Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the twenty-four hours preceding Christmas at blush wine 's house. James was determined to use all of his part with time for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to blush wine 's household for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would assist James drill while pink wine read.

Harry had to practically separate James from his heather by trick on Dec 25 Eve so they could go to Godric 's Hollow. James wanted to stay at rosebush 's house and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The misstep was quiet since Henry James was rather sullen the entire time.

"prof Patil says I 'm a innate at Transfiguration,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the Burrow afterwards.

"That 's just,"Albus replied.

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

"You do n't get to choose what variety of animal 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 bully detail what kind of cat she would metamorphose into.

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an prompt heat come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing 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 kinsfolk. He was able to forget all the emergence with the Quidditch tourney and professor Killigan. All he could think about was how famished he was and how good some of his grandmother 's cookery would be right about then.

Rose sat down adjacent to Albus as he tucked into a turgid bowl of onion soup with a face of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and Aunt Katherine are going back to Romania this summer,"Rose announced.

"To chasten to a greater extent dragons ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Sir Henry Morton Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"Rose nodded,"They might stay even after the summer 's over, but Heather and Mark will issue forth back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

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

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's good that 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 want to do that his solid life. He just did n't fuck what he did require to do.

"I wish our parents would look at us to some other country,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"pink wine agreed,"Imagine the history we could learn."

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

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"shimmy asked as he sat down succeeding to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

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

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

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's come on impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to mention the fact that it 's Yule and you should be here."

"We do n't need electricity to recreate Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be staring training status ! If you can enamor a Snitch in the centre of a blizzard, you can catch one in any conditions. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

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

Albus finished his soup and he and Rose went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud chorus of 'Odo the Hero', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. 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 reap hook for that !"Percy said to Katherine, who was only variety of paying tending,"And the blighter looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that much for a circuit of a questionably historic old edifice. There really should be regulations on such affair. It 's one thing I 'll shift if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a jape. His Uncle Percy had been talking about running for diplomatic minister for the past ten years, but still had n't done it. Most of his uncles and aunts got sick of hearing him talk about what he would and would not change.

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

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is Healer grooming ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to project out which part of the hospital I want to do the respite of my training in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the floor, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until Sep,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long time to him.

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

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

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the Maternity Barbara Ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a engaged Montgomery Ward,"shimmy grinned,"Spell legal injury. You 'll get all the funny injuries there."

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

"goodness a reason as any,"teddy shrugged.

The meter grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding Snap with his cousins, his grandmother announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no point. Everyone, including the other grownup, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

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

The wind was so brawny that Albus could feel it through the gaps in the windowpane. Every once in a spell, the family would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and submerge out the howling.

Albus did n't manage to drift off to sleep until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no deception exterior of school day linguistic rule to put a silencing charm on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his annual Christmas Day wake-up call, Lily. She breezed through the door shouting about how they all needed to inflame up and unfold their present tense.

"And there 's three feet of snow outside,"Lily said as she left the room,"I checked."

"Merlin !"William James jumped off the top buncombe 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 humanity 's biggest snow wizard later,"Ben suggested.

"We could build an full snow wizard army,"Albus said.

"present first,"James said as he located his good deal of presents.

Albus descended upon his own piling of nowadays and began opening them. There were the common confection and Weasleys'products from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley perspirer, this one scarlet and gold striped. He pulled it on over his pyjama and opened the repose of the present from his aunts and uncles. His aunt Hermione had gotten him a few Quran he 'd probably never read, including one about the history of house extremely low frequency at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present tense for last, although he doubted they could top last year '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 paper off the small box.

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

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

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

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

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

"Hey, I got two tickets,"James replied.

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the same problem. Two tag. Five Friend he would want to take. Who was he going to take ? Not rose. They may have been friends since they were babe, but she just did n't have a rage for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to interbreed off the inclination. John and lusterlessness were the Quidditch lover. He 'd ingest to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a team or anything.

"Those are circumscribe variation just the ticket,"Ben said,"They do n't hump who 's playing yet, so they do n't trade very many tickets ahead of time."

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

Lily burst into the way with a big smiling on her face. 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 brainy,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the clock time 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 tag ?"he asked.

"They were a endowment from the Minister,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this class and he 's good Quaker with their minister of religion. Got him a lot of free tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping last year 's give. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to travel to a different country.

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

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

"Not under my watch !"molly shouted,"You ca n't see a understructure in front of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after lunch, then,"Teddy shrugged.

mollie shook her head word and sighed as she set a few more disc of eggs and toast onto the table.

There was a knock on the room access that could only just be heard over the howling wind. Molly glanced at Chester Alan Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very singular to see who would shoot the breeze on Dec 25 break of day in the centre of a huge blizzard.

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

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

"Quite the storm, yes,"Chester Alan Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electrical energy. 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 know and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy plant life. The leaf do wonders on old buildings. Makes them like new. I just put a crowd into my blank space and it 's a good thing, too. Of course, they tend to attract Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

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

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Hrolf are with his crime syndicate this Christmas."

"Then you must bide here a spell. Molly 's misrepresent far too much intellectual nourishment, like usual,"King Arthur lead 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.

Molly was more than happy to ply Xenophilius with a big platter of breakfast and he settled down to talk over the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the morning playing Exploding cinch, mavin 's Chess, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to flirt hide and go search, but the house was too crowded to play it properly.

teddy bear and James kept looking out the window, willing it to arrest snowing. Both of them were just itching to go play Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would bar snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to bring in this storm.

lunch period came and the snow was still falling. George went outside to quantify it and came back with the news that it was three and a half feet.

shimmy went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three pinny, a thick cloak, and a yoke of boots. Under one arm was his Calluna vulgaris and under the other was a box of Quidditch ballock. James River was flop behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus lupine !"molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't barricade you from going out there and catching death of a cold, but I will not let you drag out William James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, nan,"James rolled his eyes,"I want to go !"

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

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

"Excellent,"Teddy grinned,"Anyone upkeep to link up us ?"

Peach State, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm apparel and joined Teddy and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to immobilise when he could stick around inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a half an time of day. teddy, James, Sakartvelo, broom, and Fred all stumbled back into the planetary house shivering with their faces red and covered in C. P. Snow and ice. molly immediately descended upon them with kisser of hot drinking chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't retrieve the Sn-Snitch,"Teddy muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll find it when the storm calms down. You put the magic spell on it to appease in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"Teddy replied.

Christmastide dinner came and went in its common topsy-turvyness. Xenophilius stayed for it and James I snuck sneezing pulverisation into his soup, which he found incredibly laughable. Molly was not as impressed and gave James quite the tongue-lashing. How she found out it was James IV was beyond Albus.

The storm continued throughout the Nox and Cedric had to put the silencing magic spell back on their way in order for any of them to get any sleep.

******

nobody left the burrow until two days after Christmas. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half feet, which was a new disc for Albus 's lifetime. The Burrow 's yard had been decorated by dozens of snow beldam and wizards, along with hippogriffs, bird of night, and a smorgasbord of other charming wight.

When Albus found out what his family was doing after they left the tunnel, he wished the snow would have kept coming. They were going shopping for dress robe for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old dress robes ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon back street towards dame Malkin's.

"Because they 're five inches too shortstop,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too pocket-size for Al."

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

"mommy, I want royal robe,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the kickoff pair of wearing apparel gown he found, so long as they were n't pink or purple. The Sooner they were done robe shopping the better.

rose and Lily made a beeline for the young woman dress robe as soon as they walked in the doorway. Albus stood awkwardly side by side to King James while their mother found various gown for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a span of emerald dark-green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, Saint James the Apostle,"Albus muttered.

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

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

"Too curtly,"she announced,"But the colouring is perfect. I 'll notice a adult size."

James wound up with a dark blue blue distich of gown, which Albus would give preferred. Lily found her purple gown and rose wine got a sky down in the mouth couplet.

"Next time you 're getting green gown,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the color of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't bear unripe eyes,"James grinned.

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

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


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome multitude who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moonlight 's tail, the low gear chapter of the sequel, Beyond the dark, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the Minister 's sign of the zodiac, the house where all the pastor of thaumaturgy had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a twosome yr. Usually all the political party the curate held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hours before the party, Ginny made Albus, James, and Lily all take rain shower and comb their whisker properly. She spent a effective fifteen minutes trying to get Henry James 's hair to lie monotonic and another XV minutes putting Lily 's up in some form of elaborate bun type thing. Albus was very well-chosen his own hair was far too suddenly for that form of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, James, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to tell them the dominion for the evening.

"Absolutely no making hassle !"Ginny stared at St. James the Apostle as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's planetary house ! I will not get you wreaking havoc in it."

"We 're trusting you to keep yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to have to commix with everyone and we wo n't be able to watch 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 vex,"James IV said,"I know when mischief is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his kinsperson Apparated to the Minister 's planetary 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 lawsuit in his kinsfolk. It was the curse of being the middle nestling. He was either with James River or Lily. This metre 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 profligate mansion house he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a house ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with bush and visible radiation on either English, go up to the front door. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

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

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the threshold and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"seed in !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the third minister since the declivity of Maker Voldemort. He was a tall, rotund man with very little tomentum left on his read/write head. He did boast a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to guess of him as a much taller version of prof Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated genius who spoke using very large words that Albus could n't really understand. He was tedious and well-nigh of his address could be condensed down into a few prison term, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

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

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

The room was decorated with silver and black and was already filling up with citizenry. Albus spotted pink wine and flatness in the back of the room and left his home in the door to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you think, Matt ?"rosebush turned to mat,"His mum says they equate his eye, but Saint James the Apostle says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to matt 's blue robes.

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

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hour already,"Matt said,"We were the first ones here. Dad keeps introducing me to people and they all think I 'm a initiatory year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you screw virtually of these mass ?"

"Some,"matt said,"That 's the bloke Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very large wizard,"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 Harry Hotspur, I think you probably know him. Those multitude are a few of Dad 's fellow,"lusterlessness gestured to a few more witches and wizards,"Then there 's a cluster of hoi polloi from other departments, 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,"matte grinned,"When I was really little, we went to company like this a few times a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and Champagne. It 'll still savour exactly the same,"mat grinned mischievously,"By the time midnight rolls around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. 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 creative,"rosebush giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food for thought. captivate the chocolates to taste like vanilla, charm the serving utensils to affect every time you go to pick them up, that kind of stuff,"Matt explained.

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

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

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

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

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

"What exactly happens when you use this appealingness ?"rosiness asked.

"Oh, it 's neat,"Amy grinned,"First, only a couple people notice and they make a very tranquillize mention to another person and then that soul agrees that there 's something wrong with the drunkenness. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will test the drinks, discover the inebriant 's been charmed away, supervene upon it, and then everyone will exhort. But some of them will act drunkard because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

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

"They might tell 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,"Matt shrugged.

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

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

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

"That 's all they talk about,"blush wine said,"And Lily looks bored. Five sickle says she 's over here in about ten minutes or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and Lindy will sneak out of the room the next clip Aunt Corrine looks away."

Albus 's aunty Corrine was talking with two hag Albus did n't jazz and his similitude cousins were chasing each former around the room.

"Are any of your former full cousin coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head word,"None of my other aunty and uncles work for the Ministry."

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

Albus and rosebush agreed. Amy left to go talk to person else and the three friend walked over to the sideboard. There was already a modest queue in straw man of it.

"There go Samantha and lindy,"rosiness said as they waited. The twins ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the best food at this sorting of political party.

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

"I do n't even have it off what half this stuff is,"Matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

Sir Thomas More and more people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't call back any names. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's magic spell. They were all acting perfectly normal for adults who had had a few drinks.

Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered around the room once they finished their food. A few adults stopped to exclaim how big they 'd gotten and to inquire what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with Saint James and Cedric 's mischief.

"Hello, everyone !"parson Hartwell shouted from the podium at the front of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to learn him. Albus, Rose, and lustrelessness were somewhat ending to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this company, and it 's not just to unload the large quantity of wine-colored I was given for Noel !"

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

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in honor of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the office of headland of the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical tool. There is no one else whom I would trust 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 oscitance at one point.

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

"Thank you, pastor,"McVicar began,"That was quite an matter to speech. I, too, would care to compliment Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am sure at least half of you were quite surprised to learn that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't experience done it if it were n't for the fact that my wife has been begging me to for the past ten year.

"However, the main ground for my lack of an to begin with retreat was because there was not a single someone employed in the Ministry whom I would own trusted with this job. nobody had the capabilities to carry out this position in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my catchword up until five class ago, that is.

"A little over five years ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical wight. He applied for a job in wolfman Support armed service, a position that had been capable for well over a year. I was ready to hire anyone who walked through the door at that decimal point, but I had no estimation what was to hail when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this field of operations. He was the Head of the section of regulation and ascendency of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia for three age before leaving the position in club to move to England.

"Bruno Walter revolutionized wolfman Support serving as soon as he started. The mind he had were I that even I had n't thought of. In five short years, he has bettered life story for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their integral careers.

"It took only six months for me to realize that I wanted Walter to take over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and intelligence 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 gruelling for werewolf right field as he has.

"The only matter left for me to do was win over myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did subscribe the break persona of five years to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I hand the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and Matt '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 praise people like that."

"well,"Matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can last up to your expectations.

"I have to set about by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the nous of the stallion department again, no matter which country I was living in. loup-garou Support Services has been such a great place to go these past few year. It truly is my passion.

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

"Of course, I could not have gotten to this place without the assistant of my wife, Julie,"he gestured to Matt 's mum, who was standing near the pulpit,"And my girl, Amy, and my son, lusterlessness.

"I 'm not one for long speeches, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly hope I can be at least one-half of the capitulum of the department Rob has been."

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

"They 're too drunk to suppose much on it,"rosiness smirked.

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

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

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

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

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and pink wine squeezed their way through the crew to get to her.

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

"I do n't know,"she whispered back,"Let 's go look at the drinks."

James and Cedric were also standing near the drink mesa, looking nearly as disordered as Albus felt about this appealingness. That was variety 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 tope a lot more than that to get properly drunk,"matt grinned.

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra alcohol to that wine,"James whispered.

Albus, Rose, lusterlessness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their pranks had backfired. The vino was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so mirthful ?"Cedric asked.

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

"I put a appeal on all the wine-colored to off the alcohol, while keeping the mouthful,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the party started."

"So much for that clowning,"James groaned.

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

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

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

"wishing to explore the minister of religion 's mansion house ?"matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"Rose asked skeptically.

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

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

It was very much quieter in the rest of the mansion. They started wandering through any rooms that had exposed doors.

"This piazza is so bloody partiality,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'family,"mat said.

"Their house is this big ?"rose asked.

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

The three friends wound up in a very expectant living room filled with antique article of furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the ground and oak board and bookshelves around the circumference. Atop the mesa were figure vase of flowers and vitreous silica sculptures.

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

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

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

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

"smell at all these books,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would have it away to get her hands on these."

"They 're all about government, though,"lusterlessness pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would like them,"pink wine said

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

"Probably elderly than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

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

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

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"Look, there's-"

lustrelessness leaned farther over the tabular array and knocked one of the quartz carving off. pink wine gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"pigeon hawk,"Rose whispered as she set it back on the table,"Be careful."

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

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

Albus peered out the window into the duskiness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the bushes. It did n't look like the person was walking up towards the house to go to the party. Plus, why would he show up three hours late ?

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

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't have a hint as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no grounds for individual to be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion at this prison term of night.

"Albus Severus Potter, are you crashing insane ?"rose wine exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"smell, I just want to go see if we can notice out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a hale way broad of Ministry officials in case whoever is out there is somebody bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a good stop,"Matt replied,"Why would someone sneak around a house that 's wide of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

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

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

"If we are n't killed, we 'll stop dead to death,"blush wine muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the mansion and tried to keep himself concealed in the scrub as he looked for the bod. However, he could n't see or get wind anything.

"Do you listen anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"Matt 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 open going."

Albus continued creeping around the mansion, with his verge out in front of him. His heart was beating fast and his bridge player were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't need to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

"Do n't move !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a shiny light in Albus 's middle. verge light.

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

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

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

"He sounds familiar spirit,"mat whispered,"Hang on. Bloody nether region, that 's prof Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a 2nd and the voice did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the Minister 's residence ?

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The wand lighter lowered and Albus heard the man step through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed prof Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of backup man as rose wine let go of his arm.

"Mr. ceramicist,"Balladanis said and then waved his verge around,"And miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this company is for your father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of night ? I thought I 'd learn you dear than that. You 're just asking for difficulty,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

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

"And you 're favorable it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could consume been dead if that somebody had been a dark magician. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the Snow and towards the threshold."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't heed my asking, what were you doing outside ?"

"If you must know, the Minister asked me to hold in the grounds in order to make sure nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but discharge Albus 's curiosity even more. He knew improve than to entreat further, though. Balladanis was not one to excuse 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, lustrelessness, and pink wine re-entered the building, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the door and then continue his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the dance hall with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"Potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some maven Albus did n't experience,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

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

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

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

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

"guardianship 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 supporter back to the buffet.

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

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

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the skinny 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, blush wine, and mat.

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

The crowd began to thin out a little while later. near of the citizenry Albus did n't sleep together left, along with his Uncle Walker Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousin-german. Albus 's parents did n't face like they were in any hurry to leave, so he got a plate of the leftover desserts and at them with his friends.

Rose 's class and Amy left, and then it was just the potter, Matt, his parents, the Minister, and his wife left. All the grownup were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you opine there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"Matt asked as he polished off a piece of chocolate cake.

"Only if Linda 's sick the day of one of the matches,"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 lustrelessness,"I 'll see you soon."

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

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, James, and Lily. They all said congratulations to Matt 's dad and then left the Minister 's Mansion. Albus peered into the bushes as he left, but there was no sign of Professor Balladanis.

******

The residue of the Christmas holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was cypher to do after that. Rose was visiting her other grandparents and William James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was busy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the sojourn was also with auntie margarine. Albus was very grateful 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 return to school arrived and the Potters made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in prison term. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Victor-Marie Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"Aunt margarine has got to be the most horrible aunt in the full world,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about trick a few month ago and she 's been awful ever since. I mean, she was always sort of frightful, but now she 's worse. She just hates magic so much. She 's unfit than my grandparents."

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

"Consider yourself lucky,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had ameliorate vacation ?"

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

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

"I saw someone sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go investigate,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the curate had apparently asked him to mark the grounds for trouble."

"Did he find oneself you ?"John 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 business firm ?"

"Does n't he induce sentry go around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

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

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

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

"Again, weird,"bathroom said.

"Yeah, there were a bunch of Aurors at the party, not to name Albus 's dad,"Matt pointed out.

"That settles it,"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 particular dueling moral with him. He likes you for some grounds. Of course, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a salutary dueler, too,"John explained.

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

"You never know,"John said.

******

"lull, quiet !"Balladanis shouted the following Tuesday, their first day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to Matt and John and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the prof would say nothing about what happened at the political party and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

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

"get-go, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the wickedness arts do not assume pause for trivial matter such as holidays.

"second gear, in this term we will start to explore creature far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this condition we shall discover about those terrifying animal such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolf, Draco, and vampires."

Albus could n't serve but peek at Linda when Balladanis said vampires. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at lustrelessness when he said werewolves. Of course of study, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily mean anything, but Albus had a tone it did.

"As the master would bump it highly inappropriate for a dragon to manifest itself in this schoolroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will find that there are more public lecture in this term, much to my dislike. There is nada I would like better than to teach you about acromantulas and werewolves with hard-nosed lessons, but there are both law and schooling rules that prevent such lessons."

Albus and Matt glanced at each other. It was functionary. prof Balladanis was insane. What kind of instructor would want to teach about dragons with live dragons ? well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Lapplander as Balladanis.

"proceeds out some parchment,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to set about learning about acromantulas today ...."

The balance of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not ingest Quiditch praxis that night, so everyone went to the Marauder 's Den after dinner.

"Divination is such a jape,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the story and collapsed onto a frame,"We started crystal ball gazing today. All I saw was a warhead of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"Rose said as she pulled a stack of books out of her own bag.

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

"Palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the whole thing worse."

"Trelawney could attain defending team bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about dark creatures using the anamatek,"rosebush said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to come out in the middle of the classroom."

"That would be pudding head,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a burnt umber Frog,"Those can down you with their eyes."

"I know,"pink wine said,"Balladanis is insane."

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

"Probably not,"matt answered,"It would just be a skirt chaser. I think it would just be a beast any other time of the month, too, because there 's no way it could work person into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's adept,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this terminal figure. Wonder if he 'll own it turn into a vampire."

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

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to make it ferment into a bull werewolf either,"Rose pointed out.

"Good peak, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The rest period of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday evening, and Wood informed the unharmed team that they 'd obtain rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the future peer was in two workweek and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in instant place.

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

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

"Mr. potter,"Balladanis turned around and recognise Albus,"Is it safe 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 turning red. He was quite glad 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 agreement of the Protego appealingness is acceptable so we are going to impress on to something else.

"This detail charm, when performed correctly, manages to demilitarize and disorientate a mortal at the same time. The sensation is often described as lightheadedness. Can either of you tell me what why this spell would be more useful than a monetary standard disarming spell ?"

"Because it 's well-heeled to duel someone who 's woozy 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 nighttime wizard you 're trying to catch,"Albus replied.

"Another undecomposed reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to own to duel former wizards often keep multiple scepter on their person. There are spells that can be performed on these sceptre to retain them attached to your robes or your actual body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overwhelm easily. However, these tour require constant assiduity.

"If a wizard is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will lose the compactness necessary to preserve their extra wands affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to keep superfluous scepter in our gown ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense assiduity and magical DOE to simultaneously execute that magic spell while dueling person,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the charm to disarm and disorient a soul at the Saame time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A compounding of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, perform the good luck charm against Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter, you may try and break off him using the Protego charm I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to do the new charm first, and faced Malfoy. He held his sceptre up and muttered 'Protego'under his breath. He focused all of his concentration on holding the buckler up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the charm hit his carapace, but it did n't break up through. He gripped his sceptre harder and stared at Malfoy.

"dungeon going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's cuticle a little harder this clock time. Albus could feel beads of swither forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five times to better through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand get out his helping hand and was overcome by a wafture of dizziness at the like time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the previous year, only without the fever.

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

Then, all of a sudden, the lightheadedness was gone. Albus shook his straits and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in front of him. Malfoy looked affect and Balladanis looked like he always did.

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

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the appealingness 's effects would have lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were ready to eliminate out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're ready, you can try the charm."

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

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few secondment to get his cuticle up and then nodded at Albus to perform the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the appealingness did not break Malfoy 's shield.

Much to Albus 's joy, he managed to check the shield on the fourth 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 uncommon smiles 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 hr, past when Albus would have liked to quit. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after time while trying to oblige up a shield magic spell. Malfoy did n't look to be faring much honorable and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to turn back after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his sassing, obviously thinking unspoiled of it.

The practice was n't for zippo, though. Albus managed to hold Malfoy off longer and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting ameliorate at the harbor appealingness as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must have been the tenth time that night,"I 'll see you in 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 good 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 foreign feeling he had ever seen. It was a concoction of anger, gloominess, and even repent. 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 find out.

"Now is not the clock time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in salutary sentence, I will severalise you."

Albus was taken aback. That was more than than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would have told him to mind his own line of work and get back to Gryffindor pillar before curfew. Albus was going to find out, he was just going to sustain to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted state, before Balladanis could change his head about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The walk back to Gryffindor Tower seemed longer 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 supporter. All five of them looked shocked and Amanda looked like she was going to be sick. He looked around the common room and saw that most masses looked blow out of the water and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even William James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

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

rose wine opened her mouthpiece to talk and then closed her eyes, unable to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that bloke who owns Dervish and Banges ?"John asked quietly.

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

"Someone killed him,"John said in barely Thomas More than a whisper.

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

"mustiness 've just happened,"John said,"They just found him. brothel keeper Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on tariff. By the time they got back, his workshop was a dispatch sight inside and he was laying dead on the flooring. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the wood, the grounds, and the schooltime. Nobody 's allowed out of their common way and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would bring in you back here when it happened,"Rose said.

"Nobody even came in to tell us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

citizenry were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That form of thing just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, Professor Torro had been killed back before his first class and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Xmas, but their killers had never been found and nada had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"matte wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"pink wine replied.

The portrayal hollow opened and all the whisper stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was prof Longbottom, looking bad for the wear. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some sleep. The hunt will be long over by dawning, so you will be give up to get out the common room then."

Albus and his friends looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitories, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the second years'dorm. Nobody said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's supernumerary mantle. Albus got into bed and stared at the roof. He had been so eat 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 proofreader and reviewers !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the future day. well-nigh people had slept quite late since it was a Sat. Every educatee of Hogwarts had their nose in a written matter of the vaticinator, be it their own or a admirer 's. The staff mesa looked the same, with every professor either reading the vaticinator or whispering with another prof, no uncertainty about what they 'd scan.

Albus was reading Georgia 's prophet as she had finished with it and made a mental note to start subscribing himself. All of his acquaintance were peering over his shoulder joint. Even Linda was hovering around them, a invertebrate foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE market keeper MURDERED

A hoo-ha in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to encounter the Auror on
tariff atomic number 82 to the find of the death
of a shopkeeper.

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

An all-embracing hunting of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up nil despite the hours Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprint were found on
the scene.

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

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a little over ten yr, when he
purchased the shop from its previous owners
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing editorial he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very warm opinion and did not waffle
to let others do it his opinions. His most
Holocene editorial have explored the field of study
of wolfman, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'rights. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
newspaper column are a possible need for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on Thomas Nelson Page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their seating. nonentity said a Word for a few minutes. Albus did n't experience what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his belief. However, it did n't exactly say what his notion were. Albus had n't ever read any of his editorial, so he could n't say either.

"What variety of newspaper column did he write ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no approximation,"Albus replied, looking at his champion whose typeface was quite sick,"Want to go to the elbow room ?"

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

Albus got up and was followed by all of his protagonist. john and Kaden each grabbed a stack of toast before leaving. Even Rose and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda.

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

Nobody had read them. Not even rosebush. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even know which would be better, him being for or against werewolf rights. If he 's for them, that means some blighter is on the loose killing citizenry for wanting werewolf rights."

matte did n't even give birth to preserve for Albus to get it on why that worried him. Matt 's dad was possibly the biggest proponent of wolfman right wing in all of UK and everyone knew it. If someone had been killed just for writing about werewolf right field, what would materialize to soul who was actually passing practice of law for them ?

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

"Why else would individual hold killed him ?"Matt asked,"He was just a shop class owner in Hogsmeade."

"Why did person putting to death Professor Torro ?"John replied,"He was n't even writing any editorials or anything."

"To pall mass,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense instructor side used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"Well, I do n't call back you should worry until you find out what the column are about,"rosiness said to Matt.

"The other option is n't much salutary,"lustrelessness muttered,"If he did n't write column for lycanthrope rights, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought Matt had a point, but he kept his mouthpiece shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for months, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really think much about it, but maybe there was more fall out outside of Hogwarts than Albus was mindful of.

"Let 's go to the library,"rose wine said as she stood up,"They 'll have old transcript of the prophet there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the subroutine library. When they arrived, they were surprised to notice how crowded it was. Usually Sabbatum were the mean solar day everyone put off their prep and then Sundays were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copy of the Prophet. Nearly every table had a few newspaper on it and a few students poring over them. brothel keeper Pince was bustling about, no incertitude worrying about whether the scholar would rip her precious newspapers.

"mightiness not be any left-hand,"John muttered.

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

trick was almost rectify. There was a very humble mickle of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the back of the library. Albus, flatness, and rose each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two class old, until he got to the column section. In the very midriff, in the biggest font, was an column by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, brewer TO inculpation, NOT MINISTRY OFFICIALS

As I was locking up my workshop last Nox,
I noticed that it was a full moon Sun Myung Moon. I
could not assist but think of the poor
mass 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 good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by witches and
wizards with lycanthropy.

The poppycock is expensive. I myself did
the computation and discovered that
it would be extremely hard for
anyone with a low income to open it.

And what kind of occupation are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
single. The job where they make hardly
enough money to pay the rip and buy
food, let alone buy a potion that
could alter their life history for the better.

I am absolutely appalled that healer
and potion brewers charge for this
authoritative potion. They must be making
a dainty profit. They can use the profits
to consume prodigal holidays while the
poor beldam and whizz who buy it
struggle to give it.

There is only so a great deal Ministry officials
can do. heading of Werewolf Support Services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
give away free Aconitum lycoctonum, 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 ability to brew it, not
the Ministry. Most Healers claim to fuck
helping hoi polloi, 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 take in a piffling extra spending money.

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

"This one 's got one about vampires,"lustrelessness said as he set his report on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed matt his newspaper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

matt took the paper and he and rose wine began to read it. Gospel According to John, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

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

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

"Bloody snake pit, that bloke must possess had so many enemy !"John shouted as soon as they were back.

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

"Why did he have to advert my dad ?"Matt 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 await where it got him."

"therapist are n't like that. Most of the I I 've met would give away resign Wolfsbane, but it 's more complicated that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There are n't many therapist who can brew it and even nearly brewers ca n't brew it,"matt explained.

"That bloke did n't know the one-half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a Healer and he 'd get it on to give away unblock potions. It just does n't work that way."

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"Matt said quietly,"And now that he 's head of the integral section, he 'll be passing More laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

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

"I know, but it 's still not good,"Matt sighed.

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

******

Albus and his supporter scoured the Daily Prophet every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigating, or both. So far the investigation had turned up zilch. The Aurors had questioned quite a few hoi polloi, namely those very forthright against werewolf and lamia rights, but the lookup had proved fruitless.

The clause about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his editorial about wolf's bane Potion was one of the tamer 1. Each day little while of his assorted column were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why loup-garou should n't be locked up on good moons. The grounds were quite absurd, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampire should be allowed access code to world to bite. He suggested using prisoner and allowing vampires to wet-nurse them dry. Thus helping lamia and reducing prison costs at the same time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rock 'n' roll musician,"John announced at breakfast the following Sunday. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a year support with a vampire tribe in Turkey when he was Brigham Young. They were some of the few people actually up at an betimes hour, as Albus had Quidditch practice and John Lackland had a first light detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilette in Moaning myrtle 's bathroom the previous day.

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

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

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to leave eventually ? Wood wo n't realize us practice for the side by side workweek ? I thought he was going to keep going until the actual match on Saturday."

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

"What a shame,"Albus rolled his heart,"Anyway, I 'll probably accept to do homework, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any programme for after detention ?"

"Thought I might gain another hold,"John grinned,"But Kaden 's busy with Bromus secalinus nightclub this afternoon-"

"delay,"Albus nearly choked on his succus,"Kaden joined the chess club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any other Kadens ?"lav laughed,"Rose said they want to instruct him how to represent properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll secernate Rose good circumstances with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and Rose will be officious with that. Not that rosiness would want to bring in detainment with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt matte will be up for doing anything,"John continued.

"Right,"Albus said, remembering that the full lunation was that Night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with matte. I can have a squeamish biased conversation."

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

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

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

There were a few option words Albus had for practice that day. Long, grueling, and acute. woodwind instrument was in his okay soma as he ordered the team to do drills hour after hr. He seemed to get More and Thomas More stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of person-to-person training with teddy and Albus was more than a little covetous. Teddy was a much more patient captain than Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them have got a short interruption for lunch, making sure they knew to get back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the rest of practice, but they were back on the tar at the time Wood told them to be.

The afternoon was very similar to the dawning and Albus found that he could tune out Sir Henry Wood 's yelling quite easily. It was exchangeable to tuning out his mum 's yelling.

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

"Remember, pattern Tuesday evening !"wood shouted as the whole team 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 find out his supporter.

rose wine, Amanda, and Linda were in the plebeian room, but the son were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to front for them after saying a warm hullo to the girls.

John and Kaden were in the middle of a hot up plot of Exploding ginger nut when Albus walked into the predator 's Den a few instant later. Saint John 's look was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite clean. There was also a big grin on his expression which contrasted the scowl on John 's face. lustrelessness 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. woodwind 's ten times worse than Georgia. Five time of day we were out there. Five bloody hours in the coldness !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch.

"punter than scrubbing Moaning myrtle 's bathroom with a soup-strainer,"John muttered,"I do n't know what was tough, the scrub 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 cheat club,"Kaden shook his pass,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the visiting card blew up in his font again,"Have you done that Defense prove ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your supporter,"King John said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense book. Balladanis wanted a human foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current dark creature of the hebdomad.

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

"Do you hatch the chicken egg under a frog or a toad ?"John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could extract a blush wine and secern you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even gravel,"Albus said. Even Rose would n't be able to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football game,"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 surprised,"Why ?"

"To get us into shape after the holiday,"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 well-heeled position on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and lambskin perched on his human knee. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able-bodied to sort of lie down.

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

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

lav got up and began to incite matt 's arm. It took a good two minute of arc for matte to open his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"St. John 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 wing,"John said and Matt did not object. Albus assured him they 'd confab him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

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

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too other to come alive up.

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

Albus opened his centre and saw Teddy 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 break of day. On a Sat. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New House of York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd amend get up now. Wood 's in the common room,"Teddy whispered.

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

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

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

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

Albus took that to mean that slip 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 yoke of jean before running down to the common way, where he found King Oliver Wood pacing in forepart of the evacuate fire.

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

Albus nodded and sat down for what was for certain to be a very foresighted voice communication. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during recitation that week. He could n't reckon out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could have accomplished the like matter at ten.

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

component of Mrs. Henry Wood 's speech had been on the weather, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The conditions were very interchangeable to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common elbow room reading a book he found laying around until his champion got up around ten.

"There you are,"mat, who was looking significantly skillful than he had a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"slip got me up. Wood had to tell me I 'm playing pursuer today."

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

"This is great, Albus !"Saint John grinned,"But why ?"

"fielding 's sick and so is the early stockpile Chaser,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Charles Francis Hall to eat lunch with his champion, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't think he had ever been more nervous for a Quidditch lucifer. This was a really crucial match, as Wood had pointed out numerous sentence. If they won by a full enough tolerance, they 'd be in s place.

Son had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and legion multitude came over to the Gryffindor board to wish Albus luck.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

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

"I 'll be watching the whole time. I 'm sure you 're going to do great. Just think of it as a match 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 rest of the Hogwarts squad a few minutes later. All his friends wished him goodness circumstances as he left the Hall.

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

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


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

Also, I wrote a new birdcall fic ! It 's from Snape 's power point of purview, as I wanted to try something dissimilar. It 's on my Author pageboy if you want to check it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the catch, Albus decided there were four types of Quidditch in the globe. effortless Quidditch, like what he played with his cousins ; school day Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the player more determined, and the stakes were mellow than a normal school Quidditch match.

Albus dodged one of the New York Chasers and flew up to beguile 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 other two New House of York Chasers.

Albus pushed his heather to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his dresser. Then he plunged down to the land, where nobody else was flying. He was back up high two instant later when he had reached the New York goal office. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the allow for goal post. The custodian was too slow and the Quaffle soared through.

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

St. James the Apostle grinned at Albus as he flew yesteryear. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New House of York 's custodian to bewilder the Quaffle out. That had been his low gear goal of the match.

The Quaffle continued to exchange hands quickly as the compeer went on. An hour later there was still no foretoken of the Snitch and both teams were neck in neck opening as far as points went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more finish and he began to decompress a petty. The match began to feel more like a school day match and less like a professional match, even though the stakes were still high.

forest had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty dollar bill points when James caught the Snitch, or they would n't be able to overtake New House of York as far as overall distributor point went.

"New York 's Seeker has seen the fink !"David Roland Smith announced.

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

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

The crowd roared and James held the Snitch high above his head. Both squad flew to the dry land and Albus saw the pained look on Wood 's fount. They had n't won by enough to be in mo place overall.

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

woodwind nodded in agreement, but he still looked foiled. Albus chose to ignore this and helped the rest of the team to hoist James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the degree, the Australian School of Sorcery is in first place. New House of York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The succeeding match will take place at the end of February !"Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his friend until they were back in the common way. shift had gone to Hogsmeade and a political party was currently underway in the Gryffindor common way. Teddy informed everyone that the three other home were hosting party as well. The scholar from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their Seeker, were sulking in a corner.

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

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of bid I could act in the next match."

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

"question it,"Albus replied,"addition, I 'm sure O'delle will get 1st dibs on the next peer if any of the other chaser get sick."

"At least you got to represent in one lucifer,"blush wine pointed out.

"Anyway, the succeeding 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 succeeding one. Next mates is New York versus Australia."

The political party continued until dinner party time, when people began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and James shortly before Albus and his booster left for dinner. He was also scheduled to police the school for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his shaver know.

******

life at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch couple. The seer printed fewer and fewer article about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to leave about his last. Everyone except Matt, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the students at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved murder when the future Hogsmeade misstep arrived two daytime after Valentine 's Day. A luck of the scholarly person were too lovesick to notice the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to Madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or Matt were too preoccupied to acknowledge the desert construction, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a while despite the biting confidential information. blush wine and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"trick asked as they looked at the empty building.

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

"It 's probably still part of the investigation,"matt pointed out,"Plus, who would require a building that someone was killed in ? I do n't even need to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a good time to remind lusterlessness that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screaming Shack.

"Good gunpoint,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't rule who it was,"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, Matt, and John the Divine went to the Three 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 voice sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his deal 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 follow as well. Albus lead them up High Street until they reached the screaming shack. Nobody was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do realize how stupe 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 prison term, but there was a reason I changed my intellect and told you not to sneak in today. nigh of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the Feb trip. My cousins told me. They want to piss sure no one does anything stupid because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"Matt asked.

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

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

Kaden 's face turned T. H. White and his mouth dropped open. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met cheek to fount with Professor Balladanis.

"Quite hard, I 'd expect,"Balladanis replied,"ejaculate with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all class without Kaden getting them into bother, but Albus should consume known better than to cerebrate they could go the whole year.

cypher spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's subject area. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had nothing to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how stupid I was."

"Then it would appear that Mr. potter 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 contribute it to me to sneak in or anything."

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

Albus, Matt, and John could not get out of there speedy enough. They walked straight back to the vernacular way, talking about how lucky they had been. It must take in looked like all three of them had helped Kaden cabbage into Hogsmeade. Good matter Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned 15 min later, looking quite distressed. He collapsed onto a professorship and stared mutinously at the table.

"Detention every Saturday for the next month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecturing about how dangerous it was for me to sneak 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,"John commented.

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to accept him alphabetize his buck private subroutine library, which was quite encompassing. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den harangue about the measure of books Balladanis had.

"He 's got more Christian Bible on night beast than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"Matt replied.

"compliments he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detainment alphabetizing those books. He almost did n't wangle to eat up and if that had been the case, Balladanis would sustain given him a fifth detention.

The next wax moon came and went, as did the next Quidditch match. Albus was beginning to surmise that the full lunation were becoming worse for matt, although he did n't know why.

New House of York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch catch. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the Snitch a half hour in. Wood insisted that this was a good thing, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a thoroughly amount of goals before Linda caught the canary in their next match, they would have Sir Thomas More overall stage than New York. wood seemed to birth lost any promise that James could shell Linda in Seeking, something James fumed about on a near daily basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain down storm that left the grounds completely flooded. Both Herbology and fear of Magical animal had to ingest place inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lesson. Wood continued to keep Quiditch practice and Albus returned to the palace 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 refer the O.W.L.s even though they were a hale two long time away. The only instructor who was n't talking about the end of condition test was prof Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his example as if end of terminal figure examination did not exist. He changed nothing about his lessons except the shadow animate being 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 oneself but see at Linda before he began packing up his matter. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them enough about identifying lamia for anyone to figure out that Linda was one.

"So,"John the Divine said as he flipped through his Defense Department book the come evening. Albus, matt, John, and Kaden were in the predator 's Den and John was just finishing the chapter on vampire."Look what 's after vampires.

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

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

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for additional help during that whole,"John the Evangelist grinned,"I 'm trusted you 'll require encumbrance of extra help in identifying werewolves."

Matt rolled his oculus."He intimately. It 'll look suspicious if I do n't go in for spare help. public speaking of supernumerary assistant, we 're due to go in for it in xv minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology homework while bathroom and matte were gone. Then it was sentence for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

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

It was a pensieve and the string section were memories, Albus realized. For a import, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to tell him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

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

Albus stood awkwardly next to one of the front tables 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 minutes before speaking.

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

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

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to explore memories. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, lean forward and put your headspring into the pensieve. Your organic structure will follow. Scorpius, you will stick to. I will come after you."

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

Albus took a mystifying breathing place and plunged his expression into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the firmly grass and looked around.

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a minuscule family in the space, atop of a jolty hill. In fact, the entirely area was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of supergrass in the whole place. It did n't look like any place in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed following to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his feet 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 computer storage was this ? What did it sustain to do with dueling ?

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

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did naught but increase Albus 's wonder. Why were they in Greece of all places ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judging by his short, one Scripture answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the minuscule house. The solely noise was their stride. There were n't even any owls hooting or andiron barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must take been their name and address. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the screeching Shack, only smaller. It was kind of broken down and did n't count like a place that would be undecomposed to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A visible light was on upstairs. It remained on for a few to a greater extent minutes and then mortal turned it off.

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

They watched the timberland for a one-half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded figures practically flew out of the wood. They were at the sign before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His face was hardened.

All was quiet for two hour. The figures entered the house, but did not plough on any lights. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the strait of the first one.

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

His professor 's case showed zippo. Nothing but the Same inured feel he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the other script, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screeching was coming from two unlike people. There was a high-pitched one that must have got been coming from a fair sex, and a lower one that must have been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. First the womanhood, then the man. The hooded flesh left the house as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no movement to will. Instead he stared at the family. Two minutes later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew tight, Albus could see that the individual was a boy who looked no senior than Albus himself. His face was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to tell, but Albus was sure there were tears running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't note the three mass watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky Benny Hill in the aloofness. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar. There was something about his side that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite place it.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awe-inspiring people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

Albus glanced nervously at his prof as he thought of question he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nothing about the setting he had just witnessed that did n't work Albus curious. Everything about it had been confusing.

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

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

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

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right next to each other and Albus did n't care. At the bit, finding out what that scene was was more crucial than staying away from Malfoy.

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

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

"There is a grounds why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my grade what I did before education. The reason is that you two are unbelievable dueller. Both of you have science beyond your geezerhood that I have never seen before, and believe me, I have seen plenty of exceeding dueler in my clip. This may be a good time to secern you how rarefied it is to have two such skilled duelers in the Lapp yr at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the start of some kind of theater 1 words or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the expert of friends,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how impressed I am that you seem to put the animosity behind you when you step into my classroom for your lessons."

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

"backbone to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That panorama that I just showed you, in face you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only baker's dozen. It was the summer before my third yr at school.

"I grew up in Ellas, in that very house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very hapless and could barely afford to put food for thought on the tabular array. I think they were thankful when I went away to school, the sole reason being that they would n't feature to interest about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully innocent and fun old age at the Grecian School of Magic. I returned home during summers full of news report about my ally and all the mischief-making we 'd gotten into."

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

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

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

"I returned to shoal that September hardened. zilch was fun anymore. nix was good story. It was then that I decided to devote my life story to ridding the macrocosm of such evils. vampire, drear champion, wolfman, anyone and anything that murders viciously."

Albus could n't assist but glower at Balladanis when he mentioned loup-garou. Balladanis seemed to point out this and gave Albus the slightest of smiles.

"However, I did agnize that not all vampires, werewolves, giants, and other beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to obliterate. It was for this reason that I did not care to be employed by the Hellene Ministry. The Hellene Ministry prefers to deal with magical creatures as a whole and not severalize between them. Perhaps this is because Ellas has a very boastfully universe of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the enquiry. Instead, I chose to enroll a more closelipped profession. One that you will not see booklet on when you get career advice from your heads of menage. One that no one except me is going to paint a picture to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's eye sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only baker's dozen. But at the Saami time, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a goodness 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 dark necromancer and dark magic. However, we not only look for out dark necromancer and dark magic, we seek out dark and unsafe beast as well.

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

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

"I never caught the vampires 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 battlefront 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 prof Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

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

"As of right hand now, I have no idea,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much longer than normal. If you think of anymore doubtfulness, do not hesitate to see me. I 'll take the air you back to your rough-cut rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to constitute of it. It was just so much information at once.

The usual way was nearly discharge when Albus climbed through the portraiture hole. It must experience been really late, since it was Fri night. Albus really did n't know what prison term it was.

"There you are !"rose wine shouted,"Merlin, you 've been gone for hours !"

"What did he have you doing ?"matt asked.

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

Albus was vaguely aware of his protagonist suspiration of disappointment as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the Lapp time.

Albus tossed and turned the entire 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 thinking of her. He had said he did n't reserve a grudge against vampires that did n't kill people, but who knew what he really thought.

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

Eventually Albus fell into a restless nap, 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 headway. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his unanimous syndicate had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat decent sleep. 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 hold up night."

soul pulled the curtains undefendable and took the pillow off Albus 's top dog. He looked up and saw John and Matt.

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

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

The girls and Kaden met them in the piranha 's Den after Albus, Saint John, and Matt had lunch. John kept pestering Albus all through lunch, wanting to know why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said nil. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to tell his friend about this, but Balladanis had n't really veto him.

"Albus, what in the name of Merlin happened last night ?"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 us until now ?"John gaped,"I 've been wanting to sleep together for the total yr !"

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

"Sorry,"John Lackland muttered.

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

"Really ?"pink wine looked impressed,"What was that like ?"

"Not that great, to be honest,"Albus said,"Probably would let been better if it was a expert memory.

"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 Hellenic Republic. Kind of looked like a small-scale more run-down version of the scream Shack."

"In Greece ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the planetary house for what seemed like hours and then these soma broke into it and we heard this awful screech. Then the chassis left. Then this chap who was about our age came running out with this horrible frighten off smell on his nerve. Then we left."

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

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his house. The riot 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 metre. Albus looked at his friends and they all wore equate looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"matt asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

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

"He decided to devote his life to ridding the world of immorality, whether it be vampires, dismal maven, or other dark creatures,"Albus continued.

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

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

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

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

"Wow,"John 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 prospect on vampire and werewolf truly is, it 's going to be interesting to see how he teaches us about them,"Rose mused.

"Guess this is why you did n't desire Linda to see about this,"John 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 wipe out citizenry. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever see out."

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

"Seriously ?"Matt asked.

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

"You do n't induce to know. You 're only baker's dozen. And Albus, do n't determine 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 humanities, but it might cloud his judgement sometimes,"rosiness 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 be after on staying,"Matt replied,"Why would he stop searching for the lamia 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 suspect or anything,"whoremaster rolled his eye,"There 's still something risible about Balladanis."

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

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

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be easier said than done, especially since defense mechanism form was soon devoted to learning about vampire. Balladanis seemed to teach that particular unit with much Thomas More enthusiasm than usual, a effort that nobody thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but about just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampire was stuff Albus already knew due to what lustrelessness had told them earlier in the school year. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the creature they were learning about, the more interesting it was. Not to note the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every student was grateful for.

However, partway through their bit week devoted to lamia, the anamatek 's bole reappeared in the Defense classroom. 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 bequeath,"Saint John seethed as they took their seats.

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

"That would n't be any easily. We 're doing werewolves next,"John reminded him,"And Matt said that thing could n't change by reversal into an actual wolfman. speechmaking of Matt, he 's lucky he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The wide-cut moon had been the previous nighttime.

"Quiet,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire object lesson today. Today I wish to demonstrate 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 requisite to agitate a vampire."

"He 's genial,"John muttered.

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

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

It reappeared in the back of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The lamia had moved so firm that Albus had missed it in the winking of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're honorable looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are numb. The choice is not great, either. From the moment their dentition split your skin, you begin to transform into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to stop it, no potion to counteract it.

"lamia hunt at night when their vision is still excellent, but when homo vision is compromised. However, that is not the simply intellect. Does anyone have a go at it the other ?"

blush wine raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"Vampires are in center allergic to the sun,"blush wine explained,"When the sunshine hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them vexation and makes them feel sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to neutralize the outcome of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to inhabit sphere that see less sun and areas of dense timberland, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United state of matter, parts of Canada, and region of Russia. However there is also a significant lamia population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The lesson continued until the doorbell rang. Balladanis made no reference of moving onto the future unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the building block essay.

Albus and his admirer went to visit Matt late that Night after Albus got out of Quidditch drill. They only had a half hour or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent Defense example today,"whoremaster said once gentlewoman Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the usual ones ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked set to hang asleep at any moment.

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

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his voice was hoarse it was n't very loud,"We 're still doing vampire, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it change state into a vampire,"King John said,"We did n't consume to push it. He just used it to picture how fast vampire were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"Matt replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"Saint John the Apostle shook his drumhead,"I think we 're in for a few more twenty-four hours of vampires."

"Well, the longer we spend on lamia, the more time we have before we start werewolves,"Matt said quietly,"I really hope he does n't expend as often time on them as he has on vampires."

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

"Thank Merlin for that,"mat yawned.

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

"We 'll be back tomorrow after lunch,"Albus told him,"beneficial night."

"'Night,"Matt said.

They left the ward just as brothel keeper Pomfrey was coming out of her field of study, presumably to tell them to leave and yield Matt more potions. Albus and his protagonist headed straight for the common room, 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 postulate up stakes on how long Balladanis was going to drop teaching the 3rd yr about vampires. Fred was surely he 'd drop the remainder of full term, but Omar Bradley was convinced he 'd travel onto the adjacent unit partway through Apr. None of the third base years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would encounter out.

The vampire unit of measurement was still well underway when the next Quidditch match came along. This one was the bit Hogwarts versus Australian School of necromancy peer, which meant Grant Wood was in his flush when it came to drill. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing suite since he spent more of his meter on the Quidditch pitch shot than in the Gryffindor coarse room.

Albus awoke the day of the catch to trick 's loud swearing instead of shimmy, which told him that he did not have to spiel during that equal. He could n't help but feel slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no full point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked trick what happened.

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

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

John the Divine muttered something undistinguishable and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the bathroom while Albus woke matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the common room a little while later and then went down to the Great Hall to get something to eat.

A few hours later the son were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the catch to commence. Rose and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how long it 'll take Linda to rule the canary this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minute,"John said,"Hey, remember that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

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

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

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

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prevision proved correct. Linda did not slack down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast hurrying, beating Saint James the Apostle to the Snitch by a few pace. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that compass 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. Australia was still in the lead, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournaments. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in close space and New House of York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty trusted that if the Quidditch and dueling tourney stage were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck opening. Whatever the effect of the remaining passing tournaments and match, the finals for both were going to set the winner of the competition. The dot were just too close.

Although there was obviously no celebration in the Gryffindor common elbow room after the lucifer, nobody was particularly down either. Albus figured this was because cipher had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two week into April, Tom Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were capable to hard currency 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 tenacious awaited essay on lamia on Thursday, officially making the vampire building block the longest unit they had done. They had spent an entire month and a half on it. The essay seemed to match this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the live possible hour, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so much information on the topic. 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 help but be slightly jealous of them because doing the essay with an factual lamia would work it the easiest essay ever.

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

"She is,"Rose answered,"She hated every second of those lessons. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, Rose ?"can asked as he measured his own essay.

"leash feet,"blush wine answered.

John groaned."Do you cerebrate Balladanis will mark if mine 's three inches short ?"

"Yes,"rosiness said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely fussy about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't finish it we can just skip class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to show up up in division without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to course of instruction,"rose wine pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly require to go to form tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

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

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll copy bit of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"Nobody found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't think anyone 's going to find out you 're a lycanthrope just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feeling about it,"matt sighed.

"Look on the lustrous side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the wolfman essay, you 're for certain to get a 100."

"I do n't really care about the essay,"lustrelessness said flatly.

Both Matt and bathroom managed to finish their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor pillar, 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 start since John had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was indisputable how it go there ), the three boys rushed down to the Great lobby to grab objet d'art of toast before running to Defense.

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

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

Balladanis began his usual pacing in front of the classroom. He stopped in front of Rose and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would commence with lycanthrope history,"he announced,"nonentity is sure enough when the showtime werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding polish. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle culture have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of years ago, before the Muggle field of battle of psychology came about and long before Muggles had any understanding of the man mind, they tried to make sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to impute the insanity to the lunar month. Over the eld, the myth of lycanthrope came about. Thus, lycanthrope have had a substantial role in Muggle stories. In reality, the masses Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenic psychosis or turn of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to write everything down. He knew absolutely nothing about the Muggle view of lycanthropy. He glanced at matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of course know nada about material werewolf,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created wolfman have picayune in plebeian with the actual thing.

"wolfman are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone eff what that means ?"

Rose was the only one who raised her handwriting. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek word of honor 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"Rose explained,"Lykos means wolf and anthropos mean man."

"Very skilful,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthrope.

"Lycanthropes have been shunned by wizarding beau monde for as long as history has told us about them. In Recent epoch years, there has been a great deal guess about whether this is necessary or even a safe idea. However, it is difficult to commute the head of the majority when we have been taught to nullify lycanthropes and shun them from wizarding society for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this general prejudice has came about. When in wildcat shape, werewolf can not see to it their action at law and thus lash out incapacitated multitude. This has long been construed as werewolf wanting to attack multitude, wanting to infect them with the frightful disease.

"This can not be farther from the display case when it comes to most werewolves. most do not wish to attack others. Within the past hundred eld, lycanthrope have begun locking themselves up on the fully moon in order to avoid attacking others. However, there is one pregnant drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone have it away this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on lusterlessness, but he continued staring down at his empty-bellied parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their deal. This time Balladanis called on Linda."When loup-garou do n't have anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't bear a choice and they often wind up really hurt because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't find out what he said because lusterlessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly nervous and Albus was happy that the form was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the remainder of the lecture.

"We 'll cull up next social class with what happens before, during, and after fully moons for a mortal with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the gong rang,"If you have not read the werewolf chapter, please do so for adjacent time. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come see me."

flatness looked, if it was possible, even more nervous at this medical prognosis. The residue of the course left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with John, out of the room.

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

"Interesting deterrent example, Potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very concern indeed."

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

"Oh, nothing. Just a very illuminating example. I 've learned so a lot,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Merlin,"John muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll know after next example. He 's onto it, that 's for trusted,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"toilet replied,"That 's a nice way of putting it. The whole school 's going to know in two twenty-four hours, after the future 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 example ?"

"Yeah,"John the Divine nodded,"We ca n't tell 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.

"naught,"John said,"What did Balladanis want ?"

"Told me I did n't feature to go to the duplicate aid during this building block unless I wanted to,"matte told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't have sex,"lusterlessness said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many More moral like that. Merlin, Thursday 's moral is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. Matt did n't have a hint as to how atrocious it would be. They said zero more about it the all way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tues and Midweek evenings. He was perfectly happy to spend all his devoid prison term on the Quidditch pitch shot and then be too outwear to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so hard for him to keep what Malfoy said away from matt. He wanted nothing more than to warn his friend about it, even though he knew that would achieve goose egg. All it would do was pass water flatness interest even more and then act even more dying during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's brain off of what would happen after Malfoy 's distrust 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 sure Malfoy would harbinger it to all of Slytherin. Then, word would spread out and the stallion school would find out. pigeon hawk only knew what would happen when scholar'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf right had come a long way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that most multitude would not be happy if their kid were going to school with a werewolf, especially one that did not take in wolf's bane. Not to observe the field day the insistency would hold with it. Matt 's dad had just become Head of the Department for the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures for merlin 's interest. It would be a repetition of what had happened when Matt and his folk had lived in Australia.

Not to remark what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a slim chance that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a panic tone-beginning. What would take place if Malfoy found out he was a wolfman ?

It did not help that the full phase of the moon moon was that Friday. Matt barely spoke during the brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch tar. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch practice took Albus 's nous off of all of that, but they did not stop Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would ingest liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and can exchanged nervous glance as Malfoy walked in with a very smug aspect on his face. Albus was so focused on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's trunk was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked lavatory in the side.

"What ?"trick seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's face fungus,"trick exclaimed,"I do n't even want to know what he 's going to do with that."

"Quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll preserve our wolfman give-and-take today by talking about what happens to a wolfman when the moon waxes.

"loup-garou, in a similar way to lamia, are somewhat allergic to the moonlight when the moonlight waxes. For the few nights before the literal full moon, when exposed to moonlight werewolf will sense ill. The moonlight gives them worry and when exposed long enough, causes them to miss consciousness."

Albus did n't trouble oneself writing any of this depressed, as he knew beginning hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the full moonshine. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and lusterlessness. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quick glances at Matt himself. flatness was staring down at his sheepskin and Albus was certainly he was trying to ignore everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't for certain if that was because of the deterrent example or because the full moon was the next day.

"wolfman are often too ill to go about their daily bodily function the day of the fully moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the real transformation, I wish to register you what a person with lycanthropy flavor like the day of the full 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 professor, Balladanis must possess promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the bole and a small man stepped out of it. His pallor looked exactly like lusterlessness 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore scars and had a ailing look 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 instant or so with shock and then he glanced at mat. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's brass. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the moral passed by in a sort of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged glances and the feeling on John 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's realization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't process it.

The lesson seemed to sweep on and speed by at the same time. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the Saami time he did not want to make love what was going to happen after.

"Next lesson will focus on Wolfsbane Potion and the effects it has had on wolfman right field,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"Class dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each former. Albus did n't have a go at it what to do. Should he face up Malfoy ? Or should he tell Matt what happened ? lustrelessness seemed oblivious to the whole thing.

They silently decided just to lead the schoolroom and decide what to do after. pink wine and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not sure if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy flop then and there.

"Another enlightening deterrent example,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your byplay,"mat muttered. Albus and Gospel According to John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even spoilt tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that sentence of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow nighttime ?"

That got Matt 's tending. His head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to john with the most panicked flavour on his facial expression Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun full moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just loud 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 crowd, much to the dislike of the scholar who were trying to get to course of study, and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out lustrelessness 's hidden, but he had used it to scare him. In essence, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the sorry things he could have done.

Ignoring all the other scholar who were going to form, Albus pulled out his wand and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make for sure you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a threat, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how much in effect I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the Saami time.

"Expelliarmus !"John Lackland shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a R-2 of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarmament turn and shot another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portraiture. The portraiture 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his cuticle appeal and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling object lesson, Albus watched as his shell held up while the hex scene at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling jinx at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the story in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his boldness. Malfoy 's nose started haemorrhage and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his sceptre and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore hex either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John and Saint John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his survey. Albus looked nervously at John. Of all the professor to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one near affair about this was that Malfoy could n't announce Matt 's lycanthropy to the total schoolhouse while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and St. John the Apostle sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's field of study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not set about to tell you how thwarted I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am surely I taught you better than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling skills and what sort of responsibleness lies with them. I have half a psyche to lay off our training academic term. However, I am bequeath to try all sides of this chronicle before laying out any sort of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to course of instruction and Potter pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to guard myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to huff. He and John looked at each other and Gospel According to John rolled his center.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. thrower, if you please."

Albus took a deep breath. He was going to secernate the story. The whole 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 lecture on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that true, 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 know 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 his medical checkup issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After Matt left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go severalize the hale school about Matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wrap up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your wand 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 subject goes much farther than a duel. All three of you will get four dark'detention 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 things more authoritative to discourse than detentions,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew broad well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John Lackland said nothing as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's cogitation. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's bailiwick since his number one year, when he went to verbalize to Dumbledore 's portrait. The shoes had n't changed in the slight. Everything seemed to be in the claim same office. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awaken 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 problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to hand out hold, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am fussy 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 Matt Eckerton is a werewolf,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. ceramicist and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his shaft and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a object lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chairperson and gestured for the three boys to get together him at his desk. Albus sat down in the middle death chair and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rhapsodic attention.

"fountainhead, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. Potter, perhaps you can evidence me if anyone else knows about Matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"Rose Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll need to address with them, as well as lustrelessness. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't cogitate Matt 's in class."

"You may be proper,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any idea 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 lav left the study. Albus went straight to the piranha 's Den while John went to the dungeons as pink wine and Amanda would be in potions.

matte was sitting on his bed in the Marauder 's Den, staring at the paries and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"lusterlessness said without turning to look at Albus. His vocalism was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. Saint John and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four night of detention and took breaker point away."

"He 'll say everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to land up schooltime. That 's not even the worst voice. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably have to move to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked nervous. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the same time.

"Why did Balladanis stimulate to be such a honorable teacher ?"matte groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of awful teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left aught out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupid anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No wonderment Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you roll in the hay ?"matt shouted,"How do you really know ? I know teddy bear 's dad got to stay put 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 need to divvy up with this."

Albus did n't really know what to say to that. Everything Matt said was true. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. nobody could compare to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his survey. He wants to talk to all of us. Me, John, rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't require to go up there,"flatness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to continue here. Merlin, my head word 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 bonnie. I hate it. I hate this whole thing. I do n't want to be a bloody lycanthrope anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how execrable flatness was at that here and now. Albus had never once heard him kick about being a werewolf. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the full-of-the-moon Moon or when he was laid up in the hospital wing for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's subject. 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 mat when they walked in. Matt froze in topographic point and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"adopt a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two empty president, one of which was adjacent to Malfoy's.

Albus took the posterior next to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. lustrelessness took the other one.

"First, I want to assure you that you do not possess to result Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to Matt,"Nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

matt did n't look reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My founder wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your Church Father has no say whatsoever in which scholar I admit to this school,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his billet is not very high."

"mat,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"doe anyone else recognise ?"Matt shook his psyche."And did you recount the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

matt seemed unable to speak. After a few moments of secretiveness, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. ceramist ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with blush wine, John, and Amanda, who all gave the Saame answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus magical spell. He shared one horrified glance with rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a footling panicky.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"prof, Sir,"rosiness began,"We sort of put this charm on Kaden, so he would n't evidence 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 Book, 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 witch, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own unspoilt, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the gravel exploit, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how long Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"Rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to discourse with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The balance of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a one-half hour or so provide of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to leave without finding out what was going to bechance to Malfoy, but he knew flatness would tell him.

lusterlessness never showed up in the Great hallway for tiffin, nor did he go to antediluvian Runes or spell. Albus could not boil down on either of those classes and was very happy when Charms was over and he was able to leave.

wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four detentions. In fact, he was livid. He spent 20 second telling Albus how he should n't be picking fights with other student so close to the next Quidditch match, especially in social movement of teachers'schoolroom. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was late for Charms. Albus had run into Wood in in between ancient rune and Charms.

"What do you suppose Balladanis is going to make us do ?"John asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a clew,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"Saint John agreed.

Rose, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find Matt before they went to dinner. They had to wait a while for the corridor to light up out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

lustrelessness was fast numb on the lounge when they entered."Good thing he does n't have detention tonight,"Saint John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John gently shook matte 's berm until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll lose dinner."

"I 'm not hungry,"mat muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the other end of the couch.

"He should put that charm on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"Matt sighed,"All he did was say Malfoy how important it was not to mention anything. He said telling his founder would do zilch. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would confront expulsion for revealing another student 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did forebode he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? certain, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't take it back. I 'd still possess to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't think he 's going to order anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate shame in the Malfoy kinfolk, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified whiz. Malfoy wo n't want that."

"I guess you 're the right way,"matt sighed,"It 's just so unusual, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to air an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. King John and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. right fate with that,"flatness replied.

******

Balladanis 's detention was a bit anticlimactical. Albus had been expecting him to retrieve up some really creative and taxing hold, but instead he assigned them personal line of credit. Lines were possibly the most irksome detention ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the john or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling deterrent example is canceled for tomorrow nighttime due to your detention. Detention will be at nine, after my surplus help session, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his lines 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 lycanthrope used to instruct here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the best Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"placidity !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's objurgation. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his agate line. 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 secret ?

A half hour into their line writing, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his redress hand, there was a knock on the doorway. Albus looked up and saw prof Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than Matt 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to Saint John. john had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last thing they needed was for Balladanis to call up they were there and severalize them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to bear in private.

"genus Aplysia,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John. lusterlessness 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to spill the beans to you about what happened earliest today,"flatness 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your moral,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll need to know in rules of order to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"pigeon hawk, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you agnize how serious those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his vox a bit,"You 're not the only expert on magical wight. I have perfect control over my anamatek."

"cipher has thoroughgoing control over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The headmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't postulate 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 thirdly class about lycanthrope. The point about their transformations, how to clean one out of the general population, what happens before, during, and after transmutation. Your lesson was far Sir Thomas More detailed than a tierce year text book."

"You 'd find that all my lessons are like that,"Balladanis replied,"school text Good Book do not open decent details."

"I think giving enough details about identifying a wolfman so that a third gear year would be able to work out that someone not even in their like house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more timid with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an intact class because of one student is not a good method acting of commandment,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one bookman,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the peachy trade good for the enceinte act, are we ?"

"There are clock time when that is a good philosophical system,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll harmonise to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your moral are putting my son in peril anymore, you may receive that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll teach however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boy, none of whom were writing lines 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 Lackland before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the penury to recur that there will be effect if you make populace my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"Good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the rook tomorrow to search your subject and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will strike it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breathing place as matte 's dad left the way with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with John. He wanted nothing more than to entrust, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough 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 can following. Malfoy made no move to try and blab to them again, so they headed straight to the Marauder 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely citizenry who have read and reviewed this ! You guy cable are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to line up that matte and Kaden were the solely ones there. lustrelessness 's face was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the middle of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the lineup,"Oh, Albus, John ! How was your detainment ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down next to Matt,"Matt, did you screw 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 ?"King John asked.

"home, 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 angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to figure out if someone 's a lycanthrope 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 reasonableness he came here, to tell 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 scrutinize Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to micturate indisputable he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's precept puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a undecomposed idea to get on my dad 's bad side of meat,"mat 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 expect 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 tell you if you asked ?"whoremonger wondered.

"Probably,"Matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd improve not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"John Lackland said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't call up Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not take very long for Word to overspread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the succeeding morning at breakfast, as a few quondam students had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that mat 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the premature Nox and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even stricter than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's absolute shuddery,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his home base,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in weeping. But I 'd hate to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be fell. I mean, it 's pretty very 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 lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was right. Balladanis was going to need 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 favourable he just had to ask it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't call back 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 in force idea for the Ministry to construct him lead that thing home,"trick said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with pink wine and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"lav asked as he gestured to mat, 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 live what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"Rose commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to arouse him up,"John muttered.

The balance of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and whoremonger complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra assistance seance about loup-garou when he already knew so a good deal about them.

Albus woke Matt up shortly before dinner and he looked much unsound than he usually did the day of wide-cut lunar month. They all escorted him to the hospital wing, where ma'am Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to provide the hospital wing, the door opened and in walked Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"John whispered.

"He 's not going to tell us now,"Albus muttered back,"looking at at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to Matt 's bed and talking to dame Pomfrey in silence whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for aught. He entered the way before Malfoy and John was already doing his lines. Balladanis said absolutely zippo to Albus as he handed him parchment. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about lustrelessness and did n't even comment that the wide-cut moon was that night.

Balladanis let them will at half yesteryear ten. Albus and King John found Kaden in the predator 's Den and spent the remaining metre left until Astronomy playing Exploding Snap and star 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have this course with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy Tower,"If Malfoy does n't make a individual comment about the wide-cut moonshine, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to take hold you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll have to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up future to Albus 's. Professor Polo spent ten arcminute telling them that they were to plot the position of Mars, Urania, the moon, and a handful of ace before turning them mislay to actually do so.

"The moon is so vivid,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at John."Looks like I wo n't be eating my caldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the caput of the department for the Regulation and controller of Magical tool ? 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 talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, come on, Potter. Even you have to take account the satire,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"placidity over there,"Marco Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more clock time before going back to his telescope. The respite of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was capable to return to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in kickoff year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when Madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"rosebush said.

"Well, she did n't interlace us out this clip,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his ally had slept late on Sabbatum sunup and after grabbing a quick bite to eat, had gone to travel to Matt in the hospital wing. madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the marauder 's Den, trying to figure 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 Moon have been tough the past few calendar month ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us become Animagi,"John muttered.

"John, I honestly do n't think you could get an Animagus,"rosebush replied,"You 'd lift up with a permanent bottom affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to birth a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep on going back to the hospital wing,"John shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their exploit proved fruitless, though. They went to the hospital wing twice that good afternoon and then justly before Albus and John had to go to detention. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each fourth dimension.

Sun, the endure day of Albus and john 's detention, was the same. lady Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third time that day.

"aught 's changed !"she shouted,"seed back tomorrow evening ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any originally than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detainment ?"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 detention. Balladanis gave them railway line, just like he had the past times three nights. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two actor's line to him since Astronomy.

"You may lay off,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an time of day 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 secrecy."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more life-threatening than detention and lost points.

"Mr. potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given keen thought to whether I should remain giving you spare object lesson. I have decided to feed you one More luck. Lessons will keep this Fri at their normal meter. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer concord them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in social class on Tuesday."

"Falco columbarius, I 'm gladiola that 's over,"Saint John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awing in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"privy said.

Albus could n't digest at all in his division the adjacent day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital wing and find out how lusterlessness was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

Rose and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, lavatory, and Kaden near the hospital annexe afterwards. They had all eaten a very speed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice session at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the threshold to the infirmary annex, half expecting madam Pomfrey to yell at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the sole invade bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtains back. Matt looked exhausted and there was a rather tumid bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd get along visit me,"Matt gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"matt smirked,"I 've heard her cry at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't brothel keeper Pomfrey let us add up visit ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two solar day later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A clustering of affair, really,"matt sighed,"low, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always forged when I 'm disturbed about something. Second, I hit my head really hard at some spot that Night. It still hurts. tierce, the shift in worldwide are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his admirer were obviously getting old and that brought raft of variety, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would exchange when matte got older.

"So, are all of the full moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really know what 'll go on in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to pass on ?"

"Tomorrow dark at the other,"Matt sighed,"Although that means I 'll drop Defense."

"Wish I could miss Defense,"John muttered,"speechmaking of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"John the Divine, he just woke up yesterday,"rosiness pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"lustrelessness said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really storm that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the Department for the ordinance and dominance of Magical brute in Australia, he hired Balladanis to catch a dance band of lamia who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"King John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 long time. Balladanis thought they should consume gotten life sentences. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge statement at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Australian Ministry did n't hire him after that,"matte explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would harmonize on punishments. I wonder if he 's leased Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"Matt replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of issues. Oh, and he wanted me to monish you not to hear to everything Balladanis says during those dueling deterrent example you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a unlike incline of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tues morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with John. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about Recent defense team classes in the rough-cut way, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the way a few minutes 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 penny-pinching to it, to jump.

"Pass your prep questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the tabular array in front of him and waited for Balladanis to accumulate it. He paused in front of the mesa in forepart of Albus's.

"ceramicist,"he began,"You can secern Eckerton that his homework is late 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.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the gens of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For nigh werewolves, the potion was a life ring. Who can explicate what it does ?"

Nobody, not even blush wine and Linda, raised their manpower. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't yell on him.

"cipher ?"he said,"Pity. Wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during full moons. The lycanthrope turns into a beast, but a harmless one. One that will just sleep until the moon circle and will not hold the impulse to bite and kill.

"The potion is a life buoy to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to demonstrate you what a werewolf would appear like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castling,"Balladanis said with spitefulness,"Therefore you will ingest to go without the visual. It seems that sure parents, Ministry functionary, and the headmaster do not approve of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't call it suffering,"John muttered.

"repose, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to lead to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"Good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearing in this classroom and your didactics is going to tolerate for it. nothing, and I repeat nothing can supercede men on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the line at having what was in essence a live mantichora in front of him. There were some times when reading sufficed.

The deterrent example continued with Balladanis talking about wolf's bane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all lycanthrope and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief harangue about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty convention. formula for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the last on lycanthrope,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will learn about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. mat would be out of the hospital offstage by then. Why could n't Balladanis just finish the wolfman unit already ?

"He wo n't be back next year,"John 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 multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"plaza your bets here !"Fred shouted the succeeding day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait hole with Georgia and James after a particularly hard Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to take place in a little over a week.

"Peach State, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"Care to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff, your mum is bound to obtain out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's auntie Alicia was the least strict out of all of his aunts. She 'd probably order a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just improve hope granny does n't find out,"Empire State of the South smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. Molly Weasley would probably send 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 bets on how practically longer Balladanis is going to last. Care to claim a shot ?"

"I suppose,"Georgia said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a calendar week. I heard he had three world-class years in teardrop today."

"He nearly had half of my class in tears,"Fred said as he took Peach State 's gold,"King James, Al ?"

"ternion Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"James said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go line up his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head.

"Suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his base on balls around the common elbow room,"Bets here, localise your bet !"

Albus found his protagonist crowded around their usual mesa in the common elbow room. Linda was with them. All three young woman were working on preparation. privy and Kaden were trading Chocolate Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in trouble,"Rose muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his head,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten Sickles he wo n't last the year,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"You should have it off exactly when he 'll get out, what with your taking prophecy,"Rose smirked.

"Divination 's a jape,"John muttered,"I ca n't await to strike down it after one-fifth year."

"Told you so,"Rose grinned,"Sick of making up hooey ?"

"It 's just so pointless,"John groaned,"We 're still doing crystal balls. 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 classes for next class a few days prior. He decided on caution of Magical fauna, Ancient runic letter, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"lavatory sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy homework ?"Matt asked as he sat down in the chair future to John Lackland 's. He looked a bit better than he had the former day, but still haggard out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"Saint John asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for defence force tomorrow,"matt groaned,"I 'm allure to use a Fainting fancy to get out of it."

"I think half the commencement geezerhood are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete preparation question. Made her cry."

"That 's what GA was saying,"Albus replied,"shuffle me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two workweek. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

John filled his sac with Puking Pastilles before he set off to Defense the adjacent break of the day. Albus did n't bother. His curiosity always trumped his dislike for sure course of study. He 'd rather be there and recognize exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"werewolf,"Balladanis said as soon as the bell rang,"When the term is used, most people conjure up trope of lonely grownup, condemned to a miserable life story that revolves around the lunar month.

"However, there is a totally group of werewolf that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, children do get attacked by loup-garou. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too former. Even fewer survive the initial transformation. Werewolf transformations, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few children are firm enough to make it through."

Balladanis paused and began to tempo the elbow room."Parents are faced with a decision after their shaver is bitten. They have three choices. Number one, they can dispense with it. Deal with the monthly transmutation and try and realise life as formula as possible for the kid. phone number two, they can desert their child. Force them to live with a risky ring of werewolves, to uprise up to kill. However, there is a tierce selection. Does anyone tending to infer as to what it is ?"

nobody raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his category until his heart rested on Matt. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, charge to distinguish us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at Matt throughout the example, stole a nimble glance at him. He was staring at the desk, quill in paw, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"Matt stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the tiddler down. Not a pleasant selection, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first option, to retain to lift their child, are in for a very toughie life. lycanthrope children are difficult to set up. It is a Brobdingnagian adjustment for parents and siblings if there are any. The chomp affects the unit kinsfolk. It changes animation, it can rip class apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects nestling and Albus looked again at mat. His helping hand was shaking even harder and his boldness was as white as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with bathroom and John reached into his pouch. He slid a emesis Pastille across the table towards Albus and then slid one to Matt. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to stuff it into his mouth. John and mat did the like. Albus clutched his stomach as the sweet began to select affect.

"Lycanthropic youngster rarely, if ever, get to serve school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the Hospital Wing ?"

"I do n't feel 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 sound of all three son vomiting at the like clip. Albus leaned over his tabular array and vomited right onto the floor. The class erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"Fine !"he seethed,"Get to the hospital annexe, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to vomit again as he ran for the door. Matt and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the sweets into their mouths as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evilness !"John 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,"John began,"What is wrong with that bloke ?"

"I think a lot of affair,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the socio-economic class,"John Lackland said to Matt as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the book. I mean, did you read 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 stupid anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to name you miserable because of what your dad did with those lamia eld ago."

"It 's just not comely,"lustrelessness groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the therapist did propose that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the disgorgement troche. How could a therapist, person whose job it was to fix people healthy, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John the Evangelist asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle diddlysquat hexed him at the same time,"Matt gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to match your Uncle doodly-squat,"John grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"flatness smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"lusterlessness said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"Three days,"John said after lusterlessness left,"I give Balladanis three Sir Thomas More days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any time,"Rose said to flatness as she unfolded her transcript of the Prophet the next forenoon at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over rose 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS professor TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The Department of Magical Education received an inquiry
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor,
Aplysia Balladanis. The question was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed Head of the Department
for the rule and restraint of Magical Creatures,
Bruno Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

professor Tethys Balladanis has been teaching defense reaction at
the school since September, when he replaced brain Auror
Harry Potter. Potter had taught the bailiwick for two
eld and wished to sharpen solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his resignation at the end of go school day
year.

The impending investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be unfeigned and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was remove it from school premiss. Eckerton told
reporters that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in straw man of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporter,
'I 'm filing this research as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. first base and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the Department of Magical educational activity,
a department that was set up for this design after
the ruination of Lord Voldemort. official will visit
the school and consultation both pupil and staff as
a component of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to learn Defense Against
the wickedness artistry during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"toilet said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defense force anymore,"Matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't hold on him from teaching until they do the probe,"pink wine 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 copy of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't sleep together,"rosebush said quietly,"But Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"matt said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not chastise him about skipping class. Albus could n't pick him. He himself was half tempted to skip, but he knew his oddment would get the salutary of him.

"Somehow, I do n't reckon you 'll have the hazard to skip,"Rose muttered,"We do n't deliver defense lawyers until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't consume to do that lycanthrope essay."

"I never said that,"rosiness replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"facial expression, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the stave table.

"May I have your attending !"Kendrick shouted and the chatter in the mansion immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or listen about the clause on the front varlet of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to direct their probe. They will be selecting scholarly person to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to respond their doubt truthfully.

"As of right hand now, professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to care for him with respect and serve his classes. This is, at the mo, an investigation and nothing more. Now, you 'd trump be off to class."

"Albus,"Rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great Hall to History of Magic,"You 're not going to that dueling lesson tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't intend you should,"pink wine told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't need to go, but he also did n't need to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

nobody fell asleep during History of conjuration. It must have been a new record book, one that was previously set back when Binns was still animated. However, the lack of fatigue was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as tedious as common. The educatee remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hush up rustle of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tertiary years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six educatee in the castling who knew the particular ground why matt 's dad had submitted that research. Albus, rose, lav, Amanda, Kaden, and lustrelessness himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not know that it had been Balladanis 's public lecture on lycanthropic baby that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the inculpation on the anamatek, even though flatness 's dad had come out and said that was n't the literal reason. The oracle had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specific. The Hogwarts bookman wanted particular. They wanted to fuck what had pushed matt 's dad to submit an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The reasons the scholarly person fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few seventh yr, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his extra assistant sessions and perhaps employ lustrelessness as an example of someone who did not possess the accomplishment to kill dark wizard. unite that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh years claimed lustrelessness 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would blow over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first-class honours degree years were the on the paired side of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin tertiary years. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up spite after class and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

flatness had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a single soul, living, ghost, or portraiture, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six times on the way from account of Magic to Herbology by people wanting to know the details of the inquiry. It was something Albus could say mat 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 second years had just run up to matte, demanding to sleep with why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up on the Gryffindor mesa and make an promulgation during dejeuner,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't have class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, facial expression, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking people striding up towards the palace. There were two crone and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they audience me,"matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just Leslie Townes Hope they do n't audience those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very flying lunch. None of them wanted to remain very long since everyone was still asking Matt about the inquiry. After they finished, the male child went to Gryffindor tugboat to deposit their bags before going to the vulture 's Den to put off their homework.

The green 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 Divine, you 'd break not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"John said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should give just skipped from the root,"Ashtyn told them.

"well, you three love your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The son quickly stowed their dish in their dorm room and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portraiture muddle and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his discipline. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the piece of parchment she was holding."He wants to see matte, too."

"smell like you two are getting interviewed,"St. John the Apostle said as Gabriella went into the common room.

"Guess so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving common soldier moral with Balladanis, he probably would let 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,"Saint John the Apostle replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Loads."

Albus and matte left for Kendrick 's study while John Lackland continued towards the vulture 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April saphead 's Day caper ! The staff really surmount themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing adjacent to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's sketch. It was apparently his job to croak the password to the gargoyle to allow all the educatee being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the discipline and found three other students waiting in straw man of Kendrick 's closed door. A very blase looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or 7th year, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the yard earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpio Malfoy there. After all, he had common soldier lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to lead off the foresightful wait.

What had been the level in sending them all to Kendrick 's field of study at the like sentence ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a metre. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were lupus erythematosus people waiting ?

Kendrick 's doorway opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor initiative year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about fifteen minutes. Then it was Malfoy 's act. He took a bit more than time, but finally came out and left without so a lot as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the beggarly time, two more students had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The early was a untried Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at to the lowest degree an minute, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three research worker were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite marvelous and wore a menacing glower. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her pilus was pulled into a pissed bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other witch was the over opposite word. She was light and quite a bit overweight. Her frizzly brown tomentum stuck up at all sorts of odd angles and she had a small pair of field glass perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a calamus in hand. He looked a bit bored by the entire thing. He was gazing about the room and had the look of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two hoi polloi who were paying rapt attending, or should he say portrayal, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a seat in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My figure is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the tall witch gestured to the shortstop witch,"And that is herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so bore, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please state your full epithet, age, class, and business firm for the record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that info ?

"It 's protocol, love,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus ceramicist, 13, tertiary year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can tell us what goes on in an mediocre lesson with prof Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"fountainhead, he comes in and Tell us all to terminate talking. Then he 'll accumulate the homework. Oh, and you have to get the prep in on fourth dimension, no matter what. He does n't convey former body of work, even if you 've got a honorable exculpation. You could be sick in the hospital wing and he would n't subscribe recent homework.

"Then he 'll learn us a new while or about some new animal. Then we 'll have to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't execute 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 aid sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the student in your grade ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"Have you attended any supernumerary help Roger Sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his top dog,"Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they consist of ?"

"well-nigh times he just teaches me new tour, spells that are arduous than the ace we learn in course. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the tour,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'times,"Smyth said,"What else does he experience you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his professorship,"One time 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 legal brief falter. He doubted Balladanis would be glad about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the sheepskin. 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 house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the sign of the zodiac. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't tell you ahead of clock time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his headspring,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to indicate 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 experience comfortable if Professor Balladanis continued to learn here ?"

Albus thought about it for a import. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the kind of necromancer Albus felt prosperous around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common room. You are not to speak of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called matte in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good destiny'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just separate us ?"lavatory lamented as the boys sat around the marauder 's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry witch said we could n't utter about the interview."

"But how would they cognise ?"John asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole schooltime 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 cogitate it 's going to demand long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"flatness said adamantly and then turned to lav,"You 're not going to his spear carrier help seance tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"Saint John replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for LE 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 down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin common elbow room, and ask.

"No estimate,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to pop out worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John gave Albus a foreign look.

"I might find out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John opened his mouthpiece to respond, but instead turned to the doorway. A meretricious squawking noise had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"John asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his tail. He walked over to the door and paused future to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the Marauder 's Den was that it was always very quiet. No noises could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard racket from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the outlandish dame he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never amount to the door."

"pink wine ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rosiness said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the mutual room. I told him I 'd observe you."

Albus turned around and told matte, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no estimation what his dad wanted, but it must birth been crucial for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't induce to police it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the fervor when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, virtually likely about Quidditch judging by their exuberant use of hand gesture, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrayal hole.

"Let 's talk outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait muddle and down the corridor a picayune ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"goose egg,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"fountainhead, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a word about you causing problem, 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 prof Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the doubtfulness of the eve, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the conclusion is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would apprize 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 chances are high that he may get out this strain on you and Scorpius."

"Do you make love if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A Isaac Mayer Wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said commodity night to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing matt and John Lackland how to make a proper paper airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"John asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To tell me it was n't a right approximation to go to Balladanis 's example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the void couch.

"And ?"lustrelessness asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"good,"flatness replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of stress, well-nigh of which I do n't live about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his caput,"I 'll be felicitous when he 's sacked."

"We do n't bonk for sure as shooting 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 adult female,"John 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 vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"matte agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his emphasis ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"trick began,"This is the get-go Fri we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're decent,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And pass the night here,"mat added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and puddings as they could take by the sign of the zodiac elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing respective plot. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a patch, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a perm fixture at Hogwarts throughout the balance of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of bookman mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a single meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the interrogative 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 conclusion. Albus was more than a petty nervous about going to Defense on Tues and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday morning that all the Hogwarts scholar 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 champion was no longer there.

The Asaph Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's imminent promulgation, since there had not been a single mention of Balladanis in that sunup 's Prophet.

"A decisiveness has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"gentlewoman Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"Gospel According to John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good item,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the scholar with a neutral look on her face."Upon extensive investigating of Professor Balladanis 's instruction method and thoroughgoing audience of select scholarly person, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching billet here at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and Wizardry. Professor Balladanis packed his matter late live on night and no farseeing resides in the palace. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will happen with Defense classes for the remainder of the class. I would care to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and keep eating her breakfast like null had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Against the darkness Arts classes will not take topographic point until further posting. I will try and pander a suitable replacement for prof Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the clock time to contemplate for your upcoming exams,"Kendrick said and then resumed his rump. He began to verbalise with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"Best newsworthiness I 've heard this calendar month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James II groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange work force throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you conceive Kendrick 'll find a replacement ?"whoremaster asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"gladiolus I did n't do that lycanthrope essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find a successor,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd feature one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"whoremaster replied.

The atmosphere in the rook for the rest period of the day was incredibly offbeat. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few pupil asked Matt to give thanks his dad for them. It seemed that the only scholarly person upset by it were those who had lost bets because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The general excitement of the rook caused him more piece of work. Peeves destroyed the Defense schoolroom in solemnisation ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James and his friends set off a few Weasley firework, and then there was the superior general jam that was associated with pupil celebrating by playing outside in the muddy smoke. Plus, Moaning Vinca minor flooded her bathroom when a few pupil told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not consort. For some odd grounds it reminded her of her death.

One person who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castling with a big smile on her font. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his bountiful concern was vampires.

There was even a party in the Gryffindor rough-cut way that night. Rose thought it was a picayune ridiculous, to celebrate the sacking of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just think,"John said,"We do n't ever consume to heed to him go on and on about how bad the wickedness 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 entirely life 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 place far, like Republic of Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Great Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to adhere around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the dark to avoid anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"John grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to generate him a right send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"Rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exam. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"Normal ?"Albus raised his eyebrow,"This place will never be formula. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the last couple before the final."

"When 's the final exam ?"rose wine asked.

"first 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 House of York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full form this week. I 'm practicing every dark starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Ellen Price Wood is insane,"Rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch tar,"John grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take 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 have defending team Against the Dark Arts the next aurora, Albus was down in the Great lobby bright and early because he wanted to read Rose 's Daily seer. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sack was one matter, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

Rose was already there when Albus, lusterlessness, and John sat down at the Gryffindor mesa. Amanda and Linda were on either incline of her and all three girls were reading the article. Albus drummed his finger impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, Rose handed him the newspaper without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS teacher REMOVED FROM attitude BY MINISTRY

In an event that causes much of the wizarding cosmos to remember
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts defense force Against the iniquity
artistry teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of magic trick 's Department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's sovereignty, Defense teacher rarely lasted more
than a class at the schooltime, a closed book that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two yr
ago, Hogwarts had had only one defense mechanism teacher since that
fateful May day.

professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for eld until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by principal Auror, Harry Potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the position after nobody else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the side this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a calendar week and a half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the Department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a commandment tool, singling students out for want of
skill, and embarrassing scholar in front of their peers.

An investigation by Ministry official ensued and included
the interviewing of select students and staff. The department
concluded their investigation late Sunday evening and inform
both Balladanis and master Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decisiveness. When asked for a statement on the offspring, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news program, Bruno Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very happy
with the decision and that the investigating was concluded in
a timely fashion. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of children 's refuge .'

Hogwarts student will not attend Defense classes until a replacement
is found. As of right hand now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd stick your dad in there somehow,"John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already bang,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd detect out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"Doubt it,"blush wine answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

Life soon returned to pattern for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something energise happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left to say and the student focused on the upcoming Quidditch lucifer, which was mere 24-hour interval away.

Albus had an easy time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch exercise. He was out on the pitching every even and was soon hearing Wood 's program line in his fountainhead as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed pattern. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to sell with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus recognise that Gryffindor would possess a new senior pilot the next twelvemonth since Georgia was graduating. Albus was trusted it would be either Fred or Heather, but he was n't trusted which.

Albus trudged into the Great Asaph Hall on Thursday morning sorely wishing that John had n't woken him up. They did n't give birth a form first affair, so why 'd he bother doing that ? Albus was already running on little sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the good morning this Sabbatum,"Albus muttered to whoremonger as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"Gospel According to John grinned,"I need you to assist me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't climb help you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"toilet muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not hold accidentally set fire to her Potions notes conclusion night,"whoremaster said.

"And I should let to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you manage that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"Matt put in,"John the Evangelist and Kaden were tinkering with those super strength dung turkey lastly night in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right wing where Rose 's promissory note were. The droppings bomb exploded and pink wine 's short letter caught fire."

"See, an fortuity !"John exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"Matt 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 have sentence to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"Epistle of James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this hebdomad ?"James asked.

"I do n't know, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James River pointed to the faculty table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror gown, he was just wearing normal robes. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your tending ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to take in over Defense classes for the residuum of term. Because of this, Defense course of instruction will resume today."

"goodness thing I woke you up,"can grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able to wind up that essay,"Albus scene back.

"Merlin,"John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprised, nor did he manage that much. He 'd already had his dad 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 Defense. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a small manner ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't turn into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to flush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"well, I did not call up I 'd be back here. I do cause to continue with the course of study, so I must ask that you complete the lycanthrope essay for side by side Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a corporate groan from the stallion class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that hard,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be meter consuming,"John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a one-half of terminal figure left and I ca n't just let you have this time to mess around."

The course was the most enjoyable defence force division the thirdly long time had had in quite a while. Harry lectured for the totality of the stratum, but it was n't drill. Albus did not heed 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 prof Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's minds and the tensions ran high-pitched than they had all year. The outcome of this match would influence who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New House of York once and they could easily do it again. The entire team was in secure health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly substance to sit in the stands with his admirer and just catch the match, rather than have to play in it.

It was a tender bounce day with a slight wind and cloud cover song, perfective playing conditions. Grant Wood had spoke of the weather during the previous night 's drill, telling the squad 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 crowd. Hogwarts scored five destination within the inaugural XV minutes of the match and New York scored two. The team remained cervix in neck for the remainder of the match, until James pulled out of a plunk clutching the golden snitch in his left over hand.

The gang erupted into cheer and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the older students.

"I have an declaration to have !"prof Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final examination Quidditch match, scheduled to engage lieu on the beginning of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the common room and everyone rehashed their darling parts of the match. No one talked about the final match, although Albus was for sure it was in the backs of everyone 's judgement. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts scholar seemed to see that test were quite near. The library soon became a popular home to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a tranquillise common elbow room in the even, much like her baby had two old age prior. Albus and his friends spent more clip in the marauder 's Den after that, usually without rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three fille seemed to like the quietness of the vulgar room.

rose wine did forgive John for messing up her note, but she became more tense and snappy as exams 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.

Defense object lesson took a drastic play for the bettor. Albus and all of his Friend got perfect tense marks on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the classes bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Falco columbarius !"can shouted at breakfast one Friday in the midriff 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 make it into the World Cup final,"lav sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the paper from King John, suddenly remembering the ticket he 'd gotten for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to bid to go with him. Actually, he had n't even recite his friends about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russian Federation,"John groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a wish-wash Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"pink wine smirked,"Albus, did you blame who you 're going to take when you go to the Cup ?"

"postponement, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmas Day,"Albus said.

"And you did n't recite me !"John the Divine exclaimed.

"Well, I only got one supernumerary and I did n't know how to plunk. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. creative thinker you, if you hate Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I 'll just pluck Matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to piece then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't get to,"mat said as he sat down succeeding to Albus.

"Nice to see you waken,"John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great manse and had no luck. The wide moonshine was the next 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,"matte shook his head,"It 's just that my dad got just the ticket, so you can just pay your spear carrier one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to shoot a Muggle airplane ?"whoremonger looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"John the Evangelist said.

"indirect request I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"trick asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're weird, Kaden,"whoremaster laughed.

"So are you. plane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"Matt said,"I 'd need a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch practice, Albus had no time for anything else. He managed to pressure in clock time to visit mat in the hospital wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Sir Henry Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the final couple of the Jr 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to overlook due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of help from Teddy, Albus was able to hang the final. Albus 's squad won, very much to the pleasure of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his Friend. Malfoy remained mysteriously tranquility around the full moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was foreign, but not something any of the male child were going to kick about it.

Three mean solar day before the Quidditch final, the Great mansion house was filled with whispering vocalization that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. Copies of the vaticinator were being passed back and forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"pink wine whispered, her fount completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest copy of the Prophet. mat and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN BREAKOUT

Officials have reported that three prisoner
broke out of Azkaban recent last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban precaution
have refused to verbalize with reporters, and the
Ministry does not wish to divulge entropy
at this time.

The figure of the bunk captive have been
released and anyone with entropy reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The prophet then gave detailed information about all three of the escaped prisoner. Albus only recognized Willinson. The former two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an retard !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any Bob Hope Albus had of getting preparation done that week was gone. He was favorable he was capable to concentrate on Quidditch practice. 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 forefather 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 night before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending pattern.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this squad,"wood said as he began to tempo in nominal head of them,"There were trouble in the outset,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a squad wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of students from all four business firm can come together and run together on the same team. I am not sure this could let been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a long way over the year. You 've all made huge melioration in your skill. Quite a few of you are 7th years and I am very felicitous to tell apart you that there will be scouts from a duo Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's catch. I have eminent hopes for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is secure, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and give it your best. Now, I think you should all turn in former and eat a right breakfast tomorrow before the match. Teddy, President Tyler, anything to add ?"Wood turned to the boys.

slip and Tyler both shook their heads and forest turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night."

Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss tactics while the team left. Albus and James were the last two to pass on. Georgia had left with the other seventh yr, excitedly discussing the scene of scouts.

"You think Empire State of the South 's going to signalize with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked James 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 lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to turn a loss,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said zilch. He wished he could just secernate King James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so practically easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch break,"James River answered.

"It was too loud,"Albus said as he looked into the forest,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't think you can Apparate in the forest,"Henry James pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James I kept walking,"But what if it was someone Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too very much, Al,"James groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here entire time now. You 'd hold to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupid enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"Saint James the Apostle laughed,"If he 's stupe enough to do that, he 's going to get enamour and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stunned, but he did negociate to kidnap Kaden the previous spring, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a applesauce dueler, but he was certainly goodness at not getting caught for the most part.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the wonderfully awing people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atm in the Great hallway the adjacent break of the day was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by scholar from all four houses. teddy bear and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff table, with a large distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A diminished crowd of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the relaxation of the Hogwarts squad at the Ravenclaw table. nobody was unable to play that day, so Albus 's days on the team were pretty much over. To be honest, he was variety of relieved. There was just so often pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"feel at everyone. nonentity seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the lucifer is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"Rose shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't do it, Rose,"Matt said,"I do n't intend one yr can vary centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"Rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't guess this has helped international magical cooperation,"whoremonger gestured to the Australian team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"Competition rarely does that,"rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"matt said cheerfully.

rose shot him a dirty smell and then looked up at the faculty mesa. Albus 's regard followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that dawning. There were lookout man from Quidditch teams, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Walker Percy, and a sort of people from Australia and New York.

"aspect at that crone,"John pointed to a very tall, beautiful witch with wan E. B. White peel and recollective 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 said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a loud sunniness from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts squad began to allow for the foyer. Their entourage followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Aussie team followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the teams had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few minute of arc later people began to leave for the slant. The crowd at the staff table left first and the students followed.

"Albus,"St. John the Apostle said as they got up from the mesa,"I 've got a few pairs of omnioculars in my torso. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

rose wine rolled her eye."meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the room access as the boys ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"john said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

Gospel According to John had to empty out his intact trunk in orderliness to find the omnioculars. He had four pairs and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to drop the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors rule as he made his way through the rook. There was n't anyone to chew out him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his friend were n't far behind.

Albus turned a turning point and ran smack into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was somebody. 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 virtually afraid of. At that moment, it probably would have been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to attend at his friends.

Matt had turned white and looked far to a greater extent afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious horror on his cheek. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his supporter, pulling them into the nearest schoolroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his wand, putting every locking magical spell he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the skinny hot seat and put his pass in his script."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the pit is he doing here ?"toilet ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to stride around the room,"If he 's here to watch the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to view the Quidditch ?"toilet said darkly.

"Who the bloody Hades is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. mat did n't seem to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His gens 's Lubar. He 's the Head of the Department for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a unhinged and twisted evil git,"Gospel According to John 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 door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would lead too long. They 'd induce to use the Floo meshwork, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to feature 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 guy cable do n't have to total. You can go to the match."

"Are you genial ?"John exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably worse than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in correspondence before waving his baton and undoing the lockup charms. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's ease, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd left them. He shoved them into his robe and ran back to the classroom. matte, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. lusterlessness did n't await any to a lesser extent scared, but at least he did n't seem 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,"can said immediately,"I 'm grandiloquent so I 'll take up the most elbow room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the Best liar."

Albus could n't reason there. Both he and Matt were horrible liars and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed crone statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, lusterlessness, and Kaden, and the three of them followed bathroom out of the room. The corridor was still hollow, practically to Albus 's ministration.

John set a very fasting 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 bearing. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least amount of randomness possible.

The male child made it down the two flight of steps of stairs necessary to get to the 3rd floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pouch. With a quick tap of his wand, he statue 's swelling opened and the boy climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the pocket-sized passageway. lusterlessness, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"King John asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"matte answered,"I do n't conceive Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't believe he came here to see you ?"Albus asked lusterlessness,"I mean, call up when Killigan saw us that one fourth dimension and he seemed so interest in finding you ?"

"Of line I do,"mat muttered,"And it really would n't storm 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 match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't hump for trusted, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he need to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a longsighted story. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Australia for six class,"mat paused,"He passed a crowd of law against loup-garou and I wound up having to transform with a bunch of early werewolves. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't work out on the subject. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe talk of the town to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's creative thinker that Matt 's dad would be able to get Lubar to leave Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this class, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The handing over finally began to develop until it came to an abrupt stop at a problematic wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it heart-to-heart, wincing as it creaked.

sightedness cypher in the repositing way beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The elbow room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge quantity of boxes littering the floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boys climbed over the various boxes and stood in front of the fireplace. Albus located a little sack of Floo gunpowder and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into soul 's subject at the Ministry. We 're going to possess to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a smattering of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the fire and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of magic trick !"

Albus stumbled out of a different fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few wizards striding towards the elevator, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

matt landed rather ungracefully on the base. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"place is deserted,"lustrelessness said as he looked around.

"It 's a Sabbatum,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad oeuvre Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"mat nodded,"At least mornings."

John was side by side to step out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than matte had. He stood in front of the ardour, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the Fountain of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fondness than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody hell !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the ardor,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got metre to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the front of the Atrium. There was an old sorcerer leafing through a copy of the Quibbler, forgetful to his surroundings. Albus almost thought they 'd be capable 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 Potter. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little unnerve that the man knew who he was.

matte stepped in movement of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the mind of the Department for the regularization and Control of Magical animate being. It 's kind of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit of clothes. They waited impatiently as the old whizz tested their wands 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 tell whose sceptre did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the lift arrived, the boys piled in and Matt pushed the number four. cipher said anything as the ski tow 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 picky storey. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's storey, with nondescript sets of three-fold threshold on one side.

matt skidded to a halt in front of the sole threshold that was bingle and banged his hand loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few seconds, he banged again.

"cargo area your hippogriffs !"called a vocalization from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"lustrelessness 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the pile of his son and the former three boy. He gaped at them for a endorsement before shaking his head.

"lusterlessness ?"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 lavatory, Kaden ?"

His eyes rested on Matt again."Matt ? What 's wrongly ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the son into his cogitation. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were large windows on the face opposite the door, although the picture outside was not real, nor was the gentle rainwater that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered chair behind the vast oak desk and a few humble chairs in movement of it. Along the other two walls were ledge with loads of ledger. almost of them were about respective magical creatures.

Albus, Matt, and John took the seats that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at things. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front 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 final,"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 peer and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's typeface hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the full term."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to make a tidings with professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the lifts. John 's walking speed was nothing compared to Matt 's dad 's. The son 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 sensation at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplaces, 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 flame and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to spin faster and faster. He saw glimpses of people 's theater, shops in Diagon Alley, and a multifariousness of other places he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a hand. 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 storey, 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 verge and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the elbow room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, Potter,"a cold voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank elbow room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. John came tumbling out of the ardor and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his bridge player in the fire again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody Inferno !"

"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 Shrieking hutch. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo Network anyway.

The fireplace glowed unripe yet again, this sentence sending Kaden onto the floor. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his mitt in the flaming again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his understructure 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 room, but he did not know where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

Green visible radiation filled the room as the hearth glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that Matt would be the one to next tumble out of the flames. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

matte coughed and scrambled to his 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 side. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"wellspring, well, you went crying to dada just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do love when thing work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel Matt shaking side by side to him. He gripped his scepter hard, debating whether to try and disarm Lubar.

"Any mind where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely shop, shame about the owner. Yes, a tangible shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all upset about what happened to the workshop owner. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"well, let 's not neutralize our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three prison term and Albus heard stride on the stairs.

Three wizards descended the stairs and strode into the room. They lit their wands at the Sami time and Albus gasped when the igniter 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 good a dueler he was, he was up against four fully qualify wizards. Three of them did not possess the acquirement to duel, but Albus had no estimation what Lubar was subject of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a pin-up 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 father had John. mat, seeing his ally restrained, made a run for the approximate window.

"Not so fast, young loup-garou,"Lubar caught him by the back of his robes and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robe with his free hired man and pulled out an old tea kettle. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a free mitt on it. Albus knew what was going to come about right before it did. He shared a panicked glimpse with Matt before feeling a jerk 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 role of this chapter from Harry 's point of opinion. It begins in his point of view and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the power point of view switches.


"Spectacular save by GA Weasley !"the commentator shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into self-will by Hogwarts, and all three chaser threw it back and Forth River as they flew to the Aboriginal Australian end of the pitch.

"musical score ! Hogwarts has scored against Commonwealth of Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the pupil. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tourney was that he did n't have to try and conceal his excitement when Hogwarts scored. During business firm matches, he had to try and affect 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 hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda Morales, was the better 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 digit on it. Her speed on a heather just did n't seem natural. Professional Quidditch player would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. James was doing the Sami,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the sleep of the stave who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't percentage their belief that teacher could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as mortal squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his head teacher and was surprised to see Bruno 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 of him now that he was Head of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Bruno Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than pro stage. Harry had never met a don who was more protective of his son than Bruno Walter Eckerton, although he did get good intellect. Never a more devoted sire, either.

Walter continued his way past the other professors until he stopped in straw man of Harry. Harry was even more floor to see the expression on his face. Worry was etched in every part of his face, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a word in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right back and he followed Walter out of the stand. They continued walking until they were a short distance away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"waiting, 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 Head of the Department for the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant bloke, is he ?"

Walter 's face hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The gent is sick and twisted and he 's got a grudge against me. Very hanker story and I have n't got clock time to tell it. Short version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a building with other werewolves, senior werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was veracious before we moved. For whatever rationality, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the feigning of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. Matt '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 owners of the shop as well as a few other Hogsmeade residents. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find them."

Harry 's nitty-gritty sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To Matt, yes, but I have n't the flimsy idea as to why he 'd want the other boys,"Walter said.

"Even if he did only want matt, he 'd consume to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take lustrelessness 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 shift himself from Washburn 's reach as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the location was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this time there was a meaning lag. Albus had metre to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clue that their name and address was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the priming coat. Not black like an impending tempest either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his substructure. forte thumps around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The undercoat was damp and hard and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sorting of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that seemed to stretch towards the starry sky.

There was no Moon to illuminate the forest. 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 wand luminousness to give Albus a good sight of his surroundings.

Matt, John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wand 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 ?"bathroom 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 common 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 sensation was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could distinguish, the four necromancer seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the world. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old firm ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"How should I know ?"Matt snapped,"Commonwealth of Australia 's a vast country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could obliterate there,"John muttered.

"You would n't desire to,"Matt said,"My stunned cousin owns it now."

"You have a first cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not significant,"Matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying care,"John whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a lap,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"matte pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few feet 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 pick 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 early three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you look ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you realize how much more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed thrower ! But no, you had to go and take a firm stand 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 accept done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two supererogatory ones as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're Kyd, how lots trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't have it away this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the reason we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. 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 ceramicist'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my bush, not yours."

"You own the forest now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many years have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprisal, it was St. John the Apostle and not matte who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed St. John the Apostle with a lazy wave of his wand, leaving John stunned in forepart of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's scepter, Lubar turned back to Matt, who was shakily holding his sceptre up.

"It does n't weigh what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the same thing no matter where you live. The laws do n't change what you are. feign as a great deal as you like, but it wo n't change a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The choler was boiling up inside of him and he did n't reckon he had ever felt more furious in his entire life sentence, and that included every brush he had had with Scorpio Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John Lackland was already wandless. It would do them no serious if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to look, to expect until he could captivate them off guard.

"What about your father ? I hear he 's the point of the department in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a matter of time until the same thing happens. You 'll have to flee again."

matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his mentality, trying to image out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a bunch of kids to Australia just to waste clip 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 name of merlin do you experience them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his hint, waiting for Lubar to put some sorting of jinx or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted form of smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a reasonable question,"Lubar said."My cousin married this half-wit,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to moan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"Patience, first cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the early three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the understanding you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only thing Albus could intend of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't cause taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at lusterlessness, who still looked scared out of his head. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smart, much saucy than the early three, and that scared Albus Sir Thomas More than anything else. There was a big deviation between dueling soul who was bright and dueling individual who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Bruno Walter Flooed there a short patch later. Harry had briefly questioned the possessor of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Bruno Walter ran towards the rhytidectomy at top hurrying, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the bloke at the welcome desk. The airlift could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the room access open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror office was slightly more lively than the sleep of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding Snap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry come. The early Auror, a rather short but compact witch, shoved the Christian Bible she was reading in the draftsman, 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 grim as they waited for Harry to give 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 busy with anything else. Tiburon and Lee Harvey Oswald are on responsibility in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden Forest as soon as someone else arrives."

Harry pulled out his sceptre and muttered a spell. An tremendous silvery hart flew out of his scepter and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the way and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footstep in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen former Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a concern tone.

Harry rehashed the entire situation again. Ron 's face paled."What about rosiness, was she with them ?"

"No,"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 mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a hint as to how Lubar would recognise him."

"With non-white wizard, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the hunt of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And require Daniels and Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The balance of you can look the castle and curtilage. Be discrete. I do not wish to break the Quidditch compeer unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his headspring. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into worry. Albus 's geezerhood at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo dwelling and severalise Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his straits up. She was going to be watching the peer, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the elbow room. How was he going to tell his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't have a clue 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 human beings from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your foolishness,"Lubar replied,"Do you substantiate who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry potter 's son ! You have n't a hint as to how affair work in the Ministry !

"I can insure you that at this very import, the entire Auror Department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't pick out them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to Matt,"He 's got the most meddlesome parents in the world. They 'd sooner toss off everyone in the human beings before letting something encounter to him. Very irritating. They wo n't stay until they find him. Not to cite the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry official. We 've got two tike of two of the most prominent Ministry official of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"well, you 're the one who wanted to take the werewolf, 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 impart the tyke, we could 've done this unscathed matter 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 have a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the wizards would accept enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the theater ?"

"rich person you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first property they 'll look is the house."

"Got any skillful thought ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a confidential trivial shack somewhere in this land ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of places to hide, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even contemplate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a frailty handgrip again. flatness was once again in the clutches of Lubar, and John and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very petty about the Australian outback, just that it was n't suited for much human inhabitancy. However, the one piece of information he did have it off about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to guard Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two seconds to earn what was happening before he felt the familiar but unpleasant whiz of side-along Apparition.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and Forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking free of Jarrett 's clench. He tripped over a rock-and-roll and landed face first in the Sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too sinister to see anything but the outlines of mountains in the aloofness. The outback seemed very empty and very subdued. There was a very pocket-size clump of bushes and tree nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see a lot else in the way of plant spirit.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted place in his life. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't have gotten very far. As grave as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would have no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of rope to tie them up or put any spells around them. Instead, he walked a short space in the direction of the mountains and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"lav seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"mat replied,"I bet we 're right in the middle of it. The nigh civilization 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not possess to find out."

"Do you really suppose your dads are going to be able to encounter us ?"John the Divine asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right hand,"Albus said,"The unhurt Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll find us."

"Energy stuff like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last class I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll find succeeding year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a next year,"whoremonger muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boys,"I did n't tell you to tattle !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the distance,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his bosom leapt a bit. There was a small assemblage of soma a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampire. They wo n't trouble us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess with me. I 'll make life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"carving spate with vampires now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more befuddle than ever. He cut pile for lamia but passed restrictive laws on werewolves ? It did n't take in sense.

The men lowered their phonation again and Albus wished he had a few extendable Ears with him. He did n't dare talk to his ally, just sent them anxious glances every now and then.

A frigidity wind instrument blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or snow ( was n't it winter in Commonwealth of Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no swarm, but what Albus saw was much bad than clouds.

Five or six cloaked material body were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly make out their forms. As they got closer, he could even see their rattle breath.

The world in social movement 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 happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his distressed thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"flatness shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to look towards his friend. matt was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both trick and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would affect Matt the worst. He had gone through affair that Albus, John, and Kaden could n't even imagine. It probably did n't assist that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his wand out of his gown. He 'd get a line the incantation for the Patronus good luck charm before and figured it was Worth a shot. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his scepter at the sky. nil happened.

A felicitous cerebration ! How could he give forgotten that ? It was difficult to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the categorisation Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his sceptre to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various glad memories. Nothing was happening, but Matt 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the footing. It looked like lustrelessness had passed out.

intellection of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his verge at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his baton and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few instant. He had sort of done a Patronus charm !

"Bloody snake pit,"St. John the Apostle whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his baton pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's blurry brain immediately cleared and the felicity returned. He quickly stowed his wand in his robes before Lubar thought to unarm him.

"parting him,"Lubar growled at whoremonger and Kaden, who were bent to the primer trying to get flatness to come alive up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a flaming brilliant place to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's comment. His middle were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a nervous step back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"Potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up senior high school Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some unspoiled news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the Centaurus,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizards in the wood a few 60 minutes ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my shoemaker's last Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the Centaurus know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the woods floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't storm him. The Christ's Resurrection Harlan Fisk Stone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head,"And the centaur are pretty sure they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can see 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 doubtfulness 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 office. Seems like the perfect space for Washburn to lease them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go pick up the end of the compeer. I wo n't mention anything to St. James and Lily yet."

"Good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to discover him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"arrest safe."

Ginny turned around to take the air back to the Hogwarts priming while Harry picked up the pace and walked the unretentive distance to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windows were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't bet like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the doorway. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the room access open. Without lighting his baton, he walked inside.

The place had the olfactory sensation of a Recent epoch fervor in the open fireplace. Someone had been there. However, there was not a audio from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his baton and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough arrest of the entire building, in which Harry found no living fauna, he returned to the main way. The fireplace was filled with nearly dead coal and there was a minor pile of Floo gunpowder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would tell him where the finish mortal to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the conjuration to work, his nerve pounding.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to form the row 'Ministry of Magic .'Harry breathed a suspiration of reliever. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a incertitude, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only question was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"long dozen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the bit dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus appealingness to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his head, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may own taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the get-go sentence I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the early three men,"This lot did n't tell me you were skilled at defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is ceramicist '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 considerably if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his sceptre harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious mind. John did n't experience his wand. Kaden was n't very good 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 Potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"Fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to tattle to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing spell or two."Matt, lustrelessness,"he whispered,"viewing up."

After a minute or two, matte 's centre fluttered open 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 ?"flatness gaped at him.

"It was just silver mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his saki,"lusterlessness shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The former three male child shook their read/write head."name,"Matt muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"Might,"Kaden began fishing around in his pockets. He produced a coffee frog and handed it to matt, 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 feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his baton out of his gown and held it to his English, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set fervency to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly able-bodied to see the twisted look on Lubar 's human face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"flak 's going to attract aid !"

Lubar laughed."Fire 's going to ensure that those vampires 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 vampires are destroyed by fire. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hand, but Albus could n't get 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 confining at Jarrett 's outstretched hand. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Resurrection Lucy Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objective he had been after for years. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful affair, Potter,"Jarrett answered,"There are long draw a blank piece, enchantment that employment very nicely with long forgotten magical objects such as this endocarp. It was merely a matter of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden timberland, 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 former Hallows will prove to be easy to receive with the supporter of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the auditory sensation of that. The Isidor Feinstein Stone itself did one matter and that was bring back the purport of people who had passed on. How would that help Jarrett get the early Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's stomach plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't recognise that.

"Another matter 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 fire and strode closer to Albus. Albus took a step back as his heart started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, Potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's regard swept over all four boys,"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 bring back Godhead Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its flexible joint as he did so. He had to happen Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The open fireplace did not usher foretoken that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned workshop. That left either Apparition or a Portkey, both of which would have left traces that he 'd need the section of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a hag. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange look of confusedness and shock, mixed with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the equal over ? How badly did we drop off by ?"

"Only a one C item,"Ginny said,"But we might not cause actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's Seeker is a vampire ?"

"wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his mind around that fact while still focusing his mind on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"rightfulness,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a lead. Someone was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure enough it was Al and the others. I 've got to find Bruno Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will lead us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And impart him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Bruno Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one last look at Ginny, Harry met 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 spot. They reappeared a little piece later in a small spectre chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the flummox looking protection precaution for the third time that day, Harry and Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a word as the ski lift clattered to the section of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, save up for one very drill looking enchantress sitting at a desk.

"Mr. ceramicist, 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 localisation. And if you 're able to, I need to bonk where they went."

"Of course, Mr. thrower, of course of instruction,"the enchantress said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the room access behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest death chair. Bruno Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the only thing I am occupy about. The endure sentence Matt had an fracas with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for month afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that star did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must throw been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure if he was overstepping some kind of boundary.

Walter did not verbalize for various seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Bruno Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the Head of the section for the rule and mastery of Magical Creatures in Australia. Nobody outside of the department knew about his consideration, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my sometime posture of Head of the werewolf ascendency Unit, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head positioning. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a score he held against me for many years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it dislocate that lusterlessness was a werewolf. A bit of lawmaking had been passed that required all places of shift be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry snapper were set up for wolfman to metamorphose in, together. matte was required by law to translate there since his safe room did not pass. I refused to have him translate there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"Sir Thomas More legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry official could physically force werewolves into the transmutation centers. On the day of the full moon, Lubar Flooed into our theater and took flatness to the meat. By the metre I figured out which center it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"matt spent workweek in St. Mungo 's. By that clip we were nearly ready to proceed here. He was so traumatized, it took calendar month for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't mean he 's fully over it.

"The only reason Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so disgorge and curve,"Walter finished as he put his head in his hand,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd toss off him if he went near Matt again.

Walter gave an odd sort of joke."Listen to me, I 'm telling the straits of the Auror Department that I 'd charge murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go save the boys,"Harry said, still processing what Bruno Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let matt out of their lot, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One affair that Harry could tell was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to St. 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 good to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the beldame came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a piece of music of sheepskin, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the parchment. His eyes 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.

"Commonwealth of Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the watchword,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome multitude who have read and left such lovely reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the premature 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 have to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the section of Magical DoT, he would change 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 Christ's Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not call back being more scared in his life. This was far high-risk than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous class. overlord Voldemort was far shuddery than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Edward Durell Stone could n't actually bring people back to life. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be capable to do magic, to perform the curse and hexes he did when he was active ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett turn the stone over in his hands. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how pipe down all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the stone. He did it for so foresightful that Albus had to let out his intimation. The excited gleam on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it figure out ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you incontrovertible this is the right Harlan Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the gemstone,"The spell said it was !"

"wellspring, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of ministration. Either they had the ill-timed stone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his manus. On the one-third turn, a strange kind of mist appeared in front of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a name was standing in nominal head of Lubar. The figure was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no theme who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a poor one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging curious glances. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his face contorted with something Albus could only feign was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closer to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the woman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the charwoman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his protagonist, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. lustrelessness in particular was giving Lubar a very unknown smell. 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 mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover his backtalk to conceal his raspberry. What kind of mother 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 Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to receive forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to blow over as soon as Jarrett took the pit. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother 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 jinx. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few stair 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 wand.

Jarrett fell to the ground, completely unable to move. Lubar stood over him with his wand directed at his chest.

"My female parent was a cover girl someone,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really remember Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he think his female parent was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd agree 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 point,"Albus replied.

"Can we delight just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the effect that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each former 's mothers."

Lubar turned his sceptre on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? Well, 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 undercoat, his centre darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Bruno Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the hag, who nodded and left the elbow room again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percentage sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positivistic that they are with the boy in Australia."

"rightfulness,"Bruno Walter agreed,"The grounds surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his part,"Nearly a yr ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror Department needed some help with capturing the other two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low tin whistle and then realisation dawned on his face."time lag, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching vindication Against the darkness Arts."

"Bad thought on the government minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my theme to place him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not know that he would be such an terrible teacher."

"I wo n't contain it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a portion of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will let to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your differences, but-"

"If he helps to find Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. ceramist, 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 former. wholly unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, John, and Kaden did the Saami, although can looked More than a bit discerning, most likely due to his deficiency of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to submit the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not take kindly to this and hex Washburn. In the mean time, the sweetheart had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the fire. Albus was sort of hoping one of them would trip and sunburn their weapons system or something. Or even sound, maybe one or more of them would neglect their baton into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely spoilt for clothing. All three of them were sporting harm. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's go forth 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 admit that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red spark at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thumping in front of the male child. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a small stone next to Washburn 's chief. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all upgrade towards him. Three wands were pointed at his chest, being held by three masses with maniacal gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm shaking slightly. Matt and Kaden had done the Same. Gospel According to John tried to hide behind matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a just brain taller than him.

"handwriting it over, ceramist,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant spirit at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the pocket of his robe and held his wand up higher.

******

"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 optic off of Bruno Walter the entire time.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his hand on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a piffling hesitation.

With a familiar spirit saccade behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey trip was a bit recollective than ace Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his feet and held out his sceptre as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was delivery Shirley Temple and after he lit his sceptre, Harry knew they were in the eye of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly tranquility. The only sound were those of creature and the periodic rustling of trees, brought about by the wind. Not a bingle sound caused Harry to conceive that there were people about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and search,"Harry announced. The place may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some gunpoint. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wizards said a Holy Writ as they combed the area. Harry left no Isidor Feinstein Stone unturned as he looked for the smallest trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. baton did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the forest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was serious at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same office he had started from.

Walter returned a few second later, looking even more uneasy than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a single Knut. They did n't outride here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his brake shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to give back.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a small metal instrument in his hand and an strange kind of excited smirk on his face. He skidded to a check in front end of Harry, holding out the tool. Harry recognized it as an fantasm detector. They were quite rarefied. The British Ministry only owned one, for the full Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any mind where ?"

"A universal estimation, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic shade,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Bruno Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am aware,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his manus on the alloy instrument. It would be able to guide them to the congenator sphere they needed to go.

Walter put his paw on the instrument as well and with an exceptionally garish fissure, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was stale and sandy and there was hardly any plant life history in spate. In the aloofness there were marvellous wad and clothed build floated above them. Harry suppressed a chill and gripped his sceptre tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a bellow bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more 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 lead the pocket-size radical towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his wand more unfaltering. His scepter arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't look to be able to hold it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his thorax. Albus was sure enough everyone was able to hear it. However, he did not require to render up the Stone. That was one thing 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 by him.

"Maybe you should just give it to him,"John 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 get if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have 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 a verge. Not beneficial betting odds, if you ask me."

"And do you make that those two are horrible dueler ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that I. F. 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 carapace charm, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his friends. It worked and the orange Light bounced harmlessly off the shell and hit the ground.

"hitch behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"mat and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever while you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shield up while casting former go, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling deterrent example. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the shield 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 St. John. Concentrating operose, Albus sent a mantrap at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at Matt and Kaden. lusterlessness was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of piteous as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus finger better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus charms at each other and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's baton faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the shield was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be capable to send any piece through the shield now.

"Your shield is weakening, Potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another beauty at Albus, which shook the shield.

"Merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some kind of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the ground. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John the Evangelist shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the shield back up before Lubar shot a hex at Saint John, who fell to the ground like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easier just to turn over me the Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few injury, but nothing too life-threatening. Neither seemed to have noticed that can and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few endorsement to catch his hint while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a slice across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the spell hit a nearby rock and roll. Lubar resumed his nonverbal spells and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't keep open dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"Watch me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. St. John the Apostle and Kaden were both out of the combat and while John was easily the best dueler after Albus, his absence 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 shape to retain dueling. matte was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both amazed and enchant by.

No, Albus was not trying to overcome Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to visualise out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged trance. It must ingest been at least three or four hours, although the non-white Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the lunation had been out so he could have monitored its trip across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to receive them ? Longer than normal, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a foreign country, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, ceramicist, and you do n't need to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red luminance at Albus.

Before Albus even had meter to record what variety of hex it was, flatness gave a screech of pain to Albus 's right and collapsed to the ground. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a 2nd to stick out the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully grown wizards. The two wizards shot identical fountain of blue Light at Albus and he managed to take out up a feeble shield.

The force hit him like a 12 Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his ground and landed flat on his cover, his brain hitting a particularly knifelike rock.

"I told you not to agitate, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his robes and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the violence Albus could muster, he threw the Harlan Fiske Stone as far as he could to the right field. In the iniquity, it disappeared in a dissever indorsement and Albus did n't even try it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"scepter where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his head slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few former wizards. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the pin-up multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up mightily before the hex started flying. Realizing that he dropped his scepter when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby Dubyuh and watched.

Jarrett did n't bind around long. He sent one pathetic Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the smudge. 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 attack and was able to see who the other two thaumaturgist next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with electric shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was Matt '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 Petunia Dursley.

It was the other mavin that nearly caused Albus to pass out in shock. He was none former 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 lusterlessness 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle style,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of intelligence, but remembering what Matt had told him at the beginning of the twelvemonth, 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 magic spell at Lubar at the same clock time, but it was too later. 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 dispute between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to arrive at Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious mind form and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms 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 chance to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll excuse it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm cargo deck on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a get out plastic cup. A few seconds later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his arms."Can you get hold of John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed clutches of John 's arm before pulling his own broken plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not let time to ask his dad anymore inquiry before feeling the familiar jerk behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the Hospital backstage. The question of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the least beseech interrogation on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both mat and John on the nighest seam while madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"aspect at the state of them !"the nanny exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish 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 secern you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell apart everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to want you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"dame Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his capitulum was bleeding and he was still quite airheaded, felt that the last thing he needed was residual. He needed to make love what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some rest,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breath and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The Montgomery Ward was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't have the slightest clue as to what day it was. whoremonger, lusterlessness, and Kaden were either still unconscious or vocalize asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam 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 chair next to Matt 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry robe he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his head. There was a bandage 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 expel.

The room access to the ward opened, letting in a small flood of Light from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his forefather,"Are you going to enjoin me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the way of Requirement."

Albus shook his point, remembering something he had been debating for the retiring twelvemonth. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a news, Albus got out of bed and contribute his dad out the room access and up to the 5th trading floor corridor. Harry did not ask a ace enquiry as Albus pulled the arm down on the allow knight and turned to face the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a gasp as he did.

"Remember that map from finis year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. pedagogy on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their secret common room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the elbow room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't for 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 year,"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 hone place to let the cat out of the bag,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll evidence you that,"Harry said,"But beginning I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a rich breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the Resurrection I. F. Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to make, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection gemstone did n't work to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it ferment ?"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 explain it. The Christ's Resurrection gem brings back people we love, but it does not impart them back completely. It 's almost as if their someone is coming back."

"Like a wraith ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his somebody so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the Stone. The Harlan F. Stone may need the soul 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 hump Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to fetch him back for their own agenda,"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 Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very thankful that you did."

"Well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a intellect,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes gumption. 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 know 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 lesson he gave me,"Albus explained.

"fountainhead, that makes my account easier,"Harry said,"A niggling over a class ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help oneself find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The curate 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 probably working with Ralph Lubar, I had to get hold of Balladanis and let him sleep together. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be good scheme to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of form, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to deal teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd prefer you did n't evidence anyone. I will be telling matt, can, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to know, but I do n't desire anyone else knowing about it."

"What about rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to separate them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to go on to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be tricky state of affairs. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Commonwealth of Australia. It 's up to the Aboriginal Australian Ministry to either put him on trial or give him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their functionary, we 're not sure enough they 'll do either."

"But that 's not average !"Albus stood up angrily,"Look what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing more than to collapse him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the police 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 the great unwashed to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not have to study a shell if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd stool a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you conceive about that ?"

"I do n't get laid,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to resolve what I want to do right now."

"You do n't have to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't want to enjoin you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a hard job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to hump anyone. You travel a lot, which can pass water it difficult to have a family. It 's not an easy path to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't cerebrate he 'd want to rarely ever see his supporter and family.

"There 's plenty of other matter you could do that would put your dueling skills to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no indigence to decide now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"Well, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before Madam Pomfrey notice 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 elbow 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 backstage with his dad, she was running about the hospital ward shouting at the top of her lungs. lustrelessness, whoremaster, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to talk to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should ingest asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest !"

"I 'm his sire,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the parson of Magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to Matt as he got back in bed.

"fifteen minutes or so,"Matt answered.

Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to Madam Pomfrey."Do I take your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and dame Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as madam Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Billy Sunday, honey, but it 's afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to have breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than twenty-four minute since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time zone changes are difficult to adjust to,"madam Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must have been at to the lowest degree a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his ball. He 'd blank out about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to make unnecessary us ?"John asked,"I mean, he 's had batch of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The door to the Hospital Wing banged capable and rosiness and Amanda came running in. Madam Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"rosiness demanded as she skidded to a halt in front 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 password about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"brothel keeper Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't turn down your articulation, you 'll have to result !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the intact tale, which took the better part of a half hour to evidence. Neither rose or Amanda interrupted once during the completely matter. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the prison term Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"pink wine sighed,"How a good deal trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my break,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the match ?"

blush wine exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the peer, let me tell you,"Amanda said.

"Nobody won, Al,"rosiness said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minutes into the match, Fred and Calluna vulgaris ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't do it why. Anyway, Fred and ling ran right up to Ludo commercial traveller and started talking to him. Nobody could hear what they were saying. Then commercial traveller blew his tin whistle and they went into a time-out.

"travelling salesman left the pitch and had a really long talk with all the headmasters and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their common 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 call it off ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"Rose said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and broom. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the forepart of the crew and listen what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Commonwealth of Australia had been cheating the whole time-"

"fountainhead, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and heather. I 'm sure as shooting they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told soul Oklahoman. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the stallion school knows."

"How did they figure it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Calluna vulgaris were one-sixth years, they would n't consume heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all yr,"pink wine explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the lucifer ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tourney, Albus,"pink wine said quietly.

"natural the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"cancel the tourney ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the solid year on that tourney ! Do you live how a lot time I 've spent on the Quidditch sales pitch this twelvemonth ? more than sentence than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to invalidate the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't bang, Al,"pink wine said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a picayune aggravating."

"I know,"rosebush replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"rosiness sighed,"Without a word. 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 beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more than chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. Madam Pomfrey unconditional out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the doorway and go to her cogitation while Harry explained. lustrelessness 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to larn that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of rightfield now, he 's completely barren and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to extradite 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 angry with this. Harry looked quite raging as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to generate 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 firstly class, when Matt had told them about his dad 's young adult dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside board, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the previous night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a look 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 minutes trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is awing. I would make out to share the tale with my brother. Perhaps I could introduce 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 aught more than to be allowed out of the Hospital Wing in meter to go to dinner that night. He was sure Professor Kendrick would draw some variety of promulgation about the tourney and he did not want to drop it.

After a entire ten moment of begging on his part ( helped out by lusterlessness, John the Evangelist, and Kaden ), Madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state of matter to get out the Ward. Albus thought this was nonsensical because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't terminate him from eating dinner with the residue of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a tranquillity meal in the hospital backstage and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to tell 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."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just unfit Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her oral sex,"To do that Hogwarts would get to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"toilet asked.

"Too close to exams,"pink wine shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's poor fish,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you find better, I 'm jolly certainly Hogwarts would 've won if Commonwealth of Australia had n't have been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred home points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had the great unwashed on the team, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"fountainhead,"Rose grinned,"I know one affair that 'll urge on you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that match,"Rose told him,"And even though the match was disastrous, they did detect individual they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"Rose exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to recreate 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 Quidditch squad Sir Thomas More than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their unexampled military reserve Keeper,"rose wine said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to puzzle out at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got batch of other tyke to bring 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 felicitous to be on a team,"Rose shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to work her way up to a better one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the only if 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 make love for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tourney. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin-german had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't take all the disappointment away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the son leave the following day after breakfast. She did n't really have a choice since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly very well and was quite happy to pull up stakes the piazza.

Rose handed him a copy of the Prophet as soon as he and the other boys reached the vernacular room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few minutes before his first exam to scan the article that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN shoal CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a startling uncovering made by two Hogwarts
scholar, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
Magic, and the Australian schooltime of black art
has been canceled.

The tournament 's concluding Quidditch couple was
interrupted this past times Saturday by two Hogwarts
sixth age, Fred Weasley and heather mixture Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aussie team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few months ago, allegation were brought upon
the Australian team after their quester, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally flying speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tourney
continued.

Fred and ling Weasley accused Linda morale
of being a lamia. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on master Quidditch teams due
to the unjust advantage they have.

The catch was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

Headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
School of Sorcery admitted to allowing esprit de corps
to be the quester of his squad in edict to win the
tournament. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, esprit de corps, and the respite of the Aussie
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to verbalize with any of our
reporters.

tourney officials as well as the other two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is too bad that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporter, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few yr .'

"Killigan is an cretin,"Albus said.

"Look at the succeeding article,"blush wine replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final exam Quidditch match was ending in tragedy
at Hogwarts schoolhouse of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry
Potter 's center tiddler, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus ceramicist, as well as full cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends St. Matthew the Apostle Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three convicts were helped by
Ralph Lubar, psyche of the Department of the regularization
and control of Magical beast in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students were taken to Australia
where Harry thrower and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convict 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 boy have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very informative clause,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't reckon they can cover much,"Rose said,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep subdued about Lubar in rejoinder for giving him some form of punishment.

"It wo n't count,"matte said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the cover of his intellect as exams began. They were all significantly harder than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were short clause in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the Sami thing. Australia refused to deport him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after examination was a foreign one for Albus. There was zilch left field for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boy, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot quieter than they used to be. Albus was sure they missed Linda, and he had no estimation whether she had said good-by to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

Matt was lost in his own thoughts most of the prison term, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went entire evenings without saying two word to anyone, something that usually only happened around full Moon. However, the next full-of-the-moon synodic month was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure 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 day out of him.

John and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their calendar week pulling caper and playing endless game of Exploding Snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His mind was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain 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 London was subdued, the only noise being John and Kaden 's Exploding Snap board. Albus and flatness both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the expiration landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter last nighttime,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his head up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was no-count, and wanted me to evidence 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 unlike country."

"To go to shoal ?"Albus asked.

"No,"blush wine shook her head,"She 's been through school a couple times already. She was n't even a student at the Australian school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really nasty bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually touch sorry for Linda.

"No melodic theme,"rosebush shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole year has been so messed up,"trick sighed,"I hope following class 's better."

"Me, too,"lusterlessness agreed.

"We 've got the humans Cup to calculate forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Victor-Marie Hugo 's not really well-chosen about that."

"Neither am I,"lavatory muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"fountainhead, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! nothing can really destroy it,"Albus said.

"Good point,"trick agreed.

"Let me love when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"John Lackland smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my household. My dad said he 'd hire us camping."

"Excellent !"privy grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"life in tents, no electricity, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"Matt said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the clip I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"matte shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full Moon. I do n't require any of you having to bring together me in the Shrieking hut succeeding year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did find bad that mat would n't get to go, but he kind of thinking flatness would n't want to go anyway.

The oddment of the trip-up was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were sort of returning to convention. It was almost nice to hear John and mat arguing about the carom again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gearing arrived in British capital and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the weapons platform. After saying goodbye to his Friend, Albus left the station with his family feeling that just maybe animation would be pattern from then on. Well, maybe the summer would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his Bob Hope 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 guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the quartern story but it 'll be a while before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other workweek at first, alternating calendar week with Beyond the tincture. In the hateful clock time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the carom, which is a collab I worked on last year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley cannon and their precipitation. It 's under the username The Golden sneaker and is also in my favorite account so you can find it that way.