets in a Skiving Snackbox, he was bewildered that hoi polloi would actually eat afters that would make you ill. He just could n't wind his mind around actually wanting to be ill, even to miss a boring class. He 'd rather sit through the class.

`` Just keep an open judgement, '' Amy shrugged, `` There have been quite a few times where I would rather be in the Hospital Wing than in class. ``

Matt groaned and closed his heart. He wished he could go all seven long time at Hogwarts without ever setting animal foot in the Hospital fender, but that was n't going to happen.

`` Amy, could you get me some of that headache potion ? '' he asked.

`` When did you shoemaker's last have it ? '' Amy asked.

`` When I woke up this break of the day. ``

`` Sure, '' Amy replied and got up.

Matt heard the door open a second later and his mum walked in, her sleeve laden with food market bags.

`` Amy ! '' she shouted, `` Can you fall serve me with these bag ? ``

`` Hang on ! '' Amy shouted from the kitchen.

The bags dropped to the level with a clump and lustrelessness heard footfall coming closer. He felt his mother buss his forehead and ruffle his blond hair.

`` How are you ? '' she asked softly.

`` Tired and I 've got a concern, '' Matt mumbled.

`` I 'll get you some concern potion. ``

`` Amy 's already getting it, '' matt replied.

His mum kissed his os frontale once more and sat down next to him on the lounge. `` Amy, could you land the fever reducer, too ? ``

Matt squeezed his heart shut slopped. No admiration he felt awful ; he had a feverishness. Now he was form of gladiola he came inside when he did.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter of the alphabet, Mum, '' he whispered.

`` That 's marvellous, honey, '' she replied, `` We 'll go shopping in a few days. ``

`` Here 's the potions, '' Amy said.

lusterlessness cracked undefended his eyes and took one of the goblets Amy was holding. He drank it quickly and then grabbed the other one. He swallowed that one as fast as he could as well and gagged at the disgusting taste.

`` Can I get an owl ? '' he yawned.

`` Of course, dearest, '' his mum said as she rubbed his dorsum, `` Just go to kip now. We 'll talk more than about it tomorrow. ``

Matt nodded and closed his eyes. He fell asleep quickly, feeling the happiest he had ever been the day of a full phase of the moon moon.

******

`` Matt, '' person whispered as they shook him.

lusterlessness opened his oculus and saw his dad bent down in straw man of the sofa. `` Hey, Dad. ``

`` I just heard you got your Hogwarts letter, '' his dad smiled, `` felicitation. ``

`` Thanks, '' lusterlessness whispered.

`` Well, I 'll let you get some more sleep. There 's still an time of day or so until you have to go downstairs, '' his dad said as he gave him a hug.

Matt watched his dad walk into the kitchen and closed his eyes once more. He drifted off to sleep again, trying not to conceive about what would pass off in an hour.

After what seemed like only a few minutes later, matte woke up in a cold elbow grease with an awful worry that no potion could ever assist with. He sat up and looked out the windowpane. It was dark, but he did n't call for to see the sky to screw that the moon would rise soon.

`` Mum ! '' his voice cracked. He swallowed hard. The annoyance always started before the transmutation did. It was horrific. He always tried not to cry, but it never worked. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to keep the tears from leaking out.

He heard three sets of stride run into the room and felt his mother 's arms wrap around him. He leaned into her and rested his brain on her shoulder.

`` It 's time, '' his dad said quietly.

Matt shakily stood up and his parents helped him stumble towards the basement threshold. He could take heed Amy 's pace behind them. cipher said a word as they walked down the step and towards his transmutation room.

Matt sat down on the fill out floor as soon as he got into the room. His forefront was spinning and he did n't reckon he 'd be able to stick out up much longer anyway. His parents and Amy each gave him a hug and then left the room. They did n't say anything, but there was null to say. He 'd done this so many times there was n't really any percentage point in his parents saying anything. He knew they 'd be there in the morning.

The door locked as his parents and Amy left, and Matt let out a loud suspiration as he sat down. This was it. Another full moon. There was nothing he could do now but wait.

For eld, he fought the change. He 'd clench his hands and jaw and try to prevent the transformation, even though he knew it would n't work. The only time he had n't fought it was the first one, where he had no theme what was going to go on. For the second one, he knew what was going to happen. He was only six, but he understood and he fought it with every section of his being. Now, five and a half days later, with five and a half years of validation that it would n't go, he still fought it.

lustrelessness did n't take to await long for the transformation to get. His vexation became unbearable and he felt his stomach pitching. He learned early on to not try and eat anything beforehand, because it always came back up during the showtime contribution of the transformation.

He curled up into a ball and let out a piano moan. He could feel his core beating a mile a minute. His breathing was short and fag. It felt like he could n't suspire. He always tried not to scream, but that never worked either. He felt his bones breaking and elongating and hair sprouting everywhere.

He let out a loud shrieking and clenched his heart as pain coerced through his eubstance. No amount of premature full moons would ever train him for the awful transformation. nil helped with it either. His parents had given him so many unlike potions, but nothing decreased the pain.

His thinker was always the last thing to go. lustrelessness hated that. He wished his intellect would go first. Then he would n't have to commemorate the actual translation. He always wished he 'd pass out before the translation began, but that never happened.

Matt took a few more rag breathing space and cried out in pain. He sat up and looked at his work force, which were quickly turning into manus of the wolf. He felt dizzy. The world was spinning around him and it felt like fog was clouding his mind. He let out one Thomas More scream and the reality disappeared.

******

The brute slowly stood up and took in his surroundings. It was morose and there was a faint smell of blood line and humans lingering in the air. He was also trapped, again. The wolf was always trapped. He began to pace around the way and look for an escape route. It was n't there. There was never an escape route.

The wolf stood up on his hind branch and pointed his snout towards the ceiling. He let out a long howl and then glared at the opposite wall. He got back down on all fours and charged at it, slamming his head into the abnormally soft wall. He stepped back and repeated the process again and again.

He was alone. Alone and trapped. Every bingle wax moon, the wolf was alone and stuck in the small padded room. He wanted to get out. He wanted to get out and find the people he could faintly sense beyond the walls.

However, there was no way out. No subject how many sentence the wolf rammed his head into the bulwark, he could not break down it. Eventually, he sat down in the middle of the way and howled once more. He then proceeded to bite at his own eubstance to salvage the urge to attack something.

******

Matt cracked his eyes open and tried to filch his head word. A stabbing botheration fled through his chief and he dropped it back down onto the dramatize floor. He closed his center and tried to concentrate on external respiration. Each light, drive breathing place distress. He could n't even figure out which parts of his physical structure hurt the worse. Everything hurt. From the top of his psyche to his toes.

`` Mum ? '' he said hoarsely. His interpreter was little more than a whispering. He knew there was no way his mother could hear him, but he called her name anyway.

The door clicked a poor spell later, but for matt it felt like an eternity. Whoever came in the room made no sound as they walked across the mattress covered base. They put a cloak over him and then picked him up. A wave of dizziness come over him as he was lifted up.

`` It 's ok, I 've got you, '' his dad whispered.

matte was hardly aware of being carried up to his elbow room and he passed out on the way.

The next matter he knew, he was laying in his cushy bed with layer of blankets on top of him. He could feel the warm sun shining through the window. He opened his eyes slowly and blinked as they adjusted to the brightness.

His organic structure still ached despite the potions he knew his parents had given him. His caput was throbbing dully as well. Worse yet, he was exhausted. He knew he had already slept for hours, but it felt like he had n't slept in days.

Who was he kidding ? How was he going to go to Hogwarts ? How would he manage full moons when he was by himself ? He could n't even get up when he transformed back the next dayspring. His parents always had to carry him back to his room.

His parents. lustrelessness felt a jolt in his tum as he realized that they would n't be there every full moon when he was in schooling. They had been there for every full moon he had ever endured. They took attention of him the day of and the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. following. They got him his potions and healed all his injuries.

He hated to admit it, but he was scared about doing it by himself. He knew he should n't be ; he was eleven years old for pigeon hawk 's sake. Eleven-year-olds should not be afraid of going to school day and being away from their parents.

It was a practical way out, he assured himself. That was all. He could n't physically deal with broad Sun Myung Moon by himself. That was why he was worried about going to schoolhouse. It was n't like he could n't plow with being away from home.

Then there was the issue of his class fellow. What if they found out ? It was n't like he could pilfer away for the fully moon and be back in his dormitory the future dawning before his roommates woke up. He 'd be in the Hospital Wing for at least two Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. He doubted he 'd be able-bodied to go to sort out the day of the full moon and he usually needed two Day to recover. That was three days of missed classes, but more importantly, it was three days of disappearances to explicate. What was he going to say ? citizenry did n't normally get sick that much.

It was a stupid thought, he thought, going to schooling. He bit his lip and tried to turn back the tears from welling in his eyes. Why did n't his parents just home schooltime him ? It would be wanton. They were both versed in near aspects of magic. If his parents had just decided to home school day him, they could have stayed in Australia. Then Amy would have been happier.

No, they could n't have stayed. He sighed. Not after his dad lost his job and all the laws restricting the rights of werewolves had been passed. They were originally going to displace so he could go to school. But then his dad lost his job. It was n't entirely Matt 's fault that they moved, was it ? Not if his dad needed another job ....

It was his fault his dad lost his job, though. If he had n't gotten prick, his dad would n't get lost his job. So, for all intent and intent, his kin had moved because of him. He could n't not go to schooling after all they 'd done for him. He 'd just have to suck it up and share with it, no subject how terrifying the prospect was.

`` matte, are you awake ? '' Amy peeked her head into his room.

Matt quickly rubbed his optic and turned to look at her. `` Yeah. ``

Amy gave a humble smile and walked into the room. She set a chalice down on the bedside board and then sat on the foot of the bed.

`` How are you ? '' she asked quietly.

`` All- '' he cut himself off and looked at Amy 's refer facial expression. Ever since she had first seen him after a transformation, she had this uncanny way of knowing when something was bothering him. He was n't sure how she did it, but somehow she managed to get him to severalise her what was wrong.

It was variety of strange since Amy normally had quite the pique and was very impatient. Their mum had once told Matt that she took after his grandmother, but Amy would never allow in to it. The two of them did what they wanted and often disregarded early the great unwashed 's emotions.

Amy used to be a lot like that with flatness, too. When they were untested, their parents insisted on keeping Amy away from the family during full moons. She hated it and resented their parents for keeping her out of the loop. She really had no idea what went on during full moons.

Then life as they knew it fell apart in Australia and Amy began to realize what went on. She did resent mat for months about having to proceed, but eventually got used to Hogwarts. Then, the first wide Moon after her fourth year, she stayed at home during the entire moon and saw flatness afterwards.

Amy never told Matt what she had thought of seeing him after a transformation, but her action mechanism spoke more than than words would have. She stayed by his position after every wide-cut moon that summer. A few weeks after that for the first time full phase of the moon Moon of the summer, she announced that she was going to become a healer and hoped to let out a variant of the Wolfsbane Potion that would run for Matt.

flatness had been a little appalled when he heard this, but not incredibly surprise. As far back as he could remember, Amy had enjoyed experimenting with potions. She was also an zealous ace gazer and loved Astronomy. If anyone could do up with a safe version about that potion, it was Amy. She had the skill, interests, and motive to do it.

`` Actually, '' his interpreter caught in his pharynx, `` I 'm not that great. ``

Amy crawled up the bed and laid down next to him, her mouth turning down in a frown. She grabbed the potion off the table and handed it to him. `` What hurts ? You should hold this potion, it 'll help. ``

`` It 's not that, '' Matt swallowed the potion in one draught, `` I mean, my head hurts but no spoilt than usual. It 's, '' he paused, `` It 's Hogwarts. I 'm just not sure if I should go ... '' his vocalisation trailed off.

Amy put her arm around Matt 's shoulders and looked at him sadly. `` Why not ? ``

`` This, '' he muttered, `` This probably sounds stupid, but I do n't recall I can do it without Mum and Dad. ``

`` It 's not stupid, '' Amy said quietly, `` They 've always been there for every full moon. But I think you 're damage. You can do it without them. ``

`` How ? '' Matt 's voice wavered, `` I ca n't even get back up to my elbow room without them ? How in the name of Merlin will I get from that shack in Hogsmeade back to the castle ? ``

`` The nurse, '' Amy sighed, `` You 're forgetting about the nurse. dame Pomfrey. You 've met her, have n't you ? ``

`` I think so, '' Matt nodded, `` But I hardly know her. ``

`` well, I do, '' Amy said, `` And she 's one of the nicest adult at Hogwarts. She 'll help. And I 'll be there too. I 'll be there for your stallion get-go year. ``

`` And you 'll be there ? Can you go to the hutch with dame Pomfrey ? ``

`` Of trend, '' Amy nodded, `` And I 'll appease at the infirmary Wing with you except when I 'm in category. ``

flatness nodded. He felt a little better knowing that Amy would be there with him. She could practically do everything in order to heal his wound after the full lunar month. Their parents had been teaching her ever since she was fifteen and she had actually been performing them ever since she turned xvii. But he still felt uneasy about the whole thing.

`` I know you 'll still miss them, '' Amy said quietly, `` And there 's null damage with that. I was so homesick during first year and I did n't have to deal with turning into a wolf once a month. I imagine that 'll make it even worse. ``

flatness turned to his Sister and laughed. He sorting of care how she just stated what was honest and never tried to soften it.

`` Yeah, probably, '' he replied.

`` But you 'll get used to it, '' Amy assured him, `` Soon you 'll progress to champion and get into mischief like half of Victoire 's cousin-german do. ``

Matt shrugged. Making friends was another thing he was worried about. He did n't really bear many friends. He occasionally spent prison term with some of his dad 's coworkers'kid, but did n't make out them very well.

`` If I make any friends, '' he said.

`` You will, '' Amy said.

`` But they wo n't like me if they find out who I am, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` They wo n't observe out, '' Amy said adamantly, `` You 'll take a crap plenty of admirer. Victoire said a few of her cousins are starting this twelvemonth and they 're certainly to be in Gryffindor like you will be. ``

flatness had only met Victoire a few times, but from what he could tell, she was really nice. Matt only hoped her first cousin were as well.

`` I guess that would be good, '' he yawned, `` What clock time is it ? ``

Amy glanced at her watch. `` Just after one. I should let you catch some Z's. ``

Matt nodded. `` Ok. Thanks. '' He was pretty tired. He did n't normally have such long discussion with Amy so soon after the wide-cut lunation. He usually slept until dinner time.

`` I 'll be back later, '' Amy gave him a gentle hug, grabbed the hollow potion nursing bottle, and quietly left the room.

Matt rolled over in bed and huddled under the many cover. He closed his centre feeling a bit better about going to Hogwarts, but still worried.


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A/N : Thanks to Luke, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for the reviews !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Jared Joseph Campbell 's songs.

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And she knows that this is substantial


It 's not something that she 's made up in her head
And there 's something that she feels but she has n't found the words
~It 's Love, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Amanda Genevieve Tagger smiled to herself as she closed her book. She rolled over on her bed and set the it on her bedside table. Her bedside table was stacked heights with at least ten books, about of which Amanda had already read.

Amanda had always enjoyed reading. Ever since she was a piffling fille, Word of God had been some of her unspoiled admirer. They were great troupe when she was sad or bored or just wanted to run into a different human race for a piece. Best of all, books never made fun of her.

Amanda had always been shy and she was the firstly to admit it. She did n't ingest very many ally and kids her age tended to delay away from her. This was most in all likelihood because unusual things always happened around her.

She was only five when she first realized that she was unlike. Amanda, her older baby, Jen, who was nine at the metre, and a few of her sister 's acquaintance were playing extraneous. They decided to play hide and go seek and Amanda climbed the biggest tree in their backyard and hid amongst the offset. Jen, who was 'it', had the hardest clock time finding her. In fact, Jen never found her. Amanda did n't entrust the tree until their mom called them in for a snack.

That was when it happened. Amanda 's animal foot caught on one of the branches and she lost her grip. She fell what must have been twenty or thirty metrical foot out of that maple Tree, hitting legion branches on her way down.

When she was a mere five feet from the priming coat, she suddenly stopped falling. Then, she glided lightly to the terra firma, and landed softly on her understructure. Amanda looked around and saw Jen staring open-mouthed at her. Their mother, who had seen Amanda falling, ran from the house and checked her over. She was completely fine, preserve for a few nestling scratch line and contusion. No one knew why it had happened, but Amanda 's female parent said an angel must ingest been looking out for her that day.

Whatever it was, Amanda knew she was different that day. It was only the origin. foreign things had happened to her ever since. When she was six and the class bully stole her cooky at lunch, new ones appeared out of thin air in strawman of her. When she was seven and forgot to do her maths homework, it somehow did itself while sitting in her backpack.

A small, relatively harmless crack cocaine had somehow descended upon a few boys who were chasing her when she was eight. That incident was what caused most of the early kids her age to channelize clear of her.

There was one girl who did not care that strange things happened around Amanda. Jamie House, Amanda 's upright booster since Kindergarten, never cared about the unknown incidents. She actually thought they were peculiar. Amanda and Jamie were inseparable at school.

However, Jamie was currently spending a few calendar week with her grandparents in Scotland. Without Jamie 's company, Amanda had spent most of her metre reading. There was n't really anything else to do. Jen was fifteen and the last thing she wanted to do was hang up out with her eleven-year-old sister. Amanda 's niggling brother, Max, was eight and all he wanted to do was devolve on his cycle in the void lot down the road with the other neighborhood boys.

Amanda was left with her books for companionship, not that she really minded. She was getting a bit ungratified, though. She stood up opened her bedroom door. Maybe Jen was n't on the computer and Amanda would be capable to go online. Jamie managed to get on blink of an eye messager ever so often at her grandparents'sign and Amanda had talked to her a few prison term over the past week.

The doorbell rang just as Amanda was leaving her room.

`` Amanda ! '' Jen shouted from her room, `` Could you get that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda said as she passed Jen 's room. She peeked inside and saw that Jen was in the physical process of straightening her luminance brown hair. Jen had straightened Amanda 's honey blonde hair a few times, but Amanda actually preferred it with its natural slight wave. Jen hated her own curly hair, though.

Amanda ran down the step and towards the door. She pulled it unresolved and saw a man wearing the unknown turnout she had ever seen anyone wear on a day that was not Allhallows Eve. It looked like a melanize graduation nightdress. The man himself looked relatively sane, though. His blonde hair was neatly combed and he smiled when Amanda opened the door.

`` Hello, '' he greeted her, `` Are your parents home ? ``

`` Er, '' Amanda began, `` I think so. Are you selling something ? '' Her parents hated room access to door salesmen. Amanda was n't exactly surely where her parents were, but she doubted they 'd need to be interrupted to listen to mortal trying to sell something.

The man laughed. `` No, not at all. ``

`` hold right here, '' Amanda said and went to find her parents, `` Mum ! Dad ! There 's some fellow at the door who wants to talk to you ! ``

`` What 's he selling ? '' Mrs Tagger shouted from the kitchen.

`` cipher ! '' Amanda replied.

Mrs. Tagger, a short, plump woman with dapple of grey in her drab Robert Brown hair walked out of the kitchen and followed Amanda to the door.

`` Can I help you ? '' she asked the man.

`` Yes, '' the man replied, `` I 'm a instructor at a common soldier schooling and I 'm here to inform you that your girl has been accepted. ``

`` Jen ? '' Mrs. tagging program asked, `` I was n't aware she applied to any private schooling. ``

`` No, '' the man shook his brain, `` Not Jen. Amanda. ``

Amanda gaped at the man and then turned to her female parent, who was now frowning. Amanda had n't applied to any private school. Why would she ? She had already gotten into the secondary schooltime she was attending in the fall.

`` I know Amanda has n't applied to anymore schoolhouse, '' Mrs. Tagger said.

`` This is n't one she applied for, '' the man said quietly, `` Her name has been down since she was born. ``

Amanda was stunned. What was this about ? How could her name have been down for a school since she was born ?

`` Could I come in ? '' the man asked.

`` I think you 'd better, '' Mrs Tagger said in barely more than than a whisper.

The man stepped inside the planetary house and followed Mrs. Tagger into the den. Amanda followed and sat down on a chairwoman while the strange man took the sofa.

`` Henry ! '' Mrs. Tagger shouted down the basement stairs, `` You 'd better come upstairs ! ``

A minute later a tall man with a messy shock of blond hair on his oral sex walked into the room with Mrs. Tagger.

`` My husband, William Henry, '' Mrs. Tagger replied, `` And my name is Sarah. Who are you ? ``

`` prof Neville Longbottom, '' the man replied as he stood up and excite each of my parents'hands.

`` Professor ? '' Henry raised his eyebrows.

`` He told me Amanda has been accepted to a individual shoal. One that her name 's been down for since birth, '' Sarah explained, `` Did you sign up her up without telling me ? ``

`` No, '' Henry shook his head.

`` I 'll explain everything if you 'll just sit down, '' Neville said.

Henry and Sarah nodded and they sat down on the couch Neville had just vacated.

`` I teach at a boarding school day in Scotland called Hogwarts- ''

henry snorted and Sarah glared at him. `` Sorry, '' he muttered.

Neville grinned. `` I get that reaction a lot. Anyway, Hogwarts is not an ordinary schoolhouse. It is a school of thaumaturgy. Mr. and Mrs. tagging program, your daughter is a witch. ``

Amanda was beaming she had been sitting down. If she had n't, she surely would receive fainted. She stared in jolt at Neville. What did he mean, jinx ? Amanda had read many stories about witches. Some had good hag and others had bad witch. Which Wiccan was she ?

How could she even be a witch ? Wiccan were n't real. They were made up to provide entertainment. They could n't actually subsist. illusion did n't exist.

`` What are you getting at ? '' H said defensively, `` If this is some sort of prank, it 's not funny. ``

`` It 's not a prank, '' Neville said calmly, `` legerdemain does be. Witches and thaumaturgist have been hiding their humans for multiplication. I teach at Britain 's only schooltime of magic. ``

`` What do you teach ? '' Henry asked.

`` Herbology. The cogitation of magical plants. ``

`` Prove it, '' Henry said, `` commit a cony out of your hat or something. ``

Neville grinned and pulled out his wand. Amanda stared at it. A real conjuration wand. Just like the unity she 'd read about in books.

`` Accio pillow, '' Neville pointed his wand at one of the pillows next to Henry. It soared through the air and landed neatly in Neville 's hand.

`` Where 's the train ? '' Henry stood up and grabbed the pillow. He searched all over it for a string, but did n't find one.

`` No string, '' Neville smiled. He took the pillow back and pointed his wand at it. He muttered something else and the pillow turned into a tea kettle.

`` That is glorious, '' Amanda grinned, `` Can I learn how to do that ? ``

`` When you are sometime, yes, '' Neville replied.

`` What else can you do ? '' Amanda asked excitedly.

`` Brew potions, respective appealingness, disappear and reappear in a new place- ''

`` Seriously ? '' Amanda gaped, `` Can you point me that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Neville replied. He disappeared from the room with a loud crack and then was back a few seconds later.

`` What the bloody hell was that ? '' Jen ran into the room with her hair partially straightaway and partially curly.

`` Language, Jennifer, '' Sarah warned.

`` I 'm a hag, '' Amanda grinned, `` I can do magic. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jen shouted and sat down on the nearest chair, clearly intent on staying in the room despite her hair.

`` wait, wait ! '' William Henry shouted, `` What if we choose not to let her attend this shoes ? ``

`` You have to, Dad ! '' Amanda shouted.

`` Henry, are you really so gullible ? You ca n't honestly think there is a schooling of magic ! '' Sarah shouted.

`` magic trick ? '' Jen asked, `` Like pulling coney out of chapeau ? ``

`` Of course it exists, Mum ! '' Amanda told her.

Sarah shook her head. `` No. Amanda, you just want it to exist. deception is n't real. It 's phantasy. ``

`` It does, '' Neville said quietly, `` Can you remember a time Amanda has done something that could n't be explained ? Any sentence where she should have been hurt and then somehow was n't ? ``

Sarah 's case went wan Andrew D. White and she turned to Henry. `` Yes, '' she whispered, `` Many meter. ``

`` It can be explained, '' Neville replied, `` It 's legerdemain. ``

`` But what if we do n't let her go ? '' Patrick Henry asked again.

`` That 's finely. But she wo n't ever pick up to control her magic and she will go on to cause unknown things to chance. ``

`` I 'm going, '' Amanda crossed her arm on her chest.

`` sword lily to hear it, '' Neville reached into his, what could only be described as a cloak, and pulled out a letter. He handed it to Amanda.

It was addressed to her. She turned it over and carefully opened it. She unfolded it and began to read it aloud.

There was another piece of paper that had a list of supplies written on it, including a cauldron, sceptre, and spell ledger. Amanda had about a million doubtfulness. Where could she buy a material wand ? Had they gotten the platform incorrect ? There could n't be a Platform 9 3/4, could there ? What did the letter mean value, broomsticks ? Did witches really ride around on ling like they do in Holy Scripture ?

`` I 'm dwelling house ! '' the figurehead threshold slammed shut and Max ran into the room, his dark whisker disheveled and his face coated in dirt. He stopped at the plenty of Neville and grinned. `` decent costume, but Halloween 's not for a few month. ``

`` It 's not a costume, '' Jen said, `` He 's a magician. He teaches at a schoolhouse of magic and he 's here to evidence us that Amanda is a witch. ``

`` That is glorious, '' Max grinned, `` Am I one, too ? ``

`` You 'll find out the summer you are eleven, '' Neville answered.

`` Max, please go upstairs and clean yourself up, '' Sarah groaned, `` You 're getting mud all over the carpet. ``

`` Oh, sorry, '' Max turned and ran up the stairs.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Amanda began, `` You 've got to let me go to Hogwarts. This explains everything ! I want to instruct how to control my magic. I wo n't be the weird fille at Hogwarts. ``

Henry and Sarah shared a flavour. `` I suppose you 're right, '' Henry sighed, `` We 'll let you go, so long as this professor explains everything about thaumaturgy to us. ``

`` I will, '' Neville nodded, `` Actually, if you 're not occupy today, I could read you to Diagon Alley. That 's the shopping area where you will be able to purchase everything Amanda needs for Hogwarts. It 's in London. ``

`` We 're not busybodied, '' Henry said, `` We 'll just wait for Max. ``

Amanda grinned as she reread her letter over and over again. She still could n't think it. A crone. She was a actual witch ! Amanda always knew she was different, but she never imagined it would be like this. She pinched herself to name surely it was real. It was. She, Amanda tagging program, was a witch. It was like she had fallen into one of her books.

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twenty-four hours are different then they were before
And we both exchange
It 's only getting better
~Only Getting bettor, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Saint John Malcolm Brickston was running around in a large dress circle as fasting as he possibly could. He, along with two other male child, was spinning the merry-go-round in the park across the street from his planetary house as fast as he could. A fourth boy was on the carrousel shrieking in delight.

It was a daily thing for John, playing with the other boys in his vicinity at the park. They particularly liked spinning each other until they felt sick on the merry-go-round. Other activities included trying to push each former off the monkey bars and jumping off of the swings. They often spent all day doing this, until one of their mother called them inside.

St. John the Apostle had fun playing with the other boys from his locality even though he was quite unlike from them. bathroom was a wizard and all of his neighborhood friends were Muggles. John 's mob was the only wizarding phratry living in a locality of Muggles. He did n't take care, of course. He was actually glad he lived in a neighborhood full of masses to play with, rather than in the midsection of nowhere like so many other wizards did. well-nigh of his first cousin did n't have any close neighbors.

Without the locality boys around, the lone masses John would have got had to play with were his babe. John had three of them and while he loved them, they got on his nervus. They were all younger than him and drove him mental on a casual footing.

Despite having so many Muggle friend, John could not wait to get to Hogwarts where he could cope with early wizards his age. He knew a couple witches and wizards his age whose parents worked with his dad, but he did n't see them too often. Then there were his cousin-german, but they were all younger than him.

John had been trying not to think about his Hogwarts letter, which he knew would be arriving soon. Thinking about it just made the time go by slower. So, he tried to get his head off of it by goofing off at the playground.

`` enough, enough ! '' the boy on the merry-go-round shouted.

John and the other two boys stepped back and watched it slow up down. Once it had almost stopped, the boy jumped off and stumbled around, falling on the ground. John and the others crowded around him.

`` My turn of events ! '' John the Evangelist shouted as the dizzy boy sat up.

`` Johnny ! '' mortal shouted from the ingress to the park.

John Lackland turned his pass towards the vocalization and groaned. It was his mother. The premature day she had made him learn over his little sister when they played at the park and he really did n't want to do that again. But his sisters were n't with his mum, so maybe she wanted something else.

`` What ? '' whoremonger shouted.

`` You need to number house now ! '' she shouted back.

John groaned again and reluctantly said goodbye to his friends. He hated it when his mum called him home base without explaining why.

`` Why do I have to go rest home now ? '' John asked as he reached his mum, `` It 's not dinner metre. ``

`` Your letter arrived, '' she said and began to walk across the street.

That was probably the only thing she could hold said to make John Lackland no longer bear in mind leaving his friends. He grinned and ran to catch up with his mum. Now it was official, he was going to Hogwarts !

John 's house was in its usual state of chaos when he entered it. Not two seconds after they stepped in the door, his arcsecond youngest babe, Gemma, ran up them screaming about how Amelia had taken her toy. Gemma was six and Amelia, his youngest sister, was five.

At any given here and now there were probably five or six piffling kids at lavatory 's house. He had a lot of first cousin who were all youthful than him. His female parent was a stop at abode mum, but a few of his aunts worked outside the home. They often dropped their kids off at John 's house while they were at work. Or when they had to go shopping. It was just another grounds why John enjoyed spending his free time outside, away from the piffling kids.

That day, all his footling sisters were home, of trend. Plus, his cousins Isabelle, who was ten, and Isabelle 's three-year-old babe, Alyssa.

`` Your Aunt Pam is grocery shopping, '' his mother, Jan, replied as she picked up Gemma.

Saint John nodded and stepped over a atomic pile of Wendy Witch dolls that Ashtyn, his nine-year-old sister must have left in the doorway.

`` Ashtyn, pick up your toys ! '' Jan shouted as she carried Gemma back into the den.

Ashtyn and Isabelle came running through the star sign, scooped up the dolls, and ran back to wherever they came from.

`` Where 's my missive ? '' lav asked as Jan set Gemma back down on the floor.

`` It 's here somewhere, '' Jan said as she rifled through a spate of mail, `` I just had it a s ago. Hang on. ``

whoremaster sighed as he leaned against the rampart. He could n't waitress to get to Hogwarts. Then he would n't have to divvy up with all his short sisters and cousin anymore. He would be in a blank space where he was one of the unseasoned people. That rarely happened. toilet had always been the oldest, the one who was expected to be mature.

`` Mum ! '' Ashtyn shrieked from upstairs, `` I think John put a dung bomb calorimeter in the toilet again ! ``

bathroom grinned. He may be expected to be get on, but he was n't. Pulling pranks was one of his favorite things to do and the muck dud in the toilet never got old, especially when Ashtyn was on the receiving end of it.

Jan sent him a withering look. `` I cringe to cerebrate about the amount of owls I 'll be getting from professor Kendrick about the devilment you get into next year, '' she sighed, `` Ashtyn, just flush it like usual ! ``

`` Mum, she wo n't kick in it back ! '' Gemma whined.

Jan groaned and walked over to the two fille, who were still fighting over a stuff Draco. Jan wrenched it from Amelia 's hands and stuck it up on a high shelf. She continued searching for whoremonger 's alphabetic character while Gemma and Amelia complained.

`` I think I found it, '' John said as he bent down.

Three-year-old Alyssa was holding a snap envelope in her hand and giggling playfully. can grabbed it from her and she burst out cry. Jan picked her up as John took off for his sleeping room, the only when bambino free position in the stallion house.

The letter was n't completely destroyed, much to King John 's relief. He had caught Alyssa before she was capable to do a lot of damage. The gasbag was completely illegible, but the letter inside was spared from bout and baby slobber.

John tossed aside the damp gasbag and unfolded the letter of the alphabet. He grinned widely as he read it, even though he already knew the substance of what it said.

He was in ! John laid down on his bed and stared up at his ceiling. Of course he was in. There was never any uncertainty. Everyone in his entire house had gone to Hogwarts for as far back as anyone could remember. As far as he knew, his household did n't let any Squibs.

whoremonger had been looking forward to Hogwarts for a very long sentence. His parents had all sorts of tale to tell of the place. Although, their education had been interrupted due to the final exam battle and Voldemort 's defeat. They had only been first eld at the time and Hogwarts had closed for a year in lodge for it to be rebuilt. But after that, his parents had had a somewhat normal education.

There were all sorts of affair that John was looking forward to. The Sorting ( although his parents refused to tell him how it was done ), the fete, exploding potions, Peeves, Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips when he got sometime, the Gryffindor common room. can was sure he 'd get into Gryffindor even though his mum had been a Hufflepuff. His dad was a Gryffindor and everyone said he took after his dad.

whoremaster 's dad, Jeff Brickston, had been the Hogwarts hoaxer when he was in school. Saint John could n't wait to pull some pranks of his own. His dad had promised to get him well supplied with stuff from Weasleys'wizard Wheezes, although his mum was n't too happy about it.

John remained in his elbow room for the rest of the good afternoon. A glance out the window told him that his Muggle friends had left the park. It would have been boring for him to go back. Instead, he stayed in his room and pulled out his old but trusty Nimbus Two Thousand and One.

The ling had been his dad 's when he was at Hogwarts. John grabbed a bottle of down and began to rub it into the worn woodwind instrument. Jeff had given it to John when he was only five and John had been flying on it ever since.

If privy had to pick the one thing he was most looking forward to at Hogwarts, it would be Quidditch. John had been flying for as long as he could recollect and he had Hope of making it onto the Gryffindor Quidditch team. If he was sorted into Gryffindor, that is. He just hoped that there was a beater berth subject at the right prison term. He doubted he 'd get chosen as a beater in his secondment year due to the fact that beaters were generally quite a lot bigger than the eternal rest of the participant. But if a beater side opened when he was in fourth or fifth year, he just might bring in it.

Isabelle and Alyssa had left by the time St. John the Apostle left his room. He wandered into the kitchen and found his mum preparing dinner party. Ashtyn, Gemma, and Amelia were 'helping'.

`` Can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow ? '' toilet asked as he grabbed a carrot out of a bowl.

`` I do n't know, '' Jan replied, `` Your Aunt Jodie is working tomorrow and I have to watch Stephanie as well as the twin. I do n't particularly want to puff three extra kids to Diagon alleyway especially when two are infant. It may have to expect until the weekend. And please do n't eat the cultivated carrot. ``

John sighed and sat down at the table. He did n't desire to wait until the weekend. He wished his mum did n't watch all of his little first cousin all the time.

`` I 'm home ! '' soul shouted from the den.

John Lackland jumped up from his death chair and ran into the den. He saw his dad brushing ash off of his brightly gullible therapist robe. St. John the Apostle grinned as he saw his great-great granddad standing just behind his dad.

`` grandpa ! '' John shouted, `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Went to Mungo 's, '' he replied, `` Had to get this dang hip checked out. Then Jeffrey here invited me to dinner. ``

John 's great-great grandad, Zander Brickston, was over one hundred years old but was usually healthy as a hippogriff. He was a bit doddering and forgetful at times, but it never bothered him. He was often the life of the political party, too, despite his age. john loved him.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter ! '' John said excitedly as he pulled the letter out of his pocket.

`` congratulations, '' Jeff grinned and gave John a one-armed hug as he set his bag down.

`` wellspring done, Johnny-Boy ! '' Zander gave him a surprisingly strong clap on the book binding, `` Great stead, Hogwarts. Best eld of my life-time, except for the times I found myself in prof Dippet 's office. You 'd scoop stay out of there. ``

`` Professor Dippet 's been utterly for years, Gramps, '' John laughed.

`` Then you stay out of bother with whoever 's the schoolmaster now, '' Zander said and lumbered off into the kitchen, `` Where 's my young lady ? ``

dinner was lively that evening, as it always was when Zander was there. He dominated the conversation with history of his own class at Hogwarts. John was sorting of storm he remembered them so well. He told of the time he and his friends went for a swim in the Black Lake at midnight during the full-of-the-moon moon in January. The nurse had not been pleased when they showed up at the hospital wing with slight pillowcase of hypothermia. She scolded them and told them if they were stupefied enough to drown in the lake during Jan, they could at least use cold-repellent charms on themselves.

`` Where would the fun be in that ? '' Zander laughed as he finished the story.

former tale included the many pranks he pulled on the Slytherins. 'Pranking 's a Brickston custom ,'he told privy solemnly. The times he snuck out of the castle and into Hogsmeade. The time he fell asleep during his story of magic trick O.W.L. ( `` What do they expect, when Binns makes you decrease asleep during category ? '' ) Sneaking about the castling at dark with whatever girlfriend he had at the sentence. Jan had to shut him up at that point and she and Jeff began to relay their own Hogwarts stories.

John was, if it was possible, even more energise about Hogwarts after hearing all of the story. He wanted to swim in the Black Lake in the middle of wintertime. He wanted to sneak out of school to go to Hogsmeade. He wanted to paint half his typeface red and the other one-half Au for the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match.

toilet did n't know how he was going to be able to wait two days until Saturday to go to Diagon Alley, let alone wait the month and a half until he 'd be able to actually go to Hogwarts. It seemed so far away. He had been waiting years to go to Hogwarts, but he had a feeling the net calendar month and a half would drag out by even slower than those years had.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

grounds there 's so much yet to see, that I have n't seen yet
And there 's so very much air to breathe, yeah
I want to take it in
~Take It In, Jared Joseph Campbell


Ten-year-old Rose Elizabeth Weasley put the end of her quill to her back talk and chewed it thoughtfully as she looked up from her parchment. She smiled and dipped the quill into her pot of ink and then wrote 'Elandra Harvard took a bass breath and sat down on the three-legged stool'onto the parchment. Rose set down the shaft and picked up the parchment. She looked at it for a moment and then set it down again.

The parchment was a history. A story about a Muggle-born at Hogwarts. Ever since rosebush was petty, she liked coming up with stories. She used to just tell them to her parents and little brother, but then she got older and began writing them down.

Rose had spent the whole forenoon writing about Elandra. She supposed it was because Rose herself was going to Hogwarts soon and that was really all she could think about. Although she tried to come up with early story idea, she just could n't. All the ideas were about Hogwarts. It was just about the only affair that could separate of save her creative thinker off her own Hogwarts letter.

rosiness had been waiting for the missive all summer. She wished that Hogwarts would beam them out in June instead of the end of July. The end of July was sort of late. That only gave a month and a half to set up to go to schooltime. Rose had been preparing since May, though. She knew she would get her letter this summer, as she would be turning eleven on Aug twentieth.

Her dad had located her mum 's old luggage compartment in the loft and charmed an engraving of 'REW'to replace the 'HJG'that stood for Hermione Jean Granger. The trunk currently sat on the storey in Rose 's room. The lonesome matter in it was a cauldron that her dad had found in the Attic as well. It was a perfectly good cauldron, so neither of her parents saw any motivation to buy her a new one. rose agreed. She kind of liked the old cauldron. There was something to be said about brewing potions in a caldron that was Old than you were.

`` rosiness ! '' individual banged on her door.

Rose groaned and got up. It was Victor-Marie Hugo, her nine-year-old sidekick. He probably wanted to play Quidditch or something. Rose did n't particularly like Quidditch. She preferred reading or pretty much anything that she remained on the ground to do.

`` What ? '' Rose asked when she opened the door, `` I do n't desire to wager Quidditch. ``

`` I was n't going to ask you, '' Hugo muttered, `` You 're no fun to roleplay Quidditch with anyway. I 'd rather just ask Saint James the Apostle and Al to play. I just wanted to grant you this. The post just arrived. ``

Victor Hugo thrust an envelope into Rose 's hand and she caught a glimpse of the Hogwarts crest on the Navy SEAL. The breath caught in her pectus as she grabbed it. `` Thanks, Hugo, '' she grinned.

Victor Hugo made no motion to leave as Rose shakily began to open the envelope. `` Hurry up ! '' he said.

`` It 's my letter, '' Rose replied and pulled it out of the envelope. Hugo peered over her articulatio humeri as she began to take it.

blush wine grinned looked at Hugo. `` It 's prescribed ! I 'm going to Hogwarts ! ``

`` And I 'll get the house to myself, '' Victor Hugo grinned, `` I can go through your stuff and you wo n't be able to do anything about it. ``

`` Mum and Dad will be here, '' Rose rolled her centre, `` And you adept not go through my clobber. ``

`` You wo n't be able-bodied to do anything about it ! '' Victor Hugo gleefully ran off towards his room.

Rose turned the other way and went downstairs in order to obtain her mum. She eventually found her in the library, pouring over numerous books.

`` It came, '' Rose grinned and sat down across the table from Hermione.

Hermione looked up and smiled. `` congratulations ! '' She leaned over and kissed rosiness 's forehead.

`` What are you working on ? '' Rose asked.

`` Oh, employment stuff, '' Hermione said as she closed the book, `` It can wait. Let me see that letter ! ``

rosiness handed her female parent the letter and waited while she read it. Hermione handed it back to her and smiled even wider. `` I ca n't believe you 're going to Hogwarts already. meter has flown by ! My little girl, all grown up. ``

`` I ca n't wait, Mum, '' Rose replied.

`` We 'll have some shopping to do, '' Hermione said as she stood up.

`` Ron ! Hermione ! Anyone here ? '' somebody shouted from the living room.

`` Uncle Harry ! '' Rose shouted as she ran out of the program library and into the living room.

Harry 's brass was floating amongst common flaming in the fireplace and Rose grinned when she saw him. `` Hi Uncle Harry ! supposition what ? I got my varsity letter ! ``

`` Brilliant, '' Harry grinned, `` Al got his, too. Are your parents home ? ``

`` Dad 's working at the London store, but he 's supposed to be back soon, '' rosebush replied, `` And Mum's- ''

`` right wing here, '' Hermione said as she came into the room, `` Hi Harry. ``

`` Hey, Hermione, '' Harry said, `` We were going to go to Diagon alley after lunch. Al got his letter a few hours ago. Want to fare ? ``

`` That sounds good, '' Hermione agreed, `` We 'll play you there around 1:30. Ron should be back from Weasleys'by then. ``

`` See you then, '' Harry said.

`` Bye, '' Hermione replied as Harry 's head disappeared and the green flaming died down.

******

A few 60 minutes later Rose was standing with her kin in front of Gringotts. She tapped her foundation and sighed. They were waiting for the ceramicist, who were never on meter for anything. pink wine 's parents were n't known for being on sentence either, but rosiness had hurried them along.

`` Sorry we 're late ! '' Harry shouted as he ran towards the Weasleys.

`` James would n't awake up, '' Albus grinned at Rose.

`` What else is new ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` Flourish and Blotts ! '' Rose said excitedly. She had been there numerous prison term, but never to buy books for school.

`` You 're mental, rose wine, '' James laughed, `` I say we go to Quality Quidditch supplying ! ``

rose rolled her optic. James I was the one who was mental. He spent to a greater extent time at quality Quidditch Supplies than all the other storage in Diagon skittle alley combined. Half the sentence he did n't even buy anything. He just gawked at the broomsticks he wished he could have.

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't manage, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the Apothecary first. ``

Rose groaned. The pill pusher was possibly her least preferred store, next to lineament Quidditch supplying. It did n't surprise her that Harry chose that memory, though. He always did that when they argued. rose 's parents did the same thing.

They finally made it to tucket and Blott 's, after the apothecary and Madam Malkin 's. Rose was the first one through the door and immediately started browsing. She did n't know where everyone else was going in the store, but she did n't care.

Flourish and Blott 's had always fascinated rosebush, ever since she was little. There were always at to the lowest degree five books she wanted to buy whenever she went in. Hermione usually bought her one every time they went.

`` rose, are you done yet ? '' William James tapped her on the shoulder.

Rose jumped and looked up from the Transfiguration book she was reading. `` No. ``

`` Hurry up, '' James whined, `` I want to go get my ling. ``

`` What makes you think you 'll get it ? ``

`` I 'm trying out for the Quidditch team this year, '' James told her.

`` So ? ''

`` So ? '' Henry James gawked, `` So ? I need another heather ! A better one ! You 'll never empathize. ``

St. James the Apostle sighed loudly and then walked away. blush wine shook her chief and went back to her book. A few min later her mum told her it was time to go. It was time to go to Ollivander 's, which was what Rose had been virtually looking forward to.

Rose ran ahead of the group with Albus and the two of them arrived at Ollivander 's retentive before the others. Ollivander had taken their mensuration and brought out a few sceptre for Albus to try by the time the others got there.

Albus smashed the window with his firstly wand, which Rose thought was incredibly curious. She secretly hoped she would n't do the Saame, though. The next scepter chose Albus and then it was Rose 's turn.

The maiden three she tried out were n't right. Although she did n't cave in any windows, they did n't work properly.

`` How about this one ? '' Ollivander handed her another baton, `` Ten and a half in, yew, dragon heartstring. ''

rose took the baton and waved it. Red sparks erupted from it and Rose knew it was the right wing one. She grinned at Ollivander and he smiled.

Next on the list was Weasley 's thaumaturge Wheezes, despite James I 's unremitting badgering about the Quidditch store.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their verge. ``

rose opened the box she was holding and showed her sceptre to her Uncle George VI. Albus did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George said, `` And now I shall get you both ready for Hogwarts in the prank department .... ''

rose followed her uncle across the shop class. The one affair she had inherited from the Weasley English of the family was the love for a good prank. So long as no one got hurt, that is.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' St. George said as he handed pink wine and Alubs each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't suppose you 'll want to sit through History of magic trick very often. ``

Rose smirked. She had heard about professor Binns and his oil production talk, but she really did n't think she 'd ever use a Skiving Snackbox. Well, maybe if James IV wanted her to watch Quidditch practice, but never for skipping a class.

`` And then you 'll need some dung turkey, '' George said as he led them to a different display.

`` final fourth dimension I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm sure they are, '' George winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't incur out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a better exercise for these two ! No wonder Fred was in detention every week last year ! ``

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them have their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even worse ! ``

A few arcminute later, Ron had convinced Hermione to let pink wine get the dung bomb calorimeter and other maleficence making products. Hermione did n't look too well-chosen about it, though.

George and teddy, who had also been working, closed the store and they all went to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner party. Everyone told chronicle about Hogwarts, which made rose wait forward to schoolhouse even more.

William James 's whining finally paid off after dinner party and they went to Quality Quidditch supply. Rose thought he took far too recollective to nibble out the unadulterated broom and she was bored out of her brain. James, Albus, Teddy, Ron, and Harry all spent at least a one-half hour going over the pro and con game of each model before they finally made a decision.

`` And it goes from zero to 60 in LE than twenty seconds ! '' James said excitedly on their way to Eyelops.

`` I do n't give care, James II, '' rosebush groaned.

`` The branchlet repel water, '' James added, `` So there is n't any drag when you 're playing in the rain or blow .... ''

rosiness ignored him for the rest of the walk and then lost him inside of Eyelops. She knew exactly what form of owl she wanted. A tawny-brown one. She had always liked that kind of owl.

She found three tawny owls together in a John Cage towards the back of the shop and she put her hand up to the cage. Two of the owls ignored her but the third one hopped over and rubbed its head on her hand like a cat would. surface grinned and knew that was the owl for her.

Albus found an owl as well and the radical left with two hooting hooter. James started telling Albus how he was going to wind up in Slytherin, which was kind of ridiculous in Rose 's persuasion. Albus then announced that he was going to name his owl Godric.

That was a good name, Rose intellection. She looked at her owl and thought about names. None of the usual animal names seemed to fit her owl. Godric, she thought. That was it. She would name her owl after another founder. Rose 's owl would be Rowena. She did n't really think she 'd be in Ravenclaw, but Rowena was a upright name for an owl.

The pass back to the Leaky Cauldron was quiet. Hogwarts seemed closer than ever for rosiness. She was fix. She had been quick for this for years. Her mum always told her that she had a knack for learning, and Rose was set to acquire everything Hogwarts had to offer.


Næsta saga
Albus waved to his parents and piffling sis, Lily, until he could no longer see them. `` Well, we 'd better go find a compartment, '' he said to his full cousin, Rose, who was standing next to him. Rose nodded her mind and they started walking down the train corridor. It was a bit severely to walk on a moving wagon train and Albus kept stumbling. The train rounded a recession and he fell into a rather mean looking sure-enough student.

"Watch where you 're going, midget,"the boy said as Albus and pink wine quickly ran away from him.

`` better find a compartment quick '', Albus said. He continued to walk along the corridor, looking into each compartment as he passed. He spotted a lot of his other cousin, but did n't really want to cut off whatever they were doing with their friends. Albus also saw a few people who looked vaguely familiar, including the Jordan-Bell Twins. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting in one of the compartments with a few early boy, but Albus definitely did not want to sit with them.

Albus peeked into the next compartment and saw that there was a rather blench boy sitting on one of the seats. He seemed very low and his face was quite scarred. There was also an erstwhile girl, who looked to be about Victoire 's age, sitting next to the boy. She looked vaguely familiar. Both of them had amobarbital sodium eyes and blond hair. They looked friendly enough. `` How about this one ? '' he said to Rose.

rosiness glanced into the compartment for a few bit and replied, `` Yeah, looks good to me. '' She opened the threshold and the two cousins walked in.

"Can we sit here ? '' Albus asked.

"Sure,"the boy responded as he gestured to the place opposite him."My name 's matt, lustrelessness Eckerton."

`` I 'm his sister, Amy. I 'm a one-seventh twelvemonth, mat 's just starting, '' the girl told him.

"Hi, I 'm Albus potter, '' Albus said, `` And this is my cousin-german, Rose Weasley, '' he gestured to rosiness. `` We 're both first yr. ``

`` Hi, '' Rose waved. pink wine sat down on the butt across from Amy and Albus sat down across from Matt.

`` That 's where I know you two from ! I knew I 'd seen you somewhere. My best friend is your cousin, Victoire. I think I 've seen you at her firm before, '' Amy explained.

`` Probably. I think I 've seen you, too, '' rose responded. Albus nodded his head in agreement.

matte 's centre opened wide as he stared at Albus."So, you 're Harry Potter 's son ? You know, you do look a whole lot like him. You 've got his eyes and everything."

"Yeah, I know,"Albus said shortly, he often got nauseated of people telling him this.

"I bet you two hear slews of narrative of the fight. My parents have told me some, but they do n't live all the contingent, just the number that are in Quran. You see, we 're from Commonwealth of Australia. We moved take heed when I was about eight,"lusterlessness looked nervously at his sister.

"Yeah, I know all about the battle. My parents did n't distinguish me the full story until I turned eleven. Lapplander with rosiness, our parents told us at the Same time. They did n't require to fright us, but thought we ought to sleep with before we went to Hogwarts, since most people there will have heard all about it. But my parents do n't mouth about it much. estimate it brings back bad memories,"Albus told flatness before changing the study. He really did n't love the great unwashed constantly asking him about his dad."So, how 'd you get all those scrape ?"

"I 'm, um, er, very clumsy,"Matt glanced at Amy and started to stare absentmindedly out the window.

"Oh, that 's ok. A friend of my parents'was very clumsy, variety of a problem since she was an Auror. But she was killed in the battle at Hogwarts. Along with her hubby. My dad is their son, teddy 's, godfather, so we see a lot of him,"Albus told Matt.

Matt just continued staring out the windowpane. Albus did n't acknowledge what to say, he hoped he had n't said anything to bother mat."So, do you have any other siblings ?"Albus asked.

Matt turned away from the window."Nope, just me and Amy. I know you 've got siblings. I 've read about you and them in books. A brother James and a sister Lily, right ? And I think you 've got a slight brother, right, Rose ?"

Albus just looked at lusterlessness. It was a bit foreign having early people know all about you. He supposed this was what it was like for his Father of the Church when he went to Hogwarts."Yup, James is a bit year and Lily 's just nine, so she 's not here yet."

`` Yeah, my comrade, Hugo, is nine, too, '' Rose told him. blush wine 's family line was mentioned in numerous books as well, although not nearly as many as Albus's.

At that consequence, the compartment doorway opened and James IV walked in with two of their cousin-german, Ben and Cedric, and their friend Nathan."How 's it going, little bro ?"William James asked."Still worrying about being in Slytherin ?"

"James, shut up !"Albus responded, blushing a little.

"Oh, I see you 've met someone, what 's your epithet ?"James IV asked Matt.

"Matt Eckerton."

`` Hi, '' the boys responded.

`` Oh, and hi Amy, '' Ben added.

`` Hi, Ben. How are you ? '' Amy asked.

`` I 'm good. So this is your buddy ?, '' Ben said. Ben was Victoire 's crony, so he had seen Amy wads of times.

`` Yeah, mat 's just starting his commencement year, '' Amy told him.

`` Good luck with the sorting, then, Matt, '' Ben grinned at Matt.

"Ah, well, we best be off, the streetcar 's on it 's way to our compartment, would n't want to miss that !"King James I said as he walked out of the compartment with his friends.

Matt stared at Albus."You think you 're going to be in Slytherin ?"

"No,"Albus said, turning Sir Thomas More deep red.

`` So, what firm do you want to be in ? ``

`` Gryffindor, just like my parents, '' Albus told him, `` And St. James and all my cousins are in Gryffindor, too. So were nigh of my aunts and uncles. ``

`` I hope you get in, then, '' Matt said, `` I 'm hoping for Gryffindor, too. Amy 's in Gryffindor. ``

`` Hope you 're there, too. ``

`` I 'm also hoping for Gryffindor, '' blush wine announced, `` Although Ravenclaw looks nice, too. ``

`` Ravenclaw would n't be so bad, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` That 's where all the smart kids go, right ? ``

`` In perfume, yeah, '' Amy told him.

The compartment door opened again. Another boy walked in, along with a scared looking female child. The boy was dark bark, very improbable, with brown hair's-breadth and dismal eyes. The girl was quite a bit shorter than the boy, with farseeing, wavy, honey colored haircloth and light brown eyes.

"Can we sit in here ?"the boy asked."A bunch of Slytherins kicked us out of our compartment."

"Sure,"Albus and Matt responded.

"Good. I 'm John Brickston and this is Amanda Tagger. We 're both first yr,"the boy told Albus, blush wine, Matt, and Amy.

"Hi. I 'm Albus thrower, this is my full cousin Rose Weasley, and that 's matte Eckerton, we 're also low years,"Albus responded, `` And she 's Amy, Matt 's babe. '' Albus pointed to Amy, who waved.

"Wow !"can exclaimed."My dad said you 'd be starting this twelvemonth, Albus."Amanda still had n't said anything.

Albus just smiled a little and his cheeks turned reddened yet.

`` Well, I think I 'll go find Victoire, '' Amy grabbed her bag and got up, `` You going to be ok, flatness ? ``

`` Yes, I 'll be fine, '' Matt told her.

`` You sure ? ``

`` Yeah, you can go. See you later, '' matte waved as his sister left the
compartment.

`` And you 're Rose Weasley ? '' John asked. Rose nodded. `` I 've heard of you, too, '' John continued. `` Your family owns Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, right ? ``

`` well, it 's really my Uncle George III who owns it. He 's Albus 's uncle, too. But my dad works there a lot. My Uncle George opened it with my Uncle Fred after they left school day. They 're counterpart. But Uncle Fred died in the Battle at Hogwarts, so after that my dad helped Uncle Saint George with it, '' rose explained.

John grinned, `` I love that place. So does my dad. He 's always buying me choke up from there. Mum 's not always happy about it since I 'm always using the stuff to pull pranks on my little babe. ``

Albus, rosebush, and Matt laughed. `` I 've done that quite a bit, too, '' Albus commented. `` But now that Lily 's a bit older it 's harder to deplumate put-on on her. ``

"Anything from the trolley ?"A witch had appeared in the doorway with a trolley laden with yummy sweets.

"Definitely !"John shouted, as he jumped up from his seat and ran out into the corridor. Albus smiled. Saint John reminded him of St. James. Albus, rose, mat, and Amanda followed John. All five returned with their subdivision full-of-the-moon of food.

"So, what is all this poppycock ?"Amanda radius for the first meter since entering the compartment.

"fountainhead, you have your cauldron cake, pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, and Bertie Botts Every Flavor noggin,"St. John explained, as he pointed to the respective items."Just be careful with the beans."

"Why ?"Amanda asked as she tried a greenish colored bean plant."Ugh !"she exclaimed."Bogey !"Amanda spat out the bean and it landed on John. Albus, rosiness, and mat broke out in fits of laughter.

"They mean every flavor !"Matt shouted."So, you must be Muggle-born ?"

"Yes,"Amanda answered."My mum is a teacher and my dad 's a doctor."

"What 's a doctor ?"trick asked.

"A muggle Healer,"mat explained."My mum 's Muggle Born, but she 's a hag, and my dad 's a wizard. He works at the Ministry, in the department for the Control and regularization of Magical Creatures,"Matt told everyone. `` And my mum does n't run, but she 's mentation of getting a job now that I 've started schooltime. ``

"Oh, my parents are a Wiccan and champion. My kinsfolk 's mostly all magical, except for a few Muggle aunts and uncles and cousins. My dad is a healer and my mum stays at home base with my untested sisters, I 've got three of them. They 're nine, six, and five. But before I was born she worked at the Ministry,"Gospel According to John explained. `` How about your parents, pink wine ? ``

`` fountainhead, like I said before, my dad works at Weasley 's sorcerer Wheezes, but he 's also an Auror, which is a Dark Wizard catcher. And my mum works at the Ministry. She 's the one who started all the House-Elf right stuff. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's an Auror, too ? That 's crashing brilliant ! '' trick grinned.

"What do your parents do, Albus ?"Amanda asked.

Albus was a little shocked at this question, since the unscathed magical worldly concern knew about his parents, but of course Amanda did n't."Well, my dad 's an Auror. And my mum 's a sportswriter for the Daily Prophet."

"Yeah, Albus 's parents are famous !"lavatory shouted."Tell Amanda, wo n't you, Albus ?"Albus suspected toilet secretly wanted to try all about the Potters directly from him, even though he 'd probably read all about them in books.

And so, Albus, with a short aid from rose, told the write up about how Lord Voldemort had killed his grandparents and tried to bolt down his dad, but his dad survived. He told them all about his parents'long time at Hogwarts, about the Horcruxes, and how Lord Voldemort met his downfall.

All three scholarly person stared at Albus and rosiness with their mouths wide of the mark loose. lusterlessness and whoremaster had obviously heard the whole story before, but never this accurate an invoice. Amanda was practically in tears.

`` Blimey, '' John let out a low whistle, `` Your dad 's amazing. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed.

Albus blushed, `` I guess, but I just think of him as my dad. ''

The grouping of five initiative eld spent the rest of the journey discussing what they knew was true about Hogwarts and what their sib and cousins had told them about the ancient school. Everyone agreed that the Giant Squid did not eat a different first year each year while they crossed the lake on sauceboat, despite what Albus and Rose 's full cousin, Fred, had said.

"Well, you 'd better deepen into your gown,"Rose said an hour or so after the sky turned nighttime. rose wine had been wearing her robes since before she 'd even gotten on the wagon train. The four early scholar changed into their robes quietly.

Once the train arrived at Hogsmeade, the five scholar got off and looked around.

"fir'years ! Firs'age, this way !"a man shouted.

Albus and rosebush ran up to him."Hagrid !"Albus shouted.

"'ello, Albus ! 'Ello, Rose !"Hagrid responded."gear up ter go ? Here 's a boat for yeh."Albus hurried into the sauceboat, followed by Gospel According to John, and lustrelessness, who were all gaping at Hagrid. Rose and Amanda got into a nearby boat and were joined by the Jordan-Bell twin. Another tall boy quickly joined Albus in his sauceboat.

`` You know him ? '' privy pointed at Hagrid with an amazed look on his face.

`` Yep, he 's a class friend, '' Albus answered.

`` I 've never seen someone so big, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` well, he 's half-giant, '' Albus told him.

`` That 's so cool ! '' John grinned.

The gravy boat started moving magically across the lake once everyone was in them. They sailed for what must suffer been at least a half hour before arriving at Hogwarts. Once they got there, Hagrid lead them into the castling and up a flight of stairs. The castle was incredible. It was big and intimidating looking on the outside. But once Albus stepped inside, it seemed tender and inviting, like he was home.

The first-class honours degree geezerhood came to a stop in strawman of strict looking woman."Good evening. I 'm prof Patil, I teach Transfiguration. In a moment, you will be able to join your gent students in the Great Hall for dinner, but beforehand, you will necessitate to be sorted into your houses. They are Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin,"she said Slytherin with a note of disgust in her part."While you 're here, you will be able to realize points for your theatre for any achievement. Likewise, any misdeed will have points to be taken away. At the end of the twelvemonth, the house with the most detail earns the menage Cup. Now, follow me, please."

-- -- -- -- --
A/N : I hope you liked it ! Feel spare to leave a reassessment. I 'd like to give thanks my brother and baby for reading this first and letting me know what they thought.
I do n't own Harry thrower. Nothing you recognize is mine.

******
The students followed Professor Patil into a large dining room. The ceiling looked just like the Nox sky outside."It 's enchanted to look like the sky,"rose whispered to Albus. The previous student at all four of the tables were whispering to each former and pointing wildly at Albus. Once the number 1 years reached the head board, professor Patil turned around. The sr. scholarly person were still whispering, and they seemed to be doing so more loudly by the second. Albus looked out at them and then inched his way to the spine of the mathematical group so no one could see him. Sometimes, he hated how practically he looked like his father.

"tranquility, please,"Professor Patil announced, and the students immediately stopped talking. An old, patched hat sat on a dejection and all of a sudden it broke out in song. A few of the first years were quite shocked at this and jumped back. Once it stopped, Professor Patil started talking again."When I call your public figure, you will come in forward and try on the Sorting Hat."

"Asterley, Elaine."A poor, blond haired girl ran forward and tried on the hat."Hufflepuff !"the hat shouted.

"Brickston, John."John ran up and jammed the hat on his mind. It was only there for a s when it shouted out,"Gryffindor !"St. John the Apostle let out a loud whoop and ran for the Gryffindor table, where he was patted on the back by a few elderly Gryffindors.

"Creevey, Janie."She was also made a Gryffindor.

"Eckerton, Matthew."The master suddenly sat up straight in his backside and stared as lustrelessness tried on the hat and was made a Gryffindor. The master relaxed again. 'That was strange ,'Albus thought. Matt walked calmly over to the Gryffindor table and sat side by side to John.

`` Eubert, Carter. '' Albus recognized the other boy from their boat as he walked up to the Sorting Hat. He put it on and a few second later it shouted out, `` Ravenclaw ! ``

A few More students were sorted and then Professor Patil called"Malfoy, Scorpius."Albus watched as a blond haired boy with a self-satisfied feel on his face was made a Slytherin before the hat even touched his head.

"Potter, Albus."A whispering went through the bunch. The headmaster had sat up straight again. Albus froze. He could n't do this. What if he was made Slytherin in front of all these people ? All these people who expected him to be in Gryffindor ?"Albus Potter ?"Professor Patil said again. Someone pushed Albus forward. He walked up to the stool and put on the hat.

"Ah, yes, another Potter. I see it all here. The courage, yes, yes, it 's all here,"the hat told Albus.

"Not Slytherin,"Albus thought,"Anything but Slytherin."

"Oh, oh, this sounds familiar,"said the hat,"Yes, indeed, just like your don. And just like your father, Slytherin would help you achieve greatness, but if you insist, Gyffindor !"

Albus breathed a suspiration of embossment as he jumped off the can and ran to sit across from bathroom and Matt at the Gryffindor tabular array. Albus did n't even pay attention to the next few sorting. He was just so glad to be in Gryffindor.

Albus next looked up when professor Patil called out"tagger, Amanda."Albus watched as Amanda cautiously put on the hat."Gryffindor !"it shouted. Amanda ran to sit down across from King John, with a smile on her face. Only one scholarly person was left to be sorted.

"Weasley, Rose."rosiness was made a Gryffindor before the hat had even touched her head. 'Just like how Henry James was sorted ,'Albus thought. It never hesitated for them. But it had for him. Albus stared glumly at his golden plate.

The master rose from his president."Welcome back to Hogwarts to all returning scholar and receive to those who are new. For those of you who do n't have it away, I 'm Professor Kendrick, headmaster of Hogwarts. Now, I know the older scholar have noticed we are short one staff member,"the headmaster gestured to the empty electric chair beside him."But I shall inform you about that later. Right now it is time to eat."And the golden plates filled with food.

Albus stared in amazement as the food appeared in social movement of him. He started piling his plate with as much as would fit. John the Divine was using not only his plate, but an empty one that he found as well.

"This is amazing !"John exclaimed."I might actually get total here ! I hope all the meals are like this."

"Yeah, it all looks very good,"Albus said. Albus started eating his food for thought and could n't aid but overhear a conversation between two older students.

"I wonder where professor Torro is ? It 's not common for a instructor to overlook the start of terminus fiesta,"a brownness haired girl asked the boy sitting following to her.

"Yeah, quite unknown, really. I hope he 's all right field. Maybe he 's ill or something ?"the boy responded.

"What does he teach ?"King John said, interrupting the two quondam students.

"Defense Against the wickedness humanities,"the lady friend told him. The two senior educatee continued their conversation, but in let down part so John could n't overhear him.

*********

After the bookman had eaten their fill of dinner, the golden home plate became clean for a bit, and then dessert appeared. Albus immediately helped himself to his favorite, treacle tart. While he was eating, he heard a howler coming from his left. A ghostly principal had appeared right out of Amanda 's plate.

"Oh, so regretful to have scared you !"the spook said as he glided out of Amanda 's shell."I 'm Sir Nicholas."

"You 're Nearly Headless Nick !"John shouted."Great to run into you. Can I see you pull off your forefront ?"

Amanda looked like she might faint, but snick grudgingly pulled on his ear and his header came partially off.

"Wow ! That 's crashing brilliant !"St. John exclaimed."Did you see that, Albus ?"

"Yeah,"Albus responded. He did n't cogitate it was as swell as St. John the Apostle did, and was beginning to wish he had n't eaten nearly as a good deal treacle tart.

The headmaster got to his human foot again as the favorable shell became clean-living once more."Is everyone live up to ? Good. Now, I have a few start of term posting. The Village of Hogsmeade is out of bounds for firstly and second old age, as well as the Forbidden forest to everyone. As always, delay away from the Whomping willow tree. Mr. Filch has added a few new item to the list of prevent things and if you wish to inspect the listing, it is pinned to Mr. Filch 's door.

"Now, as many of you have noticed, Professor Torro is not with us tonight. I regret to inform you that he has been discovered deadened only a few hours ago,"Professor Kendrick stated with a sad verbal expression on his facial expression. There was a sharp intake of breathing time from the students."Cause of death has not been determined. Until I can ascertain a suited replacement, defense team Against the Dark art classes will not select space. Now, it is time to go to your dormitory. Classes begin tomorrow and you will need to be well rested. First years, delight follow a prefect to your vernacular rooms."

Albus got up and looked for his cousin, Georgia, for she was one of the Gryffindor prefects. Albus found her, and he, John Lackland, Matt, Rose, and Amanda all followed her up to the common elbow room. As they walked through the castle, there was a whole lot of whispering about prof Torro.

"He was n't even that old,"one student said.

"Yeah, and was n't pop the subject that was jinxed years back ?"another responded.

Albus and the others arrived at the portraiture of the Fat noblewoman. Empire State of the South told her the password, Cornish Pixie, and everyone walked inside.

"Boys to the right, girls to the leftfield. I hope everyone has a estimable night,"Georgia told the first years.

Albus walked up the spiral stairway to his dormitory with Matt, John, and two other male child Albus had not met yet. Albus thought their epithet were Bilius and Ethan. Albus was rather quiesce while he got into bed. All the other boys were laughing and talking. But Albus could n't rock that he was considered for Slytherin. He was also a bit nervous about the fact that a professor had died. That did n't come about often, did it ? Albus was still thinking about these things as he drifted off to sleep.

******

When Harry, Ginny, and Lily walked back into their house after taking James and Albus to Platform 9 3/4, Harry noticed an owl waiting on the windowsill. He walked over to it and opened the letter.

Dear Harry,
I would appreciate it if you would come to Hogwarts later tonight, around 9pm.
I have something to ask you, and would choose to do it in individual, rather than by letter.
Please return this owl with your result, thank you.
From,
Fabius Kendrick

'That 's strange ,'thought Harry. Surely one of his son could n't be in problem already ?"Ginny, I 'm going to have to go to Hogwarts tonight. Fabius has requested that I meet with him. He has n't told me why,"Harry told his wife.

"Okay, just let me bed before you leave. That is strange, though. Why would n't he have met with you before term started ? I hope James I and Albus are n't in trouble."

*********

Later that Night, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade. It was a chilly night, but there was not a swarm in the sky. The stars and moon shone brightly. Harry thought the students must be in their common rooms by now, judging from the time. 'That 's good, Albus and James IV have no idea I 'm here', thought Harry. He walked along the track and soon found himself walking through the big oak threshold into the Great Hall. Kendrick was waiting for him there.

"Good evening, Harry,"Fabius greeted.

"How are you ? What 's this about ? Are William James and Albus okay ?"Harry asked anxiously.

"Oh, do n't interest, they 're ticket. But I would prefer if we discuss what we need to discuss in my office,"Fabius responded. Harry followed Fabius up to the endocarp gargoyle. It leaped aside as Fabius murmured,"woolen coat."

Harry walked into the familiar broadsheet function. He saw all the various possessions that Dumbledore had left to the school. He also noticed the sleeping portrait of old schoolmaster. Only one was awake, the one of Albus Dumbledore. Harry smiled as he saw him.

"Please, sit down,"professor Kendrick said as he gestured to a chairperson in front of his desk. Harry sat."I have some bad news. prof Torro was found absolutely in his family this morning."

"What ? ! How did he die ? He was n't very old,"Harry exclaimed. Professor Torro had been teaching DADA since Hogwarts reopened after the battle.

"I know, shocking, and very, very sad. His drive of death was Avada Kedarva, but I did n't say the scholarly person this. It does worry me. It is quite suspicious. Especially since pa was the subject that Voldemort jinxed."

"But he 's gone ! I saw him die, I was there !"Harry shouted."This ca n't be the body of work of him, can it ?"Harry knew there would be an probe awaiting him when he returned to work the next day. He had taken the day off to see Henry James and Albus onto the Hogwarts Express, and had n't heard a affair about Professor Torro 's death until just now.

"Of course not. But there are still death Eaters out there. I have cause to conceive that one of them killed Torro and the Minister agrees with me. But onto the reason I have summoned you here.

"We are, of course, in need of a new papa teacher, and I was wondering if you would care the job. I think it would be a undecomposed approximation to cause an Auror here after Holocene epoch result and you are the ideal candidate,"Kendrick told Harry.

"Me ? A teacher ? Well, I ca n't say I 've never thought about it. It would be nice to be back at Hogwarts. But what about Ginny and Lily ? I ca n't will them."

"Of course. And finger free to leave every weekend to pass sentence with them. Neville Longbottom does the Saame thing to bring down Hannah,"Kendrick explained.

"I guess I could do it, but only if Ginny is okay with it. I tell you what, I 'll Apparate household tonight and ask her. You 'll stimulate your reply in the first light, OK ?"Harry asked.

"That 's mulct. I 'll see you in the cockcrow, then. Good night."

"'Night,"Harry said as he walked out of the office.

As Harry left the castle, he pondered the death of Torro. Harry had only met Torro a few clip, and he was not particularly close to him, but his death still disquiet Harry. Was this another random Death Eater plan of attack ? There had been a few of them throughout the twelvemonth after the battle. But why was Torro killed ? He did n't even live in Britain during the time of Voldemort, he lived in Anatole France then. Why were the last Eaters going after Hogwarts teachers ? Harry had a shrewish impression that this was n't like the early deaths, this had significance. Surely, Voldemort could n't return ? He was idle. There were no more Horcruxes. Harry kept telling himself this, but he still felt very uneasy about it. The headmaster and the curate felt the like way. Why else would they desire an Auror at Hogwarts ? Of course, Harry was the one who defeated Voldemort, so who else knew More about daddy ?

Harry found himself back in Hogsmeade and he Disapparated. He appeared a moment later in his backyard and he walked into the theater. It was time to severalize Ginny what had happened. Luckily, Lily would be in bed.

*********

Early the adjacent daybreak, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade once again. This time he had his old Hogwarts trunk with him, along with a large, ignominious owl named Harvey. This is familiar, he thought. Harry wheeled his proboscis over to Hogsmeade station, where he would expect for a carriage to take him to the palace. Ginny had said yes rectify away. She felt that Harry 's presence in the schoolhouse would protect her son. Ginny was also quite disquieted about the death of Torro.

The carriage arrived and Harry loaded his trunk into it. 'This sure is strange ,'he thought. rachis at Hogwarts, once again. It kind of felt good, comforting in a way. Hogwarts had always felt like base to Harry. But he still could n't sway the queasy opinion he had about Torro 's last. The carriage gave a lurch, and the thestrals pulled Harry up to the school.



"Get up, Albus ! Get up !"Albus awoke with a start and saw John 's brass looking down at him.

"Huh ? Wha 's going on ?"Albus said sleepily.

"low gear day of lessons ! Let 's go down to breakfast,"toilet responded, excitedly. He was bouncing around the room, waking up all his comrade Gryffindors.

Albus got up and put on his robe."Okay, I 'm ready,"

"Great ! Bilius and Ethan are up too. But I ca n't get Matt up. He sleeps like a log,"trick said as he shook mat some more. Matt finally got up and put his robe on.

The five Gryffindor first year boys met the daughter in the vernacular room. Rose, Amanda, Janie Creevey, and the Jordan-Bell counterpart. Albus knew he 'd met the Twins a few times, but could n't remember their public figure They introduced themselves as Karina and Marina. They were selfsame with foresightful blacken hair and blue center. The first old age walked down to the Great antechamber together, only getting lost once.

When Albus walked into the Great residence hall, he glanced up at the head table and his jaw dropped. He stopped walking and an older Hufflepuff bumped into him.

"Sorry,"she said as she walked past.

Albus did n't pay any attention to her. He continued to gaze at the staff table. Sitting succeeding to the headmaster, was his father. Albus shook his fountainhead and ran over to the Gryffindor table, where his companion first year had already sat down.

"James ! James !"Albus shouted,"Look who 's sitting adjacent to Professor Kendrick ! Is n't that Dad ? What 's he doing here ? He does n't teach here !"

James was staring at Harry."Yeah, I know. good story how he never mentioned it. But I guess he must be the new DADA teacher. All the other teachers are there."

"Honestly, James I ! He could n't take told us yet. Torro just died yesterday. Obviously, Kendrick asked him end night. It was only a issue of time, was n't it ? I mean, he 's got to be the most qualified wizard for the job, right ?"Georgia had sat down future to James and talked some horse sense into him.

"I suppose,"James said as he started to eat his eggs.

"Here are your schedules !"Neville Longbottom had appeared near the Gryffindor table.

Albus took his docket from him and looked at it. He had pappa rightfield after breakfast, then Charms, and after lunch he had double Herbology.

"spirit like a decent docket,"John said,"Should be interesting having your dad as a instructor, Albus ! I ca n't wait ! I 've got so many questions for him."

"Yeah, should be wonderful,"Albus said glumly as he dug into his waffles. Truthfully, Albus did not want his dad teaching at Hogwarts. With his dad here, Albus would be even more illustrious than usual. He did not like the staring eyes and the constant question about his dad.

**********

After breakfast, the Gryffindors headed to the DADA classroom, with John leading the way. Albus hung back with lustrelessness, who was going pretty slow.

"You okay, Matt ?"Albus asked,"You look kind of sick. You want to go to the Hospital Wing ?"

"No, I 'll be okay,"matt replied with a yawn,"Guess I did n't get to kip until deep, too nervous about lessons."

When they arrived at the classroom, Albus ran and took the tabular array in the vertebral column. flatness and Amanda followed him. John hesitated, apparently torn with joining his new friends and sitting up front. Finally, he, too, went and sat in the back.

"Why are we sitting back here ?"whoremonger asked.

"reason it 's my dad, John. How would you like it if your dad taught at Hogwarts ?"Albus said in a primitive tone. John did n't say anything.

At that minute, another chemical group of students came into the room. They were Slytherins. Scorpio Malfoy was leading them.

"Great, we 're with the Slytherins,"Saint John whispered to mat,"Leslie Townes Hope they 're not going to ruin everything."John the Divine was about to launch into a broadside about Slytherins, but Harry walked in.

"good daybreak,"Harry said as he walked to the front line desk,"I 'm Professor Potter."A few of the girls in movement giggled."I 'll start by taking attendance."Harry ran down the attendance sheet. Everyone was there.

"Please afford your books to page 5,"Harry told the students.

"prof ? Can you tell us about the battle ? Please ?"one of the twins asked, Albus did n't make out which one.

Harry sighed."Well, I really do n't care to peach about it a good deal. But I suppose I could. I know you wo n't let it remain until I do,"he smiled and looked at Albus,"I know my own shaver, nieces, and nephews kept asking me until I told them."

Albus sunk lower in his hot seat. john was sitting straight up, staring at Harry, hardly blinking. Amanda and matte were also paying end attending.

Harry 's narration about the battle lasted the whole flow. The buzzer rang shortly after Harry finished.

"Please read chapter one for next time, since we did n't get a chance to cover it in class,"Harry told the pupil as they left."And Albus, could you stay for a moment ?"

"You guys go on ahead,"Albus told his acquaintance,"I 'll see you in Charms."Albus approached his beginner 's desk after all the other scholarly person had left.

"Hi, Al, how was the categorization ? I see you did make it into Gryffindor. I knew you would,"Harry said with a gallant look on his face.

"Yes, I did,"Albus said, his eye brimming with tear as he remembered what the hat had told him,"But it wanted to put me in Slytherin !"Albus started crying and he could n't stop."I told it to put me in Gryffindor, that 's the only reason it did !"

Harry quickly shut the door before responding."I told you at the station that it did that to me, too."

"But that 's cause you were a Horcrux !"Albus sobbed,"I 'm not a Horcrux, so why should I suffer done well in Slytherin ? It put Rose in Gryffindor before it even touched her head. And King James I said it did that with him, too."

"Yes, I know, but everyone 's unlike. It means that you have qualities of many different theater. It does n't mean you should be in Slytherin. The hat put you in Gryffindor because you wanted it to. A great man once told me 'it is our pick that show who we really are, far more than than our abilities'. Albus Dumbledore was that man. He told me that when I was wondering the same thing you 're wondering right now. You chose to be in Gryffindor, which makes you very different from the Slytherins. Do n't worry about it,"Harry explained, as he drew Albus into a hug.

"O-k-kay,"Albus stuttered,"J-just, d-do n't tell J-James."

"Do n't care, I wo n't. James does n't even experience that the hat considered putting me in Slytherin,"Harry confided,"Now, I think you should be off to your next class. And do n't concern about me teaching here. I 'll do by you just like the other educatee, detentions and all."

Albus laughed."fountainhead, you do n't give to do that."

"See you later, Al."

"Bye, Dad."

**********

Albus was a bit more cheerful for the rest of the day. He thoroughly enjoyed double Herbology. He had known prof Longbottom since he was born, and Albus was very interested in charming plants. Charms, however, was n't as pleasurable. The charm prof, Professor Washburn was not very prissy, and for some reason he seemed to have something against Gryffindor.

Soon enough, dinner came, and right when Albus walked into the Great Hall, James came running over to him.

"So, how was having Dad as a teacher ?"James asked, breathlessly.

"You know, it was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Albus said, while sitting down and grabbing the nearest bowling ball of potatoes."He spent the totally period telling everyone about the struggle because he figured no one would lead him alone until he did."

"phone familiar spirit !"James laughed,"Remember when we kept bugging him about it when I was 10 ? And then he said he 'd severalize us the unscathed story the summertime before our first year of Hogwarts."

"Yeah, I was kind of surprised he was so leave to secern the storey. You know how he hates talking about it."

"I know, but I suppose it 's better for everyone to listen it sooner rather than later, and now Dad can get on to teaching,"James I explained as he shoved his mouth with crybaby,"Should be pretty cool having him instruct, he knows so a great deal DADA."

"Hey, Albus !"John shouted to Albus as he ran over to the Gryffindor board. mat sat down on Albus 's other side.

"Hi lavatory, Matt,"Albus said, passing them the pumpkin juice.

"Wow, this is just as good as finis night !"John exclaimed as he piled his shell high with food,"I could definitely get used to this."

"What ? Did your mum starve you ?"Albus joked.

"'Course not. But she did n't make as much variety,"whoremonger explained. He turned to matte."You okay ? You look kind of pale."

That was an understatement. matte looked like he was about to pass out in the murphy. He had n't touched any of the solid food and his prosperous plate was still empty. Matt was leaning his school principal on his hand and was yawning a lot."I 'm all right hand, I guess, just tired."

Albus and John eyed him warily."You sure ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, I 'm just not hungry tonight. I 'll be fine."

At that moment, the schoolmaster stood up."If I could have your tending for just a bit, I have some to a greater extent announcements."The room immediately fell understood."Thank you. Now, as many of you have noticed, I did ingest success in securing a new DADA teacher and I would like to introduce him. This is professor Potter."Kendrick gestured to Harry."Now, I know many of you will possess questions for him when you have your first DADA lesson, but I ask you not to bug him. He will tell you what he wants to, and nothing more. I would also like to recount you that if you want to try out for your family Quidditch team, delight break your name to your promontory of house. That is all. Thank you."Kendrick sat back down again and proceeded to spill to Harry.

"Well, I 'm trying out for Seeker this year !"James announced to the whole Gryffindor table,"I 've been down to the delivery practicing on my Firebolt during lunch."

"Good luck, James,"Albus told him,"Dad 'll be proud if you make the team."

"I sure hope I do. It 'll be great having him watch the games."

Albus turned to John the Divine."You finished ? We should probably get started on that homework."

toilet groaned,"Yeah, I suppose. You gon na come, lustrelessness ?"

lusterlessness looked up from his plate."Sure."The three boys started walking back up to the Common room, with Matt lagging behind.

"Matt, are you sure you 're ok ? You 're going pretty slow,"Albus asked, with a spooky look on his face."I think you should probably go to the hospital wing.

flatness looked out the window."I suppose you 're probably right on. You guys go on ahead, I 'll assemble you back in the commons room."

"No, we 're going to take you. You look ready to break up,"Saint John the Apostle insisted. They all trekked back down the stairs and to the hospital Wing. When they got there, brothel keeper Pomfrey was right-hand by the door.

"lustrelessness ! come here, you look dreadful,"she said, grabbing his berm and leading him to the bed,"Thanks for bringing him, boys, you can leave now."madam Pomfrey shooed them out of the room.

"You know, it almost looked like she was waiting for him,"Albus said as he walked up the stairs.

"Yeah, and she knew his name. That 's odd. I do n't retrieve he 's been there yet,"John stated,"I wonder if he gets regorge often ? Or maybe he gets hurt a lot, he 's got loads of scars. ``

"I know. I asked him about them on the gear, before you came in. He said he was clumsy and quickly changed the subject."

"Well, I 'm sure as shooting he 'll differentiate us about it when he 's fix,"John reasoned,"Cornish Pixie."The portraiture opened and the two boys walked into the common elbow room. They settled down to doing their prep with Amanda, rose, Janie, Bilius, Ethan, and the twins. After a few hours, Albus bid them good night.

He walked up to his residence hall, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed. He pondered his lessons and the rest of his day. Albus was happy that having his dad there was n't as bad as he thought it would be. But why did prof Washburn dislike him and the former Gryffindors so much ? And was Matt okay ? He still had n't returned to the common room. As Albus was worrying about lustrelessness, he drifted off to sleep. Just after he drifted off, the Shrieking Shack shrieked for the first time in decades.




Harry was in the Great hallway. roofy bound him to the master 's chair. His mark was searing in pain. line was pouring down his arms as he struggled against the restraints. He opened his centre and glanced around, looking for his wand. There it was, lying uselessly halfway across the elbow room. All around him, former multitude were bound to the other professor 's professorship, they were surrounding Harry in a circle. A cloaked figure was circling around the outside of the circle, while other cloaked build stood stationary around the room. dead body lay in pools of blood on the level.

Harry glanced around at the other people bound to the hot seat. The somebody directly across from him had long red hair. Harry screamed."NO ! ! ! ! Ginny !"He looked at the other people."James ! Albus ! Lily ! involve me instead, not the tike !"

The hooded figure looked up and entered the circuit. He stood directly in front of Harry."Well, well, someone 's decided to regain his consciousness. As you see, the respite of them did n't fair too well without you. almost are absolutely. But I 've saved your dear house for final. I will torture them and kill them. And then, I shall down you. At last, I 've waited so long. You should accept known you could n't kill me."Voldemort rounded on the small child tied to a chair.

"Crucio !"he shouted.

"NO ! ! ! ! Do it to me instead ! Lily !"Harry screamed. His scar started to offend even worse, it burned so bad he could n't keep his eyes spread out anymore.
Harry awoke with a startle. He was covered in sweat and his heart was beating fast. His hand automatically went to his scar, but he was not in any pain. He shakily got out of bed and went to the window.

'Will it never end ?'he thought. The nightmare kept returning, but why ? It was always the same one. It had been going on ever since the last fight. Only before he had Thomas Kid, the people surrounding him were Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. As soon as James II was born, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna disappeared. Once Albus was born, he appeared too. Sami with Lily.

Harry had no idea what the dreams meant, and neither did anyone else. Harry could cerebrate of only one soul who may cause been able to explain it, Dumbledore. However, as soon as Harry had a few of these aspiration, he had gone to see the portrait in Dumbledore 's spot. He was only 18 then. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had no useful explanation. Since Harry was no retentive a Horcrux, he could n't possibly be seeing into Voldemort 's thoughts. Especially since Voldemort was abruptly. But the aspiration continued.

Tonight 's dream had been more graphic than any of the past ones. Maybe it was because Harry had spent all day reliving the horrific aspect from his childhood to various papa classes. He wished he had n't done that now. Oh, how he regretted it. But he 'd receive to put up with it the rest of the week, seeing as it would n't be carnival not to tell the other students.

Harry walked away from the window. He slowly walked into the corridor. His whole soundbox was clammy. He needed a sleep tipple. He 'd been relying on these more and more as sentence went on .'I really should learn how to brew them myself ,'he laughed to himself.

walking through the corridors at night brought back many memory board. He still felt like he was disobeying the prescript, even though he was now a prof. It seemed like Snape was right around the quoin waiting to charm him doing something wrong. Harry climbed the stairs to the hospital fender. He hated to wake Madam Pomfrey at this hour, however he knew he 'd never get to sleep without it. Maybe she would have him a large supply to keep in his office.

Harry walked into the ward, only to see that gentlewoman Pomfrey was already up. She was tending to a girl in one of the end beds.

"howdy, Poppy,"he whispered.

"Oh !"Madam Pomfrey jumped,"You frightened me. I was n't expecting you at this hr, Harry. You know, it 's almost like you 're a scholarly person again, coming in so late."

"Yeah, I was thinking the Lapplander thing,"Harry glanced down at the miss,"Is she okay ?"

"Yes, she 'll be okay. Someone levitated her in her sleep. She screamed and that scared the student who did it to her, that student gave the countercurse, and she promptly fell onto the flooring and broke her arm."

"Wow, does n't call for very long for things to get interesting around here,"Harry said.

"Now, why are you here, Harry ?"

"Well, er, remember after the battle and I had all those incubus ? They never completely stopped, and now they seem to be getting risky. I was wondering if I could give birth a sleeping draught. I 'd also wish to just suffer a supply of it on mitt. I 've never been much of a potion brewer and have n't attempted to make it myself. I just can never manage to get to sleep without one after one of these incubus,"Harry explained sheepishly. He felt like he was a kid again. How could he, the wizard who defeated Voldemort, who was known as the brave wizard of the times, be afraid of a incubus ?

A sad gaze fell over Madam Pomfrey."You know, this kind of reminds me of how you were so susceptible to the dementors in your tertiary year. I know most people think you 're brave and zippo frightens you, but everyone has nightmares and being frightened is nothing to be ashamed of."She walked over to a cabinet and came back with a gravid nursing bottle filled with potion."Here you go. Just come back to me whenever you need more."She handed him the bottle.

"Thanks,"Harry replied, as he walked out of the Hospital Wing.

As he walked back towards his office, Harry thought about what Madam Pomfrey had said. He knew she was aright, but he still could n't help but feel watery whenever he had one of these nightmares. He just wished he knew why he was having them and what he could do to hold on them.

******

When Albus awoke the succeeding morning, matte still had n't returned from the hospital Wing. John suggested that they go visit Matt before grade, but since the two boys had gotten up belated, they only had meter to grab a speedy bite to eat before heading to Potions in the dungeons.

"Good morning, socio-economic class !"an old, round, professor greeted them,"I 'm prof Slughorn, your Potions Master. Today, we shall be learning about the basic principle of potion brewing, including the grandness of proper stirring, heat, and element. Please afford your books to page 6."

The class opened their books and spent the unharmed lesson listening to Slughorn and copying down notes.

"Well, we 're pretty much out of time, so I 'll see you all next lesson. Could I have Albus Potter and blush wine Weasley please occlusive by my desk on their way out ?"Slughorn told the class.

"I 'll see you in August 6, lav. William Tell Professor Patil where I am,"Albus told his admirer. He had a notion he knew what Slughorn wanted. James had warned him about it.

Albus and Rose walked cautiously up to Slughorn 's desk after everyone else had left.

"Ah ! Young Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley. Now, I would like to assure you about a little assemblage I have scheduled for Fri. It 's for the pupil in the schoolhouse whose parents are, for lack of a better term, popular. Or those who have shown exceptional witching accomplishment. Of grade, I 'd be pleased if the both of you would see. I 'm indisputable your cousin-german will be attending. They seemed to like them in the past years,"Slughorn informed them.

"well, er, I guess we could make it,"Albus told Slughorn, while looking at Rose.

"Yes, we 'll be there. See you next object lesson, prof,"rose wine told him, as the two of them left the dungeon.

"I knew it was only a matter of time before we were invited to the Slug ball club,"Albus groaned. St. James loved the type slug social club. It gave him a whole lot more care and more people for him to narrate his stories too. But Albus did n't like the fame. He would possess rather skipped the party, but as James and his cousins were going, it would be hard not to.

"well, maybe it 'll be fun,"rosebush stated in a hopeful quality. Albus rolled his centre and the two of them went to Transfiguration.

***********
lustrelessness did n't show up in classes all day. Albus and John were really starting to concern. They decided to gossip him before dinner. When they got into the Hospital extension, they did n't see Matt right away. There was one girl occupying a bed with her arm in a sling. gentlewoman Pomfrey was fussing over her.

"I really think you need to stay here tonight. You can leave in the sunup !"

"But, Madam Pomfrey, I 've been here all day. My arm 's fine !"the girl exclaimed.

"No, I will not bear it ! You can leave in the morning,"lady Pomfrey said in a tint that was not to be argued with. The girl pouted and stopped talking.

Albus and Gospel According to John approached lady Pomfrey."Um, where 's Matt Eckerton ? We brought him here last dark,"john said tentatively.

"He 's back there,"she said, pointing to a bed with the drape pulled around it.

"Well, can we see him ?"Albus asked.

"No, I 'm sorry, but you ca n't. He 's not in any state to have visitant at the consequence. You can do see him this time tomorrow,"dame Pomfrey said hurriedly.

"But could you at least state us if he 's ok ?"Albus asked.

"He 'll be fine in a few solar day. Now, you two should direct down to dinner. You can see Matt tomorrow."

Albus and john walked glumly down to the Great Hall."That was unusual. St. James the Apostle said you can usually visit your protagonist when they 're in the infirmary annex,"Albus told John.

"Very weird. You know, I think Matt 's keeping something from us. ma'am Pomfrey seemed like she was expecting him last night, and now no one can visit him,"John told Albus in a worried tone.

"We 'll ask him about it when he gets out of the hospital Wing. I do n't recall he 'll be inclined to tell us tomorrow,"Albus reasoned.

*********

The next day, Gryffindor first years had DADA again. Nothing extraordinarily exciting happened during family. They mostly took notes on using Expeliarmus, the disarmament trance. Harry said they would start being able to pattern it on each other in the next class. John and Albus were really looking forward to this, as they really had n't used their scepter for anything yet.

Charms, however, was quite eventful. Professor Washburn started year by taking attending as usual. He gave a menacing glare to all the Gryffindors as he called their names. But Albus thought he stared especially long at him.

"adopt out your scepter,"snarled Wahsburn,"we 're practicing levitation today. Everyone take a feather."Washburn waved his sceptre and a feather appeared in presence of each pupil."Remember to swish and flick."

"Swish and flick,"murmured Albus from the spine mesa. He waved his sceptre and said,"Wingardium Leviosa !"Nothing happened. He tried over and over again. Still, nothing happened. John the Divine, however, managed to do it.

"feeling, Albus !"John exclaimed,"I 've done it !"john 's feather had rose a few column inch off the board, and fell down again.

"praise,"Albus said flatly, his feather still remaining quite still on the table.

"I 've done it, too !"Rose shouted. Her feather had also rose off the tabular array, but it managed to make it a few feet in the air before falling.

Washburn stormed out from behind his desk and rounded on the spinal column tabular array, where Albus, Saint John the Apostle, rosiness, and Amanda were sitting."Well, do it again !"he growled.

John and rosiness looked at him nervously and picked up their wands."Wingardium Leviosa !"they said at the same prison term. Both their feather rose feebly into the air and fell down again.

"Pathetic,"Washburn muttered,"ceramist ! You do it !"he shouted at Albus.

"But, Professor, I have n't managed it yet,"Albus muttered quietly.

"You 'll do what I tell you to do ! Perform the spell !"Washburn seemed to be getting angrier by the minute.

Albus nervously picked up his sceptre. His arm was shaking, this would not turn out good."Wingardium Leviosa,"he muttered very quietly. His feather leaped into the air and caught fire. The whole class, which had been staring at the spine table for quite some time, screamed.

The fire from the feather caught onto Washburn 's gown and set them on fire as well."Bloody Hell !"Washburn screamed. He grabbed Albus 's verge out of his hand and produced water from it to douse the flames."ceramist ! You 'll getting custody and 20 period from Gryffindor !"he shouted, glaring at Albus."Class dismissed. Get out, all of you except Potter."

Albus was visibly shaking now. The residuum of the stratum quickly left, the Gryffindors glancing anxiously at Albus. He walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk.

"well, you seem to have a knack for causing hassle, Potter,"Wahsburn spat.

"I 'm sorry, prof, I did n't think to,"Albus muttered, on the brink of tears.

"You 'll be doing custody tonight, I do n't care what former plans you might have. See you at 8pm."

"But-"

Washburn cut him off."I said tonight, now get out !"he screamed.

********

Later that night, Albus trudged his way back to the commons room after doing detention with Washburn. He had Albus do line of credit, so it was n't too bad. But Washburn stared at Albus the whole time, his eye like fire.

Albus climbed through the portrait and saw just who he needed to verbalize to."James, I 've got to ask you something."

"What is it ?"James asked, walking away from his acquaintance.

"Why does Washburn detest me ?"Albus asked."During the number 1 year, I thought he just hated all Gryffindors, but today he made it clearly that it 's me he hates."

"Really ? It 's well known he hates Gryffindors. But he 's always seemed to hate me more than everyone else,"James explained,"I always assumed it 's because I cause so very much trouble. You on the other hand, have always been so quiet. What did you do to him ?"

Albus mumbled something incoherent.

"What ?"

"I set him on fire."

Saint James burst out laughing.

"It 's not shady ! I did n't mean to do it. We were doing levitation, and he asked me to levitate the feather in front of everyone, when he knew I had n't managed to do it before. My arm was shaking so very much I knew the enchantment would n't work. The feather caught fire as soon as I muttered the magic spell, and then it spread to Washburn 's gown. I got logical argument and 20 point taken from Gryffindor,"Albus looked down, ashamed.

Henry James looked stunned."But that 's a mistake any initiative yr could have made. I do see how he got mad, though. I think you should just try to stave off him. Sit in the back, do n't say anything. Ignore him in the halls. That 's what I do. I still get way Thomas More custody from him than any former instructor, but I think I 've become immune to them. wellspring, I 'd improve get back to my champion. See you later."

Albus contemplated this information. Washburn hated all Gryffindors, but he hated James and Albus the most. Why ? It did n't hold signified. Neither Albus nor King James had met Washburn before Hogwarts.

"Albus !"whoremaster came running into the mutual room,"I 've just been with Matt."

"How is he ?"Albus asked.

"Not good. He 's covered in cut and bruises. Said he 'd tripped on his way to the bathroom. He kept avoiding talking about being ill. Just wanted to spill the beans about what 's going on in the school day. So I told him about you setting Washburn on attack. He thought it was hilarious."

"It 's NOT !"Albus shouted. He was sickish of everyone thinking it was funny. The story had already made it around the school and at dinner everyone was staring at him Thomas More than usual. Some students even high fived him and patted him on the back. It seemed like Washburn was disliked by many students.

"OK, okay,"John said, putting his mitt up,"Anyway, Matt said he 'd be back in class tomorrow dawning. gentlewoman Pomfrey just wanted him to stay the rest of the night."

"Good. Let 's go to bed. I 'm worn out,"Albus said. He and John the Divine climbed up the flier stairway to the dormitory.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Here 's the next chapter ! I combined two abruptly chapters into one, so this one 's a undecomposed bit longer than the premature ones.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Friday came too quickly for Albus 's liking. He was not looking forward to the poke night club meeting. Since the confluence and Gryffindor Quidditch try-outs were at the same metre, James would n't be joining Albus at the group meeting. Albus had tried to get out of the meeting by watching try-outs, but the squad captain decided to not let any looker at the try-outs. A large numeral of bookman had wanted to wait on just to see James, and the captain did n't desire anyone to interrupt the try-outs.

Later that day, Albus and Rose walked down to the dungeon together. Albus was dreading the confluence. They walked into the group meeting to see that most everyone else was already there. Albus already knew most of them. Some of his cousins were there, along with assorted other decree phallus'child. However, there were a few faces Albus had never seen before.

"Ah ! Albus and rose wine !"Slughorn gestured to a few chairman in the room,"Please have a seat. You already know many of the people here. But I do n't believe you know Tami Tobias, Frank Belleville, and Quinton Willinson ?"he said, gesturing to a blond haired young lady, a blackness haired boy, and a very lowering looking boy."Tami is a 6th year Ravenclaw who brews the most fantabulous potions, wiener is a 4th year Hufflepuff who can already perform gestural spells ! And Quinton 's a 7th year Slytherin whose father works at the Minsitry."

"Er, hi,"Albus responded.

"hi,"blush wine smiled.

Unfortunately for Albus ; Tami and Frank, along with Slughorn, spent much of the meeting hounding Albus with questions about his dad, the conflict, and Albus 's childhood. Eventually, Albus just got fed up with it.

"face, my dad 's told you all he wants to differentiate you. You 're not going to check anything else from asking me !"Albus shouted.

Slughorn looked taken aback."I thought you 'd enjoyed talking about it. Your chum always enjoys telling stories about his childhood."

"well, I 'm not James, now, am I ?"Albus shouted. Everyone else was now staring at him. Albus jumped up from his electric chair and stormed out the doorway, slamming it behind him.

Albus stamped his understructure the whole way up to the park room. He went through the portrait and was immediately bombarded by James.

"Albus ! I got it ! I 'm the new quester !"James shouted over the noise, jumping up and down and spilling his butterbeer all over the floor.

"That 's peachy, James, really great,"Albus told him, trying to voice somewhat excited.

"What ? You 're not felicitous for me ? I thought you would be. Dad 's rapturous. I told him as soon as I was done at trial,"James said tentatively.

"No, I am excited,"Albus responded glumly. All he wanted to do was go to bed, but James blocked his path.

"What 's ill-timed ? I can differentiate something 's wrong. Tell me,"King James said, in a vocalisation that sounded strangely like their mother's.

"It 's the poke Club. I just left. All anyone wanted to do was listen to me maunder on about my puerility,"Albus shouted, all the wrath coming back in total force."They would n't stop bothering me until I screamed at them and stormed out."

James just stared at Albus."And to top it all off, Slughorn said he thought I 'd LIKE talking about all that, just because you do !"Albus screamed at James and punched the nearest armchair.

"Boy, you do have Dad 's humour,"James told Albus,"I 'm sorry I could n't be there. I 'll be there at all the others. I swear. Well, unless there 's Quidditch practice."

"Others ? ! You really think I 'm going to another one of those ?"Albus shouted disgustedly.

"Well, Slughorn has them all throughout the twelvemonth. Sometimes they 're kind of fun. You know Dad used to go to them."

"Fun ? ! Fun ? ! How could that possibly be fun ? And I know Dad used to go to them, he did n't exactly enjoy them, now did he ?"Albus seethed.

"Yeah, some of them are fun,"James shifted from ft to foot. Albus could differentiate he was nervous.

"Just go back to your political party. You deserve it. respectable job at making Seeker, I really do mean that. But I think I 'm going to bed. Good night."

"'Night,"James said as he rejoined his party.

Albus walked up to his residence hall. It was still relatively early, so Albus was surprised to see Matt there. mat had returned at breakfast yesterday morn, but he still did n't look himself, so Saint John and Albus did not work up the question of him being ill.

Albus went over to Matt 's bed and pulled back the pall. He was sound asleep. That was strange. He just spent 2 solar day in the Hospital extension, why was he still tired ? Was he still spew ? Albus sighed, he would n't be able to question flatness tonight. fountainhead, turning in early would do Albus some sound too. Maybe he 'd be able to calm down after the evening 's inflammation. He got into his jammies and got into bed.

********
Unfortunately, Albus did not have a reposeful sleep. He was having vivid nightmares which involved Slughorn questioning him while James stood behind him, laughing. This same figure kept recurring over and over again. Albus tossed and turned and eventually, a new aspiration came over him.

Albus was sitting in a morose evacuate room. A man in a dark cloak appeared adjacent to him.

"He will recall,"the man said.

"What ?"Albus asked."Who 's returning ?"

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"William Tell me ! Who ?"Albus shouted.

"He will pass, he will revert, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.

Albus awoke with a scratch line. He was sweating. What was that about ? He had never had such a vivid dream. Who was going to return ? Albus raked his mastermind, and then it hit him. It felt like he 'd been punched in the belly. Of path ! He jumped out of bed and put on his dressing robe. It must be late, he thought. Matt, John the Evangelist, Ethan, and Bilius were still sleeping. Albus tip-toed out of dormitory and carefully shut the door behind him.

Albus had to see his dad. He did n't deal that it was the midriff of the night. He ran out of the common room and into the abandon corridor. It was strange wandering around this belatedly. Albus had never walked around the castle at Nox. He did n't care that he was n't supposed to be out of his dormitory room this belatedly. All he thought about was telling his dad about that dream. Albus ran down the step, probably making too much noise. As he rounded the corner, someone reached out and grabbed his shoulder. Albus screamed.

"Shut up !"a man shouted,"You 'll awake the whole school. Then we 'll have a real problem."

Albus looked into the center of the man who had caught him. It was Professor Washburn.

"fountainhead, well, Mr. Potter is out of bed. And this latterly at night ? Surely, he must be up to no adept,"Washburn sneered. Albus heard the happiness in his tone."We 'd better be off to my office, shall we ?"

Albus stood where he was."No, I have to see my dad."

"Running to Daddy, are we ? Is n't that cherubic. Unfortunately for you, wandering corridors at nighttime is against the rule, therefore, I will punish you."

Washburn grabbed Albus 's hired hand and dragged him to his office. Albus was really shaking now. What would Washburn do to him ?

When they entered Washburn 's gloomy office, he forced Albus into a chair directly in front of his desk.

Washburn slammed his hands on his desk."So, decided to have a little midnight stroll ? Care to tell me what you were up to ?"he glared at Albus, not blinking.

"I 've already told you. I need to see my dad,"Albus told him, nervously.

"Surely that could wait till good morning ? I bet you were setting up some kind of prank. Am I right ? You know, I 've caught your brother out of bed many a time for just that reason."

So that was it. Washburn hated James, so he in turn hated Albus too. That was the second base time in the past 12 minute that Albus had been compared to James."I am NOT like my comrade !"he stood up, fists clenched and stared at Washburn.

Washburn smiled."I seem to have struck a cheek. But it hardly matters what you were doing out of bed. The fact remains that scholarly person are not to be out of bed at,"he glanced at his watch,"1:37 in the morning. Now, to discourse your punishment."

"You can discuss my punishment after I see my dad,"Albus glared at Washburn.

"Sit back down, Potter. I know you 're just trying to get dear old Dad to save you."

Albus remained standing."I AM NOT !"he screamed,"I have something really important to discuss with him !"

"amercement, but I 'll occupy you to see him, so I can make certain you 're punished,"Washburn spat.

Albus did n't say another watchword and ran out the door.

"Wait ! Get back here, boy ! I told you I 'm taking you !"Washburn ran to catch up with Albus, breathing heavily. He was clearly out of shape. The two of them walked to Harry 's office in sodding silence.

"Well, here we are,"Washburn stated, pushing Albus aside and opening the room access."potter ! Wake up ! I caught your son out of bed."

Harry quickly walked out of his sleeping room. He had also been up after having a nightmare of his own. Harry looked at Albus and Washburn and jumped."Sorry, I expected it to be James."

"So did I. He insists that he discuss something with you before I punish him,"Washburn told Harry in a disgruntled voice.

Harry looked worriedly at Albus."What is it ? Are you okay, Al ?"

"I just need to tell you something ..."Albus replied, looking warily at Washburn.

"I must ask you to leave, Professor Washburn. I think this needs to be private."

"amercement ! I 'll waitress outside the doorway, but he will be punished !"Washburn yelled as he walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

As soon as he left, Albus relayed his whole dream to Harry.

Harry pulled Albus into a hug and told him,"Albus, I do n't cerebrate your nightmare had any kind of significance. It was just a bad dream."

"But, it seemed so material ! And you had ambition like this when you were younger, and they were material !"

"Yes, that 's because I could see Voldemort 's mentation. You know that. I think that hearing so much about the battle over and over again this hebdomad and being bombarded with motion about it has caused you to be worried,"Harry explained."I understand your fears. I still have nightmares about it. But I think the trump affair for you to do is just draw a blank about it."

"But, what if it is substantial ?"Albus asked in a concern tone.

"Think about it, Al. How could he come back ? He 's short. Even in the Wizarding universe, no one can derive back from the dead."

"Yeah, I suppose you 're aright. It was just so vivid and scary."

"I know. Now I only hope that as you spend to a greater extent time at Hogwarts, hoi polloi will discontinue asking you so many question. For tonight, I think you should deliver some sleeping Draught,"Harry walked over to his storage locker and poured a potion into a small bottle. I 'll read you back to Gryffindor towboat, and drink this before you get into bed."

"But what about hold ?"

"Do n't worry. You wo n't get detention. But wandering the corridors is against the rules, so please do n't do it anymore. Just mail word with a portrait from the common room if you need me, and I 'll meet you in the common room. Now, let 's get you back to bed. Just follow me and do n't say anything. I 'll parcel out with Washburn."

Harry opened the door and left the room. Albus followed."There will be no detention tonight, Professor Washburn. Albus really did take to tell me something that was worrying him. It 's perfectly understandable what he did. I 've talked to him and he wo n't do it again,"Harry explained calmly.

"But, he broke the linguistic rule !"Washburn screamed.

"Careful, you 'll wake the totally palace,"Harry told him as he continued to walk down the halls with Albus following quickly behind.

They left Washburn standing with his sassing open in the hallway. When Albus got back to his bed, he took his potion and had a dreamless, restful sleep.

******

As the weeks past, mass slowly got over the fervour of having Harry as a daddy teacher. Harry had explained the battle to every single one of his form, and in the take after stratum he was able to teach without being disrupted with questions pertaining to the ruination of Voldemort. Harry was grateful for this. He was still having his nightmare more often than usual, but thanks to Madam Pomfrey 's potion, he was able to get a few enough night 's quietus a week.

Things seemed to be calming down for Albus too. There had not been anymore Slug Club get together since the disastrous inaugural one, but Albus had no intention of going to one even if he got invited. His classes were going well. He seemed to skin the most in spell, but that was to be expected. At least Albus now knew why Washburn hated him so much, it was because he hated King James. As lots as Albus hated being compared to James IV, it was nice to know it was n't anything Albus did to rile Washburn. Unfortunately, Albus was earning a detention a week in his class.

Matt seemed to recuperate from his unwellness within a few days. However, as Sep grew into October, and the conditions started getting colder, Matt got puke again.

Albus, whoremaster, flatness, Bilius, Ethan, pink wine, Janie, Amanda, Karina, and Marina sat together at one table in the common way after dinner one Wednesday. They were working on a particularly hard Transfiguration essay.

"No, you 've got that wrong,"Rose told Albus.

"well, why do n't you enjoin me what the right response is, then ?"Albus said disgustedly.

"But then you wo n't larn anything !"

"You 're just like your mother,"Albus told him, shaking his question."Matt, what 's amiss ?"

matte had put his psyche down on his parchment, he had only written the first sentence of his essay.

"Huh ?"he said, lifting up his head. He glanced out the window."I 'm not feeling too in force. I think I might be sick."

"Again ? You do look a bit blench,"Amanda told him with a care look on her face."You bettor go to the Hospital Wing.

"All right. I 'll see you guys later,"lustrelessness slowly got up from his chairperson and shuffled out of the common room."You guy do n't have to come,"he said to Albus and John the Divine, who had gotten up.

Albus looked at him warily."If you 're sure."But lustrelessness had already left the rough-cut room.

"I hope he 's all rightfield. That 's the second time he 's been sick here and it 's only Oct,"John said.

"Yeah, I know. I guess we 'll just get to hold back and see how yearn he spends in the infirmary Wing this time,"Albus told him.

"fountainhead, I 'm never going to get this done !"Janie shouted, exhaustedly."I 'm going to bed,"she got up and left, the other 4 girls following her.

"We 'd better turn in, too,"Bilius told the other boys.

"Yeah, probably,"Albus agreed. The three boys walked up the circular staircase and got into bed.

*********

Matt did n't get out of the Hospital annexe until Saturday. Although, he spent most of that day sleeping in his four posting bed. His friends were n't all that surprised, since this claim Same matter had happened during his previous illness. They gave him his space until classes started again on Monday.

Albus had started to fear Potions class. He was always afraid that Slughorn was going to take up what happened in the late Slug Club confluence. Unfortunately for Albus, after dual potions that week, Slughorn called blush wine and him up to his desk after class.

"See you in Transfiguration, then, Albus,"John told him as he and matte started to walk out of the room.

"No, halt, please,"Albus hissed at them,"He wo n't mouth about what happened end time if you 're here."

"All right,"John sighed and dropped his bag on the approximate desk.

"blush wine and Albus ! I just wanted to invite you to my succeeding get together. It 's happening on Halloween. It 'll be a form of Halloween political party. You can each take a guest,"Slughorn said, delightedly.

"cool !"John shouted, running to the front of the room,"Bring me, Albus !"

"No, bring me !"Matt said louder, pushing past times John.

"Do n't occupy, boys, you can both come up, all right ?"Slughorn told them with a smile on his face.

"But, but-"Albus stammered, staring at King John and Matt.

"well, off you go, do n't need to be late for your next class !"Slughorn shooed them out of his classroom.

"John ! Matt ! Why did you do that ?"Albus shouted, once Slughorn was back in his room.

"What ? I wanted to see what all the fuss is about with those get together,"John said innocently.

"Ugh ! Now I have to go !"Albus threw his hands up in the air,"You knew I did n't need to go to anymore."

"fountainhead, we 'll be with you, it 'll be all right,"Matt said sympathetically.

*********

Before Albus knew it, he, Matt, and John were trudging down to the dungeon for the Hallowe'en party. bathroom and Matt were running along excitedly, while Albus lagged behind. They walked into the dungeon, to obtain it packed.

"Good, maybe no one will comment me,"Albus said as he gazed around at the crowd. The same members who were at the last merging were there, along with their Edgar Guest and numerous adults."Let 's go get some food."

The three boys walked through the crowd and over to the food table. They each piled a plate high with food. When Albus turned around, he almost ran into someone.

"Watch it !"the boy shouted, he was a rather with child Slytherin. The boy looked at Albus and then sneered."Ah, Potter, can I ask you a few questions about your puerility ? Or will that make baby Potter cry ?"

"Shut it,"Albus muttered, trying to push past the boy.

"Trying to run away, are we ? Well, that wo n't do. I thought you 'd enjoy talking about yourself. I certainly enjoy talking about me. So, I 'll spill. I 'm Quinton Willinson."Albus glanced at him again and now recognized him as the Slytherin that Slughorn introduced him to at the previous meeting.

John snorted into his autumn pumpkin juice.

"You think that 's shady ? Who are you ?"Quinton glared at John.

"lavatory Brickston. Pleased to fulfil you. This is lustrelessness Eckerton,"he gestured towards Matt.

"Enough about you, to a greater extent about me. My father high gear up at the Ministry. He does a assortment of job and makes a loading of gold from it. I 'm a 7th class. Father 's getting me a Ministry job once I 'm done here. I ca n't wait until I get out of here and ca-ca Au like he does,"Quinton slip a cookie off of Albus 's plate and started to eat it.

"So,"he said in between chomp,"What was it like growing up with 'The elect One'?

"I said, shut it !"Albus said, a bit louder.

"Oh, are we going to give birth a repeat of in conclusion coming together ?"Quinton asked excitedly, stealing another cookie.

"Definitely not,"shouted Saint John, who drew his baton,"After this one, you 'll bid you 'd never been born."Matt quickly drew his own wand.

"No, guys, it 's okay, do n't get in trouble for him, he 's not worth it,"Albus told them.

"Gon na excommunicate me, ickle firsties ?"Quinton giggled,"I 'm so scared."

"What 's going on over here ?"James asked as he walked over to the intellectual nourishment table,"What do you want, Willinson ?"

"Just thought I 'd ask Albus about his animation growing up,"Quinton told James innocently.

"fountainhead, I think he said to hold back, did n't he ?"James said, drawing his own wand.

"He might 've mentioned it,"Quinton sneered as he, too, drew his wand,"But I do n't see what 's so wrong about wanting to experience about 'The Chosen One'. Maybe you could recite me how he managed to defeat the greatest wizard of all sentence ?"

"Expeliarmus !"James shouted, and Quinton 's scepter flew across the room.

Slughorn looked up at the shouting and hustled over to see what had happened."You can not duel at my party !"

"They started it,"Quinton said, pointing to Albus and his acquaintance,"Little thrower had to feature his big comrade defend him."

"Well, you 'll all put your wands away now so we can relish the repose of the party in peace. Or you 'll all get detention,"Slughorn growled as the male child all hastily put their sceptre away.

Quinton gave Albus one last sneer and he stalked off. Albus watched him go and turned and ran out of the room. He heard his Quaker following him, but did n't stop to utter. He did n't stop or turn around until he reached the Fat Lady 's portrayal. He gave the password and ran into the common elbow room and up to his dormitory.

Albus knew going to that political party was a bad idea. He should n't receive gone. Never again. He punched his pillow. What did Quinton want with him anyway. And why did he call Voldemort 'the big sensation of all time'? Voldemort was defeated before Quinton was even born, he could n't possibly bear been a Death Eater.

The door to the dormitory opened and Matt and john walked in."You okay ?"Matt asked.

"Oh, I 'm just all right,"Albus told them sarcastically,"I 'm never going to one of those again, even if you two want to go as my guests. You saw what it 's like now, not much fun, is it ?"

"Yeah, not that practically fun, although was n't that cool how James IV disarmed Willinson ?"John said excitedly."I mean, he 's 5 years younger than him !"

"Real cool,"Albus said flatly,"I think I just want to go to bed."Albus pulled the hangings of his bed closed and laid down. He fell asleep relatively quickly, but it was n't a restful sleep. He had the nightmare again. It happened a few times a calendar week now, and try as he might, Albus could n't seem to leave about it.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --


Sorry for the wait ! I had to rewrite something and combine chapters because I thought this one was too short.

As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



As the commencement few days of November passed, the weather became gradually colder. The wind was blowing fiercely, and soon blow would be falling. The first year Gryffindors were not at all surprised when lustrelessness got disgorge again and spent a few twenty-four hour period in the hospital wing.

"Hey, flatness ! How are you feeling ?"Albus asked at dinner when Matt reappeared from the hospital wing.

"All right,"Matt told him while putting food onto his plate.

"You know, you get spew a lot, lustrelessness. Are you sure you 're okay ?"John chimed in.

"Yeah, I know. I 've got this, er, unwellness. And it makes me get sick quite a bit. I did n't want to worry you, so that 's why I never told you,"Matt replied quickly.

"But you 're honest now, right ?"Albus asked, nervously.

"Um, form of. I mean, I 'm better now, but it 'll happen again,"Matt told them and quickly changed the discipline,"So, first Quidditch catch in 2 weeks ! Gyrffindor vs. Hufflepuff. Should be a good plot !"

"Uh, yeah, it should be,"Albus looked warily at Matt. Clearly he did n't like talking about his illness. Albus and John did n't land it up again during the meal. Albus, John Lackland, and Matt spent the rest of dinner talking about the upcoming match.

The next two workweek dragged by. As the metre before the Quidditch compeer drew shorter, the anticipation and turmoil increased. Both captains were holding pattern more often than usual. They alternated evening for the pitch, so each team was practicing every other Night. The Gryffindor instrumentalist trudged back into the common way well after ten o'clock at Night on the days of their practices. They were usually muddy and coldness, as the weather was not cooperating. Even the prof were getting into the liveliness and were not assigning much homework to the players, however they still piled it on the other students.

Excitement was extremely high in the Gryffindor common way the night before the first Quidditch match. No one was getting lots homework done. The only ones trying were a few 7th yr and blush wine, who was reading a book with her finger's breadth in her ears.

"Oi ! Rose !"Albus called across the coarse room as he walked over to her,"You actually trying to get homework done ? Why do n't you take a break ? You 've been studying all day."

"Yes, I know I have,"Rose said irritably,"We 've got a big History of Magic examination this week, you know. And we have n't even won the match, so why celebrate yet ?"

"You know, you 're just like your mum,"Albus laughed as he left rosiness to her Good Book. He decided he 'd notice James and wish him skillful luck.

Jesse James was standing in the middle of the mutual room, surrounded by his confrere teammates."King James !"Albus shouted,"Could I have a word ?"

"Sure !"James shouted back, as he left the chemical group,"What 's up ?"

"Just wanted to wish you luck, was n't sure if I 'd see you before the couple. You know, you 'll do fine,"Albus told his brother."Are you uneasy ?"

"A bit, yeah,"James responded,"It 's just everyone thinks I 'll be a capital Seeker because Dad was, so I do n't require to let down them."

"You wo n't. I 've seen you play. You 're the practiced quester this house has, that 's why you 're on the team,"Albus said reassuringly.

"I suppose. I guess I 'd improve get back to the squad, we 're talking strategy,"James told him.

"Ok, see you tomorrow."

********

Albus was right that he was n't able to mouth to Epistle of James before the friction match. Albus saw him briefly at breakfast, he was looking a bit sick and was n't eating anything. Shortly after Albus arrived at the table, however, the whole team left for the locker rooms. After eating some breakfast, Albus walked down to the tar with John and lustrelessness. They found themselves behind high in the sales booth next to Rose, Amanda, Janie, Marina, and Karina.

"Is James anxious ?"pink wine asked Albus.

"A bit, yeah, he 's afraid everyone 's going to compare him to Dad, so he 's afraid he 's going to disappoint everybody,"Albus told her.

"Well, he wo n't,"Rose said reassuringly.

"I know."

The weather conditions could n't consume been risky for a biz of Quidditch. The malarky and pelting from the former week had not let up at all. Albus had a hard time seeing onto the pitch. Visibility was terrible, so the spectators had to mainly rely on the comment to tell apart them what was going on.

"Welcome to the first Quidditch compeer of the time of year !"a booming vox shouted. Albus recognized it as Todd Smith, one of his cousin Sakartvelo 's champion."Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff !

"And here come the teams ! Gryffindor, Samantha Meyers, Ryan O'Malley, William James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Sakartvelo Weasley, and heather mixture Weasley. Blimey, that 's a lot of Weasleys ! Here are the Hufflepuffs ! Shawn Ames, Jason Bristol, Lisa Galivant, Jessica harper, Andy Kaper, and Stacey Manson !

"Captains Meyers and Harper have shaken hands, and the Quaffle is up !"

14 players and prof Oteski rose up into the sky on their brooms. Albus could just cause out the red robed Gryffindors and the yellow robed Hufflepuffs. Although he had no idea who was who.

"Gryffindor is in possession of the Quaffle. Heather Weasley is storming up the pitch, headed for the Hufflepuff goal. Oh ! Saved by Keeper Bristol. Hufflepuff now in ownership. Nice beater employment by Bradley Weasley, too bad Ames swerved just in time to debar the bludger. And Hufflepuff scores !"

"Darn it !"Albus shouted. john and Matt were hissing at the Hufflepuffs.

"Fred Weasley is in monomania of the Quaffle, passes to Meyers, who then passes to ling Weasley and back to Fred. That 's the way to do it ! Confuse them ! harper sends bludger to Fred, but it is intercepted by O'Malley ! Great job ! And Gryffindor scores !"

"Woohoo ! ! !"Albus shouted. Despite the rainwater, he was loving every minute of the game. Quidditch game always sounded so commove when his dad told him about them, but Hogwarts secret plan were much better in person. Albus had been to a few professional games, but it somehow seemed better to observe a secret plan that had your own home on the team.

The biz continued on for what seemed like time of day. The rainfall and wind had farseeing since made Albus 's hands asleep. But he did n't care.

"Blimey, do you think this could go on all day ?"John asked as Hufflepuff scored.

"I sure hope so !"matt shouted over the winding,"I 've been putting off an essay for Potions and have no urge to start it anytime soon. ``

"lusterlessness ! You should own done that essay day ago,"Rose scolded,"I hope it ends soon, I still have some more hit the books to do do for account of Magic."

"And heather Weasley heaps for Gryffindor !"Julia Evelina Smith shouted,"The score is currently 100-90 Gryffindor. With no sign of the stoolie ! Both seeker are flying slowly around the pitch, oculus peeled for that aureate testis. Of course, the big hullabaloo this plot is James Potter, the new Gryffindor Seeker. His dad, Harry Potter, was one of the effective Seekers Gryffindor house has ever seen. But will James IV live up to his dad 's legacy ? but time will order. maitre d'hotel Meyers has been quite closelipped about their exercise and would not let anyone watch over James fly until this match."

"Energy Department Quidditch always last this foresighted ?"Amanda asked Albus.

"Not usually, but they do vary quite a bit. One earth cup lasted over a month. All depends on the Seekers and the weather, usually. Weather like this, who knows when the snitcher will be seen,"Albus explained.

"Well, I think I like watching Quidditch. trend, I could never trifle. You saw me on my broom in flying deterrent example. The thing would n't get up in the air,"Amanda laughed.

The first-class honours degree yr had had a few flying lessons over the past few weeks. Amanda was n't the worst in the class, but was n't having much luck with her broom. Albus was pretty good. Not as near as St. James, but he thought he might be able to try out for Chaser next twelvemonth when Samantha Meyers left.

"Gryffindor scores again ! Blimey, if the match goes on much foresighted, we 'll be in for a Hogwarts record ! It 's past tiffin clip, the mates has been going on for 4 minute in type anyone had been wondering. Oh, look at this ! I think Galivant has seen the Snitch !"smith shouted.

Indeed, she had. Lisa Galivant was flying directly towards the background, where the small halcyon winged musket ball was hovering. Henry James was flying a few invertebrate foot above her and noticed her dive. He quickly pulled his heather into a dive as well.

"And both quester are neck in neck opening, heading towards the ground, where the gilded stool pigeon has been spotted ! Potter is now pulling ahead a piddling. Kaper is headed towards a bludger that is right above both searcher. And Kaper hits the bludger towards potter, who has n't noticed it !"

Whack ! The bludger collided with James 's skull, just as he reached for the stoolie. He fell, headfirst off his broom from a superlative of 10 pes, and landed on the flat coat, not moving.

"James ! ! !"Albus shouted, as he tried to move past all the scholar who were standing up in their seat looking at the pitch.

"Potter is knocked off his ling by a bludger sent by Andy Kaper. Surely, Galivant has caught the sneaker. But time lag, she 's landing empty-handed. Where is the canary ?"

Albus had managed to extricate himself from the rack, running onto the pitch, followed by john, Matt, Amanda, and Rose.

"James !"Albus shouted again, as he ran towards the crew of teacher surrounding his blood brother. He pushed his way in between Profesor Patil and Professor Longbottom and saw his dad leaning down at James 's side. He had an extremely worried feeling on his face.

"I 'm taking him to the Hospital Wing,"Harry told the teacher as he picked James up. Harry started walking towards the castle. Albus ran after him, followed by his friends.

They burst through the wooden doorway and ran up the stair to the hospital Wing. When they got inside, Harry deposited James onto a bed. lady Pomfrey was striding towards them.

"wellspring, what 's happened ? Quidditch, right ?"she clicked her tongue,"Such a dangerous summercater. I do n't know why they still allow it."She bustled over to James and examined him."Cracked skull. I 'll give birth it mended in no clock time, but he 's unconscious, so it might be a while before he comes round."

The room access of the hospital Wing burst opened and a few instructor made their way into the elbow room and stood by Harry.

ma'am Pomfrey ran over to a console and grabbed some potion to put on James II 's headway. She went back over to King James and started applying potion. Once she was done, she tapped her wand to his head and muttered a charm. She applied bandages and turned to his hand, which was clamped shut around something.

"Looks like he managed to catch the Snitch,"Madam Pomfrey announced as she pried the still struggling lucky bollock from his hand.

`` Wow, '' Harry smiled, `` That 's impressive. '' He took the stool pigeon from gentlewoman Pomfrey and pocketed it. Harry sat down on a hot seat next to James 's bed and started stroking his hair.

`` He 's going to be an incredible seeker, '' Neville commented.

Albus walked over to the bed and sat down next to Harry."Is he going to be all in good order ?"Albus whispered.

"I think he 'll be fine, Al,"Harry reassured Albus,"Although I ca n't tell you it did n't affright me half to death when I saw him fall from his broom. I never really thought much about the peril of Quidditch when I was playing it, but now that my own son is getting trauma ...."

Albus stared at his Fatherhood."You 're not going to stimulate him stop playing, are you ?"

Harry laughed,"'Course not ! I 'd be the hypocrite of the century. I just worry about him. I 'm for sure he 'll be fine, though. This certainly wo n't be his stopping point Quidditch injury. I had my fairish ploughshare. I 'm just in for a distressing next 6 years."

"More than that, Dad,"Albus laughed,"I 'm going to try out for chaser future year."

"And I 'm sure you 'll be cracking at it, Al. I 'll worry about you too. Although, searcher tend to get injured the most out of all the histrion,"Harry got up from his chair,"well, I 've got to direct an owl to your mother. She insisted I tell her how the game went, although she wo n't be too happy once I 've told her. Why do n't you and your friends go down and have some dinner ? It 's been a long day,"Harry kissed Saint James the Apostle on the forehead and left the Hospital Wing.

James did n't recover consciousness until 3 days after the match. Two twenty-four hours after that, Madam Pomfrey allowed him to leave the Hospital Wing. He was thrilled that he had managed to catch the sneaker and win Gryffindor the lucifer, and was eager to tell the floor over and over again to anyone who listened. Once James was out of the Hospital flank, the Gryffindors had a brassy and yobbo party until the wee hours of the morn to celebrate the win.

******

The next few weeks flew by for Albus and his friends. Their workplace loading was steadily increasing as drop term drew to an end.

"Why did Patil have to give us an essay due the same day Slughorn did ?"John asked disgustedly, one night in the uncouth room.

"They always do that,"Albus groaned.

"Yeah, I 'm never going to get this potions done. Why ca n't they alternate Clarence Day for homework giving ? It 's stupid, really. I think they must all compete to see who can return the most homework,"John the Divine told Albus as he feverishly finished up his Transfiguration Day essay.

"Even my dad is giving us a huge shipment. I thought he 'd go gentle on us cause he used to tell me how much he hated how much homework he was given."

"Done !"Saint John the Apostle exclaimed, as he slammed his metamorphosis book shut."Now, on to that potions essay."He dug around in his bag for his potions al-Qur'an."Could I borrow your bank note, rosebush ?"

"No, use your own notes,"Rose said coldly. Even she was faltering under the immense study freight, and was huddled at a recession table which was buried under all her notes and record book, doing her own potions essay.

"Ugh ! You know I do n't take eminence !"John groaned.

"fountainhead, why not ?"Rose asked.

"'Cause it 's drilling,"whoremaster explained,"Can I adopt yours, Albus ?"

"Sure, they 're in my bag,"Albus told John as he frantically finished up a account of Magic homework.

St. John the Apostle dug around in Albus 's bag until he found the notes."Thanks, first mate ! Matt, do you need to use them, too ?"John looked over at his friend.

Matt was curled up in an armchair, wincing in pain.

"Hey, are you okay ?"John asked with a interested feeling on his facial expression. He and Albus had been so preoccupy with their large amounts of homework that they had n't noticed matt leave the table.

"Huh ?"Matt looked up, with his bridge player pressed to his head. He yawned."I guess I must be getting sick again. I think I 'll go to the infirmary Wing."Matt stood up to go out, but he swayed on the speckle and had to slant on the armchair for support.

"matt !"John ran over to his friend and grabbed his arm,"I 'll call for you, okay ? You look like you 're about to fall over."

"okey, thanks,"Matt mumbled as the two of them left the common room.

Albus had stopped writing his essay and watched the two of them leave.

"I wish I knew some way to help him,"he murmured to Rose."He has n't even told us what disease he 's got. I wonder if it 's some really uncommon variety that not many the great unwashed have heard of."

Rose looked up."Is n't it obvious ?"

"What ?"

Rose got up from her table, walked over to Albus, and whispered in his ear."Have n't you noticed that he always gets sick during the full lunar month ? I realized that after he got sick in November, and I 've been watching him the past few days."

Albus just looked at her with a dummy look on his grimace."So ? And why would I pay tending to full lunar month ?"

"Ugh !"Rose groaned,"Put it together. I do n't want to say what I think it is right now with so many people around. And you should pay attention to full moon for Astronomy."

"well, then let 's wait until they all go to bed. I 've certainly got enough homework to do between now and then,"Albus said impatiently.

"Fine, but it still seems obvious to me."

The cousins spent the next few hours working on their homework, waiting for the common room to empty out. After a half minute or so, toilet came back. Albus filled him in on what Rose said, and he had no idea what she could be on about. He got out his potions essay and continued to go on it. Eventually, around midnight, Albus, John, blush wine, and Amanda were the only ones left in the common room.

"So,"Albus whispered,"What have you figured out ?"

"wellspring,"Rose said slowly, looking up from her Herbology meter reading,"The clew are that matt always gets ill around the full moon, the few days before it he sleeps a lot and looks paler than usual. He always goes to the infirmary Wing the night of a to the full lunation, and when he comes back, he usually is covered in cuts and bruises."

"That 's cause he 's clumsy,"John said confidently.

"That 's what he wants you to call up ! Do n't you get it ?"Rose shouted.

"keep your voice down, Rose, someone 'll wake up,"Amanda whispered,"Now what do you think Matt has ?"

"He 's a wolfman,"Rose said quietly.

"What ? !"privy shouted,"No way."

"lycanthrope ? ! You mean, those are real ?"Amanda squeaked.

"'Course they 're rattling, Amanda,"John told her,"So are vampires. Muggles just do n't opine they are."

`` The only thing I 'm still wondering about is why he does n't adopt Wolfsbane Potion, '' Rose continued, `` You know, that potion shift 's dad took to hold open him from harming himself and others. ``

Albus had started to pace the common room."You know, Rose, it fits, it really does. matte sounds just like Teddy 's dad. But I do n't know. Why would n't he bear taken the potion ?

"Of course it fits ! I 've had a hunch about it ever since October, but I wanted to expect a few month to be sure. I do n't experience why he would n't take the potion. But remember one of our first night here and there was that horrible shrieking ?"Rose asked.

"Yeah, I heard that,"Amanda told her.

"well, it must possess come from the Shrieking Shack. That 's where slip 's dad went to transform when he was a bookman here. You can get in there from the Whomping Willow, but I do n't know how that works. Matt must go there to transform as well,"Rose explained.

"I wonder why he would n't take the potion ?"Albus wondered aloud as he continued to stride."Dad said Teddy 's dad always took it."

"I dunno, Albus,"rosiness said sadly,"But I 've heard it 's really painful to transform if that potion is n't used."

"It fits, but I 'm still not for sure. Are you absolutely surely ? I do n't love if we should startle to conclusions,"Albus responded.

"I 'm somewhat sure. I mean, I 'm not positive, because I have n't heard him say it or seen him transmute. But I 've read all about wolfman and Matt fits the description,"Rose persuaded.

"If it 's true, and I 'm not saying it is or it is n't, what are we going to evidence him ? I mean, what if it is n't true, and we tell him we think he 's a loup-garou ? He would n't be too happy,"John asked. He was sitting completely still in one of the armchairs, apparently in shock. Amanda was doing the same.

"I do n't reckon we should say anything. Especially since we 're not entirely for sure,"Albus stated, while looking warily at blush wine. Rose rolled her eyes."We wo n't tell him we know. He obviously does n't require us to have a go at it. Otherwise, he 'd accept told us himself, if it 's confessedly. I 'm sure he 'll tell us what disease he has when he 's ready."

"But what if he does n't ?"Amanda asked,"I do n't know anything about werewolves, but he probably does n't want anyone to know."

"That 's probably true. Wizards have n't treated wolfman very well. chemise 's dad could n't get a job after he was done at Hogwarts. He did handle to get a job as DADA instructor here, but he quit once people found out he was a werewolf because parents would n't want him teaching their nipper,"blush wine told Amanda,"It 's sad, really. Werewolves are harmless while they 're not transformed."

"He 's probably afraid what we would cerebrate,"John said,"If he 's a werewolf, that is. I say we keep track of when he transforms."

"Good thought. But if it turns out we 're in good order and he still does n't say us, I guess we 'll let to let him know that we know,"Albus said.

"Yeah, I suppose we will,"John agreed.

"Oh, and mine and Rose 's Uncle Bill was bit by a werewolf, but the werewolf was n't transformed at the sentence. Uncle eyeshade 's not a werewolf, but I suppose I could ask him some interrogative over Christmas Break, to try and get some to a greater extent information,"Albus told everyone.

"commodity musical theme, Albus ! I 'll ask him with you,"rosebush exclaimed, while walking over to the hall door."I think we should probably go to bed. Good night, everyone."

"Night,"Albus, Amanda, and can responded.

Albus walked up the stairs to his dormitory room. He could not stop thinking about Matt. How could he be a werewolf ? Who bit him ? When ? Albus knew wolfman were perfectly harmless as long as they were n't transformed, but the idea still troubled him. teddy bear 's dad had been his granddad 's friend at schooling, and he had been his dad 's pappa teacher when he was in schooling. He had died in the conflict against Voldemort. If only he could talk to him. Ask him interrogation about it. Was there anything Albus could do ?

Albus got into bed and pondered these interrogative sentence. Eventually, he fell into a restless sleep. He started out dreaming about failing a magic spell test and professor Washburn chasing him through the rook with a beater 's bat. But soon, the dream shifted and became the nightmare that had plagued him since the first week of school.

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A/N : Please survey ! No recap from the last chapter, but thanks to my sis, Dancer of Starlight for reading this and giving me her opinion.

Disclaimer- Like usual, I do n't own Harry ceramicist or anything else you recognize.

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Chapter 7 : Dueling and Detention

Harry was sitting in a wickedness void room. A man in a saturnine cloak appeared next to him.

"He will repay,"the man said.

"Who ?"Harry asked."Voldemort ? That 's not possible, I made sure of that."

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"No, he wo n't !"Harry shouted.

"He will return, he will return, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.
Harry awoke with a commencement, he sat up in bed, breathing fast. That was odd. Harry had not had a dream that seemed so really since before Voldemort had died. But Harry could n't possibly be seeing things through Voldemort anymore, not if he was dead.

Harry got up and paced the way. What did the aspiration mean ? Was someone trying to bring Voldemort back to life ? And was that even possible ? And why would he be dreaming about it ? Harry did n't cogitate so. Then it hit him, he remembered that Albus had had the same dream month ago ! Did this mean something ? Was there something meaning about their dreams ? Or were they just dreams ?

Harry walked over to his closet and got out his cloak. He had to discuss this with someone. As much as he thought that the dreaming were just dream, his gut told him they meant something. Harry remembered that Ron was stationed in Hogsmeade tonight. Ever since Professor Torro was murdered, Harry was having an Auror stationed in Hogsmeade at all times. Something just did n't sit right with him about that murder.

Harry quietly left his office and walked into the corridor. It seemed deserted, which was n't strange since it was one o'clock in the morning. Harry started to take the air down the corridor. He turned a recess and nearly bumped into someone.

"Who 's there ?"the person shouted and pointed his baton at Harry."Potter ? What are you doing out so late ?"

"The same could be said of you, Washburn,"Harry responded."Put your scepter away."

Washburn stowed his wand back in his cloak."What are you doing wandering the halls at this minute ? I now see where Albus gets his ideas about belatedly night stroll from."

"It 's none of your business, but I need to talk over something with mortal,"Harry growled."And what are you doing ? Plotting elbow room to put my son in detention ? I know you 've got something against them, and I will come up out what."

"I 've zilch against your sons, thrower, they just seem to misdemean more than than the average student,"Washburn sneered at Harry.

"James, yes, I 'll believe that. He seems to take after his Uncle George and his grandfather,"Harry agreed,"But Albus ? He has only ever gotten custody from you, Washburn. All the other professors say he 's quieten in class."

"Maybe in their classes. He 's always making trouble in mine. He talks while I 'm talking, irritates the former student, does n't do his homework, and does n't heed to me. Not to mention the prison term he set me on fire !"Washburn shouted.

"dungeon your phonation down, you 'll wake the whole castle,"Harry whispered,"And why on earth would Albus only do that stuff in your socio-economic class, Washburn ?"

"How should I know how a delinquent 's mind works ? Maybe you should ask him,"Washburn spat.

"Just remember, I 'm watching you, Washburn. So are the other professors,"Harry told him,"Now if you 'll excuse me, I have some business organisation to pay heed to."Harry strode past Washburn and ignored any boost communicating attempts from him.

There was something fishy about Washburn, Harry thought. He had never met the man before starting as a instructor at Hogwarts. But for some reason Washburn seemed to dislike Harry as soon as they met. Maybe it was because James misbehaved so lots in class finis year ? Is that why he hates Albus as well ? Harry did not fuck, but he hoped to find out.

Harry found Ron standing near The Three broom handle."Hey, Ron."

Ron jumped."Blimey, Harry, you scared me !"Ron whispered as he lowered his wand.

"Sorry. I 've got to talk to you about something,"Harry whispered back.

"What is it ?"Ron asked.

Harry relayed both his and Albus 's dreams to Ron."And when Albus told me about his dream, I just thought it was a nightmare, but it seems odd that we would both have the Same dream."

"How could you both have the same ambition ?"Ron questioned.

"No idea. The alone thing I could guess of is that someone is using Legilimency on both of us."

"well, it 's potential. You 've never been very good at Occlumency, have you ? And Albus has certainly never used it. Plus whoever is doing it must be somewhat stupid. Why would someone plant that dream in your header if they wanted to do something evil ? Why would n't they just read your mind and be done with it ?,"Ron reasoned.

"Yeah, that 's what I thought of, too. Who would need me to experience they 're reading my judgement and make me remember Voldemort is coming back ? It would also suffer to mean someone 's either getting into the castle at night or it 's a instructor or scholar,"Harry said worriedly.

"well, I have n't seen anyone near the castle footing tonight and how could they get past the protection ?"Ron asked.

"I know, that 's what makes me reckon it 's a student or instructor. And no scholarly person would be able to do Legilimency like that. Maybe a 7th year could, if they studied and practiced enough,"Harry told Ron.

"Well, whoever 's doing it, it 's pretty worrisome,"Ron stated.

"I know. And what about the ambition itself ? I mean, if someone is making Albus and I dream this, then they must be trying to take back Voldemort."

"But how on dry land could they do that ?"Ron asked.

"I 'm not sure, exactly. But I have a hunch. The Resurrection of Christ Harlan Stone,"Harry replied.

"But that does n't really bring masses back."

"I know, but it does lend back a form of them that only the person with the stone can see. And you can speak to them. I talked to my parents, Sothis, and lupine with it, remember ?"Harry explained.

"Yeah, that 's true. If whoever 's doing this had the Oliver Stone, then they 'd be able to sing to Voldemort ?"Ron asked,"Blimey, that 's scary. But how could they receive the pit ? Us and Hermione are the only ones who know where it is."

"I know, but if they 're using Legilimency, then they 'd be able to regain out from me,"Harry said quietly.

"fountainhead, what are we going to do ?"Ron asked nervously.

"I do n't know, Ron, I really do n't,"Harry confessed,"I 'm going to sustain to call up of a program. If somebody 's been reading my intellect, then they might 've already seen where the stone is. I think I 'll have to increase the protective cover near the forest. I 'll allot More Aurors to Hogsmeade. Ask Hagrid if he 's noticed anything funny remark happening in or around the forest."

"strait upright. But whatever you do, I think it might be best for you to at to the lowest degree try to use Occlumency again,"Ron suggested.

"I know, I 'll try. I 've gotten better over the years, and hopefully it 'll be secure enough,"Harry replied.

"What are you going to tell apart Albus ?"Ron asked.

"Nothing. He still thinks the dream means cipher and it 's better that way. He 'd be so scared if he knew what was going on. Plus, we never told the kids about the Hallows. I wanted to await until they were older. Did n't want them blabbing about them to half the school. You know how James is."

"I know, that 's why I never told rose wine or Hugo either,"Ron agreed.

"wellspring, I 'd better get back up to the schooling. retain your eyes peeled and your wand out. As Mad-Eye would cause said, 'Constant watchfulness'. We still do n't really screw that it 's a student or teacher yet, and I 'd prefer not to let to bug out questioning my colleagues."

"All right, Harry, you 're the boss,"Ron joked."ripe night, then."

"'Night."

******

The next few Day passed quickly. Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda visited flatness in the infirmary wing a few prison term but cipher mentioned the conversation about him being a loup-garou. Instead they just talked about what had been going on in stratum. lusterlessness left the hospital wing one morning a match days later and met his champion in the Great Hall for breakfast. Again, nobody mentioned the conversation from the replete moon.

Albus looked up from his pledge for a few seconds and noticed that Quinton Willinson was striding over to the Gryffindor table with a smug look on his face. What did he require ?

"Guess what, Potty ?"Quinton leered at Albus."Slughorn 's having a Dec 25 party. Have you heard ? Just told me about it yesterday."

"So ?"Albus said flatly, not looking up from his porridge.

"So, are you going then ?"Quinton laughed."Are we going to be treated to yet another Potty show ?"

James walked into the Great anteroom and immediately noticed Quinton near his brother. He ran over to see what was going on.

"What are you doing here ?"James asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Ah, the one-time Potty ! What a joy to have them both here at once,"Quinton said excitedly,"I was just telling your dear brother about Slughorn 's Christmas political party. I was merely wondering if he would be attending."

"That 's none of your business,"James glared at Quinton.

"volition you be going as well ?"Quinton asked, ignoring James 's gossip."Then we could have a persist comment about your Quidditch skills as well as listen to your brother 's burst !"

"Shut it !"James shouted, turning beet red and drawing his wand.

"James ! It 's ok, just ignore him,"Albus told his brother.

"No, it 's no ok,"King James responded.

"Going to duel me, Potty ? I can take aim both of you,"Quinton drew his wand and pointed it at James.

"Bet you ca n't hold us as well,"john said as he and matt both drew their wands.

"Easy,"Quinton snorted.

"What is going on here ? Dueling at breakfast ?"prof Washburn walked over to the table and sneered at James.

"No, professor, just defending my brother,"James responded.

"I believe that qualifies as dueling, ceramist,"Washburn spat,"hold for you and your buddy, plus Brickston and Eckerton as well. And 50 full stop from Gryffindor."

James gaped at him."But what about Willinson ? He started it ! And Albus does n't even make his wand drawn ! He did n't do anything."

"I 'd suggest you shut your mouth, potter, or I 'll make it 2 detention,"Washburn growled as he walked up to the stave table."I 'll tell you all the escort and clock time in your succeeding magic spell form. And I do n't care if you have Quidditch practice during the time of detention."

"wellspring, I guess I 'll see you at Slughorn 's party, then,"Quinton told them as he walked back to the Slytherin table.

"This is nonsensical !"Saint James shouted,"We did n't do anything ! He hates me, I tell you."

"I know, he hates me too,"Albus agreed,"And I have n't even done anything to him. I 've had a detention a week from him."

"Quidditch practice is tonight at 7 ! He better not make it tonight !"James II groaned.

"wonderment what he 'll have us do ?"privy asked.

"Dunno ? He usually has me do descent, while he glares at me,"Albus told him.

"I hate lines,"Matt sighed,"They 're so boring."

"Well, there 's a lot sorry custody than dividing line,"James told him.

"True. Blimey, look at the time !"Matt shouted as he glanced at his watch."We 're going to be late for pop !"

lusterlessness, Albus, and John the Divine got up from the board and murmured rushed goodbyes to James, who was rushing off to account of deception. Albus noticed that the fille had already left for class.

******

"Well, that was boring, Gospel According to John groaned as he, Albus, and flatness left DADA a while later,"Why do we let to read about the spells before we get to do them !"

"Because otherwise you wo n't realise what the enchantment does and what the item of it is,"Rose said, exasperatingly. She was often explaining the stop of reading to John.

"I 'd rather read in DADA than do spells in spell,"Albus sighed. The Gryffindors were on their way to their least favorite class.

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"And we 'll be learning what our detention will lie of."

"Ugh ! I 've done way too many detention with Washburn,"Albus groaned."And you can bet that he 'll purposely birth us doing the detainment while St. James is supposed to have Quidditch practice."

"Of course,"Matt agreed, as he pushed open the door to the Charms schoolroom. The boy walked inside and found their common mesa at the back of the room.

Washburn stormed into the room a few second later, he was obviously in a bad mood."Today we 'll be starting to learn how to make a strawberry mark walk of life across the mesa. It 's not very difficult, if you 've been practicing the incantation and reading up on it."Washburn swished his wand and a strawberry appeared in front of each scholarly person."well, get to it then !"

can looked at Albus,"You been practicing or reading up on this, Mate ?"

"Nope, how about you ?"

"'Course not,"Gospel According to John laughed."Looks like Rose has, though."

Albus looked over at the table Rose was sharing with Marina and Karina. Sure enough, her strawberry was walking across the tabular array. Washburn, who had been glaring at the students from behind his desk, got up and strode over to Rose.

"Apparently someone in this course of study has shown that they might suffer a small bit of natural endowment,"he spat at blush wine."I suppose if this were any other class, Gryffindor may have gotten a few head. But I, on the early hand, do n't recollect this is very noteworthy, considering you 've supposedly been studying this for a few sidereal day and every one of you should be capable of doing what Miss Weasley 's done. Now, back to body of work !"

"Blimey, he 's mad,"John whispered to Albus and Matt.

"Sure is, I mean, Rose did a good job. None of us can do it,"matt agreed.

Albus looked around the room and noticed that most of the class 's strawberries were not so much as moving a leaf. A few of them had made a feeble attack to roll over, but that was it. As the class progressed, Washburn started to stand behind the backbone mesa and glare as Albus, flatness, and John tried to pull in their strawberries walk. By the end of the stratum, they had made no advance whatsoever.

"Pathetic !"he shouted,"For preparation, write a foot-long essay on the proper way to realize a piece of fruit base on balls, due on Friday. And ceramist, Eckerton, and Brickston come up here to arrange your detention."

The rest of the class stared at Albus, lusterlessness, and lav as they left the room. The three boy walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk after the rest of the class had left.

"Your custody will be this Saturday, at noon. You will meet me in the Great Asaph Hall, where you will be polishing the portrait figure, business firm points hourglasses, and whatever else needs cleaning. ceramicist, you tell your crony this, I expect him there as well, despite his Quidditch praxis,"Washburn barked,"You 're dismissed."

Albus, matte, and John ran out of Washburn 's room as fast as they could. They went straight to the Great Charles Martin Hall for lunch.

"Blimey, he was angry about something today,"lustrelessness groaned as he helped himself to some potatoes.

"Yeah, but I wonder why he wants us to clean for our detention ?"Albus wondered."He 's always had me do line of merchandise, before."

"Bet he thinks it 'll be funny, watching us clear. Plus, it 's a Sabbatum, there 'll be lot of people around to gaze at us. He 'll probably enjoy our mortification,"John said.

"What are you talking about ?"James asked as he sat down next to John.

"hold. Saturday at noon, cleaning in the Entrance Hall,"Albus told him.

"Bloody Inferno ! I 've got Quidditch practice at noon !"James shouted as he slammed his goblet on the table.

"I know, that 's probably why he made the detention then,"Albus said.

"He hates us, I swear he does,"James growled,"He 's always hated Gryffindors, that 's a known fact, but he seems to hate us Sir Thomas More than everyone else."

"Do n't you think it 's a bit strange ?"Albus asked.

"Not really. Some teachers just do n't like certain students,"John explained,"'Course, the bookman never really find out why."

"sucking, though. I mean, what if he 's always giving me hold during Quidditch practice ? This 'll be the 4th practice I 've missed for Washburn 's detentions. Samantha wo n't be too well-chosen about it."

"You 'll just suffer to find out yourself around him. Do n't say a Word during his class,"Albus advised.

"I know, I 've been doing that since outset of shoemaker's last year,"Epistle of James explained,"After I set off a dungbomb during the second class."

"well, that 's why he hates you !"Matt laughed,"And he probably thinks Albus is just like you."

"He does,"Albus groaned.

"I guess I 'd better be off to social class,"James told them as he got up from his seat."See you lot later."

"Bye,"Albus told his brother. He turned to privy and flatness."I guess we 'd better go too."

"Yeah, probably. bivalent potions,"St. John the Apostle said as he got up.

"Ugh, just what I need. Slughorn 'll probably invite me to his Yuletide party."

Sure enough, at the end of course of study, Slughorn asked Albus and rosiness to see him after everyone left.

"We 'll hold off for you,"John told Albus. He, matte, and Amanda waited at the vertebral column of the room.

"Albus and rosebush !"Slughorn beckoned them to his desk,"Great job, today, peachy job. Both of your potions were superb !"

"Thanks,"Albus muttered.

"It was a challenge, but I think I did all right hand !"Rose said excitedly.

"Well, as you both probably know, I 'm having a lilliputian Christmas party on the utmost day of term. You are both receive, of course of action, and may work guests. I hope to see you there ! I have some interesting people coming that I 'm surely you 'd wish to meet !"

"Who ?"Albus asked warily.

"Oh, do n't require to bollix up the surprise !"Slughorn laughed,"I 'll see you later, then !"

"So, you going to go ?"John the Evangelist asked Albus nervously as they walked out of the dungeon.

"No way,"Albus mumbled.

"fountainhead, someone told me your dad 's going,"Rose said,"So you might possess to go."

"I do n't care."

"Oh, get along on, Albus ! What if he has really keen famous masses there ! I heard once he had some Quidditch players come !"Saint John the Apostle told him.

"I really do n't retrieve anyone would start anything with Uncle Harry there,"Rose said reassuringly.

"fountainhead, maybe not. But what about Willinson ?"Albus asked.

"He 's a git, but he wo n't do anything with your dad around. Washburn may ease up Slytherins special handling, but professor thrower does n't,"mat said confidently.

"If you do go, can I be your guest ?"Amanda asked,"I 've never been to one."

"You can be my node, Amanda,"rosebush told her,"I told you I 'd take you to the next one after I took Janie to the Halloween one."

"Oh, yeah."

"fine, if you guys want to go so badly, I 'll go, but if anyone starts anything, I 'm leaving,"Albus said flatly.

********

Before Albus knew it, Sat had arrived and so did custody with Washburn. Albus was used to Washburn 's detentions, but he had never had to do one that was n't lines before. He was a bit aflutter about what the custody would involve and about having to do it in public.

When Albus, John, and matte arrived in the Great Hall, neither James IV nor Washburn were there yet."James better get here before Washburn does,"Albus said nervously.

"Yeah, Washburn 'll turn over him another hold if he 's late,"Matt agreed.

At that here and now, James came bursting through the oak room access."Oh, good, he 's not here yet !"

"You 're prosperous,"John told him.

"What is ceramicist lucky about ?"a cold voice from behind John said.

John turned around to see Washburn staring down at him."cipher, Professor."

"good,"Washburn fuss."Now, if you 'll each take a bottle of dry cleaner and a rag, we can get started."He gestured to a bucket of cleaning supplies at his feet."We 'll be doing Muggle cleaning. I want you each to take up out by polishing the House points hourglasses. They must be spotless."

Albus, James, Saint John the Apostle, and matt each took a rag and started to polish the hourglasses. Washburn paced behind them, staring at each one in turn of events. Every once and a piece, he would inspect the cleanliness of the hourglasses.

"You missed a spot, thrower,"Washburn growled at Albus.

While the male child were polishing the hourglasses, various scholarly person and professors would walk by and stare at them. a great deal to Albus 's disgust, Quinton Willinson passed by a lot.

"Oh, look, Potty 's doing his detention for trying to duel with me,"Quinton laughed,"Funny how he thought he could actually duel me."

Albus just ignored his taunts and rubbed the Hufflepuff hourglass even harder.

"That slimy git,"trick whispered to Albus."If any of us taunted him in detention, we 'd get a detention ourselves."

"Yeah, and he had his wand drawn, too,"Matt agreed,"Washburn seems to care him best."

"No surprise there,"Albus told them as he scrubbed a particularly stubborn piece of filth."They 're both horrible."

"I just wish it had been some other teacher who passed by our table that morning,"John groaned,"Then Willinson would feature at to the lowest degree gotten custody, too."

"Get back to study, Potter !"Washburn shouted at James, who had stopped polishing the Gryffindor hourglass and was resting his head on it.

"Something wrong, James I ?"Albus whispered.

"I dunno. My head just felt odd all of a sudden."

"D'you think you 're ill or something ?"Albus asked,"Maybe you should go to the infirmary Wing."

"Nah, Washburn would never let me. He 'd think I was faking. I used way too many Skiving Snackboxes in his class last year."

"Yeah, but if you 're really ill, he 'll take in to let you go,"Albus said with a looking of business organisation on his face.

"I know, but he 'd make water me do the detention over again."

"Shut up, potter ! Both of you back to work or I 'll cave in you another detainment !"Washburn screamed.

For the respite of the detention, James was very hush. The boys worked until two o'clock, at which point all four hourglasses were cleaner than they had been in yr.

"I think you should go to the Hospital annexe,"Albus told James.

"Yeah, probably,"St. James agreed.

"I need to go, too,"St. John told them,"My hired man tactile property like it 's going to fall off ! I hate Muggle cleaning."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed, while rubbing his hand.

"I doubt brothel keeper Pomfrey will fix it, though,"Albus told them,"She usually does n't do that after teachers make us do Muggle cleaning."

bathroom and Matt decided to go with Albus and James to the Hospital Wing anyway. When they got there, dame Pomfrey was already tending to Bradley Weasley, who had taken a bludger to the arm during Quidditch practice.

"Yes, yes, what is it ?"Madam Pomfrey asked the boys.

"well, I was doing Muggle cleaning for Washburn 's detention-"Saint James the Apostle started to say, but madam Pomfrey cut him off.

"You know I do n't fix aching helping hand due to detentions ! If I did, you would n't learn anything from them !"

"It 's not that. I was polishing the Gryffindor hourglass, and my head felt funny all of a sudden. It was n't like a headache. I 've never felt that way before. I kept seeing my own memories."

dame Pomfrey quickly looked up from Bradley and bustled over to James."Really ? fountainhead, that sounds an awful lot like someone was using Legilimency on you."

"What ?"James shouted.

"individual was reading your mind. That 's why you were seeing your own storage,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Who else was in the Great Asaph Hall with you ?"

"wellspring, Washburn of course,"Albus told her. James appeared to be in impact and could n't speak."And Quinton Willinson, a couple of his friends, the Gryffindor Quidditch squad, a miscellany of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws I do n't cognise, a few other professors. They all wandered in and out of the Great Hall."

Madam Pomfrey sighed."That does n't really help any. We really do n't have any way to know who was doing it. Seeing as you 're not really ill, there 's not a great deal I can do for you. But I will inform the master and your Fatherhood about this."

James had found his voice again."Okay."

Madam Pomfrey went back to tending to Tom Bradley, and King James, Albus, whoremaster, and Matt left the room.

"That 's so strange,"Jesse James told them,"Why would anyone desire to read my mind ?"

"No theme,"Albus shrugged.

"I bet it was Willinson,"toilet growled."What a git."

"Yeah, he was probably just doing it to scare you,"matte agreed.

"Was he even in the room when your head felt funny ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't really think of,"James River told him.

"Well, I bet Dad 'll shoot precaution of it,"Albus reassured his brother.

"I guess,"James said distractedly,"I think I 'm going to go back to the uncouth room."

"OK, see you at dinner party,"Albus waved goodbye as he, Matt, and Gospel According to John walked back down the stair so they could relish the new fallen snow.

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A/N : promise you enjoyed it ! That one was thirster than usual, but if I split it up, it would have been two extremely short chapters. Please leave a review and I will answer it ! Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight for reading this before I posted and to my buddy and other sister who are not on HPFF.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 8 : political party and buffoonery

During the next few calendar week, the teachers had increased their homework, each insisting that the scholar needed to increase their studying metre. Albus found himself doing homework every day after dinner, and finding it hard to hold time to have snow ball battle outside.

Albus had n't forgotten about his cleaning detainment with Washburn, and was doing even more to try to quell away from him. During division, Albus would n't even look at Washburn. He did not say a individual give-and-take during charm anymore. No more talking to whoremaster and Matt while they were practicing making fruit walk across their desks.

Albus had noticed that James had changed since the detention. He was quieter, and often sat in a box of the rough-cut room with their cousins Cedric and Ben, whereas he used to be at the centre of attention, talking about Quidditch matches. Albus guessed he was still scared about what happened during detainment. Albus had n't mentioned the incident to anyone, so only him, St. John, and Matt knew. Of track, James II had told Cedric, Ben, and his champion Nathan, but Albus rarely noticed them talking about it. He was also a bit afraid of what the incident meant, but not nearly as much as James was.

Before they knew it, Noel holiday was upon them. There was one day left, which was the day of Slughorn 's Christmastide party. The integral school was talking about it, and jealous pupil who had not received invitations were constantly dropping hints to invited students about going with them. Albus would have gladly given up his invitation, but since all his cousins, King James I, and his dad were going, he had to go too.

Albus, John, and Matt had decided they should go a little later than the company actually started, so they could try to slip in unnoticed. privy in particular, was very excited about going.

"Which Quidditch player do you think Slughorn 's invited ?"he asked as they walked down to the dungeons.

"Dunno. Maybe he 's invited a couple !"matt responded excitedly.

"Yeah ! I sure hope so,"lavatory said.

"supposition we 're about to find out,"Albus told them as he opened the door and walked into the keep. It was packed. Albus noticed almost of his cousin, with their flaming red hairsbreadth. The few who had not inherited the hair were blending in with everyone else.

"Blimey ! How are we supposed to chance the Quidditch participant with all these people here ?"whoremaster exclaimed.

"No mind. How about we head for the intellectual nourishment and promise we find them on the way ?"matt asked.

"Sounds good. C'mon, Albus,"toilet said as he pushed through people to get to the food. Albus and Matt followed.

"You see Willinson anywhere ?"Albus whispered.

"No, but it 's hard to tell if he 's here or not,"John answered.

"I 'm for sure he 's here somewhere. Keep your center peeled for him,"Albus told his admirer."I 've got to stay put away from him."

When the male child arrived at the food mesa, they saw that Rose and Amanda were already there."Hi. Did you just get here ?"Rose asked.

"Yup, wanted to slip in unnoticed,"Albus told her as he grabbed a crustal plate and started filling it."Seen anyone interesting yet ?"

"Yeah, actually. The rumor about the Quidditch musician was right,"rose wine responded.

"Really ! ? Who 's here ?"bathroom shouted, as he scanned the crowd.

"Oliver Wood. He used to be Keeper for Puddlemere United,"blush wine told him.

"I know who he played for, Rose. He 's really here ? That 's brilliant. Puddlemere United 's my squad,"whoremaster told them.

"We know, you 've told us a million times,"rose wine said exasperatingly.

"Who else ?"Albus asked.

"Helena Yaspies, electric current chaser for Chudley Cannons,"Amanda told them.

Matt started choking and spat out his mouthful of butterbeer. Albus slapped him on the cover."You okay, match ?"

"I 'm fine !"Matt coughed,"The Chudley Cannons are my squad ! I 've got to find her ! Anyone got a flight feather for an John Hancock ?"

rosiness laughed."You bozo are crazy."

"nix crazy about wanting to take on your favorite Quidditch participant,"John told her."Blimey, Oliver Wood ..."

"I ever tell you that my dad used to flirt on the Gryffindor team with Oliver Wood ?"Albus asked John.

This time it was John 's turn to spew out his butterbeer."No ! You never did ! Why not ?"

Albus laughed."You never asked. Anyway, he was captain when my dad joined the team in his initiatory year. They played on the team together until my dad 's third year."

"Blimey ! That 's brilliant ! So, you could have met him ?"John asked.

"I have,"Albus smiled.

"You 're kidding !"John shouted,"Well, what are we waiting for ? Go introduce me !"

Albus laughed."Ok, let 's go find him. You want to come, rosebush and Amanda ?"

Rose sighed,"Sure, I guess."

"Any chance you know Helena Yaspies ?"Matt asked.

"Nope, sorry. Never met her,"Albus told his Quaker as they maneuvered their way through the crowd.

"There he is, Albus !"privy shouted, pointing to the rachis of the way."He 's talking to your dad."

Albus made his way to the vertebral column of the room, his Friend following behind him. The way was slightly less crowded in the back. There was still no sign of Willinson.

"Hi, Al !"Harry waved at Albus.

"Hi, Dad."

"What 's up ? Enjoying the party ? I know you 're not a fan of these, but thanks for coming,"Harry told Albus. He bent down so only Albus could hear what he next said,"You know, I was n't a fan of these either, when I was in Hogwarts."

"How are you, Albus ? Enjoying school ?"King Oliver asked.

"Yeah, it 's outstanding !"Albus responded."These are my admirer, John Brickston- he 's a big Puddlemere United supporter, matte Eckerton, and Amanda Tagger."

"Hi, nice to fit you,"Oliver told Albus 's Friend."So, you support Puddlemere United, can ?"

"Yeah !"privy shouted, his eyes lit up."I 've been to a few matches. I saw you in the end one you played in ! I was 9, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Such spectacular saves."

King Oliver laughed,"That was a in force game. I 'm glad you enjoyed it."

"It was awesome !"John said.

A grandiloquent brunette came walking over to the group, carrying a minor boy on her hip. A little girl was trailing behind her with a plate of Christmas biscuits.

"Hey, Scots heather,"Oliver put his arm around the cleaning woman."whoremaster, mat, Amanda, this is my wife, Heather. And this,"Oliver took the footling boy from his married woman and put him on his shoulder,"is my 2 year old son, Alex. And my daughter, Holly who is 6."

"Hi,"John and Matt said together.

"I stopped playing custodian shortly after Alex was born. Could n't keep up all the traveling with 2 kids."

"I remember that,"John told him,"I was kinda mad, but was just glad I got to see your last match."

Oliver laughed,"I understand. I would suffer been mad if I were you, too. But I 've got high Bob Hope for small Alex here. He can already fly his toy Calluna vulgaris expertly. And Buddy Holly 's already flying a veridical broom !"Oliver beamed, he was obviously lofty of his kids.

"That 's moderately neat !"flatness replied,"My mum would n't let me on a broom until I was 9."

"Buddy Holly was on one at 5. But just because you start belated does n't mean you 'll be a bad Quidditch player,"Oliver explained,"Look at your DADA teacher ! Had n't set one leg over a broom until he was 11."

"Yeah, but I 'm rubbish at Quidditch,"Matt told him.

"Hey, Mr. Wood, could you sign my Quaffle ?"John produced a Quaffle from his bag and held it out to Oliver.

"You brought a Quaffle ? !"rose exclaimed.

"'Course ! After hearing those rumors, how could I not bring one ?"

"Sure, I 'll sign it,"Oliver took the Quaffle and signed it with a quill that he pulled out of his gown. He then handed it back to John.

"Thank you,"John whispered, as he stared in awe at the Quaffle.

"How 'bout you, Matt ?"Oliver asked,"You want an autograph ?"

"Sure ! But I do n't birth a Quaffle."

"That 's okay. I 've got some parchment,"Oliver signed some parchment and gave it to Matt.

"Thanks !"Matt pocketed the parchment.

Alex started whining."Hungy, hungy !"

"well, boys, I 've got to go get some food for minuscule Alex, here,"Oliver told them,"Enjoy the party !"He and Heather walked towards the food table with Holly behind them.

"Wow, just wow,"John told his friends,"That was so cool."

"I 'll say,"lusterlessness replied.

"I ca n't believe you two know him !"John told Albus and Rose.

rose wine rolled her eyes,"It 's no big deal."

"You just do n't care Quidditch that much,"Albus told her,"It 's reason you 're frightful on a broom."

"Shut it, Albus,"rose glared at him.

"Where 's Helena Yaspies ?"John scanned the crowd,"Any of you lot seen her ?"

"Nope, not yet,"Albus told them.

"No, but look over there near Slughorn 's desk. It 's Willinson,"matte whispred.

Albus groaned.

"Excellent !"John grinned.

"What ?"Albus looked at him like he was crazy,"Why on land do you want to see him ?"

"I 've been plotting a lilliputian prank,"John whispred,"C'mere."He pulled them behind a table and they all crouched down. John pulled a box out of his bag."This is an Exploding Eclair."

"What ?"Amanda asked.

"Exploding Eclair,"John repeated,"I bought it through owl-order from your uncle 's store, Albus."

"What are you going to do with it ?"Albus eyed him warily, he happened to have been on the receiving end of an Exploding Eclair at the family dinner before start of term. His full cousin, Bradley, had done it.

"industrial plant it on Willinson 's plate,"John told them,"But I 'll want your help. When Willinson sets his plate down, walk by him. Close enough that he can see you, but far enough that he 'll have to leave his photographic plate unattended. Then I 'll put the eclair on it. And when he bites into it, bam ! It 'll explode."

"Brilliant !"Matt shouted.

"I dunno. It 'll make him real mad,"Albus said.

"But he wo n't know it 's us ! That 's the mantrap of it. There 's so many people here,"lavatory explained,"But to be on the safe side of meat, we 'll leave behind right after. We do n't need to stay if he 's here anyway."

"True,"Albus agreed.

"Everyone in, then ?"John asked, grinning.

"Yep,"they all stated.

"Then let 's go,"John got up from under the table and his friends followed. Willinson was still by the desk, so Albus, Matt, Amanda, and Rose headed over. They walked next to the food tabular array and waited until Willinson noticed them. It did n't learn long. He spotted them, smirked, and set down his nutrient. Albus saw John close in on his plate.

"hello, Potty, Weasel, and company,"Willinson glared,"Enjoying the company ? I 'm just waiting until the minute you explode again, Potty."

"Willinson,"Albus snarled,"I 'm not planning on exploding. Are you ?"

"'Course not. When have I ever exploded ? You on the other script,"Willinson laughed,"Do n't like the popularity, do you, indulge Potty ?"

"Shut it,"Matt stepped towards Willinson.

"What 're you going to do about it, half-pint ?"Willinson towered over matt by at to the lowest degree a foot.

"You think I 'd severalize you what I 'd do ? Think I 'm stupid ? If I told you, you 'd have intercourse how to block it,"Matt growled.

"I doubt there 's a jinx you know that I do n't know how to block."

"Probably, but I know you would n't start anything with prof Potter a few base away,"Matt jerked his promontory in the direction of Harry.

At that moment, Albus looked over and saw King John. John the Divine winked at him and walked away from Willinson 's plate.

"fountainhead, I think I 've had enough of your fellowship tonight, Willinson,"Albus annonced,"Have a horrible Christmas."Albus started to walk towards John, and his supporter followed.

"Got it planted, then ?"Albus asked when they reached John.

"Yup,"whoremonger gave him a thumbs up,"We 're on."

They walked over to the door of the dungeon so they could head for the hills easily if needed. Willinson picked up his plate and wandered back over to his Friend. As they were talking, he picked up the eclair and bit into it.

The blowup was amazing. As soon as Willinson bit the eclair, ointment exploded all over his face and in a 2 infantry radius around him. A few bystanders were hit as well. It did n't appear possible that that much cream could fit in one eclair.

"Bloody Hades !"Willinson shouted, and the unit dungeon went silent. Everyone looked at Willinson and started laughing.

Willinson looked around the room and his gaze fell on Albus."I 'll get you for this, Potty,"he seethed as he stormed out of the dungeon.

"That was bloody brilliant,"John said once Willinson had disappeared into the hallway.

"Yeah, it was !"Matt agreed.

The girls and Albus nodded."But he said he 'd get us. We 'd better be on the lookout. He knows it was us,"Albus told them.

"He ca n't love it was us !"Matt said.

"Yeah, I guess. But he 'd still get us even if he does n't sleep together who did it,"Albus reasoned.

"But it 's Christmas interruption tomorrow, so it does n't matter !"John grinned.

"I suppose you 're right,"Albus smiled,"But let 's get to the common room anyway. His friends agreed, and the five of them made their way to Gryffindor tower.

*******

It was still early on when they made it back to the common room, so it was quite crowded. However, Amanda spotted a few chairs in the vertebral column for them to occupy.

"So, who 's excited about Christmas ?"john asked,"I sure am, I could use a break from studying."

"You 're not going to get a disruption,"rose told him,"We 've got tons of homework."

"Way to put a damper on thing, Rose,"John answered,"But at to the lowest degree there 's no stratum !"

"I 'm looking forward to Christmas,"Albus said,"I love Christmas."

"What do you usually do for the vacation ?"Amanda asked.

"Oh, it 's not bad ! We all go to my grandma and grandfather 's menage. Everyone. My family, Rose 's kinsperson, all our aunty, uncles, and full cousin. Plus Teddy and his grandmother. It 's pretty crowded, but it 's still fun. I love it. Usually someone winds up having too much to tope and there 's loads of jape played on people,"Albus said excitedly.

"Yeah, it 's pretty neat. We do n't all remain the unharmed fault, though. Because virtually of us have former family to visit. My house usually stays until a few years after Christmas and then we spend the respite of the holiday with my mum 's parents,"Rose explained,"But Albus 's family spends the whole time out at the Burrow, that 's what we call my grandparents'house."

"Yep. But most of our cousin-german go straight to the tunnel from Hogwarts. My family unit always goes habitation first, to visit my grandparents'Graves. We always do that on Christmas Eve. Dad 's been going ever since he was 17, every year on Christmas Eve. Then we get the burrow deep that night."

"What do you do you lot do for Christmas ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, I love Yule too,"toilet smiled,"We stay at my mansion and my aunt, uncles, first cousin, and grandparents all come over. They never all come at the Lapp time, though, so it gets pretty crazy. My mum nut out because she never knows how much to cook. And usually someone starts arguing about something, but it 's all right. My mob loves to contend, but we never get real mad at each other."

"audio moderately cool. You have a lot of cousins, John ?"Amanda asked.

"A fair total. nearly of them are all younger than me, though. 'Course that means they 're peachy to dally tricks on,"John the Evangelist laughed.

"wellspring, my house celebrates Hannukah,"Amanda told everyone.

"Oh, that 's neat,"Albus told her.

"Yeah, it 's good. I 'm just glad Hannukah is late this yr, so I 'll be home for it. Sometimes it 's at the end of November. But anyway, I have a pretty small family. Just 3 cousins and my aunt and uncle. And my petty Brother and previous sister. My cousins usually come over for two days or so and we all exchange present. It 's hushed, but fun."

"phone fun,"lav agreed,"But I love my huge loud family. What do you do, Matt ? You 've been awful quiet."

Matt looked up from the tabular array."Christmastide has never been all that fun for me, I guess. We usually go down to Commonwealth of Australia to visit my grandparents."

"That sounds like fun to me,"John told Matt.

"Well, it 's not. I do n't like Australia. That 's where-"But lusterlessness suddenly stopped talking.

"Where what ?"John asked.

"cipher, nothing. It 's just, that 's where I, er, got sick for the firstly time. You know, how I get sick so much."

"Oh."

"Yeah, anyway, well, we visit my grandparents. My parents, me and my sister go. My mum 's a muggle born, and we visit her parents. It 's always very formal when we visit them. They 're rich and stuck up. Never let me do anything there. I have to just sit still and they 're always staring at me. Guess they do n't want me to break anything. Luckily we only visit them at Christmas. I do n't have any full cousin. My dad 's got a brother, but he 's sustenance in the States, so we do n't see him much either. We sometimes visit him over the summer. My dad 's parents died a farsighted clip ago, before I was born. So I do n't suffer much crime syndicate. I just wish we 'd spend Christmas at home."

Albus, can, Amanda, and rosiness just looked at Matt."I 'm regretful, Matt. I wish you had a better Christmas,"Rose said sympathetically.

"Why do n't you expend Yuletide with us ?"Albus asked,"No one will notice another someone in the Burrow."

"That 's a great theme !"Rose shouted.

"I dunno. I do n't suppose my parents will let me. Especially this short circuit observance,"matt looked down glumly."My mum the like all of us to be together on Christmas. She seems to mean every year it will be different. That my grandparents will loosen up. But they never do."

"Blimey,"Saint John the Apostle whispered,"That stinks."

"I know,"Matt agreed.

At that consequence, James came bursting in with his friend, Nathan. They both made a beeline for Albus 's table.

"Was it really you ?"James shouted breathlessly,"Did you give Willinson the Exploding Eclair ?"

John grinned."It was my idea."

"Brilliant, just brilliant,"William James smiled,"The face on his typeface ..."

"Yeah, but you lot had better watch out when you next see him. He seemed to screw it was you,"Nathan told them.

"I 'm not worried,"John the Divine answered,"He 'll probably forget about it over Christmas."

"I sure hope so,"Albus stated. He looked at his lookout man. It was midnight."Well, I 'm off to bed. I 'll see you cat in the morning.

"We 'd all better go to bed,"Rose stood up,"I think the train is leaving at noon tomorrow."

Albus got up out of his chair and headed to the staircase. He could n't hold off to go to the burrow. He missed being surrounded by his menage all the clock time. He missed his nanna 's preparation. Thoughts of the yummy food filed his read/write head as he drifted off into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.

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A/N : Hope you guys like it ! Please read and review. Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight and my early baby and chum. Also, thanks to nance and teddysxxgirl for their recap ! Next chapter is Christmastide Eve.

know this chapter is poor, but I did n't want to combine it with anything else. It stands on its own.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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"Lily !"Harry shouted into the livelihood room,"Are you ready to go ? All packed ?"Harry was standing with Ginny in front of the social movement threshold, with a partner off trunks and traveling bag at his feet. James and Albus were standing nearby, having a steel conflict with a distich fake wands. Albus 's scepter turned into a fake parrot and emitted a flashy squawking noise.

"Albus ! James !"Ginny scolded them,"Behave yourselves."Saint James and Albus quickly stowed the wand and parrot into their trunks.

A small, red-headed girl walked into the elbow room, trailing a garden pink rolling traveling bag."Are we leaving now ?"

"Yes, we are. What were you doing in there, dear ?"Ginny asked.

"I was packing. I could n't find all my Wendy Wiccan dame and had to bet all over the house for them."

William James laughed."Do you have to take them everywhere ?"

"Of course I do ! I could n't will any of them home. It would n't be mediocre,"Lily explained. Albus and James laughed even harder."Mum ! Tell them to shut up."

"Boys, be nice to your sister. Now, does everyone suffer everything ? I 'm sending the trunks to the Burrow and we wo n't be coming back after we visit Godric 's holler,"Ginny informed them.

"Yes, we 've got everything,"Albus told them.

"goodness,"Ginny waved her wand and the short pants and suitcases disappeared,"Now, then, it 's clip to go. Lily, adopt my arm. boy, take your father's."And with a loud crack, the potter crime syndicate disappeared from their house.

A few seconds later, they reappeared in a champaign a small agency away from a small town. The sun was setting and their was refreshed snow on the terra firma. From the subject area, Harry could see tiny mass walking along the streets.

"Daddy, why do we have to walk so far ?"Lily whined,"Why ca n't we just Apparate in town ?"

"I 've told you before, Lily, we ca n't let the Muggles see us,"Harry explained.

"But I 'm tired."

"Oh, shut it, Lily,"James snapped at his sister,"It 's not that far."

"Is, too,"Lily stomped away from him.

James reached down and made a snowball and then threw it at the book binding of his sister 's head.

"Ow ! ! !"Lily screeched and ran to Harry.

James IV and Albus started laughing."Good one, Epistle of James,"Albus gave his brother a high five.

"son !"Harry shouted,"Enough ! Lily, it 's not that much further. I 'll behave you."Harry picked up his daughter, who started sobbing into his jacket.

"She 's really tired,"Harry whispered to Ginny.

"I know. She 's been real excited about you and the boys coming home for the holiday. She 's been up until midnight every Nox the past week,"Ginny said.

"She wo n't be getting often sleep for the next workweek either, staying at the burrow,"Harry told Ginny.

"That 's for sure."

As the Potter kin moved into the Town, some the great unwashed occasionally stopped to stare at them. A few stopped to say hi, but hurried off quickly. Others completely ignored them. Many people were finishing up shoemaker's last second shopping or hurrying off to church.

The petty church was already full of the great unwashed singing. The Potters could hear the carol as they walked by. They crunched through the snow in silence. Even Epistle of James and Albus were quiet. Lily had fallen asleep on Harry 's shoulder shortly after he picked her up. Harry appreciated how his tiddler were always behaved when he visited his parents grave accent. It was sort of an unsaid thing. He had never once had to tell them to acquit themselves in the graveyard. The kids would push and bicker along the streets in the village, but would always get along once they entered the cemetery.

Harry walked into the cemetery, with Ginny, James, and Albus following him. As he walked the familiar course to his parents Graf, he thought about his late sojourn. There was the first sojourn, of course. He could n't blank out that. Voldemort had showed up and tried to stamp out him. Ever since then, he had been visiting every Halloween and every Christmas Eve. He had taken Ginny once they were married, and the kids once they were born. Harry always felt sad when he visited, but this twelvemonth he felt occupy as well. Who was attempting to interpret his and his tiddler'brain ? What about the mysterious death of prof Torro ?

Harry made his way towards his parents'grave and stopped in front of it. He bent down and put his hand over the names. St. James and Lily Potter.

Before the ruin of Voldemort, occult Death were expected. Of course, nowadays, there were execution every once and a while. These were usually attributed to Death eater still at big or hag or wizard who believed in Voldemort 's ideals. Harry or one of the former Aurors usually caught them quickly and they were in Azakaban at the moment. Harry had had Aurors on the typeface of Torro ever since Sept, but there were still no lead. This reminded him of very much of the years when Voldemort was at large.

What was he supposed to do ? He was doing all he could to enamour Torro 's killer. He could n't help but believe the last was somehow related to the legilimency that was being performed on him, Epistle of James, and Albus. And what could he do to help reassure his boy ? The other teacher had told Harry that Saint James was more subdued in class ever since the episode during his detention with Washburn. William James was obviously quite worried about it. Albus was, too. Harry had met with Ron shortly afterward and neither of them could come up with any new thought of who did it. It must have got either been a scholarly person or a teacher. As very much as Harry hated to do it, he realized he was going to have got to investigate his fellow. Ginny was occupy, too. However, she believed that the son were rubber with Harry at the castle. Harry knew she took quilt in knowing he was near them at all sentence. Harry only wished he felt as confident in his power as Ginny did.

Ginny knelt down succeeding to Harry and wordlessly took the sleeping Lily from his sleeve. Harry reached into his cloak and pulled out a nosegay of lilies. He bent down again and placed them in front man of the grave stone. Harry stood up and looked at the grave, his centre glistening with tears.

"Happy Christmas, Mum and Dad,"Harry whispered. Ginny put her arm around Harry, and the two of them turned around and headed out of the cemetery, with James and Albus in their wake.
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Longer chapter is coming up next ! It 'll be Christmastime at the burrow. Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other Sister, and my pal. Thanks as well to siriusgirl1 for reviewing. Please read and critique !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist ! Although I do own the OCs, the plot, and nigh of the Weasley cousins !

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A little while later, the Potter family appeared in the M behind the Burrow. They walked up to the backrest threshold and Harry opened it. He walked inside, followed by his family, and saw the usual chaos. The entire Weasley family was standing inside. It was a sea of flaming red hair. to the highest degree of the children had inherited the Weasley red hair. The few exclusion were Albus, who looked just like Harry, and Victoire and Gabrielle, who had their mother 's silvery blond hair.

"Mum, make him have it back !"six-year-old Lindy shouted as her brother held her bird in the air.

"Cedric ! hand her back her doll !"Corrine Weasley yelled at her son. He reluctantly handed lindy her doll and ran from the room.

The Burrow was crammed with people. There did n't seem to be room for anyone else. Teddy lupine was currently entertaining the younger Weasley nestling by changing his ears and whisker coloration. The older tike were eating various sweets and talking about all sorting of things. Many of the adults were drinking eggnog and getting louder and louder by the minute.

Ron was the initiative to discover the Potters."Oi ! Harry 's here !"he shouted and ran towards the room access,"Hi Harry ! Great to see you, mate !"

"Hey, Ron !"

"Harry, Ginny !"Molly Weasley came bustling into the kitchen,"ejaculate in, come in ! Are you thirsty ? Want any stew ?"

"Sure,"Harry told her and he sat down at the tabular array next to Ginny. Molly went over to the stove and got five arena of swither.

"This is great, Mum, thanks,"Ginny told Molly.

Albus and James were already digging into their stew. Lily ate a few bites and then ran off to detect her cousins, apparently not tired at all anymore.

"wellspring, everyone 's here,"molly told them,"They 're all in the keep elbow room. I do n't know if we 'll ever get the kids to bed."

"It 's Christmas Eve, do n't even bother,"Harry laughed.

Albus finished his sweat and got up from the table. He went into the keep room with Henry James and found rose wine, along with his cousins Bradley, Cedric, Ben, and Mark sitting together on the floor. Cedric and Ben were second years, and Omar Bradley and Mark were third years.

"What 's new ?"Albus asked.

"Oh, not much,"Ben told him,"Uncle George and Uncle Charlie are passably inebriate. Grammy is trying to get the untested kids in bed. All the aunts are talking about all kind of stuff. My dad, Uncle Walker Percy, Uncle Ron, and grandfather are all drunkenness eggnog and eating cookies over there,"he pointed to a few professorship grouped together around a diminished table."And let 's see, teddy bear and Victoire were snogging earlier. It was pretty gross. Who wants to see their sister snogging mortal ? Grammy made them contain. Now teddy 's changing his fuzz color all the time for the entertainment of the little Thomas Kyd, which is making it laborious for Grammy to get them to go to bed."

James and Albus laughed."Should be an interesting holiday,"King James said,"What have you lot been up to ?"

"Oh, not much, just talking about Quidditch,"Cedric said,"Oh, and rose wine is trying to get some studying done."

"rose ! We 're on holiday !"James looked shocked,"Now 's not the time to study !"

"well, you 'll be scrambling to get your employment done on the lastly day, like always. Maybe you should examine tonight, too."

"You 'll never get anything done with all this illegitimate enterprise,"Cedric told her."What 's up with you, James and Albus ?"

"Oh, not very much. Lily 's been complaining a lot. She got really mad when I threw a snow formal at her while we were walking into Godric 's hollow,"James told them.

"Yeah, she 's been kind of a pain, and we 've only been on holiday for a day !"Albus said as he snatched a biscuit from a nearby platter."I 'm sure going to enjoy this time off, though. I have n't gone a calendar week without detention in ages."

"Me too !"James agreed,"I need a break from Washburn, he 's crazy."

"Definitely,"Omar Bradley agreed,"You 've missed so practically Quidditch practice because of him."

"He hates me, I tell you. Hates Albus, too."

"Remember that dung turkey in first year, Saint James ?"Cedric asked.

"Yeah, how could I forget that ? That 's when he started hating me,"James reminisced."Did n't see many charms that year due to the amount of meter I used nosebleed nougats."

"I 'm hoping I get new Snackboxes for Xmas this year,"Cedric told them,"I 'm running out. Ca n't hold off till side by side year and I can go buy them at Hogsmeade."

"Definitely. Hogwarts wo n't do it what hit it when we 're able-bodied to buy trick stuff all the time,"James laughed.

"Going to Hogsmeade 's heavy,"Mark chimed in,"I 've bought so many sweet at Honeydukes this year."

"Not to bring up everything else there. Like the trio broom handle. What a large shoes. And the scream hovel. You know it 's shrieking again this year,"Tom Bradley added.

Albus and rose glanced at each other nervously.

"Yeah, I 've heard it. But I wonder why ? It has n't shrieked since chemise 's dad was at Hogwarts,"James wondered aloud.

"You do n't think-"Cedric started to say, but was cut off by Molly.

"If you 're not in Hogwarts yet, it 's time for bed !"she shouted,"It 's nearly midnight, way past your bedtimes. Go on ! Lily, Victor Hugo, Angie, Samantha, Lindy, and Eddie ! Bed !"

"But Grammy !"Lily whined,"I do n't wan na ! I 'm not a little kid !"

"No buts, Lily, bed, now !"

Lily pouted and then stomped up the steps to the room she shared with Angie, Samantha, and Lindy.

"I see what you mean about Lily,"Cedric told James and Albus.

"Yup, she 's been doing it all eve. Dad actually carried her at Godric 's hollow. And she fell asleep on his shoulder. 'Course now she does n't want to go to bed, physique,"King James said.

"So, what does everyone remember the probability of England making it to the macrocosm Cup next year ?"Albus asked quickly, before everyone could hark back to the topic of the Shrieking Shack.

"Ugh !"Rose sighed,"back to Quidditch again."She pulled out her written matter of The Standard Bible of magic spell, Grade One and continued reading.

The field of Quidditch carried the boy the rest of the nighttime and Albus was very projected that no one mentioned the screech Shack again. After a while, Molly decided it was clip for everyone else to go to bed, too. James IV, Bradley, Cedric, Deutsche Mark, Ben, and Albus were all sharing Ron 's old bedroom on the top floor. They trudged up the stairs while continuing their Quidditch conversation. When they reached the room, they found three exercise set of bunk bed crammed into the room, just as they were every early Christmas. It was a bit cramped, but they all had sufficiency room. Albus climbed into the bottom of the nonsensicality he shared with James and fell into a restful sleep.

******

"Albus ! Wake up ! It 's Christmas !"a shrill part screamed as Albus opened his eyes. He sat up and bumped his nous on the bed above him.

"Ouch !"Albus rubbed his aching head. He had forgotten he was at the burrow."What is it ?"

"It 's Christmastime, Albus !"Lily screeched.

"What meter is it ? Is anyone else up ?"

"It 's six in the morning !"Lily said excitedly."I 'm the first one up. depend, you 've got presents !"Lily pointed at the pile near the base of Albus 's bed.

"Excellent ! Looks like a good load this year,"Albus smiled."Have you opened yours ?"

"Not yet. I think I will now, though !"Lily grinned and ran from the room.

Albus heard stirring from the bed above him."You up, James ?"

"Yeah, I am now. She 's always the low gear one up on Christmas,"James yawned.

"I know, she 's even up before the twins, Angie, and Eddie,"Albus laughed."well, mine as well get started on the nowadays !"

Albus crawled to the end of his bed and examined his presents. He picked up a gravid, gentle computer software and knew what it was before even opening it. He tore off the wrapping and unfolded a orange red perspirer with a Gryffindor lion on it. Albus knew he 'd be getting one of these this year. His grandmother always knitted everyone a sweater every year, but for each kid 's first year at Hogwarts, they got a Gryffindor perspirer. Albus pulled his over his foreland and smiled."What sweater did you get this year, James ?"

"Scarlet with a gold Snitch,"James II told Albus,"You get the Gryffindor one ?"

"Yup."Albus reached for his next present. It was from his Uncle George III and Aunt Alicia. He opened it up and found a Skiving Snackbox. He grinned. He never had very much use for these sweets before, but now that he was at Hogwarts, they would definitely come in handy."What 'd you get from Uncle George ?"

"Extendable capitulum,"James responded.

The succeeding present was in the shape of a Bible. Albus knew it was from his Aunt Hermione before he even looked at the tag. When he unwrapped it, he found it was Hogwarts, A History. Albus laughed. Epistle of James had gotten the Sami record book last year.

"Did you get Hogwarts, A History ?"James asked.

"Yeah, how 'd you have intercourse ?"Albus sniggered. The next software package was from his Uncle Ron, a box of Honeydukes sweets.

Albus reached into his pile of present tense and found the one from his parents. It was a long rectangular box. Albus opened it and found a tartar tegument wand covert. It was scarlet and embossed with gold Lion. Albus stared at it in awe. He had seen one of these in Diagon Alley when he was there buying his school supplying. He had wanted it, but his dad had said no. It came with a small bottle of baton glossiness."What 'd you get from Mum and Dad ?"

"Have n't opened theirs yet,"James said,"Lem me find it."Albus heard rustling from the bed above and ripping report. Then silence."Wow ! This is awesome ! They got me a wand masking !"

"Me too !"Albus exclaimed,"What 's yours have on it ?"

"fink ! It 's like my sweater, scarlet with gold Snitches."

"Mine 's scarlet with gold lions."

"Pretty telling,"James River said.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Albus continued opening his presents until there were none left. He got a lot of sweets and Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes production. He also got a few books, including Quidditch in the Twentieth one C. But his favorite present was his wand concealment, he kept staring at it. When Bradley, Cedric, fool, and Ben woke up, they opened their own presents.

By the sentence the male child had all finished opening their presents, everyone else in the theater was up. When they went downstairs they found mollie cooking breakfast. All the early adult were sitting around the mesa talking and having coffee and tea. The unseasoned Kyd were running around playing with their presents. The older tyke were all clustered around one of the armchairs in the living room. The boys went over to investigate.

"What 's going on over here ?"Saint James the Apostle asked, while squeezing in between Stanley and Fred.

"Sakartvelo 's gotten a new Calluna vulgaris !"Fred exclaimed."Newest role model, a Firebolt 3000."

"Oh, wow !"James exclaimed,"Can I touch it ?"

"Sure,"Georgia was sitting in the armchiar, with her new broom resting on her lap. Everyone was admiring it.

"This is so coolheaded,"Heather gazed at the Scots heather,"time lag 'till the Slytherins see we have one of these on our team."

"Yeah !"Fred agreed,"Supposed to be the fastest broom yet. Just came out end week."

"Can I fly it later ?"King James asked.

"Yeah, sure, but I want to try it out first,"Georgia laughed,"We 'll go out after breakfast."

"Do you know if anyone else has one at Hogwarts yet ?"Bradley asked.

"No, I do n't think anyone else has one !"Georgia said.

"Wow, delay 'till everyone finds out it 's my sister who got the first Firebolt 3000,"Omar Bradley sighed,"But I do wish I got one."

"well, I was riding a Nimbus 2000. You 've got a regular Firebolt."

"I know, but I hope I get one for my birthday."

"Breakfast is ready !"Molly called into the room.

Everyone scrambled into the kitchen and got plates of intellectual nourishment. There was n't enough room at the table for everyone to eat at. The kids all went back into the keep room to eat. Albus sat down next to Lily, who was playing with her new toys and feeding at the like time.

"What 'd you get, Lily ?"Albus asked his sister.

"New My Little Hippogriffs,"she told him, gesturing to her toy dog."And a stuffed owl, which I named Hedwig. Some candy, a few falsify sceptre, a perspirer, some socks, a distich books, and a Gryffindor hat and scarf."

"That 's undecomposed,"Albus responded, as he started eating his eggs. Rose came and sat down next to Albus.

"Hi, rose. You get unspoilt presents ?"

"Yeah, I got a lot of books !"she told him.

"I got a few books. But the best affair is my new wand cover,"Albus grinned,"It 's upstairs, I 'll register it to you later."

"Wow, that 's neat."

"Did you see Empire State of the South 's new broom ?"Albus asked,"Its only been out a hebdomad. She 's probably one of the for the first time to get one."

"Yeah, I saw it. It 's pretty telling. You going to try it out ? ``

"Definitely. It 's got to be keen to fly. Maybe I 'll be able-bodied to get a Calluna vulgaris succeeding summer. I 'm trying out for chaser next year,"Albus told her.

"I 'm certainly you 'll get it,"Rose told him as she ate her toast.

"I dunno. I mean, there 's only one chaser position opening up side by side year. Samantha 'll be leaving. I bet GA 'll be made Captain."

"Probably. She 's the adjacent oldest. And she 's a skillful leader,"Rose agreed.

"Plus she 's got the best broom handle ever !"Albus said.

"True,"Rose said,"But just because you 've got a near Scots heather, does n't mean you 're a good captain."

"Yeah, but Georgia 's a not bad player. Her new broom will only earn her better. Slytherin wo n't stick out a chance. I think we 're playing them shortly after we go back in January,"Albus told pink wine."You gon na try out the broom ?"

"Probably not. I 'm not very honorable and I would n't desire to break it."

"I doubt you 'd crash it. You 're an ok flyer,"Albus told her."But I 'm definitely trying it."

"Let 's go play Quidditch !"Georgia stood up and held her broom over her head. Everyone who had been eating breakfast dropped their home base and either stormed up to the bedrooms to get their own brooms or ran out into the field of operation that was used for Quidditch practice. Albus, since he did not own his own broomstick, went directly outside. Georgia had already ran out the door and was standing in the midsection of the field, with a huge grin on her face.

"Ready, Albus ?"she asked.

"Definitely ! I ca n't await !"he told her, and he looked over to the back door of the house. St. James the Apostle, and everyone else who had their own broom had come out and were running over to the field.

"Can I try it after you ?"Teddy shouted from behind everyone else.

"Sure !"GA shouted back.

"Then me !"James waved his arms around.

"And me !"Fred screamed.

"Me !"ling pushed her way in front of Fred, trying to block him.

"Shut it !"Georgia shouted over the haphazardness,"Everyone will get a act ! But right now, I 'm flying it !"Georgia mounted her Scots heather and kicked off from the ground. The speed was amazing. She could make turn of events at top amphetamine and brake seconds before she would let crashed into the ground.

"Wow !"James screamed excitedly."That 's brilliant !"Everyone started talking at once and Albus was not able to realise out anything. Sakartvelo flew around the field for fifteen minutes before landing beside her siblings and cousin-german. She dismounted and handed the Scots heather to Teddy.

"Thanks !"Teddy grinned and changed his hair's-breadth to red. He flew into the air did a series of spins and twist. He flew for about ten bit and landed following to Sakartvelo."Wow, I wish I 'd had that when I was searcher, we never would have lost a match !"

"We barely lost a match anyway,"Georgia laughed. She took the broom and handed it to James. For the side by side two hours, everyone took a turn on the Scots heather. Even rose wine got into the intent of things and flew around for a few transactions. After everyone had had a twist, Georgia decided to devise a Quidditch match.

"Ok, I 'll be captain of my team and chemise can captain the other team,"Georgia decided. The two chieftain took twist picking their team and eventually their were two squad of six histrion each. As there were n't enough histrion for wide-cut squad, six musician for each had to work. Georgia 's team consisted of Saint James the Apostle, Thomas Bradley, Cedric, Sir Henry Morton Stanley, and Gabriella. Teddy 's team consisted of Heather, Fred, Victoire, Ben, and Mark. Since Albus did not own a broom, he could n't play. He and Rose watched from the sidelines, while the younger tiddler played in the snow nearby.

"That was close cobbler's last night, about the Shrieking hut, I mean,"Albus whispered to Rose.

"I know,"she whispered back,"Everyone 's leery about it. I hear people whispering about it sometimes in the Great Hall."

"That means Matt 's auditory modality it, too,"Albus groaned,"It 's got to be horrible for him."

"Energy Department this mean you definitely believe he 's a werewolf, then ?"pink wine asked.

"I 'm not totally convinced, but it does seem that way. I do n't think I 'll be fully convinced until I hear him say so himself."

"I suppose you 're right, but I 'm pretty sure of it,"rosebush told him.

"How 'd you find out, anyway ? How do you know so much about werewolves ?"Albus asked.

"I 've read about them, of course. Once I found out that teddy bear 's dad was a werewolf, I read all about them in Mum and Dad 's old school Holy Writ,"rose wine said.

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense. You for certain do read a lot."

"I know,"blush wine agreed, as she pulled her copy of Hogwarts, A story, out of her jacket.

"You got that for Yuletide, too ?"Albus questioned.

"Yup, it 's quite interest. I 'm already on chapter three."

"I have n't even started reading it yet."

Rose laughed and opened up her book. Albus looked out towards the field and watched the rest of the Quidditch match. It was a pretty good peer. Quite different than Hogwarts matches, though. There was no referee, so a few arguments erupted. After an time of day or so, slip caught the snitcher and his squad won. Albus and his cousin-german trooped back into the home, snowy, wet, and cold. It was almost time for Christmas supper, and Molly was cooking in the kitchen, with help from Ginny and Fleur. Albus ran up to the top bedchamber and got out his new Quidditch book of account and translate it until supper was ready.

Christmas supper was always an interest event at the Burrow. The kitchen board was not big enough to sit down everyone, so usually the younger children sat there, while the onetime child and the adults found seats in the living way. There was always a lot of nutrient, too. The solid food was kept in the kitchen and hoi polloi got up to get some when they wanted it. As Albus was walking into the kitchen, he distinctly saw James sneaking around the life elbow room doing something with one of the arm chairs.

Sure enough, after Albus sat down at the table and started eating his food, he heard a scream from the living room. He jumped up from his professorship and followed his cousins into the room.

"What was that ? !"Harry shouted, looking down at the chair he had been sitting in.

mollie came into the room and pushed past Albus."James Sothis ceramicist ! What did you do ?"

King James I looked sheepishly at her,"How did you know it was me ? You did n't see it happen."

"I raised your Uncle Saint George ! I know a hangdog look when I see one,"molly screamed at him,"What did you do ?"

"Shocking Seat,"James II explained,"It 's a piffling thing you hide on a chair and gives a mild electric impact to the individual who sits in it."

Harry started laughing,"And I suppose it 's from your shop, George ?"

"Yup, new product. Just came out a few hebdomad ago. I got James I a few for Christmas Day. persuasion he 'd wish them,"George VI told him.

"I 'd say he does like them,"Harry grinned,"Just do n't use them on any teachers."

"Too late. I just did,"James laugh. Everyone else started laughing as well, except mollie, who went back into the kitchen.

The rest of supper went by with only a few child put-on. Someone snuck a Ton Tongue toffee into Albus 's pudding and his lingua grew two feet before Harry found out and limit it for him. A few glasses exploded and a few bowls of soup crashed to the ground, mostly because Henry M. Stanley had just turned seventeen and wanted to use magic to bring thing to the mesa for mass. Eventually, everyone had enough to eat and they migrated into the living room. The adults had all had quite a bit of eggnog and ardour whiskey and were not paying a unhurt lot of attention to the kids. This enabled Teddy and Victoire to sneak off into the kitchen, to be alone.

Albus and Rose decided to flirt magician 's chess game. Lily and Hugo sat down to determine. It did n't take Rose too long to beat Albus. rosiness was very secure at chess and she was much better than Albus. After that, the four of them played a few rounds of Exploding Snap, well-nigh of which Albus won.

Eventually, Molly decided it was time for everyone to go to bed. Albus climbed slowly up the stairs and got into his bunk. He was very tired. It had been a majuscule Christmas. With his stomach full and his pump glad, Albus fell into a deep sleep.

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A/N : Hope you liked it ! I wrote this before Jo posted the Weasley/Potter folk tree, so that 's why I made up my own Weasley cousins. Although I did think correctly that James 's middle epithet is Sirius ! I know it 's a bit confusing with the large quantity of cousins I made up, so I 'll try and post a family tree with one of the upcoming chapters.

As always, thanks to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my bro. Thanks also to inkheart for their limited review. Please read and brush up !

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

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Boxing Day was usually a lazy day at the burrow. Everyone slept former and ate whatever whenever they wanted. Albus awoke around noon, and found that a few of his aunts, uncles, and cousins were getting ready to exit. His Uncle George II and Aunt Alicia and their fry were getting ready to leave to visit Alicia 's parents. His Uncle Charlie and Aunt Katherine and their kids were also leaving to visit other family.

"Bye, guys,"Albus waved as his Uncle Charlie stepped into the fireplace with Eddie.

"Bye, Albus,"Charlie waved back,"Have a skillful time at school."

Albus walked into the kitchen and found Rose sitting at the table recital Hogwarts, A story. Victor Hugo was also there.

"morn, blush wine,"he said as he sat down following to her.

"Hi,"she said, not looking up from her book.

Albus went to the parry and made some pledge. Hugo got up from the tabular array and ran into the living elbow room. When Albus brought his breakfast back to the table, Rose had set her volume down.

"Good, he left,"Rose whispered,"I want to babble to you about Matt."

"What about him ?"

"His little 'problem',"Rose said,"Listen, I went snooping around Grandpa 's study this morning while everyone was departed. I want to do some more research about lycanthropy."

"Well, did you discover anything ?"Albus asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I did. I found a few Christian Bible that have info in them. I took them and hid them in my trunk upstairs. Now that Heather 's left field to see her early grandparents, I 've got my room to myself. We can go read them after we 're done eating."

"audio good,"Albus whispered back,"And we 've got to ask Uncle Bill about it too."

"I know, I 've thought of that too. We 'll ask tomorrow. There 'll be to a lesser extent people. Uncle Bill, Aunt Fleur, Victoire, Gabriella, and Ben are n't leaving until day after tomorrow. Uncle Harry Hotspur, Aunt Corrine, Georgia, Bradley, Cedric, and the twin are leaving tomorrow. I do n't want to be overheard."

"good thinking,"Albus said as he took a bite out of his goner. At that bit, James IV, Cedric, Bradley, and Ben came in.

"What were you two talking about ?"James asked, as he stole a while of Albus 's toast.

"Nothing,"Albus said abruptly.

James looked at him warily,"Hmm, well, we 're going to go play Quidditch. You want to look on ?"

Rose looked at Albus."Um, no, me and Rose have, er, preparation to do."

Saint James the Apostle laughed."There 's plenty of time left to do preparation. Oh, well, case yourself."Jame shoved the last bit of his toast into his mouth and he, Cedric, and Ben went outside.

"That was close up,"Rose whispered,"We ca n't let anyone find out. Are you fix ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said as he got up from the table. Rose got up, too, and Albus followed her to the bedroom she stayed in. They went inside and rosiness closed the doorway quietly. She went over to her trunk, pulled out a few heavy rule book, and dumped them on her bed.

"If anyone outburst in and asks us what we 're doing, we say it 's homework,"Rose told Albus. She picked up a book and handed it to him."Here you go. Just look through it and read anything you find about werewolves."

Albus took the leger and looked at it. It was entitled modern font Magical Remedies. He opened it to the indicant and looked for 'werewolf', but it was n't there. However, 'wolfsbane'was. There was a whole chapter on it. Albus turned to the chapter and briefly leafed through it. It was long and the print was very small. It was not the sort of interpretation Albus would normally do, but his curiosity about mat 's condition triumphed over his dislike of slow recitation. Albus and Rose read for close to two hours. In the metre it took Albus to understand about the Wolfsbane potion, Rose had gone through two of the other books.

"fountainhead, what did you determine ?"rosiness asked once Albus had finished his chapter. She looked a bit pale and kind of scared.

"Loads, how about you ?"Albus told her,"Are you okay ?"

"Yeah, I guess,"Rose whispered,"It 's just, the other ledger I 've read did n't really go over what it 's like to transform. These did. Oh, Albus, it sounds frightful ! Really dreadful ! And painful. I just feel so bad for lusterlessness, if that is what 's going on. Apparently, when a werewolf is in Wolf conformation, they must burn early animals or the great unwashed. They 're not in their human judgment, they do n't bang what they 're doing ! And if there 's no other brute or masses to prick, they bite themselves. That must be where Matt got all those cuts and contusion from. He 's doing it to himself."

Albus stared at her with his oral cavity unfold,"That 's horrible ! There 's got to be something someone could do ! Healers or someone must cognise a cure or something."

"There 's not. There 's no cure for lycanthropy. Just the Wolfsbane potion,"Rose told him.

"Oh, yeah,"Albus had momentarily forgotten what he had been reading about,"The wolfbane potion does do work. If a lycanthrope takes it every dark a few nights prior to transformation, they will transform, but will be harmless to themselves and other people. It 's really complicated to make, but apparently it makes the transmutation loads better."

"But why does n't Matt take away it then ?"Rose wondered.

"I dunno. I guess the only way we 'd find out is to ask him,"Albus told her.

"So you believe me, then ? You 're convinced he 's a werewolf ?"Rose asked.

"You know, I think so. I guess I 'm still not positive, but I 'm as convince as I could be without him actually telling me."

pink wine got up from the bed."I guess we 've learned everything we can from these Quran. I 'll sneak them back early tomorrow morning."She picked up all the playscript and put them back into her trunk.

"I think I 'll go see what everyone else is up to,"Albus got up from the storey and opened the doorway,"You coming ?"

"Yeah, sure,"Rose followed Albus out the door.

The cousin walked down the step from rose 's room. The house was very quiesce. Most of their cousins were outside playing Quidditch or in their rooms enjoying their presents. Since two of the home had already left, it was quite a bit calmer. As Albus and Rose strode past the kitchen, Albus stopped curtly. Rose bumped into him.

"Ouch !"she screeched as she bumped her head on his back.

"Shush !"Albus whispered as he pressed his head to the door of the kitchen,"I heard someone say my name."

Rose leaned her head word against the door as well and the two of them tried to listen for a bit or so."It 's no use ! They 're whispering. I ca n't hear anything."

"Me neither, but I swear one of them mentioned me !"Albus listened again,"I 'm reasonably sure it 's my mum and dad, and your dad as well."

The front door banged open and James, Cedric, Ben, and Omar Bradley stormed in, dropping their Calluna vulgaris on the floor."It 's bloody freezing out there !"James shouted as he tore off his baseball mitt and scarf.

"And someone 's locked the kitchen door !"Cedric added, as he pulled off his frozen hat.

"Shush !"Albus shouted back.

"What ?"Jesse James asked as he came rushing over, followed by Cedric, Ben, and Bradley.

"The kitchen 's locked because some of the adults are in there talking about me !"Albus whispered back.

"Really ?"James River looked at him curiously,"What about ?"

"I dunno !"Albus whispered back,"I ca n't hear them, they 're being existent quiet."

James thought for a import, and then a grin appeared on his boldness."Time to break out one of my Christmas presents."

"That 's right !"Albus said excitedly,"You got Extendable auricle for Christmas !"

"Yep, sure did I 'll go get them !"James River announced, and then he ran upstairs. He appeared a minute later holding a blue box with a large ear pictured on it."Here they are."King James I tore open the packaging and pulled out seven fleshy underground. He handed one to everybody and stowed the extra in his pocket.

Albus hastily pushed one end of the Extendable Ear into his own ear and sent the other end to the bed of the door. Albus had used Extendables once before, when his full cousin Gabriella had bought some at Hogsmeade and let Albus try them out. That was two years ago, and he had n't heard anything interesting. Gabriella had bought them in rules of order to listen in on Victoire 's conversations with her friend who had stayed for Christmas break. Victoire only talked about how often she liked slip, and Albus found that rather boring. This time, however, Albus was sure as shooting he 'd hear more occupy conversations.

"I 'm really not indisputable I should differentiate them,"Albus heard his dad say.

"I know,"his mother responded back,"If someone invading thieir minds, it 's right they did not know right now."

"I mean, I had n't really thought about when I was going to distinguish them,"Harry responded,"I guess I was planning on doing it when they were much older. I worry about what they would do with the selective information. Henry James especially."

Epistle of James turned away from the door and looked at Albus."They 're talking about me, too !"

"I know, shush !"Albus said as he turned his attention back to the conversation in the kitchen.

"I honestly would only trust pink wine with the data, Harry,"Ginny told her husband.

This time it was Rose 's turn to wait at Albus."Me, too ! But whatever it is, they trust me."Rose could n't help oneself but grin as she turned back to the door.

"I do n't want her to know, given the stream portion,"Ron said.

"Me neither,"Hermione agreed.

"I know, but it seems as if whoever 's doing it is focusing on St. James the Apostle and Albus,"Harry informed them."I was always leery about telling them, but especially now ..."

"Harry, we did n't even narrate my brothers,"Ron said,"Why are you worrying about telling the kids ?"

"component part of me wants them to translate what we think is going on,"Harry went on,"But the early part of me does n't desire them to know."

"I 'm siding with that part of you,"Ginny said,"We should n't differentiate them."

"Ever ?"Hermione asked tentatively,"I do retrieve they should be trusted with that information at some point."

"I agree, Hermione,"Harry told her,"But not now. I guess I 'd just been waiting for the opportunity to present itself, have n't really thought about when I 'd tell them. I suppose the best matter to do would be to hold back until they 're out of school, they 'll be More mature and there 'll be less of a chance of it leaking out."

"That sounds reasonable, Harry,"Ginny agreed,"Someday, we 'll enjoin them about the Hallows. But right now I think we need to verbalise about what 's been going on with-"

"James, Bradley, Cedric, Benedict, Rose, and Albus, what on earth are you doing ? !"a livid voice caused Albus to drop his extendable Ear and he was not able to discover what his mum had been about to say.

mollie Weasley ran over to the five cousins, a smell of madness on her face."Have you been listening in on that conversation ? Obviously you have ! You have no right ! Your parents wanted to be alone ! And have me those !"

Albus, James, and their cousins did not even think about not listening to their grandmother and handed over their ear at once."And the early one ?"She eyed James IV 's pouch. Albus glanced at it and noticed the little bit of flesh sticking out of it. James IV sulkily pulled it out and handed it to her.

"I 'll be having a word with your Uncle George ! He 's lucky he 's not here right now. He should n't be giving you those for Christmastide, honestly, the nerve of him ..."Molly stormed over to her desk and grabbed a piece of music of lambskin and a quill and started writing while she mumbled to herself. Albus knew she was going to send off a Howler to her son.

The tumult outside the kitchen caused Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to cease their conversation and come out to see what the commotion was about. Once Albus heard the door start to open, he made a mad dash for the step, and the thundering behind him told him his brother and cousin-german did the Sami.

Albus did n't blockade running until he made it to rosebush 's room, and once James I and their full cousin were inside, he slammed the door shut.

"What was that all about ?"Albus asked as he sat down on one of the beds.

"I dunno,"James responded,"They obviously know something we do n't and they do n't want to tell us about it. But what did they have in mind by they did n't want me to know about it especially ?"James stomped back and forth across the floor, obviously mad that his parents would n't trust him with something.

"Well, that 's not the solitary reason they 're keeping it from us !"Rose argued,"They said they trust me, but still wo n't recount me."

"Must be something really secretive because only your parents know about it,"Ben reasoned."I suppose Omar Nelson Bradley, Cedric, and I wo n't ever find out."

"Yeah, you will !"James I insisted as he threw himself onto a bed,"Once I find out, I 'll severalize you !"

"Saint James !"pink wine shouted,"That must be why they wo n't recount you right now ! They do n't want anybody to know. If it 's something so tightlipped that they wo n't even narrate any of our uncles, then they must not desire a whole lot of people to know."

"But what would my parents, Aunt Hermione, and Uncle Ron know that none of the former aunts and uncles know about ?"Albus asked Rose.

"I dunno,"blush wine answered. The five of them sat in silence for a few minutes, trying to think of what this could be.

"You do n't remember ..."James I started,"... that maybe it has something to do with the war ?"

Albus looked at him,"But Dad said he told us all about the war."

"It makes gumption, Albus,"Rose told him,"What else besides the war do my parents and your parents have, but none of our aunty and uncles do ?"

"But my parents were involved in the war !"Cedric insisted.

"I know they were,"James said as he got up from the bed again and started pacing,"But my dad and rose wine 's parents were a lot more than involved. They destroyed well-nigh of the horcruxes and they were off by themselves for almost a class doing it."

"True,"Cedric agreed.

"Whatever it is, they 're keeping something from us,"James told everyone as he pounded his clenched fist on the nighttime stand,"And I do n't like it. Especially since Dad said he told us everything."

"Anyone becharm what they were talking about ?"Omar Bradley asked.

"Yeah,"Albus responded,"Hallows. Whatever they are."

"Never heard of them,"St. James said.

"Me neither,"Cedric said. Omar Bradley and Ben shook their heading. Albus looked expectantly at rose. Whenever individual else did n't know about something, Rose always knew.

"I 've never heard anything about them either, Albus, I 'm sorry,"rosiness sighed,"But once we 're back in school, we can look in the library."

"I guess,"Albus said, looking down at his feet. He did not like the mind of his parents keeping something from him. It made him feel betrayed. Harry had always told Albus that he told him everything about the war. But if these Hallows had anything to do with the war, like James II suspected they did, then Harry and Ginny were keeping something from them. What were the Hallows ? And why were his parents so intent about not letting him know about them ? Why did they remember he was n't trustworthy enough to know about them ?

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A/N : Sorry for the hold ! I have been on vacation, so have n't been capable to update. Hopefully, I 'll get my Weasley kin tree up with the next chapter.
Thanks as usual to Rain is LIquid Moonlight, my early sis, and my brother. Also thanks to inkheart, Ashley, total darkness fervor, and e.jones for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 15 : Occlumency and Potions

By the time Albus woke up the next morning, his Uncle Sir Henry Percy, aunt Corrine, and their kids had already left. Albus had not slept very well. Although he had n't had any nightmare, Albus could n't stop thinking about what his parents were keeping from him, and the thought process had kept him tossing and turning almost the whole Nox. Once he fell asleep, he slept until it was nearly one o'clock in the afternoon. He never even had the probability to say adios to his aunt, uncle and cousin. However, he did n't have got long to harp on it because shortly after he had gotten dressed, James burst into the room.

"goodness, you 're up,"Jesse James greeted him, as he sat down on one of the bottom bunks.

"Yeah, I 'm up,"Albus yawned,"Just got up, could n't sleep well last night."

"Me, neither, but Cedric woke me up before he left. Tried to get you up, but you were out like a log."

"well, what 's been going on ? Do Mum and Dad know that we listened to them ?"Albus asked.

"They do. nanna told them. I 'm never getting those Extendables back,"James groaned."But I do n't call up they 're too bothered by it."

"Well, that 's goodness,"Albus told him,"Better they do n't know that we 're trying to find oneself out what they 're keeping from us."

"Definitely. Oh, but they do require to verbalise to us in a few minutes,"Henry James informed Albus,"They sent me up here to arouse you up."

"You do n't retrieve they want to shout out at us about listening in, do you ?"Albus asked nervously.

"No, I do n't guess that 's what it 's about. They just want to talk to us. Not Rose,"James answered.

"That 's odd. What else could they want ?"Albus wondered.

"Dunno,"Jesse James glanced at his spotter."Well, we 'd better go. They 're waiting in the kitchen."

Albus followed King James I slowly down the stairs. He had no estimation what this could be about. For a moment, he thought that maybe his parents were going to assure them about whatever 'Hallows'were, but he knew that could n't be it. They had seemed so diamond about not telling James River, Albus, or climb about them.

Albus made his way into the kitchen after James. His parents were in there, along with Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione. Harry gestured for them to sit down. Albus sat down in one of the electric chair and Jesse James sat next to him, neither of them saying a Good Book. Harry went over to the door, closed it, and pointed his baton at it while muttering a spell. Albus figured it was some kind of spell that rendered extendable auricle useless.

"number one,"Harry told his sons, as he walked over and stood next to Ron,"I want to secernate you that I 'm not punishing you for what you did yesterday. Both of you look like you 're sitting in a detention."

Albus smiled a footling, but James did not move.

"I would bear done the same thing if I were you,"Harry grinned and continued,"wellspring, let me reword that. I have done the same thing you did. Plenty of clip. Right after your uncles Fred and George invented extendable Ears. ``

Harry started pacing around the kitchen. Albus had noticed that his Church Father did this whenever he was thinking about something good. It was the Lapp form of pacing that James had done the premature day.

"However, what I do require to lecture to you about is a serious matter,"Harry lowered his voice,"It 's about what 's been going on in the school."

Albus looked at James. Neither of them really knew what their dad was getting on about.

"James I, when you were in custody a few week ago and you said your point felt good story. Madam Pomfrey had the suspicion that someone was using Legilimency against you. I think she was right. fountainhead, I 'm certain she was right. The way you described it is just like how it feels,"Harry told his son,"Jesse James, soul is trying to encroach upon your mind."

King James looked appall. Albus noticed he was a bit paler than usual. He looked very much the same as he did in the days following that detention. Albus guessed that the 24-hour interval at the burrow had made King James block about that awful experience.

"Albus, about that dream-"Harry started, but was cut off.

"You said it did n't imply anything !"Albus reminded his dad.

"I thought that it did n't, until I started having the Saame one,"Harry informed them,"I talked to your Uncle Ron about it and we both agree that they 're not pattern dreams. Someone is using Legilimency on us as well."

Albus felt the stock drain from his face and he was sure he looked as pale as King James I did."But who 's doing it ?"he whispered.

"I honestly do n't cognise, Al,"Harry softened his vocalization and sat down following to his son."But your Uncle Ron and I are trying very hard to find out who it is."

"Why does someone want to read our minds ?"Albus asked his dad.

"I, have a few thought,"Harry answered slowly,"But I 'm afraid I ca n't recite you just yet."

Albus nodded. It was strange that his dad could n't just solve this job. During Albus 's new childhood years, Harry had always been able to fix everything for him. Broken toys, tiddler injuries, his dad was always there to solve the trouble. But this sentence, Harry could n't just flourish his wand and relieve oneself it better.

Harry drew Albus into his coat of arms."Now, Al, I do need to know if you 've had anymore of those nightmares since that number 1 one."

"Yeah, I have. I get them a few times a week."

"Always the Lapplander one ?"Harry asked.

"Yes."

"And have you had any while you 've been at the tunnel ?"

Albus thought for a mo."You know, I have n't. I had n't really thought about it, but I have n't had any since I left Hogwarts."

Harry glanced at Ron and got up from the chair."I think that 's all I need to know about the dreams for now. But if they start changing at all, you 've got to let me roll in the hay right away. Just ask one of the portrait in the plebeian room to discover me. Do n't leave the green elbow room to differentiate me, it 's very important that you do not digress around at night."

Harry started pacing again and he turned to face King James."Are you ok ? I know it 's a shivery thought, that someone 's invading your judgment. But I will encounter out who 's doing it. I do n't need you to worry about it too much."

James just nodded, apparently still unable to speak.

"Good. Now, it 's obviously very disturbing that individual is trying to see our thinking and memories. Ron and I, as well as a few former Aurors are working to picture out who it is and why they 're doing it, so we can stop them. But for now, you two have to learn how to protect yourselves.

"Ron and I have decided that you should commence to learn Occlumency. I know you both already know what that is, but neither of you have had any training in the subject. If you 're able to check it properly, then no one will be able to read your thoughts."

"Are you going to teach us, Dad ?"St. James spoke for the first clip since he entered the room.

"No, I ca n't,"Harry told him,"I 'm not a very practiced Occlumens and am having a hard enough sentence trying to fold my own psyche, let alone trying to teach you two."

"Then who 's going to instruct us ?"James asked, with a worried look on his face. He and Albus looked at each former. Harry had told them the stories of when professor Snape had tried to teach him Occlumency in his one-fifth year.

"Do n't care,"Harry reassured them, seeing the looks on their faces,"I know from experience that in order to determine Occlumency properly, it 's much better if you trust your teacher. That 's why your auntie Hermione will be teaching you."

Albus breathed a sigh of relievo. Although his aunty Hermione was exacting, he knew she would be able to teach him well. There was hardly an view of magic that she did not do well.

"I 'll be coming to Hogwarts two nights a week until you are both up to of protecting your minds from intruder,"Hermione informed them.

James opened his mouth and was about to speak when Hermione cut him off."Not to worry, Jesse James, it wo n't interfere with Quidditch practice ! I know Quidditch is the most important thing in this family."She glared at Harry and Ron, who both grinned sheepishly.

"I 'll send an owl to the shoal once the 1st lesson is set up, telling you which classroom it will be in. We still need to run this by the Headmaster, but I 'm trusted he will not mind,"Hermione inform them.

"well, I think that 's it, boys,"Harry strode back over to Jesse James and Albus and gave them each a hug."I do n't want you to worry about this too much. Your Uncle Ron and I have things under ascendance. Just concentrate on learning Occlumency. Try to hold back your guard up, as well. Constant vigilance, as Mad-Eye would birth said. I 've got to run into the Auror office for a few hours, but I 'll be back before dinner."

When Harry opened the doorway to the kitchen, rosebush fell into the room. She had been leaning on the room access, trying to take heed in. She stood up, blushing furiously and ran out of the room and up the stair. William James and Albus burst out laughing and ran out of the room after her. They found her up in her room.

"So, what was that about ?"she asked eagerly, once Albus had shut the threshold behind him and Jesse James."Any prospect they told you what they 're trying to keep from us ?"

"No,"James said bitterly, it was obvious to Albus that he was still mad about that.

"Well, what was it then ?"blush wine pushed.

"Remember that custody that me, James, matt, and Saint John the Apostle had to do with Washburn ? The one where we cleaned the hourglasses in the Entrance antechamber ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose said warily.

"Well, someone tried to read King James 's mind during it. And someone 's been trying to register my mind and Dad 's while we 're sleeping, too. I 've been having weird ambition ever since schooltime started, and apparently they mean person 's using Legilimency on me."

rose wine stared at him, then she glanced at James, who had sat down on Rose 's bed."You 're good ?"

"Yep,"James confirmed,"And Dad wants me and Albus to learn Occlumency to try and block up them. I get the tone something 's happening. I 'm not sure what, but all the adults seemed a bit worried when they were telling us this. Dad does n't know who 's doing it or why. Well, he has an mind why, but he wo n't tell us. Figures."King James punched one of the pillows."I guess I 'm not trustworthy."

"Who 's teaching you ?"Rose asked.

"Your mum,"Albus answered."She 's coming to the castle two Nox a week as soon as everything 's straightened out with professor Kendrick."

"fountainhead, that 's dear, then. I hope you two are good at Occlumency,"Rose said,"But do you two get the feeling this whole brain reading thing might have something to do with what they 're keeping from us ?"

"Seems likely,"Albus agreed.

James nodded."We 've got to figure out what they 're keeping from us. We 'll go once we 're back at school. And I do n't think we should distinguish anyone what we 're doing, since Dad 's didactics there. I do n't conceive he 'd be too well-chosen if he found out what we 're up to."

"I suppose you 're right,"Rose responded.

"Yeah,"Albus said. He did n't like the approximation of keeping something this big from lav, Matt, and Amanda, but he could see James 's point in time. Their father did n't want them to eff about whatever this is, and if he found out they were looking, it would make it strong to pick up the secret.

"James !"a phonation shouted from downstairs,"Come service with dinner, please ! I 've got Ben cutting up vegetable and you can help him !"

James got up and went over to the door,"Aw, Mum ! Why ca n't Teddy do it ? He can do it by magic and it 'd go faster !"

"Teddy 's helping Victoire subject area ! Now get down here, please !"Ginny screamed back.

James snorted and looked at Albus and Rose, who were giggling. They were sure that Teddy and Victoire were not studying, but were in fact hiding away somewhere, snogging.

"Saint James !"his mother shrieked.

St. James stomped out of the room and down the stairs, muttering something about Muggle cooking.

rose wine got up from the bed and shut the door behind King James. She turned back to Albus."Ok, we 've got to ask Uncle Bill what he knows about lycanthrope tonight after dinner."

"Yeah, we should. He 's leaving tomorrow. Do you really remember he knows something that we have n't already read in the record ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not sure. But what I want to bang is why someone would n't take the Wolfsbane potion or why it would n't influence,"blush wine told Albus as she sat down next to him.

"Good musical theme. The book I read did n't mention anything like that. But if Matt 's a loup-garou, then he 's definitely not taking that potion every month."

"Or it 's not working for him,"rose wine suggested.

"Yeah, that too. But what are we going to tell Uncle Bill when he asks why we want to fuck about the Wolfsbane potion ?"

"I 've got it taken upkeep of,"pink wine told him,"I 'll separate him that Professor Slughorn gave us extra credit to research an gain ground potion. And we 'll say that Slughorn let us do it in groups of two and you 're my partner."

"Wow ! That 's good thought process, rosiness,"Albus said excitedly,"I 'd never be able to come up with that."

"It just came to me last Night. I knew we 'd involve an exculpation because we do n't learn about werewolves until third base year."

"rose ! Albus ! I need your help for dinner, please !"Ginny screamed up the stairs.

"Alright, Mum !"Albus answered,"We 'll be right there !"He and Rose went downstairs, where they were immediately put to work slicing bread.

*****

Supper was of late that dark, and not nearly as gratifying as Yule supper. Everyone wanted to hold back until Harry returned from the Auror office to eat, and he did not get back until nearly eight o'clock. Once Harry walked in the threshold, everyone sat down and started eating.

"I 've got some bad word,"Harry announced as he poured some butterbeer for himself. Everyone stopped eating and looked at him."individual was found dead this morning time in their house. Jasmine Lomski. She worked in the Magical Law Enforcement Office. Avada Kedavra was the drive of death. It 's looking very shady. I 've got someone investigating, but so far nothing 's been found."

"Lomski ?"Ben asked, his facial expression was white. He was looking at William James, whose cheek was equally blanch."There 's a fille in our class, a Ravenclaw, Rachael Lomski. Are they related ?"

Harry nodded,"Yes, that 's her mother. Jasmine 's married man, Connor, was taking Rachael and the former kids to see their grandparents for Xmas, so they were not home at the clock time. Jasmine did not go with them because she had to crop tomorrow.

"But I want everyone to know that the other Aurors and I are doing all we can to find out who did this, and who killed Professor Torro, and hopefully we 'll be able to hold back whoever did it soon."

"You think the two murder are related, then ?"Arthur asked.

"I really ca n't be surely yet, but I do induce a feeling they are,"Harry answered.

The sleep of the meal was spent discussing the suspect killing, and no one really had a lot of an appetite anymore. Victor-Marie Hugo and Lily did not pay a great deal attention to the conversation, and after they finished eating they ran off to spiel with their Christmas presents. Albus mostly pushed his food around his photographic plate. He could n't help but wonder if the mysterious kill had something to do with his strange dream. James seemed to be worried, as well. He was also not eating, and his face had not regained any color since their dad 's announcement. Ben and rose wine were n't eating either, although they looked less worried than James did. Teddy, Victoire and Gabriella spent much of the meal whispering to each former with occupy looks on their faces.

After everyone had eaten whatever they could, Bill excused himself to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. arise glanced at Albus and they both got up and followed him.

"Um, Uncle Bill ?"rose wine asked tentatively,"I was wondering if Albus and I could spill to you, er, in buck private ?"

"Sure ..."poster answered warily, he was obviously wondering what they were up to."Let 's go into your grandpa 's study."

gramps Weasley 's report was always an interesting place to visit. It was filled with all variety of muggle devices that were in various province of disrepair. When Albus walked into the room, the first thing he noticed was the broken estimator sitting on the desk. That had been a present from Albus 's aunt Hermione. Hermione 's parents had recently gotten a new data processor and Hermione was capable to get their old one to pay to Arthur. He had been thrilled and had spent much of the vacation taking it apart.

"So, what can I help you with, Rose ?"banker's bill asked.

"fountainhead, um, I was wondering if you knew anything about the wolf's bane potion,"rose told him.

bank note spat out the taste of tea that was in his mouth."wolfsbane potion ? Well, I do have it away a bit about that. But why do you necessitate to know about it ?"

"We 're doing an extra credit entry essay for Slughorn on elevate potions. We picked the Wolfsbane potion. Now, we 've learned a bit about it from books, but I 've got a few other enquiry,"Rose said.

"Sure, go ahead and ask,"Bill sat down in Arthur 's chair and put his feet up on the desk.

pink wine and Albus sat down in two other death chair."I guess I was wondering if there 's ever been a typeface where the Wolfsbane potion has n't worked ?"Rose asked.

"It 's rare,"neb told them,"But not unheard of. There have been a few multitude that the potion has n't worked on. It 's concentrated to experience for sure as shooting how many because there are n't a hale lot of werewolves to begin with anyway. And many do not report how the potion works for them."

"Ok,"Rose said, while she pretended to study notes on a piece of sheepskin,"Why would n't it work ? Or why would n't someone take it ?"

"A few werewolves have been supersensitive to the potion, or to one of the ingredient in it, so that 's why it does n't work for some. And they 'd obviously stop taking it if that happened. There 's also a fairly new study about the affects of emotions on the potion. A few people have reported that the potion does not always workplace well, depending on what kind of mood the person is at the time of transformation. Which makes sense, since the nature of the transformation depends on emotions as well. Then there 's a second study that 's trying to calculate out why the potion just does n't work. There are a few werewolf where it has no outcome whatsoever. As far as why someone would n't lead it, it 's a very unmanageable potion to stimulate. Not many people are able to establish it. Because of that, it 's gruelling to prevail it."

"Oh,"blush wine looked up from her parchment,"I think that 's all I need to know for now. I 've gotten warhead of data from books. Albus and I should be able to save the reputation now."

beak got up from his chair,"Good. Glad I could help."He walked quickly out the door, Albus guessed he wanted to get back to the discussion about Jasmine Lomski 's murder.

Albus and Rose left the room and went back up to Rose 's sleeping accommodation."Well, what do you consider ?"blush wine asked Albus.

"I dunno. Maybe he 's not capable to get the potion ?"

"Or he 's allergic to it,"rose suggested.

"But what about that unhurt emotions affecting the potion thing ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not for sure. Do you remember what lustrelessness 's been like every time he 's suffer vomit ?"

"No. I mean, usually he 's old-hat, but that 's not really emotion. I 'd don he 's nervous about it, but I bet all werewolves are nervous about transforming."

"Probably. I guess we 're just going to cause to keep watching him,"rose wine told Albus.

"I suppose. I wish he 'd just say us."

"He 's probably afraid to. Afraid we wo n't be friends with him anymore,"blush wine said in a anguish voice.

"fountainhead, that 's not true ! We 'd never abandon him like that !"

"I know, Albus,"rosiness sighed,"I just wish there was a way to let him know that."

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Weasley-Potter family Tree
Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 7th year Francis Edgar Stanley, 6th twelvemonth Georgia, 5th twelvemonth
Gabriella, 5th year heather mixture, 4th class Bradley, 3rd year
Ben, 2nd twelvemonth scrape, 3rd year Cedric, 2nd year
Eddie, 5 years old Samantha & lindy ( twins ), 6 geezerhood old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 4th year Rose, 1st class James IV, 2nd year
Angie, 8 years old Hugo, 9 years old Albus, 1st class
Lily, 9 years old
*all in Gryffindor*

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A/N : I hope you liked it ! My Weaslye-Potter family tree diagram is above. I hope it helps clean-cut up any confusion. I put Ron & Ginny in there even though I do n't own their kidskin. I thought it would be more finish that way. Any law of similarity between the above ( besides Ron & Ginny 's kinfolk, obviously ) are merely a coincidence.

Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my former sis, and my sidekick. Thanks to inkheart for their review. Please read & review !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry potter. Nor do I own Nintendo, the Nintendo DS, or brute Crossing.

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Before Albus knew it, the Dec 25 holiday was over. The respite of the breakage was not nearly as eventful as the first few days. The day after Harry came dwelling with the news of Jasmine Lomski 's death, flyer, Fleur, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of Albus 's cousins left to see former family. life-time at the tunnel became much calmer. Saint James the Apostle and Albus spent much of their metre playing Quidditch exterior. Harry had let Albus use his broomstick. James was able-bodied to help Albus practice his skills as a pursuer, and seemed pretty confident by the end of the holiday that Albus would make the team next year. Whenever chemise was n't working at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, he visited and played Quidditch with Saint James and Albus. Lily often hung around while the games were taking place and would beg the boys to let her give birth a go on one of the brooms. Occasionally, one of them would take pity on her and lend her their Scots heather. Eventually, King James I and Albus realized that they had neglected their homework long enough and had to spend the whole utmost day of break working on it. It took them much foresightful than usual, as they did not birth Rose there to help.

Harry spent much of the last few days of break popping in and out of the Auror place. He left early in the day and came back late in the evening. He always came home looking tired, and Albus could differentiate that the investigation was not going well. His mum, grandma, and grandpa, seemed distressed as well, although they tried not to note contingent in front of the child. James and Albus had tried repeatedly to take heed in on their conversations, but mollie was much more watchful of them ever since she caught them using extendible Ears. She had a hard time keeping Teddy out of the conversations, though, because he was of age and out of school day. However, Molly prevented Teddy from giving any info to James or Albus.

On his way back to Hogwarts, Albus found himself wandering down the corridor in the Hogwarts Express with rosiness, yet again looking for a compartment. Only this time, he was in search of a specific one, the one that John, Matt, and Amanda were in.

About halfway down the train, Albus and rosebush spotted their Quaker in one of the compartments. There was another girl in it, too. Albus recognized her as Matt 's older sister, Amy.

"Hi !"Albus grinned at his booster as he entered the compartment and sat down next to John.

"Hi,"everyone greeted him and Rose.

"So, how was everyone 's holiday ?"pink wine asked.

"Great !"bathroom smiled widely,"Got a good load of present. All my relative were there at some point or another. Saved all my homework for yesterday, but somehow managed to get it done."

"Mine was nice, too,"Amanda answered, as she reached into her bag,"But I 've got to show you guys something."She pulled out a belittled, rectangular object and opened it to unwrap two covert, one above the other.

"What the bloody hell is that ?"John asked, gaping at it.

"It 's called a Nintendo DS,"Amanda answered,"I got it for Hannukah. It 's something you play television games on."

"Oh, I 've heard of television game,"St. John the Apostle said,"But I 've never seen one before. Do you birth any biz for it ?"

"I 've got a few,"Amanda told him,"My favorite is beast Crossing. You get to shit your own township and animals are your neighbor. I 've named my townsfolk Hogsmeade."

"Awesome,"Matt smiled. `` I got one of those a while ago. ``

"I hate to tell you, but that 's not going to work at Hogwarts,"rosiness announced.

"Why not ?"King John looked at her like she was crazy.

"Too much trick around. Makes electronics not go right,"Rose explained,"It 's in Hogwarts, A History."

"Oh,"Amanda 's smile faded as she put her DS away,"I guess I 'll just have to fiddle it at base over the summer. My parents thought I would wish it and it 's middling fun. They were n't really certainly what to get me. They could n't get me anything to do with illusion. It was quite unknown, really, not being able to talk lots about magic during break.."

"And how was your holiday, mat ?"Rose asked.

Albus turned to face at mat. He was just now noticing how sap he looked. He also had some nasty looking partially healed track all over his brass and implements of war. His arms were bruised as well, and he looked like he was about ready to strike asleep. Albus and rosiness exchanged glances, but did n't say anything.

"It stunk,"flatness said flatly. He looked at his sister, who gave him a look.

"Why ?"John asked.

"wellspring, I told you how I hate going to Commonwealth of Australia. We spent the altogether break there, at my grandparents theater. They 're so courtly, I could n't do anything fun."

"How 'd you get all those cutting ?"John wondered, as he stared at a particularly tight cut on Matt 's forearm.

flatness shifted his oculus and once again looked at Amy, who nodded her read/write head."I fell out of a tree."

"What ? !"King John exclaimed,"How 'd you manage that ?"

"Well, you know how inept I am. And I was outside, trying to have some fun, because my grandparents wo n't let me do anything in the business firm. I was up pretty richly and I slipped. I fell all the way to the footing, hitting every ramification as I went. Got knocked out halfway down. My grandma heard the noise and ran outside and found me unconscious on the primer. She freaked out, saying this is why I needed to stay put inside and do homework all day,"Matt informed them. Everyone was staring at him, unable to cerebrate of something to say."Anyway, my mum and dad came rushing out, and I wound up spending a few days in the hospital down there."

"Whoa,"Amanda whispered,"I 'm glad you 're all right field. That 's shuddery, though."

"Yeah,"John agreed,"Is that why you 're so wear ?"

"Nope, that 's the jet lag,"Matt answered.

"The what ?"

"Jet lag,"Matt repeated,"It 's what you get when you fly to unlike time zona. Your slumber gets all messed up."

"You flew to Australia ?"Albus looked amazed,"Blimey ! That 's a long fourth dimension to be on a broom."

mat laughed,"Oh, no ! We flew in an airplane."

"Wow !"John looked impressed,"But why did n't you just Apparate or something ? Or Flooed ?"

"The Australian Ministry does n't allow out of country Apparition,"Amy said, speaking for the first time."And our grandparents are Muggles, so we could n't Floo."

"That 's pretty awe-inspiring,"Rose told Matt,"My grandpa loves all matter to do with Muggles. One of his life 's ambitions is to find out how airplanes stay up."

Everyone laughed. The compartment door opened and Victoire walked in."Hi, Amy ! I 've been looking for you."

"Hey,"Amy greeted her,"privation to bide her with us ?"

"Sure,"Victoire sat down future to Amy. She glanced at Matt, who was leaning up against the window."Is your brother ok ?"

"Yeah, he 's hunky-dory. He just fell out of a Tree over break and spent a few days in the hospital. That and the jet lag are why he 's so wear down,"Amy said quickly.

At that bit, the compartment door opened again to reveal the soul Albus wanted to see the least. A smug looking Quinton Willinson walked in and and shut the door behind him.

"Something you want, Willinson ?"Victoire stood up and stared at him.

"Oh, just a word with your cousin,"Willinson glared at Albus,"judgment if we speak in secret ?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,"Victoire growled,"Whatever it is, you can say it here, in front of all of us."

"amercement,"Willinson turned to Albus,"Just thought I 'd let you know that you 'd better take in yourself, Potty."

Victoire stepped between Albus and Willinson."And why is that ?"

"Oh, you did n't know ?"Willinson smiled at her,"Baby Potty here put that Exploding Eclair on my collection plate at Slughorn 's party. Him and his little posse here."

"How d'you soma that ?"Victoire continued to stare at him.

"I just know,"he answered,"So, you 'd better picket out, Potty and friends."

Amy got up and stood next to Victoire."Is that a menace, Willinson ? Because anyone who does anything to my lilliputian brother regrets it."

"Oh, maybe it 's a threat, maybe it 's not,"Willinson sneered at her,"But I would n't worry too very much about your infant comrade. Looks like he 's got enough hurt already. Looks like he 's been hit by a truck."

In a brace of five indorsement, Amy had whipped out her baton and had Willinson pinned against the wall, holding her sceptre to his face."Do not affect lusterlessness, or you will learn to regret it. You understand ? Do not do anything to him. I will find out, and you will wish you 'd never even talked to him. Get it ?"Amy let him go, but did not put her wand away.

"You would n't try anything with the Head female child here,"Willinson gestured to Victoire, as he pulled out his own wand.

"This chief fille does not care what Amy does to anyone, if they do anything to her kinfolk. And, I can add that if you do anything to my family line, you 'll rue it as well,"Victoire pulled out her own verge and pointed it at Willinson,"Now I suggest you get out, before we 're forced to hex you."

Willinson, realizing defeat, scowled and put his wand away. He opened the compartment room access and with one last glare at Albus, he left.

"Wow,"Albus muttered, gazing at Victoire and Amy,"I 've never seen him back down before."

"When you 've spent almost seven year in the same castle as him, you learn that he only does something when he has the upper hired man. He 'd never try anything when there are a couple people up against him. Especially mass who are better witches and sensation than he is. He 's really quite stupid, honestly. He brags, but I do n't think he 'd win a duel against anyone above third yr,"Victoire told them.

"Every year, he picks a new first gear year to agony. We 've never been able-bodied to figure out why he picks the one he does. Usually it 's the small-scale or most panic-struck one. I 've got no estimate why he 's picked you, Albus,"Victoire continued,"He was picked on a lot when he was a first year. Ever since then, he 's done the Lapp affair to early start years. It 's pretty low, if you ask me. If he 's got to torment someone, he ought to do it to someone closer to his age.

"It 's because he ca n't win a duel with someone his own age. If he tried anything with anyone in our social class, he 'd be hexed so a good deal you could n't agnize him. But anyway, I would not put it past him to try something on you, Albus. Just stool sure you 're never alone in the corridors and you 'll be delicately. He wo n't try anything where there 'd be witness or person to arrest him."

Amy nodded in accord,"Sami with you, Matt,"she looked at her Brother, but he 'd fallen asleep."And probably the remainder of you, too."

Albus nodded,"Who 'd he find fault on last year ?"

"King James I,"Victoire said,"But after St. James the Apostle pulled a few pranks on him, he gave up. It was quite shady, really. He tried picking on Ben after that, but I stopped him."

"How ?"Rose asked.

"He 's got this unearthly crush on me. Has ever since instant year. But I 'd never go out with him, of course of action. He 's such a git. Actually asked me to go to Hogsmeade our third year,"Victoire laughed,"But boy was he mad when I started going out with chemise. Still has n't given up. Somehow he thinks that with Teddy out of the castle, I 'll resolve to go out with him."

"It 's the Veela blood,"Amy told them.

"He 's about the only one, though. Everyone else gave up once I started going out with Teddy."

"Wow,"Rose said,"I just thought he did n't care us for some reason."

"fountainhead, he does n't. But I do n't recognise why. It 'll be good for everyone when he 's gone future twelvemonth,"Amy stated,"But for now, just piddle sure enough you 're never alone in the corridors."

*******

Once the new term started, Albus and his admirer found themselves up to their auricle in homework. The teachers had already started warning them about last exams, despite the fact that they were month away. It was n't only the first year that were bombarded with work. It seemed that all the students had more work than normal. The common way often did not discharge out until preceding midnight, with some students falling asleep in their reading. The fifth part and seventh years were spending more meter than everyone else studying, due to the fact that their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s seemed much closer from this side of Yule.

Albus and his friends tended to divide their meter evenly between the commons way and the library. They went wherever it was less crowded. Albus and pink wine were finding it difficult to find meter to research about whatever Hallows were, especially since they were rarely without toilet, mat, and Amanda. Albus doubted whether James was getting any research in either, because Samantha Meyers had increased Quidditch exercise to four nights a week due to the impending Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match.

One Night, Albus and Rose did supervise to find time to research because mat, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda were all doing custody with Filch. Filch had caught them dueling with Scorpius Malfoy and put all four of them in detainment. The only understanding Albus was not involved was because Harry had been speaking to Albus about his dreams. They had resumed once he was back in shoal, although they had n't changed at all. rosebush had been talking to Professor Patil about a homework she thought she had messed up on, but it turned out she had a gotten a 100 % on it like usual. Albus had been trying to do a appeal essay when rosebush came up to him and asked him if he wanted to go research. Albus was all too eager, since his appealingness essay was not going very well. So, the two first cousin made their way to the library.

"I suppose we could start by researching about the downfall of Voldemort,"Rose suggested as they browsed through the books,"Since we 're pretty sure it has something to do with that."

"All right,"Albus agreed,"That makes sense."Albus bent down and picked out a Holy Scripture,"The Rise and declination of Lord Voldemort, by Minerva McGonagall. Hmm, McGonagall, that sounds so intimate ... Where have I heard that before ?"

"Professor McGonagall,"Rose reminded him,"She taught Transfiguration when our parents were here, and our grandparents. She was in the last battle, so that 'd be a good book to seem at."

Albus took the book over to a table and started reading it. pink wine found another book and sat down next to him. Albus decided just to embark on at the beginning, as he had no idea where Hallows would come into the picture. The first chapter was about Voldemort 's childhood. Albus already knew about that, so it was all basically review. But he read intently anyway, just hoping that he 'd read the word 'Hallows'. However, as the evening wore on, and Albus grew steadily more wear, he did not find out anything new.

"Find anything yet ?"he asked Rose.

Rose looked up from her book, which was entitled The chronicle of the nighttime Arts in Great Great Britain,"No, zip I do n't already know. And no mention of any Hallows."

Albus sighed,"Me either. Curfew 's soon. Why do n't we just take the books out ?"

"speech sound good to me,"rosebush agreed. She walked over to madam Pince while Albus followed.

brothel keeper Pince glared at them as they handed her the script. She read the names and gave them a unknown spirit, like she was wondering why they wanted to read them. Albus did n't meet her gaze, but he knew why she was staring at them. Why would Harry Potter 's son need to read about the ruination of Voldemort ? After she seemed satisfied with staring at them, she checked the books out and handed them back."They 're due in a month. Do not write in them or bend them or wound them in any way."

Once they were out of the library, they relaxed,"She 's a whacko,"Albus whispered.

"She 's a bit foreign, yeah,"Rose agreed.

"Acts like the Word of God are gold,"Albus giggled.

"She thinks we 're up to something, the way she stared at us like that,"Rose said.

"I know, but that makes sense."

"Yes, I suppose it does. I just hope she does n't order your dad,"Rose told him as she walked up a set of stairs.

"She probably wo n't. I do n't call back they 're particularly ending. Dad got in a worry a few times at the library."

Rose laughed,"Oh, yeah."

Albus and Rose continued their trek to the plebeian way. Once there, Albus quickly went to the dormitory to hide his book of account before his supporter came back from detention. But after an hour of waiting for them, Albus fell asleep. It was a uneasy sleep, as he had the same nightmare he usually had. Despite this, he did not wake up when John and Matt came in at midnight.

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A/N : Thanks as usual to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other babe, and my brother ! Please read and brush up.

I am not for sure when I 'll side by side update, since I might be in school by the clock time this validates. I will try to update soon, but I ca n't spend a penny any guaranty. But I 'll still be writing ! I am well into the sequel to this, I 'm on chapter 30, I believe. I 'm also working on another fic, detail to number later, which I will start posting as soon as I get past a certain chapter in this. There are looter for this fic in my new one, so it will experience to wait a minuscule while to be posted.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Or Ron Weasley. Or Hermione Granger. I do n't even own the diminished owl in the owlery. Or the owlery for that subject. But I do enjoy writing this for fun !

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"That was brutal last night !"John groaned as he sat down next to Albus at breakfast the next sunup. Albus had awoken early and could n't get back to sleep. John and lusterlessness were both legal asleep, so Albus had just gone down to breakfast with out them.

"I 'll say,"Matt sat down on Albus 's former side and winced as he did so,"I ache all over."Matt was just starting to get back to normal after his corner incident over break. In the few days after returning to school, he had walked very slowly and Albus could state that he was sore. Albus had assumed he had gotten a few broken bones from the incident, but never asked, as Matt did n't seem too smashing on discussing it.

"What 'd he have you do ?"Albus asked while he watched Matt rub his arm.

"Clean Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom,"John answered as he piled his plate with eggs and bacon,"It was twisting. He had us do it the Muggle way of course. He had us doing it for 3 hours. We could n't bring off to get it clean the way he wanted it. And he made Matt scrub the storey, so he had to be down on his hands and knees the whole night. I could tell it was making his wound from falling out of that tree hurt worse, so I suggested to Filch that I could do the story and Matt could do the cesspit, but Filch said no. He seemed to take delight in seeing matt suffer. It was horrific. Amanda had to do the toilets with Malfoy. He did something to one of them that made it vomit. That was gross. So she had to make clean that one again and Matt had to re-scrub the floor."

"Maybe you should see if ma'am Pomfrey can do anything for you ?"Albus asked lusterlessness. flatness had only eaten a few bites of toast and was wincing every sentence he moved.

"You know she does n't do anything for pain induced by Muggle cleaning,"toilet said disgustedly.

"Actually, I think I will go see her,"lustrelessness mumbled and got up from the table,"I 'll see you in defence force Against the nighttime Arts."

Once Matt left, King John shook his head,"You know she wo n't do anything to help oneself him."

"I know, she probably wo n't if he says the hurt are from cleaning. But she will if he says they 're leftover from that completely Tree thing,"Albus reasoned.

"Hope so,"John agreed,"He was spoiled finis Nox when we were doing the detention. Filch was atrocious to him, told him to scrub faster. And Malfoy smirked at him every meter he looked over from his toilets."

"I really do n't like that Malfoy kid,"Amanda added. She had come into the Great Hall and sat down across from Albus. pink wine sat down in lustrelessness 's vacated rump.

"Detention 's bad enough with Filch, but Malfoy kept muttering about matte not even being capable to Muggle clean and jerk. Filch did n't learn any of it."

"Ugh,"blush wine groaned,"I hope I 'm never in detention with him."

"You 're never in detention,"Albus chimed in.

"I know. I never get caught,"she grinned. This was true. Albus knew she had pulled her carnival ploughshare of frivolity on the Slytherins, usually involving some sort of Henry Sweet from Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes that turned various body parting into unlike colors. And there was no way anyone could pin it on her.

At that bit, the owls arrived with the mail."Look, it 's Patches,"Rose announced as a gravid tawny owl arrived at Albus 's station. Patches was Rose 's home 's owl."He 's got a letter for you and James."

Albus called James over and the two of them looked at the letter. Albus opened it and interpret it silently.

Dear St. James and Albus,
I hope the new term is going well. I imagine you
spending much of your time studying. I have managed
to procure an empty-bellied schoolroom for our Occlumency
lesson. They will lead berth in the August 6
elbow room on Tues and Sabbatum evening, at eight o'clock.
We will start this Saturday. I 'll see you then.
Say hi to mount for me.
With love,
Aunt Hermione

Albus looked at King James,"wellspring, I guess we 'll go on Saturday."

"Yeah, I suppose. Blimey, I ca n't conceive of this is going to be fun,"James responded.

"Probably not. But it 's got to be wagerer than the Occlumency lessons Dad had,"Albus reminded him.

"Yeah,"James agreed,"well, I 'm off to Potions. I 'll see ya later."

"Bye."

"Occlumency, cool,"John said,"I wondered when you 'd jump those."

Albus had told John, Matt, and Amanda all about the aspiration and Legilimency shortly after they arrived back at the castle."guessing we 're starting on Saturday."

"We 'd better be off to daddy,"lav reminded them. Albus got up and followed John out of the Hall, with Amanda and rose wine following.

matt never showed up in DADA. Albus doubted that he would because he looked pretty worn out at breakfast. Albus figured his dad must give known that Matt was in the Hospital flank because he skipped right over his epithet during attendance. It was a good DADA object lesson. They spent the majority of it practicing disarming each other. Albus and whoremaster had a good clip doing so, as both of them were quite skilled with that specific magical spell. They were the few who were good at it. about of the other scholar had a hard time with it, which was why Harry had them practicing it so often. He stressed that it was one of the most important spells to get the hang. Amanda, in exceptional, was having a hard time with it, but she did supervise to demilitarise rosebush once during the lesson.

charm, on the other paw, was another disaster. Professor Washbburn stormed into the room, and Albus immediately stopped talking. He was sitting at his common back hold over with John, Rose, and Amanda.

Washburn quickly ran down the attending list, stopping at Matt 's figure."Where 's Eckerton ?"he barked loudly. No one answered."Potter ! Where 's Eckerton ?"

"In the infirmary flank,"Albus whispered.

"Speak louder !"Washburn screamed.

"I said he 's in the Hospital extension, Sir,"Albus said.

"He 's always in the infirmary Wing. What 's wrong with him this metre ?"Washburn muttered to himself.

Albus chose not to answer that enquiry and he sat modest in his seat.

"fountainhead, we 're going to have another endeavour at levitation today,"Washburn growled,"But we 're not levitating feathering this time. All of you who are somewhat skilled at this class have managed that already,"he glared towards the back tabular array and his eyes rested on Albus."You 'll be levitating Koran, so do n't hit anyone with them. Go on, get started."The class all took out their books and scepter, while Washburn took his common seat behind his desk and glared at them.

Albus reluctantly muttered the incantation and his book moved an inch off the desk and fell back again. He looked at John, rose wine, and Amanda. After a few attempts, rose wine had managed to levitate her book, although she received no praise from their professor. John was able to do it after a one-half hour of practice, not receiving any congratulations either. Amanda was having a bit more trouble, but was still doing better than Albus.

With ten hour left in the course of study, Washburn started making his stave to all the scholar, and much to Albus 's dismay, he stopped at his table.

"Well, Potter, let 's see if you 're unspoiled with books than plume. Go ahead, levitate it,"Washburn sneered.

Albus muttered the while quickly and his volume managed to get a few column inch off the tabular array before falling back down.

"Do it again,"Washburn glared at him.

Albus did it again, this time making the book ice-cream float a good foot off the mesa. Albus was so appal that he jerked his wand and caused the leger to originate speeding towards one of the windows. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. The book flew right at the window, not stopping when it reached it, and soared straight through. The glass shattered and showered a few students with sherd. They screamed as the glass cut their arms.

"Potter !"Washburn shouted,"Must you always make trouble in this year ? !"

Albus did not say a word, he just stared down at his desk.

"custody ! Saturday night !"Washburn screamed,"You,"he pointed at the students who were showered with glass,"Go to the Hospital offstage. The sleep of you, stratum dismissed."

"Um, Professor,"Albus whispered,"I ca n't do detention on Sat night."

"And why on Earth not ?"Washburn seethed,"I 'll decide when you 'll do detention."

"I 've got a meeting with my aunt."

"Your aunt can wait."

"No, she ca n't. I 'm supposed to get, er, moral from her,"Albus said, not wanting to let out what the lessons were."You can ask the Headmaster."

"Fine. I 'll do that, then,"Washburn told him,"Now get out !"

Albus ran quickly out of the room and managed to catch up with his friends as they were entering the Great student residence for dejeuner."That was horrible."

"I know,"John the Evangelist agreed.

"I hate magic spell,"Albus groaned as he sat down at the tabular array,"I do n't want to do that custody. It 's gon na be worse now that he 's got to put it off until after Saturday."

"He definitely will,"rosebush agreed,"Hey ! Matt, you 're back !"

Matt came over to the board, looking a bit better than he did that dawning."Yeah, gloomy I missed two lessons. I heard about what happened in Charms. That Washburn 's an idiot."

"So Madam Pomfrey actually helped ?"John looked at matt in awe.

"Yeah, she did,"Matt told them,"And it 's a good thing. I do n't think I could receive gone to any classes today if she didn't."

"But why ?"John asked,"Did you say the wound were leftover from the nightfall ?"

"Nope,"Matt responded,"She knew they were from detention. But she healed them anyway. I guess because I was n't totally over the altogether tree matter. She seemed pretty upset about the whole affair. Kept going on about how irresponsible Filch is and how he should n't have made me do all that cleaning. Said she was going to utter to the headmaster about it and everything."

"Blimey,"John looked at lusterlessness warily,"I 've never seen her mad about harm from Muggle cleaning before. Always says we bring it upon ourselves."

Matt shrugged and piled his plate with food and started eating, not elaborating on his trip to the infirmary Wing.

Albus had a foreign belief that there was more to the tree story than lusterlessness was letting on about. He could say that Matt was trying to cover something up, and he could n't help but opine about the wolfman enquiry that he and Rose had done over break. There had been a full Sun Myung Moon over the vacation and Albus kept thinking that the shoetree story was just a cover up. He saw how flatness had looked at his sister before telling the story and he seemed a bit suspicious on telling it in the low gear situation. As Albus started eating his lunch, he decided to watch out lusterlessness carefully around the time of the next full moon, which was in two weeks.

Double potions with the Slytherins was after tiffin that day. Albus thought the stratum went pretty well. Slughorn lectured on the Shrinking Solution during the first half and the second one-half was spent attempting to make the potion. Albus was partnered with John, and although their potion was a subtlety wakeful than the craved colour, both boys thought they did pretty well.

`` What 's that, thunder mug ? '' Scorpius Malfoy appeared behind Albus as he was putting his vial of Shrinking result on Slughorn 's desk at the end of class.

`` A potion, what else do you think it could be ? '' Albus answered flatly.

`` Looks more like cat sick, '' Malfoy laughed as he put his potion, which happened to be the perfect color, onto Slughorn 's desk. `` Ca n't even brew a simple shrinkage solution. ``

`` At least I can disarm someone, which is a whole lot more useful than making potions, '' Albus retorted as he started to leave alone the elbow room. Malfoy had extreme point difficulty in disarming his partner during that morning 's pop class.

`` As if I 'd try disarming if soul were attacking me, '' Malfoy laughed. A few of his sidekick giggled behind him. `` A hex would work loads better. ``

`` You know perfectly well that disarming employment better than hexes, Malfoy, '' Matt had caught up to them in the dungeon corridor, `` Professor Potter says that every time we recitation disarming. ``

`` And I suppose you 're an expert on defense now, Eckerton ? Judging by the way you looked net nighttime, a five class old could vanquish you in a duel, '' Malfoy sneered at him. `` By the way, rumor has it that Madam Pomfrey actually healed your injuries from go nighttime 's detention. That true ? ``

matt froze and stared at Malfoy. `` Yeah, so ? '' he whispered.

Malfoy smirked, `` After I heard that I went up to see if she 'd heal my injuries. My hand 's been aching all day. She glared at me and told me if I should recall about my hand the following time I 'm about to break-dance the linguistic rule, then she shooed me out and said to get to class. ``

`` Good for you, '' Matt answered.

`` fountainhead, why ? Why 'd she heal you, but not me ? What 's so exceptional about you ? '' Malfoy asked.

`` I dunno, '' flatness glanced around at his friends.

`` There 's something unearthly about you, '' Malfoy stepped towards Matt.

`` Why do n't you just shut it ? '' John shouted and pulled out his wand.

`` Gon na rescue your friend, Brickston ? '' Malfoy pulled out his own wand, `` Or maybe you could distinguish me why he 's always in the infirmary Wing. ``

`` Do n't view I can, '' John answered, `` But I could constitute sure enough you spend the balance of the day there, if you like. ``

`` Ooo, gon na duel me ? '' Malfoy turned to John, `` Well, I dunno what 's up with Eckerton, but I 'm going to get hold out. ``

`` What 's going on here ? '' Amy came running up behind Malfoy, `` What do you recollect you 're doing ! ? '' she shouted at Malfoy, once she realized that his wand was still pointed at Matt.

`` Ah, Eckerton 's sister ! Maybe she 'll state me why madam Pomfrey treats him exceptional ? '' Malfoy grinned maliciously at Amy.

Amy stood between Malfoy and lustrelessness and glared at Malfoy, `` That 's none of your patronage. And if you point your wand at him again, you 'll regret it. '' She turned around, threw her arm around Matt, and dragged him away towards the stairs.

`` Believe me, I 'll find out, '' Malfoy smirked at John, put his wand away, and sauntered off towards the Slytherin common room.

`` Blimey, '' John said, once Malfoy was out of earshot, `` He 's mad. ``

`` Yeah, he is, '' Albus agreed, `` He knows something 's up with lustrelessness, too. And I do n't call back he 's going to give up until he finds out. ``

`` wellspring, we ca n't let him find out, then, '' King John stated.

`` But we do n't even know for sure ! '' Albus reminded him.

`` True, '' John shrugged, `` But I think we 're rightfulness. And Amy 's so protective of him. Did you see her face when Malfoy asked her to tell him ? ``

`` She was seething. Just like on the train after break of serve, '' Albus said, while starting to take the air up the stairs to the Entrance Hall.

`` We 've got to find out for sure as shooting. ``

`` He 'll tell us what it is eventually, '' Albus insisted, `` He 'll make that he can trust us. ``

`` That 's the thing, I do n't sleep together if he will, especially if it is what we think it is, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed.

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Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my brother, and my other sis ! Also thanks to inkheart for the review. Please read and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower, or anything related to it.

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Albus and his supporter spent the succeeding few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. trying to avoid Malfoy. It was n't difficult since virtually of their supererogatory prison term was spent in the rough-cut room doing homework. Matt was especially leery of Malfoy and made sure to hide behind whoremonger, who was a top dog taller than him, whenever they passed Malfoy in the residence. Despite this, Matt seemed to act like the confrontation with Malfoy had never happened, and did not appear to want to distinguish Albus or his other friends what his secret was. Gospel According to John did not seem surprised at this, but Albus had thought that maybe after what had happened with Malfoy, lustrelessness might desire to intrust in someone. Amy also had started keeping a close eye on Matt after this event, which was odd because during fall full term, she would often go a day or two without talking to Matt. Now it seemed that she was checking up on him at least once a day.

`` Hi, guys, '' Amy greeted Albus and his ally on Saturday evening. Albus, John, Matt, rose, and Amanda were all clustered around a mesa in the common room, working on diverse homework assigning. `` What 's everyone up to ? ``

`` Homework, '' Matt groaned. He was working on a particularly difficult essay for Potions.

`` Well, some of us are working on it, '' Rose chimed in, glaring at John.

`` What ? '' John smiled innocently, `` I 've got all tomorrow to do it. ``

blush wine sighed, `` You 'd do better to start out it today. ``

`` I know, '' John agreed, `` But right now I 'm enjoying watching you study, while I sit and do cipher. '' Rose groaned and went back to her reading.

`` So, '' Amy started, as she sat down next to Matt, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm ok, '' matt replied, `` But I 'd be well if you 'd do this essay for me. ``

`` Not gon na chance, '' Amy grinned, `` I 'm glad you 're doing unspoiled. Have you all been staying away from Willinson ? He has n't bothered any of you, has he ? If he has, I 'll get Victoire to put him in his place. ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Have n't talked to him since the string. Strange, really. ``

`` Well, good, '' Amy said, `` Hopefully it 'll stay that way. But do n't go alone anywhere. He does n't impart up this quickly. ``

`` We know, Amy, '' mat snapped, `` You 're not our mum. ``

Albus looked up from his employment at the phone of the impending disceptation. He could possess sworn he saw Matt 's eyes flash gold, but they were back to their usual blue sky within a second.

`` Jeez, matte. I 'm just making for sure he does n't trouble oneself you. Mum said- ''

`` I know what Mum said ! '' Matt cut her off loudly.

`` Could you please be a bit quieter ? '' Amanda asked in a fray tone.

`` Sorry, '' Amy and Matt mumbled and continued arguing in softer interpreter.

Albus glanced over and saw that she was working on her astronomy charts. She had been having a rugged meter in uranology all yr. `` Need any help ? ``

`` Ugh, '' Amanda groaned, `` It 's astronomy. I 'm rubbish at it. I 've been doing this chart for the past times hour. Anyone know when the succeeding full moon is ? ``

Both Amy and Matt jerked their heads toward Amanda. `` Two weeks from tonight. The 24th, '' Matt whispered quickly, then looked back at Amy. Amy glared at him and they resumed their argument.

`` Uh, thanks, '' Amanda looked cautiously at both Matt and Amy, and then started writing furiously on her chart.

Albus glanced across the mesa at blush wine, who was already trying to catch his attention. The cousins looked at each other for a few seconds, and then quickly returned to their preparation. Nobody said anything for a few minutes, with the exception of Amy and Matt, who were still arguing. However, they were doing so so quietly that Albus was ineffectual to cause out any of the words.

`` Blimey ! '' James had walked over to the table and standing rear Rose. `` Who died ? ``

`` Huh ? '' Albus looked up from his work.

`` You 're so quiet ! '' James replied.

`` Oh, uh, '' Albus glanced at Amy and Matt, `` They were arguing about something. ``

`` Ah, sibling love, it 's a wonderful matter, '' James grinned, `` So, you ready to get your mind read by auntie Hermione ? ``

Albus looked up at the clock, it was quarter to eight, `` Bloody Hell, I forgot about that ! ``

`` Good thing I remembered, '' James said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus put his Book into his bag and got up, `` I 'm ready. ``

blush wine got up as well, `` I 'm going too. I want to see Mum. ``

`` Ok, '' Jesse James turned around and started walking towards the entrance.

`` commodity luck, '' John the Evangelist waved as Albus followed his brother. Amanda waved, but did n't look up from her workplace. Matt and Amy were too busy arguing to notice Albus and Rose leave.

Albus, James, and blush wine left the common way to ascertain a deserted corridor. `` adept, no one 's out here, '' blush wine whispered.

`` Why ? '' James II asked.

`` Wanted to talk to you two alone about our, er, inquiry, '' Rose answered. `` Have either of you found anything ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus told her, `` I 've been reading bits of McGonagall 's record book before I go to bed every Night. It 's the only prison term I can do it in secret. I just overstretch the hangings closed, and everyone thinks I 'm sleeping. ``

`` I 've been doing the Same thing, '' rosiness revealed, `` But I have n't so very much as read the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` Er, I have n't even found a book to read yet, '' James IV confessed.

`` well, find one soon ! '' rosebush scolded, `` We 've got to discover out what our parents are hiding from us ! ``

`` I know, I know, '' James said.

`` I 've read a brace so far, and brothel keeper Pince keeps eying me when I check them out, '' rose wine told them, `` But I 've got a feeling we 're not going to find anything in books. ``

`` Really ? '' James grinned, `` Are you doubting books ? ``

`` Shut it, James, '' pink wine warned, `` I 'm going to start looking at the old Prophet articles they have in the subroutine library. ``

`` strait good, '' Albus said as they rounded the corner and walked towards the August 6 room.

When they walked in, Hermione was standing near a stone basin that Albus recognized as the Pensive. Hermione was pulling thinking out of her head with her scepter and placing them into the catchment area. Albus wondered if maybe those thoughts had to do with what his parents were keeping from him. If only he could see the memories without Hermione knowing.

Hermione turned around when Albus shut the door behind them, `` Hi, boys ! '' she greeted.

`` Hi, '' Jesse James and Albus said back.

`` Oh, and rosiness, you 're here too ! '' Hermione walked over to her daughter and gave her a hug.

`` Hi, Mum ! ``

`` How 's term going ? '' Hermione asked.

`` Oh, pretty effective, '' Rose answered, `` Loads of homework, but I 'm getting it done. I 'm afraid I lost a few peak on the last magic spell essay. I hope I did n't, though. ``

`` I 'm certainly you did fine on it, '' Hermione reassured her. `` How about you two ? How are your family going ? ``

`` All right, '' Epistle of James replied, `` But I 'm afraid I lost more than just a few points on my last good luck charm essay. '' James laughed.

`` And I 'm not so indisputable you did fine on it, '' Hermione responded, `` And you, Albus ? ``

`` Oh, it 's going well, I suppose, '' Albus told his aunt, `` And I 'm afraid I completely failed the Charms essay. ``

`` Do n't vex, I 'm indisputable you at least scraped a passing grade, '' Hermione said.

`` I dunno, Washburn hates me. ``

`` Professor Washburn, and I do n't cerebrate that 's honest, '' Hermione told him, `` But that 's not why we 're her tonight. Tonight, you will bug out learning Occlumency. Rose, are you staying ? ``

`` Can I ? '' rose asked, `` I 've read a bit about Occlumency and it sounds very occupy. ``

`` Of course you can stick. I do n't think I will own you do any practical work, but you 're welcome to learn the theory, '' Hermione informed her.

`` You mean, we 're going to have recitation to do ? '' Saint James asked disgustedly.

`` Of grade, '' Hermione laughed, `` What did you gestate ? ``

`` I dunno, Dad 's Occlumency deterrent example were all practical, '' Saint James reminded her.

`` I know, but I feel it 's beneficial for you to learn the theory as well, '' Hermione informed them, `` Now, could you all sit down ? ``

Albus, James, and rose all sat at the mesa closest to the teacher 's desk.

`` Good, now I 've got some books for you, '' Hermione picked up two record book and placed them in front of Albus and James, `` Rose, I did n't know you 'd be studying this as well, so I do n't cause a book for you. You can look on with your cousin and if you decide to keep coming to our lessons then I 'll get you a book, too. ``

Albus looked at his Koran. It was entitled, Legilimency and Occlumency : The Art of Seeing Others'Thoughts and Protecting Your Own Mind.

`` Creative rubric, '' James whispered and they both laughed.

`` Open the books to page five, please, '' Hermione told them, `` Now, as you are both aware, Legilimency is what is used to see into another someone 's thoughts, or as some say, read their head. When the spell, Legilimens, is used, a person can see into another 's thoughts. This can be done if the person getting the spell performed on is awake or asleep. When the person is awake, they feel an odd sentiency in their drumhead, form of like a headache, but not exactly. They often also see their own memory. If the someone is asleep, then they often have strange pipe dream or dreams about their computer memory. ``

`` Hey, Voldemort 's in this book ! '' Rose exclaimed. Albus posting that she was leafing through the first chapter.

`` Yes, he is, '' Hermione responded briskly, `` overlord Voldemort, although he was a horrible, evil person, was one of the most skilled Legilimens and Occlumens the Wizarding public has ever seen. He is a everlasting example of why Legilimency and Occlumency are both very serious if used in the wrong way. Voldemort was able to secernate exactly where his Death feeder loyalties really lay, as well as keep others from knowing his innermost thoughts and secrets. ``

Hermione continued her lecturing for a one-half time of day, giving a brief overview of the number one chapter. This chapter explained what Legilimency and Occlumency were and went over the basic needed to try Occlumency. James and Albus were expected to show the initiatory chapter and reply a few questions before the next class.

`` Now, for the following half hr, I 'd care to part the practical facial expression of this lesson, '' Hermione stood up and picked up her wand. `` Who wants to go first ? ``

James and Albus looked at each former. `` You 're older, you go first, '' Albus told his brother.

`` All right, '' King James stood up and pointed his verge at his aunt.

`` Remember, there 's no spell. You 've got to close your mind. Take a few minutes to try to clear all persuasion from your forefront. ``

James lowered his baton and started to stare directly at the wall behind Hermione. After a few minutes, a vacuous flavor appeared on his face.

`` Good, '' Hermione said, `` cook ? ``

James looked back at her with a flighty looking at on his nerve, `` I suppose. ``

`` Legilimens ! '' Hermione shouted.

James looked horrified as he stared at his aunt. He dropped his verge and pressed his hand to his os frontale. Hermione continued to point her wand at him, but it was obvious that he was n't succeeding at closing his nous. He had sunk down to the floor, with his bridge player on his top dog. Hermione lowered her wand and walked over to him.

`` Are you all right ? '' she asked, extending her hand for James to grab.

`` fine, '' Saint James mumbled as he took Hermione 's hired man and stood up again, `` It 's just, that 's exactly what it felt like when soul did that to me during hold. ``

`` That 's because that was what someone did to you during detention, '' Hermione explained.

`` But I did n't find out anyone shouting 'Legilimens', '' James told her.

`` They were doing it non-verbally. We 'll get to that point in our object lesson eventually, but for now I will do it verbally so you know what 's going on, '' Hermione said, `` Now, that was a pretty good attempt for the outset time. You see now how hard it is to close your mind. ``

`` Yeah, '' James I agreed as he sat back down.

`` Your turn, Albus, '' Hermione announced.

Albus had momentarily forgotten that he, too, had to have his aunty read his head. He got up, his heart beating fast. He had never had Legilimency performed on him while he was awake, and he did not sleep with what to expect.

`` Try to clear your idea, '' Hermione told him as she walked a few groundwork away and turned around to wait.

Albus tried to clear his idea, but it was hard. His thoughts were consumed with whether Matt was a werewolf or not. He was also constantly thinking about what 'Hallows'could possibly be. Not to mention the reason why he was having these lesson in the outset place. It was difficult not to imagine about someone seeing his thoughts.

`` set ? '' Hermione asked. Albus nodded with a nervous look on his face.

`` Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

The schoolroom seemed to evaporate as Albus was thrown into his own memories. He was four years old and Henry James had stolen the toy broom he had received on his birthday. King James I was flying it around while Albus chased him. The scene changed and he saw the prison term he dropped a sharp knife onto his foot, but instead of slicing it open, the knife just bounced off it. He had been four then, as well, and that was the first gear wizardly thing he did. The picture changed yet again and Albus was seven and was playing with his cousins at the Burrow. Then he was at domicile, reading his Hogwarts alphabetic character. The scene changed for a final metre, he and Rose were sitting in Rose 's bedroom at the burrow, researching about wolfman. Albus 's heart beatnik faster. He could n't let his aunt see that.

`` No ! '' Albus exclaimed, and the classroom reappeared in front of him. He glanced around and was half surprised that he was still standing up, since James River had collapsed during his attempt.

Hermione was looking at him and then she glanced at rose wine, then back to Albus. She had obviously seen a bit of the final stage retentivity. `` Well, you actually managed to turn back me, although not by normal substance of Occlumency. But that is very skillful for a first try. What was that last computer memory ? ``

`` nil, nothing, '' Albus replied quickly, averting his gaze from his aunt.

`` Very well, I think that is enough for tonight. Albus, James, keep practicing. Try to close down your nous before you go to bed. I 'll see you all on Tues. commodity circumstances with all your socio-economic class. And try to behave yourselves during charm, '' Hermione added.

`` We do ! '' James insisted, `` professor Washburn just does n't like us. ``

`` Be that as it may, you do need to pass his form, '' Hermione reminded them, `` Good night. ``

`` Night, '' Albus, William James, and Rose said as they left the classroom.

`` So, what was that memory that you did n't want my mum to see ? '' Rose asked curiously once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

`` Later, '' Albus whispered, glancing at James.

`` Blimey, that 's some strange stuff, Legilimency and Occlumency, '' James announced after a few instant of silence, `` But you seem full at it, Albus. ``

`` Maybe, '' Albus responded.

`` Better than me. I could n't do anything during it. Just variety of forgot everything except the memories I was seeing. Could n't think of anything to do about it, '' William James explained.

`` You 've just got to exercise it, '' Albus told him, `` Plus, this was just the showtime fourth dimension. And anyway, I 've got to think of something better to do than just shouting out random things. People will think I 'm a nutter if I 'm just shouting out 'no'all the time. ``

James laughed, `` Well, I already know you 're a wacko. ``

`` Oh, shut it, James, '' Albus laughed and punched Jesse James in the arm. King James I punched him back and they continued that until they reached the Fat madam. rose wine followed behind and muttered something that sounded like 'boys'.

When they arrived back at the rough-cut room, James II immediately went to his dorm room so he could distinguish his friends about the lesson.

`` So, what was the memory ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

`` When we were researching about loup-garou, '' Albus told her, `` I did n't want Aunt Hermione to know about that. ``

`` Why not ? '' rosiness asked.

`` I dunno, really. I mean, it 's not like she had a problem with Teddy 's dad. I guess she just came awfully close to seeing our other inquiry, '' Albus explained.

`` Good point, '' Rose agreed, `` But you know, you 've got to practice this. What if she does find out about that ? She 'll differentiate Uncle Harry. ``

`` I know, I know, I 'll practice, '' Albus assured her.

`` trade good, '' Rose seemed quenched, `` Now, we 'd better get to bed. well night. ``

`` Night, '' Albus said as he walked to the door to the residence hall. As he lay in bed trying to get to sleep, listening to Bilius 's snoring, he tried to come together his mind. 'Think about nothing ,'he kept repeating in his thinker. But it did n't work, because Albus yet again had the Lapplander nightmare.

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A/N : Hope everyone liked it ! I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I have been typing my own baby 's username untimely in the past few Author 's Note I 've done for this fic. Her figure is Dancer Of Starlight. I must be mixing it up with another site. So thanks, Dancer Of Starlight for reading this and helping me with it ! Thanks also to my other sister and my buddy. Thanks as well to inkheart, for the review, you 're awesome ! Please read and review, everyone !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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During the next two workweek, tensions ran high between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. As the impending Quidditch match grew nearer, there were more and more than duels in the corridors. These usually resulted in diverse role player having to go to the hospital Wing. Luckily, no one had been severely injured yet. However, both business firm were starting to be very protective of their players. Samantha Meyers forbade anyone on the Gryffindor squad from wandering the corridors alone. She was also getting more and Sir Thomas More intense with her drill schedules. Samantha had started scheduling a praxis for every night of the week. Every evening, the Gryffindor team came trooping back into the common room well after shadow, looking tired and worn out. Slytherin was also practicing each day, but they got an earlier clip in the evening.

Nightly Quidditch practices did not bode well for James 's Occlumency lessons. He had asked Hermione if he could skitter the object lesson until after the lucifer, but she would not grant it. James grudgingly skipped his Quidditch pattern, much to Samantha 's dismay. She was not happy about Henry James missing practice. Hermione actually sent her a letter, which got her to stop badgering James about practice.

Albus thought he was making a bit of progress with his Occlumency. He had been reading the record book and doing the homework, although he did not relish it. Occlumency was like having another class to take, so he wound up with More homework than the rest of his classmates. Albus had not yet succeeded in preventing Hermione from entering his intellect, but he usually managed to drive her out after a little while. He was relieved that he had so far prevented her from discovering his Hallows research. Despite this, he was still having strange incubus a couple of nights a week. James was not making nearly as very much onward motion as Albus. He had yet to give up Hermione 's Legilimency at all, and was still collapsing on the floor occasionally. James was getting increasingly fed up with Occlumency and did not enjoy the lessons at all.

As the Quidditch match, and the full moon moon, grew closer, Albus started to watch Matt for signs of sickness. The day before the lucifer, lustrelessness almost slept through breakfast. lavatory had to awaken him up before he left for the Great Hall. Albus watched him throughout DADA and noticed that he was much more threadbare than common. He kept his head teacher on the desk the full class and did n't get hold of any bank note. Harry did not say anything about this, which Albus thought was strange because whenever anyone else fell asleep in other classes, the teacher woke them up. Albus could n't recollect a prison term when someone fell asleep in DADA, though, because usually that class was exciting.

`` Are you ok ? '' Albus asked lusterlessness as they were walking to Charms.

`` Fine, '' Matt responded. He was walking a bit slower than common, `` Just tired. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said warily, `` But if you want to go to the Hospital wing during good luck charm, I 'll volunteer to pack you. ``

`` I will too, '' privy agreed, `` Anything to get out of that form. ``

The boys immediately stopped talking once they entered the Charms classroom and went to their usual back table. Once he sat down, Matt put his head down on top of his record book. Washburn stormed into the room a few seconds later and started taking attendance.

`` I 'm lecturing today, get out your line, '' he barked at the class. Everyone silently found quills and parchment as Washburn pointed his wand at the card. Notes appeared on it and Albus started copying them down. Washburn started talking and droned on for about half the period without stopping, even when students raised their hands to ask questions. Albus did not glance up to look at him at all. Once he finished copying his notes, he looked over at Matt and noticed that he had fallen asleep. Unfortunately, Washburn had noticed, too.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted while he walked towards the spinal column board, `` This is not nap time ! ``

`` I do n't think he 's feeling well, sir, '' whoremaster said tentatively.

`` I did n't ask how he 's feeling ! '' Washburn growled at can. `` Now arouse up and pay attention ! '' he shouted again.

Matt slowly picked up his head and stared at Washburn, `` Huh ? ``

`` I said this is not nap time ! '' Washburn screamed.

`` Oh, sorry, '' lustrelessness mumbled. He stared down at his book and rested his school principal on his hand.

Washburn grumbled something incoherent and got back to his lecture. Matt kept his mind up the eternal rest of the class, but did n't take any tone. Although he did go to Astronomy after lunch, Matt did not seem to pay a good deal aid in that socio-economic class either. After class was over, he went up to the dormitory and slept straight through dinner.

`` What early account could there be ? '' rose wondered aloud in the common room that night. She, Albus, bathroom, and Amanda were sitting around a board after dinner. The pre-Quidditch match excitement kept the topsy-turvydom and stochasticity in the uncouth room up, so no one was paying a lot attention to what they were talking about.

`` I do n't think there is another one, '' Albus told her, `` He 's got to be a werewolf. He gets sick every full phase of the moon moon and leaves overnight. When he comes back he 's still sick and he 's got accidental injury. ``

`` I 'm indisputable he is one, '' John agreed, `` Just hope he tells us soon, or I 'm just going to receive to tell him I know. It 's gon na be grueling to hide that we know. ``

`` Think how hard it is for Matt ? Hiding that from everyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` True. ``

`` So, who thinks we 'll win the mates tomorrow ? '' Albus asked, changing the subject.

`` I do ! '' John shouted, `` With your cousin 's new ling, we 'll be invincible. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed, `` I ca n't wait to see it in action. ``

`` You 've really gotten into Quidditch, have n't you ? '' rosiness giggled.

`` Sure have, it 's so much better than football, '' Amanda told her.

******

The match was to be held in the early good afternoon, which was a bit later than the previous Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff lucifer. Albus and his friends spent the earlier character of the day playing adept 's Chess and Exploding Snap in the vulgar room. mat seemed too tired to play anything, so he laid on one of the couches and watched the games. Albus noticed the Gryffindor team huddled in one corner of the room, reviewing survive moment tactics. James looked a bit nervous, which was apprehensible considering the last match landed him in the infirmary Wing.

The break of the day dragged by, but eventually, everyone started to make their way down to the pitch after lunch.

`` Should be a good biz, '' Albus said to John as they were walking towards the pitch.

`` Definitely. I 've been looking forward to a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. I 've heard they 're the scoop ones, '' whoremaster told him.

`` That 's what I 've heard, too. Dad says they were usually the most exciting ones in his days here, '' Albus informed John.

`` Conditions could n't be worse, though, '' John lamented. He was right. The weather condition was not cooperating for a biz of Quidditch. Although the visibility seemed to be a bit better than Gryffindor 's finis lucifer, the Baron Snow of Leicester was falling at a unfluctuating pace and it was bitterly cold.

`` Hopefully it wo n't last as long as in conclusion metre, '' Rose pulled her cloak tighter, `` I 'm freezing. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed. He was already shivering, and was a few paces behind everyone else.

Albus and the rest of the group slowed down to allow flatness to catch up with them. `` Well, I just hope James does n't get injure again, '' Albus said.

`` Hope not, '' Amanda agreed.

The five first yr made their way through the crowd and found their way to a few hindquarters on Gryffindor 's side of the viewpoint. As they were walking slowly to gibe Matt 's stride, they were some of the live masses in the rack. They found their seats just before the comment started.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match ! '' Todd Bessie Smith shouted over the bunch, `` This is a highly foretell match that should prove to be as charge as always. The weather 's brutal, but that should n't stop a fountainhead trained team.

`` And here come the squad ! First onto the pitch is the Gryffindor squad. sea captain Samantha Meyers, followed by GA Weasley, Fred Weasley, Heather Weasley, Bradley Weasley, Ryan O'Malley, and James ceramist ! ''

The squad flew around the pitch once and then landed adjacent to each early on the ground.

`` Here are the Slytherins. maitre d' Talan Flint, followed by lancet Goyle, Jackson Naiser, Ferris Fielding, Peyton Haines, Hailey Odele, and Glenna Dabney. ``

The Slytherins flew once around the pitch and landed in front man of the Gryffindors. The reviewer, Alan Oteski, had the skipper shake hands, and the teams were off.

`` professor Oteski releases the Quaffle, Bludgers, and Snitch, and the players are up ! Quaffle goes to Fielding and he 's flying towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Oh, nice Bludger work by O'Malley ! Quaffle goes to Meyers, she flies down the pitching, passing to the two Weasley chaser. And ling Weasley scores the for the first time end ! ``

The Gryffindor team scored three finish within the first-class honours degree five minutes. Slytherin had not managed to get any goal past Georgia.

`` Of course of instruction, the rouse part of this biz is Georgia Weasley 's new broom. It 's a Firebolt 3000. The degraded broom yet ! It seems to be proving itself in this plot. What with Georgia 's incredible science, and that heather, I 'd be surprised if Slytherin scores any goals at all ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd shouted excitedly.

`` She 's stupefy ! '' John exclaimed, `` I want one of those brooms ! ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I flew it over holiday. It was amazing. ``

`` Wow ! Think she 'd let me hinge upon it ? '' St. John asked.

`` Maybe. If you come to my billet over the summertime, I 'll ask her, '' Albus told him.

`` Awesome ! '' lav grinned.

`` Another goal scored for Gryffindor ! Making the score 40-0 in favor of Gryffindor ! Fred Wealsey has the Quaffle, he 's storming up the pitch, headed to the Slytherin goal stake. Ouch ! Hit in the spine with a Bludger sent from Naiser. Odele has the Quaffle now and is headed towards GA Weasley. She passes to Fielding, who attempts to score a destination. And saved ! Wow, I did n't think a broom could incite that fast, '' Lord Todd was jumping up and down at the commentator 's podium now.

`` Flint River does not look happy, '' Albus commented.

`` No, he does n't. appear like he 's ready to hex someone, '' Saint John agreed.

`` Would n't put it past him, '' Rose chimed in, `` These matches are known to get ugly. ``

The biz continued for a while, with Gryffindor scoring a few more than destination. Slytherin did manage to get one goal after Flint sent a Bludger at GA right wing when Odele was attempting to score.

`` cogitate this lucifer will finally much longer ? '' Matt asked.

`` Dunno. Does n't look like James or Dabney have seen the sneak yet, '' Albus peered out at the field. `` They 're just hovering above everyone else. Looks like they 're trying to stay out of it. I can see why. The Bludger work is getting nasty. ''

And it was. All the Gryffindor chasers were sporting some kind of wound. Empire State of the South had a wind bleed, but seemed to be ignoring it. Odele and Haines both had taken Bludgers to arm and it seemed to bear affected their power to catch the Quaffle.

Albus looked over at Matt. He was sitting down, shivering, with his head resting on his hand. `` You ok ? ``

`` I guess. I just hope the match is done soon, '' Matt winced.

`` Want to go back inside ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I 'll be very well, '' Matt insisted.

`` Another goal for Gryffindor ! Making the catch 110-10 Gryffindor ! '' Sweeney Todd bellowed, `` And the match is getting ugly. Ouch ! Fred Weasley takes a Bludger to the caput, causing him to drop the Quaffle. But it 's caught by Meyers ! She passes to heather, who scores another finish !

`` Flint appears to have abandoned the Bludgers and is soaring up towards Potter and Dabney. What 's he up to ? Meanwhile, Bradley Weasley hits a well aimed Bludger towards Fielding, who drops the Quaffle. back to Flint. It appears that he is getting into an argumentation with Dabney. I wonder what they 're saying ? Hope it 's important. Looks like his neglectfulness of beater obligation has caused his uninjured Chaser to get hit. ``

Flint turned his head around and flew straight towards Georgia. Odele was flying towards the goal posts with the Quaffle. `` What 's he doing now ? He 's grabbed hold of Georgia 's broom ! Foul ! Flint River has grabbed GA 's broom and appears to be preventing her from keeping ! Foul ! '' Todd screamed angrily. Odele took vantage of the place and scored a goal.

Oteski blew his whistle, `` Penalty shot for Gryffindor ! unnecessary grabbing of opposing keeper 's broomstick. Honestly, you should have it off bettor ! Such an obvious foul ! And that goal does not count ! ``

`` Gryffindor captain, Meyers, easily scores the penalty shot, bringing the mark up to 130-10 Gryffindor, '' Sweeney Todd announced, `` Slytherin chaser, Fielding, manages to get the Quaffle and is flying towards the Gryffindor end stake. Omar Bradley Weasley sends a Bludger towards him and, ouch ! He 's knocked off his Scots heather. Lucky for him, he was low to the undercoat. But looks like he 's out for the rest period of the game, probably broke his arm or something. ``

`` This is awing ! '' John exclaimed, `` I 've never seen Quidditch like this. I wonder if Slytherin 's ever lost by this a lot before. ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus responded, `` But I do n't suppose their searcher 's very trade good. All she 's doing is following William James around. And Flint was yelling at her for something. ``

`` Probably telling her just to catch the stoolpigeon so they can end the miserableness, '' whoremaster laughed.

`` James better catch the stoolie soon, '' Matt groaned, `` I do n't think I can postulate much more of this. '' He was huddled on his seat, holding his abdomen in pain.

`` Sure you do n't want to go in ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno, '' Matt moaned, `` Maybe. ``

`` Looks like Potter 's seen the Snitch ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd shouted. James IV had started speeding towards the Gryffindor finish place, with Dabney following closely behind. `` The Slytherin beaters seem to be trying to hit ceramicist with the Bludgers. But, hang on, the Gryffindor chaser and beaters seem to have surrounded Potter, protecting him from Naiser and Flint. Blimey ! I 've never seen anything like it ! And it worked ! ceramist caught the Snitch ! ``

The crowd erupted into applause, Gryffindors storming the priming coat, lifting James up into the air. They started walking back to the rook. The Slytherin team was looking murderous and Flint was screaming at Dabney.

`` Let 's go, '' rose said, looking at Matt.

`` Oh, good, '' Matt moaned as he slowly stood up.

`` You want to go to the infirmary Wing ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I do n't mean so, '' Matt said, leaning on John for support.

The five friends slowly made their way up to the palace. By the meter they got there, everyone else had already made it back. It took them a patch to wax the step to Gryffindor Tower, but eventually, they made it.

When they entered the mutual way, a political party was already in total swing music. flatness made a beeline for the dormitory and did n't count back.

`` Albus ! '' James came running up to him, butterbeer in helping hand, `` We did it ! round Slytherin ! They are poor. And here I was, thinking they actually had a good team. No way they 're in the running for the Cup now. Blimey, losing 10 to 300 ... ''

`` You did dandy ! '' Albus grinned at him, `` Dad would be very proud. ``

`` Proud of what ? '' a voice came from behind them.

Albus turned around, `` Dad ? ! ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' King James I asked.

`` Came for the political party. Blimey, affair have n't changed a bit. The parties after we beat Slytherin were always best. Anyway, kudos, St. James the Apostle ! ``

`` Thanks ! ``

`` We 're not being too tacky, are we, professor ceramist ? '' Samantha Meyers had come over to see what was going on.

`` No, 'course not ! '' Harry grinned, `` Ca n't require you to be quiet after that win. Just muted down by midnight. ``

`` Sure, no job ! It was amazing, was n't it ? '' Samantha said excitedly.

`` Oh, it was bright, '' Harry agreed. Harry and Samantha quickly settled down to rehashing every bit of the match, and were soon joined by Georgia.

`` Never grow out of Quidditch, right ? '' James laughed.

`` Right, '' Albus agreed, `` Honestly, I thought it 'd be a bit strange having him as our teacher, but it has n't been weird at all. ``

`` Yeah, it 's been pretty neat. ``

******

The party in the Gryffindor common way lasted well into the evening. Most of the Gryffindors did not even go down for dinner. Albus 's cousins had managed to bring a good bit of food up to the common elbow room, so there was really no need to go to the Great residence. Harry left shortly before dinner party, though, so he could join the rest of the faculty for the meal.

`` Honestly, I 'll never get any body of work done with this noise, '' Rose sighed. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around one of the tabular array in the common room eating Sweet. Rose was the only one trying to get any work done.

`` Why bother ? You 've still got tomorrow, '' John commented, `` Hey, I got your dad, Albus. '' John held up a Chocolate frog card.

`` I do n't see why everybody 's got to political party so late into the evening, '' rose said, `` It was n't that spectacular a win. Slytherin was unspeakable. ``

`` That 's the decimal point, '' whoremonger told her, `` Slytherin 's usually got a pretty expert team. It 's the precept of the thing. Gryffindor and Slytherin are huge competition, and when we beat them, it 's a understanding to fete. Even if they 're tripe. ``

`` Whatever, '' Rose put her fingers in her ears and continued to read.

`` And their new quester 's horrifying, '' Albus said, `` I bet she could n't see the Snitch if it was right in nominal head of her font. ``

`` Yeah, she 's no match for James, '' John agreed, `` I 've heard from some of the older educatee that he 's as adept as Ted Lupin was. ``

`` Well, he should be, '' Albus laughed, `` Teddy 's been training him ever since Saint James the Apostle could get on a broom. I think they started when James was about five. ``

`` But he 's got it in his bloodline, too, '' Amanda chimed in, `` I mean, Albus, your dad was the in force seeker Gryffindor 's ever seen. And your Uncle Charlie was a great quester, too. Plus, your mum played for the Holyhead Harpies. ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned, `` Quidditch is a gamey antecedence in my household. ``

`` dead reckoning blush wine just did n't get any of those Quidditch genes, '' St. John poked Rose and she jumped.

`` Shut it, John, '' Rose told him, `` Where 's Matt ? ``

`` Still sleeping, '' Albus said, glancing at the threshold to the dormitories, `` Been there ever since the end of the match. ``

`` well, why do n't you go chequer on him ? '' blush wine suggested.

`` All right field, '' Albus got up from his chair and walked to the dormitory. When he got there, he saw that lustrelessness was sound asleep in his bed.

`` Matt ! '' Albus whispered, `` Hey, flatness ! Get up ! '' Albus lifted Matt 's arm up and it fell limply back onto the mattress when he let go. `` arouse up ! '' Albus shouted a picayune louder.

`` Huh ? Wha'? '' matt groggily lifted his headspring and grimaced.

`` You all right ? '' Albus asked with a looking of concern on his face.

`` Ugh, '' Matt groaned and sat up. `` What time is it ? ``

`` Almost six, '' Albus told him.

`` Ohh, '' Matt slowly got up off the bed and swayed, `` I 've got to go to the Hospital annexe. ``

`` well, I 'll lease you, '' Albus grabbed Matt 's arm so he would n't fall.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Matt said.

`` No, I 'm taking you, '' Albus insisted. matte did not protest any further and leaned on Albus for support. They made their way down into the usual room, where the party was still in wide-cut swing. Albus led lusterlessness straight out of portrait jam and into the corridor towards the Hospital Wing.

`` C'mon, we 're almost there, '' Albus said as they walked down a escape of stairs.

`` I think I 'm going to be sick, '' Matt groaned and clutched his stomach.

`` It 's ok, we 'll be there soon, '' Albus winced under lustrelessness 's weighting. lusterlessness was leaning on Albus more and more by the minute, `` Madam Pomfrey will fix it. ``

`` No she wo n't. She ca n't, '' Matt 's voice wavered as he talked.

`` Here we are, '' Albus opened the threshold to the hospital Wing and led Matt inside. gentlewoman Pomfrey was waiting and rushed over to Albus and Matt.

`` It 's ok, honey, come on, '' she pulled Matt away from Albus and let him lean on her, `` I 'll claim it from here, Albus. You 'd best go back to your common elbow room. ``

Albus turned to will, but not before seeing brothel keeper Pomfrey soothing Matt, who had started to cry. Albus shut the doorway, wishing he could do something to help. Matt seemed to be doing worse this month than he had the past months. He had n't seemed any different during the past times few days, but maybe he was just practiced at hiding his emotions. Albus had forgotten to focus on figuring out what Matt was feeling in the days leading up to the full moon due to being preoccupied with preparation and Occlumency lessons. Why did this month seem worse ? What was going on ?

Albus pondered these idea as he walked slowly back to the common room. How could he convert Matt that it would be prophylactic to tell Albus his enigma ? Would he ever severalize ? And more importantly, was there anything anyone could do to help ?

`` Something troubling you, Potty ? '' a frigid voice said. Albus looked up and saw Quinton Willinson, flanked by two former Slytherns, standing at the top of the stairs that Albus was climbing. `` Fancy a stroll by yourself ? ``

`` Go away, Willinson, '' Albus growled as he reached the top of the stairs.

`` It 's a unfreeze castle. Not curfew yet. I 'm absolve to roll the corridors just as you are, Potty, '' Willinson sneered at Albus.

`` Just impart me alone, '' Albus tried to take the air past him, but the other two Slytherins blocked his path.

`` No, do n't think I will. I still have n't forgotten that Exploding Eclair, '' Willinson said, drawing his wand and pointing it at Albus, `` I know it was you. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked nervously as he drew his own wand and pointed it at Willinson.

`` I just do, '' Willinson snapped his fingers and his sidekick pulled out their sceptre and pointed them at Albus, `` And now you 'll pay. ``

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted, and Willinson 's scepter flew out of his helping hand and landed on the floor. A split second later, two jets of alight came from the early two Slytherins 's baton and hit Albus in the chest of drawers. Before he knew what was happening, he stumbled backwards and fell down the stairs. He blacked out halfway down, and the live thing he saw was Willinson and his two admirer running in the diametric direction.

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A/N : Sorry for the cliffie ! Well, not really, I do like putting them in. Originally, this chapter did not have a cliffie, but it was quite unawares so I stuck about half the side by side chapter at the end of this one. So now it 's a bit recollective than usual.

Thanks as usual to my sister and now official beta, Dancer Of Starlight. Thanks as well to my Brother and my other baby. Please read and go over !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You have no idea who did it, then ? '' Albus heard his dad ask.

`` No, when Neville found him, there was no preindication that anybody else had been there, '' lady Pomfrey whispered.

`` fountainhead, when I find out who did it, there 'll be worry, '' Albus heard a charge and he figured his dad had just slammed his fist onto something hard.

`` Harry, please be a bit quieter. I 'm sure as shooting whoever it is will be punished. ''

`` I 'll be sure enough of that. ``

Albus opened his optic and looked around. He was in the Hospital backstage. Judging by the wickedness outside, it must accept been the middle of the night. He had no idea how many minute had passed, but he guessed it must take in been quite a few. Albus tried to sit up, but was immediately hit by a searing pain in his head and had to lay back down.

Harry rushed over upon seeing that he was awake, `` Albus ! What on worldly concern happened ? ``

`` How 'd I get here ? '' Albus groaned.

Harry bent over and hugged Albus tight. `` Ouch ! '' Albus winced.

`` Really, Harry, I 've only just healed those pearl ! '' lady Pomfrey pulled Harry away.

`` Neville found you a couple hours ago. You were laying unconscious at the tooshie of one of the staircases. It was obvious you 'd fallen down, but it looked like someone had stunned you as well. You 've got a cracked skull, a few better rib, and a give arm. '' Harry answered, once he sat down in the chairwoman next to the bed. `` But who did it ? ``

`` Quinton Willinson, and two other Slytherins I do n't know, '' Albus told him.

`` What year are they in ? ''

`` Willinson 's a seventh year, I dunno about the others, '' Albus answered.

Harry slammed his script onto the bedside table and stood up, `` Seventh class ? ! Bloody infernal region ! What in the epithet of Merlin 's saggy left- ''

`` Harry, calm down ! '' ma'am Pomfrey rushed over to pick up the weewee jug that had fallen off the table.

`` Sorry, '' Harry resumed his seat, `` But honestly, what seventh year crowd up on a first year ? ``

`` Victoire and Amy Eckerton warned me. They said he picks a first gear year every class to torment. And they told me not to go anywhere alone, because he never picks a conflict unless you 're alone. Apparently he 's not a very good dueller. But I totally forgot about that when I took flatness here, '' Albus looked around at the empty beds around him, `` By the way, where is he ? ``

`` naught to worry about now, '' Madam Pomfrey said shortly.

`` Well, Willinson will be getting custody, and loads of it. And those two former Slytherins as well. I 'll be talking to Slughorn, '' Harry muttered.

`` Oh, Dad, I disarmed Willinson ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` I 'd draw a blank about that. Right after I disarmed him, the early two stunned me and I fell down the stairs. ``

Harry grinned, `` Brilliant. You 're great at disarming. And if the other two were n't there, you 'd have been fine. But, it 's surd to demilitarize three wizards at once. ``

`` It 's getting late, I think you 'd amend give Albus a opportunity to log Z's, Harry, '' Madam Pomfrey came over holding a chalice of potion.

`` All right hand, '' Harry stood up and gave Albus a gentle hug, `` I 'll be back in the daybreak. G'night, Al, I love you. ``

`` lovemaking you, too, '' Albus awkwardly hugged his dad back, `` Good night. ``

`` I 've got a potion to help you sleep, '' dame Pomfrey handed him the potion, `` Drink up. ``

Albus took the goblet and downed it in one gulp.

`` Knew it was only a subject of time before you showed up here, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered, `` potter seem to be unable to keep themselves out of this place ... ''

*****

`` What happened, Poppy ? '' Albus heard someone ask.

`` Bad transmutation, really bad, '' Madam Pomfrey replied grimly.

`` What can you do ? '' the voice asked, Albus recognized it now as Neville.

`` I 'm really not sure, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey sighed, `` I 'll mete out the usual potions and bring around the bones, but other than that ... I 've got to meet St. Mungo 's. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' Neville announced, `` Is Albus ok ? ``

`` He 'll be fine, '' Madam Pomfrey assured him, `` I 'll hold him here until tomorrow sunup. ``

Albus heard Neville leave and Madam Pomfrey tug the drape shut around one of the beds. She moved quickly around the way whispering to herself and loudly grabbing bottles off of ledge. Albus opened his middle briefly and saw that the bed at the end of the row had the curtains shut. That 's where Matt was. And Albus had been right. He was a loup-garou. Any doubt that Albus had was gone. He felt sick with dread at the intellection of Matt going through that transformation every month. Stuck with a curse word that prevented him from living a normal living. Albus knew what life was like for a werewolf. He heard about slip 's dad 's life. After Hogwarts, what would Matt do ? Would he be able to get a job ?

`` Are you awake ? '' Madam Pomfrey came bustling over with a breakfast tray, `` Good, eat up. ``

`` Is Matt going to be ok ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Never you mind, '' ma'am Pomfrey answered as she walked back to flatness 's bed and disappeared behind the pall. She spent much of the next time of day bustling back and forth between Matt 's bed and her work, where Albus could see her consulting book of account and mixing potions. Albus watched her and acknowledge she looked much more worried than common. What was going on ?

Neville returned about an hour later, followed by a tall, balding man in lime jet robe. Albus recognized them as Healer robes. madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains when she heard the door assailable and walked quickly over to the two men.

`` I 'd improve go determine Amy, Poppy, '' Neville announced.

`` Yes, I suppose you should, '' Madam Pomfrey answered, `` poor dear will be worried nauseated when she sees him. ``

`` I know, '' Neville sighed and left the room.

brothel keeper Pomfrey turned to the former man, `` Oh, good, they 've sent you, Healer Sterling, '' she welcomed the Healer with a sigh of relief, `` I was afraid they 'd send one of the trainee Healers. ``

`` No, no, I insisted on amount, '' Healer Sterling assured her, `` I 'm the one in charge of the study- ''

gentlewoman Pomfrey cut him off and gestured to Albus 's bed, `` Shush ! We 'll talk about it shortly. Albus, why do n't you finish your breakfast ? ``

`` I 'm not hungry, '' Albus mumbled.

gentlewoman Pomfrey 's side softened, `` Albus, lustrelessness will be ok. You must n't care. ``

`` But what 's going on ? '' Albus asked, `` I 've already figured it out. I know he 's a loup-garou. ``

`` Be that as it may, I can not inform you about the place, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she and Healer Sterling walked towards Matt 's bed, `` Now, it 's best for you to get some eternal sleep. ''

ma'am Pomfrey drew her wand, muttered a spell, and she and the two men disappeared behind the curtains. Albus knew she had casted the Muffliato charm on him. He had witnessed his parents using that trance before. He sighed and picked at his ballock, but he really could n't eat anything. He knew that Madam Pomfrey really was not sure enough whether lustrelessness would be ok. Albus sat pondering about what could be haywire, when a loud hit jolted him out of his thoughts.

Albus turned around in his bed and noticed that the banging was coming from the room access. Madam Pomfrey ran out from behind the curtains and headed towards the door. `` Who 's there ? '' she shouted.

`` Rose Weasley, '' Albus heard his cousin 's voice, `` Why are the doors locked ? Ca n't we come in and see Albus ? ``

`` I 'd rather you did n't. I 've got another student in here who needs quiet, '' Madam Pomfrey said through the close door.

`` Is it matte ? '' Rose asked, `` Because he 's still not back yet. ``

dame Pomfrey sighed, `` Yes. ``

`` We 'll be smooth, '' rose wine answered, `` I promise. ``

`` Oh, all right, '' Madam Pomfrey opened the door, `` But only for a niggling while. ``

Rose walked through the doorway, followed by King John, Amanda, and James. `` Oh, Albus, are you all right ? '' she whispered as they neared Albus 's bed.

`` I 'll be hunky-dory, '' Albus told them.

`` What on Earth happened ? Never saw you after you took Matt here finish night, '' John asked. He, James, Amanda, and pink wine sat down on the bed next to Albus's.

`` Met up with Willinson, '' Albus groaned, `` Him and two other Slytherins. ``

`` He 's trouble, I tell ya, '' James shook his foreland, `` push me mad until Victoire talked to him last year. ``

`` Yeah, well, he does n't seem to be listening to Victoire this yr, does he ? '' Albus responded, `` Anyway, I disarmed him, but his two Friend stunned me at the same time and I fell down the stairs. Got knocked out halfway down and woke up here. ``

`` Whoa, are you ok ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm very well. Got a few low bones, but they 're healed now. My nous still hurts, though, '' Albus rubbed his forehead.

`` We were so worried when you were still gone this morning, '' Rose told him, `` Went heterosexual person to Uncle Harry 's survey and he told us you were here. By the way, he said he 'd be visiting later this morning. ``

`` Dad was here finally night, too, '' Albus said, `` He 's really furious about it. He 's going to give Willinson tons of detention. ``

john grinned, `` Excellent. He 'll finally be getting what he deserves. ``

`` wellspring, I 've got to get going. Quidditch recitation, '' James announced as he got up from the bed.

`` But you just had a mate yesterday, '' blush wine shook her head.

`` Does n't matter. Sunday 's one of our common practice days, '' James reminded her. `` gladiola you 're honest, Albus. '' James waved and left the room. As he left, Neville, Victoire, and Amy came rushing through. Amy ran straight to lusterlessness 's bed with rip in her center and Neville following quickly behind. Victoire stared at her questioningly, but turned to Albus 's bed.

`` I told you not to go anywhere alone ! '' she sighed.

`` I know ! '' Albus replied, `` Sorry. I was just taking Matt here. He was pretty nauseated last night, and it did n't pass to me that I 'd be walking back to the common room alone. ``

`` Oh, I understand that, '' Victoire answered, `` But just be careful from now on. ``

`` I will, '' Albus assured her. Sometimes, it felt like his older first cousin were just extra parents.

`` well, Uncle Harry 's tempestuous, so I do n't retrieve you 'll take in to concern much anymore, '' Victoire told him, `` I heard him talking to Slughorn earlier. Apparently, Harry and professor Longbottom are going to take turns overseeing his detentions and let 's just say he 's not going to have practically give up time in the get week. ``

`` Good, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd better be off, '' Victoire said, `` I 'm due to tutor crisscross in Transfiguration in a few minutes. I was just with Amy, she started getting hysterical when Neville came and found her in the common way. But she would n't severalize me what 's going on. I do n't opine you know ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'll see you later, '' Victoire started to guide towards the doorway, `` Whatever it is, I hope lusterlessness 's ok. ''

`` Ok, now that she 's gone, I 've got to recite you about flatness, '' Albus whispered, `` Come finisher, I do n't desire Madam Pomfrey to try. ``

pink wine, Saint John, and Amanda climbed onto Albus 's bed. `` What about him ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` He 's a wolfman, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed a bit too loudly, `` How do you know for sure enough ? ``

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` He was n't here utmost night when I woke up. And this morning, Professor Longbottom and Madam Pomfrey brought him here, but he was unconscious mind. ``

`` I knew it, '' Rose whispered.

`` Anyway, Madam Pomfrey said he 'd had a really bad transformation, '' Albus told them, `` He 's still unconscious. And there 's a Healer from St. Mungo 's here. They 're all behind the drapery on Matt 's bed. They wo n't say me anything. They casted Muffliato, so I ca n't hear anything. ``

`` Figures, '' Rose groaned, `` Adults never let us know anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But what are we going to do about Matt ? ``

`` well, we 've got to cypher out how to tell him we know, '' St. John the Apostle answered.

`` I do n't love about that, '' Albus responded, `` There 's a reason he 's not evidence us. I think we should let him tell us. ``

`` How do we hide that we know, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` We just do, '' Albus said adamantly, `` Anyway, it 's got to be harder for mat to hold back this secret than us hiding the fact that we know. He 's got to tell apart us sooner or later. ``

`` I think Albus is mightily, John, '' Rose agreed, `` He 'll tell us soon. This has got to be something he tells us. He has to be ready. ``

`` fine, '' John sighed. The four friends sat in secretiveness for a here and now, succumbing to their own view about mat 's lycanthropy.

brothel keeper Pomfrey and Healer Sterling came rushing out behind the pall, and once they did, the Muffliato charm broke.

`` I think I can treat him here, Poppy, '' Sterling said to Madam Pomfrey, `` I do n't think there 's any demand to act him to St. Mungo 's, unless he gets risky. ``

`` Oh, skilful, '' madam Pomfrey sighed with relief, `` That must mean it 's not as bad as I thought. ``

`` No, it 's not quite that bad. It will drive a while to treat, but he will recover perfectly fine, '' Sterling assured her, `` Right now I 've got to take these tone back to St. Mungo 's and consult with some other Healers. I 'll also adjoin his parents. I should be back sometime in the afternoon. Just preserve administering the potions every hour until then. ``

`` I 'll see you later, then, '' Madam Pomfrey bade him auf wiedersehen as he left the room.

`` I think it 's time for you three to lead, '' she announced, `` Mr. Potter needs his residuum and he 's got to take a few more potions. ``

`` See you, Albus, '' St. John got up and started towards the door.

`` Bye, '' Amanda followed behind John.

`` sword lily you 're ok, '' rose wine got up, `` When do you get to leave ? ``

`` Tomorrow morning, '' Madam Pomfrey answered.

`` Can we see matte ? '' Rose asked.

`` Absolutely not, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, `` He 's in no condition for visitant. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' rosiness responded, `` Bye, Albus. ``

`` Bye. ``

******

Throughout the residue of the day, therapist Sterling popped in and out of the hospital Wing, bringing with him several potions from St. Mungo 's. Shortly after lunch, Matt 's parents showed up and they stayed until the evening. Everyone kept using the Muffliato appealingness against Albus, so he was ineffective to listen in on any conversations. Eventually he gave up on trying to find out any information about Matt 's precondition and fell asleep. Madam Pomfrey let Albus bequeath the hospital flank early Monday morning, while breakfast was still going on in the Great manse. Albus was quite bored with the hospital Wing and once ma'am Pomfrey had deemed him well, he ran straight to the Great G. Stanley Hall. John, Amanda, and Rose were all sitting together, whispering.

`` Albus ! '' lav shouted once Albus had sat down next to him, `` All better then ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm all right, '' Albus assured him, `` Bit hungry, though. '' Albus piled his plateful with eggs and toast.

`` We were just talking about mat, '' Rose informed him, `` How is he doing ? ``

`` I 'm really not sure enough, '' Albus said through a mouthful of pledge, `` I could n't hear a word anyone was saying. They 're being very close. ``

`` Is he waken yet ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, he 's not, '' Albus sighed, `` At least I do n't think so. The scrap of conversation that I have been able to get a line are mostly about figuring out how to wake him up. ``

`` No prospect of visiting him, then ? '' John wondered aloud.

`` Do n't retrieve so, '' Albus told him, `` I mean, gentlewoman Pomfrey 's still keeping the door locked. You have to say who you are and what you want in Order to get in. The only 1 who 've been allowed to visit are his parents and Amy. ``

`` Oh, '' John sounded defeated, `` I hope she lets us in soon. ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy tried to get in, '' Albus lowered his phonation, `` Last night. ``

`` What the hell did he want ? '' John growled, `` Slimy git. ``

`` Wanted to find out what 's wrong with matt, '' Albus answered, `` He 's way too nosy. Anyway, he banged on the doorway and told Madam Pomfrey he had a nozzle bleed. But he 'd only taken a olfactory organ Bleed Nougat, because once he got in, I saw him eat the early half and the ancestry stopped immediately. While gentlewoman Pomfrey was shutting the door after him and locking it, he ran over to Matt 's bed. ``

`` He did n't see him, did he ? '' Rose asked anxiously.

`` No, the curtains were up. Amy noticed him and she was looking homicidal. She yelled at him to go away and mind his own business. Then lady Pomfrey came back over and noticed he was n't bleeding anymore and made him get out. Said she was going to secernate Slughorn about it. I hope he gets detention. ``

`` Wow, he does n't give up, does he ? '' Gospel According to John responded.

`` No, he does n't, '' Albus agreed, `` We 're gon na have to be careful about him. ``

`` Post is here, '' Amanda looked up and commented on the owls swooping into the room.

`` Albus, look, '' rosebush pointed to a copy of the Daily Prophet that had been delivered to the young woman sitting across from them.

Albus glanced at the paper and immediately noticed what pink wine was showing him. The front page headline was 'Mysterious demise Mystify Ministry Aurors'with a rather large picture of Harry below it. Albus turned to rosebush, `` What 's that about ? ``

`` I do n't roll in the hay, but I do n't like the sound of it, '' Rose answered. `` Can I borrow that ? '' she asked the girl.

The girl looked at them, and then the article, `` for certain, but I 'd wish it back when you 're done. '' She gave them one last flavor and then turned to her acquaintance and the two of them started whispering.

Rose took the paper and put it in between her and Albus.

Mysterious decease Mystify Ministry Aurors

It started with the murder of Hogwart DADA instructor, Eric Torro, in the beginning of September. Supposedly, the Aurors looked into the death immediately, but there have been no trail. Harry thrower, the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, mind Auror, and Hogwarts DADA teacher, has been leading the investigation. But are his teaching responsibility getting in the way of his Auror duty ? There have also been no hint in the death of Jasmine Lamski, which occurred a month ago. We asked if these deaths are connected, but the Auror office responded with 'no commentary'. Do they know more than they 're telling us ? It is these form of murders that remind many of us of master Voldemort 's sentence of terror. Could there still be Dark Wizards among us ? Is the Auror Office doing enough to barricade them ? And more importantly, should Harry ceramicist be teaching kids when his elbow grease are obviously needed in the Auror Office ? Despite this, Harry potter assures the Wizarding humankind that affair 'are under ascendancy and there is no need to worry .'citizenry are being murdered and the murderers are not being caught. It might indeed be time to worry.

`` That 's wish-wash ! '' Albus shouted when he finished the article.

`` What ? '' John asked, trying to read upside down.

`` Read this, '' Albus grumbled as he handed bathroom and Amanda the paper. `` Who wrote it ? '' he asked Rose.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' blush wine told him.

`` Figures ! '' Albus shouted, `` She 's always twisting the the true. ``

`` Energy Department n't attend like the instructor are too felicitous about it, '' rosebush pointed to the staff table, where all the teachers were whispering amongst themselves. Most of them wore looking at of headache and anger. The only one who was n't whispering was Washburn, who was glaring at the students, just like he usually did. Harry was noticeably absent from the table.

`` Blimey, '' John let out a low whistle, `` That 's the way to frighten off everybody. ``

`` There are n't really still Dark thaumaturgist are there ? '' Amanda asked quietly, she was pale as a ghost.

`` 'Course there are, '' Albus told her, `` There 's always evil in the Earth. But it 's not ilk Voldemort 's coming back or anything. If my dad says there 's nothing to vex about, then there is n't. ``

`` Ok, but it 's still scary, '' Amanda responded.

`` That 's what Rita Skeeter wants, '' Albus informed her, `` That 's what she does. She 's rarely ever written anything that 's she has n't stretched the truth. ``

`` But what about those dreams and Legilimency ? '' rosebush asked, `` Even your dad admits there 's something going on with that ? ``

`` I know, but he 's taking guardianship of it, '' Albus assured her, `` I mean sure, it 's scary, but I do n't think it required an article that strikes worry and concern into everyone. No one besides you lot and my home know anything about those dreams. So to them, it 's just like someone just started randomly killing a few people. ``

`` That 's true, '' St. John the Apostle agreed, `` Where 's your dad ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus told him, `` I saw him finish nighttime in the Hospital Wing. He 's probably at the Ministry, trying to smooth everything over with this article. If people start complaining that the Aurors are n't doing enough, then he could lose his job here. ``

`` Bloody Hell, '' whoremonger exclaimed, `` That would n't be right. I 'm sure the Aurors are doing a good job. ``

`` Quiet ! '' prof Kendrick had stood up. The room fell silent as he did so. `` Thank you. Now, I 'm certain most of you have read today 's front page article in the prophet. I want to check you all that we are perfectly safe and there is no need to care. Certain journalists often have the substance abuse of stretching the true statement in order to scare people, and that is what is going on here. The Aurors are doing everything in their ability to charm whoever murdered prof Torro and Jasmine Lamski. I also need to inform you that DADA moral will not take billet today, because Professor Potter is spending the day at the Auror situation and the Ministry, trying to calm everyone down. If you have DADA today, please use the time to contemplate for your upcoming exam. That is all. '' professor Kendrick sat back down and resumed his conversation with Neville.

Once Kendrick had finished his talking to, whispering resumed amongst the students. Anyone who had not seen the article before, was now scrambling to ascertain a copy of the prophet.

`` well, what 're we going to do with our free catamenia, then ? '' John asked. The Gryffindor get-go years had DADA first that day.

`` I 've got prep to finish, '' Amanda groaned, `` Essay for Herbology. ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' St. John groaned as well, `` I have n't finished it either. ``

`` Well, then you do need reminding ! '' blush wine exclaimed, `` I finished that over the weekend. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus commented.

`` Why do n't we go finish it, then, can ? '' Amanda suggested, `` The uncouth elbow room will be reasonably still with everyone off in class. ``

`` Fine, '' John the Evangelist reluctantly agreed. He stood up and headed off with Amanda to finish the essay.

`` That could n't accept worked out better, '' Rose whispered to Albus, `` Now we can go to the program library and take up our research. ``

`` commodity thinking, '' Albus told her, `` I 've finished that former al-Qur'an. Returned it a few 24-hour interval ago. I 'd better get another. ``

`` I 've looked through three, but there 's incumbrance others, '' rose informed him. She started walking out of the Great antechamber, with Albus following, `` But I have n't found anything utilitarian. ``

`` Me, neither. ``

Albus and Rose were delight to observe that the program library was rather empty. There were a few older scholarly person who had a loose period, but all of them seemed too fussy studying to observe the two first geezerhood. They headed straight to the Scripture shelf that held the books they had previously looked at.

`` Are we really going to cause to look through all of these ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Hopefully not, '' rose wine said as she pulled out a rather orotund book, `` Once we find something about Hallows, we can stop. ``

`` I 'm beginning to doubt if that 's going to happen, '' Albus responded.

`` I sure hope we find something soon, '' rose opened her book and glanced quickly at the table of contents, `` Exams will be in a few month, so we 're going to get to commence studying more, which means less time for this. ``

`` Yeah, maybe we 'll get prosperous today, '' Albus hoped, `` Want to go find a table ? '' He had picked out two books to look at.

`` Sure, '' Rose followed Albus into a secluded function of the library, away from brothel keeper Pince and the other bookman. They read silently for fifteen minutes.

`` wellspring, this book 's inviolable applesauce, '' Albus closed his first volume, `` Says Dad and Voldemort dueled for half a day before Voldemort finally died. ``

rosebush broke out laughing, `` Really ? ! Wow, amazing that got published. ``

Albus set aside that Quran and opened the other one, `` This looks a bit better. ``

`` well, look who it is ? '' soul said from behind pink wine.

Albus glanced up. `` And what do you require, Malfoy ? ``

`` Just seeing what you 're up to on your disengage time, '' Malfoy smiled smugly, `` I 'm assuming you read the clause. ``

`` Yeah, I did, '' Albus said coldly, `` But it 's not rightful. Just mortal trying to stir up trouble. ``

`` Never can tell, though, can you ? '' Malfoy sat down at their table, `` The Ministry 's often hissing things up. ``

`` What do you experience about that ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nothing, zippo, just clobber I 've overheard my father saying, '' Malfoy looked over at the ledger rosebush was reading.

`` A history of Lord Voldemort, '' Malfoy read the title, `` Interesting championship. Why are you reading it ? ``

`` Just a bit of background meter reading, never can learn too a lot. ``

`` Hmm, '' Malfoy looked at Albus, `` So, I hear you got into a bit of a duel the other day. ``

Albus turned red, `` Uh, yeah. ``

Malfoy smirked, `` Ca n't really consume on three seventh days. ``

`` He disarmed Willinson, '' rosiness said angrily, `` And is it really your line ? ``

`` No, not really, but I still want to lie with. ``

`` I could 've taken on Willinson, '' Albus added, `` He 's horrible at dueling. But his two checkmate got me. ``

`` That 's true, Willinson 's dueling acquisition leave a lot to be desired, '' Malfoy agreed, `` But he 's sassy enough not to duel without others on his side. ``

`` good for him, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Well, we 'd better be off to spell, '' pink wine slammed her book shut and got up.

`` Yeah, bye, '' Albus muttered and followed pink wine. They checked out their books, which got them more questioning public eye from Madam Pince, and headed off to Charms.

Charms was surprisingly uneventful. prof Washburn did inquire where mat was, but he seemed satisfied with 'in the Hospital Wing'as an resolution. Double Herbology went as usual, although Neville seemed kind of tense and distracted during the form. Albus had assumed this was because of Rita Skeeter 's article. Both John and Amanda had managed to wind up their essays, although trick 's was n't long enough.

`` We should see if we can visit Matt tomorrow evening, '' Rose announced at dinner.

`` Definitely, '' John agreed, `` If Madam Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I ca n't, '' Albus said, `` I 've got Occlumency tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's good ! '' rosebush responded, `` I 'd completely leave. I 'll just skip that lesson, then. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well, you do n't even have to do it anyway. ``

`` I know, but it 's really occupy material. ``

`` I hope flatness 's ok, '' Albus said in a distressed feel, `` dame Pomfrey seemed so concern. ``

`` I wonder how long he 'll be stuck in there, '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus answered, `` I just hope he 's conscious now. ``

`` We should probably bring his homework, '' blush wine suggested.

`` That 'll urge him up, '' St. John said sarcastically.

`` He needs to do it if he 's going to keep up with classes ! ''

`` True, '' Gospel According to John agreed, `` speechmaking of homework, has anyone finished that essay for Slughorn that 's due tomorrow ? ``

`` I did, '' blush wine said, `` But let me opine, you have n't ? ``

`` Nope, '' lav grinned, `` Want to bestow me your banknote ? ``

`` Not really, '' blush wine shook her head.

`` I finished it, '' Amanda added, she had been rather quiet throughout the whole conversation. Albus could tell that the idea of Matt being a werewolf freaked her out a little bit. He could understand, considering up until a few month ago, she had n't even known werewolf were genuine. But he did hope Amanda would n't commence treating Matt differently.

`` commodity, I 'll use your notes ! ''

`` I 'm not quite finished with it either, '' Albus informed them, `` I 've just got to compose three more inches, then it 'll be done. ``

The four friends finished up their pud and headed back to the commons room. can worked on his essay with Amanda 's help, while Albus finished his. rose wine did other homework, and eventually she decided to help John as well.
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A/N : Longest chapter yet, I think ! I did n't want to break up it up because then it would have been two really short chapters. And I know when I read stories, I prefer longer chapters.

Thanks as usual to my sis and beta Dancer of Starlight, and my blood brother and other babe. Thanks as well to inkheart for the reviews.

I 'd also like to plowshare that it was about a yr ago that I started writing this. So, glad birthday to the story ! I finished it about six calendar month ago.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or any of his many relatives.

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Shortly before seven the next even, James and Albus headed to Occlumency, while Saint John the Apostle, rosebush, and Amanda went to the hospital Wing. As it turned out, the teachers told rose wine that they had already sent lustrelessness 's preparation to the Hospital annexe and there was no need for her to collect it.

`` citizenry talking about that article in your classes ? '' Albus asked his blood brother on the way to the Transfiguration classroom.

`` Yeah, '' James responded, `` They always stop rightfulness when the teacher comes in, though. ``

`` Everyone in my social class have been whispering about it. They try to talk quietly so I ca n't hear them, but I can, '' Albus informed him.

`` That 's what it 's like for me, too, '' Henry James said, `` But you know Peyton Haines, the Slytherin chaser ? Well, he keeps loudly discussing how the Auror department ineffectual to do anything and everyone 's in severe danger. Always within earshot of me, too. ``

`` Git, '' Albus growled.

`` I heard he scared the nether region out of the Hufflepuffs in Charms today. Said he heard all the death Eaters had broken out of Azkaban and no one had caught them yet. Load of codswallop. Got away with it, too, because Washburn was n't in the room yet. ``

`` Probably would n't ingest mattered if he was in the way, '' Albus muttered, `` Slytherins can do no wrong in his eyes. ``

James opened the door to the Transfiguration room and walked inside, Albus followed. Hermione was already there.

`` Hi, boys ! '' she smiled and gave them each a hug.

`` Hi, aunt Hermione, '' Albus and James greeted her.

`` When 's Dad coming back ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, good inquiry, '' James chimed in, `` And what 's with that clause ? ``

Hermione 's smile faded and she gestured for the boy to sit down. `` He 'll be back later tonight, so do n't occupy about that. And as for the article ... Well, you both know that most everything Rita Skeeter writes is applesauce. ``

James and Albus nodded.

`` That clause was written for the lone intention of scaring citizenry. All the it did was grow questions. The article itself was just a freight of interrogative sentence. The execution do cue citizenry of Voldemort 's reign, so it was quite well-situated to just write this article and send hoi polloi into a affright. The fact that the Aurors have no leads in either execution just fueled the fire. But I can reassure you that whatever is going on, your father and the former Aurors are taking care of it. And he is perfectly subject of teaching here and heading the Auror department, '' Hermione told them.

`` So there is something going on ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, of course something 's going on. There have been two cryptical murder, and someone is trying to see your thoughts, '' Hermione explained, `` But it is nothing the Ministry ca n't handle. ``

`` So, do you have intercourse what 's going on ? '' James River asked.

`` Your dad has a few inklings and he has expressed them to me, but I ca n't assure you them, '' Hermione answered, `` Now we 've got to set off the deterrent example. Open your record to foliate 50. ``

Albus and James opened their al-Qur'an and Hermione lectured them for a half hour. Albus found this portion of the object lesson extremely boring, but every lesson started this way. Albus did n't gestate any unlike from his Aunt Hermione, who was always trying to get him to read a lot of books. Eventually, the rebuke part of the lesson was over and the practical part began.

Albus had been getting better at Occlumency. He had yet to prevent Hermione from entering his mind, but usually managed to force her out after a few minutes.

`` Albus, you first. ``

Albus got up from his chair and stood in front of his aunt. `` Remember to conclude your idea. Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

Albus stood there, being flooded with his own memories, for a few bit. He saw James II levitating Albus 's trash of pumpkin juice at last summer 's family reunion, the time he got lost in a Muggle grocery stock when he was five, and the low time he ever rode a broom. Albus concentrated hard on blocking out all thinking, and he was able to thrust Hermione out of his mind.

`` Good job, Al ! '' Hermione congratulated him, `` It took you less time than last lesson. ``

Albus tried two more metre, both times producing the like results as the maiden, and then he sat down to take in James.

James had been having a much more difficult clock time than Albus. He had only been successful once, and it had taken him nearly ten instant. This prison term proved to be no unlike, and after xv arcminute, James River had not been able to thrust Hermione out of his mind. The stopping point try, he had even wound up laying on the trading floor. Hermione had thought that was enough, and King James I and Albus went back to the common room.

`` How 'd it go ? '' pink wine asked, when Albus sat down next to her. Rose, whoremaster, and Amanda were all sitting at one of the table, doing homework.

`` Pretty adept, '' Albus answered, `` It 's taking me to a lesser extent time to get your mum out of my judgement. But St. James the Apostle ca n't get her out at all. ``

`` He 'll get there eventually, '' Rose responded.

`` Did you get to see Matt ? '' Albus asked as he pulled out his Potions homework.

`` No, '' john said sadly, `` He 's still unconscious. And ma'am Pomfrey still has the door locked. She 's got a really short snappishness, too. ``

`` Yeah, Scorpius Malfoy was skulking around ! '' rose exclaimed, `` We went up there and he was trying to heed in through the door. ``

`` Little git, '' Albus muttered, `` So what happened ? ``

`` We told him to go away, but he would n't, '' lav explained, `` He whipped out his wand and tried to hex Amanda, but missed her. Madam Pomfrey came out when she heard the ruckus and told him to get back to his common room or she 'd get Slughorn. Then she told us Matt was still unconscious and we would n't be capable to see him. ``

`` Malfoy 's really got to stop investigating this, '' Albus responded, `` He ca n't find out. He 's got to mind his own business. ``

`` We ca n't let anyone witness out, '' blush wine agreed.

`` But he 's still not up ? '' Albus sighed, `` Whatever is going on, it sounds really bad. ``

`` I know, '' Rose shook her head.

`` Well, his natal day is next week, '' St. John the Apostle reminded them.

`` Oh, yeah, on the sixth, Wednesday, '' Albus remembered.

`` I think we should do something for it, '' John stated, `` Even if he 's still in the Hospital Wing. ``

`` I bet he will be, '' Rose said, `` But we can still do something if we 're allowed in. ``

`` Let 's plan it, then, '' John announced, `` Our outset Hogwarts natal day party. Because you guys did n't do anything for mine, '' he added.

`` Your birthday was over the holiday ! '' rosiness lightly smacked him with her dad book.

`` I know, '' john grinned, `` Anyway, we could bring some food into the infirmary fender and have the party there. ``

`` Great estimate ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But none of us know where the kitchens are, '' Amanda reminded them.

`` No job, '' Albus glanced around the vulgar room, `` Oi ! Bradley, grade ! '' he waved his two first cousin over.

`` Whatcha indigence, Albus ? '' Bradley asked as he sat down in an empty chairman at the table.

`` We 're going to have a little natal day party for our friend, Matt, '' Albus told them, `` But none of us know where the kitchens are. So, since there 's a Hogsmeade visit on Sabbatum, could you get us some stuff ? ``

`` Sure, no problem, '' Mark said, `` Butterbeers and some stuff and nonsense from Honeyduke 's sound estimable ? ``

`` Yeah, that 'd be great. ``

`` What should we get him for a present ? '' Rose asked.

`` Hmm, I dunno ... '' toilet stopped to think, `` material from Weasley 's is always good. ``

`` How about a Chudley shank NJ ? '' Albus suggested.

`` speech sound salutary ! '' John agreed. Rose and Amanda nodded their heads.

`` Anywhere in Hogsmeade that you could get one of those ? '' Albus asked his cousins.

`` The Quaffle workshop should induce it. I 've only been there once. It just opened up this past tense summer, '' Bradley told them, `` I can get you one. ``

`` Thanks ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But you 'll have to feed us money for everything, '' marker told them.

Albus, whoremonger, rose, and Amanda each forked over a couple reaping hook and handed them to Mark.

`` Ok, we 'll get the hooey and feed it to you when we get back, '' Bradley said, and he and sucker rejoined their friends on the other side of the common room.

`` It 's really rotten chance that he 's going to be in the Hospital Wing on his natal day, '' privy commented.

`` Yeah, but we 'll try to jolly along him up, '' Albus reasoned.

`` What if Madam Pomfrey does n't let us in ? '' Amanda wondered.

`` She better, '' Rose stated, `` But she 's got to, it 'll be his birthday. If anything, we can always get Amy to let us in. ``

`` True, she 'd be capable to convince Madam Pomfrey. She 's got some temper, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` Just as long as we do n't ask her too many questions, '' Rose said, `` Amy obviously does n't want anyone knowing about Matt 's, er, job. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus told her, `` Hopefully dame Pomfrey will just let us in and we wo n't need Amy to do any convincing. ``

Rose glanced at her watch, `` Well, it 's getting kind of recently. I 'm going to bed, '' she started packing up her books, `` Did you all cease your preparation ? ``

`` Yep, '' they all answered.

`` goodness night, then, '' Rose got up and walked over to the girl 's dormitories.

`` I guess I 'll go to bed, too, '' Albus put his book away and got up.

`` Me, too, '' john and Amanda put their stuff away. Amanda caught up with rose wine and followed her up the stairs.

John headed up to the boy 's dorm with Albus. As Albus got ready for bed, he thought about Matt 's birthday company. He hoped that lusterlessness would be up for it, and that gentlewoman Pomfrey would let them in. Hopefully, they would be able-bodied to have the party and that it would cheer him up. He also wondered how much longer matt would be able-bodied to hold on his mystery from his supporter. Albus only hoped that someday, he would trust them enough to tell them. He got into bed and his thought process drifted to Scorpius Malfoy and how suspicious he was about mat. Would they be able to save him from finding out ? And what would happen if he did find out one day ? The thought of Scorpius finding out worried Albus right field until he fell asleep.

******

`` His ideal will be realized, '' a cold voice surrounded Albus.

`` Whose ideal ? '' Albus asked.

`` The one you fear the most, '' the articulation answered. It was coming from a cloaked figure that was circling Albus. They were in a dark, minuscule room. Albus was sitting in a hard chair in the middle.

`` Voldemort ? '' Albus responded nervously, `` But he 's dead. ``

`` It does n't matter ! '' the representative screamed, `` There are others to stock out his plans ! ``

`` They 're all in Azkaban. '' Albus tried to wee-wee out who the cloaked figure was, but it was too shadow.

`` Not all of them. There are some who roam costless, '' the physical body whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Now, perhaps you can help oneself me. ``

`` Sorry, I ca n't, '' Albus glared at him, feeling braver than he had a endorsement ago.

`` Oh, I think you can, '' the figure pulled out his verge and pointed it at Albus. He muttered a spell and Albus 's hands and feet became bound by witching Mexican valium. `` Now, maybe you can tell me where the Hallows are ? ``

Albus 's eyes widened and he stared at the man, `` What do you know about Hallows ? ``

`` Not nearly as often as you do, '' the man answered, `` Now tell me where they are ! ``

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted, feeling the ropes contract his manus. He winced in pain.

`` I 'm certain you do ! ``

`` NO ! I do n't ! '' The ropes dug into his wrists even more as he felt the circulation to his hands being cut off.

`` Tell me ! '' The man forcefully shook Albus 's chair. `` You do n't desire to know what I 'll do if you do n't ! ``

`` But I do n't even eff what Hallows are ! '' Albus screamed in pain, `` What are they ? ! ``

`` You know perfectly well what they are ! Now tell me where they are ! ``

`` NO ! ``

`` Tell ! '' the man shook the chair so laborious it fell over, taking Albus with it. He screamed as his head hit the frigidness, severely floor.
`` Albus ! '' an anxious voice whispered, `` Wake up ! ``

`` No, no, no, I do n't know what they are ... '' Albus moaned in his sleep.

`` It 's just a dreaming, arouse up, '' a affectionate hand shook him gently, and Albus wrenched his centre open. He saw John the Evangelist looking down at him with a scared face on his brass. Bilius and Ethan were behind him, glancing around nervously.

Albus rubbed his center and noticed he was not on his bed anymore. He was laying on the story, in a maze of mantle. He was sweating profusely and his meat was beating fast.

`` Should I get Madam Pomfrey ? '' Bilius asked tentatively.

`` Maybe we should get prof Potter, '' John responded.

`` Is he back yet ? '' Ethan questioned.

Albus started to detangle himself from the bedclothes. He knew what the dream had been. And he knew he needed to see his dad as soon as possible. `` I 'm fine, I 've just got to go talk to my dad. ``

`` D'you want me to go with you ? '' John asked.

`` No, I 'll be finely, '' Albus got up and rummaged in his trunk for his dressing robe.

`` Are you sure ? You do n't look too right. ``

Albus pulled on his robe and stepped into his skid, `` I told you, I 'll be fine. '' He left the hall and went down to the deserted common elbow room. A glance at the clock told him it was just preceding four a.m. He was about to die through the portrait maw, when he remembered what his dad had told him over Christmastime. No more wandering the corridors. He looked around the way to try and find a portrait that was awake. He spotted one in a scene of a ruck of cattle, it was a short horse riding atop a fat pony.

`` Excuse me, '' Albus asked tentatively as he walked over to the delineation, `` I was wondering if you could do something for me ? If it 's not too often problem. I need you to go get someone for me. ``

The knight puffed out his pectus and turned his pony towards Albus, `` A quest ? ``

`` Er, well, I suppose you could regard it a quest. Who are you ? ``

`` I, am Sir Cadogan, at your table service ! '' the knight saluted Albus and bowed his head low.

`` Um, ok, and I 'm Albus Potter. I was wondering if you could go get my dad. Harry Potter. ``

`` Harry thrower ! Quite the nice Lester Willis Young lad, I remember him well. I helped him on a quest once ! And you are his son. well, I shall help oneself you on your bay. I shall not let scoundrel nor beast stop me ! I will find your dad or I shall perish trying ! ''

`` Thanks, then, '' Albus responded, thinking that this was the strangest portrait he 'd ever met. And that he 'd feature to ask his dad about the 'quest'Sir Cadogan had helped him with. `` Just tell him to add up to Gryffindor Tower, and that it 's very important. ``

`` I will do just that ! '' the unusual knight replied, `` Off I go then ! Nothing shall contain me. Sir Cadogan lets nothing get in the way of his seeking. A quest to find the outstanding Harry Potter ! On with ye, then ! '' he shouted at his pony. Sir Cadogan traveled through a few portraits in the coarse room, waking up the occupant and earning tight looks from them as he went. Eventually, the haphazardness died down and Sir Cadogan exited the room.

Albus looked around the common room as he waited for his dad. It was very different in the dead of Nox. He was the sole occupant and had his choice of plaza to sit. As a first year, Albus rarely got the in effect arm chairs near the fire. He walked over and sat down in one, but as the flame had died away hours ago, it was just as common cold as the rest of the way. Albus sighed as he stared into the empty-bellied fireplace. What had that dreaming meant ? Who was the hooded figure and why did they think that Albus knew where the 'Hallows'were ? As Albus thought about this, he realized that as horrible as the pipe dream had been, it did give him more information on the 'Hallows'. He now knew that they were object. objective that somebody was trying to situate and probably steal. He would have to assure rosebush when she got up. But what were the 'Hallows'? And why did this person want them ? It must let something to do with Voldemort 's 'ideals', of trend. Whoever was creating these dreams in Albus 's mind must desire to try to stockpile out Voldemort 's plans. The very thought of another Voldemort sent shake up Albus 's spine. He jumped as he heard a noise behind him. When he turned around, he noticed that Sir Cadogan was back in the picture of the cows. Albus got up and walked over to it.

Sir Cadogan placed his sword into its holster and saluted Albus, `` I have had succeeder with the quest ! The Great Harry Potter has been found and shall be entering the elbow room shortly ! ``

Albus looked at the knight and grinned nervously, `` Thanks, Sir Cadogan. ``

`` Anytime ! Anytime ! '' the horse said excitedly, `` I must be off now, for I spotted someone on the way back and I 've got to see what they are up to ! No scoundrel gets past Sir Cadogan ! ``

`` Right, '' Albus responded.

`` Well, then, I 'll be off ! '' Sir Cadogan drew his sword again, `` But if you are ever in need of knightly inspection and repair again, be sure to bid on Sir Cadogan ! '' The strange knight and his pony sped out of the portrait, yet again waking the resident of the portraits he passed through, and left the room.

The portrait hole opened and a very fatigue looking Harry crawled through. He looked at his son and grinned, `` Ah, the amount of times I snuck back through here in the dead of dark ... ''

Albus ran towards his dad and hugged him tight. Harry hugged him back and led him over to the prominent arm hot seat near the fire. Harry sat down in one and pulled Albus onto his lap. `` What 's going on ? I was just getting to kip when that mad knight came in and told me you needed to sing to me. Would n't feed me any details, just said it was urgent. I thought he was going to wake half the castling, the way he was shouting through the corridors, '' Harry laughed.

Albus looked at his dad and laughed nervously, `` He was the only one awake. Seemed very eager to go on a quest. And he said he 'd taken you on a pursuit once. I 'd like to know all about that. ``

Harry grinned, thinking back to the time in his third year when Sir Cadogan had led him, Ron, and Hermione to the Divination schoolroom. `` Of course. How could I draw a blank that ? I was in third year and your Uncle Ron, auntie Hermione, and I were trying to find the divination room. Sir Cadogan helped us find it. We did get there, but he is a bit insane. Later on that twelvemonth he was recruited to guard the Gryffindor common room entrance after Dog Star slashed the Fat Lady 's portrait. Of course of action, everyone thought he was a stack murderer and when Sir Cadogan let him into the tower later on, his twenty-four hours as the guard of the way were over. ``

Albus stared at him, `` Wow. wellspring, he 's got to be the most insane portrait I 've ever met. ``

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry agreed, `` Now, what was so urgent ? ``

`` I had another dream, '' Albus whispered, `` Only this one was different. ``

Harry 's smile faded away and was replaced by a more serious facial expression, `` What happened in this one ? ``

Albus quickly rehashed the ambition to his dad, and by the end he was shaking again and almost in rent. Harry wrapped his arm around Albus and held him close.

`` It 's ok, Al, '' Harry reassured him, `` But thanks for letting me know. I hate to say it, but that dream does serve confirm what I thought this was leading to. ``

`` And what would that be ? '' Albus asked, blinking back his tears.

`` I 'm sorry, but I ca n't tell you. You will get hold out, though, once it 's all sorted out. ``

`` But what are Hallows ? ''

`` That 's another thing I ca n't tell you. I will tell you sometime down the route, though, '' Harry responded, `` Anyway, Hermione tells me your Occlumency object lesson are going well. ``

`` Apparently not well enough, '' Albus groaned, `` After tonight 's nightmare. ``

`` It takes a while, Al, and it 's harder when you 're sleeping. ``

`` I know, and I am trying. ``

`` I know you are. ``

`` So, '' Albus said, changing the subject area, `` Did everything go ok at the Ministry ? ``

`` Oh, that went hunky-dory, '' Harry told him, `` Everything 's smoothed over. Rita Skeeter 's received a warning and so has the editor of the oracle. ``

`` Everyone here 's been pretty worried. Rita Skeeter succeeded in scaring everyone, '' Albus responded.

`` Yeah, but it 'll die down. Once the side by side Quidditch match comes around it 'll all be forgotten, '' Harry grinned, `` zero like Quidditch to get your judgment off everything. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, `` Next couple is in three weeks. Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. I bet Ravenclaw will win. ``

`` You 're probably right hand. I 'm betting it 'll be between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for the cup. ``

`` Yeah, and I hope we win it ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry smiled and lifted Albus off his lap, `` Now, I 've got to get a few hours sleep and you probably should, too. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus yawned.

`` I 'll see you in class later on, Al, '' Harry stood up and gave his son one last hug, `` I love you. ``

`` Love you too, '' Albus watched as his dad left the rough-cut way. He smiled as he walked up the circular staircase to the dorm room. He felt a whole lot better after talking to his dad.

`` Albus, '' John whispered from his four post horse bed, `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back as he climbed into bed, `` Are Ethan and Bilius sleeping ? ``

`` I think so, one of them started snoring a few minutes ago, '' John told him.

`` Good. I had another one of those dreams where individual 's using Legilimency on me. ``

`` I figured. Was it the same one ? ``

`` No, this one was different. My dad says it confirms some of his suspicions, which is n't really good. He 'll take charge of it, though. ``

`` Good. So he 's back, then ? ``

`` Yup, everything 's hunky-dory with the Ministry and the Prophet, now. Well, Rita Skeeter and the editor of the oracle got into a bit of hassle, '' Albus laughed.

`` That 's swell ! I 'm gladiolus your dad 's binding. Now things can get back to formula. Well, as normal as they ever are around here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said softly, `` Well, adept nighttime. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus did n't get very much eternal sleep that nighttime. Thoughts of his new incubus kept him up the rest of the Night. He gave up trying to kip by 7am and got up. By the clock time John the Evangelist woke up, he was ready to go to breakfast. The two male child met Rose and Amanda at the Gryffindor board and had breakfast. Albus noticed that there was a lot of whispering going on and he suspected it was due to the fact that Harry was back from the Ministry. Albus continued thinking about his nightmare during breakfast and was very quiet. John and Amanda did not notice this because they were in the eye of arguing about whether the Potions essay had to be a foot of parchment or just six inches. Albus suspected Amanda was correct and the essay had to be a understructure. Rose, however, kept looking at Albus while she ate her food.

`` Is something legal injury ? '' she asked him.

Albus glanced around to control if anyone was paying attention to them, luckily, no one was. `` Yeah, I had another weird dream finis dark. This one was different. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose stared at him with wide eyes. `` What was it about ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you here. I 'll tell you at tiffin. I 've got to say Saint James the Apostle, too. The unwashed elbow room should be empty when everyone 's at luncheon, '' Albus whispered.

daybreak classes seemed to drag on forever. Albus kept looking at the clock throughout both DADA and appeal, waiting for lunch. He really wanted Rose 's impression of the dreaming and could n't wait to tell her about the Hallows expression of it. Harry started DADA by telling the stratum that everything was straightened out with the Ministry and they had nothing to concern about. Albus suspected he was going to tell every class that. Charms was just as horrifying as usual, and it ended with Washburn rescheduling the detention that Albus could n't attend earlier due to Occlumency. He would be doing lines at noon on Saturday.

Once Charms was over, Albus and pink wine went to find James II. Rose had told Saint John the Apostle and Amanda that the Potions essay did have to be a ft, so John was spending his lunch in the library trying to fall up with another one-half foot of essay. Amanda had gone along to help him. Albus and rosebush found James in the Great manse and after the three of them ate a rushed tiffin, they headed up to the common way. It was, as suspected, deserted.

`` Ok, so what 's so important that I had to practically skim lunch for ? '' St. James asked once they were in the room.

`` I had another funny dreaming net Night, '' Albus told him, `` This one was different. '' Albus explained the dream in detail, including the parts about the Hallows.

James and blush wine stared at Albus for a few minute before pink wine spoke, `` Well, this is is kind of good. Now we know that the Hallows are objects. I was almost thinking that they were a series of go or something. ``

`` But we still do n't have a go at it what they are, '' Saint James the Apostle sighed.

`` Or why I should lie with where they are, '' Albus stated, `` This would be a solid lot easygoing if Dad would just enjoin us. ``

`` But he wo n't, '' James replied angrily.

`` And I hate to say it, but I do n't think we 're going to find any answers in the library. We 've looked in practically all the Holy Scripture that have to do with the war and I 've looked through all the oracle from that twelvemonth, too, '' Rose told them.

The three of them stood in silence for a few arcminute, trying to think of some answers. James had started pacing. Albus sat down in a chair and tried to think of some early way they could find out what the Hallows were.

`` well, let 's go over the clues again, '' Rose announced, `` The Hallows are something secretive, and our parents wo n't tell us what they are because they do n't need us to severalize anyone. None of our aunts or uncles or full cousin know about them either. So, maybe it 's just our parents who know about them ? If that 's unfeigned, then no curiosity we could n't feel the answer in a book. None of our parents have ever written a book. ``

`` Yeah, '' James agreed, `` It 's got to be something just our parents know about. ``

`` Well, they were the unity who destroyed near of the Horcruxes. Maybe it 's got something to do with that ? '' Albus suggested.

`` That could be, '' William James agreed, `` If only there was mortal else we could ask about it. ``

The room fell silent again, as they sank into their thoughts again. Suddenly Rose jumped up from her chair. `` I 've got it ! ``

`` What ? '' James and Albus asked at the same time.

`` Who we can ask about the Hallows ! I ca n't believe I did n't think of it before ! ``

`` Well, who is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dumbledore ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Epistle of James shouted, `` But he 's dead ! ``

`` I know that, '' Rose said, `` But there 's a portrait of him in Kendrick 's office ! ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Anyway, '' rose began, `` Dumbledore 's the one who told Uncle Harry about the Horcruxes, so he might know something about the Hallows, too ! ``

`` That 's sensation, pink wine ! '' Albus grinned at her.

`` Thanks. We just have to figure out how to get into Kendrick 's spot. ``

`` That could be foxy, '' Albus said, `` Either of you know where his office is ? ``

Rose and William James shook their heading. `` Neither do I, '' Albus sighed.

A mischievous smile spread across Rose 's face, `` But I know how we can get in. ``

The male child looked at her skeptically. `` How ? '' James asked.

`` Well, if you get in enough trouble, you get taken to Kendrick 's role. ``

`` But what if we get expelled ? '' Albus asked warily.

`` Do n't worry, you wo n't. ``

`` You 've got a plan, then ? '' James inquired.

`` kind of, '' Rose told them, `` I 've got a vague idea. It 'll be me and Albus who are doing it. I 'm going to get some variety of havoc in Washubrn 's class- ''

`` Washburn ? ! Are you crazy ? '' Albus shouted.

`` Just let me explain. Washburn does n't hate me nearly as lots as he hates you. So he 's going to take up the chaos was caused by you since we sit at the Lapplander mesa. He 'll start screaming, which will probably cause another teacher to come running game. Washburn will narrate that instructor what you supposedly did and you 'll get taken to Kendrick 's office. You 'll talk to Dumbledore 's portrait about the Hallows. simpleton as that. ``

King James and Albus looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces. `` But I 'll get in vast hassle, '' Albus said flatly.

`` No, you wo n't, '' rosiness assured him, `` I might, but you wo n't. After Washburn dismisses the year, I 'll run to Uncle Harry and tell him it was really me who caused the misdirection. ``

`` But I do n't desire you to get in trouble, either, '' Albus told her.

`` It 's ok. I have hardly been in problem at all this year. Anyway, all we need is the distraction. ``

`` I 've got it, '' Saint James the Apostle announced, `` One of Uncle George III 's fireworks. I 've got a whole provision up in my dormitory. ``

`` Excellent ! '' Rose said excitedly, `` And I 'll just tell Uncle Harry that it went off accidentally. I 'll probably just end up with lines or something for having a banned physical object in my self-control. ``

`` Perfect, '' Albus smiled, finally satisfied that no one would get in immense trouble.

`` I think we ought to wait a few workweek to do it, since you just got a detention from Washburn, Albus, '' Rose told them.

`` Ok, just let us know when you think we ought to do it, '' Saint James responded.

`` I will, '' Rose assured him, `` We 'd better be off to class. See you later. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said to Saint James as he followed Rose to Potions. He was excited and skittish at the Sami time at the outlook of talking with Dumbledore about the Hallows. Would he finally learn what was being kept from him ? Only time would tell.

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A/N : I 've done it again ! I merged 2 chapters, due to the truncation of each. This resulted in the longest chapter yet. Hope you enjoyed it !

Thanks as always to my beta and baby, Dancer of Starlight. She has been especially helpful in coming up with persona for Albus 's third class. Thanks as well to my brother and former sister, and to inkheart for the review !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry ceramist

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The sleep of the week flew by in a hustle of classes and homework. Albus and his booster found that they had no time to do anything other than homework during their extra time. They had not even found time to visit Matt, but they did n't even have it away if he was awake yet. rose wine was already freaking out over the end of term exams, which were still over four month away, and was using every waking moment to study. Albus was not yet worried about examination and was more concerned about just completing all the assigned homework.

Quinton Willinson had not bothered Albus or any of his booster since Albus had left the infirmary fender. Albus was not certainly whether this was due to Willinson 's upcoming N.E.W.T. exams, the large amount of detentions he received, or concern of what Harry would do if he continued tormenting Albus. Albus did not handle which one it was, he was just gladiola Willinson had given up for the time being. However, the Sami could not be said about Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy continued to tease Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda about what was wrong with Matt whenever they were in socio-economic class together. Albus found this more annoying than anything else, because Malfoy rarely ever brought out his wand during these confrontations. Malfoy form of prompt Albus of his Great aunt Petunia because she was also very nosy. Malfoy stood no chance of ever finding out about Matt from Albus or the others, but Albus did worry about what would happen if Malfoy found out on his own.

Albus slept late on Saturday morning and woke up with just plenty clip to grab a sting to eat in the Great antechamber before rushing off to his detention with Washburn. As very much as Albus hated these hold, he had become form of immune to them. Albus had been upset about the first few, but lately he had started to take them in stride. As long as it was just lines, Albus did n't vex about them too much.

When Albus arrived in the spell classroom at twelve noon, professor Washburn was sitting at his desk with the usual frown on his face. `` Sit down, thrower, '' he barked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus responded quietly while taking a seat at the front table.

`` Get out your parchment and ink. Write'I will not misbehave in Charms'until I tell you to end. ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus repeated as he took out a roll of parchment and a quill. He started to write. Washburn never told Albus how many times he would have to indite the pipeline. He supposed Washburn liked to go on Albus there until he looked sufficiently tired and uncomfortable. Washburn had no way of knowing how many lines that would rent. However, he never kept Albus in detention for less than an hour. Albus kept repeating the line on his parchment while trying hard not to look at the clock. He found that looking at the clock just made the metre go by slower. Eventually, Albus stole a coup d'oeil at the clock and found that it had only been 45 minutes. He sighed.

`` You say something ? '' Washburn growled.

`` No, sir, '' Albus said without looking up from his theme. He wrote a few more job and was startled when he heard footsteps come into the way. He glanced up to see that a magniloquent man he did n't acknowledge walking towards Washburn. The man was wearing a pitch-dark cloak and had short Robert Brown haircloth. It reminded Albus of the variety of haircut Muggles in the army had. Washburn got up from his butt when the man approached.

Washburn turned to Albus, `` Do n't go anywhere. If you do, I 'll deliver you in detention for the rest of term. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say a Holy Writ. The strange man followed Washburn into his place and shut the door behind them. There was quiet for a moment and then Albus was able-bodied to hear raised representative coming from the authority. They had forgotten to cast Muffliato before they started talking. It sounded like they were arguing about something, but Albus could n't prepare out what it was. He wished they 'd indicate a bit louder. Albus put down his quill and strained to hear what they were saying. The two men stayed in the government agency for about fifteen moment before Washburn stormed out of it, looking quite furious, followed by the other man who seemed rather calm. Albus quickly picked up his calamus and continued his lines.

Washburn returned to his desk while the unusual man walked over to the door. He turned around to bet at Washburn and said icily, `` Remember, this is your job, no one else 's. And I expect you to make out it soon. '' Then the man left, shutting the doorway behind him.

Washburn stared at the back of the door for a few minutes, before turning and glaring at Albus. `` You 're done. Get back to your common room, '' he seethed.

Albus did not hesitate. He got up quickly and ran out of the room. Today 's detainment had been much brusk than others. Albus suspected that this was due to whatever Washburn and the other ace were talking about. Washburn was definitely up to something. Apparently he had a job to do. But what could it be ? Albus could n't serve but wonder if the Charms professor was involved with something immorality. He ran all the way to the common elbow room to tell his friends what he had overheard.

When Albus rushed through the portrait trap, he immediately spotted his Quaker at one of the tables. He grabbed a death chair and sat down future to Rose.

`` That was suddenly, '' Rose commented.

`` I know, I lucked out today, '' Albus responded, `` But I 've got to tell you about Washburn. ``

`` What about him ? '' John asked, looking up from his book.

`` In the middle of my detention, some strange wizard came barging into the elbow room, '' Albus told them.

`` Who was he ? '' rosiness asked.

`` I dunno, that 's the matter. I 'd never seen him before. ``

`` What did he look like ? '' Amanda asked. Albus described the man, but none of his ally recognized the verbal description either.

`` Maybe he was a parent of one of the students, '' Rose suggested.

`` Who knows ? '' Albus said, `` But he got into a huge disputation with Washburn. ``

`` Well, that 's not unmanageable, '' John laughed, `` Anything will set him off. ``

`` What did they indicate about ? '' Rose asked.

`` I 'm not sure. They were in Washburn 's office. I could n't pee out what they were saying, but they were definitely rowing about something. And then, right before the guy left, he said 'remember, this is your job to do and I want it done soon'to Washburn. Or something like that. ``

Rose, John Lackland, and Amanda stared at Albus for a moment before Rose replied, `` That 's so strange. So Washburn 's doing something for this wiz ? ``

`` Yeah, I think so. He 's definitely up to something. And I do n't think it 's anything just, '' Albus informed them.

`` You think they 're doing something evil ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Maybe, but I do n't really know. ``

`` I dunno, '' John said warily, `` I mean, Washburn 's horrible to you and James, and all the Gryffindors, really. But I do n't cognize if he 's really into the wickedness Arts or anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` That 'job'could be anything. It does n't bear to be something bad. ``

`` But Washburn seemed so mad about it. Just seems unearthly to me. ``

`` It 's definitely suspect, but I do n't guess we should jump to finish, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, look at Snape. Uncle Harry thought he was evil, but he was n't. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus sighed.

`` Anyone want to go see if we can impose matte ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked a few minutes later.

`` Good approximation, '' Albus agreed, `` I hope dame Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I hope he 's awake, '' rosebush closed her Book and put them away in her bag.

`` We can at least try to convince lady Pomfrey to let us visit him on his natal day if she does n't let us today, '' lav reasoned.

The four friends packed up their books and put them away in their dormitory. A few minutes later, they found themselves walking to the Hospital Wing. They walked in silence the whole way there, each one knowing what the other was thinking about. All four of them were hoping flatness was wake up and worrying about him. Albus had been worrying ever since the morning he found out Matt was a werewolf. But at the Saame time, Albus felt a bit angry that mat would n't trust him with his closed book. Albus 's rational number side knew why Matt was n't very intrust, but could n't help wishing that matt would confide in him. Albus supposed that part of this was due to his dad not trusting him with knowing what the 'Hallows'were. He wished more than masses would trust him.

When they reached the Hospital Wing, they noticed that the doors were still shut, and when John tried to open them, they found out that they were still locked as well.

`` This is n't a practiced polarity, '' John sighed.

rosiness banged on the doors and shouted, `` Madam Pomfrey ! ``

A bit later, Madam Pomfrey opened the door a crevice and stuck her chief out. `` What do you need ? ``

`` Is lusterlessness awake ? '' Rose whispered.

`` Yes, he woke up net Night. ''

`` Well, can we see him ? '' Rose asked hopefully.

`` No, I 'm meritless, but he really ca n't suffer visitors right now, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed.

`` Is he all right ? '' John interrupted.

`` He 'll be ok in a dyad of weeks or so. ``

`` Can we come visit him on his birthday ? It 's side by side Midweek. Please ? '' Albus pleaded.

Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened, `` I think that would be all right. Not before Midweek, though. I 'll see you then. ``

`` Great ! Thanks, madam Pomfrey, '' Albus smiled as she closed the door to the ward.

`` I 'm happy he 's awake now, '' rose wine said as they walked back to the common elbow room, `` And we get to see him on his birthday. ``

`` Yeah, and we did n't even necessitate Amy to convert her ! '' lav grinned.

`` Ca n't wait until Midweek, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Boo ! '' a voice said from behind them. Amanda shrieked and they all turned around. Bradley and Mark were laughing.

`` Gotcha ! '' Bradley shouted.

`` We got your poppycock from Hogsmeade, '' Mark told them. He handed them two udder filled with butterbeer and sweets.

`` Awesome, '' Albus took the bags.

`` And here 's the Chudley Cannons jersey. Although, what he sees in them ... '' Bradley shook his caput as he handed whoremaster the jersey.

`` Thanks, guys, '' Albus said to his cousins.

`` No problem, '' Bradley said, `` I remember the years of not being able-bodied to go to Hogsmeade. We always got Stanley and heather to get our stuff for us. Glad those Clarence Day are over now. ``

`` I ca n't wait to go to Hogsmeade, '' John announced, `` Think of all the pranking clobber we 'll be able to buy. There 's only so very much you can fit in your trunk and bring from plate. ``

`` Endless possibilities, Mate, '' Mark told John, `` Well, we 'd better be off. We 've put off the homework long enough. Play first, workplace later. That 's our slogan. ''

`` Bad shibboleth, if you ask me, '' Rose whispered as her first cousin took off for the unwashed room.

`` They 'll make it, '' Albus assured her, `` Have n't failed a class yet, have they ? ``

`` No, they have n't, '' Rose agreed, `` We 'd better go, too. ''

`` Yeah, I 've still got to write that whole essay for Potions, '' Amanda sighed.

Albus groaned, `` I 'd forget about that. Have n't even started. ``

Albus, rosebush, bathroom, and Amanda continued walking to the common room. Once they were there, they spent the remainder of the afternoon authorship essays about the properties of moonstone.

******

During the next few Day, Albus and his ally debated about whether they should ask Matt how he wound up in the Hospital Wing when they went to see him on his natal day. Albus thought they should debar the topic altogether, still believing that Matt would tell them when he was set up. However, rose wine thought it would appear leery if they did n't ask what happened, because if your ally gets injured, you would need to love what happened. As it stood right now, the just people in the castle who knew what really happened were the teacher, Amy, Albus, Rose, Saint John, and Amanda. Of course, no one knew that Albus and his friends knew what happened. Despite this, many masses asked them what happened. Albus just told them he had no idea and after a few twenty-four hour period, they gave up asking. Albus had heard quite a few ludicrous rumors about it. He overheard a few instant year Hufflepuffs telling a couple Ravenclaws that matt had been attacked by a thestral. This same story had been repeated throughout the castle, only with a dissimilar tool being substituted each metre, including a Hippogriff and a centaur. The Centaur level was especially ridiculous and Albus was sure the centaur would not be glad if that history reached their ears.

In the end, Albus and his friends decided that they would ask flatness what happened, but they would not dwell on the subject. Albus was certain that Matt, or maybe even Amy, had come up with some kind of story to comprehend up what happened. Despite this, Amy was not telling anyone the narration. She just ignored anyone who brought it up. Her friends, including Victoire, stayed last by her at all clip and would n't let anyone push the topic. Albus suspected that Victoire had already been fed the talk through one's hat storey, but he did n't ask her about it.

After dinner on February one-sixth, Albus, Rose, lav, and Amanda found themselves walking to the infirmary annex armed with party provision and a wrapped present.

blush wine was the first to reach the door and when she went to knock, everyone was surprised to get hold that the threshold pushed open. `` It 's unlocked ! '' Rose gasped.

`` That must mean lustrelessness 's doing better ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' Saint John pushed past Albus and Rose and walked into the elbow room. Amanda followed him and then Albus and rosiness walked in. Albus spotted Matt 's bed, but the curtains were pulled around it. He did n't see Madam Pomfrey anywhere.

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' rosiness shouted, `` Are you here ? ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey peeked her head out from behind the curtains and smiled at them. `` Rose ! You can chit-chat as soon as I 'm done giving him his evening potions. ''
`` Ok, thanks, brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' rosebush responded.

A few bit later, the nursemaid came back out and walked over to where Albus and his friends were standing. `` What do you have in those bags ? '' she eyed their software package suspiciously.

`` Oh, just some Honeydukes material, Butterbeer, and a pose, '' Albus told her.

`` But none of it 's Weasley products, is it ? ''

`` No. ``

lady Pomfrey relaxed, `` Ok, good. The hold out thing I need is to have this place destroyed while you have your party ! You can go see him now. ``

Albus ran to the bed, followed by his friends, and pulled back the curtain. Amy was sitting in a chair next to the bed and whispering to Matt. She stopped abruptly when the pall opened.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned and sat down at the end of the bed. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lustrelessness replied hoarsely, `` But I 've been better. ``

`` sword lily to see you 're arouse, mate, '' John sat down next to Albus and set the bag of party hooey on the floor.

rosebush and Amanda smiled and sat in chairs that Amy had conjured after they came in. rose pulled the curtains closed and handed flatness his present. `` glad Birthday ! '' everyone shouted.

`` Thanks, cat ! '' matte grinned and tore open the wrapping. `` Wow ! A Chudley canyon jersey ! This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said, `` My full cousin picked it up in Hogsmeade for us. They also got us butterbeers and dessert. ``

`` Excellent ! '' lusterlessness replied excitedly.

lav picked up the bag and passed out butterbeer and jelly clout. `` So, '' he began once everyone started eating, `` What exactly happened to you ? We 've heard the craziest rumors. You did n't really get attacked by a herd of thestrals, did you ? ``

Matt started choking on his butterbeer and Amy slapped him on the back. He gave her a worried look and then looked back at whoremaster. `` Really ? '' he sputtered.

It was a bit intemperately to believe that Matt had been attacked by thestrals, when Hagrid had the school thestrals very well trained. But on the other bridge player, matte did seem like he 'd been attacked by a large creature. He had partially healed cuts, bites, and scratches all over all his organic structure. His arms and ramification were covered in bandages and just about all of his body was bruised. Albus could see how mortal would suspect he was attacked by a thestral.

`` wellspring, that 's what the Hufflepuffs are saying, '' bathroom told him.

`` The Ravenclaws think it was a Hippogriff, '' Amanda chimed in.

Matt sighed and glanced at Amy, who gave him a facial expression. `` It was n't either, '' Matt began, `` I got a bit too close to the Whomping willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Saint John the Apostle exclaimed, `` Really ?

`` Er, yeah, '' mat said.

Albus was debating about whether to ask matt to elaborate or not when he continued.

`` I spent the night here when Albus took me that one Nox. Then I left in the dawning and went for a walk on the terra firma. I was n't paying tending to where I was going and the tree gave me quite a beating. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus responded, `` I 'm sword lily you 're ok. ''

`` Yeah, '' John said, `` But when do you get to leave here ? ``

`` I 'm not really for certain, '' Matt told them, `` Not for at least another week. lady Pomfrey wants the gash healed and the bruises faded before I leave. And I ca n't really walk that well. ``

`` A whole hebdomad ? '' Rose exclaimed.

`` At least, '' lustrelessness responded, `` I hope it 's not more. I 'm getting so bored. What 's been going on in the residue of the castle ? ``

`` well, did you see that article Rita Skeeter wrote hold up week ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I read it yesterday. But Amy told me there was n't anything to occupy about. ``

`` She 's compensate. But the whole castle 's talking about it. Dad thinks it 'll go down on over when the next Quidditch match arrives. ``

`` He 's probably right, '' rose wine agreed.

`` I hope I get to leave alone here before the future match. I do n't need to pretermit it, '' Matt said.

`` I hope so too, '' John took a sip of butterbeer, `` Nothing worsened than missing Quidditch. ``

`` I can recollect of no lupus erythematosus than ten affair, '' Rose muttered.

`` I think we might have a chance of winning the cup, '' Albus said excitedly.

`` That would be so cool ! '' Amanda shouted, `` I love Quidditch. I was never into Muggle variation, but Quidditch is awesome. ``

`` Definitely, '' John the Divine agreed, `` I never saw the point of Muggle sports, but I guess if you ca n't encounter Quidditch ... ''

They spent the succeeding hr talking about Quidditch and everything else that was going on in the castle. Albus told matt about how Xavier Goyle had melted his cauldron in potions the former day. The potion had spread across the floor and burned through Scorpius Malfoy and his friend, Jackson Limbert 's, brake shoe. The Gryffindors had thought this was very funny, especially when they found out that the potion had turned both boys groundwork pink. former than that, nothing too charge up had happened in grade during mat 's absence. Washburn had continued being horrible to Albus and the other Gryffindors. In Transfiguration of Jesus, they had started transfiguring Muggle pencils into quill. pink wine, trick, and a couple of the Ravenclaws were the only ones who had managed to do it.

After they had exhausted the topic of example, the conversation turned back to Quidditch. Professional Quidditch this time. No one seemed to remember the Chudley canon had any Hope of ever making it to the Cup. Even Matt seemed to agree. No one had any theme who would be playing in the Cup this class, but it did n't weigh much because it had already been decided that the Cup would take shoes in Russia and none of them would get to go anyway.

Amy spent the stallion sojourn sitting succeeding to Matt, so Albus was ineffectual to share the contents of his New dream or what had happened in detention the previous Saturday. Albus found out that Amy spent most of her spare time visiting Matt. He had never seen such a devoted babe before. Albus had thought his older cousins were protective, but they were nothing compared to Amy.

Eventually, dame Pomfrey came back to narrate them that they had stayed long enough and it was time for them to leave.

`` wellspring, I hope you can leave soon, '' Albus said as he stood up.

`` 'Night, flatness, '' lavatory cleaned up the leftover food and put it back in the bag.

`` See you soon, '' Rose told him.

`` Bye, '' Amanda stood up and followed everyone out from behind the curtains.

`` Bye, guys, '' Matt yawned as they left.

`` He does n't wait good, '' Albus whispered once they had left the room.

`` No, he does n't, '' Rose agreed, `` But at least he 's awake. ``

`` Good point, but I can see why lady Pomfrey wo n't let him leave yet. Everyone would bombard him with interrogation about what happened, '' John pointed out.

`` I do n't think he knows you were in the hospital Wing that night, Albus, '' Amanda said, `` He says he spent the night in the hospital Wing, but you know he did n't. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` And they brought him back there so early, there would n't stimulate been any clock time for him to wander the flat coat. ``

`` Do n't point it out, though, '' blush wine warned him.

`` I wo n't, '' Albus assured her, `` We agreed that we would n't say anything about what happened now that we 've heard the story. ``

`` He 'll induce to enjoin us eventually, '' john reasoned.

`` I know. I hope it 's soon, '' Albus said.

`` I bet it will be soon, '' pink wine told them, `` How many stories can he come up with about what happens every full moon ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` I just hope it 's not uncollectible next calendar month. ``

No one said anything else the repose of the way to the common room. Albus knew that everyone else was thinking what he was thinking. That it was very much a possibility that next month would be worse.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks to my other sister and my chum. Thanks to inkheart for the reexamination.

You may have noticed that I lost practically all my review for this story during the site smash. I had around 40 and lost all but 8. So please read and revue !

I thought I 'd part that I 've finished the sequel to this ! Albus ceramist and the cut They Left rear end, which is about Albus 's 2nd class, will be posted as soon as I 've posted all of this one.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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As February progressed, the palace grounds were blanketed in even more snow. The scholar found themselves going international for snowball fights during much of their free meter. These games started out as informal fun, but soon groups of citizenry formed great squad that eventually led to each mansion having their own team. On social occasion, half the shoal would be outside participating. The games usually resulted in a few students going to the hospital wing. The educatee also tracked quite a bit of nose candy and mud into the castle and Filch was not happy about it. He spent his time lurking near the front line doors, waiting to shout at anyone who came inside with muddy shoe. Albus and his friends participated in a few sweet sand verbena conflict, but soon found that the sometime students were capable to mesmerize snowballs and it was grueling for them to keep up. It was fun nonetheless, and even rose took gap from studying to get together in.

They also made sure to visit Matt every night. They told him the latest word of the castle and helped him with his homework. No one mentioned his injuries beyond a elementary 'how are you ?'and Albus could distinguish that Matt wanted to keep off the subject. Eventually, after a full three week in the hospital wing, ma'am Pomfrey finally let him pull up stakes. His bruises had faded, cuts had healed, and was looking almost normal. By now, the integral castle had heard the Whomping willow write up, and Albus hoped that no one would ask any question about it.

`` I am so glad to be out of there, '' matte said as he set his record down on a table in the usual room the night he left the hospital wing.

`` I 'm glad you are, too, '' Albus sat down and took out his transfiguration book.

`` We all are, '' Rose grinned, but did n't sit down. She walked over to Albus and whispered in his ear, `` I 've got to talk to you, alone. St. James, too. We 'll go up to your dormitory room. Bilius and Ethan are down here, so it 'll be empty. ``

`` We 'll be powerful back, '' Albus told lustrelessness, John, and Amanda as he got up. He went up to his dormitory and sat on the bed, waiting for his blood brother and cousin.

A few second later, Rose came into the room followed by a confused looking James. `` What is it ? '' James asked.

`` I think it 's time for our programme, you know, about getting Albus to blab out to Dumbledore, '' Rose told them.

`` Now ? '' Albus asked in a shocked whole step. The more he had thought about that programme, the more skittish he became. It could go wrong in so many ways.

`` Yes, I think so, '' blush wine replied adamantly, `` I 've given up the library inquiry. ``

`` Really ? ! '' James laughed, `` I 'd better ring the seer ! ``

`` Shut it, James II, '' blush wine said. `` Tomorrow, during good luck charm, I 'll set off the fireworks and you 'll get sent to Kendrick 's spot. And then maybe we 'll finally get some solvent. ``

`` All right, '' Albus sighed. His oddity trumped his desire to not cause anymore hassle in Washburn 's class.

`` We 'll let you love how it goes, St. James the Apostle, '' Rose told her cousin.

James grinned, `` Somehow, I think I 'm going to listen about it before I see you. This is splendid, setting off fireworks in Washburn 's family .... ''

`` I 'm not talking about that ! '' Rose sighed, `` I 'm talking about the poppycock with Dumbledore. ``

`` I know, but still. Blimey, I wish I 'd be there to see the look on Washburn 's human face .... ''

`` No, you do n't, '' Albus replied, `` He 's going to be black-and-blue. ``

`` Yeah, but that 's what we 're hoping for, '' Rose said, `` It 's the only way to get into Kendrick 's bureau. ``

`` I know, I just bid there was a full way, '' Albus sighed.

`` Me, too, '' rosebush said softly.

******

Albus hardly slept at all that nighttime. He tossed and turned while worrying about the next day 's charms category. He finally gave up sleeping around six in the morning and got up. Once John and Matt were up, the three of them headed down to breakfast.

Albus sat future to pink wine, who was already there, and served himself some goner. However, Albus was too nervous to eat it. He just kept glancing up at the staff tabular array, where Washburn was doing his common forenoon public eye at the students.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' matte asked, `` You do n't look too good. ``

`` I 'm just tired, I guess, '' Albus said quietly while glancing at Rose. She gave him a sympathetic flavor, but did n't say anything. Amanda, King John, and Matt had no melodic theme what would be happening in charm, of course, so they just thought Albus was sick.

`` Maybe you should go to the Hospital Wing, '' matte suggested while stuffing eggs in his mouth.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Albus assured him.

Albus could n't pay attention during pa. Harry lectured during the whole class, but Albus spent the completely meter worrying about good luck charm. The form seemed to go by twice as fast as rule and before Albus knew it, it was over.

Albus walked to appealingness with rosebush, who told him that everything was set. The Weasley pyrotechnic were in her bag, and ready to be set off. She did n't assure him when it would be happening, but Albus assumed it would be during the practical parting of the class.

Washburn stormed into the room in his usual burst of vehemence. He went to his desk and took attending. When he got to Matt 's name, a strange grinning appeared on his side.

`` Nice of you to finally get together us in stratum, Eckerton, '' he sneered, `` What 's it been ? Three weeks ? I certainly hope you 've been studying Charms while you skipped class. ``

Albus glanced over at matte, who was turning red and slouching down in his seat.

Washburn continued the attending and when he was done, he started lecturing. Albus 's nitty-gritty was pounding loudly now and he could n't make out a word Washburn said. All he noticed was that Washburn was calling on Matt to resolve every 1 query he asked. lusterlessness had no idea what any of the solution were and was looking more miserable each bit. Eventually, Washburn announced that they would be charming paper birds to fly. He said that this charm was much like levitation, and if one was capable of levitating a paper wench, they 'd be able of making one fly.

Albus groaned as he pulled out his wand. Levitation never ended well in this class, and he knew for a fact it would n't end well today. He glanced down at pink wine 's bag, which was sitting in between them on the floor. Once Washburn settled down to grade prep at his desk, Albus noticed Rose move around her wand from her paper bird and towards her bag, which had been emptied of everything except the fireworks earlier. She gave Albus a flighty look and muttered an incantation.

A trashy explosion erupted from the bag and a bombastic hippogriff made of fervency floated towards the ceiling. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at it. A few people screamed. Albus put on a mortified face while rose wine tried her expert to look surprised.

`` ceramicist ! '' Washburn ran out from behind his desk and was in straw man of Albus within five seconds. Albus had never heard him scream so loud. `` What on Earth are you doing ? ! Must you always interrupt my class like this ? ! Never have I seen such a conspicuous hurly burly ! '' He was shouting so loud now that Albus was sure as shooting everyone in the palace had heard him.

`` I 'll experience you expelled from this castling ! '' Washburn continued, `` I 'll make certain you- ''

`` What is going on in here ? '' prof Patil came charging into the elbow room and interrupt Washburn 's tirade. She saw the pyrotechnic and pointed her wand at it. It disappeared immediately.

`` Potter has disrupted my social class yet again ! He set off a pyrotechnic while I was trying to teach ! '' Washburn informed her, `` And I will stool sure as shooting there is some punishment ! He has gotten away with far too much. ``

`` wellspring, I think this is a subject that is improve taken up with the Headmaster, '' prof Patil replied, `` come along, Potter. ``

Albus nodded and got up from the table. So far, so trade good. The plan was going as well as it could be. He was going to make it to the master 's office. He followed Patil out into the hallway. Washburn glared at him as he left, his mouth scuttle and mop up, but no words were coming out.

Professor Patil did not say a word the unhurt way to the Headmaster 's office. She led him up a few flights of steps and stopped in front of a Stone gargoyle.

`` I 'm in the midsection of teaching a course, so I 'll pull up stakes you here to see the headmaster, '' she informed him. `` condom duck, '' she said to the gargoyle.

The gargoyle opened to reveal a rotary staircase. Albus stepped inside and climbed up. His heart was pounding as he stepped off the last stair and came into a throwaway way. It was adorned with the portraits of past headmasters. There were all sorts of silver instrumental role on every surface, along with bookcases overflowing with rule book. In the back was a desk with a comfy looking chair behind it. Behind the professorship was Professor Dumbledore 's portrayal. Albus glanced around and noticed that he was alone in the room. Luckily, professor Kendrick was not there. Albus breathed a sigh of relief. That was the one affair that could have gone incorrect with the plan. If Kendrick was there, then Albus would not get a chance to speak to Dumbledore.

Albus ran to Dumbledore 's portrait, aegir to get this over with, as Kendrick could hark back any minute. As he approached Dumbledore, he passed the only other portraiture that was currently awake. It was a portrait of a greasy haired, hooked wind man. `` Getting into trouble, Potter ? Just like your begetter, '' the man said. It was professor Snape.

Albus chose to discount him as he reached Dumbledore. `` Um, excuse me, Sir, '' he started.

`` Hello, Albus, '' Dumbledore smiled, `` I wondered when I 'd be seeing you. But I must ask, what kind of trouble did you cause to be sent here ? ``

`` I, um, er, well, it was n't me, exactly. It was blush wine. But we assumed, hoped rather, that I 'd get blamed for it, '' Albus stammered.

`` Ah, you 've been wanting to babble out to me ? '' Dumbledore asked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus replied.

`` I will be glad to help you, but first I really must know what you and rise up did, '' Dumbledore insisted, `` I am rather curious. ``

`` well, Rose set off a Weasley pyrotechnic in prof Washburn 's course of study, '' Albus confessed.

`` Interesting. I seem to remember her mother doing the Saame in my class once, although I never could prove it, '' Snape commented.

`` That 's certainly a creative way of getting to blab out to me, '' Dumbledore replied, `` But I must tell you that a skilful way would be to send Good Book with another portrait and I 'd be able to match you in the coarse way. ``

Albus slapped his headspring, `` I ca n't think I did n't cogitate of that ! Too late now. Anyway, what I want to talk about is common soldier. ``

`` Oh, I understand. Ask away. ``

`` Um, well, over Noel, rose, Jesse James, and I, and a few other of our cousins overheard our parents talking, '' Albus paused, waiting for the reprimand for listening in on a conversation.

`` Perfectly understandable. I do think that if adults do n't desire children hearing their conversations, they ought to use the proper appealingness against eavesdropping. ``

Albus grinned, `` That 's what I thought, but Grandma was pretty mad. She took away all of St. James the Apostle 's Extendable Ears. ``

`` What a ignominy. I always thought those were cunning. I wish they had been invented when I was your age. ``

`` Anyway, we overheard that they are keeping something from us. A secret, I guess. We always thought they told us everything about Voldemort, the horcruxes, and the Battle at Hogwarts. But now we 're not so sure. They were talking about figuring out when to severalize us something. Something they do n't desire us to unfold around, '' Albus informed him.

`` I see, '' Dumbledore replied with a paying attention look on his face, `` Go on. ``

`` Well, professor, we think we sort of know what it is. Well, I heard them say one word and the same word was mentioned in these Weird dreaming I 've been having. I 've been having dreams due to someone doing Legilimency on me. I 'm learning Occlumency, though. ``

`` That 's good, '' Dumbledore said, `` I hope it 's going well. ``

`` Mine is, but James II is n't doing so well with his. ``

`` Who 's teaching you ? '' Snape interrupted, `` It 's not your father, is it ? '' Snape laughed at the very thought.

`` No, '' Albus replied coldly, `` But he could if he wanted to. ``

`` No, he could n't, '' Snape replied, `` I tried to teach him, and he is incapable of the task. ``

`` He 's doing better now, '' Albus said defensively.

`` Who is teaching you, then ? '' Snape pressed.

`` My Aunt Hermione. ``

`` Well, as much of a know it all she was, she 's probably a competent teacher, '' Snape approved.

`` Thank you, Severus, '' Dumbledore said, `` Now, continue, Albus. ``

`` Um, right. Anyway, I guess I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the Hallows, '' Albus held his breath, waiting for Dumbledore 's reaction.

Dumbledore sighed, `` I was afraid that 's what you were going to ask. What do you know about them ? ``

`` Not much. My parents have n't told me anything, but I 'm fairly sure that 's what they 're keeping from us. heighten, King James, and I have been researching in the library about them, but we have n't found anything. All I know is that they are objective and I learned that from my pipe dream. ``

`` Be careful not to believe everything those dreams tell you, '' Snape warned, `` That was one of your father 's problems. ``

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore said warningly and turned back to Albus. `` You will not chance any information about the Hallows in the history Holy Scripture about Voldemort. And this is because there are few who know about their importance in the final conflict. Many of those who do, do not believe it. ``

`` So, they do have to do with the engagement ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, they do, '' Dumbledore confirmed.

`` Will you tell me what they are ? ''

Dumbledore sighed again, `` I am afraid that it is not my place to tell you. That responsibility remains with your father. I will tell you that they played an important office in defeating Voldemort, but beyond that, you 'll have to wait until your father is prepare to secernate you. ``

Albus groaned, `` But why ? Why wo n't he differentiate me ? ``

`` Adults have a habit of keeping affair from children because they think they are protecting them. This is not always the event, as I have learned on many social occasion. I made the same misunderstanding numerous sentence, well-nigh of them involving Harry and the information about his past. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus responded, `` Do you bonk when he 'll tell me ? ``

`` No, although I do think it will be soon. Perhaps within the next few calendar month, '' Dumbledore revealed.

`` month ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` I ca n't wait that long ! ``

`` solitaire is a right virtue, Albus, '' Dumbledore said, `` I know it 's operose to hold back that long. Which is why I will give you a little jot. ``

`` A trace ? Like where we can come up out about the Hallows without asking my dad ? '' Albus asked hopefully.

`` Not exactly. But before I get to that, I sense there is something else troubling you. ``

Albus thought for a instant before responding. `` well, I guess there is one thing ... '' he paused, wondering if he should tell Dumbledore about Matt.

Dumbledore smiled, but did n't say anything.

Albus sighed. `` Ok, it 's my friend lusterlessness. He gets sick a lot, once a month to be claim. And I just found out he 's a loup-garou. Not that that matters or anything. I still want to be friends with him, '' Albus said quickly.

`` Ah, yes, Saint Matthew the Apostle Eckerton, '' Dumbledore replied.

`` You know him ? ''

`` Yes, he voiced a few vexation to me before the school year started. He and his parents had a coming together with prof Kendrick. ``

`` That was quick, thrower. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that you found out so quickly. Your don never was able to put the clew together to estimate out that lupine was a werewolf. girl Granger told him, '' Snape interjected.

Albus averted his centre from Snape and mumbled, `` Er, Rose is the one who really found out. I just confirmed it when I was in the infirmary Wing the same time as Matt. ``

`` Of course, '' Snape said flatly.

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore warned, `` Continue, Albus. ``

`` It 's just, Matt has n't told us yet. He 's still trying to obscure it from us. I just wish he 'd swear me. It just variety of feels like no one trusts me. Matt wo n't severalize me he 's a werewolf and my dad wo n't say me about the Hallows. Why wo n't anyone trust me ? '' Albus told Dumbledore.

`` I understand, '' Dumbledore responded, `` But I do opine it 's more complicated than you not being trustworthy. You, I believe, are very trusty. As far as Matt trusting you, I will severalise you that he had a very rough in childhood. He 's been through horrors you ca n't even imagine. I do think he trusts you, but I do n't consider he tells many multitude about his lycanthropy. I know that he is very afraid about what will happen if multitude find out- ''

`` But it does n't count to me ! Or John the Divine or pink wine or Amanda ! '' Albus interrupted.

`` I know. But past experiences have caused lustrelessness to be reluctant to tell anyone. Although I do think he will trust in you eventually. ``

`` So you agree that I should n't secernate him that I know ? '' Albus asked.

`` As long as he does n't love that you know, I think that would be a wise choice. ``

`` No, I do n't call up he has any estimate that I know, '' Albus said.

`` trade good, '' Dumbledore continued, `` Now, I believe trust is a two-way street. You want Matt to confide in you, but can you think of anything that you are keeping from him, and John the Divine, and Amanda as well ? ``

Albus wracked his brainpower, `` fountainhead, just the Hallows, but I do n't even know what they are. ``

`` The Hallows, that 's exactly what I suspected you were keeping mystic. But why ? ``

`` Um, I guess I 'm not sure. It just seems like something that I should keep to myself. Since my parents have n't even told anyone, '' Albus reasoned.

`` Ah, but you wish your parents would tell you about them ? ``

`` Yes, but- ''

`` It might be wise to tell your acquaintance, Albus. Just because your parents have n't told anyone, does n't mean you have to keep it to yourself. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, and that is my pinch to you. tell apart your ally what you know about the Hallows. They just might be able to aid you, '' Dumbledore told him.

`` You think they would know more than we could get from Book ? '' Albus asked skeptically.

`` There 's only one way to find out, '' Dumbledore winked.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus responded.

`` serious circumstances with that, potter, '' Snape smirked.

Albus heard a door open up behind him and he jumped. He had momentarily forgotten what he had done to get to Kendrick 's office. As he remembered the chaos in Washburn 's class, dread consumed him once more. What was going to happen ? Albus turned around and saw prof Kendrick standing in the doorway.

`` Sit down, Albus, '' Kendrick said as he walked towards his desk.

Albus sat down in the chair in front of the desk while Kendrick sat down in his chair.

`` Professor Patil told me what happened. Before we start discussing, I 'm going to ask Professor Washburn to get along in. Along with your dad. Hopefully we 'll be able to get to the bottom of this, '' Kendrick got up from the desk and went over to the open fireplace. He threw a smattering of floo powder in and hurl his head into the emerald flames.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sis and my brother. Thanks to Moonylupin for the inspection !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist

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`` Now, do n't wait to create much more than a wisp of silvery fog on your world-class endeavor, '' Harry told his division of eager 7th years, `` Patronuses are difficult for even the undecomposed wizard to conjure. ``

`` But my mum and dad said you managed it in your one-third year, '' Christina Humphrey Davy interrupted.

`` fountainhead, yes, I did, '' Harry told his class, `` But I had wonderful teacher and the motivation I needed to manage it at such a youth age. Now, everyone think of a well-chosen memory, just as we discussed- ''

`` Excuse me, Harry ? '' The flames in the classroom fireplace turned a bright emerald green and the schoolmaster 's face appeared in it. The whole class turned to see towards the fireplace and were shocked to see professor Kendrick 's head.

`` Yes, prof ? '' Harry answered in a confound whole tone. open fireplace had been installed in all the classroom during the rebuilding of Hogwarts after the fight in order for the instructor to commune faster in the event of an emergency. Harry had never used his open fireplace before and was a bit vex when he saw Kendrick in it.

`` Your son caused a disruption in Charms just now- ''

`` What did James do this fourth dimension ? '' Harry sighed.

`` No, not Saint James the Apostle. It was Albus, '' Kendrick told Harry.

`` What ? ! '' Harry was baffled. He never imagined Albus would cause enough bother to be sent to the schoolmaster 's post. Even James had avoided that so far.

`` Yes, it was Albus. He 's in my office right now and I 'd like to discuss it with you and prof Washburn, '' Kendrick said

`` All right. I 'll fulfil you in your office in a few minutes. ``

`` I 'll see you then, '' Kendrick 's head disappeared and the flames returned to their usual orange.

The 7th class all turned their heads back to Harry, with feeling of shock on their faces.

`` What did Albus do ? '' Victoire asked, `` I ca n't imagine him getting in trouble. ``

`` I really do n't know what happened, Victoire, '' Harry answered.

`` Were his Friend in on this, too ? '' Amy asked anxiously. Harry could tell she was worried about her Brother getting in trouble.

`` I 'm not sure. I just discover about this now, '' Harry responded, `` I 've got to go. I 'm dismissing class now. I trust you 'll all use this time responsibly, '' Harry grinned, knowing they 'd all use the time to goof off. `` We 'll stay with Patronuses following class. ``

Harry left the classroom as his educatee were packing up. He made it to Kendrick 's federal agency in record clip, gave the watchword, and entered the room. Kendrick was sitting behind his desk, with Albus and Washburn sitting in front of it. There was an empty chairwoman between them. cypher was saying a word. Both Dumbledore and Snape 's portraits seemed to be paying end care. Harry walked over to the discharge death chair and he noticed that Albus was shaking and he looked extremely scared.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry whispered and gave his son a warm hug before taking the middle hindquarters. Albus remained hushed and he was staring straight at Dumbledore 's portrait.

`` Daddy wo n't be able to save you this clock time, Potter, '' Washburn sneered.

`` That 's enough, Jameson, '' Kendrick said calmly, `` Now that Harry is here, could you please explain to both of us what happened ? ``

`` I was trying to teach and all of a sudden, there was an blowup and a firework emerged from the table he was sitting at, '' Washburn spat, `` He set it off to get a hurly burly. He 's been doing it ever since the root of the year. ``

`` Is this true, Albus ? '' Kendrick asked. All three grownup turned to look at Albus, who was sinking lower in his seat. He did not say a word.

`` Of course it 's true ! '' Washburn growled after a few moments of silence.

A gimcrack battering disrupted their discussion. Harry turned away from Albus and looked at the office threshold. `` Do you want me to get that ? ``

`` Yes, I suppose, '' Kendrick replied.

Harry got up and went over to the room access. He opened it and rose came bursting in. She was out of breathing spell and looked flushed. `` Do n't. kick out. Him. '' she panted.

`` What ? ! '' Kendrick said, `` I was n't planning on expelling Albus. ``

`` You should ! '' Washburn stood up and glared at Kendrick.

`` Sit down, '' Kendrick responded, `` You have to respect my decisions. I will not expel Albus, but there will be a penalty. ``

`` No ! '' Rose shouted. She walked towards Kendrick 's desk and stood in front of it. Harry followed and stood behind Albus 's professorship. `` It was n't him ! '' she announced.

`` What do you imply ? ! '' Washburn exclaimed, `` Of track it was him ! I saw him ! ``

`` No, you did n't. You saw it came from our table, there was no way you could tell who actually did it. John, lustrelessness, and I were also sitting at that table, '' pink wine explained.

`` What are you getting at, pink wine ? '' Harry asked. Now he was thoroughly confused about the unit event.

`` It was me, '' blush wine said simply, `` It was my pyrotechnic. ``

`` You set off a firework during a class ? '' Harry was mystified. If there was anyone who was less likely than Albus to cause trouble during social class, it was rose wine. pink wine did love causing trouble, but she never did it during classes.

`` wellspring, not really, '' Rose glanced shiftily at Washburn and then returned her gaze to Harry. `` Not intentionally, that is. It was one of those new pyrotechnic that Uncle George is working on. They 're still in the examination stage. The ones that are supposed to actually disappear if you vanish them, but then reappear an hour or so later. Only right now they permanently disappear. ``

`` That 's good, '' Harry breathed a suspiration of relief. There were a lot worse data-based product that could own accidentally gotten set off.

`` Anyway, they 're very unstable right now and they go off if there 's a lot of trick around, and we were practicing charming paper birds, '' rose told him.

`` Why did you have it ? '' Harry asked.

`` I, um, took it during Christmastime break, '' Rose mumbled while looking at her feet.

`` What ? ! '' Harry exclaimed.

`` I found it at the Burrow and did n't agnise it was one of the experimental ones. I just realized that the early day. ``

`` And why was it in your bag ? ``

`` I was meaning to commit it to you during pop, but I forgot, '' Rose confessed.

Harry sighed, `` All right hand. I guess that secret is solved. ``

`` What about penalty ! They need to be punished ! '' Washburn shouted while glaring at Rose.

`` Rose will get communication channel, but seeing as Albus was n't actually involved, I ca n't punish him, '' Kendrick explained.

`` But, but, '' Washburn sputtered.

`` And that is final, Jameson, '' Kendrick said firmly, `` Now, Albus and rosiness, you should get going to your next socio-economic class. pink wine, you can do your stock with Professor Washburn tomorrow night at seven. ``

Albus and Rose nodded. Albus got up and gave Harry a hug before he followed blush wine out of the elbow room. He still did n't say anything, but he looked a bit less scared than he had earlier and he had stopped shaking.

Kendrick stood up, `` I 'm glad we got this all straightened out. I shall see both of you later. ''

Washburn glared at Harry and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Harry turned to get out as well, but stopped when he heard a associate voice. `` Harry, I would like to discuss something with you, if you have metre. ''

Harry turned around and saw the companion cheek of Albus Dumbledore looking at him. `` Yeah, I 've got time. ``

`` I 'll leave you to your conversation, then, '' Kendrick said as he left his office.

Harry walked over to Dumbledore 's portrayal, `` What is it, prof ? ``

`` I had an matter to conversation with Albus earlier. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry was very rum as to what the two of them would have talked about.

`` Oh, yes, '' Dumbledore continued, `` He has been wondering about the Hallows. ``

`` The, the, Hallows ? '' Harry stammered. He did n't cogitate his kids had ever even heard of the Hallows.

`` The Hallows. He overheard you talking about them over Yule holiday. He, Saint James the Apostle, and Rose have been attempting to research them in the library ever since. ``

`` They have ? ''

`` That 's what Albus told me. Naturally, they did not find any answers, '' Dumbledore went on, `` So, Albus asked me what I knew about them. ``

`` And did you recount him ? '' Harry asked anxiously.

`` I told him I do screw about them, but that I could not collapse him the reply he wanted. I believe that is your duty, Harry, '' Dumbledore responded.

Harry breathed a suspiration of alleviation, `` Thank you. ``

`` Why have n't you told them, Harry ? ``

Harry stopped to conceive. Dumbledore gazed at him while waiting patiently. `` Well, I guess because I do n't want a unanimous lot of multitude knowing about them. The end thing we need is to have somebody seeking them out. ``

`` But you fear that is what 's happening. ``

`` Yes, I do. I 'm afraid that 's what the dreams mean, '' Harry told him.

`` Are you afraid the small fry will narrate the whole schoolhouse ? ``

`` I guess I am, '' Harry confessed, `` Especially James. He 's always so eagre to tell everyone he meets story about me. ``

`` He is gallant of being your son, '' Dumbledore said, `` And I think if you expressed your business organization about others knowing about the Hallows, they would keep the secret. ``

`` You 're probably rightfulness, '' Harry sighed, `` But I 'm also afraid about whoever 's doing the Legilimency finding out about them. If I tell the tiddler, then whoever wants the Hallows will be able-bodied to bump out where they are. ``

`` Perhaps. It is a tough vociferation. But I 'm sure you 'll always make the mightily decisiveness in the end, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Were you ever planning on telling them ? ``

`` Yes, I was. ``

`` When ? ``

`` I 'm not sure enough, I guess, '' Harry responded, `` When they were a bit older, I suppose. But I was waiting for the right moment. ``

`` And that present moment might be approaching to begin with then you thought, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Albus thinks you do n't trust him. ``

`` He does ? '' Harry sighed. This was getting more complicated by the moment.

`` Yes, he told me. He is a bit upset about it. But it is aided by the fact that you are n't the only one keeping a big secret from him. ``

Harry paused to reckon. Who else was keeping mystery from his son ? `` Oh, his acquaintance, Matt, right ? He has n't told Albus yet, has he ? ``

`` No, he has n't. But Albus and rose have figured it out on their own. I do n't think he fully understands why matte has n't told him. He just sees it as the people he loves are n't trusting him. ``

`` Oh, no, it 's so much more complicated than that, '' Harry responded.

`` That 's what I told him. But that is an issue that 's between him and Matt and there is n't a great deal you can do about it. What you can do is reconsider when you are going to recite your small fry about the Hallows. ``

`` Yeah, I guess I will. I just do n't want to hurry into it. Maybe at the end of term would be good. That way they can treat the idea over the summertime at home where they wo n't be tempted to tell others about it. ``

`` That would be wise, '' Dumbledore smiled.

`` Thanks for telling me, Professor. I should probably get going, '' Harry said.

`` I shall see you soon, Harry. ``

`` Bye, '' Harry turned around and left the office. He thought about what Dumbledore said on his way to the Great Hall for lunch. What Dumbledore said made mother wit, but he was still loth about telling his Kid about the Hallows.

******

`` That was an telling lie the Weasley girl told, '' Snape said curtly to Dumbledore after Harry left.

`` Yes, it was, '' Dumbledore agreed.

`` But you did n't distinguish thrower about it. ``

`` No, I did not palpate it was necessity. I do n't think anymore penalisation would have accomplished anything. I ca n't imagine Albus or blush wine will do anything like that again in the near future, '' Dumbledore explained.

`` They did lie, though. They lied to the Headmaster. That deserves punishment, '' Snape responded.

`` Perhaps, perhaps, '' Dumbledore said calmly, `` But, Severus, you did not state Harry either. ``

******

`` That was demented, '' Albus shouted after he left the master 's office with rose wine. As soon as the gargoyle closed behind them, James appeared in front of them.

`` well, are you in huge trouble, Albus ? '' he asked anxiously.

`` Luckily, no, '' Albus told his brother.

`` What happened, then ? '' Saint James pushed, `` Are you going to evidence us about your talking with Dumbledore ? ``

`` Of line ! '' Albus said, `` Just not here. What if someone heard us ? ``

`` There 's still an hour until our next class, why do n't we go up to the mutual elbow room ? It might be empty now, '' Rose suggested.

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed. He started walking towards Gryffindor tug. James II and Rose followed, neither of them saying a password.

The coarse room was empty. Albus, James, and blush wine hurried inside and snagged the dependable armchairs near the fire. James and rosebush looked at Albus expectantly, waiting for him to begin.

Albus launched into a protracted account about his conversation with Dumbledore. James and Rose sat quietly and did n't disrupt him. Albus told them every bit of the conversation, except for the office about lusterlessness. Albus would severalize develop about that later, after James left.

`` So, Dumbledore knows ? '' James II said after Albus finished.

`` Yes, he does, but he wo n't order me much, '' Albus explained, `` Just enjoin me to ask my Quaker. ``

`` That 's so strange, '' Rose furrowed her eyebrow, `` Why would they know anything about the Hallows if we do n't ? ``

`` Dunno, '' James commented, `` He was a bit mad, though. ``

`` Yeah, but he was brainy. He has n't been improper about much, '' Albus reminded them.

`` So, you think we should tell our friends ? '' rose wine asked.

`` I 'm not really sure, '' Albus confided, `` I 'd be uncoerced to try anything right now to figure out what the Hallows are, but what if Dad 's mad that we told people ? ``

`` He ca n't be mad if we do n't even cognise what they are, '' King James reasoned, `` As far as he knows, we 've never even heard the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` That 's on-key, '' blush wine said.

`` wellspring, Dumbledore seems to think that Dad 's going to order us soon, possibly this class, '' Albus reminded them.

`` Maybe we should give it another calendar month or so ? '' rose wine suggested, `` Maybe something will twist up in the depository library. ``

`` Dumbledore said we wo n't observe anything in the library. The Hallows do have to do with Voldemort 's downfall. He told me that lots. And hardly anyone knows about that part, of course. ``

`` I guess we could give it a little while longer, to see if he tells us about them, '' James River sighed.

`` Ok, then, we 'll await a bit longer, '' Albus agreed, `` Anyway, if Dad wo n't tell us, he certainly wo n't want our ally to love. ``

`` Yeah, '' James River said, `` Oh, what punishment did you wind up with ? ``

`` I got detention tomorrow night, '' Rose told him.

`` I got nothing, '' Albus grinned.

`` What ? ! '' James shouted, `` zero ? ``

`` Nope, zippo. ``

`` I convinced them it was me. Well, I convinced them the firework went off accidentally, '' rose wine explained the story she told about the experimental firework.

`` That 's mystify, '' James grinned, `` You must be an excellent liar. ``

Rose blushed and suppressed a smile.

`` speechmaking of amazing, '' Albus started, `` How did you incur out where Kendrick 's spot is ? ``

`` That would be all me, '' James continued grinning, `` All my brilliance. ``

`` What did you do ? '' Albus asked suspiciously.

`` Well, I expected to find Uncle Harry in his office after course of instruction, but he was n't there. I was so worried you 'd get expelled before I was able to explain. So I went to line up James so we could enter out what to do- ''

`` Let me tell him, rosebush, '' King James interrupted, `` We ran back to Dad 's office and that 's when I thought of how we could find the office. idea you, I wish I 'd thought of it earlier and then you would n't have had to do the altogether firework thing. ``

`` Well, what was it ? '' Albus asked impatiently.

James reached into his robe and pulled a rather old looking composition of parchment out. `` The marauder 's Map. ``

Albus stared at it and smacked his forehead. `` Of track ! Why did n't we cerebrate of it before ? ``

`` I dunno, but the thought just popped into my head. I 'm so glad Dad told us how it worked. We were able to get Kendrick 's office, but of course the door was closed and we did n't know the countersign. But then we looked at the map and the little dot labeled 'Rose Weasley'had a speech bubble that said 'Rubber duck'. So rosiness said that and she was in. Easy as that. ``

Albus continued to stare in awe at the map. `` So now you 've got the map ? You 're going to be in huge trouble. What if Dad 's using it ? ``

`` I do n't remember he is. It was n't sitting out or anything. We were n't even certainly it was there, thought he might possess left it at home. I summoned it. It came flying out of the bottom of a trunk that was shoved in the back of the storage cupboard, '' James explained.

`` Are you going to keep back it ? '' Albus asked.

`` For now, '' St. James the Apostle told him, `` At least until I hear anything about Dad wondering where it is. ``

`` I hope you do n't get in difficulty, James II, '' pink wine warned, `` Be heedful. ``

`` I will, do n't worry. I 'd just like to get some devilry in, '' Epistle of James grinned.

`` Be careful about who sees it, too, '' Rose insisted.

`` I 'm just letting Nathan and Omar Nelson Bradley see it. And Cedric and Ben, of course of study. They know all about it. And they keep asking when I 'd manage to nick it. ``

Rose sighed, `` Fine. well, we 'd trump get going to class. '' She stood up and walked towards the portrait mess.

Albus got up and followed blush wine, `` See ya later, James. ``

`` Bye, '' James waved.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my buddy. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and putz for their reviews !
Please scan and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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As the week progressed, Albus fell back into his common Hogwarts routine. His preparation drove most of the thoughts about the Hallows out of his straits. He occasionally thought about telling lav, Matt, and Amanda about them, but he decided not to. James River, who was even more meddlesome than Albus, did not seem to be lingering on view of the Hallows either. Between prep, Quidditch practice, and Occlumency lessons, he hardly had any leisure time at all. Albus had yet to hear about any amazing pranks that James had been capable to draw in off with the supporter of the Marauder 's Map.

Towards the end of the week, Albus and his friends had something else to worry about that succeeded in Albus momentarily forgetting about the Hallows all together. The full lunation. It fell on a Mon this calendar month. The Sunday before it, Albus and his friends were enjoying a Abronia elliptica fight on the grounds.

SMACK ! John had sent a snowball at the rear of Albus 's chief and the force caused him to fall face first into the deep snow. `` I 'll get you ! '' Albus shouted as he stood back up and formed a prominent snowball. He sent it flying across the nearly empty Quidditch rake towards John. But lav was too nimble. He jumped aside and the sweet sand verbena hit lusterlessness instead.

`` Ha, ha ! '' John shouted gleefully. They were having a team snow testis fight. It was King John and Rose versus Albus, mat, and Amanda. John seemed delighted that Albus had hit one of his own teammates instead. John rolled another blow ball and threw it at Amanda. It hit her square in the spinal column. She in good turn quickly made a snowball and threw it at Rose. pink wine jumped aside and the snowball sailed into the ground behind her. Despite the fact that Albus 's team had three mass and John the Divine and Rose were only two, toilet and Rose seemed to be doing much better. John had a unspoiled arm and very good aim and was great at dodging snowballs.

Albus quickly made another snowball and was about to throw it, but he noticed that Matt still had n't gotten up. He dropped his snowball and ran over to matte and was hit in the top dog by a snowball sent by John.

`` Stop the game ! '' Albus shouted and pointed to lustrelessness. John, Rose, and Amanda glanced over and immediately dropped their snowballs.

`` Matt, are you all right ? '' Albus poked Matt 's arm, but he did n't respond.

`` Matt ? '' John rolled him over onto his backrest. matte groaned. whoremaster pulled him up into a sitting position. `` We should probably go inside, '' whoremonger said to Albus.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed Matt 's other arm and he and John pulled Matt to his feet. `` I 'm no-account, I did n't conceive I threw it that hard. ``

`` I did n't think you did either, '' John agreed. They walked back towards the castle, supporting mat between them.

`` Maybe we should go to the hospital Wing, '' Rose suggested.

`` No, no hospital Wing, '' matt whispered, `` I 'm fine. I 've just got to lie down. ``

`` Are you sure ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll be fine. Let 's just go back to Gryffindor, '' Matt said.

They walked slowly back to Gryffindor towboat. By the time they were at the vernacular elbow room, Matt was able to take the air unsupported, although he still did n't look expert. Once they were in the room, Matt made a beeline for the dormitory. Albus and whoremaster went with him so they could dump their wet cloaks and scarves.

`` Are you going to stay up here ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` I think so, '' Matt said as he climbed into his bed.

`` Ok, well I hope you 're feeling better, '' Albus replied.

`` Me, too, '' John said. But by the metre the two male child left the room, Matt had already fallen asleep.

Albus and toilet headed back down the broadsheet staircase and back into the vernacular room. The way was packed and very noisy. Rose and Amanda had already settled themselves to doing homework at a small reclusive board in a recession of the room. Albus and John sat down across from the lady friend and took out their books.

`` So, '' Albus whispered, `` Is the full moonshine sometime soon ? ``

`` Yep, '' rosiness told him without looking up from her homework, `` It 's tomorrow. ``

`` D'you think it 'll be as bad as last clock time ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Rose answered, `` I really do n't know why his transformations are so bad. ``

`` I think he 's part of that field of study Uncle invoice was talking about, '' Albus told them, `` When I was in the infirmary Wing cobbler's last calendar month, the Healer mentioned a study, but gentlewoman Pomfrey shushed him before he elaborated. ``

`` Then that might explain it. But why would he be in the field if it 's just making things worse ? '' John asked.

`` Who knows what it was like before it, though, '' Rose commented.

`` beneficial distributor point, '' John responded. The four friends sank into their thoughts and continued working on their homework in secrecy for a half time of day. The noise in the common room made it difficult to carry on a conversation. Albus managed to finish his Charms prep, but it took him retentive than usual since he was distracted by worrying about Matt.

Albus closed his Charms book and put it back into his bag. When he looked up, he was storm to see mat coming over towards them. Albus sat back up and poked John, who was still working diligently on his Herbology essay that was due the next day. whoremonger looked up as matte sat down side by side to Rose.

`` What are you guys talking about ? '' mat asked.

`` Not a good deal, really, we 're just doing homework, '' John told him, `` I guess I 'll sustain to finish this after dinner. '' He closed his Herbology Good Book and stuffed it in his bag.

`` You coming to dinner ? '' Albus asked matt, `` We were n't sure if you 'd be up. ``

A look of affright flashed across Matt 's typeface, `` Why would you think that ? '' he asked quickly.

Albus glanced shiftily at St. John, `` Er, just because you did n't look too good after getting hit by that sweet sand verbena. ``

Matt visibly relaxed, `` Oh, um, I 'm feeling better now. ``

`` That 's upright, '' Albus answered. Matt did attend a bit better, although he was still very much paler than usual. `` Let 's go eat, then. I 'm starved. ``

rose and Amanda packed up their study and the radical headed down to the Great manse. Even though Matt went to dinner, Albus noticed that he did n't eat much. After dinner, they headed back up to the common room to cease their homework.

`` I 'm still three inches short, '' John announced after he worked for another twenty minute on his Herbology essay.

`` Let me see it, '' blush wine reached over and took St. John 's essay. She read it silently for a few minutes. `` You can elaborate on the United States of America of Devil 's Snare in Potions. ``

`` Devil 's Snare has uses in Potions ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, in more advanced Potions. It 's in the book, '' Rose told him. John the Evangelist flipped through his book and began working on his essay again.

Albus had finished his Herbology essay the previous day and was currently working on a dadaism essay that was also due the next day. `` Have you guys all finished the DADA essay ? '' he asked.

`` Yes, '' Rose responded without glancing up from her book.

`` Yeah, '' Amanda answered while working furiously on her principal chart.

`` Huh ? '' Matt picked his headspring up from his book. He had fallen asleep in his dad book.

`` Have you finished the DADA essay ? '' Albus repeated.

`` Oh, no, but I 'll get it done, '' Matt said tiredly and put his straits back down on his book.

Albus glanced at Rose, who gave him a worried look. Albus had a opinion that mat would not be getting the essay done. They both went back to their work without saying a countersign. A few minutes later, soul tapped Albus on the shoulder.

`` Hey, '' someone said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Victoire standing behind his professorship. `` Oh, hi, Victoire. What 's up ? ``

`` Not much, '' Victoire sat down in the chairman next to Albus. `` Amy and I just have to separate you something. '' Amy had sat down next to lustrelessness and was trying to wake him up.

`` What is it ? '' Albus asked. John the Divine, Rose, and Amanda had all looked up from their work and were waiting for Victoire to get on with it.

`` Quinton Willinson has finished his detainment, '' Victoire told him.

`` Oh, expectant, '' Albus groaned.

`` I just thought you should have it off, '' Victoire said.

`` Do you think he 's going to bother me anymore ? '' Albus asked.

`` He might. custody certainly deterred him for a month, but who knows what could materialise now that he 's done with detention. I 'd just watch over out, if I were you. All of you. ``

They all nodded, except for Matt, who was sleepily paying attention to something Amy was whispering in his ear.

`` Well, I 've got studying to do, '' Victoire stood up, `` You coming, Amy ? I still have n't finished that Arithmancy stuff. ``

Amy stopped whispering to Matt and looked at Victoire. `` Uh, yeah, I have n't finished it either. '' She said something else to matte and then stood up and left with Victoire, while glancing once Thomas More at her brother.

`` Well, this could be bad, '' rosiness said once they left.

`` I know. He 's going to be livid after having detention for a calendar month, '' Albus replied.

`` You 've got to be careful. He 's going to want retaliation again, '' John said.

`` Yeah, he will, '' Albus agreed.

`` Has Slughorn mentioned anymore company ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` No, surprisingly not. But I 'm not going to any even if he does. ``

`` I think that 's a good idea. I wo n't either. We should try and avert Willinson, '' rose wine responded.

They worked on their homework for another hour before going to bed. matt had fallen asleep again shortly after Amy and Victoire left, and Albus had to intrude him rather hard to wake him up. Once they got up to the dormitory, Matt collapsed onto his bed and was asleep within minutes.

Albus lay awake for a patch before he managed to strike asleep. He was worried about lusterlessness and about what Willinson was going to do now that he was free from custody. Albus tried to clear his mind, but there were so many affair worrying him that he found it unacceptable. His sleep was filled with strange aspiration, involving Willinson, along with the common nightmare about the Hallows.

Albus went down to breakfast the next morning with John and matt. They were running late because it had taken John Lackland and Albus a while to inflame Matt up. By the metre they made it to the Great Hall, pink wine and Amanda had already finished breakfast and were getting ready to go to DADA.

`` There you are ! '' rosebush said when Albus sat down future to her, `` You 'd better eat fast. We 've got to go to class in five minutes. ``

`` I know, it took us forever to get him up, '' Albus gestured to lusterlessness, who was leaning his head on his arm and not eating anything. Rose nodded and glanced at Matt sympathetically.

Albus and John shoved a few slices of toast into their mouths and then the grouping was off to DADA. They managed to run into the way before the bell rang, but they were the last unity there. There was only one table available, the one in nominal head, which happened to be decent in presence of the table Scorpius Malfoy and his friends sat at. Albus groaned silently and sat down at the table, hoping Malfoy would n't mention Matt 's fatigue.

`` I 'll collect your essays now, '' Harry announced once he 'd finished taking attendance. He got up and went around the room to collect the essays.

Albus handed his dad his essay and Harry moved on to matte. Matt was laying his question on his Quran and seemed to be asleep. Harry lightly tapped him on the shoulder. `` Huh ? '' Matt glanced up.

Malfoy snorted loudly behind them and Albus turned around and glared at him.

`` Do you have the essay done ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` Oh, no. I 'm sorry, Professor, '' Matt whispered, `` I tried to get it done close night, but I just ... '' his vocalism trailed off.

`` It 's all right, '' Harry replied, `` Try to have it done by succeeding calendar week. I know I did n't break you much time, since I just assigned it Friday. ``

Matt nodded and put his head back down on the board. Harry went back to his desk and started the day 's lecturing. `` Today we are going to continue- ''

`` Sir, '' Malfoy interrupted, `` Sir, why does he get supernumerary clip for his essay ? '' Malfoy pointed at Matt.

Harry sighed, `` I do not think that is any of your concern, Mr. Malfoy. ``

`` But it 's not very fair, is it ? Why ca n't I have extra time ? ``

`` You handed in your essay today, did n't you ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yes, why ? ``

`` Well, then, you obviously are in no need of extra prison term. If you ever think you need excess time for an assignment, just severalise me why and I may grant it to you. ``

`` But- ''

`` That 's the end of this discussion, Mr. Malfoy, '' Harry cut him off, `` Now, back to the example .... ''

Harry lectured for the entire class. Throughout the first half of year, Malfoy repeatedly poked lusterlessness with his verge to try and wake him up. Albus turned around and glared at him numerous times but Malfoy kept doing it. Eventually, Harry noticed and threatened Malfoy with detention if it continued. Albus was relieved when class was over, but they still had to make it through appealingness with the Slytherins. Although Albus knew even Malfoy would n't poke anyone with his baton in Washburn 's class.

`` So, first you get special intervention from dame Pomfrey and now from Professor ceramist, too ? '' Malfoy glared icily at Matt after they left the papa room.

`` Just leave him alone, '' Albus growled.

`` I will find out why, you can count on it, '' Malfoy stared at Matt, who had gone as picket as a ghost when Malfoy said this.

`` Is there a trouble ? '' Harry had just left the classroom and was standing behind Malfoy.

Malfoy jumped as he heard Harry 's representative, `` No, professor. '' He gave Matt one More blaze before taking off for the Charms classroom.

`` I 'll see you later, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before going back into the classroom.

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus hugged him back. Albus and flatness started to take the air to Charms. John, Rose, and Amanda had gone on ahead, but Albus was staying behind to take the air with mat, who was walking considerably slower.

`` Late again, Potter, Eckerton, '' Washburn growled as they walked into the room. They headed for their usual back put off and passed Malfoy on the way. He was smiling smugly at them, noticeably glad that they were late. The socio-economic class went by in its usual torture. Washburn seemed to give increased his hatred for Albus since the firework incident, if that was possible. He called on Albus for every interrogative, even though Albus never raised his hired hand. The solely times he did n't do this was when he chose to scream on Matt, which was every time he fell asleep.

Much to Albus 's surprise, matt made it through double Herbology without going to the Hospital wing. Albus was sure as shooting that Neville would have made him go after he tripped over a pot and banged his arm on the bench. But Neville just asked if he was all right and continued teaching.

After dinner, Albus and his Quaker found themselves taking a much needed time out from studying. They had all finished the homework that was due the next day and were relaxing at their common mesa. Albus was losing horribly at sensation 's Chess to Rose, whose knight was currently beating up Albus 's pouf. John and Amanda were playing a rather forte game of Exploding Snap.

`` You want to play, mat ? '' John asked as he was dealing cards for the next round.

`` No, '' mat groaned. He was curled up in an armchair near the table and was wincing every few minutes.

`` All right field, '' whoremaster gave him a worried flavor, `` Do you desire me to go with you to the Hospital backstage ? ``

`` Not right now, '' lusterlessness whispered and closed his eyes again.

Albus glanced up and looked at his Quaker. They all had worried feel on their faces. Albus watched Matt fall back asleep, which only took two minutes.

`` pansy to D4, '' rosebush announced, `` And mate. '' rosiness 's queen moved to the square, tucker out up Albus 's remaining bishop, and won the secret plan. `` beneficial game. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Have you ever lost ? ``

`` I 've lost to my dad quite a few clip, '' Rose said as she put her chessmen away.

Albus put his chessmen back in their case and folded up the board. He looked up once he was done and saw Amy coming over. She walked over to Matt and started gently shaking him awake.

`` Hi, Amy, '' Albus said.

Amy looked over at Albus, `` Oh, hi, Albus, '' she said quietly and went back to waking lusterlessness up. matte opened his oculus and groaned.

`` C'mon, it 's time to go, '' Albus heard Amy whisper. Albus looked at Rose, John Lackland, and Amanda. They were all watching Amy, too.

`` Ugh, no, '' mat whispered. But he sat up and winced.

`` It 's ok, come on, '' Amy grabbed lusterlessness 's arm and pulled him gently out of the death chair. lustrelessness got up and let Amy lead him out of the common room.

`` Has she ever taken him to the Hospital annex before ? '' Albus asked once they left.

`` No, I do n't reckon so, '' pink wine said.

`` She must think it 's going to be bad this time, '' John said glumly.

`` Guess so, '' Albus responded quietly.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other Sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their reappraisal !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist

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The four friends were very subdued the residuum of the evening. They all joined in a secret plan of Exploding ginger snap, but none of them were very into it. Although they did n't talk about Matt the rest of the evening, Albus knew they were all thinking about him. Eventually, they just decided to go to bed.

Albus climbed into his four-poster bed and tried to flow asleep. He tossed and turned for minute, but sleep would n't come up to him. He was too concern about Matt.

`` Are you awake, toilet ? '' Albus asked once he was indisputable Bilius and Ethan were asleep.

Albus heard the bed to his rightfulness creak as John Lackland turned over. `` Yeah, ca n't log Z's. ``

`` Me neither. ``

`` Maybe this calendar month wo n't be as bad, '' John suggested.

`` Bob Hope so, '' Albus said, `` But even if it is n't as bad, he wo n't be in class tomorrow. ``

`` Which means that Malfoy 's going to say something, '' John groaned.

`` Yeah, we 've got to do something about that, '' Albus decided.

`` We could hex him, '' St. John the Apostle suggested.

`` That 'd be salutary, but I do n't mean like that. I mean something that 'll throw him off the lead. We ca n't let him find out, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, right, '' John thought for a moment, `` How about, since Matt wo n't lie about where he is, we 'll do it for him. ``

`` That 's what I was thinking, too, '' Albus said, `` I know, if someone asks, we 'll just tell them lustrelessness 's visiting his sick gran. ``

`` Good theme, '' John agreed.

Albus yawned, `` Well, I suppose we should try and get some sleep. ``

`` Probably. well Night, then. ``

`` 'Night. '' After another minute of laying awake, Albus finally fell asleep.

Albus woke up feeling very wear down, after only a few hours sleep. He went down to breakfast with Gospel According to John and met pink wine and Amanda there, who were looking worried and not eating much.

`` Have you heard anything yet ? '' rose asked once Albus sat down.

`` No, have you ? ''

`` No. I have n't seen Amy at all and have n't had time to go to the Hospital annex. ``

`` We could try and go during tiffin, '' whoremaster suggested.

Everyone agreed to that plan and managed to eat a bit of breakfast before heading off to Potions. By the time they got there, Slughorn was ready to start class, which meant Malfoy did n't have any time to ask where lusterlessness was. Since it was just a single catamenia, Slughorn lectured during the intact class and Albus had a hard time staying awake. He managed to take a few tone, but by the clip the class was over, he felt in pauperization of a nap.

`` Hey, there, ceramicist, '' Malfoy ran up beside Albus just outside the door of the Potions classroom.

`` Malfoy, '' Albus mumbled and kept walking.

`` Could n't help but comment that Eckerton was n't in social class today. You gon na secern me where he is ? ``

`` Visiting his gran. She 's not doing too well, '' Albus lied.

`` Really ? That 's interesting, '' Malfoy raised his eyebrows, `` After seeing him yesterday, I 'd hold guessed he was the one who 's ill. ''

`` Maybe he 's just worried about his gran, '' can said shortly, before turning down the corridor towards the transfiguration room, `` Now we 've got to go to grade. ``

`` See you, then, '' Albus said to Malfoy as he followed John to Transfiguration. Malfoy turned around and left without saying a word. `` I hope that worked. ``

`` Me, too, '' John agreed.

After Transfiguration, Albus and his protagonist ate a hurried lunch and went to the Hospital Wing. When they got there, Albus noticed that the doors were unfold. `` well, that 's a good sign. ``

`` Definitely, '' rose wine agreed and walked inside. Albus, toilet, and Amanda followed her. The bed at the far end of the ward had the curtains drawn and all the former bed were hollow. `` He must be in there, '' rosiness pointed to the curtained bed.

`` Where 's Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus whispered. The nurse did n't appear to be in the room.

John pointed to the drape, which started to rustle, `` She must be back there. ``

A gap appeared in the drapery and lady Pomfrey came out from behind them. She was carrying an discharge glass and a clipboard. When she noticed the group of Gryffindor first years, she came rushing over to them. `` I thought I 'd be seeing you lot here. ``

`` Is matte all right ? '' Rose whispered anxiously.

`` Yes, he should be fine in a twosome days, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled.

`` So, it 's not nearly as bad as last time ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, no, he 's much better this month, '' ma'am Pomfrey set the empty-bellied glass down on a board and started writing on the clipboard.

`` fountainhead, can we see him ? '' trick asked tentatively.

`` Sorry, but no. He 's sleeping right now. And I do n't opine he wants visitor. He has n't told you yet, has he ? ``

`` No, '' lavatory answered.

ma'am Pomfrey sighed, `` Of course of action. Well, I do go for he tells you soon. I have a feeling this whole thing would be easier on him if he was n't keeping it to himself. ``

`` I guess we 'll just see him when he leaves, then, '' Albus said.

`` I think that would be best. He should be ready to entrust on Thursday or Friday. You 'd best be off to class, '' Madam Pomfrey picked up the abandon glass and strode into her office.

As Albus walked to the common elbow room to accumulate his books, he thought about what Matt was going to do when he found out that they knew about his secret. lustrelessness seemed so swell on keeping it from everyone. He did n't even require his ally to confabulate him in the Hospital annexe. Yet, he had n't done a very honorable job at hiding it. Or had they found out so easily just because pink wine knew so much about loup-garou ? Albus was n't indisputable he would have figured it out without her. But even so, if Albus had found out so quickly, how long would it be until Malfoy found out ?

******

`` Hey, throne, '' a inhuman voice from behind Albus said. It was Friday nighttime and Albus, blush wine, lav, and Amanda were eating dinner while wondering when lusterlessness would come back. Albus turned around at the phonation and choked on his pumpkin juice when he saw who it was.

`` Willinson, '' Albus coughed.

`` What do you desire ? '' trick said shortly as he slapped Albus on the back.

`` Oh, not much, '' Willinson replied, `` Have n't seen you much since our small duel last month, Potty. ``

`` Yeah, I hear you 've been quite occupied with custody, '' Albus laughed.

`` laugh now, but the detention is over. I 'll have plenty of time on my hands now. ``

`` And what are you going to do ? You could n't even hex me. Your acquaintance did it. ``

`` Does n't weigh. I 'm not the one who wound up in the Hospital Wing, am I ? '' Willinson snorted.

`` And I suppose you 're proud that a first base year could unarm you ? '' Albus grinned, `` Because if I were you, I 'd be a bit embarrassed. ``

`` Shut it, Potty, I planned that. ``

`` No, you did n't. Quite the look of shock on your face after I did it, '' Albus responded. Willinson glared at him.

`` What 's going on here ? '' someone from behind Albus asked.

`` N-nothing, Professor, '' Willinson said quickly.

`` Then I 'd intimate returning to the Slytherin table, Mr. Willinson, '' Neville replied. Willinson turned on the spot and headed to the Slytherin mesa without saying another word.

`` He was n't bothering you, was he ? '' Neville asked once Willinson left.

`` Not really, '' Albus told Neville.

`` Good. If he 's causing trouble, just let me have it off. I think the detainment may have set him unbowed, though. He 's not nearly as smug when he 's in the forest, '' Neville responded and left for the staff table.

Albus laughed, `` I guess he 's not as brave as we thought he was. ``

`` course he 's not ! '' King John exclaimed, `` He 's a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor. ``

`` Yeah, we 're the courageous ones ! '' Albus agreed.

After dinner, Albus and his friends went to the common room to pass the evening. The way was quite a bit emptier than usual. There was a big dueling clubhouse meeting and nearly of the Gryffindors were attending it. First age were not allowed to join the dueling club, so all of them were in the common room, along with some older students who were n't piece of the golf-club. Since it was so discharge, Albus and his friends were able to snag a few of the good armchairs in figurehead of the fervidness. They were all putting off homework, except for Rose who was reading a rule book, since it was the weekend.

`` You going to join the dueling club next year ? '' Albus asked, while sorting through his hot chocolate Frog menu. `` I ca n't wait to link. James II says it 's awesome. ``

`` Of line ! '' whoremaster shouted, `` Hey, have you got any Snape cards ? ``

`` Yeah, I 've got quite a few, '' Albus shifted his deck of cards and pulled out five Snapes, `` Want one ? ``

`` Yeah, I still have n't gotten any, '' John told him. Albus handed him one of his cards.

`` Is it pattern to get offend badly in the dueling club ? '' Amanda asked.

`` It 's possible, but it does n't usually occur, '' Albus told her. `` The teachers make surely nothing bad happens. ``

`` Then I might join. How about you, rise up ? '' Amanda said.

`` Sure, probably, '' rose wine responded absentmindedly.

`` Are you ok ? You 're awfully quiet, '' Amanda commented.

`` I 'm all rightfield, '' rosiness answered, `` I 'm just thinking about matt. dame Pomfrey said he was supposed to be back today. ``

`` I 've been thinking about that, too, '' Albus told her, `` I hope he 's ok. ''

`` well, even if he does n't come in back until tomorrow, it 's still improve than death calendar month, '' John the Divine whispered, `` But I wonder when he 's going to tell us. ``

`` Why do n't we go up to the dormitory and talk about it, '' Albus suggested, `` It 's too pipe down in here, mortal 's going to hear us. And Bilius and Ethan are down here anyway. '' Albus pointed to a mesa to their leftfield, where the other two Gryffindor initiatory year boy were sitting playing gobstones.

`` Good idea, '' blush wine agreed and closed her book. The mathematical group got up from their chairs and followed Albus to the boys'dormitory.

When they got up to the dormitory, Albus sat down on his bed. Rose and Amanda looked around a bit before sitting down future to him.

`` I ca n't take away it anymore, we 've got to tell him ! '' John shouted and started pacing around the room, `` I 'm not sure he 's ever going to tell us ! ``

`` He will, we 've just got to give him some more than time ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I 'm not so for sure, Albus. He has n't told us yet, what makes you so indisputable he 'll ever do it ? '' john questioned.

`` I do n't get it on, I just think he will. ``

`` well, I do n't. And I 'm not so certain I can keep pretending I have no clue why he leaves every calendar month. I mean, how long has it been since we 've known ? And we 've known him since Sep. Is n't that enough time for him to trust us ? '' John stormed over to his bed and threw himself on it.

`` Honestly, John, that 's really not a long sentence. September was n't even six calendar month ago, '' Rose reasoned.

`` So you 're on Albus 's side, then ? You think we should just pretend we 're clueless about his disappearance ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, I do. I think he will recite us, once he realizes he can trust us, '' blush wine told him.

`` Well, what more do we have to do ? '' John huffed.

`` It 's not that simple ! '' Albus shouted, remembering his conversation with Dumbledore. `` Do you lie with how grueling it must be for him ? He 's probably had citizenry abandoning him because of this his whole life ! ``

`` And I suppose you know more about it than I do ? last I checked, you were n't a werewolf, '' John shouted.

`` Yeah, I do know more than than you ! '' Albus shouted back, getting up from the bed and walk towards John.

`` Really, and how would that be ? '' John Lackland got up and stood in front of Albus, staring at him.

`` Because Teddy 's dad was a loup-garou ! I 've told you that ! And my dad 's told me all about what he went through ! You know he was n't even going to be allowed to come to Hogwarts, but then Dumbledore became headmaster and let him ! And then he could n't even stay fresh a job because no one wanted to take a lycanthrope ! So, yeah, I do sleep together a bit Sir Thomas More than you do ! ``

`` Fine, so you know more about it than me, but how do you know that lustrelessness will tell us ? ``

`` I just do, ok ? '' Albus insisted, thinking of what Dumbledore had said.

`` fountainhead, I think that it might be easy if we just told him we know. Then he could just talk to us about it and we could stop keeping secret ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted.

`` Albus, '' Rose said from behind Albus and started tugging on his robes.

`` Not now, Rose, '' Albus pushed her hand away, `` It probably would be well-to-do, but it 's his secret, so let 's just let him tell us ! ``

`` But what if he does n't ! '' John threw his hands up in the air. `` Are we just going to go our unharmed seven eld at Hogwarts pretending we do n't know ? ``

Rose poked Albus more persistently and Albus pushed her hired man away again. `` Of course not, because he 'll tell us soon ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shouted louder and pointed to the doorway.

Albus turned his head away from whoremonger and glanced at the room access. Matt was standing there, looking tired and run down, with a traumatize look on his aspect. He stared at Albus for a few seconds before turning and running back down the stairs.

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A/N : I know it 's shorter than common, but I wanted the cliffhanger. The next chapter will be quite a bit longer, as I 'm planning on combining two chapters again.

Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my early sister, and my comrade. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Albus turned back to John and they stared at each former. `` How long had he been standing there ? '' Albus asked quietly.

Rose sighed, `` Since rightfield after you finished talking about chemise 's dad. ``

`` So he definitely knows we know, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd say so, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and whoremonger looked at each early again, and with their argument forgotten they both turned and ran out of the dormitory to follow mat. Albus did n't calculate back, but the strait of footsteps told him that Rose and Amanda were n't far behind. Albus did n't screw what he was going to say to Matt when they found him, he just knew he had to do something. This was not how Albus imagined lusterlessness telling them about his lycanthropy. And he was sure enough that it was not what Dumbledore had in brain. But what 's done is done, and Albus could only hope that Matt was n't too mad at them.

When they reached the common room, it was packed. Albus realized that dueling club practice must induce just let out. He glanced quickly around the way, thinking they 'd never bump flatness amongst all the former Gryffindors. St. John elbowed Albus in the side of meat and pointed towards the Fat noblewoman 's portrait. It was opening, and then it closed again, but they did n't see anyone enter or leave. Someone unawares must feature left. Albus knew it was matte. He motioned for his protagonist to come after. They pushed their way through the throngs of older scholar and eventually made it to the portrait. The chemical group scrambled through the hole and landed in the seventh floor corridor.

`` Where is he ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, glancing around. Matt was no where in sight. `` I wish we had the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` The what ? '' John asked.

`` The predator 's Map. It 's that map of Hogwarts my grandpa and his ally made. Remember ? I told you about it. ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Well, we do n't get it. But we 'd improve get going if we have any Bob Hope of finding him, '' rose wine started running down the corridor.

Albus, Saint John, and Amanda followed Rose down the corridor. After a moment or so, Albus spotted Matt. `` There he is ! '' he whispered to his friends. They continued running and it did n't take retentive to trip up up to Matt. Since it was right after a replete moonshine, Matt was going slower than usual.

Albus and his protagonist stopped a few meters in front of him. `` Matt ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

Matt turned around and walked slowly towards his supporter, past a tapestry of
Barnabas the Barmy trying to teach trolls to dance ballet, and stopped a few feet in front of Albus. `` So, you know ? '' he asked in a voice so soft, Albus could hardly get a line it. He stared at the ground.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered in an equally quiet voice.

Matt did n't look up and turned around and paced slowly down the hallway. He seemed to be thinking concentrated. When he got just past the tapestry, he stopped and walked back towards Albus. Albus knew he was trying to call back of something to say. Albus glanced at his friends and all of them looked very uncomfortable. They stood completely still, not saying a word, while matt continued pacing up and down the hallway.

On his third base or fourth time returning to Albus, Albus was n't sure as he had lost numeration, Matt finally looked up at him with a frighten off construction on his brass. matte opened his back talk and was about to say something when he stopped. He turned and looked at the paries facing the tapestry.

Albus turned to see what mat was staring at. When his gaze reached the wall, his sass fell subject. A door was sitting upon the paries, where there had n't been a room access before. Albus turned around and looked at Rose. Albus had a tactile sensation he knew where the door came from, and Rose 's knowing look of awe confirmed it. John was staring at it as if he had been stupefied. Amanda was blinking and rubbing her eyes, as if the door was just a figment of her imagination.

Matt glanced at Albus and then he walked towards the door. When he reached it, he grasped the grip and opened it. He walked slowly inside, leaving the threshold undetermined behind him. Once mat was inside, Albus nodded to his friend and walked inside. whoremonger, Rose, and Amanda followed.

When Albus got into the way, he gazed around in awe. The full room was decorated in Gryffindor scarlet and atomic number 79. The high ceiling was painted amber and the walls were covered in scarlet drapery. The story was covered in scarlet and gold patterned carpet. In the back of the room was a enceinte fireplace ended with a crackle firing. In front of the fire, were three large comfy looking orange red armchairs and a big atomic number 79 couch.

`` What is this topographic point ? '' Amanda asked as she walked around the room.

`` I think it 's the Room of Requirement, '' Albus told her, `` It 's also called the Come and Go Room. It only appears when you 're in want of it. And it changes according to your need. ``

`` Dad 's told me about this before, but he would n't assure me where it was or how to regain it, '' John told them.

`` Same with me, '' rose said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's incredible ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Looks just like the Gryffindor vulgar room. ``

`` Only better, '' John responded, `` We can sit near the fervidness. ``

`` It looks like it was made for us, '' Albus commented.

`` It does, '' Rose agreed, `` Matt, did you ... bespeak this ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt sighed.

`` So, you knew about the Room ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, '' mat answered, `` Amy told me about it before I came to Hogwarts. She thought, it well, might be utilitarian, for me. '' He sighed, `` Sometimes I come here after I get out of the Hospital annex, if I want to just be alone and sleep. ``

`` And does it see like this then ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, usually it 's got a four-poster bed and the fireplace, and that 's it. ``

`` So, it 'll give you whatever you ask for ? '' Amanda responded.

`` Er, I think so, within understanding, '' Matt told her, `` Like, if you wanted a way wax of Galleons, I do n't think it would be able to do it. And it ca n't give you food. Something about the laws of Transfiguration Day or something. ``

`` Is this where you 've been all day ? '' bathroom asked as he wandered around the room. `` Because we went to see you on Tues and lady Pomfrey said you 'd get to leave Thursday or today. ``

Matt sighed and slowly walked towards one of the armchairs and sat down in it. Albus followed and sat down on the sofa. Rose sat down succeeding to him while John and Amanda took the remaining chairwoman. `` Yeah, I was here, '' mat said quietly after a few instant of quiet. `` I was just so tired and I could n't face going to appealingness and dealing with Washburn and Malfoy. ``

Albus could sympathize that. Looking back on the previous calendar month, he realized that Washburn did tend to call on Matt more than right after he got back from the infirmary Wing.

`` You were still tired ? Even after spending three days in the infirmary wing ? Why ? '' toilet asked while he pulled a Chocolate Frog out of his sac and opened it. `` Oh, looking, Albus. Now I 've got Snape ! ``

`` I dunno. That 's just how it is, '' mat mumbled.

The group sat in silence for a few moments. whoremaster pulled out a few more frogs and offered them around. Albus, Rose, and Amanda each took one and ate them. Albus got Minerva McGonagall, which he gave to Amanda since he already had about seven of her.

`` You guys have to promise me something, '' Matt broke the silence, `` Do n't say anyone. ``

Albus stared at him. `` Of course we wo n't, '' he said solemnly. John, Rose, and Amanda nodded their heads in agreement.

`` Thanks, '' Matt whispered, and got up from his chair.

`` Where are you going ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno. I just figured you would n't need to flow out with me anymore, '' lustrelessness looked nervously at Albus.

`` What ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` Of line we still want to hang out with you ! ``

`` Really ? '' matte asked, while a smile slowly crept up on his face.

`` Definitely ! '' John assured him.

`` Of course, '' Amanda smiled.

`` We wo n't abandon you, '' Rose said adamantly.

mat visibly relaxed and sat back down in his chairman. `` I guess I just thought that you would n't. Since, well, everyone I 've ever been friends with stopped talking to me once they found out. ``

`` That wo n't happen with us, '' Albus assured him.

`` But does n't it scare off you, just a bit ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

`` Nope, '' Albus replied, grinning. He glanced at Rose, who grinned back.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Matt looked from Albus to Rose.

`` Did Professor Kendrick Tell you that you are n't the world-class werewolf to attend Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah ... '' Matt responded warily, `` He said there was one other, a couple tenner ago. ``

`` And I 'm guessing he never told you who that was ? '' blush wine replied.

`` Er, no, he did n't, '' Matt answered, `` But Amy told me that chemise 's dad was a werewolf and he went here, so I assumed it was him. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned, `` And my dad 's shift 's godfather. ``

`` Really ? '' Matt asked.

`` Yup, '' blush wine said. `` I 'll let Albus tell you the eternal sleep. ``

`` You mean, there 's more ? '' mat stared in awe at Albus.

`` Yup, you want to hump why my dad 's teddy bear 's godfather, do n't you ? ``

`` Of line ! ``

`` Well, here it goes. My grandpa, the one who was killed by Voldemort, went to Hogwarts the same time Remus Lupin did. Along with Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew. They all became pretty just friends. Remus Lupin tried to keep the fact that he was a lycanthrope secret, but eventually, my grandpa, Dog Star, and Peter found out. And they did n't desert him. In fact, they all became illegal animagi and spent the total lunar month with him. ``

`` Really ? '' matte glanced around at his friend.

`` Really, '' Albus continued, `` They stayed friends right field up until Pettigrew betrayed my grandparents. And you know that tarradiddle. Then, Remus met Nymphadora Tonks, who was somehow related to Sirius, I think she was his cousin 's daughter. Anyway, they got espouse and had a son, Teddy, right in the height of Voldemort 's reign. They both were killed in the Battle. But Remus had made my dad Teddy 's godfather, so he 's kind of like a brother. So, you can see that no way would I forsake you. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt grinned at Albus, `` But what about the rest of you ? ``

`` Nope, you do n't receive to worry about me, '' rose wine answered, `` Teddy 's like my cousin. ``

`` I 'm not related to any werewolves, heck, you 're the first one I 've met. But do n't worry. You 're my friend and nothing can transfer that, '' John replied.

`` Honestly, it scared me a bit when I first found out, '' Amanda admitted, `` But I 'm Muggle-born, so the merely melodic theme of werewolves I 'd had were in Muggle fairy story. ``

mat looked at her and the smile on his face disappeared. He glanced nervously at Albus.

`` But I 'm fine with it now. climb taught me a lot. I know now that actual werewolves are n't anything like the single in fairy tales. And besides, just because you get furry once a calendar month does n't mean you 're a different person the rest of the month. I was friends with you before I knew and I 'll stay friends with you now, '' Amanda assured him.

matte relaxed, `` Thanks, guy rope. I 've never had near booster. But how long have you known ? ``

`` fountainhead, Rose figured it out in November, but we were n't positive until I wound up in the Hospital backstage at the same clip as you last month. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt 's mouth fell receptive, `` How did that materialize ? ``

Albus explained the duel with Quinton Willinson and how he had overheard Madam Pomfrey and the Healer talking early the next morning.

`` Why did n't you separate me you knew ? '' flatness asked quietly.

`` I thought it would be better for you to narrate us when you 're cook, but I guess that did n't happen, '' Albus answered.

`` speculation not, but thanks anyway, for the thought, '' Matt replied. Everyone sat quietly for a few moments, before Albus broke the silence.

`` Could we, er, ask you enquiry about it ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

Matt sighed, `` certainly, I guess. ``

`` If you do n't require to- '' Albus started.

`` No, it 's very well, it 's just I 've never actually told anyone about it. It 's always been my parents or Amy. But yeah, ask whatever you want, '' matte told them.

`` All right, if you 're certain, '' Albus paused, `` Well, when did it pass ? ``

lusterlessness took a deep breath. `` When I was five. We were Muggle camping at the meter. My mum 's Muggle-born, and she had gone camping when she was a kid, and she wanted me and Amy to get the experience. You guys do know what Muggles do when they camp, right ? ``

`` That 's when they live in those cramped, tiny tents that are just big enough to sleep in, right ? And they do n't use electricity or any of that stuff they use instead of magic ? '' John asked.

Amanda stifled a giggle at his description of camping. `` Well, that 's the universal estimate, I suppose, but it 's usually a lot funner than you describe it. ``

`` right field, '' lusterlessness said, `` Well, that 's what my mum wanted to do. So Dad agreed because he thought it sounded crazy enough to be fun. And it was, at kickoff. We did n't use any magic. I do n't call back a unit lot, but I do call back Dad playing with match trying to get the campfire lit. It took him a one-half hour. Amy says that after that first campfire, Mum lit all the repose of them.

`` We were going to bivouac for three nights, I think. The second night was a full moon. It was a depressed moon. You know, when there are two moons in a month, they call the secondment one a blue moon. They do n't find often. Only every 2 or 3 years. It was the end of December, remember that the season are opposite in Australia, so it was lovesome. We were all in one tent, and in the middle of the night I had to go to the lavatory. There was a long pass to the bath, through the Wood. I was halfway there when I heard this recondite growl. The last thing I remember is a vast animate being pouncing on me and a searing painful sensation in my rear, and then I blacked out. ``

Albus listened but did n't say anything. He heard Amanda gasped. Albus variety of felt sick to his tummy. Ever since he found out that Matt was a loup-garou, he knew he must possess been bit, but he never really thought about the particular. Now, hearing about it, he felt dreaded that his friend had been through it.

`` And then what happened ? '' John whispered.

`` Well, my parents told me what happened a while after I woke up. Amy is a really light sleeper and she heard the growl and my screaming. She woke up my parents and my dad went noticed that I was gone and he ran out of the collapsible shelter with his wand. There were a bunch of Muggles who had woken up and were running around screaming. They told my parents that a kid was being attacked by a Hugo Wolf. That kid of course, was me. My parents kept running towards the growls until they found me. Dad saw what was happening and started shooting off all sorting of magic spell that somehow had great effect on the werewolf. Then my mum started trying to stupefy the werewolf, too. After a few spells, the werewolf was stunned. ``

`` Muggles saw it ? '' rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' matt continued, `` My mum sent word to the Ministry and they sent Obliviators and representatives from the lycanthrope restraint social unit. Dad was head of that department at the meter. None of the Muggles think anything from it of course, but it was in the paper, so all the sensation and witches found out about it. But they did n't know it was me who got attacked. The law prevents the names of underage werewolves from being released. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus said, `` I guess that 's respectable that no one knew it was you. ``

`` It did n't really help, though, '' Matt replied bitterly. `` But there 's more before I get to that. After the Ministry people showed up, my dad Apparated with me to Eastworth, that 's one of the infirmary in Commonwealth of Australia. I spent nearly a calendar month there. Right up until the next total Sun Myung Moon. I woke up two weeks after it happened. Spent the next two weeks waiting for all the injuries to bring around, but they did n't cure all the way. That took a couple month. Anyway, the number 1 full phase of the moon moon was awful. I hardly remember any of it. Just the annoyance and sickness in the few 24-hour interval before it and the two weeks it took to heal after it. ``

`` But what about the wolfbane Potion ? '' rose wine asked tentatively.

matte sighed, `` The thing is, that does n't put to work for me. The therapist have n't been able to count on out why yet. I took it during the first few full lunation and it had no essence on me at all, so my parents stopped giving it to me. ``

Albus could n't think of what to say. He now knew the report. Matt had told them the unscathed thing. It seemed like once he started, he just did n't stop. Maybe it felt good to finally differentiate someone about it ? Albus figured that was it. He could n't ideate carrying around a arcanum like that for XII age. Then Albus remembered something matt had told him on the train. `` Um, lustrelessness ? Why did your family move to here ? '' Albus had the feeling that had something to do with his being a werewolf. mat had n't mentioned a great deal about moving to England, and when he talked about it on the train, he changed the discipline quickly.

`` Um, well, because of me, '' Matt replied glumly, `` I never told you before, but my parents were really well-known in Australia. Not really renowned like your syndicate is, Albus, but just kind of upper course of instruction case. Both of them were. My dad comes from a long note of pure stemma. But not the kinds who despise Muggles and Muggle-borns. They were just always involved in the Ministry and had a load of gold, that sort of thing.

`` And my mum, her sept is really productive. They were always involved in all sorts of celebrity type clobber. They knew all form of renowned people and hosted fancy party and affair like that. Then my mum got her letter telling her she was a witch. My grandparents were horrified and excited at the Lapplander metre. They obviously could n't separate any of their friends about it, and they had a hard time keeping it a secret.

`` My parents met in schooltime and got married a few years later. Put together, they were the ideal magical yoke. My dad got a job at the Ministry in the wolfman Control social unit. Eventually, shortly after I was born, he worked his way up to chief. Then, a few calendar month after I was bitten, he became Head of the full Department for the Control and ordinance of Magical brute. Kind of ironic, is n't it ? ``

`` That 's how he knew how to bedaze the loup-garou, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, and it 's a good thing he did, '' Matt said, `` Anyway, my family was involved in all sorts of fancy upshot and committees, both magical and Muggle. My parents were living the unadulterated life. Then, I got bit. ``

`` And it all had to stop, did n't it ? '' Albus said softly.

`` Yes, and slowly it did. outset, they stopped doing the Muggle things. Muggles do n't know werewolves are literal, so they could n't do much Muggle material anymore. The Muggles would ask what was faulty with me and my parents could n't recite them. If they lied and said it was some variety of Muggle disease, it would have been all over their news. So, my parents just told everyone that they were going to loose and prove their syndicate away from all the fame.

`` The magic trick stuff was a little more perplex. Everyone who worked in my dad 's office knew that I had been bit and they kept it a secluded for a prospicient prison term. For over two eld, no one knew it happened. Then, there were more werewolf attacks down there. So the great unwashed started drafting anti-werewolf lawmaking. My dad immediately rejected all of it. People got suspicious, and one of his co-worker got pretty fired up about it. He was all for more restriction. So, he leaked that I was a lycanthrope to early portion of the Ministry. Of course, they could n't really fire him for me being a werewolf. But right before that happened, the Ministry managed to pass a law requiring all lieu of transformation to be separate construction. The department overruled Dad 's veto and the minister signed it into law. Dad refused to comply and got fired for breaking the law. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` lustrelessness, I 'm so blue, did you think it was your fault ? ``

`` Yeah, I did, actually, '' Matt said darkly, `` Mum and Dad kept telling me it was n't and not to retrieve that way, but I could n't assist it.

`` But it was just all downhill from there. My parents had already sent a letter to Amy 's school, the Aussie School of Sorcery, to see if I could still wait on. They would n't let me. So they were planning on moving anyway. ``

`` They would n't ? ! '' privy shouted, `` But why ? ``

`` Said it was too dangerous. I was really depressed after that. The shift got risky. I always held out hope that I 'd be able to go to school. Amy would come up home with stories and I looked forward to when I 'd get to go. So, just to essay out the options, my parents sent alphabetic character to a few other schools. The Salem beldame Institute in Massachusetts, Hogwarts, and the Adirondack academy of legerdemain in New York State. And a couple others that I do n't recall the names. Hogwarts, Salem, and Adirondack both said I could still look. Adirondack had never had any wolfman attend, but they said they would work it out. capital of Oregon turned out to be a really bad theme. My parents and Amy did n't care it.

`` By then, my parents were definitely volition to be active so I could go to school. They were debating which school I should go to when they read about a discipline St. Mungo 's was doing. It would try to figure out why wolf's bane would n't work for some people. That was the decide factor. They decided on Hogwarts and signed me up for the study. We moved that summer. ``

Albus sat and thought. He now knew what Dumbledore had meant by 'true horrors in his past'. It was n't just being bit by a loup-garou and becoming one himself. It was the fact that lusterlessness 's family 's completely life story was drastically changed because of what had happened. They moved halfway across the world because of it. `` What about Amy ? She had already been at school day in Australia for a few years, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, she had. She was 14 when we moved, going into her fourth year. And she was n't too happy about it. I know you hombre just see her as a protective one-time baby, but she was n't always, '' matte paused, `` She was really upset when my parents told her that we had to move. She did n't want to leave her friends. She blamed me. ``

`` But she 's always looking out for you ! '' blush wine replied, `` I ca n't imagine her being mad at you. ``

`` I know, '' Matt said, `` But it 's true. You see, my parents did n't let her be anywhere near me when I transformed. She stayed with my grandparents every entire Moon that she was n't in shoal. She stayed with them for a few days after the full moonlight, too. By the time she got back, I was mostly right. ``

`` Oh, '' rosiness said, `` But what happened ? ``

`` fountainhead, once we moved, she could n't go stay with my grandparents every to the full lunar month anymore. We moved in June, right after the full moon. There were two more full moonshine before she started school. Dad still had association with the Ministry in Commonwealth of Australia, so he managed to set up portkeys for her to pack to my grandparents'house, even after we moved. She was still mad at me when she left for schooltime and it made me feel horrible. But after a few weeks, she settled into Hogwarts and made new friends, including Victoire.

`` Then the summer came and my parents had to face that she would be there during full moons. Something happened and Dad could n't get portkeys to Australia anymore. By then I 'd been a wolfman for over three years and she still had n't been there. She was 15, then, so my parents figured she was old enough anyway. Anyway, the night came and I, er, went to the place where I transform when I 'm house. In the morning, my parents always came and got me really early, so they could get me to my bed and give me my potions and stuff. Well, apparently that night Amy had n't slept at all. She told me later that she could n't once she find out my screeching and howling. She stayed waken all Nox, waiting for the Sun Myung Moon to set, and once it did, she went and got me even before my parents did.

`` well, once she saw me, she realized what I was going through. That morning, she saw me unconscious, with busted pearl, and covered in pedigree and cuts. It made her realize how bad it really is. She told me later that once she saw me, she started crying and she started trying to mend my cuts. Then my parents came and found her. They started crying with her and let her help oneself them do everything they do after a transformation. When I woke up, we had a long talk, all four of us. Amy completely forgave me for moving here and she 's been very protective ever since, especially when it comes to person being rude about my shape. ``

`` Oh, flatness, '' rosiness whispered, `` I 'm so glad that Amy is n't mad at you anymore. I just ca n't believe you have to go through all this. ``

`` It 's all right, I 'll endure, '' Matt assured her.

`` I know, it just does n't seem fair, '' rose wine said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Do you recognise what happened to the loup-garou that bit you ? ``

`` My dad told me, '' matt answered, `` He got in a payload of bother, because of what did materialize and what could consume happened. He could have got attacked some of the Muggles that were there, instead of me. It was only by probability that it happened to be me, a whizz, he bit. We were probably the sole wizards anywhere near that campsite, but there were loads of Muggles around. Anyway, he got sentenced to ten days in prison house. ``

`` So he 's still there ? '' King John asked.

`` Yup, '' Matt replied. He paused for a few moment, watching his champion. `` So, now you know the altogether story. ``

`` Were you really planning on keeping it a secret the hale fourth dimension you were at Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I 'm not sure. I guess so. That 's what my parents told me to do anyway. They told me not to tell anyone, and I did n't desire to tell anyone either. I did n't really intend anyone would find out. ``

`` Rose is somewhat smart, though, '' Albus said, `` I would n't have figured it out without her, well, until I wound up in the Hospital Wing with you last month. ``

`` I guess I would n't have been able to go all through schoolhouse without anyone finding out. ``

`` So who does bonk ? '' Albus asked.

`` Hardly anyone. The teacher, of course of action. nigh of them have been really skillful about it, especially your dad, Albus, '' Matt answered.

Albus grinned, `` Yeah, like that essay that was due the other day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten about that, '' matt groaned, `` I 'll consume to do it this weekend. Washburn 's been jolly rude, but he 's rude to every Gryffindor. Amy had warned me about that. ``

`` What about over Christmas holiday, did you really fall out of a Tree, or was that just another cover-up story ? '' Albus asked, suddenly remembering that.

matte blushed, `` Er, yeah, it was. There was a fully moon over the vacation. The second one of December to be take. It was a sorry moon. Only the second one since the one when I got bit. The initiatory one was when I was 8 and it was awful. Much worsened than the regular wax moons. And the one in December was just as awful. Plus, I had to transform at my grandparents star sign. In their Attic, which my dad sound proofed and strengthened the walls with magic. So, yeah, those accidental injury were from the full lunation, not falling out of a tree diagram. ``

`` I had a feeling about that, '' Albus commented, `` So, no other educatee live ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt answered, `` You 're the only ones, besides Amy. She 's not allowed to tell her friends. She has n't even recite Victoire. ``

`` Thanks for telling us the whole narration, '' rose said.

`` You know, it feels good to finally tell apart soul. sort of like I can decompress now. I was always afraid you 'd ascertain out and tell individual and I 'd ingest to leave. ``

`` We 'd never do that, '' Albus assured him.

`` Thanks, '' lustrelessness smiled.

Just then the door to the way volley undefendable and Amy came running in, out of breather. `` There you are ! '' she shouted and ran towards Matt.

`` How 'd you get in here ? '' King John asked. `` We 're already using the way. ``

`` I made all the petition for it and I always request that Amy be able-bodied to find me, but to preserve everyone else out, '' matte answered.

`` And it 's a good thing, too ! It 's half past midnight ! I was worried pale ! Madam Pomfrey said you left ages ago, but I have n't seen you all day, '' Amy gave him a hug.

`` Ouch ! '' flatness winced.

`` Oh, sorry ! '' Amy released her grip, `` Have you been here all day ? ``

`` Pretty much. ``

`` You skipped class ? Are you sure you 're better ? '' Amy asked in a worried tone.

`` I 'm just tired and I did n't require to face Washburn today. He always calls on me when I 'm tired, he does it on purpose, '' Matt yawned.

`` Oh, he 's such a git, '' Amy replied, `` But are you certain you 're ok ? I could study you back to the hospital annex. ``

`` I 'm exquisitely, honestly, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` How did they sleep together how to get in here ? '' Amy glanced around at Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda, and then leaned over and whispered something in Matt 's ear.

`` It 's all right, Amy, '' Matt sighed, `` They know. I told them. I told them everything. ``

`` What ? ! '' Amy opened her eyes wide and stared at Matt. `` Mum and Dad told you not to ! ``

`` I know, but it 's all right. They figured it out calendar month ago and were just waiting until I was ready to secernate them. ``

`` They 'd better not tell, '' Amy glanced around at Albus and the others.

`` Do n't worry, they wo n't, '' Matt assured her, `` Albus 's dad is Teddy 's godfather. So, they definitely wo n't tell. Albus 's grandpa was really in effect friends with Teddy 's dad. ``

`` I knew that, '' Amy said, `` guesswork I just never really put it together. ``

`` Yup, and you know, I 'm really glad I told them everything. I can relax a little bit. ``

`` Just be indisputable no one else finds out, '' Amy warned.

`` I know, I 'll be careful, '' lustrelessness said, `` But you know, you could secernate Victoire, if you want. I do n't imagine she 'd say anyone, do you, Albus ? ``

`` No, she would n't tell anyone, '' Albus assured them.

`` Yeah, I know she would n't. I 've been tempted to severalise her ever since she told me that her dad was attacked by Fenrir Greyback, '' Amy revealed, `` But Mum and Dad do n't want me to tell anyone. ``

`` I know, they did n't desire me to tell anyone either, but that did n't work out, '' flatness replied, `` I just wanted you to fuck that I would n't mind if you told Victoire. ``

`` Ok, I 'll intend about it. But thanks for telling me that. It 's severely keeping it a hole-and-corner. Sometimes I just want to talk about it. ``

`` Me, too. That 's why I 'm kinda relieved they know now, '' lustrelessness gestured to his friends.

`` I guess you should let Mum and Dad know that you told them. ``

`` I will, I 'll send them a alphabetic character this weekend, '' lustrelessness yawned.

`` You really ought to go to bed, '' Amy suggested.

`` That 'd probably be a practiced approximation, '' Albus agreed, `` Quidditch is tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd forgotten ! '' flatness said excitedly.

`` Should be a estimable game, '' can commented.

`` Ravenclaw will probably win, '' Amanda predicted.

Albus and his friends walked back to Gryffindor tugboat with Amy, and the coarse room was practically deserted by the clock time they got back. Victoire was there, along with Samantha Meyers, and a couple other seventh years who Albus vaguely recognized. Amy bid them goodnight and went to sit with her acquaintance. When Albus, lav, and mat went up to their dormitory, Bilius and Ethan were already asleep. Albus climbed into his bed feeling very subject. He was happy that matt had finally opened up to them, but still felt a bit upset about what matt was going through. Albus was also quite thrilled with the theme of having the Room of Requirement useable to them. He did n't guess he 'd oversee to find out that until he was much older, but now he would be able to use it during all his days at Hogwarts. With that and the Marauder 's Map, if King James let him take up it, Albus and his champion would certainly be able to have some fun. If only he had the invisibility Cloak. And with thoughts of his dad actually giving him the Cloak, Albus fell into a surprisingly restful sleep.

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A/N : So, there it is ! The chapter you 've been waiting for ! I really hope you liked it. I wound up re-writing a bunch of it, since constituent had contradicted my former report. It was originally two chapters, but I combined them to induce up for the last chapter which was quite short !

oral presentation of my other story, I will be posting it very soon ! It 's called In moonlight 's Shadow and it 's basically the product of me having too much background history about Matt to possibly put into a story that focuses on Albus. The chronicle goes into great item about why flatness and his class moved to England. It 's done in first of all person, from Amy 's point of view. I have thirty chapters written so far. I hope you 'll all check it out once I post it !

Thanks as usual to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my former sister, and my blood brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, Moonylupin, and mamaykay for the reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Albus woke up late the next morning, but he was still up before John or matte were. Bilius and Ethan 's beds were empty-bellied, so they were already up. Albus was surprised that King John was n't up yet. He rarely ever missed breakfast, even on the weekends. The Quidditch match was n't for another two hour, so Albus quietly got spruced up and read a bit of his Quidditch in the Twentieth Century book. He had been reading for a half hour when he heard someone come into the room.

`` Albus ? '' a voice called out, `` Are n't you up yet ? ``

Albus looked up from his book, `` Oh, hi Rose, Amanda. I 've been up for a while, but those two are still asleep. '' He jerked his head towards St. John the Apostle and mat 's beds.

`` I do n't think I 've ever seen John Lackland leave out breakfast before, '' Rose commented while looking at his sleeping form.

`` Me neither. But we did stay up pretty late last Nox, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah. We 've been up for a while, doing homework, '' Rose responded.

`` Still have loads more to do, though, '' Amanda sighed, `` I have n't made much progress on my phases of the lunation essay for Astronomy. ``

`` Bet mat could give birth that done in 15 instant, '' Albus commented, `` He could probably aid you. ``

`` Good thought, I 'll ask him after the match, '' Amanda decided, `` We should probably get them up, though. ``

Albus agreed and pulled back the mantle on Matt 's bed while Rose and Amanda prodded John awake. Albus looked down at mat, who was sleeping soundly. Albus almost felt bad waking him up, but he knew lustrelessness wanted to watch the match and would be mad if no one woke him up in metre. Albus pulled back the blankets and gently poked his arm.

`` Wha 's going on ? '' Matt mumbled. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

`` We almost slept through Quidditch, '' St. John the Apostle replied sleepily as he got up out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

`` Oh, right ! '' Matt yawned and got up immediately.

XV mo later, Albus headed down to the Great residence with his friends to let dejeuner before the friction match. The common excitement that accompanied a Quidditch mates was in the air when they walked into the room. Harry had been right when he said that Quidditch would take people 's judgement off Rita Skeeter 's article. Albus had n't heard anyone mention it in days. It seemed as if everyone had finally forgotten about it.

`` Why ca n't the weather be like this when we play ? '' James IV groaned as he sat down succeeding to Albus.

The weather was unusually dependable. It was still bitterly inhuman, but it was relatively sunny.

`` wellspring, it does n't matter, because our team can fiddle in any weather ! '' Samantha Meyers announced. `` The Hufflepuffs on the former hand .... ''

`` They 're better than the Slytherins this twelvemonth, '' King James I commented.

`` True, but the Slytherins have n't totally fall behind the Cup yet. Ravenclaw only beat them by 30 tip in their match. Now, if they lose to Hufflepuff in the future compeer, they 'll be out of the running, '' Samantha explained.

After lunch, everyone made their way to the Quidditch pitch. Albus and his friends managed to get secure bottom, but none of them really knew which team to root for. The match lasted almost two hours before the Ravenclaw searcher finally caught the Snitch. Both quester spent virtually of the match hovering above the other players, neither of them managing to see the Snitch. St. James was sitting a few seating room down from Albus and Albus heard him shouting to the quester on legion occasions because he had seen the Snitch. In the end, the Ravenclaw seeker saw it hovering near the Hufflepuff end posts, caught it, and won the game.

Albus and his friends spent the remainder of the day working on their homework. Matt was able to aid Amanda land up her essay, and everyone helped him take in up on all the study he had missed the previous week.

******

`` Fifteen min left ! '' Professor Slughorn announced during double potions one borderland afternoon, a few weeks later. `` Bring a sample of your potion up to my desk for grading and clean up, please ! ``

Albus poured a bit of his boil-cure potion into a vial and took it up to Professor Slughorn while can cleaned out their cauldron.

`` Albus, m'boy ! '' Slughorn grinned at him and took his potion. He held it up to the light and shake off it. `` Near perfect, I think ! Could take in done with a few Sir Thomas More porcupine quill, but very good.

`` Now, I am planning on having another little get together this Lord's Day evening, '' Slughorn went on, as he put Albus 's potion on his desk with the others. `` I was hoping you and young lady Weasley would be able to see. ``

Albus inwardly groaned. He did not want to go to another Slug Club meeting. The cerebration of being that close to Quinton Willinson again made him shudder. `` Er, well, actually, I 've got lessons with my Aunt Hermione every William Ashley Sunday. Rose does, too. ``

`` Oh, what a shame, '' Slughorn replied, `` Maybe next fourth dimension, then ? ``

`` Er, maybe, '' Albus shifted nervously. He had no intentions of ever going to another poke Club confluence. At to the lowest degree not while Willinson was still at Hogwarts.

Albus went back to his table, got his bag, and left the elbow room with his admirer. As they walked up the stairs to the Entrance foyer, Albus told them about the poke Club meeting.

`` You 're not going, are you, Albus ? '' John questioned.

`` Definitely not, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` Plus, I 've got Occlumency that night anyway. ``

`` I 'm glad he made the meeting for a Sunday, then, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, me too. But he wo n't do it again, though. Now that he knows we have moral that night. I guess next metre I 'll just have to say I 've got too a good deal prep or something, '' Albus said.

`` Or use a Puking pastille or fever Fudge or something, '' John suggested.

`` That could work, '' Albus replied as they emerged into the entry Hall. They started to queer towards the Great mansion house when Albus noticed someone walking towards them. He grabbed the spinal column of Rose and Matt 's robe and stopped them.

`` What ? '' lustrelessness turned around and looked quizzically at Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` seed here. '' Albus lead them over to a broom closet and pulled them inside it.

`` What are we doing in here ? '' trick asked loudly.

`` Shush ! '' Albus said again and opened the doorway a crack. `` Look at that man. He 's who I saw arguing with Washburn ! ``

pink wine, trick, Matt, and Amanda each took a turn peering out the door to front at the wizard. `` Are you sure ? '' rosiness asked.

`` positive, '' Albus replied.

`` time lag, you saw him arguing with Washburn ? '' flatness asked.

`` Oh, right, you were in the Hospital flank then, '' Albus remembered. He quickly rehashed what he had overheard while doing detainment for Washburn.

`` So Washburn 's doing some kind of job for that wizard ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` And I think they 're up to something. I say we follow him. ``

`` But it 's time for supper ! '' John whined.

`` Exactly. Which means no one will be around to wonder what we 're up to, '' Albus reasoned. `` Plus, we 'll get supper after. ``

St. John sighed, `` Fine. Where do you think they went ? ``

`` Probably Washburn 's business office. ``

Rose opened the room access. `` Let 's go then. ``

Albus followed Rose out the room access and they crept up the stair towards Washburn 's place, with John, Matt, and Amanda following. The corridors were empty-bellied since everyone was in the Great Hall. They reached the charm classroom and Albus peeked inside. Washburn and the former necromancer were standing near his desk, arguing in hushed vox. Albus motioned for his ally to move closer and the five of them huddled near the give door, being heedful not to make too much noise.

`` You have n't done it yet, '' the foreign man hissed, `` Why have n't you done it ? ``

`` I 'm sorry ! '' Washburn replied, `` I have n't been able to yet ! ``

`` fountainhead, why not ? It does n't seem that difficult to me. ``

`` It 's harder than you 'd think ! I do n't know where they are ! '' Washburn answered.

`` I 've told you how to find out ! ``

`` I know and I 've been trying. I have, really ! '' Washburn moaned.

Albus looked quizzically at his Quaker. He had never seen Washburn like this before. Usually, it was Washburn who was doing the bullying, not the other way around. But this man was obviously tempestuous that Washburn had n't finished whatever he wanted him to do.

`` fountainhead, hurry up then. Try harder ! '' the strange wizard insisted.

`` I will, I will. ``

`` You know we can not carry on without them. I 'm positive I know where one of them is, but it will prove very difficult to get. Once we find out where the others are, we 'll do them first. They 're the more important I anyway. So, you must do it soon. Just come up out where they are. I 'll retrieve them. You 've obviously had difficulties with even doing the simple task of finding them, let alone retrieving them, '' the whizz growled.

`` Yes, I know. I will try harder, I will. It 's just ..., '' Washburn trailed off.

`` What ? ! '' the necromancer demanded.

Albus leaned his head closer to the threshold, but Washburn remained silent. Then Albus felt a wet object collide with his forefront. `` Argh ! '' he screamed and turned around.

`` Ickle firsties ! '' Peeves was bobbing up and down in the air, cackling madly. `` Spying on instructor ? Very naughty !

`` Peeves ! '' Rose shouted as the poltergeist heaved a urine balloon at her head. Peeves cackled and threw another water balloon at Albus.

`` What is going on out here ? ! '' Washburn appeared in the room access, his part returning to the usual fad that Albus was used to.

`` Firsties spying on your meeting, Professor, Sir ! '' Peeves saluted Washburn and flew down the hallway, laughing hysterically.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn bickering, glaring at Albus. Albus stood trembling and soaking wet, waiting for whatever was coming next. At the time, spying on Washburn seemed like a great estimation. But now that he thought about it, it was inevitable that they would be caught.

The strange wizard came sauntering out of the room with a smug spirit on his face. `` I think that concludes our discussion. I shall be speaking with you shortly. '' He walked down the corridor and disappeared around a corner.

Washburn watched him leave and once he was gone, Washburn turned back to Albus. `` Just what, do you lot, reckon you were doing ? '' he seethed.

Albus stood still, but said nil. Rose, whoremaster, lusterlessness, and Amanda remained mum as well. Washburn looked at each of them in act and returned his gaze to Albus. `` 100 points from Gryffindor. And detention, this Monday at 7 pm, all of you. I 'll have you polishing the trophy, '' he spat.

Albus nodded. 100 points, that was the most Washburn had ever taken from them before. The detention was no big passel, but the points would set Gryffindor quite a slipway back in the running for the star sign Cup.

`` Um, Professor, '' Matt whispered, `` Is there any chance we could do it this weekend, maybe, instead of Mon ? ``

Washburn turned to glare at lusterlessness, looking livid. `` NO ! I 've got other detentions scheduled for the weekend ! You 'll forgather me in the trophy Room at 7 pm on Mon, or I 'll account you to the headmaster ! '' He gave matt one Sir Thomas More piercing stare and went back into his way, slamming the room access behind him.

Albus turned and looked at his Quaker. They all had shocked saying on their faces and Matt looked quite worried. Rose 's whisker was dripping with water.

`` Told you we should have gone to supper instead, '' lav commented, as they started walking down the corridor.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` We may have gotten custody, but we did learn some useful data. ``

`` He 's got a head, '' Rose said, `` Washburn 's definitely up to something. That man wants him to find something out, receive out where something is, and then they 're going to try to slip it. ``

`` I guess, but we do n't even know what they 're trying to come up out. We ca n't really do anything about it, '' John responded.

`` And Washburn 's even more angry with us, '' flatness said dryly.

`` Yeah, but he already hates me so much that it does n't matter, '' Albus pointed out, `` By the way, why did you desire the custody switched ? That 's not the, you know, is it ? '' Albus asked, not wanting to say 'full moon'out loud, in case anyone was lurking around.

`` No, '' Matt whispered, `` But it 's two nights after the custody, so I 'll already be feeling low-down. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, remembering how tired Matt always was in the sidereal day preceding the full phase of the moon moon. `` Maybe you could talk to my dad or Professor Longbottom ? They 'd make Washburn exchange it. ``

`` I know they would, but then Word would get around to Malfoy. The last matter I need is him wondering why I can pick out when I have my detentions. You know Washburn would somehow honorable mention it in course. ``

`` Yeah, he would, '' Albus said darkly.

`` We 'll just shine your trophies for you, '' John assured him, `` Just make it look like you 're doing something and we 'll spread over for you. ``

lusterlessness smiled weakly, `` Thanks. ``

`` So, we going to go eat supper or not ? '' John turned towards the stairs.

`` You guys go ahead, '' Albus answered, `` I 've got to go exchange out of these wet robe. '' He gave Rose a meaningful glance.

`` I 've got to vary, too, '' rosebush told them and gestured to her soaking robes.

`` All right, '' John said, and started down the stairs with matt and Amanda.

Albus and rosiness set off for Gryffindor tug. Once they entered the deserted common way, Rose turned to look at Albus. `` You thought of the Hallows when you heard Washburn talking, did n't you ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Did you ? ``

Rose nodded, `` It does seem leery. ``

`` It 's got to be him. It fits. That 's why he hates me. He thought I 'd know where the Hallows are, but I do n't. ``

`` I dunno. I mean, it does fit, but still, Washburn 's a teacher. ``

`` So what ? Teachers can be Dark wizards, too. ``

`` I know, but we do n't receive any proof ! We did n't even hear him say 'Hallows', '' rosebush reasoned.

`` I know, so I do n't think we should tell my dad yet, we ca n't get him in problem, but it 's a start. And we learned more about the Hallows, '' Albus pointed out, `` They already know where one of them is, but it 's going to be punishing to get. Maybe it 's heavily guarded ? ``

`` Probably. Anyway, I think we 'll probably feature to take Dumbledore 's advice and talking to lav, Matt, and Amanda about it. We 've got to get hold out what they are. ``

`` Yeah, we should. We 'll do it soon, '' Albus assured her.

`` Albus, do you think that Washburn, or whoever is trying to get the Hallows, will be able to bring back Voldemort ? '' rosiness asked quietly.

`` I do n't think so. I mean, he 's beat, right ? So how could he issue forth back ? Plus, in my dream, the whizz said he was going to impart about Voldemort 's 'ideals'. ``

`` Well, his 'ideals'are moderately scary, '' Rose shuddered, `` And the mind of a second Voldemort 's almost as scary as the number one one. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Which is why we 've got to keep on Washburn from getting the Hallows. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Also, thanks to Moonylupin, XXEveryinchXX, and TheNobleHouseofPotter for their reviews !

I 've posted my next story, In Moonlight 's Shadow. Please check it out on my writer varlet !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Word of God spread like wildfire that a radical of first years had lost Gryffindor 100 breaker point in one Nox. Quite a few older pupil were very angry about this, especially since the going of points placed them below both Slytherin and Hufflepuff in the running game for the House Cup. After classes the next day, Albus and his friends were bombarded by a couple 5th yr, including his cousins Georgia and Gabriella, demanding to know why the points were taking away. Albus quickly explained what had happened with Washburn, and silence fell around the rough-cut elbow room. After a few minute, soul started clapping. Soon after, a duad more people joined in and eventually the entire vulgar room was cheering and slapping Albus and his Quaker on the spine. Albus stared quizzically at everyone, wondering why they were all shouting that he had lost them so many points.

`` Why 's everyone clapping ? '' Albus asked James.

James grinned, `` Because you made Washburn so angry ! Everyone hates him ! No one 's had the nerve to spy on him before. It 's brilliant, really. I 've heard people have been trying to get him to quit since he first started teaching when Victoire was a foremost year. You 've done so much hooey to him this year. kickoff you set him on fire- ''

`` That was a complete stroke ! ``

`` Does n't matter, the item is, he 's horrible to everyone, except the Slytherins. And you 're rebelling against him. Honestly, you 've got more spunk than I thought, '' James stared in awe at his brother.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled at James. Albus had felt horrible about losing so many points, but if the other Gryffindors were n't going to worry, than maybe it was n't so bad after all.

For the future few twenty-four hours, whenever Albus and his acquaintance were in the uncouth room, the early Gryffindors would ask Albus for help in planning pranks to rip on Washburn. Apparently, the other Gryffindors saw Albus 's detection as breathing in to compute out their own ways to drive the good luck charm professor crazy. Albus, however, wanted nothing to do with it. He was far too worried about the idea of Washburn and that other wizard trying to find the Hallows and use them to make out Voldemort 's plans. He spent the weekend trying to do homework, but always wound up thinking about the Hallows and trying to think of something that was heavily guarded that could be used to gain power.

By the clip Monday arrived, Albus had exhausted every possible potent object and could n't guess of anymore. Mon meant that it was sentence for their custody with Washburn. After dinner, Albus and his friend walked slowly to the trophy room. Albus was not looking forward to being in close vicinity with the person who was most likely playacting Legilimency on him.

`` Are you all right, lusterlessness ? '' Rose asked, jolting Albus out of his thinking. He turned around to see at Matt, who was lagging behind the rest period of them, even though they were all walking slow.

`` Yeah, '' Matt yawned, `` Just tired, no big tidy sum. ``

`` You should go to Madam Pomfrey. She 'll make Washburn reschedule the detention, '' Rose suggested.

`` And have Malfoy find out ? No. Plus, if I do it another clock time, I 'll hold to do it alone, '' Matt shuddered at the view of being alone with Washburn.

No one said another password the rest of the way to the trophy room. When they got there, Washburn was already there, looking murderous, and standing side by side to a large bucket of cleaning supplies.

`` It 's 7:05. You 're late, '' he growled.

`` Sorry, sir, '' lusterlessness mumbled, `` It was my geological fault. ``

`` I do n't care who 's fault it was. It just means you 'll be here later, '' Washburn barked, `` You 'll be staying until every one of these trophies is spotless. No charming, of course. ``

Washburn strode over to a magnanimous armchair that was sitting near the door, sat down in it, and started his usual glaring. Albus picked up a bottle of polish and a rag and wandered over to a trophy for the Gobstones Club. bathroom and matt started polishing trophies on either side of Albus, while blush wine and Amanda started on the other side of the elbow room. The trophy room was quite large and Albus guessed it would have them at to the lowest degree two time of day, perhaps more, to polish all the trophy and cases. They polished in silence for a half 60 minutes, moving along the bulwark of trophy as they went on. Albus was polishing a virtuoso 's chess game title trophy from 1922 when he felt a crisp Phytolacca americana in his English. He turned to his right and saw Saint John, who had stopped polishing his prize. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John silently pointed to Albus 's other side of meat and Albus turned to take care. matt was standing with his promontory slumped up against the trophy case. He was fast benumbed. Albus glanced nervously back at toilet. Albus did n't need to have sex what Washburn would do to Matt if he discovered that he was n't awake.

`` Matt, '' Albus prodded his friend gently, `` arouse up. ``

flatness groaned a small and lifted his head off the spyglass. Albus glanced nervously at Washburn. Luckily he was currently pointing out a spot of dirt that Rose had missed on a Quidditch prize. Albus poked matt again, a little harder this time.

`` Ouch ! '' mat winced and opened his eyes. He glanced around with a befuddled look on his face.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered. `` You fell asleep. preserve polishing. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Matt picked up his rag that had fallen on the floor when he drifted off and went back to polishing.

The three son continued polishing in silence for the next hour. Occasionally, either Albus or john would hold to wake lusterlessness up. Matt was not getting a whole lot of polishing done, but since he was working right next to Albus and John, Washburn did n't look to notice.

`` Albus, '' John whispered a while later.

`` What ? '' Albus looked over at lavatory. John pointed at the trophy he was polishing. Albus looked at it and saw that it was a brass of everyone who received an award for special military service to the school.

John the Evangelist pointed at two names on it, Harry ceramist and Ron Weasley. `` What did they do ? '' he whispered.

`` Saved my mum from Voldemort and a basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, '' Albus whispered back. `` And discovered that it was Voldemort attacking students in the first base place. He possessed my mum through a diary he wrote when he was 16. ``

John stared wide-eyed at Albus. `` Whoa. I think I remember my parents telling me about that. They were n't in Hogwarts yet when that happened. ``

`` Quiet back there, '' Washburn growled.

lusterlessness jerked awake at the sound of Washburn 's spokesperson. `` Wha 's going on ? '' he said a little too loudly.

`` Oh, awake up, Eckerton ! It 's only 9 pm ! '' Washburn shouted, `` The Sooner you finish, the Oklahoman you can go to bed. ``

`` Sorry, sir, '' flatness replied and went back to polishing a trophy.

As Albus continued polishing, he thought about the award his dad had gotten all those years ago. He had been a hero every yr he had been in school. He still was a Cuban sandwich. 'Will I ever do anything like that ?'Albus thought. 'Will I ever live up to what people think I will do ? Everyone thinks I 'll do groovy things just because my dad did, but what if I ca n't ?'Albus doubted that he would ever get an award for extra services to the school.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted, causing Albus to come out of his intellection. `` Why ca n't you stay wake ? ! Get up ! ``

Albus looked over at Matt. He was slumped yet again on one of the glass video display suit, looking very pale. He opened his eyes and started slowly dragging his rag along the trash with his oculus drooping.

`` Why do n't you lay off him already ? '' whoremonger shouted disgustedly. `` You know perfectly well why he 's run down. ``

Washburn got up from his chairman and started towards John. Albus glanced nervously from one to the other. Rose and Amanda both stopped polishing and were paying close attending. matt had fallen asleep on the glass again. `` What did you say ? '' Washburn spat once he was within two infantry of John.

John stared at him, not breaking eye contact lens. `` I said, why do n't you leave him alone ? You knew he 'd be tired today and you still made him do detention ! Just let him sleep and we 'll finish the cleaning. We 're almost done anyway. ``

Washburn 's face turned a ghost of purple that Albus had only seen on his granduncle Vernon. He stepped closer to John, but John did n't appear away. `` 50 to a greater extent degree from Gryffindor for talking back. And another detainment, I think. Tomorrow night. wrinkle. My office. But just you. Sleeping smasher will be even worse tomorrow and as lots as I 'd get it on to hold to a greater extent detention to ceramist, Weasley, and tagging program, they have n't done anything. This was all you. Go on, get out of here ! '' He shouted stormed out of the room.

Albus stared in shock as he left. He glanced around at John Lackland, who was still glaring at the room access, his face as red with anger as rose wine 's whisker. `` C'mon, let 's go, '' he said quietly as he prodded Matt awake.

`` Huh ? '' matte mumbled.

`` detainment 's over, '' Albus told him as he walked towards the door.

`` Oh, ok, '' flatness yawned and followed the residue of them out of the door.

`` He 's kept us past curfew, '' Rose commented as they made their way through the corridors.

`` pattern, '' can grunted.

`` That was superb, by the way, '' Albus said.

`` What was brilliant ? '' Matt asked.

`` John flipped out on Washburn while you were asleep, '' Albus told him.

`` What did you do ? '' lusterlessness asked John in an astonished voice. `` Why do I always miss the good stuff ? ``

John was still too angry to say much, so Albus explained. `` He told Washburn off for yelling at you. It was after Washburn woke you up that sec time. And you had just fallen asleep again. John started yelling at him about how he should n't make shouted at you when he knew why you were tired and how he should n't have assigned you detention for today. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` Are you mad ? What did he do to you ? ``

`` Detention tomorrow night. And fifty points lost, '' John replied.

`` You are mad, '' matt said quietly, `` You did n't take to do that. I do n't want you getting in trouble for me. ``

`` Yes, I did, '' John said, `` It 's not fair what he did. He should have made the detention over the weekend, like you suggested. He 's deliberately trying to run you down. It 's just not evenhandedly. ``

`` Yeah, well, life history 's not clean. I found that out six years ago, '' Matt said bluntly.

`` Yeah, but it does n't have in mind it 's okay for citizenry to treat you like dung, '' John replied softly.

******

By the time John trudged back into the plebeian room after his detention the future night, almost of the residue of the Gryffindors had gone to bed. There were a few fifth yr huddled up at one mesa, studying for their O.W.L.s, and Victoire and Amy were up talking quietly while studying for their N.E.W.T.s. Albus and his friends had managed to get the in effect armchairs near the ardour once the 4th old age occupying them had gone to bed. Rose was reading a book while Albus and Amanda played gobstones. matte was sound asleep in his chair.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Albus asked as John collapsed in one of the chairs.

`` It was crashing miserable, '' can groaned, `` He stared at me the whole meter. Had me write'I will esteem my elders and not talk back'about 300 times. ``

`` Yeah, that 's what he does. I 've gotten used to it, but it drove me mad during the offset few custody, '' Albus told him.

`` He 's an iniquity git, '' John growled.

`` I know, '' Albus agreed.

`` fountainhead, I do n't want to talk about him anymore. I just spent two 60 minutes with him. Anyway, what have you been up to ? '' John asked.

`` Not a good deal. We finished all our homework a while ago. We 've just been sitting around waiting for you, '' Albus said.

`` When did he come asleep ? '' John jerked his promontory towards Matt.

`` About an minute ago, '' Amanda answered.

can sighed, `` You know, it 's almost like he expects everyone to be unmannered to him. ``

`` I 'm pretty sure enough he does, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, it 's probably because most people have, '' Rose commented, `` I mean, nearly people are n't exactly decent to, well, people like him. ''

`` I know, but he should n't just accept it. I 'm going to stick up for him, '' John said.

`` We will, too, '' Rose agreed, `` But he 's just not used to it. ``

`` I guess, but I 'm not going to let anyone treat him badly. Especially not mortal like Washburn, '' John replied.

`` Me neither, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda replied.

`` We should probably go to bed, '' Albus said after glancing at his watch, `` We 've got Astronomy tomorrow. ``

Amanda groaned, `` Oh, yeah. Should be a paltry night. ``

`` Yours wo n't be as low-down as his will be, '' John pointed to Matt.

******

The future day went by fast for Albus. Charms was thoroughly miserable for Albus and all his Friend. john had made it onto the list of people Washburn clearly disliked more than the others. Now, the only one of Albus 's acquaintance who was n't, was Amanda. However, Washburn did dislike her more than the other Gryffindors, just because she was friends with Albus. Washburn spent the unit class lecture and shouting at matte whenever he fell asleep. Albus could evidence that toilet was trying heavy to carry himself whenever this happened. It did n't serve that Malfoy spent the unanimous class with a smug spirit on his font, clearly enjoying that Washburn was shouting at Matt every five minutes.

`` immorality git. We ought to swipe a few emesis pastilles in his pumpkin juice, '' John muttered under his breath after Washburn woke mat up for the quarter time.

`` What did you say, Brickston ? '' Washburn shouted.

`` cipher, sir, '' John answered.

`` Did n't sound like nothing, '' Washburn growled, `` Ten points from Gryffindor. ``

Matt wound up skipping Potions because he could n't face a indorse course with Malfoy that day. Malfoy interrogated Albus again as to where lusterlessness was, and Albus told him that Matt had left after luncheon to visit his pallid gran.

After dinner, Albus and his friends decided to see if matt was in the Room of Requirement. He never showed up at dinner. When they arrived in the room, Amy was already there, trying to arouse mat up.

`` Hey, Amy, '' Albus said quietly.

Amy turned around, `` Oh, hi, Albus. ``

`` Are you going to the hospital Wing now ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll see you guys tomorrow, I guess, '' flatness yawned as Amy helped him out of the bed.

`` All rightfulness, '' Albus replied.

`` Bye, '' trick, rosebush, and Amanda said quietly.

`` Bye, '' Matt winced as he followed his sister out of the room.

Albus and his friends spent the ease of the evening in the way, working on their prep. After a few hours, in which Albus managed to get the modish Potions preparation done, it was clip for Astronomy.

Professor polo announced that they would be finishing their marchland champion charts that dark. Albus, St. John the Apostle, blush wine, and Amanda set up their telescopes and got to work.

`` This is the first full moon on a Midweek, is n't it ? '' Albus whispered to Rose after a few minutes.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Rose said, `` I 'm just glad we do n't induce this with the Slytherins.

`` Where 's your friend, mat ? '' Jackie Pierce, the Hufflepuff on Albus 's other face asked.

`` He 's visiting his sick grandma, '' Albus said automatically.

`` Oh, I hope she 's better soon, '' Jackie replied.

Albus focused his telescope and marked down a few star. He moved his scope and pointed it towards the lunation. He sighed as he thought about how something as beautiful as the moon could control someone 's life as much as it controlled Matt's.

Albus managed to complete his star chart just as the class was ending. whoremonger and rosebush were able to finish theirs as well.

`` I hope he does n't hire off a whole lot of breaker point for not getting all the stars, '' Amanda sighed as they climbed into the portrait hole.

`` If you only forgot a twosome, I do n't recollect you 'll loose that many points, '' Rose assured her.

Albus sat down in one of the armchairs in front of the empty fireplace. `` Are any of you tired ? ``

bathroom sat down next to Albus, `` No, not really. ``

rose and Amanda shook their heads and sat down. `` Let 's stay up. We can go see Matt in the morning, '' Rose suggested.

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed. The Quaker spent much of the night playing numerous games of chess, Exploding walkover, and Gobstones. Eventually, the sun started to lift and morning came.

`` Should we go, then ? '' whoremaster asked once they finished their game of Exploding Snap.

`` Yeah, it 's probably a good time, '' Rose said. `` But maybe you should go get the map, Albus. I do n't fancy running into Filch. ``

Albus agreed and ran up to James 's dormitory. Saint James and the residue of the second twelvemonth boys were all sound asleep. Albus ran to James 's trunk and rummaged around in it until he found the predator 's Map. He left a fast banker's bill to James telling him that he took the map, quickly left the room, and went back to the common room.

Albus spread the map out on the storey and tapped it with his wand, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no honest. ``

`` Blimey, that is brilliant !, '' John grinned as the writing appeared on the map. Albus had told his Friend about the map before, but he had never showed it to them.

`` Wow ! '' Amanda stared in awe at the map. `` That is awing. ``

`` Let 's see, '' Albus scanned the map, `` Filch is still in his office. ``

`` What about Washburn ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Hmm, '' Albus looked back at the map.

`` There he is ! '' rosebush pointed at the map, `` He 's in his office staff, too. ``

`` Good, '' whoremonger said in a relieve voice, `` Oh, and there 's Madam Pomfrey. She 's walking through the incoming Hall. ``

`` Let 's go, then, '' Albus stood up, `` Mischief Managed. '' He stuffed the map into his gown pocket and left the elbow room, with rosebush, bathroom, and Amanda following.

When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, it was completely deserted. Albus and his acquaintance settled themselves on the bed next to the one Matt usually stayed in. The door opened a few arcminute later, but it was n't brothel keeper Pomfrey who came through. It was Amy, followed by Victoire.

`` What are you doing here ? '' Amy asked when she saw Albus and the others.

`` We had astronomy last dark and were n't tired, so we just stayed up and figured we 'd arrive see lustrelessness, '' Albus told her.

`` Oh, all right, '' Amy replied. She walked over to the bed where Albus and his champion were sitting and Victoire followed. `` I told her, '' Amy said to Albus, `` about lusterlessness. ``

`` I still ca n't believe you keep this from me all these days, '' Victoire said.

`` You 're not mad, are you ? '' Amy asked quietly.

`` No, of path not, '' Victoire assured her and sat down succeeding to Rose on the bed. `` It just must own been so hard to keep that a mysterious. ``

Amy sat down next to Victoire, `` It was. But I did n't really have a choice. My parents proscribe me from telling anyone. ``

`` well, I 'm glad you told me now. Your parents are n't going to be mad, are they ? ``

`` No, I asked them a couple weeks ago and they said it would be all right if I told you, '' Amy answered.

`` Good, '' Victoire said and turned to Albus, `` How long have you guys known ? ``

`` Since January. wellspring, rosebush put the clues together in November, but we did n't know for sure until Jan. But we did n't talk to mat about it until death month, '' Albus responded.

The group sat in silence for a few moment, before Victoire asked, `` When 's he coming back ? ``

`` Should be any time, '' Amy stood up and glanced at the door. `` But just to let you poke fun know, he 's not going to be in any figure to talk to you. ``

`` We know, we just want to be here for him, '' John replied.

`` I honestly do n't even know if he 's going to require you here. He never likes anyone seeing him right after a transformation. ``

`` We do n't care what he looks like, '' Saint John the Apostle said adamantly.

`` I know you do n't, but I think he 's still afraid you 're going to vacate him. He 's never had such supportive acquaintance before. The few champion he had went running in the other centering once they found out, '' Amy explained.

`` Gits, '' can muttered under his breath.

The door to the Hospital Wing opened and Albus looked up. ma'am Pomfrey came bustling through while using her wand to float a coping stone through the door. Matt was laying upon it, covered in a thick putting green blanket. Amy immediately rushed over to them. `` How is he ? '' she asked anxiously.

`` Not that bad, actually, '' Madam Pomfrey replied, `` A few broken clappers and a comely bit of cuts and bruises, but not as bad as preceding month. ``

`` Oh, beneficial, '' Amy replied.

Madam Pomfrey directed the stretcher towards the bed next to the one Albus and his friends were sitting on. `` What are you lot doing here ? '' she asked briskly once she noticed them.

`` We, er, just wanted to see if Matt was okay, '' Albus answered nervously. He suddenly was n't sure as shooting if they should have gone to the hospital Wing after all.

`` He knows you know, then ? '' gentlewoman Pomfrey asked.

`` Yeah, and he explained everything last month, '' Albus told her.

`` And you know, too ? '' Madam Pomfrey gestured to Victoire.

`` Yes, I do, '' Victoire answered.

Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` honest. It 's about fourth dimension he had some patriotic friends. Now, I 've got to heal him up a bit and then if he 's awake, you can see him. '' She pulled the curtain closed behind her and Amy. A bit later, she came out, went to her office, and came back with numerous potions and bandages. Albus watched as she went back through the curtain and listened to the various healing spells she was performing.

Victoire, Albus, and his friends all sat on the bed, no one saying a countersign. Albus was still a bit apprehensive about Matt 's reaction to them being there. He had n't thought about it before, but now he realized that Amy was right and flatness probably did n't want them to see him like this. He glanced at his friends, who were also looking a bit skittish. They did n't have long to dwell on it, though, because a little while later, Madam Pomfrey and Amy appeared from behind the curtains.

`` He 's awake, '' Madam Pomfrey told them, `` You can see him for a few second, but not very long. He needs residuum. ``

Albus glanced at his acquaintance and they stood up. He walked through the curtain, with Rose, John Lackland, and Amanda following. matt was laying on the bed, looking thoroughly measly. His face was covered in cuts and there was a magnanimous bruise on his go out cheek. Both of his arms were heavily bandaged and he looked very tired.

`` What are you cat doing here ? '' he asked hoarsely when he saw Albus and the others.

`` We wanted to get see you. Are you all right ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt answered bluntly.

`` I hope you do n't mind that we came, '' Rose said softly.

`` It 's all right, '' matte sighed, `` I just thought you would n't accept wanted to. ``

`` 'Course we do, '' Saint John said, `` You 're our friend. ``

lustrelessness grinned tiredly at them. `` Oh, did you assure Victoire ? '' he asked Amy, who had just come back through the curtains with Victoire.

`` Yeah, I told her this morning, '' Amy replied.

`` And it does n't bother me in the least, '' Victoire assured him. matt yawned and smiled at her.

Madam Pomfrey came back with another steaming potion in a goblet. `` prison term for you lot to go, '' she told them, `` He needs to sleep. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said, `` Bye, Matt. Bob Hope you feel better. ``

`` We 'll come see you tonight, '' Rose told him.

`` Ok, have fun in social class, '' Matt yawned. John and Amanda waved as the group left. Amy and Victoire followed behind them, whispering to each other.

Albus walked to the Great mansion house for breakfast with his ally. He was feeling quite tired after staying up the whole night. Albus was glad that Matt did n't seem to bear in mind them coming to see him so soon after the full moonlight, but he could tell that Matt still was n't completely comfortable with them knowing his enigma. Albus figured that after a couple calendar week or so matt would gradually slow down about it. Now, all Albus had to do was determine when to tell his supporter about the Hallows. He had been putting it off, but decided to take Dumbledore 's advice and see if they knew anything about them. It was the only clue he had, and if he was going to hold back Washburn from getting the Hallows, he he had to use it.
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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Mamaykay for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or any of The story of Beedle the Bard.

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Albus did not let a prospect to ask King John, Matt, and Amanda about the Hallows until after the Easter holiday. lustrelessness spent the quietus of the week in the Hospital Wing, and Albus did n't want to talk about the Hallows there. He preferred to do it in private. The Easter holiday began the day after Matt left the hospital Wing. Neither Albus nor his friends stayed at the castling over the holiday. Albus quite enjoyed the break and spent much of it playing Quidditch with James. rose wine and her family came to appease for a few days, but Albus did n't see the respite of his extended family. Albus, Rose, and William James did spend a bit of time sneaking around Grimmauld lieu, looking for hint that would lead them to finding out what the Hallows were, but they did n't find anything useful.

By the time Albus was back at Hogwarts, the snow had melted and it was relatively warm. April was upon them, which meant that the end of full term exams were only two month away. The teachers made surely to cue them of this during every division. Albus had not thought it possible, but they were being assigned even more prep than before. Of course, no one was feeling the pressure Sir Thomas More than the fifth and seventh years, who were preparing for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. All of them could be seen studying in the vernacular room and library until belatedly at night. A few of them were already cracking under the force per unit area. Albus was glad that his O.W.L.s were still four years away, but he was not looking forward to them. Even Victoire was becoming spooky about the exam and had started threatening younger students with custody if they were too meretricious in the common room. Usually Victoire was very level headed and not much bothered her, but she was afraid she would n't let enough N.E.W.T.s to get her into the healer program.

`` I am not looking forward to my O.W.L.s, '' John sighed as he watched as a twenty percent twelvemonth nodded off while reading her notes.

`` Me neither, '' matte agreed.

`` You 'll be fine if you study, '' Rose assured them.

`` That 's the part I 'm not looking forward to, '' John laughed, `` I 'm having enough trouble studying for this yr 's exams. ``

`` Have you finished your Herbology ? '' Albus asked John.

`` I 'm working on it now, '' John told him.

`` I have n't even started it, '' Amanda commented. matt was helping her refinement this hebdomad 's uranology assignment.

`` well, it 's not due until day after tomorrow, '' Albus told them.

`` Good thing ! '' trick shouted and threw down his quill, `` I need a falling out from all this ! ``

`` Shush ! '' Victoire came storming over to their mesa. She looked very banal. `` This is study meter ! ``

`` Sorry, Victoire, '' John said, `` I 'm just sick of studying. ``

`` Just wait until seventh year ... '' Victoire muttered as she went back to the table she was sharing with Amy.

`` Want to go to the Room ? '' Albus whispered.

`` Yeah, let 's go, '' Matt replied and got up. Albus, Rose, Amanda, and John the Divine all picked up their books and followed Matt out of the commons room. They walked to the Room and lustrelessness paced three times in front of it. The door appeared and they all walked inside. The room looked just as it did when Matt told them about the night he was bit.

Albus walked inside and sat down on one of the chairs. His friends followed and they all resumed their studying, except for John, who was wandering around the Room.

`` I 've got to tell apart you make fun something, '' Albus said quietly after a few hour. Everyone looked up from their Quran and John came over to the fire and sat down on the couch next to Matt.

`` Are you going to distinguish us where you disappear to with Rose and your pal ? '' St. John asked.

`` Er, yeah, you noticed that ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Yes, we all did, '' Amanda told him.

`` Well, I 'm going to enjoin you why, '' Albus said. `` I guess first I 've got to tell you that this past summer, I thought my dad had told me everything about the defeat of Voldemort. ``

`` You mean, he did n't ? '' lavatory asked.

`` No, I do n't conceive he did, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Over Noel, Rose, St. James the Apostle, and I, and a couple of our cousins, overheard mine and Rose 's parents whispering about something in the kitchen. They were talking about whether or not to differentiate us something, something they 've been hiding from us. I do n't recognize what it was. I just heard them say one Good Book, 'Hallows'. St. James the Apostle, Rose, and I researched in the library to try and determine out what 'Hallows'were. But we did n't line up anything. The only affair we had to go on was the fact that I heard the parole 'Hallows'in those Legilimency dreams I have. Someone wants to notice the Hallows and slip them, whatever they are.

`` pink wine came up with the idea that I should spill to Dumbledore 's portrait about it. We figured that the Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's ruin because they seem to be something just our parents know about. Since Dumbledore told my dad about the Horcruxes, we figured he 'd bed something about the Hallows. So, rosebush came up with the whole idea to set off a firework in Washburn 's class in order to get me into the schoolmaster 's office so I could talk to Dumbledore. ``

`` waiting, you did that on purpose ? '' John Lackland asked in awe.

`` Yeah, we did, '' pink wine grinned.

`` That 's, that 's bright, but dolt ! '' lav laughed.

`` We know, '' Albus said grimly, `` It could have gone a great deal worse. Anyway, Dumbledore did know about the Hallows, but he would n't differentiate us about them. He said it was something my dad had to recite me. But he did dedicate me a clue. He told me to ask you about them, '' Albus said.

`` He thinks we 'd know what they are ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, yeah, that 's what he said. He said to specifically ask John and Matt about them, '' Albus replied.

`` He got that right, I 've never heard of Hallows before, '' Amanda responded.

`` You have n't heard of them, give you ? '' Albus turned to John and Matt.

lavatory and Matt looked at each other and then glanced at Albus. `` well, I 've never heard of them, '' John said.

`` I have, my dad told me about them once, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` You know what they are ? '' Albus asked in shock. He looked at Rose. She looked as clueless as Albus did.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Matt repeated, `` Have n't you two ever heard The narrative of Beedle the Bard ? ``

`` Of class, '' Albus nodded.

`` The what ? '' Amanda looked quizzically at Matt.

`` The Tales of Beedle the Bard, '' he repeated, `` A book of Wizard fairy tales. The Warlock 's Hairy meat, Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump, The whizz and the Hopping Pot, The fountain of fair Fortune- ''

`` My parents read me those when I was slight. Mum 's actually got the master transcript ! '' Rose interrupted excitedly.

`` DOE she really ? '' lusterlessness stared at her in awe.

`` Yeah, Dumbledore left it to her in his will, '' Rose told him. `` But what do a bunch of pouf tales have to do with 'Hallows'? ``

`` You did n't let me finish. There 's one more. The fib of the Three Brothers, '' Matt told them. `` And that has everything to do with the Hallows. ``

Albus and Rose glanced at each early. Like Rose, Albus had been read those poove tales when he was little, and he remembered The narrative of the trinity buddy. He remembered his Aunt Hermione reading it to him from the original copy. He had n't been able to read a word of it, since it was written in runic letter, but he definitely remembered the story.

`` But I do n't remember anything about any Hallows in that story, '' Rose commented.

`` You would n't, '' Matt told her, `` The story does n't mention the word Hallows, but the story itself is about the Hallows. ``

`` That does n't make sense, '' St. John the Apostle announced.

`` Could someone explain this story, please ? '' Amanda asked with a feeling of muddiness on her face.

`` Sure, '' matt leaned back on the lounge and gazed around the room. `` This would be well-heeled if I had the book. I have n't heard it in old age. '' flatness got up from the sofa and walked over to a book shelf that was behind Albus 's chair. `` Perfect ! Here 's one, '' matte picked a book up off the shelf, walked back over to the couch and sat down.

`` 'There were once three brothers who were traveling along a lonely, winding route at twilight, '' Matt began. He read the hale story straight through. It was just as Albus remembered, with no citation of the word Hallows.

`` 'And then he greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, as match, they departed this lifetime .''' Matt looked up at Amanda and closed the book. `` That 's the story. ``

Amanda stared at him, `` That 's quite a bit dissimilar than Muggle fairy story. Although I 'm still confused. ``

`` So am I. What 's that got anything to do with 'Hallows'? '' Albus asked.

`` Everything, '' Matt sighed, `` Just let me explain it. The Hallows, or the Deathly Hallows as they 're really known as, are the invisibility Cloak, the resurrection gem, and the elder Wand. Some people believe that the story William Tell of the creation of the Deathly Hallows, but most people think it 's just a narrative.

`` My dad told me about it ages ago. He 's one of the few people who think they actually exist. When he was younger, before he got married, he actually tried to find them. Looked in slews of volume all over the worldly concern, trying to trace where they might be. My Uncle old salt went with them, too. They kept searching even after my parents got married. Mum went with them. He gave up his hunt after he and Mum wanted to start a family. They never did find out anything about the Hallows that would tell him where they were. Uncle Jack kept looking for years afterwards, but eventually settled in New York. He still thinks they 're out there, someplace, and has n't truly given up. ``

`` You mean, those three object actually exist ? '' Rose asked skeptically.

`` I dunno, '' Matt replied, `` My dad seems to think so. And he 's met a few other mass who think so. ``

`` But if they do n't exist, why would my dad want to prevent me from knowing about them ? '' Albus asked quietly. Albus was not sure what to cerebrate about what Matt had said about the Hallows. It was a far-fetched musical theme, but there was one thing Albus knew might shew their world. His father 's invisibleness Cloak. Albus had not really connected The Tale of the Three Brothers to his dad 's Cloak, but now that he thought about it, the connection made sense.

`` Oh, come on, Albus, you ca n't honestly be thinking that they exist ? '' rosiness said exasperatingly.

`` We already know one of them exists ! '' Albus told her, `` What about Dad 's invisibleness Cloak ? ``

`` Your dad 's got an invisibleness Cloak ? '' Matt asked. `` Really ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus told him.

`` But that does n't have in mind it 's the one from the report, '' John said, `` I mean, there are incumbrance of invisibility Cloaks out there. One of my uncles used to have one. But it wore out and he never got another. ``

`` Exactly !, '' Albus said excitedly, `` My dad 's Cloak is different from all other Invisibility Cloaks. It does n't wear upon out ! I know most invisibility Cloaks just have a magic spell or something put on them and it wears off eventually. That must have been the variety your uncle had, John. But my granddad had that cloak before my dad did, and my dad still has it. It still works as practiced now as it ever has. ``

`` Whoa, '' Matt stared at Albus with a glint of excitement in his eyes, `` Then that could be the Cloak from the account ! ``

`` But what about the other Hallows ? '' Rose asked. `` I do n't believe they exist. ``

`` They might, '' John said, `` I know I 've heard of crack wand being passed from maven to wizard 100 ago. ``

`` Ok, '' Rose began, `` Say there is a 'super wand'out there, and Uncle Harry 's cloak is 'The invisibleness Cloak'. But how on earth would a 'Resurrection Stone'oeuvre ? ``

Albus could n't answer that, but he did think that the Deathly Hallows existed. Why else would his dad have kept all this secret ? The Deathly Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's downfall, and Albus was going to find out what. `` Well, if these three aim are the 'Hallows'that I heard mentioned in my dream, than person is trying to detect them, '' Albus realized.

`` That ca n't be upright, '' John said, `` Whoever 's been doing that Legilimency wants to extend what Voldemort was doing, right ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed, `` Do you know if anything special happens if you 've got all three Hallows ? ``

`` Dad said that if one person unites all three, they will be the Master of decease, '' Matt answered.

`` Master of Death ? '' Albus repeated, `` Well, I can imagine that Voldemort would have loved to have them, then. Especially that baton. ``

`` That 's a shuddery persuasion, '' John said, `` Voldemort with an unbeatable verge. ``

Albus silently agreed. `` Anyone iniquity with that verge would be scary. recall that clock time we spied on Washburn ? ``

Matt shuddered, `` How could I not ? That resulted in one of the risky detentions ever. ``

`` I know, and I 'm no-count about that, '' Albus said quietly. He still felt a bit guilty about causing all his friends to end up in custody with Washburn. `` But that strange wizard was yelling at Washburn because he had n't found out where something was. ``

`` And we did n't even try what it was he had to obtain, '' flatness interrupted.

`` But I think I know what it is. I think that Washburn is trying to bump out where the Hallows are, '' Albus told them.

`` What ? ! '' St. John shouted, `` I know he 's ugly, but you think he is trying to unite the Hallows and continue what Voldemort wanted to do ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` I told him it was ridiculous, '' Rose sighed, `` But he still thinks it 's Washburn. ``

`` It makes mother wit, Rose ! '' Albus shouted.

`` It does fit, but still, he 's a instructor, '' Rose replied.

`` So what ? He makes it absolved that he hates me and James, and you, and Matt. He 's been giving Matt a hard time since the kickoff of the year ! And now he hates John, too. ``

`` I know, but maybe he just does n't the like Gryffindors. He was a Slytherin, you know, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, I know that. But what if he hates us because he was on Voldemort 's side ? '' Albus suggested.

`` But do you really call back he 'd do this right field under your dad 's olfactory organ, Albus ? I mean, come on ! Your dad 's heading Auror ! '' Saint John the Apostle argued.

Albus shrugged. He really had n't thought of that. `` Dunno. Maybe he 's just unintelligent ? Or maybe that bloke he was arguing with is threatening him or something and he has n't got a choice ? ``

`` wellspring, I suppose it could be that, but still ... '' whoremaster replied.

`` Ok, so what if it is Washburn ? '' Matt said, `` What do we do about it ? ``

`` I dunno. I do n't think we have plenty validation to assure anyone, '' Albus answered. `` We 've just got to hope that he does n't find out where the Hallows are. I only know where the Invisibility Cloak is, Dad 's got it in his business office somewhere, and Washburn probably already knows where that is, if he 's the one doing the Legilimency. ``

`` All right, '' mat replied, `` But this is mad, I never thought I 'd actually find out the Hallows existed, let alone get laid where they are ! Do you intend you could present me the Cloak sometime ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus told him, `` But please do n't secernate your dad about this. Not yet. I know he 'd want to know, but I think you ought to hold back until after my dad tells me their import in the war. ``

`` All right, '' Matt sighed, `` I wo n't tell him yet. ``

`` Swear you wo n't ? ``

`` I swear, '' flatness said, `` I 'll keep it enigma. I 've got years of experience keeping things secret. Do n't worry. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other sister and my buddy. Thanks as well to XXEveryinchXX, Moonylupin, inkheart, and leezdz for their reviews !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Over the next few calendar week, Albus thought a lot about the Hallows. He found it severely to concentrate on his homework, and rosiness would often call on the carpet him for not spending enough time studying. He continued having his strange dreams almost every nighttime, but he did n't think that Washburn had found out anything new about the Hallows. Washburn continued to yell at Albus during every Charms class and have him at least a detention a calendar week. With detainment, homework, and Occlumency lessons, Albus had hardly any time for anything else. life at Hogwarts was just as disorderly as ever. Albus did negociate to notice prison term to tell Henry James about what lusterlessness had told him about the Hallows, but James did n't suffer any ideas as to where the other Hallows could be either. He did accord with Albus that it was highly potential that Washburn was the one trying to unite them.

Before Albus knew it, examination were upon them. The Night before they began was very strain. Almost all the Gryffindors were either in the commons way, studying, or in the depository library doing the Lapplander. Albus and his Quaker were studying at a hold over next to the one Victoire and Amy were at. Both the 7th twelvemonth miss were extremely nervous, and Victoire insisted on absolute quiet in the usual way. Albus did not take care this, because he needed to study anyway. Their first exam was Charms, and Albus was particularly neural about this exam.

`` I 'm not sure as shooting I 've passed, '' Albus groaned as he walked out of the elbow room with Rose, St. John the Apostle, lusterlessness, and Amanda after the good luck charm exam.

`` I 'm sure enough I 've failed, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Washburn was breathing down my neck during one-half of it. ``

`` I hate when instructor do that, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

`` well, I think I passed, but- '' Rose started.

`` Of course you passed, '' John interrupted, `` You 've been preparing for exams since September. ``

Albus thought the ease of the examination went fairly well. He thought he at least kick the bucket Potions. Herbology and dada went extremely well, and Albus thought he got becoming marks in Astronomy, Transfiguration, and History of Magic. However, even though exam were over, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were still going on, and Victoire was still mandating a quiet coarse way in the evening. The Nox of their last exam, Albus and his friends decided to just go to the Room of necessary and celebrate.

`` What a relief ! '' Gospel According to John shouted as he flopped down onto the couch, `` No more exams until following year ! ``

`` Yep, a work free summertime ! '' Matt grinned as he pulled a drinking chocolate toad out of his pocket.

`` You 've got homework, you know, '' rose wine laughed.

`` I know, but I 'll make unnecessary it for the last second, '' Matt replied, `` So, anyone got program for the summertime ? ``

`` I 'm going to Hibernia with my family, '' Amanda told them, `` For two week. I ca n't await ! ``

`` Are you going on an plane ? '' Saint John asked, excitedly.

Amanda laughed, `` Yeah. ``

`` superb ! '' can shouted, `` Maybe I can convert my parents to take us on an airplane. ``

`` It 's not that great, '' Matt commented. `` Are you doing anything ? ``

`` Erm, not sure. We usually visit all my cousin, '' John said.

`` Well, you 've all got to come stop at my theater, '' Albus told them. `` rosebush and I always have a big birthday party at the Burrow. ``

`` My birthday 's at the end of August and Albus 's is the end of this calendar month, '' Rose said. `` So we always have a party together. But usually it 's just our family. And our parents'admirer and their kids. ``

`` 'Course I 'll derive ! '' John smiled, `` I want to see your house and the tunnel. ``

`` My parents should let me come. We 're not going to Hibernia until the middle of August, '' Amanda answered, `` As long as they meet your parents first. ``

`` They can meet at business leader 's Cross, '' Rose replied.

`` Can you come, flatness ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I dunno, '' matte said slowly, `` My parents have never let me abide over at somebody 's family before. Not that anyone would has ever wanted me to abide over at their house before. Do you be intimate when it will be ? ``

Albus looked at Rose, who shrugged. `` I 'm not sure. I do n't cerebrate our parents have planned it yet. But we 'll make sure it 's not around the broad moon. ``

`` Then I might be able to go, '' matte smiled.

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` We 'll give loads of fun ! We can play Quidditch. ``

`` I ca n't believe this year is almost over, '' pink wine began.

`` Yeah, I mean, a yr ago, I did n't even do it I was a beldam, '' Amanda laughed, `` Going to be unknown to go back dwelling. ``

`` And stopping point year, I never even knew about the Hallows, and now Washburn 's trying to steal them, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Well, at to the lowest degree over the summer you wo n't be anywhere near Washburn, '' blush wine said, `` And maybe Uncle Harry will tell us the solid report. ``

`` And then you can tell it to us ! '' John the Evangelist replied. `` And to stay on matter, this time terminal year, I was about the Saame as I am now. '' Everyone laughed.

`` Well, this time endure year, I did n't have any friends, '' matt said quietly.

`` But you do now, '' John pointed out.

matt grinned, `` Yeah, I do. Never thought I would, though. It 's been a great year. ``

`` I have n't showed you the piranha 's Map, have I ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` No, I do n't retrieve so, '' Matt answered.

`` It 's magnificent, '' john grinned, `` Saw it a mate months ago. ``

`` Yeah, you were in the infirmary annexe, '' Albus remembered, `` But I 've got it now. '' Albus pulled the Map out of his robe pocket.

`` You have n't given it back to St. James the Apostle yet ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't really want to throw it back. Maybe we 'll just share it. '' Albus got up from his chairman and set the Map down on the table.

`` Looks just like a fixture bit of lambskin, '' Matt commented.

`` That 's what 's so bang-up about it ! '' Albus grinned, `` Anyway, this is the map that my grandpa, Peter Pettigrew, Sothis Black, and of course, shift 's dad made, when they were at Hogwarts. ``

`` Yeah, I remember you telling me that, '' Matt replied.

`` Here it is, '' Albus tapped his scepter on the parchment and said, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no dear. ``

Ink spread across the map while Matt stared in awe at it. `` That 's brilliant ! '' He stared at the map and all the labeled dots milling around it. His eyes stopped on the Whomping willow tree. `` This shows the passageway to the screeching shanty ? '' he asked nervously.

`` Sure does, '' Albus said, `` It shows all the passage out of the school. But do n't interest, hardly anyone knows about the Map. Just us, James, my parents, Rose 's parents, my Uncle George, and probably some of my cousins. But none of them, except my parents and blush wine 's parents, get laid how to get in the tunnel. ``

`` Do you have a go at it how to get into the tunnel ? '' matt asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus answered. Harry had told him all about the passage, but had n't told him how to get into them. Harry had told Albus that he did n't need to smash all the fun of discovering things for himself.

`` Good, '' lusterlessness breathed a sigh of relief and went back to inspecting the map. `` Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, '' he murmured. `` Are those, their nicknames ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus confirmed, `` Moony was- ''

`` shimmy 's dad, I figured that one out, '' matt said, `` But what about the others ? ``

`` Wormtail was Pettigrew, he was a rat in more ways than one, '' Albus said grimly, `` And Padfoot was Sirius, because he was a big shaggy dog. And Prongs was my grandfather because he was a stag. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt said softly, `` This is pose. ``

`` See ? '' Albus began, `` Moony had awe-inspiring ally, well most of them were, '' Albus said, thinking of Pettigrew. `` And they did n't dessert him. We wo n't dessert you. ``

`` Yeah, you 're our Moony, '' John agreed.

Matt smiled at them, `` Thanks, guys. I know you wo n't, now. ``

The group quietly watched the map for a few hour, noting that all the one-fifth and seventh years were still cooped up in the depository library, studying for their exam. `` Who 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a dot that was lingering near the forest.

Rose leaned in closer and read, `` Jarett Willinson. Never heard of him. ``

`` Willinson. Do you think he 's related to Quinton Willinson ? '' Albus asked.

`` Probably, '' John the Evangelist said, `` But Quinton does n't take in any sib at school. ``

`` What 's that bloke doing here, then ? '' Albus wondered.

`` face ! '' flatness pointed at a dot that was traveling from the castle towards Jarret Willinson. `` It 's Washburn ! ``

Albus looked at the dot, and sure enough, it was Washburn. He was heading towards Jarett Willinson. `` What are they doing ? ``

`` I dunno, '' matte answered.

`` What if they 're going to try and see the Hallows ? '' Albus asked. `` We should go see what they 're up to. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` Last fourth dimension we went to see what Washburn was up to, we wound up in detainment. ``

`` But what if he is trying to steal the Hallows ? If he is, then we wo n't get in trouble from him. He 'll get fired, '' Albus pointed out.

matt sighed, `` I guess. Let 's go before they leave. ``

`` Are you coming, rose ? '' Albus asked.

`` I suppose, '' Rose said. She looked at Amanda and the two of them stood up.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' whoremonger grinned. He was clearly excited about spying on Washburn again.

Albus and his friends left the room and set off towards the front end room access. They saw hardly anyone on their way down the stairs. Peeves was lurking on the second storey corridor, but luckily he did n't notice the low gear geezerhood sneaking off.

`` Are they still there ? '' Rose whispered as they walked onto the grounds.

Albus checked the map. `` Yeah, they 're there. They must be talking or something. ``

`` You ought to wipe it uncontaminating before we meet up with them, '' rosiness suggested.

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed, `` balefulness managed. ``

Albus walked slowly towards the edge of the forest, where he could just piddle out two mantled form. The sun was setting and it was nearly obscure. Once Albus was a couple feet away from the two wizards, he recognized who Jarret Willinson was, and stopped abruptly.

`` Ouch ! '' Amanda shouted as she ran into Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, and he pulled his friends behind a tree.

`` What is it ? '' Rose asked.

`` That wizard ! Jarett Willinson ! He 's the bloke that was arguing with Washburn when we spied on him ! And the time I had hold and they argued in Washburn 's bailiwick. I 'm sure of it. ``

`` That means- '' Rose replied.

`` That they 're going after the Hallows. Remember, when we spied on them, that Jarett Willinson told Washburn that he would come and they would steal the Hallows together, '' Albus said.

`` We 've got to bar them, '' John Lackland replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Let 's go. '' Albus walked out from behind the Tree, with his ally following. They slowly approached Washburn and Jarett Willinson. They were soon close enough to take heed what the two wizards were saying.

`` You 've discovered the locating of one of the Hallows ? '' Jarett asked.

`` I believe so. Potter finally cracked. I 'd heard that his Occlumency skills were abysmal, but I did n't imagine it would take me this retentive. The two tyke do n't know a affair about the Hallows, '' Washburn stated.

Jarett laughed, `` They will soon. Which one did you disclose ? ``

`` The Resurrection Stone, '' Washburn said.

`` Perfect. And where is it ? ``

`` In here, '' Washburn pointed to the forest. `` But I do n't love where. ``

`` How are we supposed to encounter it ? ! '' Jarett shouted angrily.

`` Do n't ask me ! '' Washburn shouted back.

`` It was your job to incur out where it is, '' Jarett said icily and took a stride closer to Washburn. `` And you have n't found the accurate office. ``

`` Sorry, but ceramicist did n't bang either, '' Washburn answered nervously. `` Should n't we just initiate searching ? ``

`` We will, but I 've told Quinton he could come in with us, and he 's not here yet, '' Jarett answered. `` And we 've got another job to do tonight, anyway. ``

`` And what is that ? '' Washburn asked.

`` Kill thrower, '' Jarett said.

Albus let out a gasp. They were going to shoot down his dad ? But why ? Albus turned around and looked at his friends. They were all standing stock still and wearing looks of utter fear on their faces.

`` I do n't intend we 're alone anymore, '' Washburn informed Jarett and a grin appeared across his face.

Albus turned back around to confront the two whizz and backed up. Jarett and Washburn turned towards Albus and started walking towards him and his Quaker.

`` I believe you are right field, '' Jarett responded, `` Mr. ceramicist, how courteous of you to link up us. ``

`` What are we going to do with them ? '' Washburn asked while glaring at the five fist years.

`` Oh, I do n't know, what do you call up ? '' Jarett replied.

`` Well, potter seems incapable of doing the childlike charms. The Weasley fille is a right know-it-all. Eckerton is numb half the clip, so I doubt he 's adequate to of doing often magic. Brickston does n't recognise when to hold open his mouth shut. And the other girlfriend does n't seem too bright either, '' Washburn said, `` I say we just let them pay heed around and if they interfere, I 'll take care of them. '' He stared Albus in the eye, with a facial expression of complete loathing.

`` Very well, '' Jarett agreed, `` You know them better than I do. Now, let 's get back to business. ``

`` Right. Now, why do we have to kill Potter ? Is n't he the one who knows where all the Hallows are ? '' Washburn asked.

`` I know that ! '' Jarett shouted, `` But he 's the one who 's got the Elder scepter ! And if we want it, we 've got to down him. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Washburn responded.

Albus watched the two wizard and glanced nervously at his friends. He had no idea what he was going to do next. Albus had been right, Washburn and this other wizard were after the Hallows. Albus heard footsteps behind him and turned around, pulling out his scepter at the same time.

`` Quinton, '' Jarett said, `` You 're late. ``

`` Sorry, Father, '' Quinton mumbled, `` Filch was lurking around. I had to await for him to leave. ``

Jarett Willinson was Quinton 's dad. As Albus watched them, he only hoped that Jarett was as hopeless at dueling as his son was.

`` Put your wand away, Potter ! '' Washburn growled at Albus.

`` Leave it out, Al, '' a interpreter said from behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw his dad pulling off the invisibility Cloak. Albus let out a suspiration of substitute. His dad was there, everything would be okay.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks to my other sister and my brother, too. And thanks to inkheart, TheNobleHouseofPotter, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` Nice of you to join us, Potter, '' Jarett stepped towards Harry. `` How did you find us ? ``

Harry drew his verge and stared at Jarett. `` Followed your son. educatee are n't supposed to be out of their plebeian rooms after hr. ``

`` I do n't imagine it matters what he does now, '' Jarett replied icily. `` Once we have the Hallows, we will have exponent you know nothing of. ``

`` So it 's you, '' Harry said, `` You 've been after the Hallows. And you 've been doing the Legilimency, Washburn ? ``

`` Yes, I have, '' Washburn confirmed. `` Only your sons do n't sleep with anything about the Hallows, so it proved pointless. You, however, provided us with a great deal of information. ``

`` No, I have n't told them about the Hallows yet. But I suppose I 'll have to after tonight, '' Harry said.

`` I do n't think you 'll have the probability, Potter, '' Jarett growled.

`` You 've found out where the Hallows are, then ? '' Harry asked.

Washburn nodded, `` The Resurrection Edward Durell Stone is in the forest. I managed to break through your miserable Occlumency. The invisibleness Cloak is in your manus. And you 've got the Elder scepter, we already knew that. ``

Harry held up his wand, `` I 'm afraid I do n't. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jarett shouted and looked at Harry 's wand, `` But you had it ! That 's how you defeated Voldemort ! ``

`` Maybe so, '' Harry began, `` But I have n't got it now, have I ? ``

`` You 've got it somewhere ! '' Jarett growled. `` enough lecture ! Give me the Cloak ! ``

`` Do n't guess so, '' Harry shoved the Cloak into his scoop and raised his verge high-pitched. `` We 'll duel if you want, but if you come with me now, you 'll have less sentence in Azkaban. ``

`` I do n't care about Azkaban ! '' Jarett shouted. `` Crucio ! ``

`` Protego ! '' Harry shouted at the Lapplander time. A cuticle formed in figurehead of Harry, protecting him, Albus, and Albus 's champion from Jarett 's spell.

Washburn and Quinton ran from behind Jarett, holding their wands out. Harry stepped towards Jarett and Jarett stepped closer to Harry. Albus watched them, his gist beating fast. Jarett sent Sir Thomas More spells towards Harry, but Harry blocked each of them. Albus smiled a little as he saw how much in effect at dueling his dad was than Jarett.

Jets of light flew out of both Harry and Jarett 's scepter, lighting up the Nox around them. Harry sent a spell towards Jarett and he flew back and landed on the soil. Jarett stumbled back to his metrical unit and sent a daze charm at Harry.

`` Just tell me where the wand is ! '' Jarett shouted as he dodged Harry 's curse.

`` No ! '' Harry shouted back and leaped out of the way of another beauty. The two wizards continued dueling, each one sending spells and whammy towards the former. Albus stared at them. He had never seen dueling like this before. Neither wizard seemed to be slowing down. Harry was noticeably faster and dodged go more easily than Jarett, but Jarett did n't seem to be giving up anytime soon.

`` What do we do ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

Albus turned away from the duel. `` I dunno ! '' Albus heard stride behind him again and turned to see Quinton standing with his wand facing Albus.

`` So, we duel again, Potter, '' Quinton smirked. `` impedimenta ! ``

Albus dodged the magic spell easily, but did n't know what to do next. He had n't learned many dueling magical spell yet. He held his wand up higher and watched Quinton.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted. Albus jumped to the side and dodged the new spell.

`` Ahh ! '' mortal screamed behind Albus. He turned around and saw toilet, Rose, and matte standing around Amanda, who was laying rigid on the ground. The patch meant for Albus had hit Amanda square in the chest.

Quinton laughed. `` One down, four to go ! ``

`` Watch out ! '' Albus shouted to his friend. They held up their sceptre and stood next to Albus.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted again. Albus and his friends darted to one side of meat and Quinton 's spell hit a nearby bush.

Albus regained his balance and turned to Quinton. He raised his scepter and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Quinton dodged the spell and smirked at Albus, `` Think that 'll work again ? Petrificus Totalus ! ``

Albus and his friends dodged the piece yet again. `` Do n't you know any other tour ? '' toilet laughed.

`` Shut it ! '' Quinton shouted, breathing heavily.

Albus whispered to Rose, `` We 'll all disarm him at once. On the count of three. Tell them. '' Albus waited until rose had passed the Book on to John and lusterlessness and began to count. `` One ... ''

`` What are you doing ? '' Quinton asked nervously.

`` Two ... Three ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' All four first years screamed the spell before Quinton realized what was going on. He was knocked off his base and his wand flew out of his hand and sailed through the air, landing near flatness. Matt picked it up and stowed it in his robe.

`` Urgh, '' Quinton picked his head up off the ground.

`` Let me take it from here, '' Washburn stormed over to where Quinton was laying. `` silly ... ''

Albus 's spunk started beating even faster. He had never seen Washburn affaire d'honneur before. It would surely be a whole lot tough to disarm him than it was to disarm Quinton. Albus had no desire whatsoever to set forth dueling with one of his teachers.

`` So you four, well five, if you count Tagger, '' Washburn began, `` Decided to chance out what I was doing. thinking that it was a safe idea to meddle in my business ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Do n't deny it, Potter ! '' Washburn shouted. `` You came here tonight ! You spied on me months ago ! ``

`` If you 're going to kill my dad, than it is my business enterprise ! '' Albus shouted.

`` You could see it that way, if you 'd like. But if it 's your business, and you get in the way, we 'll kill you, too, '' Washburn growled at Albus.

Albus 's stomach churned with fear and he looked over to where Harry was dueling Jarett. Harry had just sent a go at Jarett that had completely knocked him off his feet. Harry looked over to Albus while Jarett was trying to get up. `` Do n't do anything to my son, Washburn ! '' Harry shouted. `` Protego ! '' He sent a shield magical spell in between where Albus and Washburn were standing. `` You 'll repent it ! ``

`` I do n't think I will, Potter ! '' Washburn shouted back, aimed his scepter at Harry, and sent a still scourge towards him. Harry easily dodged it.

`` Crucio ! '' Jarett had regained his symmetry and was pointing his wand at Harry. Harry turned back and ran out of the way of the unforgivable curse just in clock time. He returned to his duel with Jarett, sending more special K of brightness at him.

`` Are you dying feeder ? '' John asked once Washburn returned his gaze to the grouping of first gear years.

Washburn smirked at Gospel According to John. `` You still have n't learned to keep out your mouth, have you ? No, we 're not destruction feeder. Although Jarett 's begetter was. He 's in Azkaban now. Albus 's bloody father captured him ! ``

`` So, what are you going to do ? If you were planning on killing us, you would 've done it by now, '' John replied.

Washburn stepped closer to Saint John the Apostle, `` Maybe I like to drag it out. But enough of that. Potter ! '' He looked at Albus and pointed his wand at Albus 's pectus. `` I do n't suppose you know if your father has any plain wands laying around ? One that might be the elder baton ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus whispered, `` I do n't think so. ``

`` 'Course not, '' Washburn growled, `` And you probably would n't severalise me if you did. ``

`` Do n't consider so, '' Albus said.

`` Now, I think you four would be a whole lot easier to share with if you did n't receive your wands, '' Washburn seethed. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he pointed his sceptre at Matt. Harry 's shield charm had worn off and disappeared mo before.

Albus looked over to where lusterlessness was. Matt collapsed to the ground when the spell hit his bureau, and his wand and Willinson 's baton flew through the air, landing next to Washburn. Albus darted over to where lustrelessness was laying to see if he was ok.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted at Washburn after he realized that Matt was knocked out inhuman. `` What did you do to him ? ! ``

Washburn deflected the go and picked up the two wands. `` I just disarmed him, that usually does n't criticize you out unless there are multiple citizenry casting it. Always knew he was weak, '' Washburn sneered.

`` Shut it ! '' privy shouted as he bent down to try and wake Matt up, `` Why do n't you ever leave him alone ? ! ``

`` Ahh, looks like you 'll be next, '' Washburn pointed his wand at John, `` Expelliarmus ! '' John 's wand sailed out of his hand and Washburn caught it. `` Now for the Weasley miss. Expelliarmus ! '' pink wine 's wand left her script and landed in between Washburn and Albus.

Albus ran forward to cull up Rose 's sceptre. `` I do n't think so, ceramicist, '' Washburn reached the verge first and picked it up. `` You 're next. Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand depart his hand and saw Washburn catch it. He glanced nervously at his booster. They were n't doing too well. No wands, and two of them were unconscious. Albus looked at Washburn, who had started pacing in a forget me drug around them.

`` Defenseless pupil, '' he smirked, `` I think you 'll be much more willing to do what I say now. Time to go into the woodland, we 're going on a little scavenger hunt. ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` We 're not. ``

`` You 're not in a position to talk terms, Potter. You 'll help me come up the Resurrection Harlan Fisk Stone, '' Washburn barked, `` Now, follow me ! '' Washburn started to walk towards the timber, but Albus did not comply. `` Let 's go, ceramist ! ``

`` We 're not going, '' Rose said, crossing her arms across her chest.

`` You 'll repent that, '' Washburn said icily. He walked back to where Albus, rose wine, and John were standing. `` Crucio ! '' he shouted at Rose.

Rose screamed and jumped to the slope, just missing the curse. Washburn started sending scourge towards all three of them. Albus jumped behind a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to nullify a jinx that wound up hitting the tree. He looked over to where Harry and Jarett were dueling. As far as Albus could tell, Harry was winning. Jarett appeared to be slowing down, but Albus noticed that his dad was limping a bit as he dodged Jarett 's spells.

`` What are we going to do ? '' rosiness asked anxiously.

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted back. He peeked his psyche out from behind the tree and saw trick running towards them. Washburn pointed his wand at lav 's back and hit him with a Trip hex. John fell forward and he landed on the ground with a sickening crunch. `` John ! '' Albus shouted and ran out from behind the tree.

`` Just you and the Weasley fille now, Potter, '' Washburn growled. `` Sectumsempra ! '' he shouted at Rose.

`` No ! '' Albus shouted as the scourge hit one of her implements of war. She sank down onto the solid ground, screaming in pain. Albus could see line of descent seeping out of her robes. `` end it ! '' Albus shouted again. Albus glanced over to his dad again. Both of the wizard were slowing down. Willinson was definitely the uncollectible off, he was leaning against a tree, trying to arrest up his sceptre with a get around arm. `` Dad ! aid ! ``

Harry turned away from his affaire d'honneur and came limping over when he heard Albus 's vociferation. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he shouted at Washburn, and all five wands the Charms instructor was holding sailed out of his hands. Washburn turned away from Rose and looked at Harry. `` Do n't go near my niece, '' Harry growled at Washburn.

`` Let 's go, '' Washburn lifted Quinton onto his foot, `` You all right ? ``

`` fine, '' Quinton grunted. The two of them took one flavor at Harry and ran off into the night. Albus saw them disapparate just as they left the Hogwarts grounds.

Albus glanced over to where Jarett had been second before. He was gone. `` Are n't you going to go after them, Dad ? ``

`` Ca n't, '' Harry lifted his robe and revealed a smutty cut on his leg, `` Took all my strength to get over here and save you. '' Harry sank down onto the priming coat, breathing heavily. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm fine, '' Albus sat down next to his dad and leaned up against him. `` But I want to have a go at it the whole story about the Hallows. ``

`` I know, and I will tell you, '' Harry sighed, `` After we get back to the castle. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus whispered. He looked over to where Rose had collapsed and saw her getting up. She walked slowly over to Albus and Harry and sank down on Harry 's former side.

`` Uncle Harry ? Can we go back to the castle now ? '' she asked quietly. Her interpreter was shaking. She was holding one of her hands down over her arm, stopping the bleeding that Washburn 's torment had caused.

`` I think that would be a salutary approximation, '' Harry replied.

`` Harry ? '' a new voice said from behind them. `` What happened ? ``

Albus, Harry, and rosebush turned around. Neville was standing behind them. `` Bit of a nasty affaire d'honneur, '' Harry answered, and went on to explain the entire evening.

Neville shook his head, `` Blimey, Washburn 's always been a lilliputian cold-blooded, but I 'd never have expected that. What was he after ? ``

`` I 'll explain that later, '' Harry said, while trying to stand up, `` But right now we 've got to get back to the castle. ``

`` right field, '' Neville agreed, `` hold me your handwriting. '' Harry extended his arm and Neville helped him up. Albus and Rose got up after him.

Harry leaned on Neville and Neville helped him walk over to where privy was laying. Neville conjured a coping stone and with a movie of his wand, John was laying upon it. He did the same with Matt and Amanda. `` What happened to them ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` bathroom got hit by a trip jinx and hit his pass on a rock, Amanda got a full-body-bind execration, and matte just got hit by Expelliarmus, '' Albus explained.

`` That 's aught gentlewoman Pomfrey ca n't fix, then, '' Harry replied. `` Let 's go. ``

The group slowly made their way back to the castle. It took them quite a while. Albus was fine, except for a few cuts and being completely worn out. The bleeding on blush wine 's arm seemed to have slowed down, but it would involve to be magically healed or else it would surely open up again. Harry was walking quite slowly, and Albus could tell by the way he winced every time they went up the stairs, that he was in a heavy deal of pain. Eventually, they made it up to the infirmary wing. When they got into the ward, Madam Pomfrey was already bustling around, and when she saw them come in, she immediately descended upon them.

`` There you are, Harry ! '' the nanny shouted, `` I 've been trying to contact you all evening. James got into a nasty duel with a couple Slytherins and he 's been unconscious ever since. '' She gestured to one of the seam at the far end of the room and looked back at Harry. She gazed upon the group and her mouth fell open air. `` What in the name of Merlin happened to you lot ? ''

`` Quinton Willinson 's father, Jarett Willinson, tried to shoot down me, '' Harry said simply. `` Had quite the duel with him down near the forest. Him, along with Quinton, plus prof Washburn. ``

madam Pomfrey 's eye became large with shock. `` professor Washburn ? And where are they now ? '' she asked quietly.

`` They took off, disapparated once they left the grounds, '' Harry told her, `` I could n't catch them with this nasty cut on my leg. ``

`` Well, come on, then, '' the nursemaid said, `` Harry, you go in bed one, since it 's stuffy. Albus, bed two, and rose wine, bed three. '' Madam Pomfrey gestured to the beds and then approached the stretcher that Neville was holding up with his scepter. `` And let 's see, Neville, take them to beds four, five, and seven, since James is in bed six. ``

Neville nodded and directed the copestone to the abandon beds. Albus walked over to the 2nd bed and lay down. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about what had happened. Washburn thought Harry had the senior wand, but Harry did n't. Where was it ? Who had it ? And why did Washburn guess that Harry had it ? At to the lowest degree Harry said that he would differentiate Albus everything. It was only a matter of time before Albus knew the whole story about the Hallows.

Madam Pomfrey came bustling over to Albus 's bed. `` Here, booze this, '' she handed him a potion. `` Dreamless eternal sleep. '' Madam Pomfrey turned away from Albus and strode across the room to one of her console. She rummaged around inside. `` All the Potters in the infirmary backstage at once, it was bound to happen sooner or later ... '' she muttered.

Albus gratefully took the potion, and a few second later, he fell into a restful sleep.

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A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight and my other sister and brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, inkheart, Moonylupin, and MiZzPrInCeZz for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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When Albus awoke the sun was shining into the window next to his bed. He sat up and peered at the clock on the wall. It was two o'clock. Albus looked over at Rose 's bed ; she was still asleep.

lady Pomfrey came out from behind the curtain around one of the bed. She walked over to Albus once she noticed he was awake. `` How are you, dear ? ``

`` I 'm fine, '' Albus told her, while trying to peek at the other beds, to see how everyone else was.

`` Are you sure ? '' ma'am Pomfrey asked, `` zilch hurts ? ``

`` No, I 'm finely, '' Albus answered truthfully, `` But what about everyone else ? Where 's my dad ? ``

`` They 're all mulct, too, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey assured him, `` They 're gone. And your dad left a few hour ago. He had to shoot care of some matter at the Ministry. He said he 'd be back later. Now, do you need something to eat ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, suddenly realizing how hungry he was. Madam Pomfrey left the room for a few proceedings and came back with a tray filled with sandwiches and autumn pumpkin succus. She set it down on Albus 's bedside table and Albus started eating. blush wine and King James I woke up a few mo later, and they joined Albus in his lunch. James immediately asked them what had happened last dark. Albus and Rose explained the unit thing.

`` Blimey, '' James said quietly, once they had finished, `` I always knew Washburn was evil. ``

`` Explains why he hates us so practically, '' Albus replied, `` We knew nothing about the Hallows, and he thought he 'd be able-bodied to find out where they were by reading our mind. ``

`` dead reckoning so, '' Epistle of James agreed. `` So, Dad said he 'd tell us about the Hallows ? ``

`` Yeah, he did, '' Albus told him, `` I guess he will when he gets back from the Ministry. ``

bathroom, lustrelessness, and Amanda woke up an hour later, and Albus and Rose told them the ease of what had happened the previous night. They were all happy that Washburn, Jarett, and Quinton had n't gotten any of the Hallows, but were worried that they had gotten away. They spent much of the afternoon discussing what would befall next.

Albus was certain that, somehow, the ease of the schooltime already knew what had happened the night before. They had no idea what Washburn, Quinton, and Jarett were after, but they knew about the duel that had taken seat on the grounds. madam Pomfrey spent a lot of fourth dimension keeping curious students out of the infirmary Wing, and eventually she locked the door. Victoire and Amy were the for the first time ones to confab Albus and the others in the Hospital extension, followed by the residue of Albus 's cousins. They all wanted to know what went on, and Albus told them most of the storey. He left out the part about the Hallows, since none of Albus 's cousins knew about them. Amanda, John the Evangelist, and matte 's parents showed up for a few hours each and were all relieved that their kids were ok.

Once evening arrived, Madam Pomfrey made all of Albus 's cousin-german and Amy leave, and she gave Albus and the others a large phonograph record of food for their dinner. After they finished eating, Albus heard someone trying to get into the room.

`` Bloody the pits, I think she locked it ! '' a interpreter shouted out.

`` Oh, Ron, honestly. Just roast, '' a female voice said. Albus heard a gimcrack knock, and Madam Pomfrey came running out of her part. She flung the door open and Ron and Hermione came running in. `` Rose ! '' Hermione shouted and descended upon her daughter. She wrapped rosiness in a big hug. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yes, Mum, '' rosebush hugged Hermione back. Ron sat down on the bed and wrapped his arms around pink wine as well.

`` Where 's Harry ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` I thought he was coming with you ? ``

`` He was behind us, '' Ron glanced at the door.

`` I 'm here, '' Harry appeared in the doorway and limped over to Albus 's bed. He sank down on it and gave Albus a hug.

`` I told you not to walk on that leg yet, '' madam Pomfrey scolded.

`` Did n't give much of a choice. I had to alert the Ministry. I 've got Aurors looking for Washburn and both Willinsons right wing now, '' Harry explained.

`` Good, '' dame Pomfrey handed Harry a goblet of potion, `` Drink that. ''

Harry took the potion and downed it in one mouthful. `` Disgusting. ``

`` Dad ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` Are you going to tell us about the Hallows now ? ``

Harry sighed, `` I suppose. ``

`` You 've got to let John, Matt, and Amanda listen to, '' Albus insisted.

`` I know, they 've got to experience what happened, too, '' Harry agreed, `` We just need some spot individual. ``

`` How about the Room of requisite ? '' Albus suggested.

`` You 've found that already ? '' Harry grinned.

`` Well, Matt showed it to us, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, '' Harry replied, `` Well, that would be the staring home. '' Harry stood up. `` Poppy, I 've got a bit of explaining to do to the kids. ``

`` Ca n't you do it here ? '' dame Pomfrey asked, `` It really would be best for them all to stay here a piece longer. ``

`` I promise we 'll all come back once I 'm done, '' Harry said.

`` Really, Harry, they need rest ! '' Madam Pomfrey insisted.

`` I owe them an explanation, Poppy, '' Harry said quietly.

`` Oh, fine ! '' Madam Pomfrey threw her paw up in disgust, `` But do n't throw them out too long. ``

Harry grinned. Albus got up out of the bed. James, blush wine, John, matt, and Amanda all got up as well. They followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the door.

`` I 'm getting too old for this, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered as they left.

`` You 're not leaving, are you ? '' Matt asked nervously.

brothel keeper Pomfrey smiled, `` Of course not, dearest. Do n't you worry. ``

The group made their way slowly to the seventh flooring. Once they reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, Harry started pacing. After a few moments, a threshold appeared where it had n't been previously. Harry opened it and everyone followed him inside. The elbow room looked a lot like it did when Matt asked for it. The only noticeable difference was that this prison term there were Thomas More armchairs and another couch.

Harry sat down on one of the couches. Albus and James sat on either side of him. Ron, Hermione, and Rose took the other couch, while john, lustrelessness, and Amanda took the chairs.

`` Dad, '' Albus began, `` We already know about the Hallows. ``

`` You do ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, yeah, we know about the connection to the narration of the Three Brothers, and we know that the Deathly Hallows are the Elder scepter, Resurrection Stone, and the invisibility Cloak. We just do n't know why you 've kept it a occult. ``

Harry sighed, `` How long have you known ? ``

`` A few month now. Since April. matt told us about them. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry looked at Matt, `` You knew about them ? ``

`` Yeah, my dad told me, '' mat answered, `` But I was n't sure if I believed they existed or not, until Albus told me about the Cloak. ``

`` Not many people think they 're real, '' Harry replied, `` I first heard the narrative of the trinity pal when I was 17. It was the year that Ron, Hermione, and I were hunting Horcruxes. When Dumbledore was killed, he left each of us something in his will. You already know that he left Hermione the original copy of The story of Beedle the Bard, written completely in ancient rune. Ron got the Deluminator, and I got the first stool pigeon I ever caught.

`` Hermione decoded the runes and noticed a symbol in a drafting that went with the taradiddle of the ternion comrade. '' Harry pulled a piece of parchment and a quill out of his pocket. He drew a triangle, with a circle inside it, and a line connecting the top of the triangle to the arse. `` This was the symbol. We recognized it because at Bill and Fleur 's wedding, Xenophilius Lovegood was wearing it on his gown. Viktor Krum approached him about it because this symbolization is also Grindelwald 's symbol. ``

`` Grindelwald, that evil wizard Dumbledore defeated ? '' Matt asked.

`` Yes, '' Harry continued, `` But at one point, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were friends- ''

`` What ? ! '' matte shouted.

`` They were, '' Harry said. Albus already knew this piece of the story, but it must have had relevancy to the Hallows, if Harry was telling it again. `` They were friends, who were obsessed with uniting the Hallows. That symbol is the symbolic representation of the Hallows. The trigon is the Cloak, the circle, the Lucy Stone, and the occupation, the senior Wand. Grindelwald and Dumbledore 's friendship fell apart after Dumbledore 's sister was killed. Eventually, Dumbledore had to face up Grindelwald and defeat him. Grindelwald had the senior scepter, and when Dumbledore defeated him, the baton changed its allegiance, and Dumbledore became the new skipper. ``

`` Dumbledore had the elderberry bush Wand ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, he did, '' Harry said, `` Now, after Hermione decoded the story, we went to see Xenophilius Lovegood, and he explained the Hallows to us. We were skeptical, but we knew that the Cloak existed. You may ingest already guessed this, but Voldemort found out about the elder Wand and he wanted to get it, because he believed it would enable him to kill me. That is why he wanted person to kill Dumbledore. However, before Snape killed Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy disarmed him. The wand changed commitment once again. You see, the elder verge does n't change fealty when a whizz kills the wizard it belongs to. That wizard just needs to be defeated. frustration does n't always equalise death. Since Snape killed Dumbledore, Voldemort assumed that the baton had shifted its loyalty to Snape, but in actuality, it belonged to Draco.

`` When we got captured and taken to the Malfoy manor, I disarmed genus Draco. I defeated him. Even though he did not accept the elderberry bush Wand in his possession at the clock time, it was still his wand. But when I disarmed him, it became mine. The Elder Wand had been buried with Dumbledore, but Voldemort stole it. Voldemort assumed that the wand had allegiance to Snape, so Voldemort used his snake to belt down Snape.

`` After Snape died, I viewed his memories in the Pensieve, and found out that I was a Horcrux and I would have to die in order for Voldemort to die. As I was walking into the forest, I tried once again to open the stool pigeon that had failed to open earlier in the year. It opened, and inside was the Resurrection of Christ gemstone. In the timber, Voldemort tried once again to drink down me, but he only succeeded in killing the Horcrux inside me. When I came back, Voldemort and I had one final duel. He had the elderberry bush baton, but it 's allegiance belonged to me. He tried to defeat me with a verge that was mine. A wand will not work properly against its rightful owner. So, when we dueled, Voldemort 's killing curse bounced off my disarming spell, and hit him. ``

Albus stared at his dad, `` But what about the fact that Voldemort used your blood line to come back to life-time ? Is n't that why you survived ? ``

`` That 's office of it, Al, '' Harry told him.

Albus did n't know what to say. He finally had the answers he had been looking for. This was why no one else knew about them. The Hallows did have to do with Voldemort 's ruination, a big part.

`` Where 's the Elder Wand now ? '' James asked, `` Do you have it ? ``

`` No, '' Harry answered, `` That verge is too much difficulty. It 's back with Dumbledore. And if I die a natural end, it will possess no fealty. ``

`` Oh, '' Saint James replied, `` Would 've been cool, though, having an unbeatable wand. ``

`` And the Stone ? '' Albus asked, `` Is it really somewhere in the woods ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry answered, `` And I have no melodic theme where. The exclusively Hallow I 've got is the invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you did link them, the Hallows ? '' Albus asked.

`` For a footling while, yes, '' Harry said. `` I was the Master of demise. ``

`` That 's what Washburn and the Willinsons wanted to do, right ? ''

`` Yes, that was their plan, '' Harry answered. `` But they did not succeed. ``

`` Do you think they 'll try again ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` Yes, Albus, they probably will, '' Harry replied, `` But I 'm hoping that they will be in Azkaban soon. There are Aurors looking for them right now. ``

`` I hope they 're caught, '' Albus said.

`` Me, too, '' Harry agreed, `` I 'll do everything I can to make certain that they are. ``

Albus sat quietly, thinking about everything his dad had said. Harry had united the Hallows, he had been the 'Master of Death'. Albus was relieved that he finally knew the solid report, but he still had Sir Thomas More questions. Had his dad ever used the Resurrection rock ? How did it wind up in the forest ? But Albus decided to ask the question that had been pulling at him since he first heard 'Hallows'note calendar month ago. `` Dad, why did n't you tell us ? ``

Harry sighed, `` It was a misapprehension not telling you sooner. I want you to be intimate that. I should possess told you last summer, when I told you everything else. But at the same metre, I did n't desire you to severalise anyone about it. I wanted to wait until you were elder and more mature. ``

`` So you did n't commit me ? '' Albus asked. He hated it when people told him he was n't old enough to do something, or know about something.

`` Not exactly. I did n't want you to be tempted to say the great unwashed about the Hallows. If password got out that there is an unbeatable sceptre out there, especially one that is on the Hogwarts grounds, the result could be bad. Look at what Washburn and the two Willinsons did. And they are just three hoi polloi. Imagine if half the schooltime was going after that wand ? I 'm not saying everyone would want to use the sceptre for evilness, but if a lot of citizenry were going after it we could have a disaster on our hands. The idea of power, whether one is going to use it for good or evil, does crazy things to the great unwashed. And that is why I did n't say you. I did n't need a lot of people to have it away about it. But that did n't work at all. Now, more hoi polloi than just you and James and Rose know about it.

`` Which brings me to my next point, '' Harry said in a more grave spirit, `` None of you can tell anyone anything I have told you tonight. You ca n't tell anyone that the Hallows exist, and that they are all currently residing somewhere in or around Hogwarts. A lot of people know about my Cloak, but without knowledge of the Christ's Resurrection Stone or the Elder Wand, they wo n't remember anything of it. ``

`` I ca n't even tell our cousin ? '' James asked.

`` No, I 'm meritless, but you ca n't, '' Harry replied

`` I wo n't say, '' Albus assured Harry. Rose, John, and Amanda all nodded.

`` regard I could tell my dad, '' Matt said, `` He 'd sleep together to hear about it. ``

`` Is he interested in the Hallows ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah, he was. He went all over the public researching them when he was untried. Never found out where they were. Gave up after he and my mum decided to pop a class, though. He still believes they exist, '' mat replied.

`` Maybe I 'll state him, someday, '' Harry answered, `` But for now, please do n't recite him. ``

`` All right, '' mat agreed.

`` Well, then, I think we ought to get back to the infirmary annex, '' Harry stood up, `` madam Pomfrey will have my capitulum if I keep you up much later. ``

******

Madam Pomfrey let Albus and the others leave the infirmary flank two days later. Albus was quite happy about this, as he was getting bored with the Hospital Wing. Albus and his friends spent much of the Day following talking or playing biz in the common room or on the primer coat. Shortly after they were released, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s finished, and the common room returned to its usual noisy state. A few students asked Albus and his friends about what had happened with Washburn and the Willinsons, but Albus did n't tell them anything. The student'attention was soon work towards the Quidditch final. Just as Albus and Harry had predicted a few calendar month prior, it would be Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw.

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A/N : Thanks to my sis and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, smirkyhaha, and harshabc for their revue !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You 're going to be mulct, James, '' Albus assured his crony at breakfast a few mornings later. James was sitting across from him, but was n't eating anything. With the exception of Saint James the Apostle, everyone else at the Gryffindor table was in high hard drink. Exams were over, and it was the lowest Quidditch lucifer of the year. The only one besides James who was n't eating anything was Matt, and considering that the full moon was that dark, it was n't surprising.

`` Jesse James, you 've got to eat something, '' Samantha Meyers had appeared behind Henry James and was pouring him a chalk of pumpkin juice, `` At least drink this. '' James River nodded and took the chalice, but he only drank a few sips. He glanced nervously at Albus, and then looked up at the stave table.

Albus turned and looked as well. Harry was n't there. The past few mean solar day, Harry had been away from Hogwarts more than he had been there. He had been spending a lot of time at the Ministry, organizing the hunting for Washburn and both Willinsons. `` He 'll be there, James. He said he would. You know he would n't miss the mates for the world. ``

`` Ok, team, let 's go ! '' Samantha stood up and beckoned her team to follow her. James followed the rest of the team, with one live glance at the staff board. As they left, the total Gryffindor table stood up and cheered.

A few minutes later, Albus and his friends walked down to the sales talk. `` finale Quidditch match of the twelvemonth, '' Albus sighed.

`` Yeah, just hope we win ! '' lavatory shouted.

`` Bob Hope so, too. But Ravenclaw will be firmly to beat. They 've got a good team, '' Albus replied.

`` At least the weather 's good, '' bathroom pointed out, `` I do n't think we 've played in better condition than this the wholly year. '' John was right about that. It was affectionate, hardly windy at all, and there was just enough cloud natural covering to block out the glare from the sun.

`` I hope it 's a quick match, '' Matt yawned as they climbed into the stands.

`` It probably wo n't be, '' Albus said, `` We 're jolly evenly matched with Ravenclaw. ``

Matt groaned, `` Maybe James will spot the fink early. ``

`` Would n't calculate on it, '' Albus responded, `` James told me that in club to win the Cup, we 've got to be at least 40 points up before he catches the sneaker. Otherwise, we 'll win the mates, but Ravenclaw will get the Cup. And Samantha has made it clear up she wants the Cup. It 's her only chance. She 's only been captain for this year. Before her, it was chemise. ``

`` Maybe you should 've stayed in the rook, '' rose said sympathetically.

`` And leave out Quidditch ? '' mat stared at her like she had three heads.

blush wine sighed. `` I do n't bonk what 's with you guys and Quidditch, '' she muttered.

`` It 's a good plot ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Way ripe than football. ``

`` Does n't train much for something to be more interesting than football, '' John laughed, `` I mean, honestly, what were the Muggles thinking ? How can a plot be exciting with one ball ? ``

Albus laughed. He had to accord. He had been to one football peer before. It was a residential area league, and Harry had taken him and James I to see if they had been interesting in playing it. Throughout the whole match, both Albus and Jesse James had commented on how much better Quidditch was.

Albus watched the stand fill up, hoping to catch a glimpse of his dad. He looked at the part of the stall where the staff sat, but the prat next to Neville that Harry usually occupied during Quidditch mates remained empty. Where was he ? The match was about to start. He promised James that he would be there.

`` Welcome, Hogwarts scholar and staff to the Quidditch final ! '' Todd Kate Smith 's vox boomed over the gang. `` Today 's peer is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw ! And here come the squad !

`` First is Ravenclaw. master Tyler throughway, followed by Dan Burke, Natalie cable length, Allie Davies, Damien Waverly, Kate Waverly, and Zack Valentino ! '' septet players in depressed robes walked out onto the force field, with their ling over their shoulders.

`` Next we have Gryffindor ! Captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Ryan O'Malley, James IV Potter, Omar Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and heather mixture Weasley ! '' The Gryffindor squad marched onto the subject field and stopped in front of the Ravneclaws.

`` professor Oteski steps onto the field. Captains Meyers and Pike shake up work force, and the team are off ! ``

Albus watched as both team soared into the air. broom immediately took ascendance of the Quaffle, passing it back and forth between Fred and Samantha. They flew down the pitch, dodging Bludgers sent by Valentino and Davies.

`` Gryffindor scores the initiative goal of the game ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd shouted out, once ling managed to get the Quaffle past Kate Waverly. `` Ravenclaw in willpower now. Waverly fling to Burke, and then back to Waverly. ``

`` Hi, Al. ``

Albus turned around at the speech sound of his public figure. Harry had appeared behind him and was climbing over the seats in ordination to sit down. Albus moved over so Harry could sit in between him and flatness. `` Dad, you made it ! ``

`` 'Course I did ! I said I would, '' Harry replied as he sat down, `` Did I miss anything ? ``

`` Calluna vulgaris just scored the first goal of the game, '' Albus grinned.

`` Awesome ! She 's got some arm, let me severalise you. Even as a baby. I remember once, she threw one of her plaything at me. contribute me a black eye, '' Harry laughed.

`` Why are you sitting here ? '' Albus asked, `` You usually sit with the residuum of the faculty. ``

`` To be honest, it 's to a greater extent fun sitting here, '' Harry grinned, `` I do n't accept to control my excitement when Gryffindor scores. ``

At that consequence, Samantha scored a goal, and all the Gryffindors jumped up, screaming and hollering with joy. Harry screamed the loudest of them all.

`` See what I mean ? '' Harry grinned, `` The stave always has to contain their fervour, in order not to play favorites. ``

For the next 60 minutes, the game continued with both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw scoring destination after destination. After the first initial destination, Ravenclaw caught up quickly and tied the couple. Both squad showed particular skill, and there had still not been any glimpse of the Snitch.

`` Now, this is Quidditch, '' Harry grinned and looked at Albus. `` This could be another for the disk Word of God. ``

Albus agreed, `` Yeah, we 've just got to go for that we can somehow get 40 decimal point ahead. ``

`` That could take a patch, '' Harry said.

`` cable of Ravenclaw has scored ! '' Todd shouted, `` 110-100 Ravenclaw ! ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus shouted. Albus looked out over the pitch. Calluna vulgaris was in possession of the Quaffle again. Valentino was flying directly behind her and hit a Bludger towards her head. Luckily, she ducked at that very moment and the Bludger wound up hitting Damien Waverly instead. Waverly slipped off his heather, but managed to hold on with one hand. He got back on the broom and sent a nasty feeling towards Valentino. In the lag, Heather managed to grade another goal.

It became elucidate within the adjacent half hour of the plot, that the Damien Waverly had been injured by the Bludger. His coordination was all off, and he was having job catching the Quaffle. This, of row, worked to Gryffindor 's advantage, and soon enough the score was 120-150 Gryffindor.

`` Just one to a greater extent goal, '' Albus said, `` One Thomas More and James can view the canary. ``

`` It 'll be grueling to keep up that 40 stop lead, though, '' Harry pointed out. `` He 'll suffer to recover the canary soon after the destination is scored. ``

`` I hope he does, '' blush wine said, `` I do n't conceive mat can get much more of this. ``

Albus looked over at his friend and felt bad that he had become so enwrapped in the game, that he had n't noticed how bad Matt looked. mat appeared to have fallen asleep and was leaning his head on Harry 's shoulder joint. He was wincing every once and a while, much like he had been during the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. Why did they always schedule Quidditch matches around the full moon ?

Harry nudged matte gently until he woke up, `` Wha 's going on ? '' lusterlessness asked sleepily.

`` You fell asleep, '' Harry said gently, `` You 're welcome to tip on me, but I was n't sure if you wanted to miss the match. ``

`` I do n't, thanks, '' mat replied, blushing a little, `` It 's bad enough having Malfoy see me lessen asleep in class, but during Quidditch .... ''

`` I do n't think he can see you here, '' Albus said quietly, `` He 's on the other side of the pedestal. ``

`` Good, '' matte responded. `` But I still do n't want to overlook the peer. ``

Albus turned his attending back to the lucifer. It seemed to be getting harder and harder for Ravenclaw to to make goals with only two chaser. Damien Waverly was flying more erratically by the minute and his teammates had long since stopped trying to throw away him the Quaffle. However, despite the difficulties, Ravenclaw was putting up a respectable fighting. Their other two chaser were superb.

`` Burke scores ! '' Todd shouted out over the crowd, `` Making the grade 130-150 Gryffindor ! C'mon, you can do it, Gryffindor ! Just two more goals and catch the Snitch ! ``

`` tinker's damn, '' Albus sighed, `` So practically for one Sir Thomas More goal. ``

`` It 's all correct, Al, two finish wo n't be hard, '' Harry shifted awkwardly to turn towards his son. Matt had fallen asleep on his shoulder again. `` dame Pomfrey did n't even require him to go to the match, '' Harry gestured to lustrelessness. `` But I convinced her to let him. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` He did n't want to overleap it, even if he is asleep during half of it. ``

`` well, Madam Pomfrey worries a lot, '' Harry told him, `` Frankly, she was n't too keen on James IV playing, either. Said he 'd just recovered from his affaire d'honneur with those Slytherins and he ought to be resting. But I insisted that he could play. ``

`` He seems to be doing fine, '' Albus said as he glanced out over the delivery. James was currently circling above the residue of the players. The Ravenclaw searcher, Tyler Pike, was doing the same.

`` He is, '' Harry agreed, `` Staying out of the way, that 's the in force scheme for a Seeker. ``

`` Gryffindor scores ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd exclaimed, `` maitre d'hotel Meyers has scored ! ``

`` See, Al, now it 's just one more goal, again, '' Harry said.

The secret plan was now entering it 's tierce hour. There was still no sign of the Snitch, which was good for Gryffindor, since they still needed to rack up one more goal before James could catch it. About ten minute after Samantha scored, Heather managed to rack up as well.

`` Yes ! '' Albus jumped up in his seat and shouted out in turmoil. Now, James River could trip up the sneak.

`` As long as Gryffindor can keep their forty spot lead, and captivate the Snitch, they will win the Cup ! '' Lord Todd shouted.

Albus watched as James started picking up speed and fly around the pitch, looking for the Snitch. But in the meantime, Dan Burk was once again storming up the lurch with the Quaffle. He flew direct towards the Gryffindor end and managed to score another goal.

`` darn ! '' Todd shouted.

`` lyric, Smith ! '' Patil shouted next to him.

`` Sorry, Professor, '' Todd said, `` Now, Gryffindor must score another goal in order to benefit back the 40 point lead. And they might be doing that now ! Fred Weasley has gained possession of the Quaffle. He passes to Meyers and then Meyers passes it back. Fred aims the Quaffle, and score ! Gryffindor has the forty level lead again ! ``

The Gryffindors were all on their feet now, shouting in excitement and chanting 'Go, James, go ! All of them except Matt and Harry. Somehow, Matt was managing to catch some Z's through everything, and Harry continued to let him tend on his shoulder. Luckily, no one seemed to comment, besides Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda. They kept glancing worried looks at Matt, but eventually, they got sucked up into the emotion of the secret plan and watched St. James 's search for the Snitch.

`` And I think he 's seen it ! '' Todd screamed, `` Yes, Potter has seen the Snitch ! He 's flying directly towards the ground. thruway has noticed it as well, but he is all the way at the other end of the pitch. I do n't think he 'll get there in metre. No, he definitely wo n't ! ``

Albus watched as James I flew closer and closer to the ground. Albus was sure he would crash into it, and watched nervously as Saint James the Apostle finally pulled out of the dive, just in metre. He flew back up a few feet, holding the struggling Snitch in his hand. Albus turned to his dad. `` We 've won ! We 've got the Cup ! ``

`` Gryffindor wins ! With 320 points, Gryffindor has not only won the match, but they 've won the Cup as well ! Congratulations, Gryffindor ! '' Todd 's voice rang out over the crowd.

`` matt, wake up ! '' King John nudged his champion awake, `` We 've won, awake up ! ``

`` Wha'? '' matt slowly lifted his head off Harry 's articulatio humeri and looked at all the excitement around him. `` Oh, right. Awesome ! ``

Harry stood up, grinning, `` I 'm going to go congratulate James. I 'll see you later. I 'll probably contain by the common way, for the party. ``

Albus gave his dad a hug before he left, `` All right. See you later. ``

`` Let 's get back to the usual room, '' Rose suggested as she watched Matt rub his heading, `` We 'll see St. James the Apostle there. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus agreed. He knew Matt had no desire to join the mob of Gryffindors currently storming the pitch.

Despite their slow walking back to the rook and up to the one-seventh floor, Albus and his friends made it back to the common room before almost of the other Gryffindors. In fact, the only former hoi polloi there were a few elder scholarly person Albus did n't know, Amy, Victoire, and soul Albus definitely did n't gestate to see.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted as he spotted Teddy sitting side by side to Victoire on one of the couches. `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Came to see the couple. James did brilliantly ! They could n't consume found a skilful quester to replace me, '' he grinned, `` And came to see Vicky 's graduation, of course. '' He smiled at Victoire and giggled.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus grinned, `` Glad you came ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's capital to be back here, '' Teddy grinned, `` Well, I think I might go to Hogsmeade and blame up some supplies for the political party. ``

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` See you in a bit. ``

`` You, too, '' Teddy stood up. He gave Victoire a quick kiss and exited the common room. It was really starting to fill up now, although the team had yet to arrive.

`` Are you going to quell for the political party ? '' Albus quietly asked Matt.

`` I do n't think so, '' Matt yawned, `` Think I might take a nap. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus responded. lustrelessness left the grouping and made his way through the crowd to the dormitories.

`` It 's so unfair, '' Rose said softly as he left. Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda nodded in agreement, but no one said anything else on the subject.

The group found seats at their usual table and shortly after they sat down, James IV and the rest of the team came into the room.

`` We 've got it ! '' Samantha Meyers was the first to burst into the room, holding the Quidditch Cup above her headspring. `` We did it ! '' She was positively beaming. The rest of the team climbed in behind her, all of them grinning from ear to ear. The entire unwashed room burst into applause as soon as they were all inside.

`` Thank you, everyone ! '' Samantha shouted over the crowd, `` I just want to say a few speech. '' She waited until everyone was silent. `` First, I just want to thank the totally team. We could n't have done this without any of you. We 've got a fantastic squad here, and I 'm definitely going to miss all of you side by side yr. I especially want to preen James, '' she turned to James II, who was clearly basking in the aureole, `` You have done an outstanding job this unscathed year. Coming in as quester, right after shift Lupin, who was one of the near seeker this business firm has ever had. That, and being expected to live up to your dad 's repute. Well, all I can say is you have lived up to that expectation. And I think you are definitely going to rival teddy bear as far as seeking acquisition goes- ''

`` Ah, Samantha ! '' teddy bear came bursting back into the usual room, `` Am I missing you rambling on about my magnificence on the Quidditch pitch ? ``

`` Actually, no, teddy, '' Samantha laughed, `` I was just saying how Saint James the Apostle could sacrifice you a run for your money when it comes to seeking. ``

`` Well, that 's no surprise, since it was Yours Truly who trained him, '' teddy bear joked.

`` Oh, shut it, teddy bear ! '' Samantha replied.

`` And I get no credit at all ? '' Harry had come into the plebeian room and was standing behind Teddy.

`` Harry ! '' Teddy turned around, grinning, `` sword lily you could issue forth to the party ! I 've just gotten back from getting provision. ``

`` Good, '' Samantha grinned, grabbing one of the bags and pulling out Butterbeers, `` Then let 's get this party started ! ``

The party proceeded much like the one following the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match had, only even more rough. shimmy had not only bought stuff from Honeydukes, but from Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes as well. Teddy treated everyone to a show of Everlasting Fireworks, which took the figure of Gryffindor Lion, Snitches, and broomstick. Albus and his friends quite enjoyed it, and they also played stave after round of Exploding Snap. Just like the previous political party, no one left for dinner party. teddy had bought enough food that no one needed to. Even Harry stayed well into the evening.

`` You know, Rose, '' King John said after what must have been their ten percent secret plan of Exploding Snap, `` I do n't think I 've ever seen you without a book before. ``

Albus looked over at blush wine, who was indeed without any form of volume. `` Well, exams are over now, '' rosiness laughed, `` I do need a break from studying every once and a spell. ``

`` It 's just sort of shocking, '' John grinned, `` Rose without a book. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' Albus laughed, `` I guarantee you she 'll be back to studying within two workweek of going back menage. ``

`` Oh, shut it, Albus, '' Rose grinned.

`` Hey, guys, '' King James I was standing future to their mesa, his smile still as big as when he first came into the room.

`` Oh, hi, James ! '' Albus replied, `` Congratulations on the match ! You did brilliantly. ``

`` Yeah, it was awesome ! '' John agreed.

`` Great job ! '' Amanda said.

`` It was great !, '' Rose said.

`` Thanks, '' James replied, `` You 're trying out next year, right Albus ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely, '' Albus answered, `` But I do n't know if I 'll make it. I mean, the only when lieu spread will be Samantha 's. ``

`` I 'm sure as shooting you 'll make it, '' King James assured him, `` You 're a bang-up chaser. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said quietly, his cheek turning a bit crimson.

`` Great party, huh ? '' James said, `` But where 's mat ? ``

`` He, er, does n't feel good. He 's in the dormitory room, sleeping, '' Albus answered.

`` Oh, I hope he feels better soon. He did n't depend too just this morning, '' King James responded, `` Well, I 'd ameliorate get back to the team. See you later. ``

Albus waved as James left and was absorbed back into the huge crowd in the room. It seemed as if every Gryffindor was in the common room. With Harry and Teddy there as well, there was hardly room to move. Albus variety of liked it though. He was n't a immense fan of large crowds of people, but as long as everyone was n't focusing on him, he was ok with it. And now, the care was definitely on James and the rest of the Quidditch squad. Albus glanced around the room and saw that the stallion team was right at the eye of things, along with Teddy and Harry.

`` Oh, hi, flatness, '' Rose said quietly. Albus turned his point away from the Quidditch team and saw that Matt had come down from the dorm room. He was leaning on the table and looking very tired.

`` Hi, '' he mumbled quietly, `` I 've got to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Albus agreed. During the past times few calendar month, Albus and the others had started visiting Matt the day after every broad lunar month. Ever since the first time they had done that, lusterlessness had started getting Thomas More and more comfortable with the theme of his friends seeing him so soon after a transformation. But Albus and the others had not visited him so early in the sunrise since. They now visited in the tardy afternoon, after classes were done for the day.

`` Want me to go with you ? '' John asked.

`` No, it 's ok, Amy 's going to, '' matte replied

`` Ready ? '' Amy appeared adjacent to Matt.

`` Yeah, I guess, let 's go, '' matte turned and started to walk towards the portrait pickle. Amy followed closely behind.

`` hold out one here, until September, '' blush wine commented after they 'd left.

`` Wonder what it 's like at home ? '' John mused.

`` Dunno, but I do n't believe we should ask, '' Albus said quietly.

`` No, probably not, '' John agreed.

Albus and his Friend stayed up late into the night, playing games of chess game and Exploding Snap. Harry spent most of the eventide in the common room, but he left around 9 pm. However, the party continued well into the wee hour of the morning. It probably would let lasted much longer, but Neville came in around 1 am, and told them they had to go to bed. Apparently, the stochasticity had carried into former role of the castle and some of the other professors wanted to get some rest. After Neville left, Albus dragged himself up to his dormitory. He was completely exhausted from staying up so late and fell asleep the minute his fountainhead hit the pillow.

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A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other Sister and my brother. Thanks also to BKL8008, inkheart, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews ! There are only a few chapters left in this fib, just to let everyone know.

Chapter 38 : graduation exercise

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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`` May I have your attending, please, '' Professor Kendrick stood up and announced at the End of Year Feast the a distich days later. Albus stopped talking to can and turned to face the Headmaster.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick continued once the Great Hall was hushed, `` What a year, what a year. It is unvoiced to believe that it is now June. The year has ended with quite a shock. I know that you all know by now what transpired on the grounds this by week. ``

Albus glanced around at his fellow scholarly person and saw that they were all turning to stare at him. He sunk down in his rear a little bit and tried to avoid their gaze.

`` I want to assure you all that the Aurors are looking for both Professor Washburn and Jarett Willinson, as well as Quinton Willinson. Whether this was an obscure attack, I am not indisputable. But whether there are more flack to come or not, I am sure as shooting we will all stand strong, and stand as one. Whatever is coming, we will deal with it. We have dealt with immorality in the past times and probability are we will lot with it in the future. '' prof Kendrick paused and looked out at his student. Everyone had returned their gaze to him, and were no longer staring at Albus and his friends.

`` Now, onto lighter matters. I have a few declaration, then the house Cup needs awarding. first, O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results will be mailed partway through the summertime, as usual. secondment, the graduation ceremony will take place tomorrow, at ten o'clock. And lastly, as usual, I must remind you of the fact that using thaumaturgy is prohibited while you are not in school over the summer.

`` And now, the House Cup. In death place, Hufflepuff with 376 points. '' Kendrick announced. Albus clapped politely along with everyone else in the Hall. `` Next, Gryffindor with 413 points. '' Albus groaned, as did everyone else sitting at the Gryffindor mesa. No doubt that the many points Washburn took from all of them helped assure that they did not get the House Cup. `` In second plaza, with 452 point in time, Slytherin. '' There was a bit more cultured applause, but none of it from the Gryffindor table. `` And in firstly berth, Ravenclaw with 563 points ! Congratulations, Ravenclaw ! '' Kendrick waved his sceptre and the decorations transformed from their common Hogwarts coloration into the Ravenclaw blue.

Albus clapped his helping hand, while looking glumly at his plate. Oh, well, there was always next year. At least they 'd bring forth the Quidditch Cup.

`` I think that is all that needs to be announced, '' Kendrick said once the applause died down, `` And with that, bask the feast ! '' Kendrick waved his wand once again and food appeared on all the plates.

`` We 'll win it next year, '' St. John announced as he heaped his photographic plate high with chicken, `` But you know what, I 'm going to leave out this food over the summer .... ''

`` 'Course we 'll win it next year, '' Albus agreed, `` Washburn wo n't be here anymore to take off unfair degree. ``

`` You do n't know who Kendrick 'll get to replace him, though, '' Rose warned.

`` estimable full point, '' lusterlessness said as he buttered a piece of bread. He was still recovering from the fully moon and was n't that hungry. Normally, he would n't even be out of the infirmary Wing yet, but he had convinced Madam Pomfrey to let him attend the banquet. `` Do you know if your dad will be teaching pappa again next twelvemonth ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it before, but Harry had come to teach DADA at a moment 's notice, and maybe Kendrick really did n't deliver time to get anyone else. But now he 'd own the whole summer.

`` Bob Hope he does, '' lusterlessness replied, `` Otherwise, we 'll be getting two new teachers, and what are the chances that both of them will be decent ? ``

`` Not high, '' Rose said. `` I like having Uncle Harry Teach here. I hope he comes back. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. John and Amanda nodded.

`` Just hope our next Charms teacher is nicer, '' Amanda said, `` Of row, it wo n't take a lot, will it ? ``

`` Nope, '' Rose replied, `` Wo n't take very much at all. ``

******

Albus awoke the next dayspring with just plenty time to catch a quick breakfast in the Great Hall before making his way to the grounds for the graduation.

`` We 'll see you after, when we 're getting on the train, '' Rose said to Saint John and Amanda as she got up from the table.

`` Bye, '' John mumbled, his mouth full of toast.

`` Have fun, '' Amanda waved.

Albus and mat waved as they followed rose out of the elbow room. `` unspoilt thing it 's cheery today, '' Albus commented, `` Remember Teddy 's ? Last twelvemonth ? ``

pink wine laughed, `` Oh, yeah, how could I leave that ? ``

`` What happened ? '' Matt asked.

`` Worst thunderstorm of the completely year, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's funny looking back on it, but it was n't then. We got soaked, despite the collapsible shelter Kendrick put up. Not to mention the wind, big H, and lightning. Scared Lily out of her mind. Mum had to take her into the castle partway through. ``

`` Glad it 's not like that this year, '' Matt agreed. The three of them walked onto the yard and over towards the chairs that had been set up by the lake. People were already milling about and finding seats. Albus spotted his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all taking up practically half the tush.

`` There 's my mum and dad, '' Matt pointed to two masses sitting down near where Albus 's Aunt Fleur and Uncle circular were, `` Want to meet them ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and Rose nodded.

Matt started walking towards them, but once they noticed him, they came running towards the three of them and met them halfway. `` Oh, St. Matthew the Apostle ! How are you ? Are you feeling ok ? '' A magniloquent blonde woman with an Australian accent enveloped matte in a tight hug.

`` Mum ! '' flatness said, his cheeks turn red, `` I 'm amercement ! Really, I am. ``

`` Are you sure ? You look a bit wan. Did you sleep well go night ? '' the blonde woman asked anxiously, with her arms still wrapped around her son.

`` I 'm surely ! I slept fine, really, '' Matt assured her.

`` Julie, I think he 's fine. '' The man, who Albus guessed was matte 's dad, pulled the woman off of Matt. He also had an Australian idiom and was tall, with graying hair.

`` Oh, all right, '' the cleaning woman sighed, `` I just worry. ``

`` I know, so do I, '' the man said quietly, then turned to Matt, `` How was the end of condition ? ``

`` Great, really. Well, with the elision of what happened with Washburn, '' matt told them.

`` And you wonder why I worry so a lot, '' the woman said to the man, `` I 'm glad everything else was finely. ``

`` Oh, these are my friend, '' mat gestured to Albus and pink wine, `` Well, two of them anyway. Albus Potter and Rose Weasley. They 're both Victoire 's cousin-german, like I told you in my letter of the alphabet. Albus, Rose, this is my mum and dad. ``

`` Pleased to gather you, '' pink wine smiled and shook their hands.

`` Hi, '' Albus shook their hands after Rose.

`` howdy, dears, '' the charwoman gave them a warm smile.

`` So you 're the ones who set off fireworks in Professor Washburn 's class ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered nervously.

lustrelessness 's dad just laughed, `` That sounds like something I 'd throw done in school day. Of course, I did plenty of other stuff .... '' Mrs. Eckerton gave him a buttocks look. `` Not that I 'm saying you should pull pranks like that, of course. You should deport yourself in school day, son, '' Mr. Eckerton said quickly to Matt.

Albus stifled a laugh and noticed his own parents, followed by his Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione walking over towards him. `` Hi, Mum and Dad ! ``

rose wine grinned and greeted her parents as well, `` howdy, Mum, Dad. ``

`` Albus ! '' Ginny let go of Lily 's manus and wrapped her son in a big hug.

`` Hi, Mum, '' Albus replied and rolled his eyes and Ginny finally let him go. He looked over and saw that pink wine 's parents were doing the like thing with her.

Albus gestured to Matt and his parents, `` This is our supporter, Matt. Well, you already know him, Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` But anyway, these are his parents. And matt, Mr. Eckerton, Mrs. Eckerton, those are my parents, and my Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione, who are rosebush 's parents. And my picayune sister Lily and Rose 's little blood brother, Hugo. ''

`` Nice to meet you, '' Matt 's dad stuck out his hand. `` Walter Eckerton. And my wife, Julie. '' The adults spent a few moment exchanging hand shakes and pleasantries, while Albus and Rose introduced flatness to Lily and Hugo.

`` How 'd you get those cuts ? '' Hugo asked matt loudly, gesturing to the partially healed cutting on matt 's arm. Since the full synodic month was only a couple 24-hour interval ago, they still had n't completely healed. `` Didja get 'em from that duel with professor Washburn ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo said excitedly, `` 'Cause that was awe-inspiring. regard I 'd been there. I woulda blasted him all the way from here to Hagrid 's Hut ! ``

`` Er, yeah, they 're from the duel, '' lusterlessness replied quickly.

`` Wicked ! '' Hugo grinned. `` Ca n't wait until I can come here. ``

`` Just another twelvemonth, Hugo, '' Albus smiled at his cousin. `` But do n't numerate on getting to duel with malign teachers. I 'd rather not own had to do that. ``

`` Me and Lily acted out the duel, did n't we, Lily ? '' Hugo told them. Lily nodded her top dog. Victor-Marie Hugo continued, `` I got to be Washburn, only I won. Lily ran away. ``

`` Did not ! '' Lily shouted.

`` Did too ! '' Hugo shouted back.

`` nipper, calm down, '' Ginny said sternly.

`` Mum, can matt come hitch with us over the summer ? whoremaster, too, but he 's in the rook. They can come for mine and Rose 's birthday party, '' Albus asked.

`` I do n't see why not, '' Ginny smiled, `` As long as it 's ok with his parents. ``

`` Can I go hitch with Albus ? '' matt asked his parents, `` Please ? ``

`` I do n't acknowledge ... '' Mrs. Eckerton looked worriedly at her husband.

Mr. Eckerton glanced at his married woman and replied, `` We 'll have to think about it. ``

`` Oh, come on ! Please ? '' Matt pleaded, `` I 'll be o.k.. Albus even said they 'd take in the party at, a, good sentence. ``

Harry seemed to view onto what the Eckertons were worried about and gave them a meaningful gaze, `` I understand your worry, but I 'm indisputable Matt will be fine if he stays with us for a few Day. And we will schedule the company at a good meter. ``

The Eckertons still did n't look convince, but Matt 's dad said, `` He probably will, but I 'd still like to talk it over with Julie. We 'll get back to you, all right ? ``

`` That 's all right, '' Harry replied.

mat groaned, `` You worry too much. ``

`` Sometimes we have to care, '' Matt 's mum told him, `` You know that. ``

`` I know, '' Matt sighed.

`` I think the ceremony 's starting now, '' Harry announced. `` We 'll be in touch modality with the item of the party. ``

`` strait good, '' Mrs. Eckerton replied.

`` See you after, Matt, '' Albus waved. He and Rose followed their category to the chairs that were set up on the lawn. Albus sat down in between pink wine and Harry and waited for the ceremonial occasion to begin.

There was a big stage set up in front of the electric chair, with a tall podium embossed with the Hogwarts crest. adjacent to the ambo was a board piled with Hogwarts diploma. All the one-seventh years sat in the first few rows of chairs, dressed in their contraband Hogwarts robes and a wizard 's hat.

After a few minutes, in which everyone who had been milling around and talking came and sat down, Professor Kendrick strode up to the podium and began to speak. `` Welcome, friends and kinsperson, to the graduation observance of the Hogwarts Class of 2017. I remember the first time these bookman stepped foot into Hogwarts. Many were excited and just as many were scared and neural. Some thought they knew all of Hogwarts 's secrets, and others hardly knew anything about the Wizarding World at all. But that did not matter. Because now, they all stand as one, equally groom to learn on the world around them. I believe that great things will happen to the people in this class and that they will do great things.

`` This course is a limited one to me. Every class at Hogwarts is special, but the year I became schoolmaster was the year this class came to Hogwarts. I think that I was just as nervous as they were, if not more so. '' Kendrick paused as the audience laughed. `` And I remember each one of their categorization. I remember John Tyler Pike tripping over his own feet as he made his way to the stool. He 's certainly come a hanker way from that, becoming captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. I also remember Olivia Kaden 's smile as she was sorted into Hufflepuff and ran to link up her sister at that mesa. And who could forget the loud shout of glee from slip lupine as Victoire Weasley was sorted into Gryffindor. ``

prof Kendrick continued his voice communication for another ten minutes. After he was done, each of the Heads of household went up to the podium and gave a speech as well. Albus liked Neville 's address the best. He talked about how proud he was of each and every Gryffindor that was graduating that day, and what made them special. Albus found it a bit difficult to pay attention to prof Patil 's speech about the Ravenclaws because she used such big words that Albus hardly knew what she was saying. He assumed it all meant that Professor Patil knew that all the Ravenclaws would weave up making great part to the Wizarding World in the find of versatile matter. Professor Polo gave a good speech about the Hufflepuffs, and then Slughorn gave one, but it did n't sharpen much on the Slytherins. His delivery mainly consisted of itemisation who he had taught at Hogwarts, and how famous they are now. He spent a good portion of it talking about how he had taught Harry. Albus saw his dad grimace as Slughorn mentioned what a marvelous potions brewer he had been. Albus had to stifle a joke at that, because he knew the storey of Snape 's potions leger and how Harry had wound up with it in his sixth year.

professor Kendrick took the podium once Slughorn had finished, `` Thank you, professor Longbottom, Patil, Polo, and Slughorn. Now, two owing scholarly person shall verbalize on behalf of their course of study. first, capitulum Boy Tyler thruway. And then, forefront Girl Victoire Weasley. ``

Tyler thruway took the stump and began his speech. It was a wordy talking to full of more Book Albus did n't understand, much like Professor Patil 's had been. mustiness be a Ravenclaw thing, he thought. Albus glanced at pink wine and noticed she was paying rapt attention. Maybe she should make been in Ravenclaw.

Once John Tyler concluded his speech, Victoire stepped up to the soapbox. She waited for the crowd to give up their applause for John Tyler 's speech and then she began. `` Wow, what a crazy seven year it 's been ! '' she paused and smiled at the interview. `` I remember our first day here. I was scared, we were all scared. shortstop first years, lost in a sea of older scholarly person, and now we 're at the top. Over the past seven years we have not only baffle an education that will attend to us throughout our entire life, but we have forged friendships and store that will finally a lifetime. Memories. In the end, that 's all we 've got. I know I speak for us all in saying that the retentivity we 've made here at Hogwarts are some of the dependable we have. It has n't always been easy and not all the memories are secure ones. We 've all lost the planetary house Cup at least once in the past tense seven years, we 've lost Quidditch matches, failed tests, and had fighting with friends. But now is n't the time to lie in on those remembering. Right now we should call back the good times. The times we did win the sign Cup, the spectacular winnings in Quidditch, the test we 've aced, and the fact that our friendships are strong enough to hold a few rows.

`` I 'm sure we all have mixed opinion about leaving Hogwarts. I know I do. This rook has been our home away from habitation for the past seven years. A good portion of our lives have been spent here. It will be sad to leave Hogwarts behind, but this here and now is what we 've been working towards ever since we stepped off the train when we were 11. Hogwarts has prepared us, not only academically, but socially, for the domain before us. We are ready, we can go into the humanity and make water something of ourselves. When you look out at the social class behind me, do n't just look at us as the Hogwarts Class of 2017. Look at us as the future tense therapist, Aurors, researchers, and who knows, maybe even the future government minister of Magic. So, in closing, we are ready to face the universe. Whatever it has in storage for us, we will be able to take it on. Using our unlike talents, we as a group will be able-bodied to consider whatever the world has to project at us. ''

The audience broke out into loudly applause. Albus clapped along with them. He thought Victoire 's voice communication had been much better than Tyler 's and judgement by the applause, everyone else thought so, too. The applause died down as Victoire went back to her tail end and Kendrick took up the stump once again.

`` Thank you, John Tyler and Victoire, '' he nodded his head in their direction, `` Now it is time to present the diplomas. '' Kendrick waved his baton and the podium moved to the English, while the table with the diplomas moved to the center of the stage. The four question of household got up and stood adjacent to the board. Kendrick stood on the other position and picked up the first diploma. `` Katelyn Isabelle Asterly, '' he called out.

A tall, red haired Hufflepuff stood up and walked over to the schoolmaster. She took her diploma and shook Kendrick 's hand. Then she shook all the heads of theatre'hands and walked off the stage. She walked the short distance to the lake. Albus watched her and noticed that Hagrid was standing there. The boats they had crossed the lake on earlier in the yr were sitting on the calm water.

The master continued to call off public figure. Albus recognized a few of them, but nigh of them were people he had just seen occasionally.

`` Amy Marie Eckerton, '' Kendrick called out a short while later. Albus and rose wine clapped loudly as mat 's sister accepted her diploma and walked over to the growing group of seventh years near the lake.

Albus watched as Kendrick called out more names. He recognized the two Slytherins that had hexed him earlier in the yr. Neither he or stand up clapped for them. They politely clapped for everyone else. Albus also recognized the Quidditch captain, Samantha Meyers and clapped a bit louder for her.

The crowd of seventh years on the stage diminished until there were only two left. `` Victoire Fleur Weasley, '' Kendrick announced. Albus and Rose clapped flash than they had for anyone else as their cousin shook Kendrick 's handwriting. Albus heard shimmy whistling and feed a tatty shout of 'Go Victoire !'as she shook Neville 's bridge player. prof Patil shot him a stern face and he quieted down. Albus had to stifle a jape. Even after you graduate, you still have to hear to the prof, he thought.

`` Cameron Alexander Zabino, '' Kendrick called once Victoire had crossed the stage. A strapping looking Slytherin accepted his diploma and joined his class by the lake.

Kendrick waved his baton and the table disappeared. The podium moved back to the shopping centre of the stage and Kendrick stood behind it. `` In the past seven years, the educatee in this family have learned a great deal about thaumaturgy and life in oecumenical. These skills will help oneself them as they pursue the careers and aspiration of their choosing. It is prison term for them to travel from Hogwarts, on the same boat they arrived her on seven year ago. The foremost time they crossed this lake, they were both excited and scared about what Hogwarts had in store for them. As they cross the lake once more, they are more confident, but still excited and a bit scared about what the domain has in depot for them. I know I speak for us all when I say I 'm sure they will do great things. ''

Kendrick nodded his head towards the group of 7th years. The scholarly person climbed into the boat and Hagrid got into the one in straw man. He brandished his pink umbrella and bellowed, `` Forward ! '' The boats all started moving, taking the one-seventh age away from Hogwarts and towards the new adventures that awaited them as adults.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my crony. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, ladymblack, sinwillys822, and XDNLxtlz99 for their limited review !

Also, if anyone picked up on the fact that this took office in 2016/2017, whereas the Harry ceramicist Lexicon indicates that Albus 's first twelvemonth would have been 2017/2018, I figured out the dates differently than the dictionary did. I used Victoire 's birthday ( May 2, 1999 ) and figured out that her 7th year would hvae been 2016/2017. I know the dictionary figured it out differently, but I 'm sticking with my own calculations.

There 's only one chapter left ! I 'll brand it next calendar week and then depend for the sequel, which I 'll post sometime after Christmastime !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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The hearing stood up and applauded as the gravy boat left. A few multitude cheered and whistled. Albus could hear chemise 's shouting over everyone else 's. After a few minutes, people started to give.

Albus and Rose said a agile bye-bye to their families before heading off to the horseless carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade station. They got into a carriage with Matt and the equipage lurched forwards to take them to the train.

`` Saint John the Apostle and Amanda must already be on, '' Albus said as they walked down the corridor in the train.

`` Probably, we 're some of the last single on, '' Rose pointed out. They continued to search into the compartments before they found the one that their friends were in.

`` How was the graduation ? '' John asked once the compartment door was shut once again.

`` Really good, '' pink wine said.

`` Yeah, teddy bear kept shouting and whistling and Professor Patil was glaring at him, '' Albus laughed.

`` And Victoire 's speech was really adept, '' Matt told them, `` Much better than Tyler Pike 's spoken language. ``

`` I could hardly realize a parole of it, '' Albus commented.

`` I thought it was a well speech, '' rose responded, `` It was all about how the class needs to use their natural endowment and accomplishment to promote advance the Wizarding humans. ``

`` Well, he could take just said that, '' Albus huffed, `` He did n't have to seduce it so blooming confusing. ``

`` I got told off by him once, I could n't understand anything he was telling me, '' John laughed.

`` He 's just got a big vocabulary, '' rose insisted, `` Anyway, the graduation was really good. ``

`` Yeah, but it 'll be weird future yr when Victoire 's gone. She 's starting education to be a therapist next year, '' Albus told them and turned to Matt, `` What 's Amy doing ? ``

`` She 's going to be a Healer, too, '' matt told them, `` She 's going to put to work with therapist Sterling this summer, actually. She, er, wants to get involved with the study I 'm in and poppycock. ``

`` Oh, is that the Healer who 's in direction of it ? He 's the one who Albus saw in the infirmary wing a couple up months ago ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt told them, `` Amy 's wanted to be a healer and work on the Aconitum lycoctonum Potion ever since she saw me after the full moonshine for the first fourth dimension, '' he said quietly.

`` That 's dependable, '' Amanda said, `` Maybe she 'll actually find oneself a cure. ``

`` Maybe, but probably not, '' mat replied sullenly.

`` So, what are you doing in Ireland, Amanda ? '' rose wine asked after a moment of awkward silence.

`` Mainly just sight seeing and stuff, '' Amanda answered, `` It 's going to be really fun. I 've always wanted to go there. ``

`` There 's all form of history there, '' pink wine told her, `` There 's a bunch of wizarding villages there, too. I 'd love to go and confab them. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I think we 're sticking with the Muggle stuff. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' pink wine said, `` Well, if I ever go to Republic of Ireland, you can do with me and we 'll look around all the wizarding settlement. ``

`` I wish I was going to Ireland over the summer, '' trick announced, `` We 're not doing anything. Just staying place. ``

`` Us, too, '' Albus said, `` Last year we went to France. ``

`` That was loads of fun ! '' Rose grinned, `` I want to go back. ``

`` The odd constituent was watching James I try and verbalize French to all the French people, '' Albus laughed. `` But this year we 're just staying home. ``

`` We never go anywhere, '' lusterlessness told them. `` Well, we did go see my uncle in America a couple twelvemonth ago. I was eight. But we have n't been back since. It 's really expensive to ride on Muggle aeroplane, and we always go to Commonwealth of Australia every Christmas, '' he sighed. `` I 'd rather just inspect my uncle than my grandparents. ``

`` I 've never been to U.S., '' bathroom told him, `` What 's it like ? ``

`` Different. The Muggles thrust on the amiss side of the road, '' Matt said, `` But it was loads of fun when we went. I think we might be going next year. ``

`` Well, you can all come visit me and Rose for a fiddling patch, '' Albus told them, `` We usually have our birthday company at the tunnel, but you can get along hitch at my family before it. ``

`` That would be awing ! '' John grinned, `` I 'll just Floo to your spot. ``

`` Yeah, that would go, '' Albus agreed, `` And hopefully your parents will let you derive, lusterlessness. ``

`` I think they will, '' lustrelessness responded, `` But we 're not connected to the Floo Network. ``

`` You 're not ? '' Albus asked, `` Why ? ``

`` Basically, because of what happened in Commonwealth of Australia with the Ministry and everyone finding out about me. My parents just want to lay low here, and if we 're not on the Network, that 's one less way of the Ministry tracking us down. Of row, my dad works for the Ministry, so I 'm not exactly sure what my parents'logical system is. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, `` Do you just Apparate everywhere ? ``

`` Pretty very much. wellspring, I Side-Along Apparate, of course. But that works to get where we 're going. My parents will just Apparate me to your house, '' Matt told them.

`` That 'll knead. ``

`` And you can come stay at my house, '' Rose told Amanda.

`` Ok, but I ca n't do any form of specter or Floo, '' Amanda said.

`` It 's all right, my parents can drive. We 'll come get you, '' Rose assured her.

`` Great. I ca n't wait to see your house. I bet it 's a lot different from mine. I 've never been in a wizard theater before, '' Amanda said.

`` So, is your whole syndicate going to be at the tunnel ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Pretty much. We usually have a few parties there during the summer. A few of our full cousin have summer birthdays, too, so there are a few other natal day parties. Rose and me always have a shared one, though, since we 're the like age. Samantha and lindy hop 's birthday is in the start of July, so they get a company. Fred, Thomas Bradley, and Gabriella are all born in Aug, like Rose, so they all have parties, too. But theirs are usually at their own theatre. Then there 's the end of summer party, that 's always at the end of August, '' Albus told him.

`` Excellent. There 'll be some awesome Quidditch couple, then ! '' bathroom grinned.

`` Oh, yeah, Quidditch can get pretty exciting during the summertime, '' Albus responded, `` There 's usually so many the great unwashed that we can get a real tournament going. ``

`` That 'll be dozens of fun, then. And my dad said he 'd get me a ling this year, '' toilet told them.

`` Great ! You can bring it with you. I 'm asking for one for my birthday, '' Albus said.

`` I 've got a heather at home, '' Matt said, `` I 'll land it, too. ``

`` I obviously do n't stimulate one, '' Amanda sighed, `` Maybe I can convince my parents to get me one, but I doubt it. As much as they 've grown accustomed to magic, the melodic theme of flying still freak out them out. ``

`` It 's all right, '' rosebush said, `` There are muckle of brooms in our family, mortal will let you take up theirs. ``

`` speechmaking of Quidditch, I think the Chudley cannon are going to make a real come-back next season, '' flatness grinned.

`` Ugh ! '' Albus groaned, `` You 're kidding, right ? There 's no way they could ever hit a come back ! ``

`` Yeah they can ! '' matt insisted, `` And someday, they 'll induce it to the conference Cup and I 'll go and endure them ! ``

`` The day the Chudley cannon make it to the League Cup is the day Gryffindors and Slytherins get along, '' John Lackland laughed.

`` You 'll see, they 'll get to the League Cup. And then they 'll win it ! '' Matt said excitedly, `` I want to go to the next one, even if the carom are n't in it, though. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've been to the creation Cup once, '' matte went on, `` When I was four. I can hardly remember it, but Amy says we had really good can. It was in Commonwealth of Australia, I think it 's one of the solitary times it 's been there. It was the New Seeland Kiwis versus France. France won. ``

`` That must accept been awing, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, I 've been to regular couple, but not the domain Cup, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I hardly remember any of it. I mostly remember Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault 's celebrating afterwards, '' flatness said, `` Just like I 'll be celebrating when the cannon win. ``

Everyone else groaned. The group kept talking about Quidditch for a spell, and they all agreed that they wanted to go to the future Cup. No one knew where it would be, but they wanted to go even if it was far away.

Once they 'd exhausted the topic of Quidditch, they played a pair rounds of necromancer 's chess and Exploding Snap. Rose won all the games of cheat and while they each won at least one round of Exploding ginger nut, rosebush won most of them as well. When the trolley came around, they bought a bit of everything and had fun eating Bertie Botts Beans and trading Chocolate toad frog cards. Albus had most of the cards by now, but he was still did n't sustain McGonagall.

Towards the end of the slip, everyone quieted down a bit. Rose dug out a book and started reading, Amanda doodled on a composition of parchment, john and Albus started up the Quidditch give-and-take again, and Matt fell asleep. Albus and John were just beginning to discourse the chances of Puddlemere United making it into the next conference Cup when the compartment doorway opened. Victoire and Amy walked into the compartment, both sporting Brobdingnagian grins.

`` So, how 's it sense to have graduated ? '' Rose asked, putting down here book.

`` smart as a whip ! '' Victoire said, `` We 've been celebrating with everyone else, but thought we 'd come see you. What have you been up to ? ``

`` Not practically, just talking about Quidditch, '' Albus said.

Victoire sat down following to Rose and Amy sat down adjacent to her sleeping pal. `` Of row. That 's one thing I 'll definitely miss next yr, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 've never been very dependable at Quidditch, but I love watching it. ``

`` You can come back to watch, '' Albus told her, `` You 've got to. I 'm going to try out for Chaser next year and if I make it, I want you to come to the compeer. ``

`` I will, at least some of them, '' Victoire assured him, `` But I 'll be pretty busy adjacent year. Healer training is reasonably intense. ``

`` You 'll be good at it, though, '' rose wine said, `` Both of you will be. ``

`` I hope so, '' Amy said quietly as she looked at mat, `` It 'd be not bad to describe a better version of that potion .... ''

`` If anyone can do it, you can, '' Victoire told her, `` You 've always been the substantially at Potions in our twelvemonth. I 've just barely squeaked by. I really hope I got at to the lowest degree an E on my N.E.W.T. If not, I ca n't become a therapist. ``

Amy blushed, `` Well, I 'm not that great at it. I 'm certainly you got an E on your N.E.W.T. ``

`` Where do you train to be a therapist ? '' Amanda asked, `` Is there a university or something ? ``

`` There are some classes, of course, but it 's not like a Muggle university. And there 's less schooling than Muggle doctors need. We do a couple twelvemonth of classes and interning at St. Mungo 's, '' Amy told her.

`` Yeah, we 're going to get a flat in capital of the United Kingdom sometime this summer and split the rent during the breeding, '' Victoire added.

`` Can I go visit you ? I want to see your flat, '' Albus asked.

Victoire laughed, `` Of path you can. ``

Amy stretched her branch and got up, `` Well, we 're almost there, so I think I 'll go get my stuff set. You coming, Victoire ? ``

`` Sure, we could probably get in a bit more celebrating before we 're in London, '' Victoire grinned. `` See you guys in a slight while. ``

Albus waved as his first cousin and Amy left the compartment. The balance of the journeying was uneventful. Albus played another round of Exploding Snap with John and Amanda and then he dozed off for a bit. The next thing he knew, toilet was shaking him awake when they were in John Griffith Chaney. Albus yawned and started putting all his things back in his bag. He joined the crowd of scholar heading out of the railroad train and walked onto the platform with his friends.

`` There 's my parents, '' lustrelessness pointed to the left and Albus saw the Eckertons talking to his Uncle poster and aunty Fleur, `` I guess I 'll probably see you jest at this summer, if my parents let me occur. ``

`` They will, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` They 'd better, '' lavatory laughed.

`` I hope so, '' Matt responded quietly, `` Well, I 'll let you know if I can, Albus. See you soon, I hope. ``

`` Definitely, this summer will be awing ! '' Albus grinned, `` Bye, Matt ! '' toilet, Rose, and Amanda all said goodby as well.

`` Bye, guy ! '' matte waved and walked over to his parents. Albus watched as Mrs Eckerton pulled him into a tight hug. She reminded Albus a lot of his grandmother.

`` You should get hold your parents so they can fit ours, '' Albus told John the Evangelist and Amanda.

`` Good thought, '' St. John the Apostle looked out among the crew, `` Oh, they 're over there. Hey, Mum ! Dad ! '' he shouted.

A man and woman walked over to John, the woman shaking her oral sex and the man laughing. Three fiddling little girl followed them. `` Must you be so gimcrack, dear ? '' the woman asked.

`` Mum, what a way to recognize me after you have n't seen me in months, '' lav grinned.

`` Oh, come here, Johnny, '' the womanhood smiled and wrapped toilet in a hug.

`` Mum ! '' John 's impertinence reddened and he pulled away. `` Hi, Dad. ``

`` Hello, john, how was the remainder of term ? ''

`` Great ! ``

`` Albus ! Rose ! '' Harry said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around, `` Hey, Dad ! Hi, Mum, Lily, Hugo, Aunt Hermione, Uncle Ron. '' Albus and Rose exchanged greetings with their parents and sib while Gospel According to John continued to evidence his parents about school. Lily and Hugo seemed to hit it off with one of John 's sis and they were running around the platform, trying to get each other to eat the disgusting flavors of Bertie Bott's.

Amanda had meanwhile found her parents and brought them over to the grouping. They both looked a bit uncomfortable among all the witches and wizards, but seemed to want to take on Albus and the others.

Rose seemed to take commission of all the introductions. `` Ok, Mum, Dad. These are mine and Albus 's friends, John and Amanda. '' The adjacent few minutes were spent with all the adult shaking hands and introducing themselves. rosebush and Albus told King John and Amanda 's parents about their birthday party and it seemed like both whoremaster and Amanda would be able-bodied to go. After a few hour of discussing details, John, Amanda, and their families said goodbye to the Potters and the Weasleys and headed back into London.

`` set to go, James ? '' Harry shouted to his one-time son who was standing a few m away, talking to Nathan.

`` Yeah, Dad, just a second, '' James shouted back. He said something else to Nathan and then walked over to his family.

Albus and the rest of the Potters walked back out of the post with Rose and her fellowship. Albus was tired from the journey home and did not say much. He was thinking about the past times year. It had been neat. surely, the whole altercation with Washburn had been scary, but that was over now, and his dad was taking care of that at the Ministry. He was happy he had made a few full admirer and was very glad that Matt trusted them with his secret. Albus was looking forward to the summer and having John and Matt visit him at Grimmauld Place, but in all honesty, he was looking forward about going back in Sep. He had only been at Hogwarts for a year, but it already felt like a second domicile to Albus.


~Fin~


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A/N : Well, there it is, the finale chapter ! It 's a bittersweet import to eat up posting this here. I 've been working on this narration for over a yr, and even though I finished it conclusion Apr, I 've been editing it as I 've posted it here.

Thanks go out to my wonderful beta and new sis, Dancer of Starlight. She 's been reading this and betaing it ever since I started writing it in September of 2007. I 've bounced theme off of her and she tells me whether they 're secure or they 're awful. My other Sister and my crony have also been extremely helpful. Thanks to them as well !

Thanks as well to all my congregation reviewers. XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ginnyweasleypotter87, you guys are awing !

Albus 's write up is far from over, though ! Be on the picket for the sequel, Albus potter and the Tracks They Left Behind, sometime shortly after Christmas ! It chronicles Albus 's sec year at Hogwarts and is filled with new characters and plot ! It is completely finished, so updates will be on a fixture base. I 'm currently working on the nameless fib of Albus 's third year.

I 'll leave you with that rather prospicient bit of author 's notation. I hope everyone has a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy early Holidays !