Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent near of the days preceding Christmastime at rose 's menage. James was determined to use all of his unembellished time for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to Rose 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would serve James IV practice while Rose read.

Harry had to practically separate James from his broom by magic on Yuletide Eve so they could go to Godric 's Hollow. James wanted to continue at rose 's home and save practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip-up was quiet down since James was rather sullen the full time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a natural at metamorphosis,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the Burrow afterwards.

"That 's good,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

Albus nodded as Lily began to describe in not bad detail what form of cat she would translate into.

Everyone else was already at the tunnel and Albus felt an immediate warmheartedness come over him as he stepped inside. It had aught to do with the fact that it was so cold and snowy outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the Burrow surrounded by all his family. He was able to leave all the takings with the Quidditch tournament and prof Killigan. All he could think about was how ravenous he was and how respectable some of his grandmother 's cooking would be right wing about then.

Rose sat down next to Albus as he tucked into a large roll of onion soup with a side of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and aunt Katherine are going back to Rumania this summer,"pink wine announced.

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

"Yeah,"pink wine nodded,"They might rest even after the summer 's over, but Heather and print will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Francis Edgar Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Sir Henry Morton Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Rumania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into dragon training."

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

Henry M. Stanley had been working at the Magical Menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't desire to do that his unscathed life. He just did n't acknowledge what he did require to do.

"I wish our parents would use up us to some former area,"Albus sighed.

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

Albus personally had enough of History from Professor Binns, but he supposed learning history by traveling would be fun.

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

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

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

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

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

"We do n't need electricity to play Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be perfect training status ! If you can watch a canary in the center of a blizzard, you can pick up one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

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

Albus finished his soup and he and Rose went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud Greek chorus of 'Odo the torpedo', Song dynasty by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her question. Albus had a feeling the only reason why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven sickle for that !"Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying attention,"And the bloke looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that lots for a duty tour of a questionably historical old building. There really should be regulations on such matter. It 's one affair I 'll switch if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Hotspur had been talking about running for Minister for the past times ten years, but still had n't done it. Most of his uncles and aunts got queasy of hearing him talk about what he would and would not convert.

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

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is healer training ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to image out which office of the infirmary I want to do the rest of my training in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the level, but now we have to break up one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long metre to him.

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

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

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

"There 's a busy Aaron Montgomery Ward,"shift grinned,"Spell Damage. You 'll get all the rum injuries there."

"That 's not a good reason to pick a specialisation,"Victoire groaned.

"commodity a cause as any,"shimmy shrugged.

The meter grew later and after Albus played numerous rhythm of Exploding Snap with his cousin-german, his grandmother announced that it was fourth dimension for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no item. Everyone, including the former grownup, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the step to the highest bedroom that he shared with James IV, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impendent blizzard was. The wind was howling louder than he 'd ever get wind before.

The wind was so right that Albus could find it through the gaps in the windowpane. Every once in a while, the mansion would screech and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and overwhelm out the ululation.

Albus did n't manage to wander off to sleep until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no trick outside of school day rule to put a silencing good luck charm on the room.

******

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

"And there 's three feet of C. P. Snow outside,"Lily said as she left the way,"I checked."

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

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

"We could build the man 's great nose candy ace later,"Ben suggested.

"We could build up an entire snow wizard regular army,"Albus said.

"Presents first,"Epistle of James said as he located his flock of presents.

Albus descended upon his own mass of nowadays and began opening them. There were the usual sugariness and Weasleys'products from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley perspirer, this one scarlet and Au striped. He pulled it on over his pajama and opened the rest of the presents from his aunts and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never read, including one about the story of sign imp at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'nowadays for last, although he doubted they could top in conclusion twelvemonth 's. There really was n't anything in the world that was better than the Invisibility Cloak.

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

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

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

Albus opened the box and saw two just the ticket. Two tickets for the Quidditch globe Cup that was taking place this summer !

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

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

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

"Hey, I got two ticket,"Saint James replied.

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the Same problem. Two ticket. Five friends he would require to accept. Who was he going to choose ? Not Rose. They may have got been Quaker since they were infant, but she just did n't have a passion for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to baffle off the list. bathroom and flatness were the Quidditch devotee. He 'd have to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a squad or anything.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the fourth dimension Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the table eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a huge hug and then sat down.

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

"They were a gift from the curate,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this year and he 's good friends with their minister. Got him a lot of rid tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping live on class 's present. Now not only was he going to get to see the populace Cup, he would get to journey to a different country.

rose wine came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the slate. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestions on how Albus was going to take between John and Matt.

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

"Not under my lookout man !"mollie shouted,"You ca n't see a foot in nominal head of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after luncheon, then,"Teddy shrugged.

Molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few More platter of testicle and goner onto the table.

There was a knocking on the door that could only just be heard over the howling confidential information. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very rummy to see who would visit on Christmastide morning in the heart of a vast blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"Chester Alan Arthur shouted outside.

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

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

"Good, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me sleep with and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy works. The folio do wonder on old edifice. clear them like new. I just put a bunch into my property and it 's a good thing, too. Of course of instruction, they tend to appeal Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's vocalism trailed off.

"I 'll observe that in nous,"Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

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

"Then you must delay here a patch. molly 's cooked far too much food, like usual,"Arthur steer Xeno into the kitchen.

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

mollie was more than well-chosen to provide Xenophilius with a boastfully platter of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the storm with the adults.

Albus spent virtually of the morning time playing Exploding Snap, ace 's Chess, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to play fell and go assay, but the house was too crowded to play it properly.

Teddy and James kept looking out the window, leave it to hold back snowing. Both of them were just itching to go toy Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would finish snowing so much. He was dedicated to the plot, but not enough to play in this storm.

Lunchtime came and the blow was still falling. St. George went outside to measure it and came back with the news that it was three and a half feet.

Teddy went upstairs after luncheon and came back decked out in three jumpers, a midst cloak, and a pair of boots. Under one arm was his heather and under the former was a box of Quidditch balls. James was right behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus Lupin !"mollie shouted,"I suppose I ca n't terminate you from going out there and catching demise of a cold-blooded, but I will not let you sweep up James River with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, grannie,"James IV rolled his middle,"I want to go !"

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

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

"Excellent,"teddy grinned,"Anyone tutelage to fall in us ?"

Georgia, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm up clothes and joined Teddy and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to freeze when he could remain inside and be warm.

The Xmas Quidditch lasted a half an time of day. Teddy, Jesse James, Empire State of the South, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the home shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. Molly immediately descended upon them with mug of hot deep brown and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

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

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll get hold it when the storm calms down. You put the magical spell on it to remain in the thousand, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"Teddy replied.

Noel dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly suspicious. Molly was not as print and gave James quite the scolding. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

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

******

Nobody left the tunnel until two days after Dec 25. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a one-half feet, which was a new record for Albus 's life-time. The tunnel 's railway yard had been decorated by dozens of Snow witches and thaumaturge, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety of early magical creatures.

When Albus found out what his family was doing after they left the Burrow, he wished the Baron Snow of Leicester would give birth kept coming. They were going shopping for dress gown for the New yr 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old frock robes ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon skittle alley towards Madam Malkin's.

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

"Yeah, Victor-Marie Hugo 's the lucky one,"James II muttered. Victor-Marie Hugo was wearing James 's old dress robes to the party and therefore did not have to go shopping.

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

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first pair of apparel gown he found, so long as they were n't ping or empurple. The sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

blush wine and Lily made a beeline for the little girl dress robes as soon as they walked in the threshold. Albus stood awkwardly next to James IV while their female parent found various robes for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a yoke of emerald honey oil robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, James I,"Albus muttered.

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

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored gown and then left the fecundation room for his mother to see.

"Too poor,"she announced,"But the vividness is perfect. I 'll find a freehanded size."

James River wound up with a USN blueing pair of robes, which Albus would have preferred. Lily found her purple robe and Rose got a sky blue pair.

"Next time you 're getting gullible robe,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the coloring of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have green oculus,"James River grinned.

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

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

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, King James I, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to severalise them the normal for the evening.

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at James River as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's house ! I will not possess you wreaking mayhem in it."

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

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

"Let 's Hope so,"Ginny sighed.

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

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

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

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

Harry rang the toll when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"ejaculate in !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the third parson since the downslope of Maker Voldemort. He was a marvellous, round man with very little hair left on his heading. He did frisk a rather declamatory mustache, which caused Albus to suppose of him as a much taller version of prof Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated wizards who spoke using very large Christian Bible that Albus could n't really understand. He was long-winded and most of his words could be condensed down into a few conviction, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

"Right this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to follow him.

Hartwell lead them through the house, which was just as immaculate as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a lofty dance palace. It was the Saami ballroom all the party Albus had been to were held.

The way was decorated with silver gray and mordant and was already filling up with people. Albus spotted rosebush and lustrelessness in the back of the room and left his home in the doorway to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you think, matt ?"rosebush turned to lusterlessness,"His mum says they match his centre, but Saint James the Apostle says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"matte said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to Matt 's dismal robes.

"I do n't worry,"Matt shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

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

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you make out most of these hoi polloi ?"

"Some,"Matt said,"That 's the fella Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very large virtuoso,"McVicar."

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

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

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

"Oh, it will be,"Matt grinned,"When I was really little, we went to company like this a few multiplication a calendar month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine-coloured and champagne. It 'll still savor exactly the same,"Matt grinned mischievously,"By the sentence midnight rolls around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not inebriated. It 'll be funny."

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

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

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

"Mostly stuff with the solid food. Charm the chocolate to smack like vanilla extract, charm the helping utensils to act every time you go to blame them up, that sort of stuff,"Matt explained.

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

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute they find out the alcoholic beverage 's been charmed out of the drinks, they 'll find Amy."

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

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

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

"What exactly happens when you use this charm ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, it 's great,"Amy grinned,"First, only a twosome people notice and they make a very quiet mention to another person and then that somebody agrees that there 's something wrong with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then mortal will test the crapulence, find out the inebriant 's been charmed away, exchange it, and then everyone will cheer. But some of them will act drunk because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

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

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

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

"You never know,"lusterlessness shrugged.

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

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

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

"That 's all they talk about,"rosiness said,"And Lily looks bored. Five Sickles says she 's over here in about ten proceedings or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and Lindy will filch out of the elbow room the future prison term Aunt Corrine looks away."

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was talking with two witches Albus did n't know and his twin cousin were chasing each early around the room.

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

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

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

Albus and rose agreed. Amy left to go lecture to someone else and the three friends walked over to the buffet. There was already a small queue in front of it.

"There go Samantha and Lindy,"Rose said as they waited. The Twin ran out one of the threshold and Corrine quickly followed.

The waiting line moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a denture and piled it richly with just about everything. There was always the advantageously nutrient at this sort of party.

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

"I do n't even know what half this stuff and nonsense is,"matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

more than and More hoi polloi arrived as Albus ate his dinner party. He recognized a few of them, but did n't recollect any names. He also noticed that cipher was acting strangely due to Amy 's appealingness. They were all acting perfectly normal for grownup who had had a few drinks.

Albus, flatness, and Rose wandered around the room once they finished their food. A few grownup stopped to promulgate how big they 'd experience and to investigate what class they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with James and Cedric 's mischief.

"hullo, everyone !"parson Hartwell shouted from the podium at the presence of the room.

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

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

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

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in honour of none other than Bruno Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the attitude of brain of the Department of Regulation and control of Magical Creatures. There is no one else whom I would bank with such a job ...."

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

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

"Thank you, minister of religion,"McVicar began,"That was quite an interesting delivery. I, too, would wish to congratulate Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

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

"However, the main reason for my deficiency of an earlier retirement was because there was not a unity mortal employed in the Ministry whom I would have trusted with this job. Nobody had the capacity to express out this office in the way I would wish. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five twelvemonth ago, that is.

"A picayune over five year ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the Regulation and controller of Magical wight. He applied for a job in Werewolf Support Services, a position that had been open for well over a year. I was gear up to hire anyone who walked through the door at that dot, but I had no idea what was to come when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may have sex that Walter has experience in this flying field. He was the Head of the section of Regulation and Control of Magical beast in Australia for three yr before leaving the position in decree to prompt to England.

"Bruno Walter revolutionized Werewolf sustenance Services as soon as he started. The musical theme he had were unity that even I had n't thought of. In five poor years, he has bettered sprightliness for those plagued with lycanthropy to a greater extent than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

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

"The lone thing left for me to do was convert myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the amend part of five years to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I manus the reins over to Walter."

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

"I 'll say,"Matt agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually kudos multitude like that."

"Well,"lusterlessness 's dad began,"Thanks for your suffrage of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can live up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intention of becoming the forefront of the entire department again, no matter which country I was living in. werewolf financial backing servicing has been such a great place to work these past few years. It truly is my passion.

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

"Of trend, I could not bear gotten to this position without the assistance of my married woman, Julie,"he gestured to lusterlessness 's mum, who was standing near the ambo,"And my daughter, Amy, and my son, Matt.

"I 'm not one for yearn words, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly promise I can be at least half of the head of the department Rob has been."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and Rose squeezed their way through the crowd to get to her.

"Amy,"mat whispered,"Why 's everyone acting normal ?

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

Epistle of James and Cedric were also standing near the boozing table, looking nearly as fox as Albus felt about this charm. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a chicken feed of wine-colored and tried it."Well, it tastes fine, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll have to booze a lot Sir Thomas More than that to get properly inebriate,"Matt grinned.

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra alcoholic drink to that wine,"Saint James whispered.

Albus, rosebush, flatness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their pranks had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so comical ?"Cedric asked.

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

"I put a spell on all the wine to take away the alcoholic drink, while keeping the taste sensation,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the political party started."

"So much for that frivolity,"James groaned.

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

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

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

"lack to explore the Minister 's planetary house ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"rosebush asked skeptically.

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

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

It was much quieter in the rest of the planetary house. They started wandering through any rooms that had open doors.

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

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

"Their star sign is this big ?"Rose asked.

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

The three friends wound up in a very large living room filled with antique furniture. There was an oriental person carpet on the dry land and oak table and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the tabular array were fancy vas of flush and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be careful in here,"rose wine said as she walked into the room,"If we break any of this stuff, our parents would bump off us."

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

"Do n't touch it !"rose hissed.

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

"flavour at all these al-Qur'an,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would roll in the hay to get her hired hand on these."

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

"Mum would like them,"Rose said

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

"Probably Old than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, come here,"pink wine said as she looked out the window.

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

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"look, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the crystal sculptures off. pink wine gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"blush wine whispered as she set it back on the mesa,"Be careful."

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

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

Albus peered out the window into the darkness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the shrub. It did n't seem like the person was walking up towards the house to go to the company. Plus, why would he show up three hr late ?

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

"Let 's go detect out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't have a clew as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no reason for someone to be sneaking around the curate 's Mansion at this meter of night.

"Albus Severus thrower, are you bally insane ?"blush wine exclaimed,"I think you are !"

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

"That 's a good power point,"lustrelessness replied,"Why would individual pussyfoot around a home that 's full of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

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

Rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and matt, muttering under her breath. They found the nearest door and went out into the stale night, drawing their wands as they did so.

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

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the menage and tried to hold himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the anatomy. However, he could n't see or get word anything.

"Do you pick up anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

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

"Good,"Rose muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

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

Albus continued creeping around the star sign, with his scepter out in front of him. His core was beating fast and his hands were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't need to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and boldness wracking at the same time.

"Do n't incite !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a bright igniter in Albus 's eye. Wand light.

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

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

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

"He sounds comrade,"matte whispered,"bent on. Bloody hell, that 's prof Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a indorsement and the vox did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the rector 's Mansion ?

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The scepter ignitor lowered and Albus heard the man stride through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed professor Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of succor as pink wine let go of his arm.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said and then waved his sceptre around,"And Miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your Church Father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

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

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

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

"And you 're lucky it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have been absolutely if that person had been a dreary genius. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

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

"If you must hump, the minister asked me to train the grounds in rescript to work sure enough nonentity was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did null but glint Albus 's curiosity even more. He knew better than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explain his motives.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, lusterlessness, and pink wine re-entered the building, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the prof would just see them to the door and then cover his search of the margin, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

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

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

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

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

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

"Care to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

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

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

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

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his protagonist back to the buffet.

"I hope you 've learned your deterrent example,"Rose muttered,"I am not doing that again."

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

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the good clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their glasses of Champagne in the air. Amy joined Albus, Rose, and matte.

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

The bunch began to thin out a little while later. Most of the people Albus did n't acknowledge left, along with his Uncle Percy, auntie Corrine, and his first cousin. Albus 's parents did n't seem like they were in any hurry to allow, so he got a plate of the leftover desserts and at them with his friends.

blush wine 's kinsfolk and Amy left, and then it was just the ceramicist, Matt, his parents, the Minister, and his married woman left. All the adult were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you conceive there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"lusterlessness asked as he polished off a piece of burnt umber cake.

"Only if Linda 's sick the day of one of the lucifer,"Albus sighed.

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

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

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

"Yeah, see you on the wagon train,"Matt said.

Albus waved arrivederci and then joined his mum, dad, James, and Lily. They all said extolment to lustrelessness 's dad and then left the Minister 's Mansion. Albus peered into the George H.W. Bush as he left, but there was no sign of professor Balladanis.

******

The residuum of the Christmas holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite tiresome, and there was nothing to do after that. Rose was visiting her other grandparents and James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was engaged visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with Aunt oleo. Albus was very thankful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

Finally the day to riposte to school arrived and the thrower made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in time. Albus found all his protagonist in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each early about their holidays.

"Aunt Marge has got to be the most horrible aunty in the entire world,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about deception a few month ago and she 's been awesome ever since. I mean, she was always sort of horrifying, but now she 's forged. She just hates magic so much. She 's spoiled than my grandparents."

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

"Consider yourself lucky,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had better holiday ?"

"We found Professor Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's planetary house,"Albus announced.

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

"I saw someone sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go inquire,"rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the parson had apparently asked him to check off the grounds for trouble."

"Did he determine you ?"whoremaster asked.

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

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

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

"Weird though,"John said,"Why would the Minister think someone would be hiding around his star sign ?"

"Does n't he have precaution around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's weird,"Saint John the Apostle replied,"He does have guards."

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

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

"Again, weird,"John said.

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

"That settles it,"St. John announced,"Albus, you 've got to find out what he did before he started teaching Defense ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those special dueling lesson with him. He likes you for some reason. Of form, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueller, too,"John explained.

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

"You never know,"trick said.

******

"quiet, placid !"Balladanis shouted the pursual Tuesday, their number one day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to lustrelessness and Gospel According to John and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say null about what happened at the company and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

"I trust you all had superb vacation,"Balladanis said,"But the vacation are over and although I am sure none of you thought a bit about justificative magic during said vacation, it is now clip to commence that thinking once again.

"number one, I 'll say that there is no meter to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the night arts do not carry breaks for trivial things such as holidays.

"arcsecond, in this term we will commence to search puppet far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying beast such as acromantulas, basilisks, lycanthrope, dragons, and vampires."

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

"As the headmaster would receive it highly inappropriate for a dragon to manifest itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will line up that there are more talk in this term, much to my dislike. There is nothing I would like better than to learn you about acromantulas and werewolves with practical example, but there are both law of nature and school normal that prevent such lessons."

Albus and Matt glanced at each former. It was official. Professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of teacher would want to teach about flying dragon with live on Draco ? fountainhead, Hagrid would, but he was n't the same as Balladanis.

"take out some sheepskin,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to get down learning about acromantulas today ...."

The repose of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not get Quiditch practice that night, so everyone went to the vulture 's Den after dinner.

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

"I told you not to take it,"rose wine said as she pulled a lot of record out of her own bag.

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

"chirology was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the solid thing worse."

"Trelawney could make Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about shadow creatures using the anamatek,"Rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the middle of the classroom."

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

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

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

"Probably not,"flatness answered,"It would just be a Wolf. I think it would just be a wolf any other time of the calendar month, too, because there 's no way it could flex someone into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's unspoiled,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few time this term. wonder if he 'll have it plow into a vampire."

"No penury,"John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to have it turn into a fake werewolf either,"Rose pointed out.

"good tip, I guess,"trick muttered.

******

The residual of the calendar week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday even, and Wood informed the whole squad that they 'd gotten rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next match was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in 2nd place.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the following eventide and he had absolutely no musical theme how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's previous job had been.

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

"Mr. ceramist,"Balladanis turned around and greeted Albus,"Is it dependable to assume that you did not go wandering about late at Night alone after New Year 's ?"

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

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may begin. I have decided that your savvy of the Protego appeal is acceptable so we are going to actuate on to something else.

"This particular appeal, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorient a person at the like clock time. The sensation is often described as vertigo. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more useful than a criterion disarming trance ?"

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

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

"Er, because you can get the person tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a dark champion you 're trying to grab,"Albus replied.

"Another good cause, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel other thaumaturgist often keep multiple scepter on their person. There are trance that can be performed on these verge to keep them attached to your robes or your actual soundbox, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overcome easily. However, these spells require perpetual concentration.

"If a wizard is hit with the appeal I am about to teach you, they will recede the concentration necessary to keep their superfluous wands affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the supernumerary wands."

"Can you teach us that magic spell to hold on supernumerary baton in our robes ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes vast concentration and magical DOE to simultaneously do that appeal while dueling individual,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will see the appealingness to disarm and disorient a mortal at the Lapplander time.

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

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to execute the new appealingness first, and faced Malfoy. He held his sceptre up and muttered 'Protego'under his breath. He focused all of his tightness on holding the shield up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the spell hit his shield, but it did n't break-dance through. He gripped his wand harder and stared at Malfoy.

"support going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's shield a picayune harder this time. Albus could finger beading of sweat forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five multiplication to damp through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand get out his handwriting and was overcome by a wafture of dizziness at the Lapplander time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the late class, only without the fever.

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

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

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

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

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

"I 'm ready,"Albus said as he took his wand back from Malfoy.

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

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the magical spell did not break Malfoy 's buckler.

Much to Albus 's delectation, he managed to separate the shell on the quartern try. One less try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

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

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

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

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

Balladanis kept them at it for the better part of an hour, past when Albus would have liked to quit. It was exhausting to be hit with that go sentence after metre while trying to bear up a shield magic spell. Malfoy did n't appear to be faring much best and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to stop after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking better of it.

The exercise was n't for nada, though. Albus managed to nurse Malfoy off farseeing and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting amend at the carapace appealingness as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must have got been the tenth time that night,"I 'll see you in socio-economic class on Tuesday."

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

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

Balladanis gave Albus the strange look he had ever seen. It was a mixture of anger, sadness, and even regret. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should have just told John they would n't be able to come up out.

"Now is not the clock time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in thoroughly time, I will separate you."

Albus was taken aback. That was Thomas More than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would birth told him to mind his own business and get back to Gryffindor towboat before curfew. Albus was going to notice out, he was just going to have to be affected role.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted commonwealth, before Balladanis could change his brain about eventually telling Albus about his previous vocation. The walking back to Gryffindor towboat seemed long than usual and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

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

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

Rose opened her mouth to speak and then closed her centre, ineffective to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that fellow who owns Dervish and Banges ?"whoremaster asked quietly.

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

"somebody killed him,"Gospel According to John said in barely more than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to look at all his friends in turn of events. matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his head on his hands.

"must 've just happened,"John the Evangelist said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on duty. By the time they got back, his shop class was a complete mess inside and he was laying suddenly on the storey. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the timberland, the grounds, and the schooling. cipher 's allowed out of their mutual room and dormitories."

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

"cypher even came in to distinguish us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

People were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of matter just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. well, Professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one beldame from the Ministry had been killed over Dec 25, but their killers had never been found and nil had happened since.

"Why would anyone wipe out him ?"mat wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone belt down anyone ?"blush wine replied.

The portraiture hole opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was professor Longbottom, looking worse for the wearing. His gown were disheveled and his tie was askew.

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

Albus and his friends looked at each former after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitory, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the second age'student residence. cipher said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's save mantle. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so exhausted earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sleep that night.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome readers and reviewer !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the next day. virtually people had slept quite late since it was a Saturday. Every bookman of Hogwarts had their nose in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a booster 's. The staff table looked the Saami, with every prof either reading the prophesier or whispering with another professor, no doubt about what they 'd read.

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

HOGSMEADE storekeeper MURDERED

A to-do in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident physician to Hogwarts to observe the Auror on
duty lead to the discovery of the end
of a shopkeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year proprietor of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced abruptly
on the panorama by Ministry Aurors yesterday
eve. His shop class had been broken into
and it showed signs of a struggle.
Wisander was discovered in the heart of
destroyed merchandise with his wand
laying a few feet away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An encompassing search of Hogsmeade, the
afforest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up cipher despite the time of day Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprints were found on
the scene.

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

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a little over ten eld, when he
purchased the shop class from its former possessor
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing editorials he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very impregnable opinion and did not pause
to let others bonk his opinions. His about
recent editorial have explored the subject
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'right field. Aurors have declined
gossip on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorial are a possible motive for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on page five.

Albus set the paper down and his booster all resumed their seats. Nobody said a Bible for a few minutes. Albus did n't bonk what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his feeling. However, it did n't exactly say what his beliefs were. Albus had n't ever scan any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

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

"I have no melodic theme,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose face was quite blench,"Want to go to the way ?"

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

Albus got up and was followed by all of his friends. John and Kaden each grabbed a quite a little of toast before leaving. Even rose wine and Amanda went with them instead of going off to contemplate with Linda.

"Have any of you read his editorials ?"flatness asked as soon as they were in the Marauder 's Den.

Nobody had read them. Not even Rose. matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even have a go at it which would be better, him being for or against werewolf right hand. If he 's for them, that means some bloke is on the unaffixed killing people for wanting werewolf rights."

matte did n't even have to continue for Albus to experience why that worried him. mat 's dad was possibly the biggest proponent of lycanthrope rightfield in all of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and everyone knew it. If somebody had been killed just for writing about loup-garou rights, what would bump to mortal who was actually passing practice of law for them ?

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

"Why else would someone have killed him ?"Matt asked,"He was just a shop owner in Hogsmeade."

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

"To daunt hoi polloi,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense teacher position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

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

"The early option is n't practically better,"lustrelessness muttered,"If he did n't write newspaper column for werewolf rightfulness, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought matt had a point, but he kept his back talk shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for calendar month, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really reckon much about it, but maybe there was more bechance outside of Hogwarts than Albus was aware of.

"Let 's go to the library,"rosiness said as she stood up,"They 'll have old copies of the Prophet there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to determine how crowded it was. Usually Sat were the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. everyone put off their homework and then Billy Sunday were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the vaticinator. Nearly every table had a few newspapers on it and a few scholar poring over them. ma'am Pince was bustling about, no question worrying about whether the students would rip her precious newspapers.

"Might not be any odd,"John muttered.

"This is in effect,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't look suspicious for us to be investigating."

John was almost decent. There was a very belittled stack of newspaper left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the binding of the library. Albus, Matt, and blush wine each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a excess bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two class old, until he got to the editorial segment. In the very middle, in the heavy case, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

therapist, BREWERS TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY OFFICIALS

As I was locking up my workshop last night,
I noticed that it was a full moonlight. I
could not serve but cogitate of the pitiable
multitude plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

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

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

And what kind of jobs are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
ones. The jobs where they make hardly
enough money to pay the snag and buy
intellectual nourishment, let lone purchase a potion that
could alter their lives for the better.

I am absolutely appalled that Healers
and potion beer maker charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a nice profits. They can use the profits
to submit spendthrift holidays while the
poor people beldame and whiz who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so a great deal Ministry officials
can do. Head of lycanthrope keep Services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
impart away free wolf's bane, but there just
is n't elbow room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that Healers
and potion brewer give it away for free.
They have the power to brew it, not
the Ministry. near therapist claim to love
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the abilities to brew it like
to have a niggling superfluous spending money.

"Nothing in this one,"rose wine said as she shoved hers aside.

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

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

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

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

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

"Bloody Hell, that bloke must have had so many foe !"John shouted as soon as they were back.

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

"Why did he stimulate to advert my dad ?"mat groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that column and he definitely doesn't."

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

"Healers are n't like that. Most of the I I 've met would pay away barren Wolfsbane, but it 's more complicate that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how unmanageable it is. There are n't many healer who can brew it and even about brewers ca n't brew it,"flatness explained.

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

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"matt said quietly,"And now that he 's psyche of the entire department, he 'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

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

"I know, but it 's still not dear,"lustrelessness sighed.

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

******

Albus and his ally scoured the Daily seer every morning the following week. Every day there was an clause about Wisander, the investigating, or both. So far the investigating had turned up naught. The Aurors had questioned quite a few the great unwashed, namely those very outspoken against werewolf and vampire rights, but the hunt had proved fruitless.

The articles about Wisander were far more concern. It seemed that his column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day little pieces of his diverse column were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why werewolf should n't be locked up on total synodic month. The cause were quite derisory, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampire should be allowed entree to humans to bite. He suggested using prisoners and allowing vampires to suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison monetary value at the same time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,"John announced at breakfast the postdate Sunday. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a year living with a vampire tribe in Meleagris gallopavo when he was Young. They were some of the few citizenry actually up at an early on minute, as Albus had Quidditch exercise and John had a morning hold with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning myrtle 's bath the old day.

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

"What are you doing after Quidditch pattern ?"John asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to lead eventually ? forest wo n't make us practice for the next week ? I thought he was going to go along going until the actual match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"John the Evangelist grinned.

"What a ignominy,"Albus rolled his optic,"Anyway, I 'll probably sustain to do homework, since exercise will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after detention ?"

"Thought I might earn another detention,"John grinned,"But Kaden 's busy with chess gild this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his succus,"Kaden joined the chess nine ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any former Kadens ?"John laughed,"blush wine said they want to learn him how to spiel properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll tell pink wine thoroughly portion with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and rosebush will be busy with that. Not that pink wine would desire to garner detention with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,"trick continued.

"right wing,"Albus said, remembering that the full moon was that Night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"whoremaster sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with matte. I can have a Nice one-sided conversation."

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

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

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

There were a few selection quarrel Albus had for praxis that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his all right form as he ordered the squad to do drills 60 minutes after time of day. He seemed to get Thomas More and more than stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of person-to-person training with shimmy and Albus was more than a little envious. teddy was a much more patient police chief than woodwind was and yelled a unit lot less. President Tyler thruway mostly helped Wood.

Natalie Wood let them ingest a brusk rupture for dejeuner, making sure they knew to get along back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the relaxation of pattern, but they were back on the pitch at the meter Wood told them to be.

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

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

"Remember, practice Tuesday eve !"Mrs. Henry Wood shouted as the whole squad rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the rook tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to get his ally.

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the usual way, but the male child were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to look for them after saying a quick how-do-you-do to the girls.

John and Kaden were in the midriff of a wake game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the vulture 's Den a few minutes later. John 's aspect was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite clean. There was also a big smile on his face which contrasted the scowl on can 's face. Matt was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was sound asleep.

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

"Grueling. Wood 's ten times worse than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five bloody hours in the low temperature !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the early couch.

"wagerer than scrubbing Moaning myrtle 's bathroom with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't know what was worse, the scouring or listening to Myrtle."

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

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every single person in the chess clubhouse,"Kaden shook his header,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the add-in blew up in his nerve again,"Have you done that refutation essay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

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

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his defending team Koran. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current glum creature of the calendar week.

can sat down at the table while Albus lay on the couch. He just could n't work himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled reply to John whenever he asked a question.

"Do you cover the poulet egg under a toad frog or a toad frog ?"can asked.

"salientian,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could extract a pink wine and tell you to do your essay,"lav replied.

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

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

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

"Really ?"Kaden sounded storm,"Why ?"

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

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

Albus managed to get in a somewhat easy locating on the lounge and wrote his essay with his Good Book and parchment perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the table ; at to the lowest degree he was able-bodied to sort of lie down.

A few hour later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever homework he was working on.

"We should probably wake up him up,"Albus gestured to Matt, who had not moved one muscular tissue since Albus had came back from practice.

John got up and began to prod Matt 's arm. It took a respectable two minutes for lusterlessness to open his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"John the Evangelist told him.

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

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

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

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

******

"Albus, get up !"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus took that to mean that Teddy thought they were snogging and one got the other sick.

"I 'll be down in two minutes,"Albus muttered.

Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a jersey and a pair of denim before running down to the park elbow room, where he found Oliver Ellen Price Wood pacing in front of the empty fire.

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

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very long lecture. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during practice session that week. He could n't picture out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could have accomplished the same thing at ten.

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

Part of Ellen Price Wood 's speech communication had been on the weather, which was cold-blooded and slightly snowy. Could be big, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The conditions were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common room reading a Christian Bible he found laying around until his friends got up around ten.

"There you are,"lusterlessness, who was looking significantly better than he had a few days ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"teddy got me up. woodwind instrument had to say me I 'm playing pursuer today."

"What ?"flatness shouted,"That 's brilliant !"

"This is keen, Albus !"John grinned,"But why ?"

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

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his supporter, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't remember he had ever been more skittish for a Quidditch match. This was a really important match, as Wood had pointed out numerous time. If they won by a across-the-board enough gross profit, they 'd be in 2d place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous people came over to the Gryffindor board to wish well Albus lot.

"Al,"Harry sat down adjacent to Albus.

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

"I 'll be watching the whole time. I 'm sure you 're going to do great. Just think of it as a compeer against another sign of the zodiac. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robe are blue,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

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

Nobody talked much as they changed into their robes. Everyone sat down afterwards, fix for Wood 's pre-match speech.

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


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

Also, I wrote a new vocal fic ! It 's from Snape 's point of scene, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my source Thomas Nelson Page if you want to watch it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

It was a combination of school day Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the actor more determined, and the stake were gamey than a normal schooling Quidditch match.

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

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his chest of drawers. Then he plunged down to the footing, where cypher else was flying. He was back up high two minutes later when he had reached the New York goal place. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the exit finish post. The Keeper was too wearisome and the Quaffle soared through.

"ceramist of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

James grinned at Albus as he flew past tense. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's Keeper to throw the Quaffle out. That had been his maiden goal of the match.

The Quaffle continued to exchange hired man quickly as the match went on. An hour later there was still no sign of the snitch and both team were neck in neck opening as far as points went. New House of York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few Thomas More goals and he began to relax a footling. The catch began to sense more like a school match and less like a professional match, even though the stakes were still in high spirits.

Mrs. Henry Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty point in time when James caught the stool pigeon, or they would n't be capable to pass New House of York as far as boilers suit points went.

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

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

James noticed as well and flew straight at the ring. He had been significantly closer than New House of York 's searcher and flew away from the hoop with the struggling Snitch in his hand.

The crowd roared and James held the stoolpigeon high above his head. Both squad flew to the primer coat and Albus saw the anguish looking on Wood 's nerve. They had n't won by decent to be in second place overall.

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

Wood nodded in agreement, but he still looked disappointed. Albus chose to ignore this and helped the rest of the squad to hoist Epistle of James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the breaker point, the Australian school day of Sorcery is in inaugural property. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The next match will fill piazza at the end of Feb !"smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his friends until they were back in the common room. shift had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor common room. Teddy informed everyone that the three other houses were hosting parties as well. The scholarly person from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their searcher, were sulking in a corner.

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

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

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

"uncertainty it,"Albus replied,"Plus, I 'm sure O'delle will get first dibs on the next match if any of the other Chasers get sick."

"At to the lowest degree you got to bring in one match,"pink wine pointed out.

"Anyway, the next match you 'll probably be playing Commonwealth of Australia,"Matt said.

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

The party continued until dinner metre, when the great unwashed began to leave as nonentity had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and James shortly before Albus and his friends left for dinner party. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

life history at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch match. The prophet printed fewer and few clause about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to forget about his expiry. Everyone except matte, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the pupil at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved slaying when the future Hogsmeade trip arrived two days after Valentine 's Day. A portion of the students were too lovesick to notice the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to lady Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or mat were too preoccupied to detect the abandoned building, though. The three of them stopped to calculate at it for a patch despite the biting wind. blush wine and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as they looked at the hollow building.

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

"It 's probably still piece of the probe,"mat pointed out,"asset, who would want a construction that someone was killed in ? I do n't even want to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a good time to prompt Matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screeching Shack.

"trade good point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

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

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

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

Albus, lustrelessness, and can went to the trey broom handle a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castle when Albus heard someone whisper his name behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Bloody Hell !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a good time, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to pinch in today. Most of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My cousins told me. They want to hit certain no one does anything stupid because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"lusterlessness asked.

"One-eyed witch statue,"Kaden replied,"Leads right into Honeyduke's."

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

Kaden 's grimace turned albumen and his mouth dropped open. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met case to face with professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd expect,"Balladanis replied,"Come with me, all of you."

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

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

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

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

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

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

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may return to your vernacular elbow room. Mr. Dursley will join you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, matte, and John the Evangelist could not get out of there quick enough. They walked straight back to the common room, talking about how lucky they had been. It must have looked like all three of them had helped Kaden lift into Hogsmeade. proficient thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen bit later, looking quite dysphoric. He collapsed onto a chairwoman and stared mutinously at the table.

"detainment every Sabbatum for the next calendar month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how dangerous it was for me to cabbage out and if I did it again I 'd get a worse punishment than detention. Did n't elaborate on that, though."

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

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his custody was that night. Balladanis decided to stimulate him alphabetize his common soldier library, which was quite panoptic. Kaden returned to the marauder 's Den ranting about the amount of books Balladanis had.

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

"That 's impressive,"lusterlessness replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detentions alphabetizing those account book. He almost did n't manage to land up and if that had been the case, Balladanis would have given him a fifth detention.

The next full phase of the moon moon came and went, as did the next Quidditch match. Albus was beginning to distrust that the full lunation were becoming worse for lustrelessness, although he did n't make love why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch catch. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the Snitch a half 60 minutes in. forest insisted that this was a good affair, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a effective amount of finish before Linda caught the sneak in their side by side match, they would have more overall breaker point than New House of York. Wood seemed to have lost any hope that James could tucker out Linda in Seeking, something James fumed about on a near daily basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain storm that left the grounds completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to hire spot inside, which resulted in incredibly drilling deterrent example. Ellen Price Wood continued to guard Quiditch recitation and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teacher were piling on the homework and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to remark the O.W.L.s even though they were a whole two years away. The only instructor who was n't talking about the end of term test was Professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his example as if end of term test did not exist. He changed nada about his lessons except the dark brute they were learning about.

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

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

"So,"Saint John the Apostle said as he flipped through his Defense book the postdate evening. Albus, lusterlessness, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden were in the piranha 's Den and John was just finishing the chapter on vampires."smell what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own book."loup-garou,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"flatness muttered,"It was bound to happen eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for additional help during that whole,"St. John grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll need loads of extra help in identifying werewolves."

lustrelessness rolled his eyes."He better. It 'll attend suspicious if I do n't go in for extra help. Speaking of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in 15 minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology preparation while John and lustrelessness were gone. Then it was clip for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the slope of the schoolroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone washbasin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silvery strings of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the strings were computer storage, Albus realized. For a moment, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to severalise him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"seed in."

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

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

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for account, but Albus would have appreciated one properly then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to explore computer memory. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, list forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your consistence will keep an eye on. Scorpius, you will succeed. I will do after you."

Albus 's pulse sped up a little bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a pudden-head estimate ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a remembering. Nothing could hurt him in a storage, right ?

Albus took a cryptical breath and plunged his look into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the gruelling grass and looked around.

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a small-scale house in the distance, atop of a rocky hill. In fact, the whole area was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of grass in the whole place. It did n't appear like any spot in Britain.

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

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

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

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

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did nothing but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Greece of all situation ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judging by his short, one word solvent to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small house. The only noise was their footsteps. There were n't even any bird of night hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must have been their destination. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the Shrieking Shack, only low. It was form of split knock down and did n't look like a situation that would be soundly to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A lighting was on upstairs. It remained on for a few Thomas More minutes and then somebody turned it off.

Balladanis made no move towards the theater. Instead, he seemed focused on the forest that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the forest was as good a situation as any to watch.

They watched the wood for a one-half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded physical body practically flew out of the forest. They were at the house before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His boldness was hardened.

All was quiet for two minutes. The figures entered the theatre, but did not turn on any light source. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the commencement one.

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

His prof 's face showed nothing. Nothing but the Lapp harden look he had seen on it so many multiplication. Malfoy on the former manus, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

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

Then, they stopped. commencement the woman, then the man. The hooded figure left the star sign as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no move to forget. Instead he stared at the menage. Two mo later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the menage, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew finisher, Albus could see that the someone was a boy who looked no honest-to-goodness than Albus himself. His grimace was etched with a sorrowfulness Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to state, but Albus was sure there were tears running down his face.

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

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

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

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

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

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in strawman of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right following to each other and Albus did n't deal. At the moment, finding out what that setting was was more authoritative than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few calendar week ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. ceramist,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the aim of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the justly import. I feel that that moment is now."

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

"There is a reasonableness why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my classes what I did before teaching. The reason is that you two are incredible duelist. Both of you have science beyond your years that I have never seen before, and conceive me, I have seen plenty of surpassing dueler in my clip. This may be a well time to tell you how rare it is to throw two such skilled dueller in the like yr at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the start of some variety of sign one speech communication or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the best of friends,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how impress I am that you seem to put the bad blood behind you when you step into my schoolroom for your lessons."

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

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

"I grew up in Greece, in that very planetary house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very wretched and could barely afford to put food on the table. I think they were grateful when I went away to school, the lonesome reason being that they would n't get to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully innocent and fun age at the Grecian schoolhouse of deception. I returned home during summertime entire of narration about my friends and all the deviltry we 'd stick into."

Albus found it difficult to imagine Balladanis getting into trouble at school or doing anything fun in general.

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

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in sodding shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampires ? That was one matter that had never crossed Albus 's head.

"I returned to school that September hardened. goose egg was fun anymore. Nothing was funny. It was then that I decided to devote my life to ridding the world of such evilness. Vampires, wickedness sorcerer, werewolves, anyone and anything that slaying viciously."

Albus could n't avail but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned lycanthrope. Balladanis seemed to comment this and gave Albus the fragile of smiles.

"However, I did realize that not all vampires, wolfman, colossus, and early beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to wipe out. It was for this reason that I did not wish to be employed by the Hellenic Ministry. The Hellene Ministry prefers to deal with magical creatures as a whole and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very large population of vampires.

"olibanum, becoming an Auror was out of the interrogative. Instead, I chose to embark a more secretive professing. One that you will not find leaflet on when you get vocation advice from your mind of house. One that no one except me is going to indicate to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's warmness sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the same time, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a good enough dueler for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am certainly neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out benighted wizards and iniquity magic. However, we not only seek out drear wizards and wickedness illusion, we seek out dark and dangerous creatures as well.

"The self-aggrandising difference is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by several Ministries and hired on an as-needed fundament. We travel from country to nation, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and private investigators."

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you coming back following year ?"Malfoy asked.

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

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in muteness on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to build of it. It was just so a lot selective information at once.

The coarse room was nearly hollow when Albus climbed through the portraiture kettle of fish. It must give been really late, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't know what clip it was.

"There you are !"blush wine shouted,"merlin, you 've been gone for hours !"

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

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

Albus was vaguely aware of his friends sighs of dashing hopes as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't finger like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the same meter.

Albus tossed and turned the total Night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis thought of her. He had said he did n't withstand a grievance against vampires that did n't stamp out people, but who knew what he really thought.

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

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

******

"Merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his head. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his unharmed family had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat decent slumber. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

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

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

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

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

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

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

The girls and Kaden met them in the vulture 's Den after Albus, John Lackland, and flatness had tiffin. King John kept pestering Albus all through luncheon, wanting to fuck why Linda could n't discover about it, but Albus said nada. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to tell his supporter about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the gens of Merlin happened hold up dark ?"Rose asked as soon as they were all in the Marauder 's Den.

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

"And you neglected to tell apart us until now ?"bathroom gaped,"I 've been wanting to jazz for the entire year !"

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

"Sorry,"John muttered.

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

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

"Not that nifty, to be honest,"Albus said,"Probably would have been better if it was a honorable retentivity.

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

"In Hellenic Republic ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the house for what seemed like hours and then these figures broke into it and we heard this unspeakable scream. Then the figure of speech left. Then this bloke who was about our age came running out with this horrifying frightened look on his face. Then we left."

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

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

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

"And you watched it ?"lustrelessness asked.

"From a space,"Albus replied.

"Merlin, no wonder Balladanis is so bloody insane,"toilet let out a low whistle.

"He decided to consecrate his life-time to ridding the man of evil, whether it be vampire, sorry thaumaturgist, or former dark creatures,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"rosiness asked.

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

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

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

"Wow,"trick said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

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

"Only ace that kill people,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

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

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his persuasion on vampires and lycanthrope truly is, it 's going to be occupy to see how he teaches us about them,"Rose mused.

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

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

"Who knows ?"blush wine shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever notice out."

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

"Seriously ?"mat asked.

"Yeah, because we 're good duelers,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't have to cognize. You 're only XIII. And Albus, do n't adjudicate anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the Dark Arts, but it might haze over his mind sometimes,"Rose warned.

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

"Maybe because he does n't design on staying,"Matt replied,"Why would he block up searching for the vampires who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

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

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"John rolled his eye,"There 's still something odd about Balladanis."

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

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

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be prosperous said than done, especially since Defense Department stratum was soon devoted to learning about vampires. Balladanis seemed to learn that peculiar whole with much to a greater extent enthusiasm than usual, a effort that cypher thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than common, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about lamia was englut Albus already knew due to what flatness had told them earlier in the school twelvemonth. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more grave the puppet they were learning about, the more occupy it was. Not to advert the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every student was thankful for.

However, partway through their second week devoted to lamia, the anamatek 's proboscis reappeared in the defence force schoolroom. There was an audible groan from every student who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a lamia, I think I 'm going to get up and leave,"John seethed as they took their seats.

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

"That would n't be any in force. We 're doing werewolf next,"John Lackland reminded him,"And Matt said that matter could n't turn into an genuine werewolf. Speaking of Matt, he 's golden he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The full moon had been the former night.

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

"He 's mental,"privy muttered.

Balladanis drew his wand and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped open and out stepped a very pale man with chiseled feature film. He did n't move, but merely stared out at all the students.

"lamia are the perfective predatory animal,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his wand at the vampire and it disappeared.

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

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're in force looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The choice is not slap-up, either. From the moment their teeth break your cutis, you begin to transubstantiate into a vampire as well. You will suit one if they do not lactate you dry. There is no way to break off it, no potion to counteract it.

"Vampires hunt at nighttime when their vision is still excellent, but when human being imagination is compromised. However, that is not the only reason. Does anyone know the other ?"

Rose raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

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

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to undermine the effects of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to live field that see less sun and areas of dense forest, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, parts of Canada, and parts of Russia. However there is also a significant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his verge at the lamia again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective suspiration of relief. The lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the next whole, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

Albus and his friends went to gossip mat late that night after Albus got out of Quidditch drill. They only had a one-half hour or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent refutation lesson today,"Saint John said once Madam Pomfrey had gone back into her field of study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the usual ace ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked make to diminish asleep at any moment.

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

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

"Yeah, he had it turn into a lamia,"John said,"We did n't ingest to fight it. He just used it to show how fast vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"matte replied,"He assign the vampire essay yet ?"

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

"well, the longer we spend on vampires, the Sir Thomas More time we have before we start wolfman,"Matt said quietly,"I really hope he does n't spend as lots time on them as he has on vampires."

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

"Thank Merlin for that,"Matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"pink wine said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after luncheon,"Albus told him,"skillful night."

"'Night,"lusterlessness said.

They left the ward just as gentlewoman Pomfrey was coming out of her study, presumably to differentiate them to leave and dedicate Matt Sir Thomas More potions. Albus and his Friend headed straight for the coarse way, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to charter up bets on how long Balladanis was going to spend teaching the third years about vampires. Fred was certainly he 'd spend the residual of term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the future building block partway through April. None of the 3rd years were actually participating in these bet because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the future Quidditch match came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Australian School of Sorcery mate, which meant Wood was in his peak when it came to practice session. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing rooms since he spent to a greater extent of his time on the Quidditch tar than in the Gryffindor vulgar room.

Albus awoke the day of the match to John 's loud swearing instead of Teddy, which told him that he did not feature to play during that match. He could n't help oneself but find slightly frustrated. Figuring there was no point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John what happened.

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

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

whoremonger muttered something indistinguishable and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the bathroom while Albus woke flatness up. The three of them met Kaden in the plebeian elbow room a piffling while later and then went down to the Great lobby to get something to eat.

A few time of day later the boy were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the couple to begin. Rose and Amanda were with them.

"wonder how long it 'll hire Linda to find the Snitch this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten proceedings,"John said,"Hey, recollect that metre we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

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

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

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

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prediction proved rectify. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating King James I to the Snitch by a few thousand. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that power point and only wound up losing by forty points.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New House of York as far as Quidditch points went. Commonwealth of Australia was still in the lead, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournament. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Commonwealth of Australia was in lowest space and New House of York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the outcome of the remaining qualifying tournaments and matches, the final exam for both were going to square off the victor of the contest. The points were just too close.

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

******

Two weeks into April, Tom Bradley along with quite a few former honest-to-goodness Gryffindors, were able to Cash in on their bet about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long awaited essay on vampire on Thursday, officially making the vampire unit the longest unit of measurement they had done. They had spent an entire month and a half on it. The essay seemed to touch this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the last potential minute, settling down to mold on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly grueling essay because Balladanis had given them so a good deal data on the subject. It was just a very long essay to write. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't facilitate but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an factual vampire would make it the light essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's glad this whole 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the vulture 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"rose answered,"She hated every minute of those lesson. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, blush wine ?"John asked as he measured his own essay.

"deuce-ace feet,"Rose answered.

can groaned."Do you think Balladanis will notice if mine 's three inches short ?"

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

"Maybe if we do n't finish up it we can just skip category tomorrow,"matt muttered,"After all, I would n't need to evidence up in form without the essay done."

"But it 'll be unsound when you finally do go to socio-economic class,"rosiness pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to course of instruction tomorrow,"lustrelessness said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to cease it,"Rose told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

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

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"nonentity found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a one-half on them. I do n't think anyone 's going to find out you 're a werewolf just because we 're learning about them."

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

"flavor on the brilliantly side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the loup-garou essay, you 're for certain to get a 100."

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

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

Albus, matte, and John got a late commencement since can had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was trusted how it go there ), the three boy rushed down to the Great residence hall to grab spell of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right wing on clock time and barely had a luck to catch their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to hand in their lamia essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

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

Balladanis began his usual tempo in front of the classroom. He stopped in front of rose wine and Linda 's tabular array and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with werewolf account,"he announced,"Nobody is sure when the outset werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding culture. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle refinement have lycanthropy in their histories.

"century of old age ago, before the Muggle playing field of psychology came about and long before Muggles had any understanding of the human judgment, they tried to make sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to attribute the insanity to the moon. Over the long time, the myth of werewolf came about. Thus, werewolves have had a significant use in Muggle stories. In world, the citizenry Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenic disorder or bouts of insanity."

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

"Muggles of trend know nothing about real werewolf,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created loup-garou have picayune in coarse with the rattling thing.

"wolfman are plagued with the sickness lycanthropy. Does anyone get it on what that means ?"

Rose was the exclusively one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Grecian Son 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"Rose explained,"Lykos means Friedrich August Wolf and anthropos means man."

"Very soundly,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called loup-garou.

"loup-garou have been shunned by wizarding club for as prospicient as history has told us about them. In recent years, there has been a lot hypothesis about whether this is necessary or even a dependable idea. However, it is difficult to change the creative thinker of the majority when we have been taught to avoid wolfman and shun them from wizarding society for so long.

"It has not been for no cause that this ecumenical bias has came about. When in wolf flesh, lycanthrope can not control their activity and thus assault incapacitated people. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to attack people, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the case when it comes to most werewolves. Most do not wish to lash out others. Within the past hundred year, loup-garou have begun locking themselves up on the fully moonlight in order to avoid attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the wolfman. Does anyone know this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on Matt, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their hired man. This time Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't have anybody to snipe, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a alternative and they often wind up really offend because of it."

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

"We 'll clean up next year with what happens before, during, and after full moons for a person with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell shape rang,"If you have not read the werewolf chapter, delight do so for adjacent fourth dimension. Mr. Eckerton, if you could delight come see me."

lusterlessness looked, if it was potential, even more unquiet at this scene. The remainder of the family left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with can, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and John left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting object lesson, thrower,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very concern indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, zippo. Just a very illuminating deterrent example. I 've learned so lots,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"merlin,"toilet muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll know after next object lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"lavatory replied,"That 's a overnice way of putting it. The whole schooltime 's going to live in two twenty-four hour period, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this object lesson ?"

"Yeah,"John nodded,"We ca n't tell apart him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether matt knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"flatness appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"zip,"trick said,"What did Balladanis want ?"

"Told me I did n't have to go to the special help during this unit of measurement unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John Lackland asked.

"I do n't know,"matt said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll wait suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many Thomas More deterrent example like that. merlin, Thursday 's example is going to be awful."

Albus saw no stop in denying that. mat did n't have a clew as to how awful it would be. They said zilch more about it the unit way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. He was perfectly well-chosen to expend all his resign time on the Quidditch pitch and then be too tired to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to go on what Malfoy said away from mat. He wanted nothing more than to warn his champion about it, even though he knew that would accomplish cipher. All it would do was induce flatness worry even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's judgment off of what would happen after Malfoy 's misgiving were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his reward. Albus was nearly one hundred percent for sure Malfoy would herald it to all of Slytherin. Then, word would spread and the entire school day would encounter out. merlin only knew what would materialise when student'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf rightfulness had come a yearn way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that well-nigh hoi polloi would not be well-chosen if their small fry were going to schoolhouse with a loup-garou, especially one that did not take Wolfsbane. Not to mention the field day the closet would take in with it. Matt 's dad had just become headway of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical wight for pigeon hawk 's sake. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to note what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a slight chance that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a panic onset. What would fall out if Malfoy found out he was a werewolf ?

It did not serve that the wide synodic month was that Friday. Matt barely spoke during the brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch pitch. He sat in the marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Sir Henry Wood 's long Quidditch drill took Albus 's nous off of all of that, but they did not stop Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would accept liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and lavatory exchanged anxious glances as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his face. Albus was so concentrate on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's trunk was back in figurehead of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John in the side.

"What ?"John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's face fungus,"St. John exclaimed,"I do n't even desire to cognise what he 's going to do with that."

"quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll proceed our werewolf discourse today by talking about what happens to a loup-garou when the Moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a exchangeable way to vampires, are somewhat sensitized to the moonlight when the lunar month waxes. For the few nights before the actual full-of-the-moon moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will feel ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this pour down, as he knew initiative deal what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the full Sun Myung Moon. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and Matt. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quickly glances at lusterlessness himself. matte was staring down at his lambskin and Albus was sure he was trying to neglect everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't indisputable if that was because of the object lesson or because the good moon was the next day.

"Lycanthropes are often too ill to go about their daily natural process the day of the wide lunar month and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the actual transformation, I wish to record you what a individual with lycanthropy tone like the day of the replete moon."

For a abbreviated second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to call Matt to the figurehead of the way, but then realized that as a prof, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the body and a small man stepped out of it. His luridness looked exactly like flatness 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces drill hole scars and had a poorly facial expression to them.

Balladanis began to speak about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no care. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a hour or so with jounce and then he glanced at lusterlessness. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the cock-a-hoop smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the lesson passed by in a form of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged glances and the smell on can 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's realization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's public lecture, but he did n't work on it.

The moral seemed to sweep on and speed by at the same prison term. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the like fourth dimension he did not want to have intercourse what was going to happen after.

"Next lesson will focus on wolfbane Potion and the effects it has had on loup-garou right,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"Class dismissed."

Albus and trick looked at each other. Albus did n't know what to do. Should he confront Malfoy ? Or should he assure lustrelessness what happened ? mat seemed oblivious to the whole thing.

They silently decided just to leave the classroom and decide what to do after. pink wine and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no estimate what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not trusted if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy right then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your business,"Matt muttered. Albus and St. John the Apostle both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even worse tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got Matt 's attention. His head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to privy with the most panicked look on his facial expression Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun good moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just gimcrack enough for Matt, Albus and John to hear.

matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crew, much to the dislike of the scholar who were trying to get to course, and disappeared in a affair of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out lusterlessness 's undercover, but he had used it to frighten him. In essence, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the uncollectible things he could deliver done.

Ignoring all the other bookman who were going to class, Albus pulled out his sceptre and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally micturate for certain you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a threat, thrower ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell out it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how lots right I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the Lapplander time.

"Expelliarmus !"can shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a rophy of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John the Divine, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected bathroom 's disarming trance and shooter another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portrayal. The portraiture 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his buckler charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his shield held up while the hex barb at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a titillation jinx at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't turn down his sceptre and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shell down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at john and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three male child followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at John. Of all the professor to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of trend, the one practiced thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce flatness 's lycanthropy to the intact school while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's survey. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not get down to separate you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you in force than this. The two of you especially should sleep together how uncalled for that was. You are well mindful of your dueling attainment and what sort of responsibility lies with them. I have half a mind to discontinue our preparation seance. However, I am willing to hear all sides of this story before laying out any sorting of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to year and Potter pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and john looked at each other and John rolled his center.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. potter, if you please."

Albus took a deep breath. He was going to differentiate the story. The solid story."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about matt, after listening to your lectures on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eye widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that genuine, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right to be intimate if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to hold back his medical checkup issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your line whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After lusterlessness left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go tell the whole schooling about Matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your verge on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"John replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much further than a duel. All three of you will encounter four Night'hold starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your respective houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are affair more significant to discuss than hold,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew wide well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said cypher as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's written report. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's study since his kickoff year, when he went to lecture to Dumbledore 's portrait. The place had n't changed in the thin. Everything seemed to be in the exact same place. Both Dumbledore and Snape were arouse and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, John, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a job,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to manus out detentions, Aplysia,"Kendrick replied,"I am meddlesome at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that matte Eckerton is a loup-garou,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill pen and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a deterrent example to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few president and gestured for the three boys to fall in him at his desk. Albus sat down in the middle chair and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rhapsodic attention.

"wellspring, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. Potter, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rosiness Weasley, Amanda tagging program, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll call for to address with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't consider Matt 's in class."

"You may be decent,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any estimate where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and Gospel According to John left the survey. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while can went to the dungeons as blush wine and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the Marauder 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"matt said without turning to look at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the luck. John and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four dark of detention and took points away."

"He 'll tell everyone soon,"flatness replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to finish school. That 's not even the spoilt part. It 's going to be all over the vaticinator. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably stimulate to affect to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked nervous. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the like time.

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a good teacher ?"Matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sorting of awful instructor then maybe Malfoy would n't give found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left nothing out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupe anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only onetime. No wonder Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you know ?"matte shouted,"How do you really live ? I know Teddy 's dad got to rest after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to deal with this."

Albus did n't really love what to say to that. Everything lusterlessness said was straight. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. Nobody could compare to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his study. He wants to lecture to all of us. Me, John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't require to go up there,"Matt said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to outride here. Falco columbarius, my oral sex is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"lustrelessness groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't funfair. I hate it. I hate this whole thing. I do n't want to be a bloody loup-garou anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how deplorable Matt was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him quetch about being a werewolf. Not when he was too sap to do anything because of the full moon or when he was laid up in the hospital wing for daylight afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the password, that he had overheard Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and Matt when they walked in. Matt froze in berth and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"Take a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two abandon chairs, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the fundament next to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. matt took the other one.

"First, I want to assure you that you do not have to leave Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to lusterlessness,"cipher else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't attend reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your begetter has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this schooltime,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I repoint out that his position is not very high."

"mat,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Does anyone else eff ?"Matt shook his promontory."And did you tell the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. Matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

flatness seemed ineffectual to speak. After a few bit of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. Potter ?"

"Two yr,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with Rose, lav, and Amanda, who all gave the same answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus charm. He shared one horrified glance with rosebush and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape love and he looked a small panicky.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"prof, Sir,"rosebush began,"We sort of put this good luck charm on Kaden, so he would n't tell anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a Bible, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus appealingness,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"Rose answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible enchantress, young lady Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing exploit, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you differentiate me how long Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"pink wine said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some matter to discuss with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in common soldier. The repose of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half minute or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to leave alone without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew flatness would tell him.

matte never showed up in the Great anteroom for luncheon, nor did he go to ancient Runes or magical spell. Albus could not centralise on either of those social class and was very happy when Charms was over and he was able to leave.

Ellen Price Wood was not very glad that Albus had acquired four detention. In fact, he was livid. He spent xx bit telling Albus how he should n't be picking fight with other scholar so close to the next Quidditch equal, especially in front of teachers'classrooms. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was tardy for magic spell. Albus had run into Wood in in between Ancient Runes and Charms.

"What do you theorize Balladanis is going to make us do ?"bathroom asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a cue,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"John agreed.

blush wine, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find oneself Matt before they went to dinner. They had to wait a while for the corridor to clear out before they were actually able to get into the elbow room, though.

matt was fast asleep on the sofa when they entered."Good thing he does n't have detention tonight,"John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John gently shook flatness 's berm until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll miss dinner."

"I 'm not thirsty,"Matt muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the other end of the couch.

"He should put that appeal on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"matte sighed,"All he did was recite Malfoy how important it was not to bring up anything. He said telling his father would do nothing. Then he told him that if he ever did recite anyone, he would face forcing out for revealing another student 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? Sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't acquire it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't reckon he 's going to tell anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate pity in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't want that."

"I guess you 're right-hand,"Matt sighed,"It 's just so strange, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you need to go eat dinner party ?"

"No,"Matt shook his headspring,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to send an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. Saint John the Apostle and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. Good fate with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's detention was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to opine up some really originative and taxing detainment, but instead he assigned them course. communication channel were possibly the most boring detention ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the can or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten bit,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow nighttime due to your detainment. Detention will be at nine, after my extra service academic term, something I 'll have a bun in the oven you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said cipher more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three male child, which Albus did n't really heed. He just wanted to get his subscriber line done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on full synodic month, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a werewolf used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the skillful Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's chiding. Malfoy stopped asking head and went back to his line of merchandise. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out matt 's enigma ?

A half minute into their line authorship, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his justly hired man, there was a rap on the doorway. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the door, along with none other than Matt 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to can. John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last affair they needed was for Balladanis to call back they were there and tell them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Aplysia,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John. Matt 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to talk to you about what happened former today,"flatness 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your object lesson,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll want to know in parliamentary law to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Merlin, showing them exactly what a lycanthrope looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you recognize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of line,"Balladanis said, raising his voice a bit,"You 're not the just expert on magical beast. I have perfect control over my anamatek."

"Nobody has perfect control over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The master has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't demand to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how very much you taught the third years about lycanthrope. The details about their transformation, how to beak one out of the general population, what happens before, during, and after shift. Your lesson was far more detailed than a thirdly year text book."

"You 'd come up that all my lessons are like that,"Balladanis replied,"Text books do not afford sufficiency details."

"I think giving enough point about identifying a loup-garou so that a third yr would be capable to work out that mortal not even in their same house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more conservative with your lesson."

"withholding tax entropy from an full category because of one student is not a dear method acting of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be serious for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the bully good for the greatest phone number, are we ?"

"There are clip when that is a just philosophy,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll agree to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your object lesson are putting my son in danger anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll instruct however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three son, none of whom were writing business line any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and John the Evangelist before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the pauperism to retell that there will be consequences if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"trade good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to research your study and schoolroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will take it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breath as lusterlessness 's dad left the room with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with privy. He wanted nothing more than to leave, so he could lecture about what had just happened.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his rush to get up. He ran out of the way as fast as he could with John following. Malfoy made no move to try and spill to them again, so they headed straight to the Marauder 's Den.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and toilet burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to find that Matt and Kaden were the only ones there. matte 's look was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the middle of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four profits for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the bill of fare,"Oh, Albus, lavatory ! How was your custody ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down next to matt,"Matt, did you sleep together your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"fountainhead, do you know where he went after ?"toilet asked.

"habitation, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detention,"john said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"Matt shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really raging,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to fancy out if someone 's a werewolf and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"Matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the intellect he came here, to distinguish Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to inspect Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to make indisputable he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's teaching puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to look into him."

"It 's really not a good estimation to get on my dad 's bad position,"matt said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not calculate happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd narrate you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"lustrelessness said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't imagine Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not take very long for tidings to diffuse that Balladanis had gotten in hassle for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next cockcrow at breakfast, as a few older students had bet on how long he would stimulate it. Somehow everyone knew that mat 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the former nighttime and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that sunup and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even nonindulgent than common and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's downright scary,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my grade for spilling her ink. She was nearly in bout. But I 'd hate to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be savage. I mean, it 's pretty much because of Matt that he got in trouble."

Matt had gone up to the Marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in tiffin. Albus knew that Kaden was right. Balladanis was going to direct this out on Matt, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so much,"John shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could have just taken that thing away. He 's lucky he just had to take it back to his theater or whatever."

"I do n't recall he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him talk about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"Well, I think it 's a honorable idea for the Ministry to make him take that thing abode,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to social class after tiffin while Albus and whoremonger went up to the marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to know what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"bathroom groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"Rose commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to wake him up,"John muttered.

The residuum of the good afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his custody later and John complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra assistant seance about werewolves when he already knew so much about them.

Albus woke lustrelessness up shortly before dinner party and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full phase of the moon Moon. They all escorted him to the hospital backstage, where Madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to leave behind the hospital extension, the threshold opened and in walked Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to discipline if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

St. John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"John whispered.

"He 's not going to secern us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to lusterlessness 's bed and talking to ma'am Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for nothing. He entered the room before Malfoy and John was already doing his lines. Balladanis said absolutely naught to Albus as he handed him sheepskin. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about matt and did n't even gloss that the wide-cut moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at half past ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining time left until astronomy playing Exploding ginger snap and Wizard 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to suffer this family with the Slytherins ?"St. John groaned as they made their way to the astronomy tug,"If Malfoy does n't make a single comment about the full moon, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to hold you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll make to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up next to Albus 's. Professor Polo spent ten min telling them that they were to plot the position of Mars, Venus, the Moon, and a handful of principal before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The lunar month is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... total ...."

Albus looked at John the Evangelist."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the Head of the department for the regulating and control of Magical Creatures ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just stop over talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, come in on, thrower. Even you have to appreciate the irony,"Malfoy said.

"volition you just keep out up,"Albus seethed.

"Quiet over there,"polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his scope. The rest of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was able to return to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first gear year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when ma'am Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"Well, she did n't lock us out this meter,"Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his acquaintance had slept late on Saturday morning and after grabbing a warm bite to eat, had gone to natter Matt in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the marauder 's Den, trying to image out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"Rose wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the full moonlight have been worse the past times few calendar month ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us suit Animagi,"John the Evangelist muttered.

"John the Divine, I honestly do n't cerebrate you could turn an Animagus,"Rose replied,"You 'd wind up up with a permanent tail affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be coolheaded to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just preserve going back to the infirmary wing,"John shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their efforts proved sleeveless, though. They went to the hospital offstage twice that good afternoon and then right field before Albus and John had to go to detention. madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Sunday, the last day of Albus and John 's detention, was the like. brothel keeper Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third time that day.

"nil 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow evening ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any to begin with than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John broke away from the group to complete their last detainment. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the past tense three nighttime. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two give-and-take to him since Astronomy.

"You may stop,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to continue his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more severe than detention and lost points.

"Mr. ceramist and Mr. Malfoy, I have given great thought to whether I should stay giving you extra lessons. I have decided to cave in you one more than chance. example will continue this Friday at their convention metre. However, if either of you disregard my regulation again, I will no longer hold them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in stratum on Tuesday."

"pigeon hawk, I 'm beaming that 's over,"can muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be frightfully in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't concentrate at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital wing and find out how Matt was, but brothel keeper Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

rose and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the hospital wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very hie dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch exercise at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the doorway to the hospital wing, half expecting lady Pomfrey to hollo at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. gentlewoman Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the only occupied bed, which had the drape pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the drape back. mat looked washed-out and there was a rather large bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come sojourn me,"matte gave them a one-half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"lusterlessness smirked,"I 've heard her outcry at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't Madam Pomfrey let us come visit ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"flatness answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two days later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A bunch of thing, really,"mat sighed,"First, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm interest about something. secondly, I hit my headland really heavy at some point that night. It still hurts. tierce, the transformations in general are getting spoilt, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's creative thinker. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting older and that brought plenty of changes, but he had n't even thought about how the skirt chaser would change when flatness got older.

"So, are all of the full moonshine going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head teacher and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really roll in the hay what 'll happen in the future tense, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's effective, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow nighttime at the earliest,"Matt sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"wishing I could drop defensive structure,"John muttered,"speaking of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"John, he just woke up yesterday,"Rose pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"Matt said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"bathroom grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia, he hired Balladanis to hitch a dance band of vampire who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too well-off on them."

"What did he do to them ?"John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should have gotten aliveness judgment of conviction. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge argument at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Australian Ministry did n't hire him after that,"matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would agree on penalisation. I wonder if he 's leased Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"mat replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of egress. Oh, and he wanted me to admonish you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lesson you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different side of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tuesday forenoon dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with John. Neither of them really knew what stratum would be like, but judging from what he heard about Holocene Defense grade in the vulgar room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat side by side to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the way a few instant later. He waved his scepter at the doorway and it slammed shut with a bang loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell Twin, who had been sitting closest to it, to jump.

"go your homework questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the mesa in straw man of him and waited for Balladanis to compile it. He paused in front of the table in social movement of Albus's.

"potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his homework is latterly and therefore I will not accept it. If he wished to get credit for it, he could have graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him glares from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the homework unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"wolf's bane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For nigh loup-garou, the potion was a lifesaver. Who can explicate what it does ?"

Nobody, not even rosebush and Linda, raised their work force. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call on him.

"Nobody ?"he said,"Pity. wolfbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during total moons. The werewolf turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just log Z's until the synodic month bent and will not sustain the impulse to bite and kill.

"The potion is a lifeguard to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to show you what a werewolf would depend like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the rook,"Balladanis said with malice,"Therefore you will birth to go without the optical. It seems that certain parents, Ministry functionary, and the schoolmaster do not approve of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't anticipate it suffering,"John Lackland muttered.

"tranquility, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to contribute to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this classroom and your training is going to suffer for it. Nothing, and I repeat nil can replace hands on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the line at having what was in nitty-gritty a live manticore in front of him. There were some times when reading sufficed.

The example continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all werewolves and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the object lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the rook, he had been pretty formula. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the stopping point on wolfman,"Balladanis announced at the end of grade,"We will get a line about lycanthropy 's consequence on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. Matt would be out of the hospital annexe by then. Why could n't Balladanis just complete the werewolf unit already ?

"He wo n't be back next year,"can muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just wonder who we 're going to get instead."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your stake here !"Fred shouted the following day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait trap with Georgia and James after a particularly difficult Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the friction match against New York, which was to take place in a niggling over a week.

"Sakartvelo, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"upkeep to target a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff, your mum is bound to happen out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's Aunt Alicia was the least nonindulgent out of all of his aunts. She 'd probably point a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just break Bob Hope grandma does n't find out,"Sakartvelo smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. molly Weasley would probably institutionalize him a howler if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And Heather and I are taking stake on how lots yearner Balladanis is going to finis. Care to take a guesswork ?"

"I suppose,"Empire State of the South said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a calendar week. I heard he had three low geezerhood in tears today."

"He nearly had half of my stratum in binge,"Fred said as he took Georgia 's gold,"James, Al ?"

"trey Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"St. James said as he tossed Fred some Au and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head.

"courting yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the rough-cut room,"stake here, send your bet !"

Albus found his friends crowded around their usual table in the common elbow room. Linda was with them. All three daughter were working on homework. John and Kaden were trading cocoa Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in bother,"rosiness muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his headspring,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten reaping hook he wo n't last-place the yr,"John said.

"You should know exactly when he 'll get out, what with your taking prophecy,"Rose smirked.

"Divination 's a joke,"whoremonger muttered,"I ca n't wait to drop it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"rosiness grinned,"Sick of making up stuff and nonsense ?"

"It 's just so otiose,"Gospel According to John groaned,"We 're still doing crystal globe. I just tell her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking Divination,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his form for next year a few daylight prior. He decided on Care of Magical Creatures, antediluvian Runes, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"Saint John sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy preparation ?"matte asked as he sat down in the chairman next to trick 's. He looked a bit better than he had the late day, but still wear upon out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"John asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for defence reaction tomorrow,"flatness groaned,"I 'm allure to use a Fainting phantasy to get out of it."

"I think half the first years are going to do that on Fri,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete homework interrogative. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"brand me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two hebdomad. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd pay him."

******

John filled his pockets with vomiting Pastilles before he set off to Defense the side by side morning. Albus did n't put out. His curiosity always trumped his dislike for certain classes. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"Werewolves,"Balladanis said as soon as the bell rang,"When the terminal figure is used, most citizenry conjure up images of lonely adult, condemned to a measly life that revolves around the Sun Myung Moon.

"However, there is a hale grouping of lycanthrope that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, kid do get attacked by werewolf. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too late. Even fewer survive the initial transformation. wolfman translation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few kid are strong enough to make it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a decisiveness after their child is bitten. They have three choice. Number one, they can conduct with it. Deal with the monthly transformations and try and hold life as normal as possible for the child. numeral two, they can abandon their child. strength them to live with a wild pack of werewolves, to raise up to kill. However, there is a thirdly option. Does anyone care to think as to what it is ?"

nobody raised their manus. Balladanis looked at his class until his optic rested on Matt. A very creepy-crawly smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, fear to state us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at Matt throughout the lesson, stole a nimble glimpse at him. He was staring at the desk, shaft in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"Matt stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the child down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by therapist, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first base alternative, to continue to raise their youngster, are in for a very toughened life. Werewolf children are hard to raise. It is a huge adjustment for parents and siblings if there are any. The bite affects the whole family. It changes lifetime, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at Matt. His hand was shaking even harder and his side was as white as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with John and whoremonger reached into his scoop. He slid a disgorgement troche across the table towards Albus and then slid one to matte. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. Saint John the Apostle and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his stomach as the sweet began to take affect.

"Lycanthropic baby rarely, if ever, get to take care schooling,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the infirmary annexe ?"

"I do n't palpate too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the phone of all three male child vomiting at the Saame clock time. Albus leaned over his board and vomited right onto the trading floor. The class erupted into cry and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital Wing, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to regorge again as he ran for the door. matt and privy followed. All three of them shoved the orangish end of the sugariness into their backtalk as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evil !"trick shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"can began,"What is wrong with that bloke ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"lavatory said to lustrelessness as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the book. I mean, did you register the Book ? There 's not much in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his pillock anamatek,"matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to make you low-down because of what your dad did with those lamia class ago."

"It 's just not fair,"Matt groaned,"I mean, did you heed to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it truthful ?"

"Yes,"flatness said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the Puking Pastille. How could a therapist, somebody whose job it was to nominate people healthy, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the same metre,"Matt gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really wish to take on your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a enceinte bloke."

"He is,"Matt smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John the Evangelist sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"Matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"Three sidereal day,"John said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three to a greater extent days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any meter,"Rose said to flatness as she unfolded her copy of the vaticinator the succeeding morning at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over pink wine 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS PROFESSOR TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The Department of Magical training received an question
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the iniquity Arts professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The inquiry was submitted by none
former than the newly appointed oral sex of the Department
for the Regulation and Control of Magical wight,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor genus Aplysia Balladanis has been teaching Defense at
the school day since Sept, when he replaced Head Auror
Harry Potter. thrower had taught the matter for two
days and wished to focus solely on his Auror life history,
resulting in his resignation at the end of utmost shoal
year.

The close at hand investigating comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his schoolroom. This proved to be lawful and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was get rid of it from school premises. Eckerton told
reporters that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the prof
repeatedly put bookman in danger and humiliated them
in figurehead of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this inquiry as a parent, not as a Ministry
functionary. first-class honours degree and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The probe will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the Department of Magical Education,
a department that was set up for this purpose after
the downfall of Lord Voldemort. Officials will visit
the school and audience both students and faculty as
a share of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to teach denial Against
the dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defence force anymore,"Matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't bar him from teaching until they do the probe,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can stop him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a written matter of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't hump,"Rose said quietly,"But Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, rosebush did not objurgate him about skipping class. Albus could n't find fault him. He himself was half tempted to hop, but he knew his wonder would get the better of him.

"Somehow, I do n't think you 'll have the fortune to cut,"Rose muttered,"We do n't have Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"toilet grinned,"Now I wo n't give to do that werewolf essay."

"I never said that,"Rose replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"tone, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your tending !"Kendrick shouted and the chatter in the manse immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or find out about the article on the front page of the Prophet.

"Ministry functionary will be visiting the schoolhouse today and tomorrow to carry on their probe. They will be selecting students to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their doubtfulness truthfully.

"As of right now, prof Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to address him with respect and attend his classes. This is, at the moment, an investigation and zero more. Now, you 'd best be off to class."

"Albus,"blush wine whispered as they made their way out of the Great Hall to story of magic,"You 're not going to that dueling deterrent example tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't call up you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't desire to go, but he also did n't desire to witness out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't testify up that evening.

cypher fell asleep during chronicle of illusion. It must consume been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still animated. However, the lack of fatigue was not due to Binns 's talking to. No, that was just as boring as common. The students remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hush whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third year and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six scholar in the rook who knew the specific reason why lustrelessness 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, Rose, John, Amanda, Kaden, and lustrelessness himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not screw that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the blame on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the actual reason. The prophet had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specific. The Hogwarts students wanted specifics. They wanted to have intercourse what had pushed lustrelessness 's dad to defer an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The cause the students fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few seventh days, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his spare service sessions and perhaps victimized Matt as an object lesson of soul who did not have the skills to defeat dark genius. flux that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh twelvemonth claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an exaggeration ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the probe would shove off over and within two weeks everything would be back to rule, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first years were the on the opposite side of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin one-third class. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nonentity had turned up injured after division and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a famous person inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a single soul, keep, ghost, or portrait, who did n't lie with it was his dad who launched the query. He was stopped no less than six times on the way from History of Magic to Herbology by people wanting to know the details of the question. It was something Albus could secernate Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they learn that I do n't desire to talk about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castling after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw sec years had just run up to lusterlessness, demanding to cognize why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just digest up on the Gryffindor table and piss an declaration during lunch,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"lusterlessness said,"I 'm just glad we do n't let class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, feel, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three functionary looking citizenry striding up towards the palace. There were two witch and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they consultation me,"flatness replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John the Evangelist continued their trek to the Great Granville Stanley Hall, where they ate a very fast lunch. None of them wanted to rest very long since everyone was still asking lustrelessness about the inquiry. After they finished, the male child went to Gryffindor Tower to posit their bag before going to the vulture 's Den to put off their homework.

The coarse room was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tables.

"Do n't you three have class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got Defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nothing you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your class where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get detention either. Oh, and John the Evangelist, you 'd better not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"John the Divine said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of denial yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the starting time,"Ashtyn told them.

"well, you three enjoy your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boys quickly stowed their bags in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait fix and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his study. Oh, advert on."Gabriella consulted the piece of parchment she was holding."He wants to see mat, too."

"feel like you two are getting interviewed,"John said as Gabriella went into the commons room.

"Guess so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private deterrent example with Balladanis, he probably would consume been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your father was the most famous wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his middle,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's subject field while St. John the Apostle continued towards the marauder 's Den. Albus had no approximation what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within xv minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April Fool 's Day Prank ! The stave really surpass themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this storey !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing future to the gargoyle that concealed the entranceway to Kendrick 's work. It was apparently his job to croak the parole to the gargoyle to allow all the student being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the study and found three other student waiting in front of Kendrick 's close room access. A very bore looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh year, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's consternation, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had common soldier object lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to disregard Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to start the long wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the like sentence ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a time. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were to a lesser extent the great unwashed waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the subject area and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's bailiwick for about XV proceedings. Then it was Malfoy 's tour. He took a bit more clock time, but finally came out and left without so much as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the entail prison term, two more than student had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The former was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at to the lowest degree an hour, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three investigators were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing glare. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a I wrinkle, and her fuzz was pulled into a fast bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The early enchantress was the concluded opposite. She was suddenly and quite a bit overweight. Her kinky brown tomentum stuck up at all sorts of odd angles and she had a small yoke of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining detective was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill pen in helping hand. He looked a bit bored by the entire thing. He was gazing about the way and had the spirit of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two multitude who were paying rapt aid, or should he say portraits, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to look at a seat in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lothringen Smyth,"the improbable beldam gestured to the short beldame,"And that is Herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonderment he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please state your fully figure, age, year, and sign for the record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his brow. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's communications protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, baker's dozen, thirdly year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can say us what goes on in an ordinary deterrent example with Professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"fountainhead, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll call for the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no matter what. He does n't call for belatedly piece of work, even if you 've got a good excuse. You could be sick in the hospital annex and he would n't take late homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new enchantment or about some new creature. Then we 'll have to execute the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra supporter sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your social class ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my grade, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"Have you attended any supernumerary help Roger Huntington Sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling deterrent example by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you order us a bit about them ? What do they dwell of ?"

"Most times he just teaches me new spells, patch that are harder than the 1 we learn in category. Scorpio Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the magical spell,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'times,"Smyth said,"What else does he have you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his death chair,"One sentence he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by lamia,"Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the lambskin. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's face had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the house as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the planetary house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the retentiveness, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't differentiate you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explicate why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to show us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should become Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final question. Would you find easy if Professor Balladanis continued to instruct here ?"

Albus thought about it for a second. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could read a lot from. But on the other bridge player, he was n't the kind of wizard Albus felt well-off around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your coarse room. You are not to speak of this audience to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good luck'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just state us ?"John lamented as the son sat around the marauder 's Den after dinner. rosebush and Amanda were currently in the little girl'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry beldame said we could n't spill the beans about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"bathroom asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole school about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't guess it 's going to get long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"lustrelessness said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his extra help sitting tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid XX Galleons,"John replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz around down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin common elbow room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"matte said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John gave Albus a unknown look.

"I might receive out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

toilet opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the threshold. A flash squawking noise had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"can asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his derriere. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One matter Albus loved about the Marauder 's Den was that it was always very quiet. No stochasticity could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard haphazardness from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the gonzo razzing he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never number to the door."

"rose ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"Rose said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the coarse room. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told lustrelessness, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must possess been of import for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't have to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the boggy armchairs in front of the flame when Albus arrived. Empire State of the South and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of script gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's talking outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrayal mess and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"goose egg,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a password about you causing trouble, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to professor Balladanis 's dueling example tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the even, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decision is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would rede you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable amount of accent, of which you do n't do it the one-half of. I 'd say the prospect are luxuriously that he may necessitate out this stress on you and Scorpius."

"Do you know if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no theme,"Harry answered,"But I tend to conceive he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A Wise determination,"Harry smiled.

Harry said skilful night to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the midsection of showing mat and John how to take a shit a proper report airplane.

"What did your dad require ?"John asked without looking up from the lambskin he was folding.

"To enjoin me it was n't a thoroughly approximation to go to Balladanis 's example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch.

"And ?"mat asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"Good,"lusterlessness replied.

"You know what was Weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of emphasis, most of which I do n't cognize about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Wyrd,"Kaden shook his head,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't know for surely that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful woman,"Saint John the Apostle smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't believe I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful woman ; it was a lamia. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does look fairly obvious,"mat agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his focus ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"whoremaster began,"This is the first Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right hand,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And spend the night here,"lustrelessness added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweetness and pud as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up latterly eating all of it and playing various games. Albus was even capable to bury about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry functionary remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the oddment of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's full cousin Isabelle, one of the pursuer on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

professor Balladanis did not show up at a 1 meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the dubiousness of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to make their decision. Albus was More than a little queasy about going to Defense on Tues and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence seizure from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday break of day that all the Hogwarts pupil knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The star was no longer there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending announcement, since there had not been a undivided mention of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The vaticinator has kindly agreed not to release the clause about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"King John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"good point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a neutral face on her brass."Upon extensive investigating of Professor Balladanis 's didactics method acting and thorough interviews of choose students, the Ministry has seen it fit to move out him from his teaching post here at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Professor Balladanis packed his things late net night and no longer resides in the rook. prof Kendrick will inform you about what will go on with defending team class for the remainder of the year. I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like aught had happened. The Great dorm immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"United States Department of Defense Against the Dark Arts division will not take aim place until further posting. I will try and procure a worthy surrogate for Professor Balladanis as quickly as potential. Until then, delight use the time to analyse for your upcoming test,"Kendrick said and then resumed his can. He began to verbalize with Torenzo and the students vox rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"best tidings I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James groaned,"Why 'd they let to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor mesa as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll discover a replacing ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"Glad I did n't do that werewolf essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't receive a replacement,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have got one lupus erythematosus exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John Lackland replied.

The aura in the palace for the rest of the day was incredibly wellbeing. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few scholarly person asked lusterlessness to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the solitary scholar upset by it were those who had lost wager because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The general excitement of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense schoolroom in solemnisation ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James and his friends set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the worldwide passel that was associated with students celebrating by playing outside in the muddy grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not tally. For some odd reason it reminded her of her death.

One soul who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big smiling on her face. Albus could only ascribe this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about lamia. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his cock-a-hoop fear was vampires.

There was even a party in the Gryffindor plebeian room that night. Rose thought it was a little ridiculous, to celebrate the discharge of a instructor, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent matter to celebrate.

"Just think,"John said,"We do n't ever take to listen to him go on and on about how bad the shadow arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"matt added,"I could 've gone my unit life story without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"Rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some property far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd trouble to stick around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the nighttime to avoid anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"John grinned mischievously,"Would 've been overnice to pass on him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"Rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on test. And maybe the rook will get back to normal."

"Normal ?"Albus raised his brow,"This place will never be pattern. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the close equal before the final."

"When 's the final ?"rosebush asked.

"Beginning of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Sir Henry Joseph Wood is in full class this calendar week. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Sir Henry Wood is insane,"blush wine muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,"John grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can use up my place."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not stimulate defense team Against the wickedness humanities the next morning, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to read Rose 's Daily oracle. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's dismission was one matter, reading it in the vaticinator was entirely different.

Rose was already there when Albus, Matt, and bathroom sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three young woman were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rosiness handed him the paper without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS instructor REMOVED FROM view BY MINISTRY

In an event that causes much of the wizarding humanity to remember
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark
arts instructor, Aplysia Balladanis, has been removed from his
berth by the Ministry of Magic 's Department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, Defense instructor rarely lasted more
than a year at the schoolhouse, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one Defense teacher since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by top dog Auror, Harry potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the location after nobody else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the placement this preceding autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a week and a half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical animate being, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a teaching prick, singling pupil out for deficiency of
acquirement, and embarrassing students in battlefront of their equal.

An probe by Ministry official ensued and included
the interviewing of choice students and stave. The department
concluded their investigating late Lord's Day evening and informed
both Balladanis and headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decisiveness.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
conclusion. When asked for a affirmation on the military issue, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Bruno Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very well-chosen
with the determination and that the investigating was concluded in
a well timed fashion. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of youngster 's rubber .'

Hogwarts scholar will not go to defense classes until a replacing
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd sting your dad in there somehow,"John the Divine announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already recognise,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd get hold out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"mat shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"doubt it,"rosebush answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

Life soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts educatee, as it often does after something excite happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was zero left to say and the students focused on the upcoming Quidditch match, which was bare days away.

Albus had an well-to-do time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch praxis. He was out on the pitch every even and was soon hearing Wood 's command in his psyche as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tourney was over, he would n't have to deal with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus earn that Gryffindor would have a new captain the future twelvemonth since Empire State of the South was graduating. Albus was indisputable it would be either Fred or ling, but he was n't for sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great Hall on Thursday morning sorely wishing that can had n't woken him up. They did n't give a course number one affair, so why 'd he get at doing that ? Albus was already running on little sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the morning this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John Lackland grinned,"I need you to avail me eat up that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the ground for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't Rose help you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"Saint John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have accidentally set fire to her Potions billet last nighttime,"John said.

"And I should have to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you handle that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"Matt put in,"Gospel According to John and Kaden were tinkering with those super strength droppings dud last night in the piranha 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table rightfulness where rosiness 's bank note were. The muck bomb exploded and blush wine 's annotation caught fire."

"See, an chance event !"John exclaimed.

"No, folly,"flatness said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't intimate going in the marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't cause fourth dimension to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch praxis again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"Jesse James asked.

"I do n't sleep with, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"Jesse James pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing normal robe. Albus glanced back at King James who shrugged.

"May I have your care ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to pack over defensive measure classes for the rest of term. Because of this, defence division will restart today."

"commodity affair I woke you up,"John grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able-bodied to finish that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprised, nor did he give care that much. He 'd already had his dad Edward Teach for two years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with Matt and John to denial. rose wine was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a little ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't wrick into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire social class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to crimson. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"Well, I did not believe I 'd be back here. I do have to preserve with the programme, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for succeeding Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the entire class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that tough,"lusterlessness rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a calendar month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you get this time to mess around."

The class was the most enjoyable Defense class the third base years had had in quite a piece. Harry lectured for the entirety of the form, but it was n't boring. Albus did not bear in mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the vanguard of everybody 's mind and the tenseness ran higher than they had all twelvemonth. The outcome of this match would find who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The entire team was in good health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stands with his friends and just watch the match, rather than stimulate to play in it.

It was a warm spring day with a slight wind and cloud cover, unadulterated playing consideration. Wood had spoke of the weather during the former Night 's practice session, telling the team that a large storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the gang. Hogwarts scored five goals within the first 15 minute of the equal and New York scored two. The team remained neck in neck opening for the residuum of the match, until James pulled out of a nose dive clutching the golden sneak in his lead hand.

The crowd erupted into cheerfulness and King James I was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the honest-to-goodness students.

"I have an declaration to make !"prof Kendrick shouted over the gang,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Commonwealth of Australia in the final Quidditch friction match, scheduled to have place on the firstly of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the common room and everyone rehashed their favorite component of the match. No one talked about the final couple, although Albus was sure it was in the rear of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the inflammation from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts bookman seemed to clear that examination were quite well-nigh. The program library soon became a pop place to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the heart of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a quiet common room in the evening, much like her sister had two years prior. Albus and his acquaintance spent more time in the marauder 's Den after that, usually without rosiness, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the quietness of the common room.

Rose did forgive John Lackland for messing up her notes, but she became more tense up and snappish as test drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose.

defence force object lesson took a drastic turn for the skillful. Albus and all of his friends got perfect marks on their loup-garou essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the course bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"John shouted at breakfast one Fri in the middle of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense teacher or something.

"England did n't ca-ca it into the universe Cup final,"lav sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the composition from john, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd gotten for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to invite to go with him. Actually, he had n't even say his friends about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russia,"trick groaned,"Soviet Union ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"pink wine smirked,"Albus, did you plunk who you 're going to contract when you go to the Cup ?"

"time lag, what ?"Gospel According to John gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Yule,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"lav exclaimed.

"well, I only got one extra and I did n't know how to plunk. I had it narrowed down to you and matt. thinker you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just pick Matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic,"can said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to blame then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't accept to,"Matt said as he sat down following to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"whoremonger grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake mat up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no luck. The to the full moon was the future day, so Albus had n't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad metre of the calendar month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his mind,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just give your surplus one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"rose wine replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to make a Muggle airplane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's oil production,"John said.

"wishing I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're weird, Kaden,"Saint John laughed.

"So are you. plane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"Matt said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exam and Quidditch practice, Albus had no meter for anything else. He managed to mash in fourth dimension to visit flatness in the infirmary wing on William Ashley Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The pursuit weekend was the final match of the Junior 's Dueling gild, something Albus had been forced to neglect due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of assist from shift, Albus was able to attend the final. Albus 's squad won, much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a discussion to Albus, or any of his admirer. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was strange, but not something any of the boy were going to complain about it.

Three twenty-four hour period before the Quidditch final, the Great Hall was filled with whispering vocalization that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. Copies of the prophesier were being passed back and forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked rose wine as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"Rose whispered, her face completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the near written matter of the Prophet. Matt and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN jailbreak

Officials have reported that three prisoners
broke out of Azkaban tardy last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guard duty
have refused to verbalize with reporters, and the
Ministry does not wish to give away information
at this time.

The public figure of the escaped captive have been
released and anyone with selective information reguarding
any of them are asked to get hold of the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed entropy about all three of the escaped prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The early two had been imprisoned for Thomas More petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"rosebush said.

Any Bob Hope Albus had of getting homework done that calendar week was gone. He was lucky he was capable to pore on Quidditch praxis. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's betise. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the dark before the Quidditch terminal arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this team,"Grant Wood said as he began to pace in front of them,"There were difficulties in the beginning,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am lofty to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of students from all four houses can get together and make for together on the same squad. I am not certain this could have been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a foresighted way over the yr. You 've all made immense improvements in your acquisition. Quite a few of you are seventh geezerhood and I am very happy to enjoin you that there will be pathfinder from a duet Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's mates. I have high Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and give it your skillful. Now, I think you should all ferment in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. Teddy, President Tyler, anything to add ?"Wood turned to the boys.

Teddy and Tyler both shook their heads and woodwind instrument turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night."

Wood, shift, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss maneuver while the team left. Albus and St. James were the hold up two to result. Empire State of the South had left with the early seventh age, excitedly discussing the aspect of scouts.

"You think Peach State 's going to sign on with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked King James I as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James said,"I just hope it does n't injure her chances when we lose."

"We might not turn a loss,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to suffer,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said nothing. He wished he could just tell James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so often easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a flashy crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch break,"James answered.

"It was too loud,"Albus said as he looked into the timber,"It sounded like individual Apparating in there."

"I do n't think you can Apparate in the forest,"James pointed out,"And it did n't fathom that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and Saint James kept walking,"But what if it was mortal Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too a great deal, Al,"James groaned,"This property is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full meter now. You 'd have to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stunned enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"St. James the Apostle laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get caught and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did manage to kidnap Kaden the previous spring, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a wish-wash dueler, but he was certainly good at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the next sunup was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw board, surrounded by bookman from all four houses. Teddy and John Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff tabular array, with a prominent distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A minor crowd of Australian had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the quietus of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. Nobody was unable to play that day, so Albus 's twenty-four hour period on the squad were pretty a good deal over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"blush wine mused,"Look at everyone. cipher seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to rule once the couple is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"Rose shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, Rose,"lusterlessness said,"I do n't think one class can exchange centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"blush wine said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't recollect this has helped outside witching cooperation,"trick gestured to the Australian squad. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"competition rarely does that,"blush wine muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty look and then looked up at the staff board. Albus 's gaze followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that morn. There were scouts from Quidditch teams, Ministry functionary including Albus 's Uncle Sir Henry Percy, and a multifariousness of people from Commonwealth of Australia and New York.

"Look at that witch,"Gospel According to John pointed to a very grandiloquent, beautiful witch with pale White person hide and foresighted dark hair.

"She 's Linda 's female parent,"rose told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John the Evangelist said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a loud cheerfulness from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to leave the Hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Australian team followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the teams had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few minutes later people began to leave for the pitch. The crowd at the staff board left first and the bookman followed.

"Albus,"John said as they got up from the board,"I 've got a few pairs of omnioculars in my trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her centre."meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the room access as the male child ran up the sumptuous staircase.

"Why did n't you just add them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"john said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor column. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to void out his entire proboscis in order to encounter the omnioculars. He had four duad and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to miss the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no run in the corridors convention as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his admirer were n't far behind.

Albus turned a corner and ran savour into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with Matt 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was most afraid of. At that second, it probably would have been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to wait at his friends.

lusterlessness had turned albumen and looked far more afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. King John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious repulsion on his facial expression. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friend, pulling them into the nearest classroom. He slammed the room access and pulled out his wand, putting every locking appealingness he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the nighest chairman and put his head in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the hell is he doing here ?"toilet ranted,"He 's got no business enterprise here !"

"Why 's he in the rook anyway ?"Albus began to stride around the room,"If he 's here to watch the Quidditch equal, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to see the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. Matt did n't seem to own heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the Head of the department for the regulation and control of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the grounds why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a sick and perverted evil git,"lavatory muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the lowly window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in front of the threshold. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Calluna vulgaris ? No, that would use up too long. They 'd birth to use the Floo Network, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to ingest to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

Matt nodded."You hombre do n't let to hail. You can go to the match."

"Are you genial ?"toilet exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably regretful than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his wand and undoing the locking charms. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd left them. He shoved them into his robes and ran back to the classroom. matte, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. Matt did n't appear any less scared, but at least he did n't appear to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll take on up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and flatness were horrible liar and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to lav,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed beldame statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed King John out of the room. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's relief.

John set a very profligate pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would give away his presence. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the to the lowest degree measure of randomness possible.

The boys made it down the two flying of stairs necessary to get to the third floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and overeat it into his pocket. With a quick tap of his wand, he statue 's bulge opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the small-scale passageway. Matt, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"John asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"mat answered,"I do n't think Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't think he came here to see you ?"Albus asked mat,"I mean, recollect when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so interest in finding you ?"

"Of path I do,"Matt muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The equal ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"mat replied,"I do n't hump for sure as shooting, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he want to see you ?"

flatness stopped running and wheeled around to count at Kaden."It 's a long story. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six geezerhood,"lustrelessness paused,"He passed a bunch of natural law against loup-garou and I wound up having to translate with a clustering of early werewolves. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't elaborate on the discipline. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"matt shrugged,"Maybe lecture to Kendrick or something."

There was no uncertainty in Albus 's mind that lustrelessness 's dad would be able-bodied to get Lubar to entrust Hogwarts, possibly even leave the land. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad face. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The musical passage finally began to grow until it came to an abrupt stop at a knotty wooden doorway. Albus pressed his ear to the doorway, but heard goose egg. He carefully pushed it undetermined, wincing as it creaked.

visual perception nonentity in the storage room beyond, Albus beckoned his protagonist forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge sum of boxful littering the floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boys climbed over the various box seat and stood in straw man of the fireplace. Albus located a small sack of Floo gunpowder and then lit a flack. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into soul 's cogitation at the Ministry. We 're going to give to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the gunpowder into the fire and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a different fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, pull through for a few wizards striding towards the lifts, clearly too in use to notice Albus.

mat landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing roam ash off his robes.

"shoes is deserted,"matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"Department of Energy your dad work Saturday ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"At to the lowest degree mornings."

King John was next to step out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than Matt had. He stood in front of the fire, staring around at the Atrium. His eye rested on the outflow of Magical Brethren.

"This is more than fantasy than I imagined,"lav said.

"Bloody Inferno !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the fire,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"matt said quickly,"But we have n't got time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the front of the Atrium. There was an old sensation leafing through a copy of the Quibbler, forgetful to his milieu. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you think you 're going ?"he asked and then his eyes rested on Albus,"Albus Severus ceramist. Why are n't you in shoal ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little enervate that the man knew who he was.

Matt stepped in front of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the headland of the department for the regularisation and ascendence of Magical Creatures. It 's kind of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wand up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old wizard tested their baton and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can secernate whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the lift arrived, the son piled in and matt pushed the figure four. cipher said anything as the lift creaked its way to the fourth floor.

Matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the lift. Albus had never been to this particular base. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's base, with nondescript sets of double room access on one side.

Matt skidded to a hitch in front of the only if door that was undivided and banged his mitt loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few irregular, he banged again.

"Hold your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the sight of his son and the other three boys. He gaped at them for a endorsement before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his heart, as if he thought he was seeing a hallucination,"But, why are n't you in school ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John, Kaden ?"

His eyes rested on Matt again."Matt ? What 's wrong ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the male child into his field. He shut the doorway quietly behind them.

The subject reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were big window on the side opposite the door, although the view outside was not real, nor was the gentle rainfall that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few lowly chairs in front of it. Along the other two wall were shelf with loads of Christian Bible. Most of them were about diverse magic creatures.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John took the fundament that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the subject field looking at things. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the forepart of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"Matt said in barely more than a whisper,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch terminal,"matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody hell !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did Professor Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the lucifer and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's look hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the terminus."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the lifts. John 's walking upper was nothing compared to lustrelessness 's dad 's. The boys had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The genius at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplace, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to birl faster and faster. He saw glimpses of people 's houses, shop class in Diagon Alley, and a variety of other berth he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a handwriting. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden story, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His heart was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his scepter and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, ceramist,"a common cold vocalism said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching future to the hearth with his bridge player inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed William Green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. trick came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his foot, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breathing time and stuck his hand in the fire again.

"What the ?"john whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody underworld !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the screaming Shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo Network anyway.

The open fireplace glowed super C yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the level. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his hand in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his infantry and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the way, but he did not know where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably bedaze him or something.

Green light filled the way as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that Matt would be the one to next fall out of the flame. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

Matt coughed and scrambled to his animal foot. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fire and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"wellspring, well, you went crying to dad just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do bonk when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel Matt shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and disarm Lubar.

"Any melodic theme where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely shop, pity about the owner. Yes, a actual shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all upset about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the shop class again and now he recognized it.

"well, let 's not waste our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three times and Albus heard pace on the stairs.

troika wizards descended the steps and strode into the room. They lit their sceptre at the Lapplander time and Albus gasped when the Light Within showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three people Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As unspoiled a dueler he was, he was up against four fully measure up whiz. Three of them did not possess the acquisition to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was adequate to of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got clock time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his verge pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his don had John. Matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the nearest window.

"Not so fast, youthful werewolf,"Lubar caught him by the spine of his robes and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his free handwriting and pulled out an old tea kettledrum. He held it out to the early three men and each one put a rid hand on it. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with Matt before feeling a saccade behind his belly button.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's point of view. It begins in his compass point of prospect and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the head of view switches.


"Spectacular save by Peach State Weasley !"the commentator shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into possession by Hogwarts, and all three chaser threw it back and forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"grudge ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the full to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the student. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't have to try and conceal his inflammation when Hogwarts scored. During menage matches, he had to try and pretend he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts Chasers being very skilled, he did not have Leslie Townes Hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's searcher, Linda Morales, was the best Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was serious, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his fingerbreadth on it. Her speeding on a Calluna vulgaris just did n't seem natural. Professional Quidditch players would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprise she has n't found the stoolpigeon yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the delivery. St. James the Apostle was doing the Sami,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest of the staff who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the exuberance Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't share their feeling that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professor stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his header and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a feeling he 'd be seeing more than of him now that he was fountainhead of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional level. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have good reason. Never a more consecrate father, either.

Bruno Walter continued his way past the early professor until he stopped in battlefront of Harry. Harry was even more shocked to see the manifestation on his face. Worry was etched in every theatrical role of his face, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was wrath in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Bruno Walter muttered,"I need a Son in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be good back and he followed Walter out of the stall. They continued walking until they were a short aloofness away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Bruno Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"hold, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the straits of the Department for the Regulation and control of Magical brute in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very resistant bloke, is he ?"

Bruno Walter 's face hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The cuss is ghastly and twisted and he 's got a grudge against me. Very long story and I have n't got meter to tell it. short-circuit version is that when matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a building with other werewolves, older lycanthrope. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the guise of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. lustrelessness 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the owner of the shop as well as a few other Hogsmeade residents. No one 's seen them. We 've got to witness them."

Harry 's kernel sank."You do n't remember Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not severe, is he ?"

"To matte, yes, but I have n't the slightest idea as to why he 'd need the other boys,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only require Matt, he 'd have to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take matte sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to dislodge himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the position was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this prison term there was a substantial lag. Albus had fourth dimension to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second gear hint that their destination was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the ground. Not dark like an impending violent storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his feet. brassy thumps around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The land was dull and intemperately and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sort of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar Tree that seemed to unfold towards the starry sky.

There was no moonlight to enlighten the woods. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few yards away from the boys and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't enough scepter light to pay Albus a good view of his surroundings.

lusterlessness, whoremonger, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their sceptre out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare light it.

"Why is it Night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Australia,"Matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to terms with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made sense. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he take them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't make gumption was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could recount, the four wizards seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the reality. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old theatre ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"How should I know ?"Matt snapped,"Australia 's a vast country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could enshroud there,"can muttered.

"You would n't want to,"flatness said,"My unintelligent cousin-german owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"Matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying tending,"John whispered, gesturing to where the four star stood huddled in a circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right wing there,"lusterlessness pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few invertebrate foot away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pluck it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the other three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you ask ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you realize how practically more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed potter ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't have done."

"wellspring, now we 've wound up with two extra 1 as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how much bother can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the ground we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible folly,"Lubar said.

Albus was very scheme. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my Dubya, not yours."

"You own the forest now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a subject of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to lustrelessness,"So many eld have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was whoremaster and not mat who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed lav with a lazy waving of his wand, leaving John stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing Saint John 's wand, Lubar turned back to Matt, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the same thing no issue where you live. The laws do n't change what you are. make believe as often as you like, but it wo n't switch a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The anger was boiling up inside of him and he did n't suppose he had ever felt more angry in his full sprightliness, and that included every brush he had had with Scorpio Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitty compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no good if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to wait, to wait until he could catch them off guard.

"What about your father ? I hear he 's the head of the department in UK now,"Lubar smirked,"surmise it 's just a topic of meter until the Lapp thing happens. You 'll get to take flight again."

matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his genius, trying to figure out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping affair ? Did we really risk Portkeying a crowd of kids to Australia just to waste time taunting one of them ?"

"Quiet !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the epithet of Merlin do you screw them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some kind of jinx or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite thick. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted variety of grinning, but a grinning nonetheless.

"I think that 's a average interrogative sentence,"Lubar said."My cousin married this idiot,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we delight just get on with this ?"

"patience, first cousin,"Lubar said as he began to take the air slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The merely thing Albus could recall of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their design, they would n't have taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at Matt, who still looked scared out of his thinker. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed fresh, much wise than the early three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big difference between dueling somebody who was smart and dueling someone who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a scant while later. Harry had briefly questioned the possessor of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the cosmetic surgery at top speed, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the bloke at the receive desk. The lifts could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the threshold open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror office was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding gingersnap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather short-change but thick witch, shoved the book of account she was reading in the drawer, and joined the other two.

"Potter, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said in darkness and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked forbidding as they waited for Harry to contribute them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wizards,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an extensive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't interfering with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on duty in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the way. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden forest as soon as soul else arrives."

Harry pulled out his sceptre and muttered a spell. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his wand and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the nighest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the doorway just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen early Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the total situation again. Ron 's fount paled."What about rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Bruno Walter shook his head,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my idea,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a cue as to how Lubar would have it off him."

"With shadow wizards, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the lookup of the Forbidden woodland. Lewster 's going with you. And have Book of Daniel and Kathryn Elizabeth Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The repose of you can search the rook and grounds. Be discrete. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely requirement,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his head word. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into hassle. Albus 's years at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo home and tell Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to come apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to tell his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't take a clew as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go wrong ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your folly,"Lubar replied,"Do you realize who we 've taken halfway across the reality ? Harry Potter 's son ! You have n't a clew as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can check you that at this very import, the full Auror department is looking for them. Harry thrower 's probably got every Auror on this instance. It wo n't charter them long to agnize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to flatness,"He 's got the most meddle parents in the world. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the world before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't pillow until they find him. Not to name the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry official. We 've got two nestling of two of the most prominent Ministry officials of Britain. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"wellspring, you 're the one who wanted to select the loup-garou, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you idiots had n't wanted to bring the kids, we could 've done this whole thing without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't make a hazard to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the wizards would possess enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the house ?"

"Have you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the start place they 'll front is the house."

"Got any better mind ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a confidential little shack somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. plenteousness of lieu to conceal, not very inhabited. perfective tense place."

Before Albus could even contemplate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice grip again. flatness was once again in the grasp of Lubar, and John Lackland and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Australian outback, just that it was n't worthy for much human habitation. However, the one slice of information he did bonk about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to hold Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two seconds to agnize what was happening before he felt the familiar but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the former chapter, this one goes back and forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking free of Jarrett 's clasp. He tripped over a rock and landed human face first in the sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dark to see anything but the outlines of mass in the distance. The outback seemed very empty and very quiet. There was a very lowly clustering of pubic hair and tree diagram nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see very much else in the way of flora biography.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted place in his life. There was absolutely goose egg around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't receive gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would have no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to eff that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any kind of ropes to tie them up or put any turn around them. Instead, he walked a short distance in the direction of the great deal and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to travel along them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any mind where we are ?"

"The outback 's immense,"lusterlessness replied,"I bet we 're rightfield in the middle of it. The dear civilization 's probably Swedish mile away."

"So we 're done for,"trick groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not make to notice out."

"Do you really think your pop are going to be able-bodied to find us ?"John the Divine asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The unit Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll find us."

"Does farce like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, stopping point year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll happen next twelvemonth ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a future class,"St. John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the male child,"I did n't separate you to verbalise !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the space,"There 's mass gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a little gathering of anatomy a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampires. They wo n't rag us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess with me. I 'll make lifetime pretty deplorable for them if they do."

"cut mickle with vampire now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more fox than ever. He cut spate for vampires but passed restrictive laws on werewolves ? It did n't pee-pee sense.

The men lowered their part again and Albus wished he had a few extendible Ears with him. He did n't dare babble to his acquaintance, just sent them unquiet coup d'oeil every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the variety of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or blow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no swarm, but what Albus saw was lots unfit than clouds.

Five or six clothe shape were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly puddle out their forms. As they got closer, he could even take heed their rattling breath.

The world in nominal head of him began to float. He felt like he was going to pass out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the felicity out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Aboriginal Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"Matt shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to expect towards his Quaker. lustrelessness was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both John and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would touch Matt the worst. He had gone through matter that Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden could n't even opine. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his wand out of his robes. He 'd get wind the conjuration for the Patronus magic spell before and figured it was worth a guesswork. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his sceptre at the sky. nil happened.

A happy opinion ! How could he have forgotten that ? It was difficult to recollect of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to lusterlessness shouting on the ground.

When the categorisation Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various well-chosen memories. zero was happening, but matt 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the earth. It looked like matte had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his sceptre at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few irregular. He had kind of done a Patronus good luck charm !

"Bloody hell on earth,"bathroom whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"mortal shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar track at them with his verge pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's foggy Einstein immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his wand in his robe before Lubar thought to demilitarize him.

"leave him,"Lubar growled at can and Kaden, who were bent to the ground trying to get mat to wake up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a bloody glorious place to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's remark. His optic were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very peculiar tone. Albus took a nervous step back, but Lubar did not forefend his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"Potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up High Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some good news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the Centaur,"Lewster said,"They saw three superstar in the woods a few hr ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my last Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the Centaur know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the afforest floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't storm him. The Resurrection Stone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his caput,"And the centaur are moderately surely they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can find out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't think that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my mind,"Harry answered,"It 's just a matter of finding them. Listen, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this hunch about the situation. Seems like the staring billet for Washburn to direct them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the mates. I wo n't mention anything to James and Lily yet."

"Good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in tinct soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to find him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"stay safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts basis while Harry picked up the pace and walked the short distance to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windows were still boarded up, the pasturage overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the circuit board off of it and quietly wrenched the door subject. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The berth had the smell of a recent fire in the fireplace. Someone had been there. However, there was not a speech sound from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thoroughgoing check of the entire building, in which Harry found no aliveness creatures, he returned to the main room. The fireplace was filled with nearly idle embers and there was a small peck of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would tell him where the net someone to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to work, his warmheartedness pounding.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to forge the Word of God 'Ministry of Magic .'Harry breathed a sigh of succor. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a doubt, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only doubt was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, thrower ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit queasy as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the minute dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus spell to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his head, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may have taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the offset time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't recount me you were skilled at Defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be best if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his sceptre harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious. privy did n't have his wand. Kaden was n't very practiced at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any skill is ceramist,"Jarrett said,"The former three are n't going to be difficult."

"fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few railway yard away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where matte had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing magical spell or two."matte, matt,"he whispered,"backwash up."

After a bit or two, matt 's eye fluttered undefendable and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"Matt gaped at him.

"It was just silvery mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his saki,"Matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three boys shook their foreland."digit,"mat muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"might,"Kaden began fishing around in his pockets. He produced a chocolate anuran and handed it to matte, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you think you can get up ?"

Matt nodded and Albus helped him to his pes. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robes and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a spile of wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly able to see the wriggle look on Lubar 's look.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"fire 's going to draw in attention !"

Lubar laughed."fervidness 's going to assure that those lamia stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that lamia are destroyed by fire. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his bridge player, but Albus could n't progress to out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you know what this is, potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly conceal his gasp as he peered close at Jarrett 's outstretched helping hand. There was a very small I. F. Stone sitting in it. The Resurrection rock. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three object he had been after for eld. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"ancient magic is a beautiful thing, ceramicist,"Jarrett answered,"There are long disregarded enchantment, go that work very nicely with prospicient forgotten magical aim such as this Stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden forest, and putting it to use. Quite simple now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The early Hallows will prove to be promiscuous to hold with the assistant of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The Isidor Feinstein Stone itself did one affair and that was bring back the spirits of people who had passed on. How would that help Jarrett get the other Hallows ?

The invisibility Cloak. Albus 's venter plummeted. It was still in his gown. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another thing that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot cares who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fervidness and strode nigh to Albus. Albus took a stone's throw back as his center started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, ceramicist. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four boy,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will play back Lord Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinges as he did so. He had to come up Walter. He had to find Bruno Walter and then go to the Ministry. The hearth did not show sign that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either phantasm or a Portkey, both of which would feature left hint that he 'd need the Department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a witch. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange look of confusion and electrical shock, mixed with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the peer over ? How badly did we miss by ?"

"Only a one hundred point,"Ginny said,"But we might not have actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's seeker is a lamia ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to roll his mind around that fact while still focusing his mind on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"right wing,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a lead. Someone was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm indisputable it was Al and the others. I 've got to incur Bruno Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not surely where that will conduct us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And get him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one last look at Ginny, Harry met Bruno Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the post. They reappeared a minuscule while later in a pocket-size Apparition chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the flummox looking security measures safeguard for the third meter that day, Harry and Bruno Walter ran to the elevator. Neither of them said a news as the lift clattered to the department of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, keep for one very bored looking crone sitting at a desk.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to know if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able to, I need to do it where they went."

"Of course, Mr. ceramicist, of line,"the witch said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the doorway behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the dear chairperson. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll happen them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the lonesome matter I am vex about. The last prison term lusterlessness had an affray with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for months afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that mavin did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must accept been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure if he was overstepping some kind of boundary.

Bruno Walter did not mouth for several seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't consume to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the top dog of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna in Australia. nobody outside of the section knew about his condition, of trend. Ralph Lubar was given my former position of Head of the Werewolf restraint Unit, and was quite envious that I was given the Head position. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grudge he held against me for many geezerhood, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that flatness was a werewolf. A bit of statute law had been passed that required all office of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry centers were set up for werewolves to transform in, together. Matt was required by law to transform there since his safe way did not pass. I refused to have him transform there. The paper were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"More legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry officials could physically force wolfman into the transformation centers. On the day of the full moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took Matt to the marrow. By the fourth dimension I figured out which center it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"flatness spent workweek in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly quick to incite here. He was so traumatized, it took month for him to get over it. To be dependable, I do n't guess he 's fully over it.

"The only reasonableness Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so barf and wrestle,"Bruno Walter finished as he put his head in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near lusterlessness again. Swore I 'd kill him if he went near mat again.

Walter gave an odd sort of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the point of the Auror department that I 'd perpetrate murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go deliver the male child,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let Matt out of their sight, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One affair that Harry could evidence was that Bruno Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't have mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no right to lie in on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my chum said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the witch came bustling out of the way she had gone into, brandishing a piece of lambskin, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the sheepskin. His heart scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hours ago. That in itself did not shock Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the Book,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome the great unwashed who have read and left such lovely reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so hard that he could Apparate. Why did you induce to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical transferral, he would transfer that law. Apparition would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to play back God Almighty Voldemort with the Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not recall being More scared in his life. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous year. Lord Voldemort was far chilling than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort tone like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Harlan Fiske Stone could n't actually lend people back to animation. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be able to do magic, to execute the nemesis and whammy he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his intimation as he watched Jarrett reverse the Harlan Stone over in his men. Albus had no melodic theme how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the stone. He did it for so long that Albus had to let out his breath. The excited glow on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it crop ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you convinced this is the correct Stone ?"

"Of course of instruction I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Harlan Stone,"The go said it was !"

"fountainhead, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief. Either they had the unseasonable stone or for whatever intellect, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his hands. On the third turn, a strange kind of mist appeared in social movement of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a figure was standing in front of Lubar. The figure was not master Voldemort, though. Albus had no melodic theme who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a char, and a short one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging singular coup d'oeil. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his grimace contorted with something Albus could only assume was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped nigh to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the womanhood, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. matt in finical was giving Lubar a very strange look. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's female parent agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cut through his mouth to conceal his snort. What form of female parent could be proud of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Falco columbarius 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to have forgotten that there were former people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the Isidor Feinstein Stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his custody trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's female parent completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling jinxes. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few footfall back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his verge.

Jarrett fell to the ground, completely unable to prompt. Lubar stood over him with his scepter directed at his chest.

"My mother was a pin-up person,"Lubar growled,"You 're cast to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really think Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he think his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd harmonise with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"Better they hex each other than us, right ?"John muttered.

"good gunpoint,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the depression that that 's what we were here for, not to diss each former 's mothers."

Lubar turned his verge on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? wellspring, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"Good,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his heart darting about nervously.

******

"Commonwealth of Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll postulate you to reduplicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the hag, who nodded and left the room again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly plus that they are with the boys in Australia."

"rightfulness,"Walter agreed,"The grounds surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his vocalisation,"Nearly a year ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror department needed some service with capturing the other two. The pastor hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realization dawned on his face."postponement, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretending of teaching Defense Against the night Arts."

"Bad idea on the curate 's share,"Bruno Walter muttered.

"It was my estimate to post him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not know that he would be such an dreaded teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this probe, I have to touch him and he will sustain to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your dispute, but-"

"If he helps to find Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the witch returned holding a misshapen plastic container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore help, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood frozen as the four men dueled each other. altogether unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to sustain momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, whoremaster, and Kaden did the Lapp, although John looked to a greater extent than a bit discerning, most likely due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to pick out the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not involve kindly to this and hexed Washburn. In the signify time, the smasher had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the ardor. Albus was kind of hoping one of them would trip and sunburn their arms or something. Or even ameliorate, maybe one or Thomas More of them would drop their verge into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for wear. All three of them were sporting injuries. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed fine and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to take that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red lightness at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thud in front of the son. He did not incite. Albus looked down and saw a belittled stone next to Washburn 's head. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all march on towards him. Three wands were pointed at his chest, being held by three hoi polloi with maniac lambency in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own scepter, his arm shaking slightly. mat and Kaden had done the Lapp. John tried to cover behind Matt, but was stillborn since he was a good head taller than him.

"script it over, ceramicist,"Lubar growled.

With a noncompliant look at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the pocket of his robe and held his wand up high.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his eyes off of Walter the total time.

"We have n't got fourth dimension for this,"Harry muttered and held out the credit card container,"Let 's just go."

Bruno Walter agreed immediately and laid his manus on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a piddling hesitation.

With a familiar jerk behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey trip was a bit longer than I Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his groundwork and held out his wand as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was delivery black and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly tranquillity. The only sounds were those of animate being and the occasional whisper of Tree, brought about by the wind. Not a single sound caused Harry to believe that there were people about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and hunt,"Harry announced. The place may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point in time. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wizards said a word as they combed the country. Harry left no stone unturned as he looked for the small-scale hint of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. Wands did n't furnish nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that surface area of the woodland, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same place he had started from.

Walter returned a few hour later, looking even more anxious than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a single Knut. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to reelect.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a minuscule alloy instrumental role in his hand and an strange kind of activated smirk on his face. He skidded to a hitch in front line of Harry, holding out the official document. Harry recognized it as an Apparition demodulator. They were quite rarefied. The Brits Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any idea where ?"

"A general melodic theme, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic tint,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am cognizant,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hands on the metallic element instrumental role. It would be able-bodied to guide them to the proportional region they needed to go.

Bruno Walter put his deal on the legal instrument as well and with an exceptionally loud crack, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any works life-time in sight. In the distance there were marvellous hatful and cloaked figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a tremor and gripped his scepter tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roaring bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more than familiar with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to conduct the small chemical group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to confine his wand more unfluctuating. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to harbour it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was trusted everyone was able-bodied to get word it. However, he did not want to give up the gem. That was one affair he was for certain of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past him.

"Maybe you should just devote it to him,"privy whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John had suggested it. He probably would n't have if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to hold to duel me, Potter ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have got a wand. Not good odds, if you ask me."

"And do you realize that those two are horrible duelers ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a buckler spell, concentrating on making it big enough to harbour him and his friends. It worked and the Orange light bounced harmlessly off the shield and hit the ground.

"halt behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever piece you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his cuticle up while casting other spells, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the buckler up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone George Bush, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glimpse at matt and Kaden. matte was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was sort of pathetic as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus charms at each early and missing every time.

The buckler emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the shield was still fallible than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send off any spells through the shield now.

"Your carapace is weakening, thrower,"Lubar smirked as he sent another mantrap at Albus, which shook the shield.

"pigeon hawk !"Quinton shouted to the rightfield of them. He was hopping on one metrical unit and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some form of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his scepter at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the solid ground. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the shield back up before Lubar shot a hex at lavatory, who fell to the priming like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be sluttish just to throw me the endocarp ?"Lubar asked as he sent a looker at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few accidental injury, but nothing too grievous. Neither seemed to have noticed that john and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few seconds to catch his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a slice across his leftover cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the spell hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his gestural spells and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't hold on dodging them forever, ceramist !"Lubar grinned manically.

"sentry me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of form knew that Lubar was right. The betting odds had not really changed. John and Kaden were both out of the fight and while John was easily the effective dueler after Albus, his absence seizure did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knees panting, not in any form to stay dueling. matt was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both astound and delighted by.

No, Albus was not trying to get the best Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to figure out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged spells. It must have been at least three or four hours, although the nighttime Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the synodic month had been out so he could have monitored its stumble across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to find them ? Longer than normal, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a strange commonwealth, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, potter, and you do n't require to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red lightness at Albus.

Before Albus even had sentence to record what sort of hex it was, Matt gave a shriek of painful sensation to Albus 's right wing and collapsed to the land. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to stand the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully grown thaumaturgist. The two maven hit identical jets of naughty light at Albus and he managed to pull up a feeble shield.

The force-out hit him like a dozen Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his ground and landed compressed on his binding, his head hitting a particularly sharp stone.

"I told you not to fight, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the endocarp,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his gown and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the force Albus could come up, he threw the Stone as far as he could to the right hand. In the darkness, it disappeared in a separate back and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"Wands where I can see them !"person shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his school principal slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few other wizards. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the cover girl the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up good before the curse started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the reason. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby shrub and watched.

Jarrett did n't bond around long. He sent one pathetic Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the position. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the bush and shakily stood up. He reached the firing and was able-bodied to see who the early two star next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was lusterlessness 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as Matt 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and genus Petunia Dursley.

It was the other wizard that nearly caused Albus to pass out in shock. He was none other than professor Balladanis. What in the name of Merlin was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and matt 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hatred Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the bearing of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle stylus,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's alternative of speech, but remembering what lusterlessness had told him at the beginning of the year, all surprise left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's verge off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent unlike spells at Lubar at the Sami time, but it was too tardy. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely aware of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring deviation between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly preceding Quinton and Washburn to get to Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious variant and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his sleeve around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to go on to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explicate it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a business firm grasp on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a broken plastic cup. A few second base later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his arms."Can you drive John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will fall with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed delay of Saint John 's arm before pulling his own get around plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly fuddle, but did not induce clock time to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the intimate jerked meat behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the center of the Hospital fender. The dubiousness of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the to the lowest degree pressing query on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and John on the nearest bottom while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"face at the state of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheeplike as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to speak with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and More,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to need you to severalize me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need catch one's breath !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his headland was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the final stage matter he needed was rest. He needed to screw what was going on.

"I 'll excuse once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing space and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to contend off the nap he knew was coming.

******

The ward was calm when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't experience the slightest clew as to what day it was. John, lustrelessness, and Kaden were either still unconscious mind or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since brothel keeper Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to lustrelessness 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry robes he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his paw to his head teacher. There was a patch on the back of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his right arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt eject.

The door to the Ward opened, letting in a small-scale outpouring of lighter from the corridor. A bod stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his founding father,"Are you going to tell me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the elbow room of Requirement."

Albus shook his forefront, remembering something he had been debating for the past tense year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know somewhere better."

Without saying a word of honor, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the door and up to the fifth floor corridor. Harry did not ask a single inquiry as Albus pulled the arm down on the appropriate knight and turned to face up the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw print and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorhandle. He opened the threshold and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from final stage yr ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. Instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the vulture'. Their cloak-and-dagger commons elbow room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't reply. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a twelvemonth,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect place to babble,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a oceanic abyss breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the Resurrection Harlan F. Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a woods in Commonwealth of Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to pretend, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection gem did n't work to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might excuse it. The Resurrection endocarp brings back the great unwashed we love, but it does not play them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his soul so many fourth dimension, he ca n't be brought back with the Lucy Stone. The Stone may need the soulfulness to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not love Voldemort ; they did not make out him. They wanted to bring him back for their own docket,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Harlan Fiske Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"fountainhead, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden timberland for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nonentity had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes common sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd tell me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you do it what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling moral he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The Minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of contempt in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most likely working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him experience. He came with us, and I have to accommodate that he was very helpful. We would not hold found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The parson, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be proficient strategy to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would recall to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to handle teaching.

"This is all quite tightlipped, Al. I 'd favor you did n't evidence anyone. I will be telling Matt, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to have it away, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about pink wine and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll recite them as well, otherwise Kaden is certain to severalize them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his top dog,"That 's going to be tricky situation. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a matter while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Aboriginal Australian Ministry to either put him on trial run or ease up him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not certainly they 'll do either."

"But that 's not fair !"Albus stood up angrily,"Look what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd care nix more than to hand him a life-long stretch in Azkaban, but unfortunately the law of nature do n't work that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't know about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not consume to take a sheath if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd lay down a unspoilt Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't acknowledge,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't have to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't want to tell you what to do, but I am going to state you something.

"Being a Presuler is a arduous job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with diverse Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can make it difficult to have a family. It 's not an easy path to go down. Not one I 'd select for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't think he 'd require to rarely ever see his supporter and family.

"There 's stack of early affair you could do that would put your dueling skills to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no need to settle now."

"I know, I do n't be after to,"Albus replied.

"well, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before dame Pomfrey placard you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the room and walked back to the Hospital Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the infirmary Wing with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, bathroom, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to verbalise to him in secret,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs sleep !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't give care if you 're the Minister of illusion !"brothel keeper Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to mat as he got back in bed.

"Fifteen minutes or so,"Matt answered.

ma'am Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in common soldier ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to lady Pomfrey."Do I need your permit for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a piffling while later and when he next woke up it was light out and gentlewoman Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as madam Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sun, beloved, but it 's good afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to experience breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than twenty-four hr since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time zone alteration are difficult to adjust to,"dame Pomfrey explained,"Commonwealth of Australia 's quite a few 60 minutes ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must have got been at least a day since he 'd run through anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch couple went,"Kaden mused as he shoved goner in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd forgotten about the catch !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save up us ?"King John asked,"I mean, he 's had quite a little of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The doorway to the infirmary Wing banged open and rosebush and Amanda came running in. Madam Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"William Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a halt in nominal head of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch match ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"Rose groaned,"I 'm not saying a word of honor about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the figure of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"girl Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't lower your vocalism, you 'll consume to leave !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to enjoin us what happened !"

Albus launched into the stallion tale, which took the better part of a half minute to separate. Neither blush wine or Amanda interrupted once during the solid thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the metre Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"rosiness asked.

"My dad 's going to narrate you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably order the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"rose sighed,"How much trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my faulting,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you recite us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the compeer, let me narrate you,"Amanda said.

"nonentity won, Al,"Rose said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minutes into the catch, Fred and Heather ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"pink wine said,"I do n't recognize why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo Bagman and started talking to him. Nobody could try what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the pitch and had a really tenacious talk with all the headmasters and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to give to their usual rooms.

"Everyone was really angry of row. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they shout out it off ?"John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"Rose said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the front of the gang and get a line what Fred and heather mixture were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the entirely time-"

"Well, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"blush wine agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and broom. I 'm surely they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told person Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the intact schooling knows."

"How did they forecast it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and heather were sixth years, they would n't bear heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to count on it out all class,"Rose explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"rosiness said quietly.

"cancel the tourney ?"Albus gasped,"Cancel the tourney ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the entirely year on that tourney ! Do you roll in the hay how much time I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this yr ? More clip than I 've spent in social class, probably ! And now they 're going to set off the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"rose wine said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a picayune aggravating."

"I know,"Rose replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a countersign. I have n't seen her or any of the Australians since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to severalise everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. Madam Pomfrey categorical out refused to let any of them leave the hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her study while Harry explained. Matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the section about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to pick up that Balladanis had been hired to help entrance Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news program of Lubar. news show that was not all that welcome.

"As of rightfield now, he 's completely destitute and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to deport him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively furious with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to give up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the previous night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his offset class, when Matt had told them about his dad 's young adult pipe dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside board, where brothel keeper Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the premature night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a tone of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few hour trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the face of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would love to portion the narrative with my comrade. Perhaps I could put in you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted zero more than to be allowed out of the Hospital fender in clip to go to dinner that nighttime. He was sure Professor Kendrick would make some sort of annunciation about the tourney and he did not want to omit it.

After a broad ten minutes of begging on his component part ( helped out by Matt, John Lackland, and Kaden ), dame Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state of matter to bequeath the ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt delicately. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't lay off him from eating dinner party with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet meal in the infirmary Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to enjoin him what Kendrick said.

The girls showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tournament 's canceled,"Rose sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Falco columbarius !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would stimulate to play New House of York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"can asked.

"Too close to exams,"rosebush shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupid,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you feel better, I 'm somewhat sure Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't have been here,"rosiness pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house head to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had people on the teams, so that does n't really facilitate,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"blush wine grinned,"I know one thing that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that equal,"blush wine told him,"And even though the match was disastrous, they did find someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rosiness exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to play for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. Rose had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional person Quidditch team more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their new reserve Keeper,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not move. He wanted her to run at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got plenty of other tike to process at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"Saint John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"flatness grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the Cannons,"John groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"rose wine shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any squad, she 'll be able to work her way up to a unspoilt one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the lonesome one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"Rose said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't have intercourse for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a pro Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't take all the dashing hopes away.

******

brothel keeper Pomfrey reluctantly let the boy leave the future day after breakfast. She did n't really have a choice since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly fine and was quite felicitous to pass on the position.

Rose handed him a copy of the Prophet as soon as he and the other boys reached the common elbow room. Albus took it, glad that he had a few minutes before his first exam to read the article that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN shoal CHEATS- tourney CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
pupil, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
Magic, and the Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tourney 's final Quidditch match was
interrupted this past Saturday by two Hogwarts
sixth years, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aussie squad
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few months ago, allegement were brought upon
the Australian team after their Seeker, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigating found nothing. The tournament
continued.

Fred and ling Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a vampire. vampire are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch teams due
to the unfair reward they have.

The match was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
schoolhouse of sorcery admitted to allowing Morales
to be the quester of his team in society to win the
tourney. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, Morales, and the repose of the Australians
participating in the tourney left Hogwarts late
on Sat, declining to talk with any of our
reporters.

tourney officials as well as the former two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told newsman, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an imbecile,"Albus said.

"Look at the future clause,"pink wine replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the last Quidditch peer was ending in calamity
at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry
Potter 's middle child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus Potter, as well as full cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three convicts were helped by
Ralph Lubar, caput of the section of the regulation
and ascendancy of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts pupil were taken to Commonwealth of Australia
where Harry ceramicist and Bruno Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four male child have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the yr examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very informatory article,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can report much,"rosebush said,"The Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep subdued about Lubar in issue for giving him some variety of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to advertize Lubar into the cover of his head as exams began. They were all significantly gruelling than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at to the lowest degree passed all of them.

There were short articles in the prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the Same thing. Australia refused to deliver him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

matter were different, though. Both rose and Amanda were a lot restrained than they used to be. Albus was for certain they missed Linda, and he had no estimate whether she had said good-by to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

Matt was lost in his own opinion about of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went integral evenings without saying two dustup to anyone, something that usually only happened around full-of-the-moon moons. However, the next good moonshine was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was surely this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daytime out of him.

John the Divine and Kaden remained as unruly as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their week pulling harlequinade and playing eternal secret plan of Exploding snap fastener that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His mind was racing with thought of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to continue a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The train ride back to John Griffith Chaney was subdued, the entirely noise being lavatory and Kaden 's Exploding snap bean visiting card. Albus and Matt both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the expiration landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter last dark,"rosebush said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his headspring up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was no-good, and wanted me to differentiate you that she was sorry about the tournament,"Rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to school day ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Rose shook her head,"She 's been through school a distich times already. She was n't even a student at the Aussie schoolhouse. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really nasty blighter. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually notion sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"rosebush shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This altogether twelvemonth has been so messed up,"lavatory sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the World Cup to depend forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"trick grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your babe 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Victor-Marie Hugo 's not really glad about that."

"Neither am I,"John muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"wellspring, I 'd choose Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! zero can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"goodness level,"John agreed.

"Let me screw when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"bathroom smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can recognize when to invite you lot to my sign of the zodiac. My dad said he 'd read us camping."

"Excellent !"St. John the Apostle grinned,"tenting like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"keep in tents, no electricity, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"matte said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"matt answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"flatness shrugged,"Just do n't go during a wide-cut moon. I do n't want any of you having to unite me in the Shrieking Shack next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did palpate bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he form of thought flatness would n't want to go anyway.

The remainder of the tripper was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like affair were sort of returning to pattern. It was almost nice to take heed whoremaster and Matt arguing about the cannon again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gearing arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodbye to his champion, Albus left the place with his family touch that just maybe life would be pattern from then on. well, maybe the summer would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his promise up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! You guy wire are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the quaternary story but it 'll be a while before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other week at first, jump weeks with Beyond the darkness. In the mean value fourth dimension, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the Cannons, which is a collab I worked on last year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley carom and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my favorite stories so you can rule it that way.