Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
Weasley crime syndicate Tree is in the author 's Note at the bottom.


Molly Weasley did n't dare serve dinner party until after the Quidditch match had been completed because even she did n't have the ability to puff Weasleys away from Quidditch. Teddy secured a win for his team by practically stealing the sneak out James River 's clutch and then everyone was off their Scots heather and sitting at the large crowd of tables in record time. After all, Quidditch was one of the best things one could do to formulate a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very safe mood as he had been on shimmy 's team.

Albus and Rose sat succeeding to each other in the center of the group of tables and unfortunately Percy sat directly across from them. Early experience had taught them never to sit near Walker Percy due to his wont of talking politics during dinner, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each early as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Hotspur said to no one in exceptional as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to take place. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought thing would get a bit riled up last year when Bruno Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had standardized views. More similar than I expected anyway ..."

leave-taking it to Percy to try and find something wrong with the Ministry when all was mulct, Albus thought. He reached over rose to take hold of a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping helping onto his plate.

"What do you think, Harry ?"Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting next to him."Any stirrings in the Auror section that I may not have heard about ?"

"Things are pretty calm, Percy,"Harry replied.

"Of grade they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Percy decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the pastor, but his literal title was so yearn and complicated that Albus never bothered to commemorate it.

"Well, it 's an election year,"Percy pointed out."Things never stay calm during election years. company promulgation come first hebdomad of September and after that thing will be chaotic around the Ministry. Loads of work to do. Let me tell you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Percy runs for pastor. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Percy,"molly assured him."You would induce a wonderful minister. But this dinner party is supposed to be about the kids. St. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. year ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must chill out down a bit and study."

"granny, really,"James muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the instructor. Uncle Percy, why do n't you severalise us more about your running for rector ?"

"Well, as a matter of fact."Percy stood up."I have a rather arouse declaration to produce and I feel I must differentiate my category first, before the rest of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for striking result."I will be formally announcing on Mon, September second that I will be running for Minister for April 's election."

There was absolute silence for about five s before a whole lot of things happened at once. Ron, George I, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, Bill, and Chester Alan Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her school principal slightly and then jumped up from her chair, running towards Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for old age and I think it 's high time you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your early Word have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for Merlin 's sake !"

"And you 're a ticket respectable one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being minister of religion. You just do n't have the ambition Percy does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

Au was exchanging hands at the other end of the tabular array. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sort of bet involving when Percy would run for Minister. That bet must have been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of course had been on the receiving end of many a Harry Hotspur rant about what he 'd do when he ran for Minister, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was honorable with himself, he did n't really want Percy running. His syndicate was famous enough without having an actual Minister in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you think he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me unseasonable, Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the respite of the wizarding creation ?"

"Sir Henry Percy, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for decades !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all bark and no raciness,"flyer pointed out.

"I am not !"Percy shouted."And I would 've expected more than support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"Boys,"Arthur warned."Percy 's right hand. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it unmanageable for him. You do n't have to vote for him, but I wo n't have you arguing during dinner. You 'll upset your mum."

Everyone resumed their seats but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Percy running for curate. They just continued to do so in lower voices. For once, Albus was felicitous he had chosen a seat near Percy.

"Do you know who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not indisputable,"Sir Henry Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had sufficiency. But I 've got his financial backing. After all, I am the Senior Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing of natural law to the Minister."

So that 's what Hotspur 's form of address was, Albus thought. He had no idea if that was a perspective that had a lot of baron or not, but apparently it was enough to receive musical accompaniment for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Georgia shouted from a little ways down the table."I figure this is as good a clock time as any to tell you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Percy choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nuzzle. I 've got a bland with a friend finisher to the pitch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"body of work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"spirit, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to make yourself look like a family man, so you 're not going to want to consider me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd meliorate start thinking of me as your daughter who 's the newest reserve custodian for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll vocalise full to the press."

Percy stared at her with his mouth agape. He shook his head slightly and resumed eating, without another word of honor to Georgia. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to Rose and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to make Percy 's running for Minister work to her advantage.

"Rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the eternal sleep of his family in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her nous."Her mum might accept wanted her to wait a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really quiet about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so wrong, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"Rose muttered."It 's like I could go to Anatole France, rob a bank, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a bank ?"James shouted.

"Of course not,"Rose replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't risk talking about Lubar for the ease of the eve. Sure, the rest of their family screw about what had happened but neither of them wanted to hash out their theories with any of them.

The rest of the evening was rather out of character for common Weasley family dinners. All the old twelvemonth'dinner had consisted of talk of the town of Hogwarts and the adult exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the foremost prison term would get a fair bit of attention, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the attention was focused on Hotspur. The adult were talking political sympathies and Albus 's erstwhile full cousin were placing bets on whether he 'd win or not.

Henry M. Stanley was the first base to leave as he had to go back to Romania the following dawning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their year in Rumania and had returned to England permanently the old calendar month. Victoire and Teddy left shortly after that since they both had to work the next day.

Percy was still discussing drive tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousins were smaller and he had to pretend he was matter to in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was fourth dimension to allow. For the first clip in his life, he was actually felicitous to leave and get back to Grimmauld Place. The before school day dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a sentence to accept fun all together before school started, and this clock time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some cerebrovascular accident of fortune or miracle that had never descended upon the ceramist before, James had packed his automobile trunk the night before they left for schoolhouse. Albus was certain that some form of apocalypse was going to get soon because Sir Henry Percy running for government minister and the ceramicist arriving early for the Hogwarts express were two consequence that cipher ever thought would bump. Albus did n't question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at chopine 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not early, so the Potters went through without him. Rose and her family were already there of line, so Albus said a immediate goodbye to his parents before getting on the train to find Rose. With any luck his friend would n't be there yet and he could peach to rise up alone. Usually there was nothing he would n't talk to his ally about, but the foreign feeling he had had about his family was something he only wanted to babble out to Rose about.

blush wine was alone in a compartment about halfway down the train, reading one of her new textbooks. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't suffer the slightest estimate what any of the symbolization in it meant. He chose the tush next to her and waited for her to be done interpretation whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"pink wine said after setting her book down.

"James packed last night,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is lucky if King James packs earlier than five minutes before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the touch sensation things are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three years, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the Lapp time. I know they 're really stupe when it comes to dueling but I think they 're smarter than anyone 's giving them acknowledgment for. thing are going to shift, Al. The domain 's getting scarier,"pink wine said quietly.

Albus swallowed severe. That was in the book binding of his mind of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to Rose about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all Rose said. Both cousins sat quietly for a minute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at grandma and grandpa 's ? It was all Percy. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are lupus erythematosus of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"rose wine interrupted."And Eddie and the twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about shimmy, Victoire, Francis Edgar Stanley, and Peach State. We talked about Percy for Merlin 's sake !"

"What do you think will chance if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't think affair will commute political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for GA and Thomas Bradley and Cedric. Even the twins will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most of import someone in the wizarding public has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you imagine if my dad ran for Minister ?"

"Percy would n't stand a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that things are already different from last year. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Percy 's campaign."

"affair never stay the same, Al,"Rose said.

"What 's not staying the Same ?"John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my divination mark, Rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this preceding summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just accept to dole out with your murder, whoremonger, because that sign is not getting any gamy,"blush wine replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"zip,"Rose said quickly.

"I 'll distinguish you once Matt and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd severalize them about Percy running for Minister.

"This is going to be the best year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a spell of sheepskin out of his bag."Look, it 's my Hogsmeade permission mooring !"

"Excellent,"John replied."Now I do n't have to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this class ?"matt asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin plebeian room,"lav assured him."Our goal is to figure out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to form,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the other side of Rose."You ca n't get into somebody else 's coarse elbow room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smell like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should have just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"John told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All right, everyone 's here. Tell us what you and prove were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a oceanic abyss breathing space."well, my Uncle Percy 's running for Minister."

"Seriously ?"John replied.

"Cool !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"matt asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for year ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, it 's not that cool, I 'm honestly not surely why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and rose wine both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever want to do. He would n't want anymore power than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is form of superpower hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you know who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the candidate on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our family,"blush wine said quietly."Uncle Percy is so focalize on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Empire State of the South 's got it all figured out. Percy 's going to make believe he 's completely felicitous with her Quidditch playing just to make himself seem like a family man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"whoremonger said."Georgia 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"Rose pointed out.

"He 's right, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you imply, he 's right ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smiling splayed across her face.

"You, rose wine, and matt are n't the only ones of us who have mob in political science,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"John replied.

"I never said the Ministry of thaumaturgy, John. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather restrained and rarely talked about her family. He always figured that was because she was so tranquil and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding world.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's blood brother,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprise when she told him that I was a beldame only to find out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Percy wins ...,"Albus began, his voice trailing off.

"He 'll meet my Uncle mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Peach State does make it all figured out. If Word gets out that Sir Henry Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch performing, it 's going to come off wrong in the mechanical press and suffer him right to vote. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the straw man row of every single one of her matches, pretending to be a Brobdingnagian Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"Rose muttered.

"It 's political sympathies from the early side. The public wants hoi polloi in power to cause a sure image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"rosiness went on."Just another reason I am not getting into politics."

"My cousin Leanne went a short barbarian at university her firstly year, our first year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the cover of some tabloid, but that was the solely one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not like Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch acquisition and is using them to make an honest living,"rosiness pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the public to know he 's not glad with her career choice so he 's going to make himself look like a devoted father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just wish I had a normal family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"John said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's true, Albus,"lusterlessness said."Amanda 's completely right. It 's the whole reasonableness why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is part of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nobody wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but flatness was right. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before lusterlessness mentioned that. And now the Same affair was happening with his family. Harry Hotspur was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly force him, how long would it occupy before the public did n't like the image he and the rest of his first cousin were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will come about on the first of every month and updates for Beyond the vestige will materialise on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter Family Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th year

Charlie-Katherine ( witch )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th yr
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th yr
Cedric- 5th year
Samantha & lindy hop ( twins ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th year
Angie- 1st twelvemonth

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th yr
Hugo- 2nd year

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th year
Lily- 2nd year

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no honorable mention of politics or Ministers throughout the residuum of the gear trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime minister and how it had affected her family, but Albus was still really curious about it. How had she managed to keep open that a secret for three eld ? Judging by rose 's reaction, she did n't even have intercourse about it. Matt had n't even managed to keep it a secret that he was a werewolf for a year. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the best secret keeper in their group.

The talk lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the familiar guinea pig of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense teacher. trick was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas Rose wanted someone who would actually learn, and not teach like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really manage, so long as the new instructor did n't wish to harm his educatee, physically or emotionally.

As the train neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his friends changed into their robe and prepared to exit the train for the jumpy carriage ride up to the schooltime. The journeying was now so subroutine that they did so with fiddling yakety-yak and transferred to the carriages with none of the ostentation of the premature two yr. They were twenty-five percent yr now and Hogwarts was familiar territory. As fourth years, they were well on their way to being the older students of the school.

The Great Hall was filled with laughter and inflammation as the bookman found their behind at their house tables. Albus and his ally quickly found derriere together at the Gryffindor board and all five glanced up to the staff table to observe the new face that would be their Defense teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the Department of Defense instructor ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the slightest,"Albus replied.

There were two new sorcerer sitting at the table. One was abstruse in conversation with Professor Kendrick and the former was glancing around at the room, his eyes never resting on the same matter or person for more than a few seconds. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry robes, which made Albus wonder if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last year standing off to the incline in his usual spot. The 2nd new sensation was dressed in apparent black gown and had nearly no whisker atop his head, but instead had a orotund beard and mustache, as if he was trying to compensate.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a good sign,"John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first of all day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad thing,"rosiness pointed out."Maybe they just want to get to surely everything is back to normal after the competition last year."

John opened his mouth to reply but was silenced by the doors opening and professor Patil entering with the new first twelvemonth. They looked scare away and tiny, far smaller than the previous yr 's initiative eld. It was weird how they seemed to get littler every year.

As with the previous year, Albus did n't pay any aid to anyone 's sorting unless their last name was Potter or Weasley. This year, of course, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's large household. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as much ebullience as the rest of the family had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three arcsecond before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the stool to the excited cry of the Gryffindors, her brother Fred 's whistling reverberance over the relaxation. Everyone at Hogwarts would consume bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer up.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would build announcements before the fiesta was served just so he could regain out why there were two new wizards at the staff table, but like common, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the duration of the spread was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent someone to watch over,"James said confidently."look at the past three years. Every single one at least one of Al and his ally have gotten kidnapped by insane wizards. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the teachers can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"Rose pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't think that bloke is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to recruit people for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a class with us seventh twelvemonth and try to win over us that we should bring on boring Ministry jobs. Bet Uncle Percy 's the reason for it. Probably does n't want anymore of his kin to make up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's farcical,"a seventh-year girl replied."He 's probably just the new Defense teacher."

"Then who 's that other blighter ?"Matt gestured to the bald man sitting adjacent to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's long lost Twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his beard and he 'll await just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite someone to the Welcome Feast,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as childlike as that."

Albus doubted it. Nothing was ever simple-minded when it came to life at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed same ages, the puddings disappeared and Kendrick stood to give his usual scratch line of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a warm welcome to our new world-class years and Hope you have enjoyed your for the first time Hogwarts feast. I 'll cue everyone that the forest is out of edge as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their sign Quidditch team can sacrifice their figure to their head of house. Now, you may have noticed that there are two new staff members this year even though only one spot is vacant. The first is simple to explain and the bit is a little more complicated.

"offset, I would like to welcome Professor Elliot Danton True Young to Hogwarts. Professor Young is going to be taking over the Defense teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the beard, while scattered hand clapping was received from the student and other professors.

"professor Ancient if you ask me,"privy muttered.

"Many of you may be cognizant and quite a lot of you I 'm indisputable are not aware that this is an election year for the Ministry of illusion. Tomorrow the candidates running for minister of Magic will make their lecture announcing their campaigning, which will get a seven month campaign geological period. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the achiever shall be announced. The fact that this is an election yr is a tremendous educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it hap us by. Therefore I have decided to add another grade to the curriculum. It will meet once a workweek and in it you will con the ins and outs of our political system and its history.

"This is Professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the gent sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new class that we have designed. The class will appear on your schedule that you will receive tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as classes begin shiny and early on in the morning. Prefects, please escort the first class to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their rump while Albus and his friends rose. The joined the mob of students making their way out of the Great Hall and towards the briny staircase. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the face pack to descend to their dormitories and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his booster were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The commons way was buzzing with discourse about the new prof when they arrived. well-nigh of the unseasoned scholarly person had gone to bed, but the sr. students were making no move to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up sheet for Quidditch try-outs on the placard gameboard while Heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act more like co-captains since there was no way Heather was going to let Fred nominate all of the team decisiveness this yr.

"So now we have another class,"John muttered as they sat down at a table near the fire."More homework. more exams."

"It 's only once a workweek,"rose wine pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to remove a class about government ?"John asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take classes on politics,"Amanda pointed out."My Sister took one shoemaker's last year and my first cousin have taken them. I really do n't think it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"rose said."Can you think that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next twelvemonth ?"

John groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."They 're a long way off."

"Well, I think I 'm going to move around in,"rosiness said as she stood up."stratum start tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

Rose and Amanda left for the girls'dormitory a little while later. Albus and the early son stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the thirdly twelvemonth'dormitory and then continued on to their own. It had been a long day and Albus was ready to go to sleep, just so he would n't give birth to think about politics or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new instructor today,"whoremaster said at breakfast the keep abreast morning."We start off the day with Herbology and then have defense team right hand before lunch."

"When do we have that government class ?"lusterlessness asked as he scooped a heap of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, rightfield before dinner,"John replied."Falco columbarius, that would 've been free clock time if we did n't have that bloody class."

"It could be fun, John,"Rose said.

"I have n't got it until Friday morning,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle politics are boring but magic makes everything better."

"Bad word is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course,"Matt muttered."Would n't expect anything different. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every year now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would have preferred they have no form with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in Defense the former yr. The concluding thing he and matte needed was more contact with Scorpius Malfoy.

"commodity intelligence is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on function after net year,"privy said."He 'd hold to be an moron to contribute us that socio-economic class with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in correspondence. After the tantrum that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpio Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in denial class together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd spent the concluding few workweek of his third base yr avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avert him for the remainder of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling team.

The group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted means with Kaden before heading down to the nursery for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to worry about anything awful happening when it came to subject issue or teachers. Neville was a average teacher who made course of instruction interesting. Albus never had to concern about anything odd happening while in the glasshouse, unlike potions and defending team.

Everyone was slightly wary of the new defense force prof and thus the seats in the back of the room were in high need. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had Transfiguration beforehand and had a much little manner of walking, so they claimed all of the far seats. Albus, Matt, and john had the misfortune of having to sit at one of the front line tabular array and all three boys were on edge.

The professor ambled into the room just as stratum was scheduled to start. He had a very large stack of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to anticipate roll.

"I am Professor offspring,"he began after he finished with roll."And welcome to quaternary year Defense Against the dark humanities. This year we will focus on Dark curses, whammy, and general spells, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can take your books out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the table. Professor Young picked up the stack of parchment and began passing it out to the pupil. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank questions and short resolution questions.

"Please read the first chapter of your books and fill out the worksheet by the end of the class,"Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said zip more and began to read what appeared to be a novel while stroking his beard.

Albus glanced at John and matte, unsure of whether Young would shout out at him if he spoke in whispers to his friends. Actually, Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Cy Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the first day of class. Would n't a reprimand make more horse sense ? Albus could n't remember a clock time when a prof had n't lectured on the kickoff day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the succeeding five moment everyone sent each other confused expression and glimpse before finally cracking open their textbooks, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides read his novel.

Albus began to scan the number one chapter, which was dreadfully slow. It was about the most mundane of nighttime hexes, if a Dark hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even cite inexcusable scourge, which while horrible, were far more interesting than the introductory principles of what made a imprecate Dark.

Albus finished his worksheet a few arcminute before Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the strangest class ever,"Albus said once they had left the room."Who gives a worksheet on the number one day of year ?"

"Someone who just wants to understand their volume all day,"John replied."Works for me, since he did n't have any homework."

"Still, it was horribly boring,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm happy it 's boring after dealing with Balladanis last year,"Matt said.

"Somehow I do n't imagine this fella is going to be bringing any Anamateks to division,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably terminate him off,"Saint John the Apostle replied."I do n't consider he could manage one."

"Not many masses could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great antechamber, they were surprised to see Empire State of the South hurrying Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's incorrect ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Georgia was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her centre."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What clock time is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Georgia replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the evening Prophet."

"There is no way Georgia 's going to be capable to pretend everything is finely between her and Uncle Hotspur for the whole election,"rose wine said once GA and her brothers had left."She looked rag already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to miss pattern for it,"Albus replied."I just want to know who he 's running against."

"indirect request we could go watch,"Rose said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of course they are,"Albus agreed."Matt 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"matte said."Has n't got a clue as to who 's running, though."

"Guess we 'll find out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Omar Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to catch one of them in between classes, but either their docket did n't permit them to pass over itinerary or the declaration had gone until dinner. The noise in the Great foyer was n't any louder than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the balance of the students cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor board, all of Albus 's cousins were clustered at one end of the table, their heads leaned in to one another.

"tone like a menage merging or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the green room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled John and Kaden towards the other end of the mesa, Matt following.

Albus followed blush wine to the far end of the table, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Victor Hugo and James II while Rose found a fundament adjacent to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"James said."Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a word until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just have to say the story over and over again,"Thomas Bradley muttered.

"Well, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a immense partiality company with a bunch of boring spoken communication,"Bradley began."A bunch of Ministry people and their married woman or married man and Dad was the center of attention, of grade. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his official annunciation yet. It did n't get concern until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty boring,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many changes and how we need strong leading to keep the magical residential district together and loyal. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of course. Then everyone clapped politely and the resistance stood up."

"The enchantress who 's actually running facial expression like she was a mortarboard in a former life. Her olfactory organ is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this sleek black pilus that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of the great unwashed who she introduced as her run team,"Tom Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the crew riled up. She kept putting mess in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a strong united straw man but she talked about how severance are forming and the Ministry is slipping and change is needed again. She made all these subtle mentions of how the Aurors are n't as on top of things and how if we do n't do something the magical world will fall apart."

"That 's absurd !"Fred said."The magic existence is fine."

"I thought they were just making their annunciation that they were running,"Rose said."manner of speaking do n't come out yet."

"Neither of them are going to neutralise an opportunity to get votes,"Heather pointed out."So do you two have to induce anymore coming into court ?"

"Yeah,"Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his low gear delivery this weekend and he said there are going to be some debates here, so we have to sit up front with Mum at those."

"And the prophet wants to do a vast article on our family,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the Wiccan, too."

"What 's her epithet ?"rosiness asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of advisor to the stream Minister. Her title 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the candidates were working under the electric current minister of religion,"blush wine said.

"well the parties chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be proud of that I missed the first lesson."

Cedric and Tom Bradley left, leaving the remainder of the cousins to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a little and it was mostly because part of him thought she was right. thing were n't as sodding as his Uncle Percy thought. Willinson was still on the loose and not to note the military issue with Lubar was still unresolved.

But Albus 's dad and the other Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the same Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the right somebody to be parson,"Calluna vulgaris said quietly."The Ministry has been working the Same way since the final exam Battle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to gain power."

"But things ca n't always stay the Lapp,"Rose pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to convert that a good deal ?"heather mixture asked.

"I do n't know,"rosebush said quietly."I just do n't think citizenry are as united as Uncle Harry Hotspur thinks."

"I 'm going to the common room,"Albus said as he pushed his home base away. He was n't hungry anymore.

Footsteps behind him told him that rosebush was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? hoi polloi not being united ?"he asked once they were in an empty corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"Rose said."Far from it. I think Uncle Percy 's slightly delusional about that. And remember what you told me about that odd bloke who gave your dad a warning at the Quidditch domain Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did receive a level. In an election year everything issue. Uncle Harry Hotspur 's aligned his feeling with the electric current parson 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to preserve doing things the same way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for good in the three years they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their grasp numerous times. It 's not going to be difficult for that Laurentis lady to convert people we need to convert tactics, even if her tactics are n't bang-up either."

Albus said nothing for a few second."How do you know all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda more than you have,"blush wine replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that different in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

Rose laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to order. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Percy needs to open his heart a bit."

Albus did n't answer. He knew that his Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's political views were slightly unlike than the rest of his family 's, but they were still quite standardised. If what rose wine was saying was true, that meant that his all family needed to spread out their centre and Albus was n't sure how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the late update. There were some land site return. See the forums for more details about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this politics class is taking away from our gratis period of time,"whoremaster said the watch morning at breakfast. He shook his head word as he loaded his plate high with scrambled testis and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for rose 's reply about how they needed to take vantage of any find out chance, even if they meant less unfreeze prison term, but it did n't come. Albus turned to look at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate highschool with bollock and toast. Albus raised his eyebrows at her.

"What ?"she demanded."young woman get thirsty, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."John Lackland just complained about having another class and you did n't moan and tell him off."

"I kind of agree with him."Rose shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

Rose pushed his hand away."halt it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't enjoy the class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourth class and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to read. Not that toilet would use the time to study, beware you."

"There 's the Rose we all know."St. John grinned as he stuffed his cheek with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a nice modification,"mat put in."Something different. Notice they gave us story of legerdemain on two consecutive mornings. enquire who the cretin was who did that."

"Same one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"John said."Double Potions this morning time and I 'd bet my right arm and both my wooden leg we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your implements of war and stage ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm wrong, I 'll ask some sort of branch to get around with,"trick answered.

"I only had one stratum with the Slytherins cobbler's last class,"Kaden said."You lot must have frightful luck. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"Good luck. That professor is weird,"John said.

"Ca n't be high-risk than terminal year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, Matt, rose wine, and Amanda waited for John to finish his good deal of egg before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the doorway was already undefended and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the battlefront tables, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the dorsum of the classroom, where he sat down in between flatness and bathroom.

"Wonder what he 's so well-chosen about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the students entered the room.

"I do n't know. But I do n't care it,"St. John said.

Slughorn chose that here and now to waddle into the way so Albus and King John could not continue their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two front-runner houses together again ! What luck. Well, well, welcome to fourth year Potions. This is the year that things get unmanageable since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s next year ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this twelvemonth ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a year off."

"... Since today is a treble year I thought we 'd set about brewing the first potion in your schoolbook and see where your skill lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to read your text Scripture over the summer !"

Albus glanced at rose wine, who was sitting succeeding to Amanda at one of the front tables. She seemed to sit up gamy in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can work in pairs of your choosing. The brace that produces the best potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

John set off to work with Janie Creevey who lacked a better half while Albus and Matt set up a cauldron at their table.

"Remember your baseball glove,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the stop product your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to cook up a Freeze Solution with fire ?"Matt asked as he stuck his wand under the caldron to get down the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three years, have you noticed that he always starts the year with a contest ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Saame curriculum every year,"mat added."Ca n't imagine that much changes in condition of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the same potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's possible for this potion to burst forth,"Matt mused as he tossed a few pieces of sliced beet into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling voice from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottleful he must have gotten from the supplying press."I 'm sure you two will get by it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own table. Albus was slightly surprised that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"Matt said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

lustrelessness let out a jape."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a substantially dueler than he is and he 's got to watch out. Speaking of which, you think you 're going to be maitre d'hotel of your dueling team this yr ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that year, the death thing Albus needed was to be sea captain of his dueling squad, but he did not desire Malfoy as maitre d' either. He 'd study the superfluous employment if just to keep Malfoy from being in charge. Malfoy needed index like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and flatness did not blow up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the Sami consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-color, it did care to freeze the quill Slughorn stuck in it. rosiness and Amanda won the chocolate, which was no surprise to anyone.

rose wine and Amanda shared their chocolate with the boys as they walked up to the Great Hall for lunch. Albus and flatness told the girls and whoremonger about Malfoy 's bizarre behavior and rose wine told them that they should just be glad he 's backing down, rather than dissect his motive.

The Great Hall was buzzing with body process when they entered it a few minutes later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor mesa and no sooner had he grabbed a roll did Heather toss a transcript of the prophet onto his home.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This morning 's prophesier. The owls were previous delivering it. Something about a tempest in British capital,"heather mixture explained.

Albus set down his paradiddle and opened the report. There on the front Page was a picture of his Uncle Hotspur, smiling all-encompassing, in complicate gown, shaking workforce with a very improbable woman, who was also smiling full and wearing elaborate robe. Above the motion picture was the title,"prospect for diplomatic minister of Magic Announced."

By this point Rose and matt had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and John hovered behind him, all trying to say the article. Albus 's eyes traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In front of the intact Ministry of Magic,
curate hopefuls Percy St. Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
candidate work under diplomatic minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each early for polar
company.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
Drafting and Editing of constabulary, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus Party,
which is the company that current diplomatic minister
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, Senior
Advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
Official has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A large crowd turned out for the announcement,
which is only the first of many appearances
by both nominee. The first debate is
scheduled for September 8th, at the
Ministry of thaumaturgy.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running against,"Matt said.

"shot so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a slight like this maths instructor I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a shivery lady. I remember once I forgot to do my homework so I spent the entire morning in the loo before person came looking for me."

"You can narrate they both hate each other,"Matt said as he gestured to the flick."certain they 're shaking hands and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just unearthly that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposite party he is,"blush wine mused."Why would Hartwell have hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched company ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"rose wine said."It just seems shady. Her switching parties and hinting at all these ultra alteration. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't avail but have the Saame feeling. But all he could do was desire that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not possess the chance to change everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that paper ?"James called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the oracle down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no point worrying about the election now. It was month away. Plus, the political sympathies class was later that day and Albus was incredibly curious about it.

Transfiguration seemed to dredge by since it was the Saame as it was every year. Professor Patil explained about that year 's course of study and how they needed to start thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased workload. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to politics since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration Day was over and Albus and his friends hurried to the one-fifth floor to the schoolroom where political sympathies was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the first to enter.

"We better not have this with the Slytherins,"John muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the door."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

John Lackland let out an audible sigh of relief and Albus pushed the door afford as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the back, and the professor was nowhere in pile. rose immediately claimed a desk in the front and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the early boy headed to the chemical group of Hufflepuffs in the back.

"Do you think there will be homework in this class ?"John asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his eyebrow."Is that a serious question ?"

John shrugged."Well it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even have this class future year. So why would there be prep ?"

"Because it 's a class and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The rest period of the class filed in, filling in the seating that remained in the middle of the classroom. As the bell shape rang, professor Embry entered, walking with an air that this class would be all work and no play.

"Good afternoon,"professor Embry began as he shuffled a few papers on his desk."Welcome to Basic Wizarding Politics. I am Professor Embry and you will address me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to footstep the distance of the classroom."I understand that most of you know absolutely null about political sympathies and assume that the Minister of magic trick is born the government minister and practice of law just magically come into macrocosm. A pick out few of you,"his centre rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff girl,"have parents in the Ministry and may take in slightly Thomas More cognition than the rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put much stake in political Education Department before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's education and wish to rectify this year. The programme will include chronicle of how our authorities came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The course of study let out a corporate grown at the word account. Albus glanced at Rose, who was on the edge of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly brave out Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the history. We take history of Magic."

Embry let out a myopic laugh."With Professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before most of the account happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock-and-roll to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the grade dared to express mirth."I 'm going to give you a proper history of our modern government, starting with a brief overview of what the government activity was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comp overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a class period each to the way the authorities is run in France, the United States, and Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this class would consider stead, you have not acquired books. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to plow them as library playscript and fall them to me in exchangeable condition at the end of the twelvemonth. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his scepter and sight of books flew out of a nearby closet. They landed softly in presence of the students. Albus glanced down and say the title. Politics and Government in Modern Wizarding UK by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very sound. Now, get out lambskin and quill feather. I 'm not going to let the eternal rest of this course of study time period go to barren,"Embry said as he tapped his wand on the instrument panel. Notes immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the remainder of the course about how the low government was formed in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It was incredibly dry. The only rationality Albus stayed awake was because he had to take notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a St. John the Apostle not taking eminence and threatened him with custody this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."Next course of study we 'll fast forward in fourth dimension and learn about the government activity pre-Voldemort. take the first chapter for preparation and come up with three attentive interrogation to stupefy to the rest of the grade. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts attract the most outlandish teachers ?"Albus asked once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the list of job requirements,"Saint John the Apostle replied."must be out of your freaking mind to withdraw this position."

"I think he 's professional,"rosebush piped in."It seems like we 'll really learn stuff."

"Why annoyance ?"John the Divine asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to have a say in the governing anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be honest, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, can. Muggles get politics course of study in shoal. It makes horse sense that we should, too."

"She 's got a point, married person,"matte said."Who has the power in your country issue. If you elect the wrong hoi polloi, affair can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their leaders, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positioning that Albus 's dad has and my dad take in ? In the United States, those are elected positions. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our rector,"Rose said.

"How do you lot even know this clobber ?"whoremaster asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor common room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too offspring to care to eavesdrop."

"Wait."John stopped in the middle of the corridor and looked at his friends."waiting. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magical ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

John groaned."This is mad. Why could n't I have picked pattern protagonist ?"

"convention is highly overrated,"matte said as they reached the Fat Lady.

******


The rest of the hebdomad went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's opinion. Everyone, students and instructor, fell back into their usual Hogwarts subroutine and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a mint of prep as senior high school as his bed and was more than ready for a few days off. But when he saw the posting instrument panel in the common room when he got back from magic spell on Friday afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch practice on Sat at eight in the morning.

"ogdoad !"Albus exclaimed."In the break of day ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the first calendar week back ! Even Georgia was n't loony enough to do that."

"Tough luck, mate,"privy said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."Eight in the morning. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, Matt ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning ? Flying through the rain ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"Course not."lusterlessness grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an stick pipe dream where I 'm playing for the Cannons. In perfect conditions of course."

"The shank are the only team you 'd ever have got hope of playing for,"John replied.

Albus threw himself down on the couch. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could enforce for a professor attitude once he graduated. He 'd receive the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the devil,"John said as Fred entered the uncouth room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything Merlin owns did you schedule recitation at eight in the morning on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a 7th class taking four classes. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. auction pitch is booked solid all weekend except for Saturday dayspring and evening. All the other houses are having try-outs. We ca n't even hold our steward try-outs until next weekend because of it."

"Why not the evening then ?"

"Bradley 's got to make an appearance at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his oculus.

"Then why have practice at all ? We do n't call for to train anyone new until we get a new custodian,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're out of practice. We 've got to protrude training early. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summer,"Albus said flatly.

"Look, Al, I 'm not changing it. Just deal with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his dormitory.

Albus spent the rest of the even fuming about drill and cursing Fred under his breath, until rose wine suggested they all go to the Room after dinner party. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the way he 'd be up half the night and would only get a few hours'eternal sleep.

In the end he was gladiola Rose suggested it. They spent the evening acting Gobstones and Exploding cracking and listening to John and Kaden think up new direction to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to squall it a dark and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his champion to go along discussing whether it would be right to rick Malfoy 's hair red or purple.

Only a few short hours later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an hour of day that was only meant to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his heather and went to meet his teammates in the common room.

No one looked happy. William James was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his shoes without opening his centre. Heather 's hair's-breadth was sticking up at odd angles while she tried to domesticise it into a ponytail. Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a slight worse for wearing. But they trudged through the palace, only seeing Peeves loosening a few doorway hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a suit of clothes of armor.

The conditions was at least decent and the four hours they spent on the pitch shot went by relatively dissipated. Albus and his teammate landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the pitch. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his student residence to change, Albus headed into the Great entrance hall hoping there would be something good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor board and after stowing his broom underneath the Bench, he sat down and grabbed the nearest dish.

"You could at to the lowest degree lavish offset, Al,"Rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the table. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a piece of sheepskin."They want us to go to the debate tonight since it 's the first one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's study to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the missive."That gives me about four time of day to unwind and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to have to go to every debate ?"Rose asked.

"Hope not,"Albus replied in between insect bite."You do n't make to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even want to go himself so he wo n't make us. And Mum probably expects that it would just withdraw away from my studies."

"This says I have to wear primp robes,"Albus muttered.

"At to the lowest degree you can tell us if anything good happens,"matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, desperate to find mortal else who could save him company.

"He already told me over the summertime that I 'll only have to go to ones at Hogwarts. And then whatever parties the candidates will throw for the functionary. Does n't think an election should give much effect on my life story,"matte explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the near of the rest of the day. He and his champion took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech tree while they sat by the bound of the lake and dangled their metrical foot in. Kaden swore the giant star calamari tried to eat his understructure, but cypher believed him. rosiness and Amanda took a manner of walking by themselves along the edge of the forest, insisting that none of the boys follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the fille left and the son began tossing it around. This was great fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a part of Kaden 's fuzz, leaving his drumhead bleeding rather profusely and Albus, Gospel According to John, and Matt having to bucket along him to the hospital wing. By the meter Kaden 's head had been bandaged up and all four had received a lecture on the danger of Fanged Frisbees ( madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the cause ) it was time for Albus to manoeuvre back to Gryffindor tugboat to get ready for the debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a year left ! I 'm now home for the summer and am having upshot getting my Internet to get together with HPFF. Things take a long time to load and I can not reply to refresh. I will still read every reexamination, but responses will remove a while since I have to be at the depository library to reply to them.

Since I last-place updated I 've had some issues with people plagiarizing my stories. I really hate that I have to tell you laugh at this, but it is against the rules to lease anyone 's stories from here and put them on former sites. It 's also against the rules to direct game, characters, etc without permission. I do not give my permission for anyone to subscribe my plots or characters. I 'm really happy that you guys like my stories, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry events. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's fame and Ministry billet because he hated the attention. King James I had always been the character who would savour in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry officials proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was sure as shooting to be the whizz of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather deaf towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own affair. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old ladies and did not like random multitude telling him how tall he was getting. As he got older, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of sprightliness and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald green dress robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sort of ironing charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Percy 's night and it seemed like this entire class was going to be his Uncle Percy 's year.

Albus tamed his tomentum with a bit of water supply and then met James, Lily, Bradley, and Cedric in the common way. James looked bland and perfectly comfortable in his blueish dress robes, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed rotten fish in their matching grayness robes. Lily was wearing a over-embellished dress and as common, did n't seem to cause an public opinion about going to the debate.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Thomas Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter this morning,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the first one."

"At to the lowest degree you do n't bear to go to all of them,"Bradley muttered.

The rest of the trip to Kendrick 's study was soundless. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robes as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would stick to check the argument. He handed them each a bit of Floo powder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after Henry James and soon found himself in the Ministry of legerdemain 's incoming entrance hall. The berth was far quieter than it was the death time he had been there, the watch over class, when he went with Matt to tell his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the lifts and down to the courtroom rooms."The only shoes big enough to reconcile everyone witnessing the debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only event. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in front of court way ten and opened the door. The elbow room was about half full. Albus spotted his mother 's hopeful red pilus in the first row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's aunt Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather sullen looking GA and the twins, who were both reading leger. Kendrick began to address quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. Henry James, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would evidence up for keeper try-outs the accompany weekend. Georgia immediately perked up and began giving the boy advice on who they should hold on an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the left hand slope of the front line row of the seats was reserved for Harry Hotspur 's family. They were joined by all of Albus 's auntie and uncles, as well as Victoire, chemise, and Stanley. In fact the only one of his older cousin that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the first row on the right slope was reserved for Laurentis 's sept, although Albus did n't recognise a single one of the people in that row. He turned around and focused on the people filing in. He recognized a few of them including Matt 's parents and a few other Ministry official he 'd met before. flatness 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that flatness had been forced to go, but quickly erased that idea because what sort of champion would wish their scoop friend had to advert a political disputation ?

The chattering in the room immediately subsided when curate Hartwell entered followed by a few of his secretive advisor. Behind them were Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robes. Hartwell and his advisor sat along a board at the front of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind podiums, also at the movement of the way. The Minister spoke with his advisers briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the bunch. Then one of the advisers rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robe stretched very tightly across his middle. He was completely bald and had no beard, but a very wide moustache. Aiming his wand at his own throat, he muttered a while and then set his wand down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the audience,"to the kickoff debate of the 2020 election for Minister of Magic. Our two campaigner, Percy Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Vivien Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an introductory debate on a multifariousness of issues. My name is Wendell York and I am the head of the Department of Magical shipping and will serve as moderator for tonight 's debate. I will position the topic and each candidate will get five hour to reply, then two minutes for a rebutter.

"The first theme is how our world is concealed from Muggles. Do you imagine the current Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you paint a picture ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an exciting topic like catching Dark wizards ? Or at to the lowest degree something relevant to his lifetime, like the lack of good defense mechanism professors at Hogwarts. Now that would be a public debate he 'd be worry in. Albus turned towards Harry Hotspur and realized he had n't even been paying attention to much of his uncle 's response.

"... stream laws do a satisfactory job of concealing our world from Muggles. Magic sightings by Muggles are low in figure and when they do pass off Obliviators do an excellent job of altering the memories of our Muggle neighbor ..."Percy droned on.

Albus turned to Jesse James who rolled his eyes. Could they have come up with a more boring topic ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom thickness, which was a report Percy had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying aid that meant he was really tire but was trying to wangle it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our form by Muggles is too many. Each sentence a Muggle pinch sight of an act of trick puts our entire populace at jeopardy, and not only Britain 's wizarding mankind. We have a province to the domain that we keep our magic under wrap. According to last year 's statistic we were in the top five countries in terms of numbers of sightings. That 's not good ..."

Laurentis went on and on about respective Pentateuch that could be enacted to ensure that Muggles did not see Acts of the Apostles of magic until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Percy have his two minute rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an unsufferable goal to try, to accomplish no magic sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her former argument.

Albus tuned much of the public debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school year. He was a one-quarter year, which meant he was no longer one of the unseasoned kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch squad for two years and now he was hoping he 'd be capable to accept some say in how practice session went and how matches were played. Then there was the Dueling Club. Each of the eight teams had a captain and the captains were fourth years. Professors, mostly Neville, picked the senior pilot. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpio and as much as he did not really want the duty of being captain, he did not want Scorpius to hold baron over him. He would use that to his vantage.

The debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay attention until he heard the Logos 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his aid. It was Laurentis 's crook to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the same way for generations and while no one can abnegate that master Kendrick runs a wonderful school day, we also can not snub that changes could be made to benefit the students. The world is a constantly changing place and education motive to keep up in order for our pupil to be better prepared.

"The class pick for instance. It is my understanding that a new class has been added this twelvemonth about politics, which I think is greatly good to scholar. But former than that the same year are offered now as have been offered for decades. New classes need to be phased in while old ones that either no longer interest scholarly person need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about effect grade such as Potions and Charms, but elective course.

"teacher also need to be kept up to particular date with recent findings in their champaign. They should not be teaching the same information I or my adversary learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the raw valid data available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your meter is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent brings up an matter to item, but even she admits that headmaster Kendrick is running an first-class schooltime. I believe that some government regulation is necessity, instance being shoemaker's last twelvemonth 's incident with professor Balladanis, but we as government functionary do not have the training nor experience needed to properly run a school. I, as well as my antagonist, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a punter job running Hogwarts than prof Kendrick.

"Just as professors most likely believe it best to leave law fashioning and the run of the body politic to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it Charles Herbert Best to leave alone the run of Hogwarts to Professor Kendrick and the other professors. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is mulct as is and if the headmaster thought he needed government assistance bringing about change in programme he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than Professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the educatee would benefit from more government intervention. If the Ministry had been more call for with teacher selection, for example, we could have possibly avoided hiring professor Balladanis last year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government functionary would have found prof Balladanis to be an inappropriate professor during his interview. In fact, I would lean towards the opposite, considering that neither I or my opponent have ever hired a professor before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the facial expression. Albus was surprised a Ministry shop at argumentation could get so heated. He craned his head and turned around in monastic order to see what Kendrick 's chemical reaction to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far upright than either Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the elbow room was paying rapt attending, including James and Lily. The entirely two people who were n't were Samantha and lindy.

There was one last question about law making that Albus did n't really understand, nor did he care to understand. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts question. Percy 's disceptation was far secure, in his opinion. Hogwarts was fine the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to change everything ? What sort of changes was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the topic would be explored more specifically at the education themed public debate which was scheduled to hire place at Hogwarts the following month. But one thought that Albus could not get out of his heading was that if Laurentis won, what would happen to Hogwarts ?
******


"The entirely variety I want to see at Hogwarts is less homework and fewer exam,"Saint John said as he walked with Albus and the ease of their booster to the Great Hall.

A calendar week had passed since the first debate and pupil were still talking about the possible changes to Hogwarts. A very tumid broad Thomas Nelson Page spread had appeared in the Daily prophet the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to change Hogwarts. This had both educatee and prof up in arms and thing were only beginning to calm down. The professor had been on edge the previous week, snapping at educatee for naught and assigning surplus prep. This resulted in the students being very unhappy. Albus did not quite infer why everyone was letting it touch on them so much. It 's not comparable Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Sat morning and Albus and his champion were heading to the Great vestibule for the first Junior 's Dueling nightclub meeting of the year. Albus 's mettle were on end. It was at this firstly group meeting that the maitre d' would be announced.

"If Scorpio gets captain I 'm going to murder something,"Saint John muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his squad,"rose wine said.

"I am and I could n't abide it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's captain, tournaments are going to be fearful,"John countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall was in Mass chaos, as it always was during the start meeting of the year. Two teams were congregated at each mesa and much to Albus 's condescension, his team was holding Margaret Court at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the bemused moment years who had yet to be assigned a team and stood future to his squad. Scorpius was seated across the board from him.

"fountainhead, ceramicist, ready to be under my captainship ?"Scorpius greeted him.

"I could say the Saame to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so for sure you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the better dueler, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"quiet, tranquillity everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpio and swallowed the desire to make a come back and paid attention to Neville instead. professor Patil stood next to him. Albus supposed the new defense team professor had not had a desire to help with the Dueling society. Somehow, Albus was not surprise.

"Thank you,"Neville said."number 1 I 'd like to declare that prof Patil has graciously agreed to aid me shop this year 's Dueling nightclub. As a reminder, all teams must have a professor present during drill and it is up to the team captain to coordinate practice times and locate a professor to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or professor Patil. However, this yr we are allowing seventh twelvemonth Dueling nightclub members to supervise as well. So as an choice, you may ask a 7th year to supervise.

"showtime lodge of occupation is this yr 's second twelvemonth. I 've already assigned you to teams and shall now read off the list."

Albus let his head wander while Neville read off the list. The only mo age he knew were his sister, and she was assigned to Matt 's squad, as well as Victor Hugo, who was assigned to John and Kaden 's team. A craw of shy looking second twelvemonth had congregated at his own team 's billet and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take rump next to the sure-enough educatee. There were five of them. Two boys and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could live with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth years have been waiting for, police chief announcements ! Let me remind you that I, as well as the other professor who have been involved with this cabaret have been watching you over the past two years and have chosen not only exceptional duelers, but exceptional leaders. Without further adieu.

"The captain of squad One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

cheer erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff board, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very skillful and would piddle an excellent captain.

"The captain of Team Two is Harvey Tucker."

lavatory and Kaden 's team. Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every answer in every I class.

"The captain of Team trine is cock Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His founder had attended school with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of Team Four is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpius. Scorpius grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The captain of Team basketball team is Jace Johnson."

Rose 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't seem to ever be not happy. It was kind of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't make love well. He swallowed hard. team up Seven was next and that was his team.

"The skipper of squad Seven is Albus Potter."

John 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's shouting. Albus grinned. His entire team ( save for Scorpio and his friends ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made captain ! All the dubiety he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus potter, was the new police captain of squad Seven.

"The captain of Team eighter from Decatur is Dayton Coons."

mat 's team. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedias in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, delight digit out a time for your first exercise, which should take lieu during the side by side two weeks. Once you have a date, delight see me to get a classroom. Then ascertain a prof or one-seventh class to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one Holy Writ as Albus talked with the rest of his squad and figured out a practice meter that did not interpose with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones Club, and Bromus secalinus Club. Eventually he settled on the following Th even. Neville assigned them to an abandon schoolroom on the one-sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a one-seventh yr to oversee rather than a prof. It was less intimidating for his showtime practice.

Albus 's Friend joined him at the threshold to the Great residence hall. Scorpio brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was quick to murder mortal. Albus thought he looked far too raging over a lost captaincy. It was just the Junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"John asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a parole,"Albus replied.

"Do n't reckon about him,"Rose said."What 's the point ? You made captain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."nigh of the skipper are pretty seemly, too. I mean Lydia 's variety of irritating, but the repose are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a good year for dueling, that 's for sure as shooting,"lusterlessness agreed.

The six booster discussed dueling all the way back to the common room. When they entered they saw a sign that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the tables and all of Albus 's cousins were cracking them heart-to-heart. Marina was surrounded by her booster and Albus was accosted by his cousin-german as soon as he entered. Someone thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the spine. He smiled as he looked out at the green room, at the party that his cousin-german had thrown together for himself and Marina. mat was not only right about the fact that it would be a honest year for dueling. It was going to be a good year in worldwide.


A/N : So I bet you 're all garbled about the figure change ! fountainhead, I 've been doing some thinking and a game modification was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The variety only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old statute title was n't going to act with the new plot, so I had to shift it. I like the new one better anyway. And do n't worry, Sir Henry Percy will still run for Minister. Actually, the new plot of land focuses more on that.

To reply in advance, because I know this will come up, I wo n't distinguish what the old plot of land was going to be. I 'd rather people not compare the old plot of land with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the forums, you 'll know about the tragedy we had lowest hebdomad. Liza Potter on the archive ( and lizzacc on the assembly ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the kickoff story she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this story to you, Liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The future day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor custodian hopefuls. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to begin in xv bit, yet the pitch had been packed since before tiffin. Albus speculated that some aspirer, including Hugo, had not even taken a break for lunch. poor Hugo need n't throw bothered skipping his repast since even an spare half hr of practice session would not get helped him.

Students from second through seventh twelvemonth were hoping for a spot on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized almost of them, but there were a few older scholarly person whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were representatives from other squad, surely there to hold in out Gryffindor 's new Keeper.

Albus stood on the rake a few meters from the crowd, with his team. Fred was holding a clipboard and Heather was standing next to him, gazing out at the students hoping for a spot. James, Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"Quiet, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the ground and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a steward this twelvemonth. And if you ca n't restrain, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as custodian and then train another 's spot when they graduate, you might as well not ware your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both Georgia and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would jest around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in charge, things had changed.

A few of the younger bookman walked slowly off the pitch and into the stands, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to have you fly around the pitch to assess your basic flying acquisition. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll move on to guarding the goal posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the wannabe fly overlap around the sales pitch. Quite a few could not even negociate to fly straight or put to death go properly. About a stern of them were eliminated during the first ten minute. half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first ten arcminute of destination keeping, including Victor Hugo. He hung his drumhead as he walked to the stands, Scots heather trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the students took longsighted to eliminate. After about an 60 minutes the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the only honest way to do this is to eliminate anyone who misses a save. Last one standing, er, flying, gets the berth,"Fred announced.

It took another one-half time of day to polish off the try-outs. To Albus 's surprise, the winner was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no idea that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her broom and accepted the congratulations from the eternal rest of the team.

"Nice to accept another fille,"Heather said."I thought I 'd be the merely one after Georgia left."

"I thought your cousin Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the only Weasley who ca n't meet Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen Rose on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was fiddling. So happy to hold won the dapple. When 's inaugural practice ?"

"Right now,"Fred said."We 've got the lurch all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into Georgia. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a undimmed and sunny day, so it would n't be bad.

Practice lasted a few hours and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the clip it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to take a shower and then set off to site his booster. dinner party would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's friends were in the piranha 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor common elbow room when he had traipsed through after pattern. John and Kaden were playing chess game and Kaden was trouncing John, like usual. rose wine and Amanda were sitting on the lounge discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. lustrelessness was not there since the full moon had been the previous Night.

"Albus !"Saint John the Apostle exclaimed after Al had shut the door."So, who 's the new Gryffindor custodian ?"

"You 're never gon na believe it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby chair."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for ages and was just waiting for the custodian position to open."

"Seriously ?"John asked."She never mentioned it all these years that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too busy making certainly you do n't be adrift anything up,"Rose replied.

"Hey, I 'm practiced than Al and lusterlessness are,"bathroom muttered.

"public speaking of Matt, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so madam Pomfrey did n't let us stay. Figured we 'd go after supper,"John the Evangelist answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in agreement and they set off towards the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with pupil who had spent the day out-of-doors and Albus felt very content walking alongside his friends, despite how every bingle one of his brawniness ached from drill.

"Shhhh, look !"privy seethed as he grabbed the back of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a doorway. Kaden, Rose, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"Rose asked.

"Shush !"John whispered."It 's Scorpius and Willinson 's cousin. What was his name again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his head around the door frame. Scorpius and Felix were standing next to a few cause of armor, nous leaned in towards each former. There was a little girl about a head shorter than Scorpio with them. She and Felix had the same color hair, except hers was hanker and curly.

"She 's a 1st yr. I remember seeing her a the sort but I do n't call up her public figure,"Rose answered.

"I have half a nous to hold open her from the two of them,"John muttered."She 'd be comfortably off not getting mixed up with the likes of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpius began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girl followed. Albus and his friends watched them until they turned a nook, disappearing out of mass.

"Weird,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending first years, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoid,"Rose said."They were just talking and they 're in the same family. Maybe she had a question or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."rose let out an browned off sigh."Two hebdomad into the full term and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember last year ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to forefend something like that again."

"amercement. But I 'm not getting involved,"Rose muttered.

Albus walked in secrecy the rest of the way to the Great Hall. pink wine may have been right. Albus may have just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a feeling that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


mat returned from the infirmary wing two days later and the month wore on in its usual way. The prof were assigning more and more homework and it took longer and longer to complete.

Once October arrived fervor began to brew when the first gear Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween and Kaden in particular was very frantic. He never did manage to create it to Hogsmeade under the invisibleness Cloak the previous year.

Albus 's first dueling practice had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpio had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may have been solely because professor Cedonia had been demonstrate during the exercise. His team was shaping up well and he had high hopes for them winning many tournaments. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the start disputation respective magazines and radio appearance had been latching onto Percy 's statements about education and his lack of willingness to exchange, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Bradley said one night at dinner. The Weasleys and ceramist were all eating together in purchase order to discuss the election."Does n't write us as much and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to mention the five pageboy scatter that Wizards magazine is doing about our mob,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a Republic of Turkey leg."That 's sure to fire the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Bradley answered."Only upright character is we got permission to overlook all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five page ?"St. James asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's life story,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our lives. Just a well-chosen clause about how we all love each early and Dad 's a family man. That 's what his effort director wants to portray him as seeing that Laurentis does n't give any kids."

"And Uncle Percy has a whole lot,"James pointed out.

"Hey, you lot better picket out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the entire Weasley-Potter tribe,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"King James asked.

"Around Dec 25, I think. Adds to the glad fellowship atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to interview Uncle George when he 's had a bit too a great deal eggnog."James laughed.

"When 's the next public debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."Must be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's focussing on law macrocosm and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we have to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't consider so,"King James answered."Dad said we just had to go to the single at Hogwarts from now on."

"public speaking of elections, what does everyone think of that political science class ?"Albus asked.

"professor 's very intense,"William James said in between bite."But it 's not nearly as awful as the former year. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my current favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an advantage,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and stuff. A few of my friends have absolutely no idea about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a toilsome time."

Professor Embry seemed to be teaching the class in chronological parliamentary procedure and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the fall of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a trivial boring but he had a feeling it would get more occupy once Embry started on the twilight of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the grade is requisite,"pink wine said."Think about it. No course of study like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry officials learn the account of the Ministry ? Where did they learn about politics ? They learned it as they went, but did n't bonk much when they started. That 's a piffling scary. People should fuck how their country is run."

Albus thought about what rosiness had said as he chewed on his roster. She had a in effect point. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Percy really known zip about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't experience. Harry Hotspur 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to recall about.

Albus mostly listened during the rest of dinner party. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't for sure why. Nor could he work out out whether he wanted Harry Hotspur to win or not. Either way, animation would be drastically dissimilar after Election Day, and Albus liked thing the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to alter Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few sidereal day later. The law enforcement debate had taken office the Night before and the integral front page of the Prophet was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Percy Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement in conclusion night at the Ministry
of conjuration. Like the previous general debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each campaigner
speaking passionately about the issue.

'I 've worked in law origination for yr ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the defeat
of Voldemort, I think we can all agree that
affair are running smoothly. I intend to
insure that things keep going the way they
are, with enforcement of laws that benefit
the stallion wizarding community .'

Laurentis took a more base stance, in
her response to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the laws we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to take a upright concentrated look at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are clear. Far more criminal
are being acquitted and even more than are
being released from Azkaban. In my work
at the prison house, I see many felon being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to alter .'

Without a doubt, matter are only going to
heat up. The candidates seem to get
completely different persuasion on everything
from Education to laws. The next debate,
which will be on education, will demand seat
at Hogwarts on Saturday, Nov the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"Matt asked, taking the composition from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't have the major power,"Rose answered."The Minister has to bless off on most thing, unless all congressman and functionary disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's people who do n't check with her,"mat replied.

"Think they 'll ever hold with each former ?"Albus asked.

"Doubt it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually complete opposites. What I do n't understand is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle agree on everything."

"Me either,"blush wine agreed."Guess we 're watching the next debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"flatness said."Embry will probably make us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"Rose said."That will be the debate that will directly bear on us. The election 's in Apr which means we 're going to have over three years of Hogwarts under whichever candidate is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those changes are going to affect us."

Thomas Bradley sat down adjacent to Albus and threw a copy of wizard magazine onto the table."Article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out right around the argumentation,"Omar Bradley muttered."You really ought to read it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Bradley shook his head."This lady 's almost worse. Trust me."

Rose, Amanda, King John, flatness, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the magazine. The article was in the middle, with the two pages being a full phase of the moon color photo of Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their kids. Percy and Corrine were sitting on their living room couch, with GA in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the couch and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the varlet and saw a very extended clause, interspersed with various pictures of his syndicate and box about each of those five cousins. The clause finished up on the following pageboy.

Upon entering the home of diplomatic minister of Magic
candidate Percy Weasley 's Southampton home
I am surprised to see that it does not face
like the home of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with piles and good deal of papers and
Weasley 's effort handler is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the level is cluttered with
toys belonging to the vernal Weasley children,
nine-year-old twin, Samantha and lindy. A
plate of ardent cookies sits upon the coffee
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the way carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to proceed the political campaign at the Ministry ,'
Sir Henry Percy explains after I ask where his campaign
materials are. 'The campaign is work. It is my
job. The firm is for my syndicate .'

"Really ?"Rose raised her eyebrow."She should 've seen his field of study. That 's where all his military campaign stuff is."

The article went on to discuss Walker Percy and his fathering accomplishment. Albus grew more than and more repel as it went on. Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the clause was painting him to be father of the year. No wonder Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more proud of Georgia ,'
Hotspur said, speechmaking of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as Reserve Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her friction match and it is acquit
that she could throw a foresightful career in
Quidditch .'

"What a cargo of droppings !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Walker Percy has never once agreed with Georgia 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that reporter just saying he did ?"matt asked.

"Oh he said it,"Tom Bradley, who had taken a buttocks a short-change ways down the board, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the chief article. His eyes glanced across the page and rested upon the low box that discussed Georgia.

Empire State of the South Weasley, the eldest daughter
of Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays Reserve steward for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Peach State said when the
matter was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full Keeper one day .'
GA 's dream is to play for England.

Next to Peach State 's box there was one for Bradley.

Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Hotspur and Corrine, is currently in
his sixth twelvemonth at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't need to
play professionally like Georgia. I
want to forge for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his fifth twelvemonth
at Hogwarts and is the prankster of
the household. 'Every Weasley family
has to birth soul who will playact the
caper. It 's like a rule or something.
I come up with the best ideas when I 'm
with my first cousin Henry James [ Potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll focus on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final examination box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( Lindy ) Weasley are
nine years old and attend a topical anesthetic
primary shoal for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't wait to enter Hogwarts in two
years .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my sister and blood brother ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't worry what mansion I 'm
in, just as long as I can play Quidditch.
Well, OK, I do n't require to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the cartridge,"was the spoilt article I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to think what the one about our full family will be like,"blush wine muttered.

"Nah,"whoremonger said."That one will be better because they wo n't accept to pee-pee as practically up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding world. They 'll just act as that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are people really going to believe all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nil about your uncle 's family. Sure, they know all about your dad, but really, how practically do they know about Percy ? Not much. They 're going to require to believe it and why should n't they ? They have no idea Percy does n't approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career. It 's the same as in the Muggle man.

"It would be nice if people voted on candidates who shared their same views, but it honestly comes down to who presents the best military campaign. the great unwashed are n't going to want someone in power who has emergence with his own family."

"That 's stupid,"Kaden replied."gladiolus my family 's not involved with politics."

"My mob is your kin,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still call him Uncle Harry Hotspur,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my blood uncle."

"Well, I can honestly say my family 's not in politics and I 'm very beaming about that,"John the Divine said.

Albus could not imagine animation without having family involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly jealous of John the Evangelist. What would it take been like to have parents who were n't famous ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guys are all amazing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't reply to reviews while I am domicile for the summer, but I read every single one. If you have some sort of question that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the Author page at the assembly or broadcast me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from holiday next week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this calendar week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following hebdomad brought a violent storm so long and so vivid that Herbology and Care of Magical wight had to be canceled for the s half of the week. It was thoroughly insufferable to walk outside without being doubled over by the wind and the jr. scholarly person could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so clayey that one would turn smashed within two minutes. The students secretly rejoiced, for the extra discharge periods were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch pattern had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would consume canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doors until the violent storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday eve and contemplated holding a strategy session in the mutual way instead, but Scots heather convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to assume the opportunity to spend the day at the library, something that John and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. matte and Amanda joined them as well, for they had good deal of prep as well. Rose had mentioned something about tutoring a younger student and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with students, virtually likely due to the weather condition and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to learn, and it took a good five bit for Albus and his friends to locate an empty table. It was a lot louder than usual and brothel keeper Pince was glaring at each table of students in turn.

Albus set his pile of books down and got to make for on a Potions essay that was due the following hebdomad. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few days to do it. He thought he was ahead of the game anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about homework.

St. John the Apostle and Kaden, as usual, were unable to get started on their prep right away and were scolded by lady Pince twice before finally opening their Book. Amanda immediately set to cultivate on the same essay Albus was working on. Matt cracked open his Charms schoolbook but stared at the same page for five mo before Albus noticed that his eyes had glazed over. The October full moon was the following night, so Albus was not surprised.

"This is dead boring,"King John muttered after they 'd been studying for an time of day."Politics back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely dissimilar now, so why do we need to bother reading it ?"

"So we do n't make the Saami mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."simpleton, really."

"You 're channeling blush wine now,"John stated.

"Someone has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my Divination prevision ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"John Lackland exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the wind while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's dominion against going outside ?"

"perfective tense. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can come down with a awful cold after being alfresco in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his oculus. The two of them had been mad to take Divination in the first place, but at least they seemed to enjoy making up their fake foretelling. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some ridiculous prediction.

An hour later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration Reading. privy and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an elaborate antic that involved a chicken, bird feed, and the Slytherin common room. Matt had been dozing on his Charms book. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's Charms ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."lusterlessness glanced at his Bible and quickly wiped it with the sleeve of his gown."Great, really. Think I 'll head to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this recitation done."

Saint John the Apostle and Kaden rose to fall in flatness. They 'd been yelled at two more prison term and figured they 'd do better to plan in the Den.

"time lag,"trick said when he was only a few feet from the table."Is that Rose ?"He pointed to a mind of shaggy-haired red tomentum at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the room and hid behind a book shelf to get a closer look.

Albus craned his head. rose was sitting with a small-scale miss. lav returned a few seconds later.

"I thought so. It 's that daughter we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few weeks ago."

"wait, that Slytherin first year ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly block about her, finally deciding that Scorpio probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right wing,"John said."What 's Rose doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring someone. Must be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Weird. Tutoring a Slytherin,"whoremonger replied.

"What 's it topic ?"lustrelessness snapped."No point in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his shoulder and headed for the door, not waiting for John and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"privy asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it affair if she 's tutoring that young woman ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpius but this you do n't care about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring broadcast. I do n't conceive you get to keep in line who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."privy sighed."Well, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as John and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another hour before joining their friends in the Marauder 's Den. John and Kaden were having a sober treatment on how they were going to incur a chicken and Matt was heavy asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of cards of Exploding cinch and played daily round after rung while listening to lavatory and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be easier to have an older student transfigure something into a chicken,"Kaden said a full twenty minutes later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's first cousin will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our caper. We could just go shoot one of the crybaby from Hagrid 's chicken coop,"John replied.

"More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to surmise if one of Al 's cousins is practicing their Transfiguration. But sneaking a chicken into the castle ? They 're fairly loud with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no fortune of getting caught ?"whoremaster asked.

"There will be heap of chance of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin common room. Merlin only knows how we 're going to manage that."

The door opened and rose walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin unwashed room ?"

"You do n't need to know,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

Rose rolled her eyes and sat down succeeding to Amanda, picking up a few cards to join in on the adjacent round.

"How was tutoring ?"John asked, abandoning the topic of chickens.

"Fine,"Rose answered."Same as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"privy replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"rose smirked.

John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"prof Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth years and above can be in the tutoring program. The professor match you up with younger students and I 've been tutoring a first yr for a few weeks now."

"Yeah,"whoremonger said as he got up and walked over to where Rose was sitting."We saw you earlier. That miss you 're tutoring ? That 's the Sami girl that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few calendar week ago."

"wait, that one fourth dimension that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that time. I was just wondering who she was."

rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's slight sister. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really nice, actually. subdued, does n't appear much like a Slytherin to me but her whole family 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"John said."Guess that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"Rose answered."You lot want to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except Matt, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great Hall. rose had been right. cypher untrusting about Willinson 's sis tagging after him and Scorpius. Albus 's instincts had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's life did he ever think there would be a prof who could top Professor Binns in terms of boring course of study. But professor Whitney Young had done the impossible. Twice a week Albus and his acquaintance traipsed to Danton True Young 's classroom to make on a single worksheet. Young did cypher else, except hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an entire social class geological period to complete, resulting in pupil using the remaining clock time to captivate up on other preparation, something that Young neglected to notice. The only salutary part about the class was that Young never assigned preparation.

"You think he 'll death the class ?"Matt asked as they were leaving Whitney Moore Young Jr. 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected Minister and deems him disqualify to teach."

"He does n't really learn,"blush wine pointed out.

"But still, he 's meliorate than Balladanis,"Matt reasoned.

The relaxation of Albus 's classes were in good order, although most assigned too much homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of October drew nearer, Albus became very excite about the maiden Hogsmeade sojourn of the year. It would be the beginning time that all of Albus 's friends would get to go together and possibly the last, given how officious everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch practice session on that day in order to clear up for the overleap recitation due to the storm. However, the entire team was outraged and Heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not rescind the practice. Albus was very salve as it was a gracious day and perfect for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new battalion of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the course from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up ages ago."

"That the inner circle I sent you over the summertime ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"Sure is. Did n't endure too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"Saint John announced."And wads of other stuff from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird cum if we 're going to do that prank,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and mat exchanged looking. Gospel According to John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's honest-to-goodness cousins to transfigure them a volaille that they would then somehow sneak into the Slytherin common room. The birdseed was to dispel throughout the property in rescript to irritate the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't number complaining to us when you get a month of detentions, because there 's no potential way you can pussyfoot into the Slytherin commons room without getting caught."

"We 'll have Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Halloween,"bathroom answered.

"Idiots,"blush wine muttered.

Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes was packed with bookman. Being the first of all Hogsmeade weekend, most students had a unplayful lack of pranking products and needed to stock up. George was behind the counter ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his friends. They quickly scattered, each heading towards the showing that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of defensive measure at least once and History of deception a few metre a month. whoremonger and Kaden each had about five boxful and Matt watched with a disgusted look on his face. Since he missed at to the lowest degree a day or two of classes a month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would make themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there concluding,"John said as he lugged his bags to the tierce Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must think back that for future clock time,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to have a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin had had Butterbeer before when hoi polloi snuck it back to the Gryffindor common room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The Three broomstick was crowded, but flatness managed to grab a table in the binding. rose wine set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about fifteen moment before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's Quaker, glaring at Matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are cook to duel next weekend."

"Course we are,"Albus answered."The team 's muckle prepared. endure exercise on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be ready to deport the team on Saturday since the rest of our team could n't win a affaire d'honneur against a first-class honours degree year."

"Shut it. Our team is fine,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a decent captain ..."Scorpio 's voice trailed off."But the prof love anyone whose last public figure is ceramist or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on accomplishment,"Albus replied, staring him in the eyes."Not name. pink wine did n't make maitre d' and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a Potter and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpius pettifoggery, ignoring Albus 's remark."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the world likes that your entire home runs the wizarding globe and that nothing gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my fellowship may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to serve people. And they 're only there because people voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpius muttered. Then he turned to matte."Or yours."

"People voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpio took a measure closer to Albus."The point is that your household might not be running this country much longer. So you 'd better watch out."

Scorpius turned to go forth and his friends followed."My house does n't run the world !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his stern after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the low place."He 's just so stupid !"Albus exclaimed."My family does n't run the country."

"He 's just covetous,"Amanda said."You got made captain of our squad and he hates that. Your dad 's famous and he 's jealous of that."

"His dad 's famous too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the wrong reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was famed for the right reasons,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a famous dad is n't always a good thing,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"Rose said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threats have worn off,"lusterlessness said quietly."I liked it in Sept when he just sort of unheeded us."

"It does n't mean he 's going to tell anyone,"Rose whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't matter what he 's looking for. One slip of the glossa is all it takes and my biography at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his champion."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a certified wizard, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be aught Sir Thomas More than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you think he intend by your kinfolk not being in charge of the wizarding creation much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't think of much. My dad will still be in thrill of the Auror department."

"No,"blush wine whispered."Have n't you been paying attention in politics ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you have in mind ?"

"okeh, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New Ministers can appoint new fountainhead of the section if they want to. Most do n't because so many new people makes for a bad modulation period, but it 's happened a few times. If Laurentis winnings, she could replace Uncle Harry,"pink wine explained.

"Wait, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

blush wine nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"lusterlessness said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"Rose replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new Minister was one thing, but having new header of all the department ? The Ministry would be run in a completely different way. zippo would stay the Sami. cypher would replace Harry Potter as psyche of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his head."No one would replace my dad. He 's a great Auror."

"He 's a great Auror, that 's true,"rosiness agreed,"but swell is an opinion. Hartwell thinks he 's a bang-up Auror. Uncle Percy undoubtedly thinks he 's a great Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will matter. All that will weigh is whether she think he 's a great Auror. And the doubt is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would signify my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a regular Auror,"Rose said."spirit, you do n't need to worry about it. I 'm sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heads have terminus like the Minister. When their term is up, the electric current Minister can replace them or keep them, but they ca n't get replaced when their full term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a earshot. Like with my dad."

"Energy Department n't seem sightly,"Albus said.

"It works both slipway. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to replace who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm surprised Hartwell has n't done that,"John said.

"She 's probably kept smooth about her opinions so she could hold on her position while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he substitute her now ?"John asked.

"It would count bad. Remember, half of political sympathies is how you look to the public,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a privy boarding school in the United States, just in case anyone asks why the Minister 's niece disappears for most of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his principal."It 's so blur. I do n't know how anyone keeps track of it."

"Luckily we do n't deliver to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the result of countersign state of war with them. You two are awesome ! HPFF now loads properly on my Internet and I am able to respond to reviews, so I 'm slowly working through them. celebrate a look out for reception !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Halloween,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor beans and tossing the nasty ones into a stilt on the floor.

"That 's stupefied,"lavatory countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a clowning on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the last minute essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll mislay the match."

The first Quidditch catch of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to rent place on Saturday, two days after Hallowe'en.

"Again, the Prefects and professors will be expecting it,"John said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a match before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a mark you 've pranked them too much,"rosiness pointed out.

Albus and the rest of his champion were in the piranha 's Den, attempting to settle on a day to put the chickens and chicken provender in the Slytherin plebeian room. They 'd been arguing for a half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to participate in the prank at all, had decided that they would serve as look-outs while John and Kaden snuck into the common room.

"I think Wednesday would be a honorable option. Wednesday Night. We 've got to do it really former, though. The world-class long time have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to wait until they 're back in their student residence,"John explained."Night before Halloween-"

"By the clip you manage to do it after uranology, it 'll technically be Allhallows Eve,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Halloween night,"John said."Pre-Halloween."

"roguery Night,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another edible bean onto his pot and started laughing."You 're right !"

"Mischief dark,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull clowning and make mayhem. It 's traditionally the night before Halloween or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, it 'll be on Mischief Night."

John grinned."Perfect. thaumaturge do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's Americans and Canadians who celebrate before Halloween, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Allhallows Eve,"John said."We have Astronomy on Tuesday so the night before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except rose wine, who rolled her eyes.

"Do you have everything you need ?"Matt asked.

"Not yet, but we have programme. Tonight I 'm going to waylay by the Slytherin common way under the invisibleness Cloak to hear their countersign. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Thomas Bradley to metamorphose us a few volaille. Then, Al and Matt will suffer guard while Kaden and I let them loose in the common way,"John explained.

"How in the name of Merlin are you going to stay fresh the chickens calm while you bring them to the dungeons ?"pink wine asked.

"Stun them, of course,"Kaden answered."By the prison term they wake up, we 'll be long gone."
***


Midweek brought with it a huge electrical storm which Albus saw as a rather ominous Oman for surgical process Slytherin poulet as the prank had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubts about the whole thing. former prank had been harmless and had not broken any John R. Major shoal rules, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them worse than a few detentions.

John and Kaden seemed to throw no such reservations. Both of them were particularly joyful the entire day and John even returned from fortune telling with a smiling on his fount, which never happened. lusterlessness seemed indifferent to the entirely matter and acted as usual.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three hours of sleep, tops, tonight,"lustrelessness said after dinner, while they were attempting to do homework in the marauder 's Den."And that we have History of Magic tomorrow morning."

John sighed."All right, maybe that was n't the best bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"Matt agreed.

Albus had a very hard clip getting any prep done while they were waiting for the time to arrive. He found himself drawing awful pictures of chickens in the borders on his Transfiguration of Jesus essay. No one else was having much luck either. John Lackland and Kaden were playing chess and flatness was taking a nap. Rose and Amanda had holed away in the library, neither one wanting to be associated with the boy that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."deprivation to be seen by as many people as potential so there 's no chance anyone will think we were with you."

At one in the morning the boy left the Marauder 's Den and headed back to the common room, where Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering educatee were in the rough-cut way. All of them went to bed within fifteen moment and the boy were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the sofa and set them on a table."Three chicken going to be enough ?"

John nodded."I do n't think we 'll be able-bodied to handle any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid,"Tom Bradley said as he pulled out his verge."Even James has n't gotten into the Slytherin mutual room."

"According to pink wine, we 're incredibly stupid,"John said."But I think it 's glorious. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin rough-cut room ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to pull a prank."

John, lusterlessness, and Kaden turned to count at Albus."I 'll explain later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his sceptre at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One brown one, one Edward D. White one, and one vauntingly black and brown cock. The rooster opened its mouth to crow and Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Bradley said."Want me to stun them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should last about a one-half time of day and then you 'll have to re-stun them,"Bradley told them."I 'm going to take off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the chickens for you. Ca n't afford another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Bradley took off to the residence hall and Albus turned to his protagonist. John was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two volaille."Back to the Den ?"

The boy spent the next two hour in the marauder 's Den, playing Exploding Snap and re-Stunning the volaille every half hour. Shortly after three in the sunup Albus re-stunned the chickens one more time and then threw the Invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four son to take the air under the Invisibility Cloak.
Being one-quarter twelvemonth, they were all a lot larger than they had been in second year when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even call back the last clock time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in especial had grown quite a few inches over the summer and was now as tall as St. John. The two of them had to take the air with their knees knack to ensure their feet would n't present.

The walk was uneventful. The male child did not even see Peeves or any of the ghosts out for a night prison term stroll ( or float, which would probably be the more appropriate term ). mat tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a Gallus gallus, but since the corridors were empty, no one heard the sound.

Once they had reached the ingress to the Slytherin vernacular elbow room John and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the threshold. toilet whispered the password and it opened. Both boys slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and matte stood against the paries a trivial ways down the corridor, giving them a view of the stair as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a Holy Scripture while whoremaster and Kaden were pulling their prank because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in social movement of them.

The adjacent five minutes felt like an eternity and Albus was very relieved when toilet and Kaden exited the common room and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the crybaby provender, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a word to Albus and Matt as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for fear that someone would hear them.

They were walking down the second trading floor corridor when Albus heard stride behind him. He turned and saw prof Danton True Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deep idea about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his admirer were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four male child froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jumpers and pulled them through the near door, while Young happened to be looking the other way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A missy 's loo. And the floor was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a spatter and then Albus felt the unpleasant sensation of a trace floating through him.

"I know you 're there."Myrtle giggled."Harry Potter had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well hold it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a young lady 's bathroom anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry Potter 's son ! What brings you to my toilet ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"John announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully Professor Young had left by the prison term they exited the loo. The remainder of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The park room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving limelight of the Fat noblewoman, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. Gospel According to John and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"epos !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the rough-cut way and we spread the provender and put the volaille each on their own couch and left field. The Slytherins are going to hold a rude waking up in a few hours."

"So are we,"Matt said as he looked at his vigil."Almost four. We 'll get three and a half 60 minutes sleep if we 're lucky."

The male child headed back to their dormitories, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenalin was still racing through his system. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to follow the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if individual saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would have gotten them in trouble right then and there, would n't they have ? Albus pushed the thought from his head. He settled into bed and thought about the chemical reaction from the Slytherins the pursue morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the next daybreak and he rolled over and went back to sleep. He woke up once Sir Thomas More with twenty instant left until History of magic and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke lustrelessness and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to make it to class on time.

They arrived with two minutes to spare and the elbow room was filled with laughter and cackle. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a smell he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his buttocks, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about Gallus gallus and muttering about getting revenge. Turns out someone snuck a cock and two chicken into their common room lowest Night and spread chicken feed around. Apparently their uncouth room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to stun the chickens and bring them to Hagrid. like I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to feign shock and excitement."Seriously ? That 's brilliant. Does anyone know who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never envision it out then. That 's three-quarters of the schooltime to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

prof Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on about some sort of goblin rebellion. Albus rested his pass on his hand and began to doze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the wimp. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the former house mesa. The teacher did n't seem at all upset about the whole thing, probably because the chickens had n't done that often damage. naught that could n't be easily repaired with the pic of a wand.

"Six in the break of day !"Albus overheard a Slytherin mutter as he walked past the Gryffindor mesa."Can you suppose ? And the morning after we 'd been on the auction pitch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of stew. If the prank had messed with the Slytherins'training docket, all the considerably. Albus had finally begun to slow down. It did n't appear like they were going to get in difficulty after all.

As Albus walked to the dungeons with John, matt, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in account of Magic was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the exhaustion and was very happy for the free period after potions. But he did n't make bold skip potions because he was quite excited to get a line Malfoy talk about the chickens.

During this particular class they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking solvent was a rather simple potion that they had learned in their first year, its vis-a-vis was more difficult and compulsory simmering for forty-eight hours before the terminal factor could be added.

Albus retrieved all the requirement ingredients while his better half, Limbert, located their potion in the cupboard. Limbert, who was usually very nonchalant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their table.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop his celery root, Malfoy appeared in front of the board. Albus looked up from his plant life and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"thrower,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't bechance to know which idiot Gryffindor put poulet in our uncouth room, do you ?"

Albus snorted."chicken, Malfoy ? I 'd try something about that."

"Bloody raspberry,"Limbert muttered as he began to pulverize the rat irascibility they were supposed to put into their caldron."Crowing at six in the bloody aurora. Eating chickenhearted feed all over the unwashed room. Getting their plumage and other stuff and nonsense everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."Point is, one of your lot got into our commons room and I want to screw who."He folded his arms across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't try his heart pounding in his chest."We ca n't get into your park way. Do n't receive the password. And even if we did, why would we want to ? It 's probably covered in snake slime."

"Well it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupid and a Hufflepuff would n't be able to figure out how-"

Albus rose from his president."That 's rude. I know muckle of Hufflepuffs that are smarter than you, Malfoy. And they 're the right way people, too."

"Boys, get to work out now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's caldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to Matt and Malfoy 's cauldron, which was indeed overflowing. flatness was frantically waving his baton at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for merlin 's rice beer,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own board.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief and continued to chop his cultivated celery root. Limbert retrieved another rat spleen, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't talk to Albus for the balance of the socio-economic class except for the casual"head the knife"or"turn down the flame ”.

Following potions Albus, mat, and Saint John the Apostle immediately went upstairs to the. Marauder 's Den to consume a much needed nap. grow went to Muggle work and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and did not ignite up until John swatted him with a pillow when it was clock time for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner party and Albus and his ally giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner party, prof Kendrick rose from his fundament. Albus turned to look at matt, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner words when it was n't the first or end of term.

"Just a few promulgation,"Kendrick said once the Great Hall quieted down."First, I am sure you are all aware of the prank that took situation in the Slytherin usual elbow room last Nox. I, nor do any of the instructor, have any estimate who is creditworthy, but if we do find out, be aware that those responsible will be punished. Entering another family 's common way is not tolerated and all bookman should conduct this as a warning, in font they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not aware of it, please see a Prefect.

"Second. Next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry officials including the Minister of deception, the chief of Magical Law Enforcement, the Head of the Auror section, the Head of the Department for the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures, as well as a few of the pastor 's closest advisors. In add-on, both candidates for minister will be here as well. They will go far Fri night and stay until Sunday morning. Sabbatum they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All pupil will have the chance to see the disputation by a random drawing since we can not conciliate all of you in gain to the Ministry officials and members of the general population that will be attending. The balance will hear via receiving set in a few classroom. All students are required to listen or watch. More information about that, such as how to find out if you 've been selected to watch and what assignments you will receive on the public debate, will be distributed by Professor Young in your government class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a shoes of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are scholar, teachers, or staff. You will not pull antic, especially not like the one that was pulled end nighttime. You will respect the Ministry representatives. I will give you further information next week. In the meantime, startle thinking up a few query to ask our candidates in case they have clock time to do a question and answer session."Kendrick resumed his seat.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so grave,"John said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"Rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the schooling properly. If she wins, chances are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a good show next week if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few first age looked over at him and he lowered his voice."I mean, Kendrick took over as Headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the spot. How can she sack person who helped rebuild Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to go for your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Georgia and Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric wo n't be happy but can you imagine what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"mat said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to switch it."

"conjecture we 're going to find out next Sabbatum,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to follow it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to matt and himself."Our dads are two of the spokesperson, so I bet we 'll have to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really bewitching, champion politics. In some ways it 's completely the same as Muggle politics, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"pink wine agreed.

"You can stimulate my slate if I get one,"St. John the Apostle told her."It 's going to be grueling to doze off if I 'm in the same room."

"Sami here,"Kaden said.

Rose rolled her heart."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the eve in the program library ?"

The son reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their preparation the former night due to the prank and had multiple assignments due the future day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor tower and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the program library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You Guy are amazing. Big thanks to all my committal to writing friends that I word of honor war with. There are now too many to key out individually, but they are awe-inspiring.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Hallowe'en dawned with a tearing thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would communicate before Saturday, when he would get to face Slytherin on the Quidditch rake. Albus was feeling much better after a becoming nighttime 's sleep, although he was dreading having to go to History of Magic first matter in the morning again. Whose hopeful musical theme was it to pay them that category two dawning in a row ?

The post owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his folk owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his home with solid food. His parents only occasionally sent him post now that he was in one-quarter year and no longer needed a letter from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Percy 's screech owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his fork down and untied the alphabetic character from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his snoot in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the varsity letter and saw his face go from faint peculiarity to slight repugnance and then finally uttermost disgust. Percy 's letters were always concern and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"unlikely !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James asked as he snatched the varsity letter out of Cedric 's hands."Is he making you sit side by side to him while he debates next week ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to read the letter."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you better than this ... stunts like these could hurt my fortune for a win in April ... must get word to think about the moment of your actions ... fifth year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... fourth dimension to grow up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his bacon with a bit too much force."He really believes I did it. And with no evidence !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that article. The part where you mentioned that you like pulling put-on. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh wait, hey ! He 's going to tell my parents that I was in on it too !"James slammed the letter down."No way they 'll believe him without proof though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the component where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without test copy,"James said.

"Yeah but our record are n't exactly clean,"Cedric pointed out."Falco columbarius, I wish I 'd thought up this prank. It was history worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin usual room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before outset year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd like to get some tips,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his maddened blushing was n't noticeable. He could not believe that Harry Hotspur actually believed Cedric pulled the prank without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in fuss without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would find terrible. He already felt dread that Percy had even had the nerve to accuse Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to figure out who did it,"James decided."To authorize our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that hard. No joke can be done without grounds left behind. It 's out of the question to do in this place. We 'll look for clues around our own unwashed room because I think the Slytherins are justly. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should talk to the trace, too,"James said."They wander at all hours."

"right field,"Cedric agreed."undecomposed be off to class now, though.

Albus turned to St. John after his brother and cousin had left the table. John and Matt had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and Henry James to see the integral conversation. Both boys were pale than usual and Albus was certainly he was as well.

"Myrtle saw us,"Matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their suspect list."

"D'you believe your own brother would ferment us in ?"John the Divine asked.

Albus laughed."Of course of action he would. He 's my brother."

"commodity point,"whoremonger muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"Hope Myrtle does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."matt sighed.

"On the plus side, we 'll be Hogwarts fable,"John the Evangelist said.

"William Tell that to my parents,"Matt replied.

Albus thought about James and Cedric 's pursuance to figure out who pulled the chicken prank during the entireness of story of Magic. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to Vinca minor. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the forenoon, not that they 'd left chickens in the Slytherin plebeian room. Sure, there might stimulate been random chicken feathers in the unwashed elbow room that break of the day but the house extremely low frequency would have already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Bradley. Albus 's abdomen dropped. Would Thomas Bradley rat out Albus in order to salvage his own brother from potential trouble ? Albus liked to call up not, especially since doing so would accuse Bradley as well. But it was potential that Omar Nelson Bradley would request Cedric to get out him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the selective information in the first place. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so confusing and there were too many possibilities.

matt and John looked equally disturbed by the possibleness. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at professor Binns but not looking at him. matt was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook. John was twirling his quill around in his handwriting and had splattered ink all over himself and his chronicle of thaumaturgy book.

Albus was grateful that they had tutelage of Magical creature following, despite the steady downpour. They would be capable to talk. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this picky object lesson he had an actual unicorn for them to abide by and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John the Divine, and matte, unicorns did not like male child and thus had an excuse to attend back and talk.

"The only way they 're going to rule out is if they talk to Thomas Bradley and Omar Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to subscribe to notes on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the girlfriend of the class.

"Or if they talk to Myrtle and put the clues together,"Matt pointed out.

"What clues ?"can asked."We did n't leave alone anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said null can be done at Hogwarts without someone knowing about it. For all we know there was another touch lurking by the Slytherin usual room while we were there that we did n't notice,"matte explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the common room last night-"

"We 're rarely in the usual room,"toilet said."Not since we found the piranha 's Den."

"True. They could also talk to Bilius or Ethan and chance out that we got back at four in the morning. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, think ?"lustrelessness said.

"That would n't tell them anything more than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few annotation about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find plumage or chicken feed or something ?"lustrelessness asked.

"That will make all been cleaned up by now. The firm elves clean everyday,"John Lackland said."I think Albus is good. The entirely way they 'll know is if they talk to Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's voice trailed off. He knew how practically of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

nobody said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking tone on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"flatness finally said."We ca n't stop them or separate them not to investigate because that would look leery. All we can do is wait and trust they do n't figure it out."

Albus nodded. mat was completely right, of course. But what Albus did n't say was that St. James and Cedric would figure it out. They were the school prankster and for the first meter they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the school 's buffoonery experts and could easily follow the trail that would lead them right to their own buddy and cousin.
******


The trigger-happy thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Sabbatum morning and the stipulation could not have been better for Quidditch. It was cheery, with slight cloud cover and minuscule flatus. The temperature was mild for November. weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch couple. No, the team that won would win solely based on their attainment.

The Hogwarts population, both students and professors alike, were very excited for the compeer. House Quidditch had been suspended the previous year in order for the Quidditch and Dueling rivalry with the schools from New York and Commonwealth of Australia, although the last match in the Quidditch event had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for things to go back to normal and that included household Quidditch.

Normal also included the taunting that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right hand before the catch. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to watch out else he see himself in the infirmary Wing for 24-hour interval. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin squad and did n't have enough Quidditch skill to be on a nestling 's team. He tried his serious to brush aside the taunting from the actual Slytherin team as well, but still found his venter was a bit too queasy to eat much more than toast.

The team gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the friction match, prepare to listen his first team speech.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our practices have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for old age rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so watch yourselves. They also have two new players, a pursuer and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new Chaser is a second year and the new Beater is a third class, so I do n't suppose we 'll consume much issue there. I 've seen them practice and they still do n't work as a seamless squad like we do. Just go out there and play like we did two class ago and we 're sure to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the lurch. The ground was soft beneath Albus 's feat, but not too muddy, which would construct for a commodity kick off. He stood in between ling and King James while Fred went to stir hands with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean match and then the two captains crunched each other 's hands. Oteski released the Bludgers and Snitch and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the ground and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Todd Smith announced."first gear House lucifer in two years due to the break last twelvemonth, during the competitions with the other schools. Both teams have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new pursuer, second year Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, tertiary year Devonshire Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, 4th year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his care from Smith as the colleague Gryffindor began to announce the figure of the respite of the players. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the other incline of the auction pitch, where Fielding was attempting to contrive the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular redeem by Creevey !"Bessie Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an splendid Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in possession. ling Weasley in possession, passes to Albus Potter ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other face of the tar. He dodged two of Slytherin 's chaser but was hit by a Bludger sent from Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and tailed Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to catch the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This time Albus made it to the Slytherin destination spot and feigned right before sending the Quaffle soaring through the leave alone hoop.

"score !"Kate Smith announced."Albus ceramicist scores the first gear goal of the match. Ten full stop to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the match continued in the Same manner, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging workforce, rendering it very hard for Smith to prevent up with the commentary. Gryffindor maintained a near constant score of XX points ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two more than finish and assisted on five to a greater extent. The Slytherin pursuer looked more and more disgusted as the match wore on.

An hour and a one-half into the compeer Albus saw Henry James desert his positioning above the residual of the players and fly towards the ground. Hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's quester, followed.

"Looks like thrower has seen the Snitch !"Ian Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal office. King James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering aim when Devonshire Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving nix in between the bat and James I 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with James 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the background. Albus stopped where he was.

The entire crowd gasped, with the exception of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch shot holding the struggling Snitch in his outstretched script. Albus ignored this and flew directly to James, who was hold tight his leg on the priming coat.

Albus abandoned his broom once he landed and hurried towards James. He was surrounded by dame Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, Professor Kendrick, prof Longbottom, the rest of the Gryffindor squad, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to attend at the girl. She was small, like most second years are, but muscular. Her unclean blonde tomentum was in a messy bun and her face was streaked with weeping. As Albus got closer, he could try that she was whispering"I 'm sorry"over and over again.

"Foul !"heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get St. James to the hospital Wing and then we 'll worry about a replay,"Neville said as gentlewoman Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, someone with some mother wit around here,"gentlewoman Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The crowd quickly dispersed as Madam Pomfrey guided the coping stone towards the castle, followed by the gain professors. After a few minutes, Professor Patil ordered the residuum of the bookman to get back to their green rooms. Albus walked back to the castle with his team, who were heading straight to the hospital extension.

William James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer reveal. He no longer looked to be in infliction, but looked like he wanted to hex the entire Slytherin team. Madam Pomfrey appeared in nominal head of them before they could touch James 's bed.

"Ten minutes,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the first thing out of James 's mouth."No one will severalise me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"Fine, now. Just a little painful. gentlewoman Pomfrey said I can leave tomorrow good afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two moment from catching the Snitch when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she consider she is ? Does n't she know the linguistic rule of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their players these days ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the stopping point bit and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"Saint James the Apostle asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"broom agreed."I do n't screw if they 'll give us a rematch."

The doors to the infirmary Wing opened, revealing the Beater in query. She walked tentatively at heart and stopped when she saw the entire Gryffindor team. madam Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in articulation too quiet to overhear before she walked slowly over to James 's bed.

"I know you probably detest me and I do n't blame you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an stroke. I swear it. It was my first match."

Albus glanced at the rest of his team. Their facial expression of muddiness mirrored his own thoughts.

"Er, well, thanks for the apologia, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"Henry James replied.

Devonshire reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. She handed it to James, her heart staring at his bed and not meeting his glimpse the intact sentence."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devonshire said and turned to run from the Aaron Montgomery Ward, before any of the Gryffindor team had time to respond.

"That was strange,"James muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone fancy some umber ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"Does not,"James II argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone give us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"Well clearly some of them have sense of right and wrong,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's twelve,"James II said flatly.

"daughter mature faster than blokes."Scots heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about right wing for you."

"Shut up,"Jesse James muttered."Not sharing my chocolate anymore."

"Ten instant are up !"ma'am Pomfrey announced as she returned to Saint James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few cruddy looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the rest of the team bade James cheerio and left the Hospital extension. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the common room. Albus found his friends at a table near the door to the dormitories and sat down to explain the intact Devonshire Richard Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James I 's leg ?"lavatory asked.

"And she apologized ?"Matt added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John agreed."I 'm surprised she 's on the team. Is n't it a requirement for the Slytherin team to be a fan of violence ?"

"She might not be on much longer, right ?"flatness asked.

"It was an chance event,"Albus said."I already said that. The quietus of the team saw it and so did half the professors. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not sightly,"John Lackland muttered.

"It 's only the first match,"Albus pointed out."pot more sentence to gain those power point back. And their Seeker is awful anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if James IV had n't deliver been hit."

Albus, Matt, and Saint John the Apostle spent the residue of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's opportunity of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the science tier of all the players on all the star sign and the full stop earned so far, along with the possible weather handicap that were surely to come. Kaden paid care, but did n't contribute lots except for the episodic comment about how something was different in football. Amanda did the Saame, save for the football comments. prove suspire and dug a Good Book out of her bag and read it until they had finished.

professor Oteski was at supper that nighttime, which was a rarified happening due to the fact that he has a wife and Whitney Moore Young Jr. nestling in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the palace for category and Quidditch compeer. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the entire Hall silent.

"The other professors and I have reviewed the event at today 's equal,"Oteski began."We 've taken into account a few take bookman'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professor'. I have come to the closing that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's Seeker with her Beater 's Bat was an inauspicious accident. No corrective natural process will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their board and saw that Devon wright was the just Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her head on her hand and was picking at her dinner party. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't think there 'd be a replay,"Fred said."But hear, we can still win. Losing the first compeer does n't mean we 'll turn a loss the Cup."

"Someone 's going to have to tell James,"Scots heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly certain he can count the number of time he has n't caught the Snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the time St. James had lost a match against Linda the lamia and hid in the Shrieking shack. Luckily his brother had come a long way from that and would not finger the need to hide after missing the Snitch.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the succeeding month at least.

If you are enjoying this storey ( or any of my stories ), question over to the forums and name one for a Dobby award ! Be sure to show the formula before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very palliate that he was not given the job of telling James that there would not be a rematch. Fred, being the captain, took that job for himself and the rest of the team merely went with him. Jesse James was understandably disturbed, but did n't direct the news nearly as badly as Albus would have expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a small-scale amount. On Sunday, King James I was released from the infirmary Wing and life story at Hogwarts returned to formula if only for a few days.

After a double class of potions and unmarried class of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his friends had politics and this was the day where they would feel out who would get to sit in the Great lobby during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more blabbermouthed in the minutes before professor Embry began class. well-nigh of the student hoped that they would get to attend the debate, with the exception of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and Matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. Rose had also found out that since she was Percy 's niece, she would also get to attend no matter what.

"Settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how charge you are for Saturday 's disputation. It 's very exciting to see young people so concern in politics. Since I know none of you will pay care during category unless I announce who gets to attend before I begin, I will announce them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a man of parchment on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to serve the disputation without being chosen. mat Eckerton and Albus potter, since both your fathers are headland of departments at the Ministry you will be able-bodied to advert. rosebush Weasley, since you are related to one of the candidates, you may attend to as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not take away floater from the veritable student body.

"One boy and one girl were picked randomly from each year, for each business firm. So eight students from each year were chosen total. For Hufflepuff the lucky two are Olivia Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, light-haired haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quiet, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic yell and the rest of the social class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning educatee were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"congratulation to all four of you. This will not be the only disputation to charter topographic point at Hogwarts and for the next one, dissimilar scholar will be chosen. Now, on Sat, you are to report to the Great dormitory at ten o'clock in the morning. The debate will begin at eleven. You will pass your name to whichever prof is waiting by the doorway and then a Prefect will show you to where you are supposed to sit. Lapp goes for you, lustrelessness, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the sheepskin down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the mesa of his bookman."Now, what prof Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both candidates will be hosting two articulatio question and answer seance. These will be for students and Hogwarts staff only. The Same students chosen to attend the argument will be able to attend the question and answer academic term. It will strike place at three in the Great Hall. Please get at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the wireless. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the metamorphosis schoolroom. Please report card there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no matter whether they are attending the debate or hearing on the radio are expected to pen a foot long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their point. It will be due at the beginning of adjacent week 's class."

The entire class groaned at the citation of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his lecture. They had finally made it into the 20th one C, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The rest of the workweek passed very slowly. The Hogwarts pupil were getting very excited at the medical prognosis of the campaigner arriving for their debate, with the elision of Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to give ear the debate, were catching a lilliputian bit of excitement. Albus was rather shocked at how the majority of the pupil were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with politics and the Ministry of Magic, he was not quite as thrilled with the panorama, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"neediness to take bet on how quickly they find you ?"John the Divine asked as they passed two newsperson on their way to forethought of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the reporters. One was a very magniloquent and lanky man, with messy brown hair and considerable stubble on his face. He was frantically writing down questions that the other reporter, an equally tall woman with huge red lips and melanise hair, was asking an uncomfortable looking first yr.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak doorway.

Albus had absolutely no desire to appear in any take of the Daily Prophet. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental short letter to warn Bradley and Cedric about them the next time he saw his two cousins.

In an movement to avoid the reporter, Albus, Matt, and John the Divine spent their free period after charms in the vulture 's Den. With any luck when the Ministry officials arrived the reporters would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts students. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At dejeuner, after concern of Magical Creatures, he found out that no to a lesser extent than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that morning.

The official were arriving just as Albus and his acquaintance were heading to the Great Hall for dinner party. They paused on the sumptuous stairway while the blue-robed witches and maven entered the Great Hall, gracefully avoiding the reporters that were standing next to the ingress to the Great mansion house. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and Matt 's dad.

The Staff table had been magically elongated enough to provide seats for all of the Ministry functionary, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professor. Albus and his admirer all found buns at the Gryffindor table, near all his cousins. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set fervor to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that prank, Saint James the Apostle,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to produce time to talk with me before he leaves."

"We 'll witness out,"St. James said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't fancy talking to her."

"She 's our last hope,"Jesse James said."We 're going to get her. After all this public debate hooey is over."

Albus let out a sigh of sculptural relief. He had two to a greater extent days. In all satin flower, he 'd nearly forgotten about Cedric and James 's quest to happen out who put the chickens in the Slytherin unwashed room. But apparently his crony and cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his buttocks once the Great Hall was full."On behalf of myself, the rest of the Hogwarts staff, and the Hogwarts student dead body, I 'd care to welcome our Ministry representatives to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to introduce everyone.

"start, our candidates,"Kendrick gestured to Percy and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left wing."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left."Our current government minister, Langston Hartwell."

The relaxation of the officials were intersperse amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired witch sitting in between Professors Patil and Cedonia."oral sex of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to flatness 's dad who was sitting succeeding to Albus 's dad and Professor Trelawney."Head of the department for the Control and regularisation of Magical Creatures. Bruno Walter Eckerton."

half the Gryffindor mesa turned and looked at matte, who gave a smile and shrugged. Never one to talk about his family, near of Gryffindor was unaware of who matt 's dad was.

"I 'm for sure you all remember Harry Potter, head of the Auror Department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's former advisors, who had titles that were just as long and jumble as Percy 's flow job deed. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his hired man and intellectual nourishment appeared on all the table.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch practice for the adjacent day since it was scheduled for the same time as the question and answer seance. The rest of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the prominent amount that were related to Percy, were going to hang the debate. Both John 's little sister, Asthyn, and William James 's best friend, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After dessert had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the time of the next day 's debate and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry officials would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own place for the Nox. Cedric took off for the common room as soon as he had finished eating, in Order to avoid his father.

Albus and his champion decided to stay in the commons room that night since everyone was so lively and the fervour was catching. John brought a deck of Exploding breeze down from his proboscis and the six protagonist sat around a table performing for at least an time of day. Kaden had just had the cards explode in his facial expression when the door to the park room opened and mortal gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common elbow room went silent. Percy was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His center landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his line of Skiving Snackboxes with King James and Nathan. Cedric went as sick as Moaning myrtle.

"Cedric,"Percy said quietly."I need to speak with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at his friends. Rose was giving him a disapproving look while mat, John, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was ridiculous. Why could n't Percy let it go or believe his son ? Or at to the lowest degree deal with it privately ? It was unjust of him to storm into the Gryffindor common room and call out his own son like that.

Walker Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled pranks like this ever since you were piddling. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Percy said."This is not satisfactory. Now I 'd care to speak with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed laborious and looked at Matt, John, and Kaden each in act. Pranks were all in undecomposed fun, but not when innocent the great unwashed were punished for them. And Albus had no doubtfulness that Percy would penalize Cedric whether he had trial impression or not. Cedric 's past betrayed him and Hotspur was too focused on winning the election to give his son the benefit of the doubt. Albus did not like his cousin taking the fall for something he and his booster did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a slight nod of his school principal. John and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to entail"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."Wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your vexation,"Percy said."Cedric has to present his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

St. James the Apostle burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's courteous and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of trouble, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin common room."

"It was n't only him,"John said, standing up."Kaden and I did most of it. Al was just a look out."

"I was, too,"matte announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his friends suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in straw man of Albus, matt, Saint John, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The entire common way exploded in applause and whistles. Albus could n't assist but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in worry. James gave Albus an odd flavor before breaking out in a wry smile himself. A few first gear years ran up and high-fived them. Victor-Marie Hugo was practically rolling on the story laughing.

"sufficiency, enough !"Hotspur shouted."Albus, you 'd better total with me. You three as well."He gestured to lustrelessness, John, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Walker Percy out of the uncouth way to Kendrick 's cogitation. On the way there Albus could n't avail but notice that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the home. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his top dog Boy mean solar day. head word Boy was probably now well out of compass for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to become a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's subject field Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry officials were there, including his own Father of the Church. flatness had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boys and then looked questioningly up at Harry Hotspur."I think we need a moment of privacy,"Kendrick said to the officials,"except Harry and Walter."

The rest of the officials left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his can behind his desk and conjured enough chairs for the remaining people. Albus took a seat in between lustrelessness and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Sir Henry Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that prank death week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a private talk, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chickens in the Slytherin vulgar room prank ?"

"Yes,"Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

Matt 's dad let out a suspiration and shook his head.

"Is this true up, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to deplumate pranks."

"It was our estimation,"trick said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was save a tone out while we were in their rough-cut room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his mitt on his desk."All four of you broke school linguistic rule and you will be punished. Fifty full point from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As much as I 'd care to come out your detention tomorrow we have former issue happening in this rook and none of the stave is free to supervise. You will start your detainment on Monday evening and you will have it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and Matt said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple school rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the week before the first tournament-"

"Your teams will sustain to hold practice without you, Mr. Potter,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"Matt asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, replete moon is Tuesday,"flatness muttered.

"rightfulness,"Kendrick replied."Attend the hold that you can and whichever single you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. Matt 's office is vastly unlike from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheeks reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his sleep when he found out Albus would miss at least two practices for detention. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll give you farther operating instructions on what your hold will entail. Now, get back to Gryffindor column,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his seat. Harry did the Lapplander."Al, you realize I 'm going to accept to severalize your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do need to enjoin you that I 'm majestic of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As disappointed as I am that you pulled that joke, I am very felicitous to take in such an dependable son. I 'll see you tomorrow. Have a well nighttime and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"Love you too,"Albus said quietly.

Matt was having what was surely a standardized lecture with his own Fatherhood and once they were finished, the four male child left Kendrick 's subject field and went immediately back to Gryffindor tugboat.

"heptad detentions,"John muttered as they walked up a set of step."septet. This is worse than that metre in 2nd year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to mention the stage,"Albus replied.

"And detention with Filch no LE,"matt said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

bathroom grinned."virtually definitely worth it."

Albus and Matt gave each early looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 points from Gryffindor, seven detentions with Filch, and no Quidditch practice for a week was not worth it.
***


In avowedly Hogwarts fashion by the succeeding first light at Breakfast the stallion shoal knew that it had been three Gryffindor fourth part years and one Gryffindor third year that had managed to sneak into the Slytherin uncouth room and bank deposit two chickens and a cock, as well as cover the integral spot in bird seed. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's loss of 200 stop put them in the track for the House Cup. Gryffindor was now dead last and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his champion and their horror that the caper had cost them so many points.

rose wine and Amanda had burst out laughing when the male child told them their luck the previous Night. They were raging about the deprivation of points, though. Rose was especially disgusted by john and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry officials were at the stave table, whereas the house tables were not nearly as full as the previous day. It seemed that some scholar had not heeded Kendrick 's mesmerism about going to bed early.

There was a whoosh of wings and Albus looked up to see that the postal service owl had arrived. His sum started beating faster and he swallowed strong upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red envelope in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew tightlipped. His friend glanced up and saw the thigh-slapper just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in front of Albus 's home of orchis and he took the wow in his hand before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the cheeseparing bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully abandon loo. He reluctantly opened it and the room was soon entire with Ginny 's high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS ceramist, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN COMMON room AND PUTTING wimp IN THERE NO LE. I DO NOT charge THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE facial expression OUT. YOU MAY AS WELL HAVE BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY BREAKING MULTIPLE SCHOOL RULES INCLUDING BEING OUT OF BED AFTER HOURS.

I AM VERY foiled. THIS IS THE variety OF affair I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT EVEN JAMES KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE LINE. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE pipeline. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO HAVE PERCY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS while HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO donjon UP visual aspect IN purchase order FOR HIM TO HAVE A hazard AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS Department of Energy NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND red ink OF head. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOUR stallion HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL feature MORE THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The missive exploded with a legal brief puff of smoke. Albus stood there staring at it for a few mo. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was majestic about his satin flower, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short laugh from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpio Malfoy leaning on one of the sinks, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't expect it to be you lot. Did n't think you 'd be smart decent to estimate out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the sidesplitter, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a oceanic abyss breathing spell and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the debate coming in an hr, the rest of the scholarly person would leave about the put-on and the loss of distributor point and bump something new to talk over.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing group. You guys are all awesome ! Thanks for all the dumbfound reexamination ! The new banner was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a little under a calendar week left to nominate news report for the Dobby Awards, so if you like this story, head over to the forums and put up it ! Just remember to study the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of students waiting to get into the Great Hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great residence hall had been completely emptied in order of magnitude for the professor to prepare it for the argumentation. Albus craned his head word in attempt to see it. As far as he could secernate it looked the same except the tenacious menage mesa had been replaced by row of seating. He, along with Matt and Rose, were only a few students away from the front of the waiting line.

Once they made it to the front they gave their names to Professor Longbottom and then were lead inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. adult were milling about talking with each early and students were already seated. The first few quarrel were cordoned off with rope and the Ravenclaw Prefect lead Albus, rosebush, and Matt to the third roped off row. He lifted the rophy and told them to lodge all the way in, to the very end of the untenanted row. Albus sat in between blush wine and matte. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry functionary and their mob. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the nominal head row along with the rest of his aunty and uncles. Sakartvelo was also in the front row and was handing out coloring al-Qur'an and crayon to Samantha and lindy.

James, Ben, Lily, and Hugo filed in following to lift a few proceedings later. Albus saw that Cedric and Tom Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the front man row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and chump finished out their row five minutes later. Albus gazed around the room and spotted Victoire and shift sitting across the aisle. Henry M. Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took seats next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to acknowledge he was storm to see them there. Last he heard she was in France and he was in Rumania.

The room soon became compact with the students who had won seats as well as other witches and whizz who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in store in Hogsmeade including dame Rosmerta. He turned to the nominal head of the room and noticed that the staff board had also disappeared and had been replaced with two pulpit and a lowly table, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the threshold to the Great mansion house were shut and masses began to sit down. prof Kendrick entered the room from one of its anteroom, followed by the Minister, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The other Ministry official were seated in the front row.

Kendrick lead them to the pocket-sized table near the stump. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the social movement of the podiums and the consultation quieted.

"Welcome to the third gear debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts School of witchery and Wizardry. Today 's debate will be on Education. I 'd wish to introduce today 's moderator, the brain of the Department for the ascendancy and regularisation of Magical brute, Walter Eckerton."

The interview clapped and Albus whispered to flatness, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. matte shook his head no and the two looked back to the front.

Kendrick had taken his tush and Matt 's dad had rose."Now I 'd wish to welcome our two nominee. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more hand clapping as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the antechamber and took their home behind the stump. Once the clapping subsided, Matt 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's disputation will run similarly to past debates, with five minute reply and two arcminute rebuttals. All questions and prompts will be about education. The debate will run for an hour and a half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then lunch will be served. After lunch there will be a scant jailbreak and then the educatee dubiousness and solution sitting will take berth in this Sami elbow room. Without farther adios, the maiden question. Mr. Weasley, you will answer first.

"How do you find about the Hogwarts physical environment ? Do you feel it is adequate and tributary to learning or do you palpate modification should be made ?"

Sir Henry Percy took a whole tone forward and smiled at the audience."I believe that the Hogwarts castle is very conducive to learning. Being in a cloistered domain provides little in the way of beguilement to the bookman. Yet the law of proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade village gives scholarly person in third year and above a much needed faulting. The lone modification I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and repair what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Matt 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts castling is very contributing to learning and I see nothing wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's points are very valid."

Albus turned to Matt and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. matte 's dad seemed a little shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few irregular after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no need for rebutter. Moving on to the adjacent question. Ms. Laurentis, this meter you will go first. How do you sense about the electric current Hogwarts course of study ? Do you feel the classes adequately prepare today 's young people for living in British wizarding companionship ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts curriculum has not been updated in decade. In fact, the but new class that has been introduced is this year 's year on politics. Curricula is something that needs to change with the times and be re-evaluated at to the lowest degree every other year. The humans is a constantly changing place and what scholarly person learn needs to deepen with it. New classes should be offered and outdated classes should be removed. programme for course of study that are kept pauperization to switch in monastic order to keep up with today 's enquiry. Potions, for example, should not be taught the same way now as it was forty long time ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The core curriculum of Hogwarts is similar to that of witching schools all over the world. The socio-economic class taught here offer basic and pull ahead instruction in topics that wizards need in ordering to part in society. We can not put up here and advocate getting rid of appealingness or Transfiguration in favor of some new subject that may or may not learn our students anything. Yes, the domain is constantly changing, but the basic spells remain the same. scholar forty years ago used 'Alohomora'to spread out doors and the spell remains the Lapp today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of spell or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Hotspur 's charge."All I am saying is that we need to look at the elective course that are offered. The basic core course of study should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the same text they used thirty twelvemonth ago, which is farcical considering how much has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to drag out his chest of drawers a bit."Those schoolbook still teach the BASIC ! How is a textbook written last class going to be any secure at teaching a student how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, older schoolbook have more used written matter available making it more affordable for pupil from depleted income families to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off topic from the proposed enquiry, but neither candidate seemed to notice or care.

"Next interrogative. How do you feel about the way that teacher selection and rating is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you find any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach to teacher selection and I believe this has worked well. Ministry officials do not own the expertise to opt teacher and leaving this up to the Hogwarts staff has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded staff at Hogwarts. Following the sovereignty of Voldemort, a small education department was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the pocket-sized amount of regulation has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."instructor selection, along with program changes, is the the face of Hogwarts that needs the most stem change, in my opinion. While Professor Kendrick is a delicately headmaster, I think more guidance is needed when it comes to choosing professors. For the preceding four twelvemonth, Hogwarts has been unable to procure a DoD Against the Dark artistic production professor for more than two long time. One only lasted a yr. other prof have been here for decades and yet others have remained even beyond their own death. There is nothing amiss, of course, with older instructor, but Hogwarts appears to give birth no way of evaluating these stave member. They remain here, precept, yr after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing pupil with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Percy 's typeface had gained some coloration that was not always there."I hardly think it is earmark to blame professor Kendrick for the lot of old Defense professor. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would happen in the end. As for the other professor, if you would attend at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results of the past few years you 'll see that the majority of students are passing. power I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would agree that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for for one or two professors who should not have been hired in the first base place, but Hogwarts has seen more than its evenhandedly share of poor professor in the retiring few geezerhood. Clearly something is faulty. to a greater extent mass need to be involved with curriculum and teacher selection."

"Next question,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you feel that the protection at Hogwarts is adequate ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could hold sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and feed a slight eye roll before beginning."Let 's just call it what it is, why do n't we ? Lack of security at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can scream it that, is sorely lacking. Might I bring up the fact that for the past three class there had been a severe rupture in security here ? Three years ago, a group of first years dueled the magic spell prof, a seventh twelvemonth, and that seventh twelvemonth 's father on the flat coat for a significant period of time before the professors stepped in. The following year, another low gear year was kidnapped by that same 7th class, who had then graduated. Last year, those same bookman were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your time is up,"Matt 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking more and more disgruntled. His face now resembled his fuzz."might I remind my opponent that following the incident three twelvemonth ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the accompany incidents resulted in any last damage to any of the bookman. Last year, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the black rival that took place here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantments and all the professor are capable of protecting the bookman. hold up year 's incident was an extremely unfortunate person accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in student Death !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the stallion room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to trance the mastermind of that incident. Which by the way was not the only incident last class. Last year 's Defense Against the Dark Arts prof kept a highly dangerous brute in the castling for months before anything was done. And by the metre it was discovered, it took Bruno Walter Eckerton stepping in to have it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to appease, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating pupil in his division all year, not to mention the fact that his course of study were not earmark. Following that atrocious breech in security, regarding the animal, the Same professor proceeded to discover information that could compromise the living of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was uncertain whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her prison term was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about Matt. seed to cogitate of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly jazz about Matt 's consideration, could she ? Albus glanced at Matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of prison term,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please exit the room while tiffin is set up. You may retrovert in a half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his turn to leave the room. The entire bunch was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and matt every so often. He was tempted to skip lunch all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to debar speaking to any reporter before and during luncheon, which proved difficult because they seemed to suffer multiplied during the argument. All seemed smashing on interviewing him, mat, John, and Kaden in finicky due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the food in front of them vanished and the majority of the masses in the elbow room left in order for the question and answer session to hold place.

Both nominee seemed to make regained their equanimity during the meal because Harry Hotspur 's face was no longer beet red and Laurentis had fixed her hair's-breadth and was wearing a smile. The reporters had been banned from the room for the duration of the session, much to their consternation. lusterlessness 's dad also looked better and was standing in the front of the way in front of the podiums, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was much emptier now, considering that only the scholar chosen to hear to the argumentation and the professor were allowed in the way. Albus and mat managed to get a few hind end in the front row. James and Lily joined them.

Once the doors had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the question and answer session. It will run for an hour and the candidates will serve as many inquiry as they can during that time. Please raise your script if you have a question."Nothing about the burst during the debate was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to speak to Laurentis and anything that he would want to ask Walker Percy he could just ask at Christmas Day or send him an owl. Not that he really had any doubtfulness for his uncle, either.

A marvellous Ravenclaw boy raised his hand and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This query is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to make Hogwarts Sir Thomas More secure ? I 'm nearly positive that the most kick upstairs spells are already used."

"That is very avowedly,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to look outside the domain of tour and throw prof basic training in defense lawyers against intruders. I think a course of study, standardised to very canonical Auror education, would gain all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a question for both candidates next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible syllabus changes,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come up later. Not for at least two years."

"Most potential, no,"Walker Percy said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The question and answer school term continued in the same way, proving itself very different from the debate. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his nous drifting towards what both nominee had said during the debate. He was very curious about what the seer would say about it the next day.

"We have prison term for one Sir Thomas More question,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a suspiration of relief. A glimpse at Matt told him that his just friend was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his chair, his heart nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't recognize her, but she had Ravenclaw robes on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about Professor Balladanis in the argumentation and you mentioned something about him giving students data that they could use to endanger another student. Is that really true ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded Matt in the face and whispered to him what the doubtfulness had been. precondition matt 's chemical reaction, which was a look of utter panic, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the campaigner."You may resolve the first part of the question and that part only."

"It is dead on target,"Laurentis said just as Harry Hotspur had been opening his back talk to respond."Professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not translate the fact that there is a blood line between teaching to spread knowledge and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Percy said."The office were related."

"This is why I believe teacher need to be evaluated so we can quash this case of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of information could endanger mortal ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the doubtfulness said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be upright for professor to have got curricula that they stick to."

"I just do n't read,"the Ravenclaw went on."If people are kept in the dark they just blindly follow government agency. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing similar expressions. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a grasp on his robes. lustrelessness looked like he wanted his chair to eat up him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professors have requested that you all return to your uncouth rooms and that you are free to decline remark to the reporters that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of chairs as multitude got up and exited the room. lustrelessness grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his sire, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"Matt said quietly, not waiting for him to fetch up his conversation with Laurentis and Percy.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his look became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, Matt, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to argue about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its antechambers. The room was furnished with a few sofa and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while lustrelessness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really sorry, matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not require live class to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your mistake,"Matt replied as he picked at a release thread on the couch."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she screw, Dad ? She seemed to cognise an awed lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't cognize,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The only hoi polloi at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the rest of the Ministry did have to have it off why I was filing a theme on Balladanis last year. I had to grant reasonableness as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his loup-garou lessons ?"Matt asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his mind."There are Laws protecting minors in this sort of office and I was not legally required to observe your public figure. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a sure example that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to found the probe. That alone would not have gotten him net, but sufficiency grounds was found through interviewing students about his teaching method acting that nothing else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third base year class in my master copy report."

"But she seemed to recognise so a great deal,"matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians embellish what they know in edict to get elected. You do n't get to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could look at the curriculum for refutation for that time of twelvemonth and enquiry and figure it out, but it would need a lot of piece of work. And trust me, she does not feature the time for that. Nor does she really have any cause to care what lesson it was or why a student was threatened or who that student was."

"But she said my life had been at risk,"mat said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The merely ace who are really curious are your boyfriend students and this will shove along over. They have no way of finding out."

"Good,"Matt replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd amend get to the headmaster 's discipline,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while Matt said goodbye to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor tower. The reporters had either scattered or had found bookman willing to be interviewed, for the son came across no one but Prefects and a few showtime years setting off dungbombs on their way back to the common room. Albus was very sword lily to hear that Laurentis did not have it away the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the former year, but he wished neither her or Hotspur would ever wreak it up again in a debate. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the of late update ! clip has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing mathematical group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new meet the Author ribbon on the meeting place. There 's a link to it on my Author page. Please check it out and ask me interrogation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the oracle on Sunday proved to be just as outrageous as the literal debate had been. It took up the entire front page and was ripe with inverted comma from both nominee and a few bookman, although none of Albus 's cousins had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the question and answer session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the indorse Sir Frederick Handley Page. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, finish with a picture of the Ravenclaw in question. His friends quickly crowded around the paper to read it over his shoulder.

security review AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy public debate at Hogwarts
schooling of Witchcraft and genius proved
not only to be a metre to hear about the
candidates'true opinion on magical
education, but possibly uncovered an return
of censorship that had been looked over
last year.

Following the debate a interrogation and answer
academic session was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts student who had gotten to sit
in the Great Hall during the debate. The
in conclusion interrogative was asked by 6th yr
Ravenclaw Elizabeth I York. During the argumentation
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigating of Professor genus Aplysia
Balladanis, premature Defense Against
the Dark art professor ( see article on
front page ). York then questioned what
data had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a educatee 's life."

'I just enquire what selective information was being
taught because I 'm a business firm worshipper that
students should never be denied
information. If it was bad enough
to queer somebody 's life, then sure,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the information was .'York
said in an interview following the
session.

After the doubtfulness was asked, debate
moderator and Head of the department for
the Regulation and ascendence of Magical
creature Bruno Walter Eckerton told the
candidate that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the academic term, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to take note that Eckerton
is the wizard who filed the ill
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a scuttlebutt,
Eckerton said'I 'm the pass of the
Department for the Regulation and Control
of Magical Creatures. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the spot and had
to use up military action .'

The office provided Thomas More questions
than answers and it will be concern
to see out whether this incident plays
a encourage function in April 's election.

Albus set down the paper and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the Prophet have to print that ? It did n't appear relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's rightfulness,"Amanda said to Matt later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to make matter into a bighearted deal so she can win more suffrage. Politicians turn the simplest things into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a pile of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life they 're making a big deal of."

"Honestly, I do n't think it 's actually the information that people want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions textbook."Think about it. If soul were to leak the information, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying werewolf that mass could figure out you were one, they 'd have nothing else to lecture about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts,"Matt said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"blush wine replied."They 're interested in the bigger issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't deal what the entropy is that 's been censored. They just give care that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all agree that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"Matt said."But that 's the affair, no one 's going to really know what it is."

"It 'll all blow over soon enough,"Albus said."side by side debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that form of thing, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Lord's Day afternoon on the Quidditch pitch, which was a welcome relief from discussing the argument and the election and Walker Percy and Laurentis. He loved his supporter, but they all seemed to be capable to discourse the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the rake thirster, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the eve.

The discussion of the censorship article seemed to quiet down the future day, if only because a full bulk of the prof had all scheduled exam that day and everyone was busy with last instant studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and Defense Against the Dark artistic creation, although the latter was really no unlike from the usual worksheets. Luckily there was no examination in Care of Magical wight and then Albus had a free period.

lustrelessness slept the entire absolve period and up until dinner in Bob Hope that he would be capable to attend that night 's hold. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able to get away with just missing the next nighttime 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll have to leave,"Matt said as the four boy made their way to Filch 's study."pigeon hawk I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"John said."Ground 's horribly muddy after last nighttime 's storm."

"Bet the team will enjoy that."Albus said They had practice that night and Albus was missing it.

The son continued their way through the castle until they made it to Filch 's discipline. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to open the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his weapons system when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the wrinkles on his face showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to superintend the boys'custody. He let the cat down on the reason and she took a swat at Kaden 's robe before darting behind a nearby lawsuit of armour.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the doorway behind him, despite the fact that the four boys had n't had a junction detention with Filch since indorsement year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd floor little girl 's can. With toothbrush, of course."Filch reached into his pouch and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom,"Albus whispered to his Friend as they distributed their cleansing implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the door, his coat of arms across his breast, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scrub the storey, John and Kaden doing the Saami. The three had agreed to make the detention as slow as potential for Matt and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two minutes when he heard a splashing behind him and a girlish giggle. He turned around and saw myrtle, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the segment of floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my stool. Oh, but this sentence you 've been in trouble, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common way, is it ?"Myrtle asked."Your crony asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that Nox, hiding under your Invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the word"invisibleness cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some earreach loss in his old age. The last thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't know you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Myrtle continued."I like son who pull buffoonery, you know."Vinca minor giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so finale that his hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some yr I hardly get any boys coming in here,"Myrtle said as she floated towards toilet."And this yr there 's so many. I think you should come visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being dead,"Kaden said.

myrtle let out an ear-piercing shrieking and started wailing. She sped past Albus and into one of the stalls, where she plunged herself into the commode.

"spiritualist type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another flashy stir and Myrtle was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were dead !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John asked."The other trace float about the castle all the time."

"leave of absence the loo ?"Myrtle repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to think about my death right hand here. rightfulness where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the early wraith ?"John asked as he began to call off one of the stalling doors.

"The other ghosts do n't empathise,"Myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being all in. Even the Grey noblewoman and she 's always seemed slightly low-down. But no, none of them are as abject as me."myrtle seemed proud about that.

"Weird,"bathroom muttered under his breath.

"repose !"Filch shouted."You 're in detention. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the son, letting out a aloud wail every so often. Kaden and matte continued to scrub up the level while John scrubbed the stalling. Matt was still scrubbing the cesspit, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look suffering !"Myrtle exclaimed as Matt 's hand slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to beak it up and leaned on the cesspool, squeezing his eyes shut. Myrtle floated down to linger just above the sink next to him and smiled.

matt said nada and turned from Myrtle, to get started on the sink on the other side. myrtle followed."You know, I 'm miserable here all the clip. I just sit here and contemplate my decease ..."Myrtle continued.

Myrtle continued to stick to Matt around the bath while he was clearly trying to ignore her and put as much length between them as possible. He had no lot with this since he was exhausted and Myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught John 's eye as Vinca minor giggled for the twentieth time and the two shared a silent laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hours Filch finally told them they could stop. Albus 's knees and men were raw and he had a feeling he smelled strongly of cleaner. bathroom and Kaden looked equally miserable and Matt looked as bad as he did the good morning after a full moon moon, only without the cuts and chomp. Vinca minor looked delighted at their misery.

"visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to matt with another giggle.

"Someone has a crush on you,"trick said to Matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"matt muttered.

"Matt and Myrtle, what an endearing couplet you 'd make,"John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be happier knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"Matt shouted.

"Fine, was only making a joke,"John replied.

The son walked in silence the respite of the way to Gryffindor Tower. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was incertain as to whether it was past times curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, mat immediately went to the dormitory without saying another word to Albus, John, or Kaden.

"Leslie Townes Hope it 's not cleanse tomorrow,"John muttered as he sat down on the nearest chair and pulled up his heave leg."looking at at that. My genu 's all red."

"Matches my fingers,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the ease of the hold would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch pattern and the last dueling praxis before the outset duel. Some captain he was, missing the last practice before their first of all tourney. Their final practice was Thursday evening and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the recitation, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The room access to the unwashed room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of course, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a sting of guiltiness as he watched them head up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch match until after the holiday, seeing as the future lucifer was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't avail but find that missing dueling practice right before a tourney was worsened than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's workweek did not meliorate the undermentioned day, when he began it with double potions. mat, feeling too ill to brew potions all break of day, stayed in the dormitory to slumber, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a married person to brew that day 's Wart remotion Potion. Even worse, Albus 's partner was also not in course of instruction. Slughorn saw this as the perfect chance to couple Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his cauldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the fixings. He returned a short while later and began to chop up a shrivelfig into perfectly sized pieces. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the caldron, and began to stir it.

"watchword is you and your acquaintance got a week 's detention for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your occupation,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by prospect get Thursday off from custody, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breathing time, trying to still himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own captain, missing practice because of detention. I do n't speculate you 've found mortal else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of lot,"Albus said as he threw another rat irascibility into the cauldron with more military group than was essential."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily reliable, as Albus had slept too previous that good morning to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeons.

"tagging program ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the captain ought to take in at least some skill at dueling."

"Why does it matter so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would make you captain."

"When the professors see what a just job of it I do-"

"One reason, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."Give me one reason why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's human face broke out in a malicious grinning."One reason ? The moon 's going to be in an interesting phase tonight."

Albus lowered his voice."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the beans,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the origin drain from his cheek. Why had he never thought of that ? Of course there were shipway Malfoy could let it drop away without anyone knowing it was him."mulct,"Albus muttered."Fine. You captain the team on Th. But just that day. I do n't give birth detention on Sat afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how matter had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to chop it with as much force as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking face upon the vegetable 's open. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another watchword to Albus throughout the entire class, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into adjacent century after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward spiral when Patil had them employment on transfiguring stinker into teacupful and Albus 's teacup ran across his table and crashed onto the floor. political science was no better because prof Embry had the class discuss the past Saturday 's disputation, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help but feel as if the total social class was staring at him for the unhurt 60 minutes since Embry brought up the subject of his kidnapping and the sacking of prof Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, Matt, Saint John, and Kaden an owl at dinner informing them that their detention would take place in greenhouse Two, where prof Longbottom needed avail transferring his dragon dung plant food from a immense pile outside to assorted pots inside.

"Disgusting !"St. John exclaimed upon reading the distinction."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."Matt will be missing this one, obviously."

John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dorm room. He was sound asleep when I went up there to snaffle my Transfiguration book at tiffin,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to sustain sentence to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his crotch down. He had been picking at his kick stew, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his champion that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling drill later that calendar week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see Matt before the full moon and it was just turning out to be an nasty evening.

Rose seemed to read Albus 's mind."We 'll go check on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

privy and Kaden polished off the sleep of their meal and then the three boys set off for the nursery. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the soil and Albus knew that meant that lusterlessness would be heading to the infirmary Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would handle to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four power shovel and four sets of boxing glove.

"Matt ca n't come tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boys the shovels and gloves."All of this,"he gestured to a vauntingly stack of manure,"needs to be moved into the grass in Greenhouse Two. You can forget once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the spile. It must accept been at least six feet high and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch lurch. It would take them at least an hour. He sighed as he pulled on his glove and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boys working steadily it took them an time of day and a half to displace all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor Tower and take the world 's longest shower. He felt worse than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rainwater.

"Two down, five to go,"John said after Neville parted fashion with them on the second flooring."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really wish some lines."

"I just wish they 'd cancel Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling practice ?"John asked.

Albus felt wrath boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your team. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some reason he did n't want to get into why Malfoy was going to be captain for the night."And it 's only for a night."

John gave Albus a unusual look."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to birth detention on Thursday and miss that practice. I 'll remind you that this frivolity was yours and Kaden 's idea. Not mine."

"I know,"John said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a well half hour in the shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up and regain out that the day had been an awful dreaming. Instead, he dreamed that professor Kendrick decided to learn away Albus 's captaincy and have it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the alone update this calendar month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his regard the following evening when the male child spent an hour doing lines with prof Young, which was slightly purposeless since Young paid absolutely no aid to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the Hospital Wing, as they had been ineffective to see Matt earlier in the day.

Madam Pomfrey was refilling potion bottles when they arrived a short-circuit while later. The curtains were drawn around Matt 's usual bed while all the former beds remained empty.

"Hello, boys,"the nanny greeted them."I 'll let you bring down for ten transactions, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led John and Kaden to Matt 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the modest country. Matt was laying in bed with a bandage around his left-hand arm and another on his forehead.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"matt replied."But I do n't want to spill the beans about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an 60 minutes of transmission line,"lavatory said."And endure nighttime we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're favorable you missed that one. I swear I still smell like flying lizard dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"Matt lamented.

"Three ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually lusterlessness got out of the Hospital Wing two days after the wide-cut moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the detention is. If it 's lines then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to skip it. lady Pomfrey wants me to repose tomorrow."

"Ca n't think of what else they 'd have us do,"St. John the Apostle said."Guess what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's practice tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"lusterlessness exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One practice. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are other mass on your team,"matt pointed out."One of them could deliver captained it."

"As I told John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't occur again."

Matt shrugged, but he did n't look convinced. The last matter Albus wanted to do was tell him the real number reason why Malfoy was going to run the practice. flatness did n't ask that on his plate.

"meter 's up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to lusterlessness."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The last thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other thing that the professors thought of for the male child'detention. Th evening they cleaned caldron without magic in prof Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in early instead. Albus spent the entire detention thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be able to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really smutty,"Amanda said once the boy were back in the coarse room after custody. Amanda had gotten out of dueling drill before they 'd finished detention."A few of the second yr were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able to execute a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he expect ?"Albus replied."They 're endorse year !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't care,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really glad Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd resign otherwise."

"I would 've lay off if he was on my squad, period,"John Lackland said.

"He would n't concluding as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."prof Cedonia was supervising and she had to tell him to inflect it down about five clock time and then once one of the mo age was close to rip, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but feel a bit of atonement that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did feel bad for his teammate. He doubted Malfoy would stop insisting that he should deliver been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would blockade that.

Saturday brought with it a loudly thunderstorm that rendered it nearly unacceptable to get word what anyone was saying in the Great Asaph Hall at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch drill for that day, but hoped that the violent storm would calm down by the time the tournament began since his team would need to be able to discover each other speak.

Malfoy was already seated at squad Seven 's spot at the Hufflepuff tabular array when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was please to see that the rest of the team was giving him a full berth, including a few of the younger Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the second year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So sword lily you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot ready ?"

There was a refrain of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's team. The last few duelers ran into the room and snagged the last few seats, which were unfortunately adjacent to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his spotter. Five second until the tournament began. He felt like he should make some sort of address, like all of his Quidditch police chief did before mate. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The first tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent dueller, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing heavily and you 've all made nifty betterment. We 're going to do corking, but remember, just feature fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in recitation, I think we can definitely win this."

The balance of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheer and then turned to Professor Longbottom, who had just called for attending. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the first gear dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duels happening simultaneously. professor Cedonia is coming around with the tournament schedule, which will be given to each master. Please pay attention and do it when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. prof Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling lot and will announce the winners. The first person to disarm their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your division. The initiatory duel will start momentarily."

prof Cedonia handed Albus a musical composition of parchment and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you recognise when you 're to duel. I 'll secernate you two affaire d'honneur before you 're scheduled. Alice and Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the tenth duel in Neville 's closed chain and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of sentence to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overwhelming, having to constantly be paying care to the inclination and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duels, he managed to get the bent of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duels, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a word the full tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the rest of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling ring, where he was set to duel John. Two Hufflepuffs from early teams were currently battling it out and Albus was future. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to demilitarise his opponent.

"Point to Team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus St. John Brickston."

Albus and John gave each other apologetic smiling before bowing and raising their sceptre, waiting for Neville 's OK.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker curse at John, who easily deflected it. John Lackland sent the like at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending while at John, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs whammy and nearly lost his footing. In the meter it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was able-bodied to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as John fell over. He caught toilet 's wand in his mightily hired man and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to Team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on King John and the two male child left the ringing. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling ring.

Malfoy dueled a second year and won within two instant. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre applause. It seemed that the rest of the squad was still bitter about Thursday 's practice.

The rest of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their second duels, although Malfoy had a lot to a greater extent difficulty since he dueled a associate fourth year.

"Attention, I 'd like to harbinger the winner !"Neville shouted a scant while after the final affaire d'honneur. The entire room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In third property with 44 point is team Four !"

Cheers erupted from the Ravenclaw table, where Team Four was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In second gear situation with 52 points is Team seven !"

The repose of Albus 's team began to shout and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't believe it ! His offset ever tournament as chieftain and his team had gotten second shoes ! A few people slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in first place, with 55 points is squad Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheer from the other end of the Hufflepuff table, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own team had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his equanimity."I knew we could do it !"

The table was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to go out the room. Albus was nervous to get back to Gryffindor tower where he could lionise his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, potter,"Malfoy tiff as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got indorse,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"offset would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got minute considering how awful you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice on Thursday. Did you notice how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a step closer to Albus.

"well it does n't much matter because I 'm the captain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his wand, which he was still brandishing in his left hired man.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's wand."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll replace you."

"C'mon, Albus."lusterlessness had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the mutual room."

"better listen to him."Malfoy gave a suddenly laugh."You 'd think it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a sure clip of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And take that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"Matt grabbed the back of Albus 's robe and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the bunch in the entrance Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to get it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"mat said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's insulting !"

"I 'm used to it,"Matt said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't have in mind you should bear to spend the rest of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would bear solved everything ?"mat asked."You just would 've bewilder another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't have,"lustrelessness argued."You 've just got to discount him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that following twelvemonth he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't think he will. Did n't they go back to House teams for dueling for fifth part through seventh eld this twelvemonth ?"Matt asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the one-sixth years said,"lusterlessness answered.

"good,"Albus said."Then I just have to suffer through this year."

Albus and Matt were the finish of their friends to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. St. James had set a few pyrotechnic off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating platters upon platter of biscuits.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked St. James the Apostle as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Sat with nothing to do. Well, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"Rose asked as she walked up to Albus and mat. can and Kaden were behind her, a cooky in each paw.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the ingress Radclyffe Hall,"lustrelessness explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore detention !"

"I know, but he said something really vile,"Albus said and turned to John."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"rose wine asked.

"He said that he was surprised I was n't attacking him,"mat said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't Worth detention over,"matt repeated.

"But if it continues,"pink wine said,"you 've got to secern Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"Matt insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the possibility of the entire school getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of Merlin are we doing hold in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the following sunrise.

"Seriously,"John agreed."That 's not really custody, is it ? The forest is poise. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all sorts of wight in there."

"My sis did detention in the forest once,"Matt said."She had to harvest these plant Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the full moon moon."

"Well that 's one hold you 'll never have to do."John laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some other kind of works ?"Matt suggested, ignoring John 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The letter they 'd received had not gone into specifics. It just stated that they were to forgather Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At least you 're not going at night,"Rose pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his acquaintance had until custody went by rather quickly. They spent the hr in the commons room alternating doing homework while participating in very big round of drinks of Exploding snapshot with nearly all of Albus and rosebush 's cousins. Everyone was covered in ash by the time three o'clock rolled around and the boys had to run up to their hall to wash away their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was little and was slightly confused as to how detention with Hagrid could possibly be considered custody. Perhaps Professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his friends visited Hagrid every so often and revel spending fourth dimension with him.

Hagrid was already outdoors when Albus and the early three son arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his side. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly unsubdivided detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn fundament hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a thrive jape."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a offense to consider 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from George H.W. Bush and trees. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

fang let out a loud bark as they made their way to the forest. Collecting unicorn pilus. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the afforest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their time the previous year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's beginner ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn tomentum for ?"John asked as they entered the timber."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot more'n wands, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. one-seventh years are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn pilus so Professor Kendrick volunteered you four to take in 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for certain,"St. John muttered to Albus.

It was very glowering in the woodland, despite the fact that it was day. All four boys lit their verge and Hagrid 's garden pink umbrella was providing to a greater extent light than two wand combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't witness any hair until they were at least fifteen minutes into the forest since unicorns rarely ventured near the boundary.

The timberland was very dense and it was hard for them to walk next to each other. Soon, they were forced to walk single filing cabinet through a very minuscule path that was riddled with tree ramification and rocks. Albus stumbled every so often and mat managed to fall over three times before anyone found any unicorn tail hair's-breadth. Galloping hooves could be heard in the length and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a ruck of Centaur in the forest, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a 20 moment walk. He gestured to a nearby George W. Bush."Jus'have a look around here and I 'm surely we 'll find plenty. This is a known area where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with pail in which to gather the hair. Albus set off for the nearest Dubyuh and found a few tomentum snagged in the branches.

"Last hold,"john said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"lusterlessness called out from a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree a few meters away.

"Do you cognise what you have to do for your next one ?"Albus asked.

"line of work, all three nights,"matt said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"bettor than cleaning bathrooms again. Or digging up dragon dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole clustering of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half 60 minutes Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their steps through the forest. Albus found it a little less scary on the walk back and he was n't indisputable whether it was because he had gotten used to the noises or because he could see the sunlight at the edge. He was very relieve to find that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the forest, although now that the custody was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Christ's Resurrection Stone was no retentive there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Commonwealth of Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guys are awesome ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a delirious finishing of all the papers I 'd neglected during Nov. But I won NaNo and category are over so I 'm hoping to get a upright bit of writing done within the next month.


The concluding few weeks of November provided the Hogwarts students and staff with a much needed full stop of calm. The next election debate would not train place until December and the the censoring at Hogwarts topic seemed to have died out, with the Daily prophesier no longer publishing clause on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournaments were over for the term, leaving the students with a bit more clip to devote to their studies. The next Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the arcsecond Saturday in December, a week before condition ended.

Albus enjoyed the humdrum of those few workweek. His daylight were filled with preparation, Quidditch practice session, and dueling practice. squad Seven was very happy to own Albus back as their captain and most continued to ignore Malfoy during practice. Malfoy still reserved a particular glare of hatred for Albus and his protagonist, but he did not seek to start anymore affaire d'honneur in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

December arrived with a snow storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad to cancel two of their practices. This gave Fred the chance to Scripture the pitch for two extra pattern, something that earned him a intelligent dose of U-No-Poo in his morning Cucurbita pepo succus courtesy of William James and Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of school tricker had been rightfully returned to Jesse James and his Quaker. The week of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore prank. The like could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not know what.

Albus, matt, and Amanda spent the first Saturday of December ignoring their preparation in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the pitch for the stallion day, which gave Albus a much needed faulting from Quidditch. John Lackland and Kaden 's fix would probably only be found with the piranha 's Map and Rose was tutoring in the library.

There was a gimcrack squawk from outside the room, which was rose wine 's signal that she was outside and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm worried about Elsie,"blush wine said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the retard for a brother and a cousin and uncle who want to get back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his game.

"No, I 'm not disquieted about her stupid sidekick. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"Matt asked.

"No, she 's actually doing a good deal meliorate,"blush wine said."She 's just very lull. She never talks about anything early than homework-"

"Sounds like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her Brother walks her to the library for our sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone other than them, either."

"That is form of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"Rose said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"Rose said quietly."But if she 's having issues. We all know about her kinsperson. If her crony 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to keep an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her family does n't wish I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something good. Or he 's trying to throw sure she does n't slop menage secrets."

"You think they have more family secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"Matt asked.

"Of row they do,"rose said."We only found out last year that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in kickoff or back year."

Matt shuddered."Probably a good thing that I did n't. I probably would have refused to come to Hogwarts."

"most pure-blooded families like them have dark mystery,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the boldness and he rubbed the liquid on his robes."The single that want the blood to remain double-dyed and thrust. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to tell someone,"Rose stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm sure it does."

"The only job for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the former two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"flatness said darkly.

rose got up and started walking around the elbow room."To be honest, I do n't have sex how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to ask space in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Think about it, go year he had the exculpation of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this year. He 's a Ministry official. A hideous one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his comfortably pursuit to be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a ghost of him, with the resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"mat pointed out.

"He was a secretary for the Obliviator office. That 's a little different from a Head position,"Rose explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping clandestine and I bet it 'll have something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when Rose is tutoring her."Albus turned to pink wine."You think you could try and get her to open up ?"

"wellspring she 's not going to just come out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll conduct a while,"rose said.
***


Albus told john and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that Night. can proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that girl from the instant they had seen her at the beginning of the year. Both boys agreed that they needed to detect out what it was she was keeping underground. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but John and Kaden mysteriously went quiesce as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that night for a long clock time thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not shake the image of her with Felix and Malfoy in the beginning of the year from his head. She had looked so timid and guiltless, far too innocent and Cy Young to be involved with anything like what her family was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't trusted why since Lily was anything but timid.

Morning arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only gotten a few time of day sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the coarse way. He knew he would n't be able-bodied to fall back asleep.

Upon arriving in the green way, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his heart and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The range before his middle was real, and it was abominable to look at.

The Gryffindor common way was no longer red and atomic number 79. It was now decked out in William Green and silver. The comfy couches and chairs were gone and had been replaced instead with received schoolroom chairperson. Various streamer were hung up in the room that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor usual room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin rough-cut room to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the rough-cut way was not the uncanny change, by a long barb. The strangest new addition to the Gryffindor usual room was a greyness and clean goat. It was standing in the middle of the elbow room, its question down and buried in a book. The affair about stooge, though, was that they did not love Book the way people did. Goats ate books. This goat was currently munching on The monetary standard Word of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's oculus drifted from the goat and around the way again, where he now noticed end of other books, quill, homework, and even a cloak.

The goat looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the book. Albus crept a small stuffy and noticed that a sign of the zodiac was affixed to the goat. It said 'The Gryffindor stooge : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next time, recollect twice about putting chickens in our plebeian room .'

Albus stood in the middle of the room, his stare alternating from the Goat to the banker's bill and back again. A stooge ? That did n't even piss any sense. Not only that, they were clearly trying to copy John and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his centre away from the laughingstock and ran back up the spiral staircase until he got to his own residence hall. He flicked on the brightness and Ethan, the lightheaded wagon-lit of the bunch, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the morning !"

"I know it 's six in the dawning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the park way. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke Matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the common room. Their shout of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing John the note.

Albus took a detour to the one-third year 's dormitory room to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roomie got up as well and soon there was a tumid crowd in the common elbow room. By the time Albus entered the elbow room again, the first, second, and sixth years were all there. The one-seventh and fifth class were right behind him.

The common room was in chaos. St. James the Apostle, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the Capricorn the Goat. The prefects were all congregated in one stain, clearly trying to enter out what to do. A quarter of the pupil were standing frozen, with feel of repugnance on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the caper had happened in Gryffindor. Victor Hugo was wrestling the caprine animal for the written matter of the Standard book of account of trance : tier Two, which evidently was his.

The girls'dormitory door opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. Rose and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the remainder of the boys, who were receiving numerous stares and public eye from their fellow students. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his friends for the Slytherins'need for retaliation.

"What in the name of merlin happened ?"Rose asked.

John handed her the note."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to bang, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"bathroom said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"blush wine said.

"All right, subdued everyone !"Albus 's cousin, Mark, shouted over the crew. He was one of the sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dormitories. I 'm going to get Professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

soft touch sighed, as if thinking he should have known."Al, stick around down here. The rest of you, back upstairs.

Rose handed Albus the note back and she and the relief of Albus 's champion turned to go back to their dormitories. There was a general grumbling and voicelessness as everyone left. Soon, the common room was empty except for Albus, the goat, and the six Prefects. fool left in Order to go get professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while Mark was gone. Albus stood off to the face, as he did not know the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as booster of his first cousin.

Mark returned ten arcminute later with professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology prof froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His regard shifted from the new furniture to the goat to the banners and back to the laughingstock.

"Albus discovered it,"brand said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Capricorn the Goat had been chewing on one of Hugo 's Book so he took that. And individual 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right field, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can observe any hint to visualize out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his dorm, where he found not only all of his roommates but Kaden as well, discussing the clowning. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"find anything out ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping Professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boys whiled away the time until breakfast by trading Chocolate anuran add-in, playing round of Exploding Snap, and discussing the Quidditch season. Matt fell back asleep after defending the carom to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

mark knocked on their door a few minute later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke Matt up and the son went back down to the plebeian room. It looked normal once Thomas More. All remainder of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in deal. The classroom electric chair had disappeared and the steady comfy sofa were back. Albus was relieved to see their common room back to its usual United States Department of State, although that did nothing to satisfy his peculiarity about who had done it.

"Wonder what they did with the stooge,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"lustrelessness said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's brother. He owns the Hog 's headland in Hogsmeade. Keeps goat in his pub. Weird bloke,"lustrelessness answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great student residence was populated only by Gryffindor students, which did not surprise Albus in the slightest given the betimes hour and the fact that it was Billy Sunday. The professors were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No doubt that Longbottom had told them about the prank. Slughorn in particular looked unnerve.

Rose convinced the residuum of the group that it would be a good idea to head to the program library after breakfast to get hold of advantage of the fact that it would be evacuate. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to make up some new prediction for Trelawney.

After a few time of day of studying Albus felt his attention commencement to wander. The subroutine library had filled up since they had arrived and brothel keeper Pince was watching over the place like a hawk. The threshold opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk in, followed by her chum and Scorpius. Scorpius 's eyes met Albus 's and he veered from his minuscule mathematical group in order to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your rough-cut room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course not. It 's all over the schooltime. Everyone knows that your coarse way looked like an extension of mine this daybreak. And that butt, I heard it ate a few Book. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the prof to examine it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't have left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"John said flatly."Albus confessed to save his full cousin and sidekick who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just evidence me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the plebeian room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his admirer had used the invisibility Cloak to figure out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not have an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't recount you how I did it."With one more glare at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our common room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No idea,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a world-class year into telling him what it was,"lav said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't eff it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find out who it was, either,"blush wine said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"conjecture it does n't really matter at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's time for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

rosiness groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn into a Brobdingnagian prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the full point,"John replied.

If John and Kaden were trying to start a prank war Albus did n't want any part of it. He had had sufficiency detentions for a lifetime and did not trust outgo anymore of his Hogwarts career scrubbing bathrooms or doing lines. Albus sighed and returned to his recital. John and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to work on on their next prank.

Later that day at dinner prof Kendrick gave a very stern lecture to the stallion school about breaking rules, especially the rules about not entering plebeian way that were not yours. It was very similar to the lecture he gave after the chicken prank, except this time Albus could severalize that the headmaster was even more angry. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not await guilty at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's stooge ( as the trick had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the hebdomad. Most of the castling was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip and then the winter holiday. professor Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those pupil who wished to outride base during the vacation, although none of Albus 's friends signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to stay,"John said as professor Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this year since there 's some big Ministry Christmas party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"mat said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the second gear year in a row,"Albus replied.

Matt nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay next twelvemonth,"Kaden said."Then I can go a unanimous schooltime class without seeing my grandparents. Or Aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good cause to stay at Hogwarts over the vacation."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the rook 's great at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Christmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's family line was Judaic and celebrated Hanukkah.

"You 're receive to come to our grandparents'house for Noel this year,"rose wine suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"rose, you 've got post,"Albus said, gesturing to rose wine 's crime syndicate 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, good !"Rose said as she ripped open the letter of the alphabet. She scanned it for a minute before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a quizzical look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's cogitation at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how trials are run. I think it 's going to be the most matter to one since both Uncle Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their views on that topic."

That was for sure. This argument would probably be even more explosive than the one on education."You 'll have to let us know all the details,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not pick up everything second hand from the Prophet."

She had a compass point there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that Rose was the one going and not him. As lots as he thought the election was occupy, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his friends than sitting in a court listening to politico all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with schooling ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update Thomas More often.


The hebdomad leading up to the Hogsmeade trip dragged by very slowly. Albus was sure that Wednesday in particular was at least twice as long as a normal day and by the time Fri finally decided to make believe an appearance Albus was sure he would go insane from all the homework he had to complete. Tuesday had been the full-of-the-moon moon, but luckily lusterlessness left the hospital wing Th afternoon and had been cleared by lady Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Saturday arrived there was a welcome break in the blizzard that had blanketed the Hogwarts solid ground in two feet of nose candy. Albus and his friend slept late and by the meter they woke up pink wine had already left to go to that day 's disputation. Albus, Matt, and King John quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to forget."Albus ! gladiola I found you. I booked the pitch for today at three since there 's a break in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As lots as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips were rarified occasions and he had Yuletide shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other squad have booked the pitch. It 's booked upstanding the rest of the week and we need another practice in before break starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was redress, of course. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through lunch he would still have a dear two minute in the settlement."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to find James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to leave, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, Gospel According to John, Matt, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the library last workweek and overheard Henry James asking some Hufflepuff fifth yr out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."waiting, William James has a date ?"

"James asked a girl out in the library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't tell him that rosebush and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd murder us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They better not be in Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't take to going in there to say him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the approximation of King James asking a female child out in the depository library of all places. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd pull off to catch a glimpse of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to result her to go to Quidditch practice,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the rough-cut way.

"He will if the date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"wellspring let 's hurry up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can compute out who this female child is."

Albus hurried out of the vernacular room followed by his admirer. They ate a very stimulate lunch in the Great Hall and then ran outside and down the path to Hogsmeade. As they neared the settlement Albus kept his eyes peeled for his brother.

"Where to first ?"Matt asked.

"Weasleys',"St. John the Apostle and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a glance. They should have known. They followed John and Kaden as the two wicked male child led the way to Weasleys'wiz Wheezes.

The store was packed to capability as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George who was behind the rejoinder ringing people up as fast as the public treasury would let him. Teddy was working that weekend and was restocking a ledge of Skiving Snackboxes. John and Kaden each grabbed two as the boys passed.

Albus grabbed a few Extendable ear as his seemed to feature disappeared and a box of Deluxe whizzbang for James for Christmas. He joined the long queue at the till and was joined by John and Kaden who each had arms overflowing with products. mat and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few pigmy hassock that were in a Cage in the front of the store.

"Neither of you have seen Saint James, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John Lackland said."Bet they 're at the Three Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. lady whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"Madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying place. Covered in frilled affair, and pink stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and John both agreed. They would look for King James I, just not at brothel keeper Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, john, and Kaden had their supplies.

The adjacent stop was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on candy and Albus bought a Yule present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle store and then the trinity Broomsticks. Albus had yet to see Saint James the Apostle, but his sentence was quickly running out. He had a half hour before he had to head back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the rest of the mathematical group found a table. Luckily Scorpius Malfoy was nowhere in pot. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his sidekick 's familiar red tomentum. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's table so all he knew was that she had very long, very full-strength brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to mat, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the girlfriend is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"privy said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the fifth part year prefects."

"Wait, so James not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"guess so."can shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to consume to watch his step."

"You realize that there 's a trade good chance one of us might be a prefect next class,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll pick Bilius or Ethan,"John said."They 'd never pick me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"Well rosebush is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just have to sneak around more next year,"Saint John the Apostle said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"lusterlessness said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's kind of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a shop where someone was murdered."

"Still, it 's just strange,"flatness said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not want to do anything with it or trade it."

"guess that 's a good item,"Matt said.

"Look, James IV and the young woman are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his chairwoman. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side by side out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to intromit. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were garden pink. James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll show to Quidditch practice ?"whoremaster asked.

"If he values his life,"Albus replied."speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodbye to his friends and headed back out into the cold. The sun was out and there was no malarky, but it was still bitingly cold. He trudged his way through the snow and indorse up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor tower to shed off his purchases and change into his Quidditch robes.

The rest of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with Saint James about something while the rest of the squad stood off to the slope.

"She 's not even on their squad !"Saint James the Apostle shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a closed in practice session !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the stands and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff cover. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slender Wave back.

"I could n't just leave her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to follow you play Quidditch ?"Fred asked."fine, mulct. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James IV joined the repose of the group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warm up."

Albus mounted his Calluna vulgaris and soared into the air. He joined the residual of the team in their flying around the pitch and lost himself in flying. It was nice to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his mind.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their best practice session in calendar week since the weather was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not have any issues with playacting, but the weather was usually awful whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a respectable thing since it would help them learn how to meet in matches with bad atmospheric condition but no one else agreed. Albus was very well-chosen to have a practice where the conditions were paragon. It made Quidditch so much Sir Thomas More enjoyable.

James II and Gabby hurried off as soon as exercise ended and the rest period of the team walked back to the castling together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tower when Rose, Matt, John, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's damage ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nothing,"rose said."We just need to babble out to Albus."

"Meet us in the room after you stash your Scots heather,"lustrelessness whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the vernacular elbow room and up to his dormitory room. He had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it must have just had to do with his booster because everyone else in the uncouth room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his broom away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to get through the marauder 's Den. All his ally were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the name of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two things,"rosebush began."One, the debate. It was ... well ... insane is the entirely news to describe it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the Shrieking Shack,"lusterlessness said."After you went to Quidditch practice we walked around the village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"Matt said."There 's wards. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"DOE he know that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down next to Rose.

flatness shook his head."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is supporter with Felix Willinson so anything weird that he does needs to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"whoremonger replied.

"He 's not the beginning one to be curious about the shrieking Shack,"matt pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would have expected Matt to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not in force that he 's trying to get in,"bathroom said.

"well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"Matt countered."Let 's just block about it for now. What pink wine has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to attend at Rose, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly remember a time when Rose was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"Rose said quietly."She wants to completely change the department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to enquire every single Auror and reorganise the section because she does n't think things are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in armorial bearing of the Auror department for eld and there had never been any complaints. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to turn a loss,"John said confidently."No one 's going to vote for someone who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"Rose whispered."They will. There 's been newspaper column in the Prophet for weeks about how the current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"rosiness said."Talked about all the good your dad has done, but she argued rectify back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all polite about it and there was no way to differentiate who supported who,"Rose said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to interchange all the Heads of departments who do n't harmonize with her. She 's going to require citizenry in power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Sir Henry Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, Matt 's dad 's job, Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Head of Magical Transportation, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingers."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"Rose said as she stood up and began pacing around the room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical accident and Catastrophes, Magical Games and Sports, and then the section of Mysteries."

"Do you have a go at it anything about the Heads of those section ?"John asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"rosiness said."But I do n't roll in the hay much about the others. The cuss in accusation of magic deportation moderated the first of all debate."

"That 's eight placement,"flatness said quietly,"and she could replace all of them. That would wind up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"rose said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a understanding most newly elected Ministers do n't exchange everyone. It 's too a great deal convulsion. But if she wants immediate modification, it would be the easiest way to get it done."

"What 's the future debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"pink wine said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a separate Azkaban argument. She 's in explosive charge of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new year,"Rose answered."Once we 're all back in shoal. Then February 's argument is on witching creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be skilful,"Matt said."Guess that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in March they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the beginning of April,"Rose continued."That one is going to take shoes here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't think anyone 's going to vote for her,"John muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry ceramist would n't get enough votes."

"You 'd be surprised, whoremonger,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's care. I mean, I have n't been in the witching human beings long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the current Ministry and Auror section are too lenient and trace at the possibility of another war, and then call that she could squash it before it became a war, she would easily get the vote. People are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"blush wine agreed.

The elbow room descended into uncomfortable silence. At the beginning of the school year, none of them had much interest in the election or the Ministry in cosmopolitan, but now, just a few calendar month later, Albus and his friends were learning just how much the event of the election would feign them. The theory of drastic change to both Hogwarts and the wizarding human race did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and mat 's papa were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and gap from school, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on preparation or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great manor hall during meal was about Christmas and snowball scrap and expenditure time with kinfolk. Albus was sucked into the Noel cheer as well, but the election was still on the back of his mind.

For Albus, Rose, and the sleep of the Weasley/Potter kinship group, the Christmas holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New yr 's party at the Minister 's Mansion was scheduled for New Year 's Eve, for all of the upper-level official and their families, as well as Hotspur, Laurentis, and their house. All of Albus 's extended family would be attending. But perhaps the most freaky aspect of the holiday was the fact that Uncle Percy was going to allow a reporter from superstar magazine to keep abreast him for not only the Ministry company, but Xmas at the Burrow as well.

"This is just unearthly !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the finish day of term."A reporter ? At the Burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Thomas Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his verge and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with stake from his father.

"Did grannie agree to this ?"St. James the Apostle asked as he loaded his scale with bacon.

"She must 've,"Thomas Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I kind of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't desire that Laurentis woman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't want some reporter staying with us at the tunnel,"Cedric said adamantly.

"surmisal you wo n't be getting the real Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to stay with Rose for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big deal. With your family, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no idea,"Albus said."We 'd break get to History of Magic."

Albus got up and his admirer followed. Despite the fact that it was the net day of term, prof Binns still gave a lecture. cipher paid him an ounce of attention. The rest of the professor did n't bother teaching any new material as they figured the student would just bury it over the good luck. prof Cedonia set them a practical deterrent example, but did n't scold them when they stopped charming their teacup to dance and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a vauntingly bonfire going to keep them warm, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the floor of Norberta and bawled about how a lot he missed her. In Ancient Runes, there was an exam.

The following morning Albus and his friend climbed aboard the Hogwarts express mail for the trip back to John Griffith Chaney. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding human race. He felt condom from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't seem as big a deal. The train was like its own little world with but students and Sweet from the trolley ; on the train, nothing bad could happen.


Long hiatus ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the second one-half of June 's summer camp NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so very much for all the followup !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"testament she really print anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the relief of the thrower had just Apparated to the field behind the Burrow. Albus was a bit anxious about being in the mien of a newsman from Wizards magazine publisher and was not at all slap-up about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the newsperson would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even notice Albus.

"And James, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at James."Seriously, James River, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"James I said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"St. James Dog Star Potter, listen to your father,"Ginny said.

Albus put his hand over his mouth to hide his laugh while his pal pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue Toffees and a phial of Weasleys'Itchiest Itching Powder out of his scoop. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her verge. She brushed the ash onto the terra firma and James stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a poke in the shoulder from Saint James the Apostle. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"Boys, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"Molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas Day !"

"Happy Christmas, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grannie a nimble hug, grabbing a fistful of biscuits on his way to the den. The first affair he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a stool in the corner. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy assembly, in her black skirt, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore dog to the Burrow ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet-black hair was done up in some sort of bun and her lips were smeared with vivid red lipstick.

The second thing Albus noticed was just how sportsmanlike the Burrow was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many sess and saucer wax of warm, steaming food, but out in the den, it was very detectable. The Burrow was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately orderly like Matt and Kaden 's houses were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with lot of books and mountain of board biz and various Muggle and magical devices. Blankets and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairs, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was neat. The heaps of Bible had been shelved and the mantle folded. The sheer amount of stuff seemed to have been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a unity Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the story or table. It was bizarre. The Burrow did n't see like the burrow without its clutter. You never knew what you 'd find at the Burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his head slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the floor. They had a large phonograph record of nutrient in forepart of them, making Albus realize how athirst he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of bowl."I see somebody cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to give a good printing. Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the laws he 's aid pass,"Rose said."But all the reporter wants to do is consultation the rest of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"auntie Corrine, Gran, Gramps, Uncle neb, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and Lindy,"Rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"Rose said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

Rose indicated to the stairs, where Walker Percy was leading a scrawny gent back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"Dress gazump ?"rose wine said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few stab of you playing a biz with the counterpart,"the photographer said as he and Percy walked retiring Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"Wonderful musical theme !"the newsperson exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she listen that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the newsperson said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to sink the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the elbow room, her eyes finally coming to rest on Amanda."We 'll need a crack with you and Percy as well. Candidate plays Exploding Snap with the Prime Minister 's niece ! Perfect ! I could not have planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the efflorescence minister of religion 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"Rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a betray plot of Exploding ginger snap with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and Lindy. The completely matter was very ludicrous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's good turn, but she was posed with a set of genius 's chess,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't have,"Percy said jovially after the lensman finished."photo with the bloom Minister 's niece."

"But cypher knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece,"Amanda said once she, Rose, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the doorway. He peered into the den and took strain of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, Bill, and Charlie, were penny-pinching to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the paladin .'All four had mugs of eggnog in helping hand. nanna was listening to Celestina Warbeck while Aunt Fleur glared at the wireless. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and Aunt Hermione. near of his full cousin were eating or laughing about one thing or another. Samantha and Lindy were playing Exploding Snap for real now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the lone one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Percy, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. aunty Corrine was as well, but none of their sometime children were anywhere in sight.

"wealthy person you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"Rose said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed pink wine out of the kitchen and up the steps. As they peered into each chamber, Albus found out just where his nanna had stored all the stuff that used to be in the den. Every single room had a pile of random poppycock in it. They eventually found their three cousin-german hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old chamber at the top of the house. They were sitting on one of the layer and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to find it was only Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the reporter,"Georgia said,"and talking about how much it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is bloody insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite bed."Uncle Walker Percy has to win."

"Well, I do n't want him to,"Omar Nelson Bradley said."Do you make how much biography will change if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an mind,"Amanda said, sitting down next to Albus. rose wine sat on his other English.

"Before his campaign started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would know him, but he was just Sir Henry Percy Weasley. Do you know what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Hotspur Weasley, pastor of thaumaturgy. Not just Hotspur Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."Minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll leave at the office at five. It 's more a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the Minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you experience all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the Prime Minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Great Britain ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this secret for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much foresightful since that photographer just took a delineation of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're good that your life wo n't be the same if he gets elected. And even after his terminal figure is up you 'll still always be the Minister 's son."

"And we 'd have to travel into the Minister 's house,"Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to calibrate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Georgia already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the year,"GA pointed out.

There was a knock on the room access and then it swung wide open. Walker Percy stood in the doorway flanked by the reporter and lensman. Percy had changed out of his robes and was now wearing a green Weasley sweater with a red'P'on the front. In his weapons system was a flock of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Sir Henry Percy said."We 're doing a pictorial matter of the entirely folk in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his children and then one each to Albus and Rose."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jump shot this year ?"Empire State of the South asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purpleness'G .'

"Must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was blue with a gold'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us look like a cheesy family,"Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and rosebush followed their cousins back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photograph.

Albus 's intact kin was posed in half the den. The photographer was running around making small adjustments, which Albus thought was pointless. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all look at the television camera and grinning nicely at the same time.

The lensman noticed Albus, Rose, Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James and Lily, who were sitting right in the centre, on the floor.

"Lovely !"the photographer exclaimed a few hour later. He ran to the other face of the elbow room and stuck his heading behind the tv camera."Everyone grinning ! Beautiful !"He took dozens of pictures and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the reporter shouted once the lensman finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a happy Yuletide. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one Nox. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the reporter and lensman out of the tunnel, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"mollie shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley family had ever had and Albus was very much looking forward to tomorrow, when thing would get back to some colour of convention. Albus walked up to bed with Rose and Amanda, wishing them both unspoilt night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. James, Ben, Cedric, and Thomas Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their seam.

"You 're going down, Potter,"Omar Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Omar Nelson Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Christmas custom for his kinsfolk and nothing, even his uncle running for parson, was going to foreclose it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Georgia exclaimed, having just saved a finish by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into play by the end of her broom."Kenmare Krazy custodian move !"

"You 're still going to fall back !"Thomas Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got slip !"

"If Teddy were a real Seeker he 'd be playing for a League squad and not studying to be an Auror !"Sakartvelo shouted back.

"He 's still not as estimable as James,"Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught Jesse James everything he knows !"Teddy said as he flew past, heading toward GA 's depart goal post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the Snitch clutched in his hired hand."Aurors have to have constant watchfulness, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the priming, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a respectable biz, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the cloud were rolling in. It was a thoroughly time to head back inside for Christmas dinner, especially since the odour of joint turkey and potatoes had been drifting outside for the past half hour.

board, already covered in numerous dish aerial of food, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstair to alter and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the board. Albus hurried to the seat rose wine and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Hotspur.

"How was Quidditch ?"rose wine asked.

"Good,"Albus said."We lost, but teddy 's pretty very much unbeatable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't play professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had offering, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't for certain. Then he just decided to bring together the Auror academy, because of his parents, you know."

"Makes common sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to defecate a pledge,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his glass of pumpkin succus."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the hunting expedition. We only have three months to go, so let 's make the most of it. prevent up all the great body of work. Here 's to a win in Apr !"

Albus clinked glassful with rose and Amanda and then served himself a large helping of Turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmas at the Burrow. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousin, auntie, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left, his auntie Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study gratuity for their O.W.L.s. The boys were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and shimmy were holding hands under the table, which was kind of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left handwriting, a skill she clearly did not have. Saint James, Thomas Bradley, and Empire State of the South were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the twins, Lily, and Hugo just how many peas he could fit into his mouth at once. Percy was, of course of instruction, discussing the gritty details of his cause with his married woman and parents. Fred and print were telling Angie about the cloak-and-dagger passageway that lead into the cellar of Honeyduke 's. The rest period of his family was too far away for Albus to get wind what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really like,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one earlier,"rosiness said while Amanda laughed."St. James put one of those wind-up Pygmy Puffs in Gran 's fully grown pot, so while she was chopping veg it jumped out and started screeching. aunt Ginny knew it was James II, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no test copy !"James cut in."It could have been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"rosiness said."It was you."

"William James, did you hear me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to initiate with your rickety subject offset. Honestly, you should 've started preparing survive year. Albus, Rose, Amanda, are you listening ? You should start revision now."

"I started hebdomad ago, Mum,"Rose said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be lucky if Jesse James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be dolt,"Rose said."What does he need to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll need sealed O.W.L.s to get into the rightfield N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no melodic theme,"Albus said,"except he wants to play Quidditch."

"He 'd better get going,"blush wine said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, Rose ?"James asked.

"As a thing of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"pink wine said."Get my healing degree, specializing in psychiatry."

"amercement, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

Rose nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summertime and it 's really need I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit Whitney Young to consume decided that ?"Albus asked.

"Matt 's sister had it all figured out in fourth yr and flavour where she is now,"Rose pointed out.

She did have got a point there, Albus thought. matte 's sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing point, with only two and a half more years to go. Albus did n't even want to think about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an announcement to make !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to look at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to make speeches or announcements during family dinners. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousins, certainly not coming near to the level of boisterousness of Tom Bradley, James, or Georgia.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just tell you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The room was silent, much like it was after Sir Henry Percy announced his intent to run for Minister at the before school dinner. Then, as happened after Percy 's annunciation, everyone began to sing at once.

"You 're what ?"Bill exclaimed.

"Gabriella, honey !"Fleur shouted, dropping her glass of wine."What prompted this ?"

"The political mood in France is very unsteady,"Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"heather mixture asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few calendar week in France that capitulation and seemed to enjoy it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me talk !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one more."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me continue with them until I get on my pes. When I painted there this pin it just felt so right. My house painting there were so a lot comfortably than the ones I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"Bill asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to spend everyday in an function and miss out on life. No criminal offense. house painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"Bill began.

"Federal Reserve note,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the same when you were her age. call up the earring ? The hair ?"

flier 's font reddened."It 's not the Lapplander, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a good creative person ! I 'm not going to famish !"

"You know my parents would never let her famish,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the power point. The point is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the way, running up the steps. A few moments later a door slammed.

Bill made to get up, but Victoire put her hired man on his shoulder, forcing him back into his tush."Dad, I 'll go."

The way lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sis. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's plan. Albus had always thought of greenback as his cool uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his kids wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Percy had about Georgia 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, flyer,"Percy said pompously."creative person is not a life history. You 've got to oppose this. Went through the same thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the past few month of going to my secret plan and making the press think you 're supportive of my dreaming, you still do n't think I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a by-line,"Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unbelievable !"Georgia exclaimed."The sustenance, the cheering, it 's all fake, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."GA stood up and left the mesa in a exchangeable way to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's faux support,"James muttered.

"Well, she did at first but she probably thought there was no way he could bullshit it for so long and not get to arrive around. She surely thought it was real by now,"blush wine said.

"You 're going to make believe a good psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Percy,"King James said.

"Does anyone desire pudding ?"Gran asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews !


Never before had Albus experienced such an sticky Christmas dinner, and that included the time his auntie Katherine went into labor with Eddie at the board. After Gabriella and Empire State of the South stormed out, granny served pudding to the remaining family extremity, but everyone ate in secrecy. Albus, Rose, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't think anyone else would go- the attic.

The attic of the burrow was like to an archeologic site. It contained layers of Weasley family history and if you dug deep enough you could even get pictures of Uncle Bill when he was a baby. It used to house a ghoul, but the ghoul died years before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic practically anymore, but when he was little it had made an fantabulous concealment dapple.

"I never realized how likewise Gabriella and Empire State of the South were,"Albus said once they 'd close the bonce door.

"I never realized how similar Uncle Sir Henry Percy and Uncle broadsheet were,"Rose replied."I never thought Uncle Bill would react like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not talk about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's gambol Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle secret plan. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rosebush readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the attic. It took Albus and blush wine a little while to get the knack of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favorite affair about it was how long it took. They spent hours on one game and by the time Amanda beat him and rose, almost all of his kinsfolk was asleep.

By breakfast the next aurora nearly everything had blown over. Half of his aunty and uncles had left because they had to go to play and the former half were in the process of getting prepare to leave. Some of his cousin were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle Bill and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over phonograph recording of sausages. Albus paused in the room access, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't desire you to consider we are n't supportive of your art,"nib said."We are. Both of us. I just want to have intercourse you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"banknote said."And I did overreact in conclusion night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't desire you to intend I 'm anything like your uncle Harry Hotspur,"invoice whispered."I 'd never try and block you from pursuing your dream."

"Well, painting in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault is my dreaming for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll support you,"Bill said. Fleur nodded in arrangement."I 'm sorry for overreacting last-place night. I think we were all on edge from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry company. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"Bill said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

Bill stood up and gave his girl a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"beloved you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausage and a cinnamon bun on his way to the table. He was relieved that Uncle government note and Gabriella came to an understanding, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he still wanted to think of Bill as his coolheaded uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld situation later that day and it only took him a few hours of boredom to set off his holiday reading. Rose and Amanda had returned to Rose 's house, so without them, he was forced to be fat. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the resole grounds that he 'd get to see blush wine and Matt.

The few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. in between boxing Day and New yr 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Xmas day. Georgia and Uncle Sir Henry Percy still had n't made up and Peach State came over for a heart-to-heart with Albus 's mum the day before the party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to bet professional Quidditch and would be the staring somebody for Georgia to seek advice from.

Albus attempted to take heed in on their conversation via Extendable Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble magic spell on the kitchen threshold because he could n't hear a thing. Dejected, he put away his Extendable Ear and returned to reading his August 6 book.

Shortly after Georgia left James walked in the bet on room access with a grin on his face.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"well, tell me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"Come on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't tell Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the party tomorrow."

"Fine,"James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Percy and does n't want to go to the party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to deal the high road and be supportive of Uncle Percy even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no hush-hush to getting him to recognize Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to realize it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the Best player she can and support herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Sakartvelo that Gramps was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"Nothing too exciting, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"James agreed."Going to make for an interesting party, though."

"That 's for sure enough,"Albus said.
***


"Is the Minister 's Mansion glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding itinerary to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the ceramist were slightly recently for the company, as usual. This time James had not been the reason ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robes last hour.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."delay until you see the inside. The election New yr 's Eve political party at the curate 's star sign is one of the imposing affair the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the company that will take place for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancier than the political party for Mr. Eckerton endure year."

Albus nodded. As they drew skinny to the mansion Albus noticed that the blue light seemed to stem from the ground, illuminating the house as it went upward, but he could not see where the visible radiation came from. It looked to just come along out of the soil. The route itself was lined with atomic number 47 candles.

The door was already spread when they reached the end of the track. A man dressed in a broad tuxedo with butt stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wrapper while another man led the ceramicist into the rattling dance palace.

The ballroom was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the hoi polloi in attending were his aunts, uncles, and full cousin. The ballroom itself was lit by silver candles similar to the ones that lined the itinerary outside. The windows were draped in large navy drapery tied with silver medal roofy and matching linen paper dressed the mesa and death chair scattered throughout the room. Larger tables containing disc of food stood in the center of the room, each one holding an ice sculpture. The carving were of various historic buildings in wizarding Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

server dressed in the same tuxedos as the wizards by the door walked throughout the room carrying plates of food and crapulence. After taking a facial expression at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything pattern or if it was just fondness hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to find your cousins,"Harry began, staring Sir Thomas More at his sons than at Lily."Jesse James, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to other component part of the manse or going outside this twelvemonth. prognosticate me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And go along an eye out for your youthful cousins. Make sure as shooting they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the crowd in lookup of Matt, Rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the dessert table where he found both a large while of chocolate cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an hour already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between bite of cake.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a foot in the past year,"rosiness commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to check,"mat said."You make me expect like a endorsement year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly empty table. Its sole occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

rosiness nodded."Even Empire State of the South showed up. But I did notice out that the only reason we were all invited was to make Uncle Percy look like more than of a family man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because sept of the candidates were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only immediate family member, plus all the top dog of departments and top Ministry officials and their families. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us depend like a very close knit family."

"You are a close knit class,"Matt said."It 's like you 're all brothers and babe rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Walker Percy never really take any of us in his Ministry career before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, Matt, how was your Yule ?"

"goodness,"lusterlessness said."Rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to visit and they went home yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't natter them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes home except for holidays. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could argue over nothing."

"auditory sensation like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

Matt shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm make to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and Teddy,"Matt said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't imbibe the lick,"Albus warned them."James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"Rose asked.

"I do n't hump, but it 'll probably be pure,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousins will get to live here,"lusterlessness said as he gazed around the room."Weird to reckon about. This place looks liberal than my old house."

"It probably is,"Rose said."And you 're right hand, that is weird to conceive about."

The old man let out a raspberry and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, Rose, and Matt."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus Potter and that 's Rose Weasley and Matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His brass softened."Oh, nice to meet you ! I 'm Gregory I Laurentis. My daughter 's running for Minister. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus potter, Falco columbarius 's beard ! I told Patty, I told her she was addict to run against Percy Weasley what with him being related to Harry potter himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was zilch I could do about it. And she could n't wrench down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at pink wine and Matt while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet marvel at her stupidity for running against somebody related to Harry Potter. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This place is too blasted envision,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the food, my God, what I would n't turn over for some cracker and mash ...."

Albus stifled a jape, but he did agree with the old man."I think I hear one of my first cousin calling me,"Albus said."We 'd amend go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory Laurentis said."I do n't hear anything, but then again my earreach 's so bad these days. wellspring, good luck to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll need it !"

"goodness luck to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of hearing of Gregory Laurentis. A few Ministry officials looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't care.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"mat pointed to the far back turning point, where a man in apparently black-market robe stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few moments."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"flatness asked.

"Probably in case of an attack,"rosebush said."Every prominent Ministry functionary is in this room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every door outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"Matt said as he grabbed both Albus and rosiness and pulled them behind a large group of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked more than a footling nervous. Albus did n't find fault him. After final year 's outrage with Balladanis, it was no wonder Matt never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the promise from his mind. If Matt did n't want to be in the same room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to have to break his promise.

"ejaculate on,"Rose said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and matt 's hired hand and pulled them through the crew. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much quiet than the dance palace. Albus had n't even realized just how loud the ballroom was until now. Between the music and mass 's voices, it was a curiosity he 'd even been able to think in there.

"Thanks,"Matt said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"Rose said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and find that library again,"Albus suggested.

rosebush and Matt nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them fifteen minutes and three untimely turns to witness the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than Georgia, Omar Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to stop using the same hiding places,"Peach State said with a laugh as they entered."Just joking. come in on in."

rose shut the doorway behind them and they joined Empire State of the South, Bradley, and Cedric on the early side of the room.

"Sick of the party ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"Matt said quietly as he sat down."Did n't need him to notice us."

Georgia shuddered."Do n't blame you there, especially since your dad is the understanding he got sacked."

"I form of liked him,"Bradley said.

Matt looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was kind of cool."

"You 're mad,"lustrelessness said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave in off an argument between his best friend and cousin.

"Decided to explore the theater,"Cedric said."If we 're going to have to endure here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you cerebrate ?"Rose asked.

"Living here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Bradley and I would n't feature to share a elbow room. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can take my room,"GA said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Bradley replied."Says you 're going to arrive back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Georgia groaned."Really, the religious belief he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Peach State burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the narration. All three of his first cousin were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can touch him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interesting bloke,"Bradley said.

Matt got up from his professorship and began wandering around the library. He paused by the doorway, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"mat whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Georgia immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's eyes grew big and he hurried back over."Someone 's coming !"

"I do n't see any-"Omar Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."trustingness him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a water closet,"Rose said as she hurried to open the door."It 's not very big-"

"Does n't matter,"Matt said."hastiness, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the voice as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight squeeze and Rose was stepping on his left ft, but he said naught as he shut the doorway. Two seconds later he heard the door to the library open.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her articulation was muffled ; Albus could barely make out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't get wind anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this threshold solid Venetian red or something ?"

"Shut up !"flatness seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one clip I do n't get any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The voices were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the altogether family man thing,"another voice said. This one was male."Not to observe he 's Harry ceramicist 's brother-in-law for God 's saki !"

"Harry Potter is an incompetent idiot and you know it,"the woman replied."He 's famous for something he did as a child and the general public is stupid to still consider of him as the hero of the wizarding human beings. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"matte said.

"How can you separate ?"Bradley asked."This doorway is so bloody thick."

"I just can,"Matt said.

Albus could n't tell that the part was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, mat was right.

"wellspring, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to retrieve of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a week. I 'm sure you can think of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her drive manager,"matt said.

"She sounds fearful,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that arduous. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to see thrower 's not the hero they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous imbecile !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the whole fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch life history, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really know that-"

"I can,"she interrupted."I can translate people, Pierce. That 's why I got into politics. It 's all about reading people and figuring out the prevarication from the trueness. See what you can dig up. We 'd better return key to the party. I left my don alone with pastor Langston. That wo n't call on out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Pierce replied.

Albus heard the sound of high bounder on hardwood trading floor, the threshold creaking open, and then tick shut again. He waited two entire minutes and then opened the door to the closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"Matt demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you bewitch all that ?"Bradley asked."Do you have super human sense of hearing or something ?"

"Or something,"Matt muttered,"but never mind that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and plow the wizarding reality against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"matt began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is blame me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his campaign,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's right hand,"Rose said."It wo n't help anything. political campaign are one-half about digging up shite on the other candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will trust it unless they 're an cretin. Anyone with half a mind knows he runs the Auror Department well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Omar Nelson Bradley added.

"Not to mention we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did hit me anticipate not to entrust the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Georgia said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the dance hall, just in causa anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reviews ! Remember to keep them 12+. props to all who caught the 'mahogany'hungriness Games point of reference. recognition for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are members of the forum ( and if you 're not, you should be, tie in on the right side of the page ! ), feel free to ensure out my sports meeting the author Sir Frederick Handley Page ! It 's linked on my generator page. Please ask me questions on my MTA page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the ballroom Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to patrol the grounds. Albus did n't really give care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crowd in the elbow room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more rough, most likely due to the potable.

Harry Hotspur accosted them before they were even able to get to the desert table to reload their plates with cake. He walked with design, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his supporter to Kendrick 's written report. He seemed very at dwelling house in the parson 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Walker Percy replied."I need you to take Samantha and lindy home. It 's nearly eleven and your female parent and I are going to be here well past midnight. Samantha ate too much bar and tone ill. I just think it would be advantageously for them to go home and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby table, where Samantha and Lindy were sitting, both with their brain in their hands, looking extremely bored.

GA raised her brow, as if surprised that Walker Percy was actually going to not only let three of his children leave, but postulation that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even thought about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take them home,"Georgia said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we take them home ?"

"I 'd rather Georgia do it,"Hotspur said."You do n't even suffer your spectre license yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not ready to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do accept fireplaces here, Dad,"Bradley muttered.

"Georgia 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Hotspur said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Sakartvelo said as Walker Percy strutted off to sing to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go incur James."

Georgia headed over to the table her sis were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crowd. Albus, mat, and rose wandered over to the afters board, piled a plate gamy with the biscuit a waiter had just set out, and then set off to find another table. They found one, which Victoire, Teddy, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got early rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the morning. If we 're favorable we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see much head in staying if they 're not here,"shimmy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry Potter 's Godson, no one was going to kick me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, shimmy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his friends sat on either side. He absentmindedly chewed on a cookie and watched the crowd.

"Do these taste funny to you ?"matt asked, holding up a partially eat up biscuit.

Albus took another bite. They did taste weird."Yeah."

blush wine burst out laughing and started pointing at their heads."I think James messed with the biscuits instead of the clout. Al, your hair is blue and Matt, yours is green."

Albus and lustrelessness both started laughing. Albus took another flavor at the crowd."Look, that lady 's haircloth is purple !"He pointed to a beldame a few chiliad away. The fellow she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the next few instant people gradually began to take in that their pilus was turning various coloring material and that the biscuit were the perpetrator. Wands appeared everywhere, as the client charmed each other 's hair back to its formula color. Another min later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the room, clearly looking for Saint James the Apostle, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this prank,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hair as is."

"Me too,"Matt agreed. They both turned to rose."You should eat one."

rosiness sighed."Might as well."She took a cookie and a minute later her formerly red hair was a endearing shade of pink.

The residuum of the company was rather boring. Harry eventually found Henry James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the oddment of the holiday, only being allowed out for meals. When midnight rolled around Albus, Matt, and Rose toasted to the new year with Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo. mat and his parents left immediately afterward and Albus and his home left a short while later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the Night had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the depository library out of his mind.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the future morn at breakfast, brandishing a written matter of hotshot cartridge holder. The front top was a moving picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Percy, Uncle visor, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"Saint James the Apostle shouted back.

"I want to take it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"kidskin, patch up down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can read it succeeding, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James or Lily who got things first, never Albus. cuss of being the heart child, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while James read the clause. His brother let out groan and suspiration and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more anxious to read it. After what seemed the like forever, it was finally Albus 's routine. He yanked the powder store out of William James 's hand and opened it up to the article.

The first Sir Frederick Handley Page ( or rather, first two pages ), contained the picture of his intact menage. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've have a picture that they all looked good in. Albus himself at to the lowest degree await halfway decent. He was smiling and kept turning to look at rosebush and then back to the camera. Lily on the former hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that airs every few seconds. Across the pic was the gens of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the Thomas Nelson Page and looked at all the other photographs that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their Thomas Kid. Another have Harry Hotspur and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding duck soup with the twins and Harry Hotspur, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing Bromus secalinus. The legend on that read 'Minister bright Percy Weasley challenges the Prime curate 's niece to a game of chess .'Amanda was not going to be happy, Albus thought as he turned his aid to the article.

When I first entered the childhood home of Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the delightful smell
that filled the air. Molly Weasley, Percy 's mother,
was concentrated at work cooking Dec 25 Eve dinner. The
small, but cozy, home was filled to electrical capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowded with
the reaching of the ceramist an hour later.

The Weasley syndicate gathers for Christmas at the
dwelling house of Chester A. Arthur and molly Weasley every year.
Chester Alan Arthur, a strike out Ministry employee, says ,'I
love having the entire house together. It 's
disorderly, but I would n't hold it any other way .'
The evening begins with a meal, although eating
seems to accept place over many hours. The atmosphere
is homy and well-chosen, with every bingle house
penis enjoying their sentence with each other.

Sir Henry Percy Weasley, a loving father of five, junction in
on the fun and Christmas spirit by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and lindy,
as well as nephew Albus Potter, 14, to a game
of Exploding Snap .'I feel it 's crucial to
spend time with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such little
meter with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My eldest is already out on her own and my sons
only have a little time left at Hogwarts. The
twin are still young, so I try to spend time
with them every single day .'When asked
about their forefather 's safari, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's effective at his job .'
lindy hop merely shrugged, 'It would be sang-froid if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The home of Arthur and mollie Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Christmas prison term. This
yr they were joined by a friend of Albus thrower
and rosebush Weasley, 14. Amanda tagging program, also 14, is
a one-quarter year student at Hogwarts. tagger is no
alien to political kinsperson since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, Prime government minister of Great
Britain .'I think it is just wonderful that
the heyday Minister 's niece is a witch ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to promote a
goodish kinship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only facilitate .'

Before posing for the photograph found on pages
20 and 21, the Weasley kin first donned
their Weasley jumpers. Each member of the family
receives one of these jumpers for Dec 25
every twelvemonth. The traditional sweater are knitted
by mollie Weasley .'I 'm not sure how it started,
really ,'mollie said, when asked about the origin
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when Bill and
Charlie were picayune, before Harry Hotspur was born. I
wanted to pucker them matching pinny and they
outgrew them by the following year, so I made
new one. Then when Sir Henry Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a each year thing .'

If I had to choose one parole to draw the Weasley
family unit, I would choose 'laid-back .'Spending a
Noel Eve with this kin, you would never
think that they were noted for their efforts in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry Potter, Head Auror, is just your
average father. He spends Dec 25 Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing biz
with his tike, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a typical Christmas Day day is like in the
Weasley house and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the weather we
get out there every Christmas and toy a peer or
two. Then we 'll issue forth inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's simple, but perfect .'

There you have it. Xmas with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none other than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
Christmastide Eve with Percy Weasley and his entire
family. Next time I interview him, I really must
ask for his mother 's shepherd 's pie formula. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the cartridge clip to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the house and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the rest could n't really be used for the eccentric of article she was going for,"King James pointed out."observance how she only included stuff Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to take motion-picture show of us playing plot with Uncle Walker Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not good journalism, mind you, but it is fairly usual practice."

"I guess it could have been worse,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't last out for Noel dinner."

James II laughed."I wonder how she would 've reel that. I 'm baffle no one 's figured out that Uncle Percy does n't really care that Georgia plays Quidditch."

"dungeon your oral cavity shut about that, James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a mentality could see it,"St. James the Apostle muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely sure that saying naught about Laurentis figuring that out was the powerful thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his cousins and lusterlessness had agreed not to.

"Epistle of James,"Ginny said."Enough. And I suggest you use the remnant of your break to contemplate for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot earlier than you think."

St. James certainly did a expert job of pretending to study for the remainder of the holiday, while shut up in his way for his penalization. Albus noticed that while he always had a Book cracked unresolved nearby, to snap up when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the same book, opened to the Sami page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their minds on Percy 's election. Albus finished all his homework before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing nothing. On Sat he, along with his parents, James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his family for a belatedly Christmas and New Year 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite felicitous about this because he had grown bored of staying at home and doing aught and was sick of being in such cheeseparing quarters with James and Lily. At least in Gryffindor tugboat they kept to their own groups of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the pastor 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, Rose, Matt, John, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to bump you, just because citizenry kept wanting to talk to me. It 's that stupid magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later,"rose wine pointed out."But I 'm sad. If I 'd have it away the reporter was going to talk about that, I would n't cause invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's okay,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm glad I went. It 's just annoying. dead reckoning I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"St. John said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're normal, john,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's first full cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me enquire how I got wrapped up in all this,"St. John said."My parents just are n't nearly as ambitious as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly drilling,"Albus said."But we did curve up in a tiny water closet with my cousin Georgia, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"Saint John exclaimed."And you did n't retrieve that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to recount you in person,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with assist from Matt, who had been capable to discover it a bit more clearly. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be good,"John said."What do you think she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't recognize,"Albus said."And all my cousins and flatness agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're right, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just touch up trouble. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing people he 's the mightily one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and win over everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't recall she 's going to be capable to convince all of wizarding Britain that your dad 's incompetent by April."

"But what about the Georgia thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what political leader do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince hoi polloi the opponent is bad for the job. As a lot as it should just be spent on trying to convince mass they 're right for the job, campaigner just do n't do that. Trust me. My uncle 's on his second full term. I know how these things work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's opinion, but he still felt uneasy."Something is going to materialise at the Azkaban argumentation, though. She wanted her run coach to dig something up."

"Worst case scenario, she figures out that your uncle Walker Percy does n't really okay of Sakartvelo 's Quidditch life history,"Amanda said."Then he 'll give an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worried about her future but then he saw her play and now he realizes how proficient she is and rant, fustian, rant. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's powerful, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you know all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a grin."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"Saint John the Apostle agreed.

"It 's unsubdivided, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My older babe is the dramatic play queen, so everything that happens to her, no matter how small, is a immense wad. My little brother is a brat who demands perpetual aid. Me ? I 'm the quiet one. They 'll get whole conversations about stuff in front of me that they 'd never birth in front of either my brother or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a witch became convention,"Amanda said.

lustrelessness let out a low whistle."Wish I had that attainment. I still ca n't even go into the Sami elbow room as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an magnification, but still."

"I think my parents spent too much of their childhoods eavesdropping on people to fall in me a decent chance at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"rose said."I swear my mum can sense an extendible Ear a mile away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"John said.

"Same,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"whoremonger asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

rose wine burst out laughing."Really, can ?"

"Yes, really,"John the Divine said, popping a bean into his mouth."Butter, Wyrd. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the Prime minister of religion's niece and all,"privy said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always take up my spot, John,"Matt said as he got up to slip a handful of John 's Bertie Bott 's."full lunation 's on Fri, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince lady Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

matte popped a bean into his mouth and then promptly patter it out."Ew, crap. Does n't matter what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the full moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just have to take short letter and let me know what happens."

bathroom groaned."I 'll pass on your spot if I have to select notes."

"someone 's going to accept to contract annotation either way,"Matt said."I 'll postulate them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll take notes,"rosiness told him.

"Thanks,"flatness replied."Now, who 's wants this noodle ? It looks just the likes of shite, but it could be chocolate."lustrelessness held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll take it !"lav said. He took a bantam pick, screwed up his case, and threw the rest of the attic back at matte, hitting him feather on the brow."Thanks, mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a smattering of beans. The balance of the stumble was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the crusade tactics of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off John 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the Lapp tang. The train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade place with Hogwarts, Albus 's endorse home, just a little carriage ride away.


Sorry for the late update ! My cousin-german got married on Friday so I was gone the hale weekend and did n't have my figurer with me. Thanks to my sister, Linda, who in my family, is just like Amanda and can eavesdrop on everyone. She gave me the thought for that. Thanks for all the cover girl reviews !


"This term we will concentre on how the first and back state of war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"professor Embry announced after the buzzer rang for Tuesday 's political relation socio-economic class."This part of the course will overlap with your chronicle of conjuration class quite a bit, although I 'd hazard a conjecture that none of you pay tending in account of Magic, not that I blame you. I never could persist awake in that family either.

"number 1, we will take a closer look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rising slope to power and why it was such a job,"Embry continued."constituent of the reason why Voldemort was able-bodied to climb to power as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a coup. Since then, forethought have been taken to prevent a similar situation. Does anyone get laid the independent divergence between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few helping hand went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the response, but he did n't really want to raise his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, missy tagger ?"

"The minister of religion was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle Minister is elected, sorting of. It 's not like in the United country, but the public voting on which political party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the reorganization of the Ministry of conjuration in 1998, the Minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone severalise me why that is a job ?"

Amanda 's hand shot into the air once more. She was even faster than pink wine in this class.

"missy Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the masses had no magnate. Only the Wizengamot had any power in the Ministry, because they were the ones who appointed the rector, who then appointed all the early officials. No one had any say in anything."

"Right again. Ten points to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a chemical group of very influential hag and sensation, mostly thoroughbred, who essentially ran the Ministry of illusion. They also served as the judicial system. These beldame and wizards inherited their seats on the Wizengamot from family extremity because each influential kinfolk in the British wizarding creation once held a seat in the Wizengamot. The trouble with this are obvious because it meant that only purebloods and a take few half-bloods had any illusion of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the basics of the political system just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were brumous. Now that he was learning the gritty contingent, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on stock status and how much money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explain the old Ministry and the versatile index that each person or group of multitude in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's sovereignty. By the end of the talk Albus had just over a foot of bank bill, which was good because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll announce who will be attending Sabbatum 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like end time, Albus Potter, blush wine Weasley, and lustrelessness Eckerton will be able to give ear. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Parker Wieland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will account to the Great Hall at ten and hold for statement from the prefects waiting by the door. Everyone else will be listening to the debate via radio set in the Transfiguration Day schoolroom. I expect an essay on which candidate you feel made their point better by next class. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the debates after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be good, though,"rose wine said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"compliments I got picked,"john lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't think they 'll let-"

"preparation on being ill on Sabbatum, are you ?"

Albus and his friends stopped in the midriff of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his bureau. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as usual, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"throw it a eternal rest, Malfoy,"St. John said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpio stepped closer, ignoring John and turning to Matt."How do you get into the shrieking hutch ?"he demanded.

Matt 's face paled. John grabbed hold of Scorpius 's gown and dragged him into a nearby classroom. trick had at to the lowest degree four inches on Malfoy, so it did n't seem hard. Albus and the others followed, blush wine shutting and locking the room access behind them.

"Why do you want to know about the shriek Shack ?"John asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your business organisation,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked threshold. He slowly drew his wand.

John drew his own wand."Put your wand away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to Matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like sin I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does transubstantiate in the Shrieking shanty,"Scorpio said with a sly smiling. The look of sorrowfulness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"John !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"John said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never mind,"mat said, getting up from the desk and walking over to John the Divine and Scorpius."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you transmute safely ?"Scorpio asked."I did a little research in the library and that was built the summertime before Remus lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a wolfman. No one ever lived in it, but citizenry reported hearing uncanny haphazardness from it. Everyone said it was ghosts, but they went strangely quiesce seven years later, only to re-emerge four and a one-half years ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a coincidence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was kind of shocked Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his friends gave him credit for.

"Well, you ca n't evidence anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a loup-garou,"flatness said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't give care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The point is that it 's empty except for one nighttime of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"matt said.

"Fine, I 'll figure it out myself,"Scorpio said, pointing his wand at the doorway. The lock chamber clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"Matt said, sitting down on the approximate desk."Why does he want to get in the shrieking Shack ?"

"Clearly he needs someplace that 's empty, but the question is what is he planning on doing ?"rosebush asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"Rose said.

lusterlessness groaned."He better not actually enter out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be obtuse enough to go in there during a full moon,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

matt hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The last thing he wanted, amidst all of the election poppycock and his family 's drama, was another number with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that focus.
***


The following morning when Albus and his friends entered the Great mansion for breakfast the scholar already eating were much gimcrack than convention. Albus turned to blush wine, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the elbow room, pupil and teachers alike, were talking ominously. copy of the prophet were exchanging hands faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin match.

"Albus !"St. James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor table."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where Jesse James was sitting. He took the report and his friends crowded around him.

"Not like net clip,"James IV said darkly."High-profile captive and more than of them. Death feeder. There has n't been a break-out like this in years. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's heart began to pound as he unfolded the paper. There it was, right on the presence page. A big photo montage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the middle, with the words 'Five Prisoners Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an clause below them. Albus 's stomach churned when he recognized the picture of the center prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His eyes drifted to the article so he could figure out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban official
reported that five high certificate prisoners
escaped late last-place Nox. It is unreadable how
they managed to do so. The captive, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

foursome of the five prisoners have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war crimes. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
Eaters. The fifth prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just lowest
year.

'Finding and recapturing these individuals is
our top antecedence ,'head teacher Auror, Harry Potter,
said to reporter early this morning. Minister
nominee and headway Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to notice on the break-out.
The Auror section has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the article. Three Death Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that come about ? How did five high security measure prisoners just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't hold horse sense.

"This is not going to make Laurentis see near,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is evil, twisted evil. My dad 's got cicatrice on his hand from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught Dark artistic production. Not United States Department of Defense, but actual wickedness Arts, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Johnny bites masses, for fun,"matte said, his face pale white."He 's the one who bit Teddy 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the eldritch affair,"rose wine said."The others are in prison house for sprightliness for war crimes. Willinson will be in there for a patch, but he 'll get watchword eventually and the only reason he 's a high protection prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he break out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminals who had been in prison house since before he was born ? It did n't pee sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his classes that day, but did n't get up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low whispers when they thought students were n't around, students no longer wandered the castle by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling pattern on Thursday.

All five prisoner still remained at great on Friday, when Ministry officials began arriving for the debate. Laurentis still had yet to comment on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her territory and yet she said nothing on the subject.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were last time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, matt, John, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from Care of Magical brute. It was slow going since the full-of-the-moon moon was that night and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably warm for January. They 'd just been passed by a chemical group of hurry looking reporters coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"flatness said."Laurentis is going to have to finally say something about it tomorrow since the topic is Azkaban."

"Does anyone else think it 's eldritch that there was a break-out three days before the Azkaban debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very Weird coincidence."

"Well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"John said."Laurentis is going to reckon like an idiot, not being capable to hold five senior high security prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one goodness matter that came from three destruction Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping Charms,"Matt said through a yawn."And ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprise you did n't jump Care of Magical creature,"John Lackland said.

Matt shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in history of Magic."

whoremaster laughed."I felt much better after my nap in History of Magic, too."

"Very funny,"matte said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything for the quietus of the day. By the prison term he went to Ancient rune he was unable to recall about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death Eaters were now roaming free. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry functionary to Hogwarts at dinner that night and Albus thought back to the last debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry official. He was very gladiolus that this meter he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor common room. Neither john or Kaden had done their retaliation trick to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful sleep Albus woke early on Sat morning and contemplated visiting Matt before everyone else woke up, but figured that Matt would be asleep and thus it would be senseless to chat. He 'd shoot the breeze with everyone else later, after the debate. They 'd accept plenty of metre sin there was n't going to be a interrogative sentence and reply session this time.

At ten o'clock Albus, Rose, and Amanda stood in personal credit line in front end of the Great Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could take Matt 's billet, since he did n't need to appeal any attention to the fact that mat was not there.

"Albus,"blush wine whispered, poking him in the English."feel. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where rosebush was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in dividing line. He looked sullen and upset again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant prick, upset.

"guessing he won the Slytherin spot,"Albus said.

The doors to the Great mansion house opened and Albus and rosebush said goodbye to Amanda before they were lead to the front of the room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the Saami row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts cousin.

The Great residence hall slowly filled up over the side by side half minute. The rest of Albus 's full cousin, auntie, and uncles arrived, taking speckle in the front few course. Albus caught Georgia 's eye as she took her tail in the row on the opponent side of the room from him and she gave him a slight grin.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's drive managing director had actually found anything on Uncle Harry Hotspur and whether she would say anything during the debate. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up much dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the front of the room and watched a very short man accompany Professor Kendrick to the moderator 's podium. He was dressed in Ministry blue gown and had very little hair on his foreland.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The bunch quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts and innovate our moderator for this morning. Victor Farleigh, top dog of the Department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, Professor,"the dead, balding man said."I 'd now care to introduce our candidates, although I am for certain you all know them. Mr. Harry Hotspur Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Percy and Laurentis walked into the way from one of the vestibule and took their places at each of the podiums. Hotspur looked as convinced as always and Laurentis, despite the dirt of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the judicial system of rules, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The usual prescript apply. Five narrow disputation, two mo rebuttals."

Laurentis inched nigher to her soapbox, as if she was readying herself to swoop on whatever Percy said. Percy remained calm and collected, continuing to dally the role of the sang-froid politician.

"Mr. Weasley, you will answer first. Do you sense that the discriminative system as a whole is average to both the accused and victims of crime ? Are the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot carnival ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a fair trial by the Wizengamot,"Harry Hotspur began."I have reviewed many event, and while I am not nor do I sham to be a solicitor, and I feel that the bulk of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fit the criminal offence. However, there is always a chance that a person guilty of a crime will go free, as there is an equalise probability that person will be wrongfully imprisoned. The juridic system works hard to prepare surely this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrongs when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opponent,"Laurentis said."Most of the judgment of conviction handed out by the Wizengamot are not coarse enough. Ever since the licking of Voldemort prison sentences have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war crimes. And one shamefaced mortal who roams free is too many. If I am elected Minister I will work hard to ensure that no guilty people get off. Prisoners belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any guilty hoi polloi get set unloosen is worthy, it is unrealistic,"Sir Henry Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and thaumaturge like you and me. They are not any more powerful than we are and do not possess the power to know for sure that the accused are guilty. misapprehension happen and while we should do work to downplay them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering false hope."

"I am not offering treasonably hope,"Laurentis said."There are spells, potions, elbow room to find out if people are hangdog that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elective pastor I will approve use of these and they will attend the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty criminals are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no possible way Laurentis could secure that all criminals would be imprisoned.

"Next dubiousness,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you feel the watchword organisation is in force ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smile before beginning."practically like the Wizengamot, the parole system is too lenient. I have seen criminals hangdog of grand larceny get paroled after a bare two years in prison. The statistics are brighten, near of these criminals who are paroled early on in their time wind up back in Azkaban within a twelvemonth, whether for breaking the dominion of their parole or committing another crime. As Head of Azkaban, I am capable to give my remark of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opponent has said, many felon are paroled too quickly. However, I do not conceive that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solution. If I am elected I will create and endure a upright system for integrating felon back into society. Muggles have seen success with halfway houses and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway houses ?"Laurentis said with raised brow."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with captive. about are not fit for order and many never will be. Even with halfway houses they will wind up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't work ?"

"It 's about giving people a chance,"Percy said."Not everyone is a at sea cause and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoners have made a few bad choices as a result of bad childhoods and a bit of renewal will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."Next doubt. Is Azkaban an appropriate post to house prisoners ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Hotspur shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an appropriate deftness for high security measures prisoner, but I have always felt that we need a less intimidating building to house our lower security captive. Right now all criminals, from those who committed petit larceny larceny or skipped bail to those who have murdered people, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in ascendency of the dementors it is still a terrifying and high security place. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to build a pocket-size edifice located on the mainland to theater lower security prisoner, we would be able to decrease disbursal at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security at Azkaban without wasting exploit and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another installation going to save money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the judicial scheme and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in burster of the prison, including its upkeep and it is in arrant condition. We are not spending an outrageous amount of money on the place. Further, I do not believe that less dangerous criminals deserve a miserable protection prison house. They are all criminal and if they did not wish to be in Azkaban, they should not experience committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Percy said."It is also extremely unmanageable to charter guard duty because of its location and full general smell of the blank space, not to observe the unsafe malefactor. If we housed less dangerous malefactor in another building, it would be slowly to discover guards to work on there. We could then use the guards willing to guard high-pitched security prisoners only to ward senior high school security prisoners. We would no longer have to neutralise them on lower security measures prisoners."

"But we will still let to keep Azkaban, and then another construction,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far to a greater extent common sense to keep all criminals in one lieu and an island is a right spot to do that-"

"Obviously not that good, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of round. It is prison term to move on to the following enquiry. In spark of the recent Azkaban break-out, what do you feel pauperization to be done to ensure it does not happen again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the gang. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to appear to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Percy and gave him one of those creepy smiling that seemed to have become her signature facial expression. Albus turned to Rose, who raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained quiet on the content of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on purpose. I see that all of the reporters in the back have their Quik-Quotes Quills poised and ready to write down my every news on this subject. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to print my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will deny that there is anything incorrect with the security at the prison and that the break-out was a simple flue and it wo n't bechance again. I am not going to say either. There is a problem and if we do not fix it, it will happen again. Every single one of those escaped captive is highly dangerous and if we do not retake them soon, who knows what will pass off. When they are captured, we will require to have better security in place. After all, what is more significant that the safety of our shaver ? With those five captive roaming free, every individual in this way, in this castle, in this body politic is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial result, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our family line, especially our fry. That is why if elected Minister, the first thing I will do is reestablish the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the drop-off hanger ! I did n't desire to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a safe post to separate it. Thanks for all the adorable reviews !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the way. The Great Hall was suddenly in chaos. Everyone was whispering and a few multitude had let out cries of outrage or excitement. Albus could practically get a line the reporters'quill scratching across roster of sheepskin, and Laurentis was grinning again. Harry Hotspur stood behind his podium, his oral cavity seeming to be frozen in a wide of the mark, gaping situation. Farleigh was attempting to gain order, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't experience,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will multitude actually approve of this ? Will she even be capable to do it ?"

blush wine nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as promontory of Azkaban will surely want the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as government minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupid to bring them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're life-threatening and their allegiance changes so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not sure everyone will feel that way. Not with those captive on the loose."

"tranquillity, tranquillize !"prof Kendrick shouted. The crew finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your number to mouth,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to retrieve his equanimity. He 'd fall behind his cool, calm air, and collected pol look and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch calling.

"Well, I, er, do not believe that dementors are the answer to the security problems in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in charge of high surety prisoners as well as a revamp of the tour and captivation currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help to go over the organization of the guard schedule because at the time of the escape, only three sentry duty were maintaining that part of the prison house. That was surely an lapse that could have been prevented."

"Human error,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the lifetime of our children in the probability that another erroneousness will occur ? Dementors were proven guards who did not admit prisoner to get by. During their sovereignty in Azkaban, before their loyalty changed, only one person managed to take to the woods. Since their removal we have had numerous escapes."

"open evidence that we need to revamp prison security,"Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are dangerous puppet and as you said, their commitment changed. What 's to say that wo n't happen again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to rise to major power ? If anyone offered those dementors a upright sight than we did they 'd have a wholly prison of life-threatening malefactor at their garbage disposal to do their summons. It 's not Worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to move up to mightiness,"Laurentis said with a laugh."We have learned from our history and it wo n't hap again."

"You ca n't undertake that,"Harry Hotspur said."Even if there is a very lowly chance of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is time to move on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her manus up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five dangerous crook have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side during the war, and are out there, wreaking mayhem as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would possess happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain endeavor to get both candidates to intercept talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a deep laugh."Five prisoners flight when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one person was able-bodied to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the captive are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are grievous magical brute. Not to observe the ethical code of subjecting prisoner to their effects-"

"captive have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their right field when they commit crimes-"

"Basic human right !"Percy exclaimed."There are canonic human right that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our account. History tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not remember the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my female parent to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you say me that I do n't think of it."

Albus was on the sharpness of his can. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to wrench purple and resemble Kaden 's grandad. Laurentis 's tomentum was breaking free from its tight bun and there was a vein popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both candidates to intercept talking and failing miserably, while every other person in the Great Hall sat completely still, staring at Hotspur and Laurentis.

"Silence !"Professor Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Hotspur and Laurentis immediately quieted. The nervure on Laurentis 's forehead continued to shudder, and Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of metre,"Farleigh said, in a vocalization barely more than a narrow escape."Thank you all for coming."

"Students, please give back to your commons rooms,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an hour. As a reminder, there is no question and answer academic session today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the randomness level rose very high-pitched. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the queue of the great unwashed ambling to leave the Great lobby, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the vulture 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody hell is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the door.

"She 's lost her mind !"Rose shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the only explanation."

"fountainhead there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you think ?"rosebush asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't fathom like a plan she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Commonwealth of Australia last year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to guard the prison ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"Rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as guard. That and all the dementors changed allegiance and let decease Eaters escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched fealty so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to feed off of."Rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could offer. But right now they do n't have a good beginning. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll guard if given the opportunity."

"Should n't masses be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was silent of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't foretell anything if she did n't retrieve it would get her voting,"blush wine said."Most mass our parents'age and older, who lost loved ones in the war, will make absolutely no fellow feeling for last feeder and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then undertake no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the way grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the sofa and started counting the number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor Beans that were scattered on the trading floor. He got to twenty-three before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"John mused."Was n't his dad a Death Eater ? So he should n't want the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the Three Broomsticks a spell back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of row he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His unharmed crime syndicate disfavor my whole kinsperson and it goes the former way, too. But his dad was never found shamefaced of his crimes so he never did time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got Quaker there,"whoremaster said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really deal what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to lunch and then visit matte,"rosiness said."apprehension him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that lusterlessness was still in the hospital wing, in the midst of Laurentis 's announcement. He felt vaguely guilty about it, but at least blush wine had remembered.

Everyone gathered for lunch in the Great Hall was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bestow back the dementors. Hotspur, Laurentis, and the Ministry officials were still there, having dejeuner with the professors at the stave board, and all were thick in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be capable to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the Invisibility Cloak in the crowded Great Hall was n't a good musical theme.

"better get used to the idea of your dad being Minister,"one of the 7th years was saying to Thomas Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Bradley muttered something under his breath that Albus could n't get a line. Albus took a place a few people down from his cousin and began to make a sandwich.

"She 's got my unscathed family 's votes now,"one of the early seventh eld said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir knot. If the dementors will catch him and celebrate him in there forever, it 'd have all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from former quondam scholar sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many students approved of her estimate, a lot of adults probably did, too. And these were seventh year ; they could vote.

"wait, the dementors find outlaw, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to ease up him the Dementor 's Kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's Kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out someone 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his headspring."No, they live without a psyche. Everyone says it 's forged than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the first to miss Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the time everyone thought he murdered 13 Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely horrible !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you like that on someone ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by end Eaters you would, too,"one of the girls snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't need the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"fountainhead, Voldemort 's dead,"the missy said."Maybe if greyback were dead I 'd feel differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't guess she 's going to lose as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of course she 's not,"Rose said."This is probably better for vote than digging up dirt on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her home base forward."Sucking out individual 's soulfulness ? And they just lactate your happy memories out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the late June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your rack up memories."

"That 's all you can opine about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad ones ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of course it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a inviolable reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even know such creatures existed, it would be a bit of a cushion. He was even more surprised that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting match with a seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"rose said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

bathroom and Kaden each grabbed the remaining half of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great hallway. Amanda lead the way, stomping her feet a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrong on so many grade !"she said as she led them to the infirmary extension."It 's torturing, honestly. That 's what it is. aroused torture. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"Rose said."They ca n't. They just kind of ... exist. Once my mum gets news of this, well, she 's not going to stick quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she stop Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is Minister,"rosiness answered."Right now Mum 's the Senior helper of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to clear now, my mum could avail stop it. But minister of religion Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're foul creatures,"Amanda continued."Having them sentry duty anything or anyone is a terrible idea."

Albus decided now would not be a full time to order Amanda that when his dad was a third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital fender."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage conjuration in the presence of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the famous Harry Potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a good object lesson of shabbiness,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"Rose said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do sound just like her mum."

"Your mum has the aright idea,"Amanda said as they reached the Hospital Wing.

Matt was the only patient in the ward. The drape were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a bowlful of soup, which was a good sign. dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"fine,"flatness said."trine cracked costa and a lot of nasty stinger, but I 'm mulct. Listen, I heard the debate. madam Pomfrey had it on on the radio receiver. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should give heard Madam Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"brothel keeper Pomfrey said."But Albus and blush wine, you can recount your uncle that he 's got my vote. Always thought he was a slight pompous when he was at Hogwarts but at least he 's not dumb enough to employ dementors as safety of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's kind of funny,"bathroom added.

"It is not laughable !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quieten, but you got into it with that one-seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh year !"Amanda shouted and turned to lusterlessness."John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her kinsfolk were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by greyback and she wants to make sure he stays in prison."

lustrelessness toyed with his blanket and did n't fulfil Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't evidence me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the whole Reb affair, I can sort of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scary, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sort of lucky. The bloke who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard Matt talk about the lycanthrope who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out next yr,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you know much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his gens and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Australian prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

lusterlessness shook his forefront."No, and it never has been. And I do n't call up prison house should be guarded by dementors. But Greyback ... he 's scary. He 's spoiled than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an accident. Greyback bit people on design. He 'd burn multitude and then raise them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for minor. Teddy 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to give him up. They did n't, of course, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even for certain if Teddy knew that. chemise 's dad 's parents died long before Teddy was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you feel that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about Teddy 's dad when she was catching up on Brits history of conjuring trick. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to make me palpate better. But then I decided to research other werewolves and found out about Rebel in one of my dad 's Koran. It talked about his whole matter with biting tyke. It never said shimmy 's dad specifically was one of those Kyd but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's horrible,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a totally inner circle of werewolves to do his command,"Matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"chomp people and make a ingroup ?"Albus asked.

matt nodded."That or happen people who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to chance you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the by few eld it really has n't. call up last twelvemonth ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castle when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the castling ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a guarantee,"mat said."I wonder how many people he bit last night."

Albus did n't answer. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir grayback did during the full synodic month, just like there was no way to warrant that Hogwarts would be safe. All Albus and his supporter could do was hope that it would be safe and that the hightail it Death Eaters would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors guard Azkaban was an absolutely terrible idea, but after listening to Matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Limnodromus griseus, he sort of understood why some citizenry might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this prison term ! Thanks for all the wondrous reassessment ! If you like Marauder era, please check out my newest novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the following morning at breakfast, as he set down a copy of the Prophet.

The article on the debate had been a tenacious one, taking up nearly the integral nominal head page. It featured a photograph of Walker Percy and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's face turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the depiction was in opprobrious and white. The article that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring the dementors back. She had put the suggestion up for vote four time and it was shot down by Minister Hartwell each time.

"Of course he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the article."It 's a stupid theme. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, Senior Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal of marriage, said, 'It 's absolutely wild. Everybody, including prisoners, have basic human right that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the sidereal day when the Ministry sanctioned emotional ill-treatment of its prisoner and the intellection that a woman running for Minister is proposing this is quite candidly horrifying. It is my solemn hope that the hoi polloi of wizarding Britain will think long and heavy about the effects this will accept, not only on prisoner, but on our society as well, before they cast their votes in April. ''"

"Always one to speak her creative thinker, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't accord More,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"rosebush said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the pastor. If she were head of the section, then yes, but she is n't manoeuver yet. It 's confusing."

"trade good,"Amanda said."We 'll need some sane people in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to expend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't need to know,"rose said, holding up her script."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the mates on Saturday against Ravenclaw. After the last friction match, we 've got to shit sure we we win by a properly quantity of decimal point if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's place for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia girl ? She had a Brobdingnagian crush on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent James a box of hot chocolate for Christmas,"Cedric, who had been sitting succeeding to Albus, whispered."But you did n't discover that from me."

"I was there when he opened his nowadays,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went home for the vacation,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage and wreathe up riding to the gear with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his berm."She stared at him the solid time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit Matt before Quidditch pattern,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find me."

"And us !"John announced."predator 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't desire to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John shrugged."case yourself."

Albus hurried up to the Hospital fender and managed to get inside without lady Pomfrey noticing, although the nurse would n't give minded him being there. But she was very preoccupied with two scholarly person who had somehow fused their depart implements of war together. lustrelessness was already wake and much sunny than he had been the late day, when talking about Greyback. He was pretty sure gentlewoman Pomfrey was going to let him out that night, so they agreed to meet in the predator 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch praxis went very well and Albus was fairly sealed they would beat Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to bring back the dementors, which was a sure house that things were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the balance of the day in the marauder 's Den working on his homework with matte while trying to avoid hearing any share of John and Kaden 's new prank.

The week went by quickly since Albus spent every bit he was n't in class on the Quidditch lurch. But the weather condition remained decent so it was enjoyable. The only day Albus was n't on the pitch was Thursday, when he had dueling exercise.

"When 's the next tourney ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration classroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. Scots heather was there to supervise, sitting in a corner. A few of the team members were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sort of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying aid. Instead he was hunched over a farseeing piece of parchment."curiosity what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last moment preparation ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up straight and crumpled the piece of parchment. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked heavy and averted his optic after only a few seconds.

"I do n't think that 's homework,"Albus said.

"Wyrd,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should exercise blocking."He took a asquint glance at Malfoy, expecting him to scoff and exact that they already knew how to block, but instead Malfoy just turned to the bookman skinny to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even weirder was that the student he partnered with was a second year Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to make sure he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice session got stranger as the night went on, in terms of Malfoy 's behavior. Not once did he second guessing what Albus said and he did n't say one word to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Heather raised her eyebrows at Albus on legion affair since she had supervised Albus 's exercise before and knew how much Malfoy usually tried to be the headwaiter. He ran out of the room as soon as the practice was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the public debate.

"That was the strangest thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common room."And I witnessed my brother attempt to brew a potion this past summer and drink it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts missive ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any mind why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no idea,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No thought, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during adjacent hebdomad 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awful ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't know that it is, so I do n't possess to recollect about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything good would make Malfoy shut up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's disposition to work Quidditch during really bad conditions came up in full effect on Sabbatum, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its piazza were freezing cold-blooded temperatures and a howling lead by the nose storm that probably should give birth resulted in the match being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a suffering lucifer. He wished they could throw nice weather condition, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last time Albus had played in a tempest this bad he 'd been in his endorsement year and wound up in the infirmary wing with the flu afterward. He certainly did not want a repeat of that so he was hoping that James would catch the Snitch Sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is unbalanced,"Ryan said as they stood in the room access of the changing rooms, waiting for the mates to set about."There is literally no way to see the Snitch in this."

"There 's cipher I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could enjoin he was stressed about this peer, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to roleplay unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was compensate. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white. The C was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't evidence if Sir Thomas More Charles Percy Snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a Snitch in it was going to be near impossible.

"I 'll see it,"Epistle of James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to take heed the comment,"Fred said."Just watch it as soon as you can. Do n't vex about catching it after we 're up a certain number of points. We just need a win at this point."

There was a very dull, lull boom of hand clapping and Fred led the team out onto the lurch. The balls were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't know which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten minutes of meandering around the pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the destination posts were.

Albus flew flat ahead, hoping it was in the right direction, but instead of reaching the goal military post, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal posts. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to score, mostly because Ravenclaw 's keeper did n't see him.

The match continued in chaos, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a single Bludger the whole time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to keep track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposite team 's players. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a couple by himself. The entirely other players he saw were the Ravenclaw quester, Fred, and Heather. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the goal posts as best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"someone shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't take out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to work out out who it was. He did n't even distinguish their voice, but it could have been distorted by the wind. Finally, he began to make out a figure flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The compeer has been canceled. We 're all to fall to our common elbow room the right way now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his sentiency. It was just out of the question to play a good secret plan of Quidditch in a storm like this.

When Albus and Heather finally reached the changing room they found the relief of the squad sitting in their wet Quidditch robes, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even Heather looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so high school, you probably did n't discover,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The couple was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That peer was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first years,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing surd."She saw Fenrir Johnny on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling noisome."But it 's so snowy. How could she possibly know for surely ?"

"She ca n't, of course of instruction,"Fred said."But she went running to Professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the match and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred mention his public figure, professor Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common elbow room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the residual of his teammates out of the changing elbow room. They were all restrained on the walk back to the castle since the violent storm was still raging. No one would have been capable to hear anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The thought of Fenrir knot being at large was bad enough, after hearing what matt knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts basis, was too awful to even suppose about.

As they walked up to the castle and then up to Gryffindor towboat Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw girl had n't seen Fenrir Johnny Reb. She was probably just thinking about the escaped prisoner and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to make out his own cousin-german when she 'd been calling his name in this violent storm. What were the opportunity of a first year being able to pick out Fenrir Reb ?

But still ... what if it had been Greyback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The green elbow room was buzzing with yak when the squad entered a short while later. Albus avoided everyone, including his friends, until after he went up to his dormitory to take a rain shower. He was shivering and felt frightening and did n't need to talk to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprisal his friends were all gathered in his dormitory after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the vulture 's Den,"Matt explained."We 're not allowed to leave our commons way until farther notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a petty before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rose wine said."No one really knew what was happening because it was so snow-covered and the wind was so loud. We could n't see the peer, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating magic spell and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing susurration about Rebel on the terra firma. Then, probably two mo later, Kendrick magically amplified his articulation and told us all that we 're to describe back to our vernacular rooms immediately and to walk back with our scepter out and in large groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for sure, we knew that someone had seen Greyback on the grounds. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw first years thought she saw him on her way to the peer and told Professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't bang much. No one 's told us anything for surely and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"Matt said."Do n't you see ? That tempest out there is so bad that no one can see three feet in front of them and the air current is so loud no one can hear anything either. It was the gross day for him to abstract onto the grounds, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"Matt said."No one knows the wide-cut account yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the mountains, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"Matt asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own loup-garou Army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; imagine how crazy he is now. They do n't need dementors in prison to defecate multitude go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and cipher out how to outflank position himself to bite Kid during the full moon ?"Matt interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"Matt said. He looked more occupy than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts youngster. Last clip he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even know for certainly that 's what he 's up to,"lavatory pointed out."I mean it makes sense, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"Matt said."You have to foretell me you wo n't go outside during the full moon. I do n't want any of you joining me in the Shack."

John the Evangelist looked skeptical."There 's other reasons why he could be here."

"Promise me,"lustrelessness repeated, staring directly at Saint John."It 's not Worth the risk."

John shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the rest of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't bang,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Greyback are with them. The Carrows were Death Eaters, but Greyback was n't technically a expiry eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no joining, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door open and he followed,"John said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cubicle in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right,"John said.

"Two dying Eaters, a war crook, a werewolf, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"sound like the offset of a joke,"John said."Two expiry Eaters, a war criminal, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next full moon. There was n't anything in the seer about him biting anyone this last replete moon, but I do n't think he 'd go two moons without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on wolfsbane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"rosebush mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a whang on the door and then it opened. James walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to talk to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave the coarse room for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they catch him ?"Matt asked anxiously.

"No,"James said."But, Longbottom said the proprietor of Madam Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw girl probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no sign of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the match ?"Albus asked.

James I nodded."Next Saturday. Good thing, too, because I do n't think that one would 've ever ended. Do n't recount Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Greyback being on the cause, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't assail that girl,"matt said as James left."He attacks mass even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle broadsheet,"Albus said.

"Really ?"Matt asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth twelvemonth, the nighttime Dumbledore was killed. He does n't metamorphose, but he likes really rare meat. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's double-dyed. Wait, Matt, do you like really rare kernel ?"

flatness grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll nominate me ill. And they do n't do it here."

"My uncle eats it all the time,"Albus said."aunt Fleur likes her steaks pretty rarified, too. So does Teddy for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's earthy,"Matt replied."I should ask the house elves to make me rare steak."

"They probably would,"rose said."They make you pretty often whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"Matt said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to throw to find you eating a art object of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"Matt said."Slightly cooked, bit of blood dripping out."

"Oh, gross !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the mutual room."

Albus laughed and lusterlessness grinned as Kaden ran out of the way. There was nothing like a misstep to the kitchens to get their minds off of Greyback and the former escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful follow-up ! Please check out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first base year who saw Limnodromus griseus on the grounds became an instant Hogwarts celebrity. By the next day her full story had spread throughout the student body like wildfire, and every single person in the castle knew her epithet. She was Quinn Gregory, a tiny miss who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her tenacious red hair and nebulizer of freckle across her face. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a crew of people around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the story at least five metre. Quinn had been running to the pitch, late, because she 'd spent a half hr trying to convince one of her roommates to go to the match, but in the end her roomy had decided she did n't desire to brave the storm. Quinn then spotted soul lurking near the greenhouses and went to inquire, but instead of finding another student, she found Fenrir Calidris canutus. Apparently Limnodromus griseus had said 'hi, trivial daughter'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitch. Greyback then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the week progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Greyback after a twenty dollar bill hour duel and running to the Quidditch sales talk in gild to admonish the rest of the student, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very happy that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friends.

"Guess what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the Marauder 's Den Friday evening, after dinner party.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the vulture 's Map, which he 'd expend the close ten minutes studying. John and Matt were in the way as well, Matt studying and John sorting deep brown batrachian identity card. Rose was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down next to Albus."She 's now saying that grayback stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's ridiculous. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an precise replica,"Kaden replied.

"But no two wands are the same,"trick pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to believe her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the Marauder 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts segment, looking for Calidris canutus every so often since last Sat. He 'd yet to get anything remotely interesting on it, to the lowest degree of all Calidris canutus or one of the other escaped convicts.

"Scorpius is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common room, but instead slowly making its way across the grounds.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his book."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right wing,"Albus said."come see."

matte, lavatory, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot travel further and further from the castle. There were no other dots on the grounds, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't come out that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in light of his early odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should observe him,"John said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at dark during a storm for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's freezing,"Matt added.

"We 'll take your invisibility Cloak,"John the Divine said.

"I do n't recall we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his figure off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll seize it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"John the Divine asked.

Albus laughed and turned to look at can."Of course you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will slay me."

"Your dad 's Harry thrower,"John Lackland said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would love it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry thrower execution Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"Wait,"mat said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that Matt was right wing. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree, giving it a wide bunk."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't think he 's figured it out, do you ?"Matt asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"John the Evangelist said, standing up.

matt nodded."Come on, Albus, let us take your cloak."

"fine,"Albus said, knowing that the struggle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping Willow, which meant that this was now personal for lusterlessness, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't know if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawer beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory room anymore, since he and his friends spent far more clock time in the Marauder 's Den than they did in the uncouth way.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his friend walked over to him. They stood ending and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"Half my body is showing,"whoremaster said, turning to look at his still seeable arm.

"And all our feet are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and John are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inch of space that separated his heading from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to crouch down,"lusterlessness said.

"But what about the fact that half my trunk is showing ?"John asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"Matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do disillusionment charms,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't instruct those until 7th year."

"Rose could probably project them out,"John said."We should have got her learn them."

"fountainhead we do n't have clock time for that now and we 're wasting time arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"Matt said.

"There are ward,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"mulct,"John said."Albus and mat can go and Kaden and I will stay here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stay put ?"

"well, Albus is n't going to let anyone take the cloak without him going and mat has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping willow tree,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't remember more than than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"mat said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to keep up with lusterlessness and keep himself crouched down enough to stay cover, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much riotous than lusterlessness. The two of them said nix on their way down to the face door and were n't noticed by any of the bookman or prof they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front end threshold."We do n't need to be locked out like back in instant year."

"This is summate deja vu,"Matt added."Two years ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping willow tree. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't recall we 'll wind up friend with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The grounds were very tranquillity, the only strait being the crunching of their feet in the snow. Albus carefully vanished their footprints as they walked, while Matt led them down the track to the Whomping Willow. It was very cold and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the time they got locked out of the rook after sneaking into the Shrieking shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the predator 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a circle around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree."Yeah, he 's there."

matt nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wand, so they slowed down in rescript to not be hit by the Willow 's large branches. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his nous always turned toward the tree. He had his wand out and did n't seem to notice that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at Matt as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to forebode his tending to their presence. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and watch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every Montgomery Ward has a weak point. They do n't all last forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending various hexes and jinxes into the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree once more, a hex bounced off the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to jump out of the way to avoid it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the physical process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to knead,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"Matt mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another lap around the tree diagram and this time one of the hexes reflected off the wards and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried tree root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. flatness let out a stream of curses and a cry of nuisance. Albus heard a sickening crush as he fell and hoped it was the tree root and not matte 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and Matt. He lit it and his boldness visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. Matt was still sitting in the Charles Percy Snow."I could ask you the Saame matter, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his wand at matt and reached down to assist him up. He was clutching his carpus and his face was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for different reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking silver dollar would be the dependable insurance policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the prescript. Not often point in denying it or making up apology.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't know if it was from the common cold or fear.

"Saw you leave the rook,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you need with the tree ?"lusterlessness demanded. His vocalization sounded pained.

Malfoy 's oral fissure turned up in a sly smiling."Once again, you just confirmed my suspicions. This Tree 's how you get into the screech hovel. I did a little more research, and turns out this matter was planted the same year the shrieking Shack was built. The same year Remus lupine started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some kind of burrow leading to it and what better way to hide a tunnel than to put a murderous tree above it ? Trouble is, I ca n't disable the Montgomery Ward. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"lustrelessness asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to marvel if his wrist was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't tell you,"Malfoy said.

"wellspring, I 'm not disabling the Mrs. Humphrey Ward,"matte said.

"I 'll picture it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling drill so badly. They 'd had another practice the previous day and again, Malfoy had n't said two words to anyone. It was just unusual. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't answer.

"It 'd be dense, you know,"flatness said."Going into the Shrieking Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a replete Moon, moron,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has zero to do with you or your evil position. I could n't care less that you 're a filthy werewolf. I have better things-"

Albus jabbed his sceptre into Malfoy 's thorax, nearly knocking him over in the process. His eye was pounding and he could feel high temperature rising up in his body."You. Take. That. Back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"mat said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's true. I do n't give care. It was the closed book that I liked and nothing Thomas More. You do n't sleep together the half of what 's going on or why I want that hut. He only uses it one Night out of twenty-eight. I want it the former XXVII. I do n't get why that 's such a huge deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a loud vox boomed over the grounds."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his scepter and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the grounds after dark but another to be caught threatening another student. He pointed his wand in the counseling of the voice and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his enceinte Newfoundland dog, Fetch, at his side.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."Matt ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"wellspring, yer breaking the convention so I 'm going to have to take yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll own to see Slughorn."

"hospital wing,"lusterlessness said."First."

Hagrid turned to flatness and looked at his wrist."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"Matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped lustrelessness on the back, a gesture clearly meant to soothe him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the rook, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a brusque distance. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping Willow again, although Albus had a feeling he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that Matt was a wolfman.

The castle was much empty when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their rounds and realized that curfew must sustain passed. So often for not getting in bother.

Hagrid walked them to the infirmary wing and left Albus and lustrelessness there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's study. Malfoy had remained tranquilize during the full walk, but lost the sneer he 'd assume when he insulted matte.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"brothel keeper Pomfrey said as she examined matte 's radiocarpal joint."This sneaking about in the dead of night, following people. At least you did n't get locked out this time.

"Yes, your wrist is definitely humbled. But I can touch on it quickly."

lady Pomfrey took her verge out of her robes and pointed it at matt 's wrist. She muttered a enchantment and instantly, his carpus was healed.

"Thanks,"Matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a goblet of potion."Take this for the annoyance and you 'll be good as new. No need to stay the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to expect here until Professor Longbottom comes to collect you."

Matt nodded and downed the potion in one large gulp. Albus sat down succeeding to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't conceive Hagrid had seen him with his wand pointed at Malfoy, so his penalty should n't be too bad.

"You do n't remember he 'll draw you misfire Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"lustrelessness asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would bolt down me."

The doorway to the ward opened and professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his principal when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the grounds after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt Wyrd calling Professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this situation.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his straits, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer hold, nor would it check Malfoy from trying to see out how to get into the shrieking Shack.

"I 'll puddle this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten stop from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both serve custody tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch match. Lines, in my authority. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave alone. He nodded to Madam Pomfrey as he walked to the room access."Good night, Poppy."

"commodity night, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and Matt said good nighttime to the nurse and then left the Mrs. Humphrey Ward, both automatically going back to the common way rather than the piranha 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor column twice in one Night they 'd get a much worse punishment than twenty lost item and a detention. Albus thought they 'd gotten off easy, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, rosiness, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. John and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a word,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an minute,"John said."What 's your punishment ?"

"detainment tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten points,"Albus said.

"You got off easy,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and John we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took compassion on us because matt broke his wrist while we were out there,"Albus said.

King John laughed."Of class he did."

"Shut it,"matt said."It really spite. I was dodging a curse that Malfoy sent to the willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything useful out ?"rose wine asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and matt explained what had happened, including the theatrical role where Malfoy insulted Matt and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"rosebush mused."What can he possibly want the Shack for ? And what did he think when he said he had former hooey going on ? What other clobber could he possibly have going on besides schooltime ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"John suggested."Surely Felix knows what his full cousin are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the Shack ?"

"Who knows,"bathroom said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"Speaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting Weird,"blush wine said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't appear to have any friends."

"Does her brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"rosiness replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another meter and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd love to bonk what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in liaison with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupid to be,"rosiness said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two year ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to figure out what 's up with Elsie,"John said.

"I 'm trying,"Rose insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd think. She hardly talks at all."

"Just retain trying,"bathroom said.

"team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the usual room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second chance at this and let 's not break it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't argue. Turning in ahead of time was a serious idea and he was actually quite weary after his sashay to the Whomping willow tree. He bade good Night to his Quaker and went up to his quiet, empty dormitory. It did n't take him long to fall asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! I am doing ingroup NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a in force approximation ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather for the rematch was vastly unlike from the previous Sat 's weather. The sky seemed to be all out of snow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly cold-blooded, there was piddling lead. Albus hoped the match would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to serve detention with prof Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great lobby by himself for breakfast. His other night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was gracious being able-bodied to linger over breakfast, though, and concentrate on the upcoming match rather than interact with his champion. As he ate, the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his egg when the Post owls arrived.

Albus observed the bird of Minerva and did n't recognize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any Post today, which was a unspoilt matter because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very great owl holding a red envelope in its sassing ; it was a wow and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin mesa. Albus continued watching it and saw it land right in front man of Scorpius, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his haste to leave the room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awful opening a belly laugh in public. From the sound of it, Malfoy did n't quite make up it to a loo or hollow classroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the Entrance Hall.

Malfoy did n't return to the Great Hall. Albus figured it must have been a particularly awful thigh-slapper and was wondering what it could possibly have said when his friends sat down adjacent to him.

"Malfoy got a howler monkey,"John said as he started loading his crustal plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"Well, we heard the behind end of it,"John said.

"It was unspeakable,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"whoremonger said."It was a man 's vox. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in worry for stupid things when he should be studying and concentrating on his school work and keeping his foreland down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more important thing on their nous than worrying about Malfoy getting in worry in schooling. And how they ca n't worry about him at school when they 're engaged worrying about former things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the other things were ?"

"Nope,"Saint John said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeons after the howler blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at practice session was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his house,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to get together up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"matt said."His dad was a death Eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His gramps was, but his dad sort of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his grandfather, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is Weird,"Matt said."Maybe his grandfather is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't vocalise right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"matt muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a hanker couple came dead on target. Since the conditions was cooperating, William James put off catching the sneaker until Gryffindor was up by 200 points, instead focusing his attempt on faking dives to keep Ravenclaw 's searcher away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a one-half hours later James caught the Snitch and won the compeer for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely disappointed that he 'd throw to drop the resulting party in the vulgar way, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detention for right after the match.

matte was waiting for Albus in the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall and the two of them grabbed a immediate lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's function. They spent the next two hours writing'I will not mouse out of the castle after darkness'over and over again. By the time they were done Albus wanted to curl up up and take a nap, since the Quidditch mate itself had exhausted him. He and Matt decided to expend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the eye of plotting their new joke. Rose and Amanda were in the program library, apparently avoiding trick and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure as shooting you do n't want to be involved with this ?"John asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detentions,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to mean a lot of detentions."

"amercement,"John said.

Saint John and Kaden lowered their vocalism, but Albus distinctly heard the words 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm clocks .'At that item, he really did n't want to know. He and Matt decided to start a game of chess and attempted to tune out John and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other Night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"matt said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that mean you 'd proceed again ?"

"I do n't know,"mat said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't opine so because the real cause we moved here was so I could go to schooltime, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of lusterlessness 's bishops.

"But if he does lose it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf outlet,"Matt pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other affair your dad hand with that they might dissent on."

"But my dad 's the most song on werewolf right hand. Everyone knows that,"lusterlessness said."If they 're going to disagree on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll give to wait until the debate,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"Matt said quietly."It might be awful, but I want to eff what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sentience,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three hebdomad,"Matt said."February 15th. That 's the solely affair ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when pink wine went. suck that they do that."

matte nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. Speaking of that, is James still going out with that Hufflepuff young lady ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no approximation, to be honest. I guess we 'll find out when the Hogsmeade trip-up comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch practice for that day again,"Matt pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too often since the weather was so courteous, but I think if he did it again the whole team would hate him."

"That would throw an awkward family dinner party, considering over half the team are your cousins,"lusterlessness said.

"Family dinners with my kinsfolk have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the next one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a petty over two months to go,"Matt said."You can make it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his world-beater in the aim job of Matt 's Riley B King."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the last government minister of Magic to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"professor Embry said as he strolled around his schoolroom. It was the first gear week of February and the class had finally gotten to the tip where they were beginning to discuss the second war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the least competent Minister ever to hold berth,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in strawman of him, for reverence of being known as the Minister who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right in front of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of course, because he is now known for being the least competent pastor.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly better Light than Fudge, although he was Minister when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in August of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of row. He 'd grown up listening to his parents joke at the incompetence of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a government minister at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed banker's bill since the essays Embry set were often long and hard.

"The meter of the second war was a time of fright and topsy-turvyness,"Embry said as he reached the front of the elbow room again."No one knew what was going on or who to believe. Many people heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even gaga. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't hump what to do or who to turn to, or even what to believe. They 'd been fooled for a full yr, believing what their Ministry and newsprint told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. near people 's goals were to protect their family and friend and that was it.

"It was the care and chaos that allowed Voldemort and his followers to take control of the Ministry. Without the documentation of wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a coup. It was simpleton for Voldemort to slue in and takeover in a matter of weeks."

"Excuse me, Professor ?"Olivia toll said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Price ?"Embry replied."You have a dubiousness ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to answer, but what were you doing during the second gear war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal spirit, he did n't testify it. Instead he gave a slight smile and began to walk around the classroom again.

"I do n't mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war movement, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six geezerhood. I got a job as an undersecretary in the section of Magical transferral when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the ranks.

"I 'd received a forwarding shortly before Minister Fudge resigned and worked to draught Pentateuch, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weak and corrupt and no longer wished to line up myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would wish to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what kind of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no idea he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so important to educate all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."Looks like we 're out of time for today so delight write an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's full term as curate for homework, due following Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor pillar with his friend. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the notice board, which was unknown. The Hogsmeade weekend appointment had already been announced and rarely did early observation garner such a gang around the notice plug-in.

Albus shrugged at his acquaintance and they squeezed through the bunch until they could read it. It was a boastfully poster, covering the legal age of the circuit board, imposing an early curfew Sunday night. Everyone, first through seventh long time, were to be back inside the castle by five in the eventide, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to lock the front man door at exactly five and that everyone was to report to their common room at five-thirty.

"That 's Weird,"Albus said as he and his friend retreated."I do n't think they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because greyback has n't been caught,"mat said quietly."William Ashley Sunday 's the broad moon."

"They must remember he 's going to follow back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"trick added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't have sex,"mat said."But I 'd bet my parents'altogether Gringotts bank vault that he 's going to burn someone Sunday night."

"Wait,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the Shrieking Shack until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"matte said."In case some people do n't follow it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a mind count. That 's why we all have to come back to the mutual room at five-thirty."

rose wine nodded."Then you 'll let to allow for later, after the doors are locked."

"Either that or Madam Pomfrey will deliver me go betimes,"mat replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the Shrieking Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his ally were probably the only educatee who knew the ground why a curfew had been imposed on Lord's Day. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to figure it out. More than a few students were angry about it, although Albus had no idea why since it was n't common for bookman to get hold of a saunter on the priming on a Sun Nox in February. He supposed they liked the choice, though.

As William Ashley Sunday drew closer lustrelessness became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in foremost year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and rosiness tried to get him to open up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was amercement. lavatory and Kaden did n't look to notice any difference in Matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Sat 's Dueling tourney proved uneventful. Albus spent the entire few hours worrying about Matt because he had elected to skip the tournament in order of magnitude to log Z's, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life story easy by remaining quiet throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in third place. Albus himself won both of his duel, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his Friend spent the day in the Marauder 's Den, working on homework and playing secret plan. Matt slept for a great deal of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the reason lustrelessness was so smooth was Greyback. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to rejoin to Gryffindor to raise they were in the castle. Matt was still asleep, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"Matt,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the vernacular room."

"This is stupid,"mat muttered."They 're counting everyone to make for certain no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one support in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so tranquillity this week ?"Albus asked as mat got up. He did n't answer."You and Greyback are n't the same."

"I know,"flatness said as they left the room. The corridor was empty-bellied, so he continued to tattle."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew thing every wide-cut synodic month, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not severe because you 're in the Shrieking Shack. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and knot are different because he wants to bite hoi polloi. He purposely transforms near people, not on Wolfsbane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does descend to Hogsmeade,"Matt continued."He 'll hear me howling and know there 's a wolfman in the Shrieking Shack and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does bite someone, and let 's confront it, he will,"Matt said."It 's going to look bad for all loup-garou. All it 'll consider is a few fire and multitude will start believing we should have our rightfield taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the common room."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to materialize. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat ma'am said as she swung her portrayal open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the common elbow room the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to quiet down, but everyone was still trying to work out out why such an former curfew had been set. The way was so crowd together that Albus and matt could n't find the rest of their friends and since being in a crowded room was not the secure idea for matte right before the full Sun Myung Moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dorm threshold.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"broom announced in a magically hyperbolize voice. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even told us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a mint since it 's February, dark, and freezing out-of-door. None of you would be international anyway. Now just remain quiet while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to vagabond the castle until your normal curfew."

Heather began calling out public figure in alphabetical order by year. It took her fifteen or so minutes to get to the fourth years and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen arcminute after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common room emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great manse for dinner. Matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him awake, he went up to the dorm room to sleep until he had to go to the hospital annex.

When Albus and his friends returned from dinner Matt had already left for the hospital backstage. They decided to just stick around the rough-cut room since it was fairly empty and spent the evening working on their essays for Professor Embry.

"Any fortune you lot recognise why we 're stuck inside ?"James II asked as he snagged the live on chair at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glimpse with Rose. He supposed it could n't anguish to tell King James the reason why, just so long as he did n't say him why they knew. Of course, as soon as he told James it would spread around the castle like tartar pox at a wizarding baby's room school, but again, that would n't really hurt anything.

"We 've got a hunch,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw greyback on the background during the Quidditch couple ?"

"Yeah,"James said.

"Well, tonight 's a full moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

James was silent for a bit and then his eyes grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to come here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his friend nodded.

"brand sentiency,"James IV said."Can you imagine what kind of trouble Kendrick would be in if somebody got bitten by a werewolf on the cause ?"

Albus did n't want to think about it. He doubted lusterlessness wanted a companion in the Shrieking Shack.

"Scary,"Saint James said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the grounds. I wonder why they did n't just tell us. No one would be angry about it if they 'd told us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"Guess so,"King James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Greyback would be plebeian knowledge in the castling within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to terminate his essay and decided to call it a night shortly after. He did n't find like talking, not with the possibility that grayback was either running around the Hogwarts grounds or setting himself on some unsuspecting village, wanting to infect small children with lycanthropy. It was awful to think about. Albus laid awake for hour, trying not to call up about it, but try as he might, he just could not push the cerebration from his mind.


It was a rare occasion that Albus witnessed the sun rise. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to log Z's until the very late daybreak or early afternoon, but this finical morning he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that Nox due to his worries about Fenrir Calidris canutus and mat, and decided that it was pointless to try and sleep when he 'd just have to be up in an hour anyway.

Albus sat at the window and watched as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The grounds looked passive, and not at all like the place where a werewolf could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The Moon had set and both Matt and Johnny would be back in their human conformation by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was zilch anyone could do to transfer it. Albus wondered just how farsighted it would take for the Prophet to publish some sort of article on any onrush Greyback might 've been the suit of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before King John did and busied themselves with talking of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken place Saturday, completely unworried about Reb. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the escaped lycanthrope. But they at to the lowest degree bed that the former night had been a full synodic month, since James had spread that information around the rook.

lavatory finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now verbalize freely.

"What time is it ?"whoremaster asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got time to visit Matt before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no compass point in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious mind or sleeping. The Sun Myung Moon just set two 60 minutes ago."

"Yeah, but he might make love something,"John said as he closed the dangling on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Calidris canutus last night."

"He never remembers anything about entire moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still Charles Frederick Worth a jibe,"bathroom replied.

Albus thought it would be kind of pointless, but they did n't have sentence before Herbology anyway. After privy finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory and down to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast before stratum. Rose, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the seer ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a mint of toast.

Rose shook her head and swallowed her Bacon before answering."No. Absolutely nothing, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for enough details to birth emerged."

"well, we 've got a detached menstruum this good afternoon, so we can go ask Matt,"St. John the Apostle said.

"I told you that he 's not going to love anything,"Albus reminded him.

John shrugged."You never know."

The relief of the student body seemed to feature already forgotten about the former curfew and the full phase of the moon moonlight. Albus did n't get a line anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at lunch later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an attack, it was old news for the Hogwarts scholarly person. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda.

Albus, lav, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to forethought of Magical Creatures that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by cages filled with diminished, black, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers unique ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like shiny things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got vigil or jewelry on, take it off. I 've buried a load of leprechaun gold and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to discover it. Everyone pair off and then derive get a niffler. Whichever twosome finds the most gold gets a pack of Chocolate Frogs."

There was a stir as everyone hurried to take off their jewelry and determine a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly gem hunter. Albus took off his scout, shoved it into his pouch, and followed lav and Amanda over to the nifflers. With matte in the hospital extension, Albus was without a partner and decided to just join bathroom and Amanda.

St. John grabbed the niffler with the longsighted rostrum and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the grounds. Every so often the niffler would bar and dig through the snow, revealing a low piling of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The entire subroutine was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the rest of the class 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, singular puppet. At one compass point, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniff out a set of scales in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his weighing machine in there anyway ?"St. John asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, King John, look !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two trope walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few seconds, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a untested Auror from his dad 's department. His name was Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to aid when Kaden was kidnapped two years ago. The second man was none former than Matt 's dad.

"What 's flatness 's dad doing here ?"St. John the Apostle asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other cuss ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two thaumaturge walked past Albus, John, and Amanda without making any sort of eye inter-group communication, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the course was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

King John tugged the niffler 's steer and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earreach, hiding behind a pubic hair. John and Amanda crouched down on either side of meat of him.

"I s'ppose I did hear some rummy noises las'night,"Hagrid said."More'n usual, that is. Always shady noises from the woods. A bit more howling than normal las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"Matt 's dad asked. His voice sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outside late. What 's this about ? Reb ?"

Matt 's dad and Paul Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"Matt 's dad said."We have grounds to believe Greyback was in the country finally nighttime and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."Wish I could assist yeh. But yeh make out, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a fast glance at Newman."We 've had reports of more brutal, louder howling. Howling that seems to change location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could help. I 'll pay a bit more attention next broad moon."

"We 'd treasure it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

Matt 's dad and John Henry Newman turned and left, without a second glance at Hagrid or the course of study. The rest of the class had hanker since returned to their nifflers and all had bag of atomic number 79 far larger than Albus, bathroom, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate Frogs. It seemed that something did encounter last Night, but nonentity knew exactly what.

At the end of the socio-economic class, Albus, John, and Amanda came in dead conclusion for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed discomfited, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the rook, nervous to stow their bag and go visit Matt.

"If Johnny is n't on Wolfsbane should n't he be easy to find after the fully moon ?"toilet asked as they walked to the hospital wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."lusterlessness only bites and attacks himself because he has naught else to attack. If grayback 's out roaming the countryside, he can snipe beast and people."

"But what about the actual translation ?"john replied."Even lycanthrope on Aconitum lycoctonum are achy the next day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the hold out matter on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. lustrelessness would probably know."

Matt was the only patient in the infirmary wing and dame Pomfrey was busy in her written report, so Albus and his friends were relinquish to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was glad to see that Matt was awake, although he did calculate slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the prophesier ?"matt asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken seats on his bed."And I 'm fine, so do n't trouble oneself asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last night was weird,"flatness said.

"Told you he 'd have a go at it something,"John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"Matt replied."It was just Weird. I do n't bang how else to draw it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't have it off,"Matt said quietly as he pulled his hands out from under the mantle. They were completely bandaged."look. My hands are the only part of me that 's hurt. I mean, I ache all over from the transformations, but I did n't burn myself at all death night."

Albus looked at the bandages."But your hands. You did n't bite them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"Splinters,"Matt said."lady Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the wolf, but I do sometimes remember feelings. Like if the Wolf was really angry or something. live on dark it was desperate, although I have no estimation what for. I guess to get outside, if Madam Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his headspring."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking Shack for three and a one-half geezerhood and the wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll severalise you something weirder,"John said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"matte exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During Care of Magical Creatures, he and some Auror came to blab out to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"lusterlessness cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything weird last night. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than usual from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may get just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been study of more roughshod howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Greyback was in Hogsmeade last nighttime,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the Shack ?"mat asked."Nothing right. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll keep coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to miss from the hutch. The wards are too good."

The door to the cellblock flew open and Matt 's dad came striding inside, still looking as serious as he had earlier. After a quick glance around the room, he strode over to Matt 's bed.

"Dad,"Matt said.

"You do n't search surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. wellspring, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a unretentive laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. Next prison term you 're trying to hide out, do n't shroud with a niffler. They 're notorious game show. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"Matt asked, clearly discomfited.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're better, though."

"I need to talk with you about last night, lusterlessness,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In private, perhaps ?"

Matt shook his headland."I already told them about last Night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and recall if you heard or saw anything strange hold out night. I know you never recollect anything, but try."

flatness held up his bandaged hands."Madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the shack last night. That never happens. Whatever was outdoor kept the wolf occupied all night. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's eyes grew large and Albus noticed that the serious aspect had dissipated. It was replaced with a tone Albus had seen quite often on his own father. It was a father 's shock and headache.

lustrelessness explained the residual, including the piece about the wolf feeling desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to muse this for a few instant before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"matt asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't wound to say you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last night. It 's a town about five international mile away, on the other side of that slew next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to reckon out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"Matt asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me believe that this was a carefully planned attack. Little Shingleton is a Muggle Village, with these two nestling and their parents being the only witches and wizards in the area. It 's too cooccurring. And why attack both small fry ? Most wolfman take off immediately after biting someone, their instinct telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... survive ?"flatness replied.

"They 're both in horse barn condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their bites heal, they 'll be ok, save for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The bites were clean and small, not pattern werewolf bites. These chomp were inflicted just to taint. Another sign toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"basketball team miles is not an impossible journey for a werewolf in a night,"Mr. Eckerton explained."about in all probability grayback heard Matt 's howls last Night and followed the sound. Once there, he probably spent the rest of the Night attempting to get inside the shrieking Shack, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"matte asked.

"I do, and Auror Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to visit you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"Gospel According to John asked."He ca n't be that far. No criminal offense, Matt, but if you were outside you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The matter that makes lycnathropy so hard to analyse, and also most likely the reason why Wolfsbane does n't do work for all wolfman, is that each individual 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its essence depend a lot upon a person 's views toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Greyback has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and support for that one nighttime a month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his savage side so much that he even attacks people when the moonlight is not full.

"You, Matt, on the former bridge player, identify virtually with your man side of meat. As you should, considering you 're only a wolf one night out of twenty-eight. Therefore, you resist the transformation. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. Greyback embraces it, and probably shifts a lot easier than you do. His transformation most in all likelihood do not have him the Saami pain."

"I guess that makes gumption,"Matt said.

"But still,"bathroom said."They should be combing the afforest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. trustfulness me. They have the total loup-garou command unit searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally send off Aurors to capture rogue loup-garou, as that 's usually the loup-garou Control Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to investigate werewolf flak. But this is a high profile case, so they want many multitude on it, including people in bearing. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if Teddy was on the causa. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing teddy, he 'd desire to be on the lawsuit since grayback had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and fill out a report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chairwoman."If you think of anything else, lusterlessness, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

Matt said goodbye to his dad and soon the boys and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't bed what to say. Fenrir greyback, it seemed, was up to his old illusion and somehow Matt had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Greyback 's plan of attack on the two children took the totally movement Sir Frederick Handley Page of the Prophet the followers morn. The entire Great Hall was talking about it, professors, bookman, and touch. Copies of the paper were being passed faster than platters of bacon. Albus managed to snag a written matter from his cousin Ben.

FENRIR Rebel approach IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Rebel, escaped con and werewolf,
was sighted last night in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, preserve for one
wizarding kin. The family, whose
epithet have not been released due to the
Underage werewolf Protection Law,
suffered an extreme point catastrophe lastly night,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their child. Both tike are
reportedly in stable experimental condition at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror section and the department for
the regulating and Control of Magical
Creatures, headed by head of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded late yesterday.
'We 've interviewed several eyewitnesses
who saw or heard a lycanthrope in Hogsmeade
during the wide moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five miles from Little Shingleton .'
Investigators said that numerous early
clues led them to believe that the tone-beginning
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not prepared to disclose all details
of the probe. But we are convinced
that this was an attack by Johnny Reb. A team
of Aurors and Werewolf Control whole employees
are working around the clock to capture
Johnny Reb .'

The article was followed by a recap of Greyback and the criminal offense that had landed him in Azkaban in the first place, along with a nasty photograph of him. Even in his human contour he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic line compared to flatness, who did n't resemble a Wolf at all, save for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the clause and his oculus fell on Matt 's. They had a xanthous tint to them, with flecks of Au amidst their natural blue color. They were indeed the just wolf-like trait he possessed when the lunation was n't full.

"This is why hoi polloi want rigid werewolf controller laws,"Matt said quietly.

"even those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't think about that. All they 'll think about is how their children are n't safe, and they 're in good order. It 's just lousy timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure Matt that everything would be all mightily, that Laurentis would n't muck up everything out of proportion, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was mightily, that Laurentis would once again use a painful tragedy to draw more sustenance from the wizarding world. If his uncle Percy was going to support a opportunity against her, he was going to get to drastically change his run strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the wrong chapter last Friday. This is the real chapter 25 and the one I uploaded last Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The affair about werewolf attacks was that they were only able to pass once a calendar month. There was absolutely no chance of a werewolf onset during the rest of the month, so it was easy for the Hogwarts students to soon bury about Fenrir Rebel, or at least button him into the furthest corner of their minds. After the initial clause about Rebel 's attack on the two young tike, the paper returned to its usual election reporting, although both candidates were being very repose about the attack. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a program line, which did n't storm Albus. The debate on regularization of magical creatures was scheduled for Saturday, so both candidates would make instruction then. There had been a few column in the paper written by people pushing for stricter werewolf laws, but that had been it.

Sat was also the day of the following Hogsmeade misstep, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed beguilement from the away humankind. Word spread amongst Albus 's full cousin that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other first cousin had particular date as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with privy, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda. Matt had arranged to attend to the debate with his dad, and would miss the trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this disputation ?"Albus asked mat as they played chess in the Marauder 's Den.

"What ?"matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the pretext of taking his routine for the preceding five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that debate Saturday."

matt had seemed distracted all workweek and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his transformation or the approaching argumentation, Albus did n't know.

"Yeah, I 'm sure,"Matt said."I 'd rather get wind it straight from her than interpret it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to speak out against her if she wants stricter laws ?"

matt shrugged."I do n't bed. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The threshold to the Den flare-up spread and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing monovular grins. It was slightly uncanny, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a upright star sign when John and Kaden were that glad about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any suggestions ?"John the Divine asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to matte, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John Lackland said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next year. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't need detention again,"matt explained."Honestly, I could n't care less if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't need to eff what it 's going to be ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a opportunity,"Matt said.

St. John shrugged."All right hand. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just hold and see when the time feels right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

John and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and lusterlessness exchanged a glance.

"We could tell you why that was so funny,"lav said.

"Or you could just expect and see like the rest of the castling,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not singular enough to possibly wind up with another hebdomad 's detention.

Whatever the prank was, John the Evangelist and Kaden did n't apply it before the next day. Saturday brought blue skies and bitterly stale temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in preparation for walking around Hogsmeade.

lustrelessness left early for the debate, Flooing from Professor Longbottom 's study. Albus and can slept recent and met Kaden, Rose, and Amanda in the Great Hall for a quick tiffin before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade stumble was always an interesting one. The village became filled with Pres Young couples either snogging passionately in figurehead of the store or staring awkwardly at each former across a table in the Three Broomsticks or Madam Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a date before in his aliveness, Albus found it really funny to watch out. John and Kaden found it amusing as well, but Rose and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the couples and did n't find them at all funny.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not Madam Puddifoot 's,"can said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck couples headed toward the place.

"I plan on never setting foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't handle how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John laughed."You 'd have to get a miss to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The relief of the group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only abandon table in the Three broomstick. Albus was hoping to catch a glimpse of James River because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his sidekick was going out on dates. It was just weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the mathematical group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to pedigree up on Skiving Snackboxes and burnt umber Frogs. By then it was nearly dinner time and they decided to call it a day. The jazz was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"John shouted just as they were setting off on the way of life back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what King John was pointing at.

"James and Gabby Ellis,"trick said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the exterior of Honeyduke 's, his oral fissure attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so close that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"blush wine added."I could 've gone my entire life without seeing someone snog James."

John and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the itinerary."Let 's go."

"I think it 's safe to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in James IV ..."Rose muttered.

"fountainhead, he does play Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my cousins,"Rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we change the issue ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet lustrelessness 's back from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'nous off of James II 's quixotic life. Albus himself wanted to put the image of his brother kissing someone out of his thinker forever. At least she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never have to see them kissing in the unwashed room. If he did he may get to spend all of his time in the predator 's Den.

dinner party had n't started yet when they arrived at the castle, so the group decided to go find Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the Marauder 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the disputation, but mat was sitting on the redact casually reading his Charms book, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"matt asked as he set his record book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down future to mat. John, Rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

Matt raised his eyebrows."Disgusting ?"

"We saw Epistle of James snogging his new girlfriend,"Rose said with a thrill."corporate trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a girl while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

Matt laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll study your word for it."

"Consider yourself favourable,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Matt said."Well, okey, parts of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those court of law way in the basement. Mostly it was people who work at the Ministry there, but there were some other people there, too, because the elbow room was so big.

"I 'm not sure how much you know about the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, but every animal is divided into one of three categories. being, flavour, and Beasts. Spirits are spectre and poltergeists and boggarts. existence are creatures that are n't man, but have human intelligence. animate being are everything else. The fella who was running the debate started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the rights given to Beings. You know, goblins, house-elves, Centaur, those sorts of brute. They did n't have much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should have their right wing taken away. And pink wine 's mum has worked so hard to get them right.

"Then they moved on to the Spirit division and there was n't much controversy with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about disembodied spirit. They 're just sorting of there. specter do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the topic of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't appear to have an notion on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much controversy with the Being division. There had been a lot of debate book binding and Forth about the rights of organism back when his parents had been in school and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her work life toward giving rights to beingness, especially house-elves. Over the yr she 'd done a very good job with it and had n't met very much opposition. As for the heart partitioning, Albus did n't think there had ever been often controversy there. shade were just ghosts. They pretty much did as they pleased.

Matt paused."Then there was the animate being division. Throughout chronicle both werewolves and vampires have sometimes been in the beingness division and sometimes been in the Beast division. categorization in the animate being partitioning is the reason why werewolves have been stripped of their right hand and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as being, then legally, they do n't possess to be given the Same rights as humans. It 's a technicality, really.

"A retentive meter ago werewolf were in the Being partitioning, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a huge wolfman attack on an entire town. It was atrocious. But ever since then, no one has wanted to sort out them as Beings again. My dad has been an exponent for compartmentalization as beingness ever since he started in Australia.

"The affair about classification is that, for the most share, Ministries all over the globe have to agree. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and hard thing to do. Someone has to add it up and align negotiation between countries and it requires a lot of effort. When Voldemort came to power no one in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland had the meter or energy to put toward the reclassification of lycanthrope. Not to mention they could n't part with the people to put the clock time into it. Since the brutal attack in the 50s happened in England, the early countries have n't wanted to touch the estimate. Although I 'd bet that Australia would put up a good fight if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for age, but he does n't have the support. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to touch it since it 's such a controversial return and he does n't birth often time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in History of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a well-known issue since most mass probably do n't care to put in the effort to reclassify werewolves. The only people who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the disputation ?"

"The wizard in boot of the debate dodged the interrogation of Calidris canutus for a while, asking dubiousness about other creatures like thestrals and dementors and the the like. But he finally brought up the topic of greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a affair of werewolf command law, but a matter of Azkaban security-"

"well, that 's ripe,"Albus said. He would n't sustain expected that of Laurentis.

"kind of,"Matt replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Calidris canutus would n't have escaped and those kids would 've been good. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of werewolves as existence for old age and how he 's got the support of rosiness 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to help house-elves and goblin, then why could n't she do it for loup-garou at the like prison term ?"Rose asked.

"House-elves and goblin have always been classified as Beings,"Matt explained."They were being denied rights that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the laws and enforcing them properly. None of the werewolf right wing Laws can be changed unless their compartmentalisation is changed-"

"But that 's just pillock,"John said.

matt shrugged."It is, but there 's nothing anyone can do about it."

"Well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying werewolves as beingness would turn in the electric current werewolf control condition legal philosophy unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far LE mastery over loup-garou. Which is genuine,"Matt said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if werewolves were currently classified as Beings it would make it unmanageable to even catch grayback and pursue him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purple at this point. She really knows nil about the way his section works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"Rose asked.

flatness did n't say anything for a to the full minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to vary anything. I 'm indisputable you 've noticed that he says everything 's finely the way it is and we do n't postulate to change anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the same about werewolves."

"What do you think of ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

lustrelessness averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and Rose."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying werewolves as Beings would be a poor idea, given the other issues facing the greater wizarding community of interests .'And that is a direct quotation mark. I ca n't ever bury that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Harry Hotspur did n't wish to stir the cauldron, so to talk. If matter were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather keep things the same then address out openly either for or against anything, if it would be him abide or votes.

"Then he went on to explain,"matt continued."He said that werewolf compartmentalisation does n't pretend a large telephone number of witches and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would require a lot of effort, which is true. But it 's like he did n't intend it was worth it, just because it would n't affect a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise me,"Rose said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't mean he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"matte said, turning back to Albus and Rose."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologize,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't have to prefer between the two candidates.

"It 's like he does n't even accept a solid ruling on it. He does n't want to possess a strong persuasion on it,"flatness added."Laurentis at least has a rationality. Your uncle does n't even make that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no idea who my parents will vote for now. Same with Amy."

"I do n't know who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't think wolfman will get reclassified,"flatness replied."Nothing will fall out without support of the British curate at this point."

"That 's just not fair,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

mat averted his gaze once more. This was another topic that lusterlessness had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"fountainhead, technically,"Matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The relaxation of his friends let out similar exclamations of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"Rose began.

"Not legal,"Matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the idea of allowing me to attend. It 's kind of murky, to be honest. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend Hogwarts, but at the same time, Hogwarts master have complete restraint over who they admit. So as long as it 's celebrate quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"Rose asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would expel him,"Matt explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be detrimental to another scholarly person 's didactics for him to reveal my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The rest has mostly to do with employ,"matt said."fountainhead, that and the Ministry is allowed to save werewolves for questioning about full synodic month attacks without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoner have virtually no rightfield.

"But anyway, exercise. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potential employers of my stipulation. If werewolves were classified as being, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical shape and use can not be terminated based on a person 's medical checkup conditions."

"That is the most confound thing in the world,"Albus said. His principal was spinning."How do you maintain all that straight ?"

lusterlessness shrugged."It 's my life-time. That 's the other matter, Albus, your uncle really has no thought how things are run in the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He 's not really qualified to say what effect the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only affect werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So individual can not hire you just because you 're a wolfman ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

Matt nodded."Does n't even weigh if they 're on wolf's bane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No idea,"Matt said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this unit pretending to be pattern affair that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would support the reclassification of werewolf as Beings, despite the fact that it might lose him a few votes. It might even cost him a few not to have spoken up, because now, Matt 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a orotund upshot than just the election. mat was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to bone up up Thomas More votes. Maybe Uncle Hotspur was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would happen after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the amazing reviews !


The debate on the Regulation and command of Magical Creatures did not seem to be a hot topic of discussion amongst the Hogwarts scholarly person. Unlike the debate on education, this particular debate did not relate directly to Hogwarts students, and thus there was n't much discussion beyond a few vox populi at breakfast the side by side day. The article on the argument was much more tame than the previous articles, virtually likely because Percy and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the subject. In fact, the clause mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his acquaintance kept close picket on the vaticinator in eccentric there were any updates on the escaped prisoner, but the rest of February passed without any sightings or captures. It was kind of strange since the prisoner had to ingest been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two months and the lonesome one who had been sighted was Greyback. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the lack of captures to her advantage, by publishing a new argument every few days declaring how incompetent the Auror department was. These statements were usually followed up with another declaration of how the prisoners would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in control of Azkaban.

When marching music arrived, the Prophet began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the front page, every single day.

"April gull 's Day,"St. John commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 days .'“ Does n't that seem a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A little,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our prank that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"rose said."Hogwarts is a canvas spot. You 'll mess up it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John said as he exchanged a mischievous smiling with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll chance out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"DOE this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all even yesterday ?"mat asked.

"Possibly,"Saint John the Apostle said."Oh, aspect at the fourth dimension. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's metre for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at flatness and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every quotation of 'time'or 'clocks'for the preceding few calendar week, but had yet to share why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their caper.

Albus, matt, John, rosiness, and Amanda said good-by to Kaden and headed for the keep. Since it was a double class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and flatness partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the second stratum they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never thinker,"Matt muttered."Could 've sworn ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and matte stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing alfresco. It sounds like an warning signal clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nonentity else seemed to have heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except St. John, who was staring at the door for some unknown reason. Then Albus heard it. The faintest ring.

"Do you hear it now ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The rest of the class was beginning to notice as well, and St. John suddenly turned around to look at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their antic,"Matt hissed."It 's got to be."

nonentity was paying any attention to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a Holy Scripture to the course of instruction. He returned a few minutes later.

"bottleful your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some variety of alarum going off all over the rook. After you 're done cleaning up you may impart early."

Albus and matte worked quickly, wanting to talk to John the Divine as soon as they could. They met him, along with blush wine and Amanda, outside the schoolroom a few mo later, and headed to the Great Hall. privy still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the warning signal started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, more mad than she already is."

"Are you going to distinguish us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every exclusive suit of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute of arc intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's brainy !"

"That 's actually really adept magical spell work,"Rose said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The instructor wo n't be able-bodied to turn over them off with one trance. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to take them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration succeeding,"King James said as he sat down adjacent to Albus."There must be twenty suits of armor across the corridor from the Transfiguration of Jesus elbow room. It 's so garish in there you can barely find out yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got metamorphosis next."

"feeling, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."John Lackland pointed to the staff table.

"lull !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing prank. It would seem that the consternation clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling form for the afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a loud cheerfulness as Kendrick resumed his hindquarters. The staff table was only half-full, as the rest period of them must have been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't appear trouble,"Albus said."This is actually sort of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll come another day."

After tiffin Albus and his friends went to the marauder 's Den with the purpose of spending the day there, but the incessant consternation quickly grew too annoying. Despite the cold, they decided that outside would be preferable to inside. The Snow had melted, so they were able to find a dry place to sit.

"I still hear the ringing,"Matt said as they settled down under a huge beech tree by the lake."It 's like my psyche is an alarm system clock. I think if you had done this around the full Sun Myung Moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon,"John said.

"Really ?"Matt asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a history of Magic exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will forget about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"The good moon ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"flatness answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to occur back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an mind,"Matt said quietly."I think we can help catch them, using my wolfy side."

"As bait ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"Matt said."I would n't be doing anything unlike. I 'd just be in the Shrieking Shack like usual. Albus, the predator 's Map labels Animagi as their human name calling, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how shimmy 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"Well, should n't it be the same for loup-garou ?"matt asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his time of having the second gear version Marauder 's Map, he 'd never checked the shrieking Shack during a full phase of the moon moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is watch the new edition of the Marauder 's Map during the total moon, wait for greyback to evince up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few bit. It seemed so unproblematic, almost too wide-eyed to process."Matt ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you retrieve of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few weeks ago,"lustrelessness answered."Calidris canutus was there by the shriek Shack for nearly the entire night. It would 've been comfortable to capture him if someone just knew he was there."

"time lag,"Rose said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"mat said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't recollect my dad 's in electric charge of the Greyback capture,"Albus pointed out."It 's that former Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my programme then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a wolfman. Paul Newman does n't. I do n't know what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what matte had told them about how it was n't well-defined whether admitting lycanthrope to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to do back to this Same patch ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be homo,"matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to embrace our wolf-selves and live together in packs. I do n't think he 's going to impart up easily on finding me. He did the Lapplander affair with teddy 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those small fry he attacked end month,"rose wine pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

matt nodded."Let 's go institutionalize some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their letter to their beginner, wanting to deliver most of the detail for later. Both of them replied saying they would meet the boy at Hogwarts Friday evening in club to put to work out the particular.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that Matt drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out loud, but Albus had a impression he was incredibly anxious about the plan and his part in it, despite his saying he would be ok. By the time Friday arrived he was completely still, except for the few times he snapped at Saint John the Apostle and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and Johnny Reb is captured it 's going to seduce Uncle Harry bet very sound,"Rose said."Which will be just for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three weeks away, it 's perfect timing."

"When are you meeting your pa ?"John asked.

"Seven,"Albus answered as he glanced at his sentry."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the last bit of his cake into his mouth and left the Great hallway with matt at his slope. professor Longbottom had leant them his written report for the meeting, so Albus and Matt walked up to the fourth floor.

prof Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the door was partially clear. Albus led flatness inside and they sat down on a couch to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's study. It was filled with all form of exotic industrial plant that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the whole place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few minutes later and close the door behind them. Both looked very intrigued and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quick hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at matte, who had just been let go of by his own father. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can catch knot,"Matt said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the entire plan."See ? Good architectural plan, right ?"

Harry and Bruno Walter exchanged glances. Walter looked incredibly worried."Matt, look, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Reb 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"Matt interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."smell, he 's going to number to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the trouble ? I 'll be in the Shrieking shanty with all the ward up."

"There really is n't a problem,"Bruno Walter said."It just sounds bad on the aerofoil, me using my son as come-on. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in charge of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Paul Leonard Newman ca n't be there,"Matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't live about me."

"He 's right,"Bruno Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to see out there 's a lycanthrope at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to pace the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be Sir Thomas More of us. I 'll bring Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"lusterlessness asked.

"rosebush 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

lusterlessness breathed a suspiration of rilievo."Oh, all correctly then."

"They 'd be ok,"Walter said."Four of us should be able to palm it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll assign Cardinal Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can pick a few mass form your department to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't give ear around the screech hutch all night. It 'll look suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can see until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Bruno Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Sirius Black, Remus lupin, and dick Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should show us when Greyback turns up. We can await at the Hog 's principal until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the report ? In the report the following day ?"Walter asked.

"No mention of Matt or his being in the screaming hovel,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anonymous tip that he 'd demo up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll appease in the castle, where it 's condom. I believe they 're doing a required early on curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the common elbow room a few days ago. This time, no one seemed distressed about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"Well, if people are chic they 'll stay inside with wards up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many mass talking about the wide moon. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard soul mentioning either the full moon or Greyback or both. Suddenly, werewolves were the hot theme of discussion at Hogwarts.

Most people, from what Albus could gather, did n't have a firm feeling on lycanthrope one way or another. But a few people, near having had a relative murdered by Fenrir grayback, told anyone who would listen how well-chosen they were that neither prospect wanted to change the classification of werewolves from Beasts to Beings. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to decide to drop the rest of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three hebdomad,"Amanda said."Once the election takes seat no one is going to care as much. But these past tense few calendar week have certainly made me enquire if I should go into the department for the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures."

It was Billy Sunday night and Albus and his friends were in the piranha 's Den, yet again, working on their homework that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"mat announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"Well, it 's just abominable,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sense. Why should goblin and house-elves be beingness but not wolfman ? You 're more human than a house-elf."

mat laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that dangerous. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a second year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to break his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about lamia ?"Rose asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"lamia are Beings,"Matt explained."It 's because they do n't get to drink homo rakehell to subsist. It 's a option. lycanthrope, when we bite someone, it 's not a choice. We ca n't insure it."

"Except with Wolfsbane,"pink wine pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"lusterlessness said.

"What about vampire who bite hoi polloi ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison house,"Matt said.

"So can lamia go to school and hold jobs ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so to the highest degree do n't need to go to school or already possess, because most vampires are old. As for jobs, they do n't have to tell employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"John said."Does n't make a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"Matt said with a yawn."But it 's life."

Matt slept the rest of the evening and most of the next day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't find fault him, what with all the loup-garou talk that was going around the school. Albus himself found it unmanageable to concentrate on any of his stratum or prep since there was the distinct possibility that Fenrir Greyback would be captured that night.

Albus and his friends reported to the common room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. matte did n't fall in them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the night and played a few half-hearted rounds of Exploding cinch with Saint John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory early. He knew he would n't sleep, but figured it would be slightly more fat than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was clear, giving him a very good panorama of the asterisk. After locating a few configuration Albus watched the horizon and the deliquium glow that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may suffer noticed that I screwed up utmost week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( full phase of the moon Moon Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( Spirits, Beings, and Beasts ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the real chapter 25. The report will score much more gumption after that.

I am pleased to announce that I have finished this news report ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may get updating this twice a week, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in limited review when the next update will be, so I 'll retell that I update every Friday. The accurate time will vary. Thanks for all the reviews !