Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the days preceding Christmas at rose wine 's house. James was determined to use all of his spare time for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to pink wine 's home for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help James pattern while pink wine read.

Harry had to practically separate James from his Calluna vulgaris by conjuring trick on Christmas Eve so they could go to Godric 's holler. James wanted to appease at Rose 's house and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip was quiet since James was rather sullen the full time.

"professor Patil says I 'm a natural at Transfiguration,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the burrow afterwards.

"That 's good,"Albus replied.

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

"You do n't get to choose what kind of animate being you transform into,"Albus told her.

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

Albus nodded as Lily began to describe in slap-up detail what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the burrow and Albus felt an immediate warmth come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was so cold and snowy outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the tunnel surrounded by all his household. He was capable to forget all the issues with the Quidditch tourney and Professor Killigan. All he could guess about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his grandmother 's cookery would be redress about then.

Rose sat down succeeding to Albus as he tucked into a gravid bowl of onion soup with a side of homemade bread.

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

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

"Yeah,"blush wine nodded,"They might rest even after the summer 's over, but Scots heather and scar will come in back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into flying lizard training."

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

John Rowlands had been working at the Magical zoological garden since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his whole lifespan. He just did n't know what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would take us to some other body politic,"Albus sighed.

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

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

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

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

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

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

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

"We do n't need electrical energy to make for Quidditch !"chemise exclaimed,"It 'll be perfect training shape ! If you can enamor a Snitch in the heart of a blizzard, you can catch one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

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

Albus finished his soup and he and mount went into the den, where they were greeted by a tatty chorus of 'Odo the Italian sandwich', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. visor and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her chief. Albus had a feeling the simply reason why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven Sickles for that !"Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying aid,"And the feller looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that much for a tour of a questionably historic old building. There really should be regulations on such things. It 's one thing I 'll vary if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Sir Henry Percy had been talking about running for Minister for the past ten class, but still had n't done it. most of his uncles and aunt got spue of hearing him lecture about what he would and would not transfer.

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

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

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

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a hanker sentence to him.

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

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

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

"There 's a busy Ward,"Teddy grinned,"magic spell Damage. You 'll get all the suspect wound there."

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

"goodness a reason as any,"shift shrugged.

The prison term grew later and after Albus played numerous beat of Exploding cracking with his cousins, his grandmother announced that it was meter for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no power point. Everyone, including the former grownup, knew that arguing with Molly Weasley was useless.

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

The wind was so powerful that Albus could feel it through the disruption in the windowpane. Every once in a piece, the house would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and drown out the howling.

Albus did n't superintend to drift off to kip until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of schooling pattern to put a silencing magical spell on the room.

******

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

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

"pigeon hawk !"Saint James jumped off the top bunk and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

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

"We could build the world 's biggest snow wizard later,"Ben suggested.

"We could establish an entire snow whiz U. S. Army,"Albus said.

"present tense first,"James said as he located his pile of presents.

Albus descended upon his own stack of nowadays and began opening them. There were the usual Henry Sweet and Weasleys'production from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one vermilion and amber striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the balance of the presents from his aunt and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never read, including one about the history of house pixie at Hogwarts.

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

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

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

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

Albus opened the box and saw two tickets. Two tickets for the Quidditch World Cup that was taking stead this summertime !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"reality Cup tickets !"

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

"You two get the substantially present,"Cedric said.

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

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the Saame problem. Two slate. Five friends he would want to pack. Who was he going to choose ? Not rose wine. They may possess been booster since they were babies, but she just did n't take a cacoethes for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to hybridize off the listing. John and Matt were the Quidditch buff. He 'd have to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a team or anything.

"Those are restrain edition tickets,"Ben said,"They do n't be intimate who 's playing yet, so they do n't sell very many tickets ahead of time."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping hold up twelvemonth 's present. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to travel to a dissimilar country.

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

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

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

"Maybe after lunch, then,"shift shrugged.

Molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few more disc of nut and pledge onto the table.

There was a rap on the door that could only just be heard over the howling twist. Molly glanced at Chester A. Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would visit on Christmas morning in the middle of a huge blizzard.

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

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

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

"commodity, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me make out and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy plant life. The foliage do wonders on old buildings. Makes them like new. I just put a gang into my property and it 's a skilful thing, too. Of track, they tend to pull in Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll save that in thinker,"President Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

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

"Then you must appease here a while. mollie 's cooked far too much nutrient, like usual,"Arthur lead story Xeno into the kitchen.

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

Molly was more than happy to provide Xenophilius with a large phonograph recording of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the morning playacting Exploding Snap, virtuoso 's cheat, and Gobstones with his cousin-german. They tried to play hide and go seek, but the house was too crowded to play it properly.

Teddy and James kept looking out the window, willing it to halt snowing. Both of them were just itching to go play Quidditch. Albus would cause gladly gone and played if it would stop snowing so much. He was dedicated to the plot, but not enough to play in this violent storm.

lunchtime came and the Baron Snow of Leicester was still falling. George went outside to measure it and came back with the news program that it was three and a one-half pes.

Teddy went upstairs after tiffin and came back decked out in three jump shot, a thick cloak, and a pair of rush. Under one arm was his broom and under the other was a box of Quidditch balls. James I was good behind him, dressed the same.

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

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

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

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

"Excellent,"Teddy grinned,"Anyone charge to join us ?"

Georgia, Fred, and Heather suited up in strong clothes and joined teddy bear and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't require to suspend when he could bide inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a half an 60 minutes. teddy, James River, Sakartvelo, Scots heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in nose candy and ice. Molly immediately descended upon them with chump of hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

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

Harry laughed."That does n't storm me. You 'll obtain it when the violent storm calms down. You put the charm on it to stay on in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"Teddy replied.

Christmas dinner came and went in its common chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing pulverization into his soup, which he found incredibly funny. Molly was not as ingrain and gave James quite the scolding. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

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

******

Nobody left the Burrow until two days after Christmas. That was when the C. P. Snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half feet, which was a new record for Albus 's lifetime. The burrow 's G had been decorated by 12 of coke witches and thaumaturge, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a potpourri of other magical creatures.

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

"Why ca n't I just wear my old wearing apparel gown ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon Alley towards Madam Malkin's.

"Because they 're five column inch too unforesightful,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too pocket-sized for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the favorable one,"James muttered. Victor Hugo was wearing James 's old apparel robes to the party and therefore did not feature to go shopping.

"Mummy, I want purple robe,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the foremost duo of dress robes he found, so long as they were n't pink or empurple. The Oklahoman they were done robes shopping the better.

Rose and Lily made a beeline for the girls dress robes as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly next to James while their mother found diverse robes for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a pair of emerald special K robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James II snickered.

"Shut it, James,"Albus muttered.

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

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

"Too short,"she announced,"But the semblance is sodding. I 'll get a bountiful size."

King James I wound up with a navy patrician pair of robes, which Albus would have preferred. Lily found her purple robes and Rose got a sky blue duo.

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

"No I wo n't. I do n't have K eyes,"Henry James grinned.

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the pastor 's manse, the house where all the Ministers of illusion had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a couple years. Usually all the company the rector held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hours before the party, Ginny made Albus, James, and Lily all take showers and comb out their hair properly. She spent a good fifteen minutes trying to get James IV 's pilus to lie monotone and another fifteen hour putting Lily 's up in some sort of elaborate bun type thing. Albus was very glad his own hairsbreadth was far too short for that sort of thing.

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

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

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

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

"Let 's Hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his family Apparated to the Minister 's house, which meant side-along apparition for Albus. He hated side-along phantasm. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the mortal who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the case in his phratry. It was the swearword of being the middle child. He was either with James or Lily. This meter it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

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

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

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

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

minister Langston Hartwell was the third minister since the evenfall of Lord Voldemort. He was a marvellous, rotund man with very minuscule haircloth left on his head. He did sport a rather large moustache, which caused Albus to suppose of him as a much taller version of prof Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very school whizz who spoke using very large words that Albus could n't really understand. He was long-winded and nigh of his speeches could be condensed down into a few sentences, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

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

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

The room was decorated with silver and melanize and was already filling up with people. Albus spotted Rose and matte in the back of the elbow room and left his family in the door to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you intend, mat ?"Rose turned to flatness,"His mum says they oppose his eyes, but King James says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

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

"I do n't deal,"lusterlessness shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hr already,"lustrelessness said,"We were the 1st ones here. Dad keeps introducing me to citizenry and they all think I 'm a first off year."

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

"Some,"matt said,"That 's the bloke Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very large magician,"McVicar."

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

"Dad never thought he would either,"Matt laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Percy, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's colleagues,"flatness gestured to a few more Wiccan and wizard,"Then there 's a lot of citizenry from other departments, but I do n't remember any of their names."

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

"Oh, it will be,"lusterlessness grinned,"When I was really little, we went to parties like this a few clip a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the vino and champagne. It 'll still taste exactly the same,"Matt grinned mischievously,"By the time midnight paradiddle around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

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

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

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

"Mostly stuff with the solid food. Charm the chocolates to taste like vanilla, charm the serving utensils to make a motion every prison term you go to pick them up, that sort of stuff,"Matt explained.

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

"My parents never say that hooey to me,"lusterlessness laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The hour they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the drinks, they 'll find Amy."

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

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

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

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

"Oh, it 's great,"Amy grinned,"First, only a couple people notice and they make a very repose credit to another somebody and then that person agrees that there 's something legal injury with the drinking. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then somebody will test the drinkable, discover the alcohol 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will inspire. But some of them will act drunk because they think there 's inebriant in the drinks."

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

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

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

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

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

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"rosiness smirked,"aunt Ginny has no Leslie Townes Hope of stopping James."

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

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

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

Albus 's auntie Corrine was talking with two witches Albus did n't be intimate and his twin cousins were chasing each former around the room.

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

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

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

Albus and Rose agreed. Amy left to go talk to mortal else and the three friends walked over to the buffet. There was already a small waiting line in movement of it.

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

The waiting line moved quickly and soon Albus was in straw man. He grabbed a scale and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the adept food at this kind of party.

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

"I do n't even cognise what half this hooey is,"lustrelessness said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

More and to a greater extent masses arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't commemorate any epithet. He also noticed that nonentity was acting strangely due to Amy 's magical spell. They were all acting perfectly normal for adults who had had a few drinks.

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

"Hello, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the ambo at the front line of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to watch him. Albus, rosiness, and Matt were somewhat shut down to the podium.

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

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

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in honor of none former than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the lieu of Head of the Department of regularisation and controller of Magical Creatures. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

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

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

"Thank you, Minister,"McVicar began,"That was quite an interesting speech. I, too, would care to plume Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

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

"However, the chief reason for my lack of an earlier retreat was because there was not a single someone employed in the Ministry whom I would own trusted with this job. Nobody had the capabilities to take out this attitude in the way I would wish. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five long time ago, that is.

"A fiddling over five years ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the regulating and Control of Magical fauna. He applied for a job in loup-garou Support Services, a position that had been out-of-doors for well over a year. I was ready to hire anyone who walked through the door at that point, but I had no musical theme what was to descend when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this theater of operations. He was the head teacher of the section of regularisation and ascendency of Magical Creatures in Australia for three years before leaving the position in Holy Order to move to England.

"Walter revolutionized Werewolf reinforcement Services as soon as he started. The thought he had were 1 that even I had n't thought of. In five shortsighted years, he has bettered lifetime for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

"It took only six calendar month for me to pull in that I wanted Walter to take over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and intelligence information for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his inscription surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as hard for loup-garou rights as he has.

"The entirely thing left for me to do was win over myself it was time to crawl in,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the better voice of five class to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I hand the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and Matt 's dad took the dais."That was quite the spoken communication,"Albus muttered to Matt.

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

"wellspring,"Matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of sureness, Rob. I certainly hope I can live up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intention of becoming the school principal of the entire section again, no matter which commonwealth I was living in. Werewolf financial backing military service has been such a nifty place to work these past few years. It truly is my passion.

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

"Of course, I could not take in gotten to this billet without the help of my married woman, Julie,"he gestured to Matt 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my girl, Amy, and my son, mat.

"I 'm not one for long speeches, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly Bob Hope I can be at least half of the head teacher of the section Rob has been."

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

"They 're too drunk to opine much on it,"rosebush smirked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I do n't have sex,"she whispered back,"Let 's go face at the drinks."

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

Amy grabbed a drinking glass of wine and tried it."Well, it tastes fine, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll stimulate to drink a lot Sir Thomas More than that to get properly drunk,"lusterlessness grinned.

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

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

Albus, pink wine, lustrelessness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not conceive it. All of their trick had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so laughable ?"Cedric asked.

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

"I put a charm on all the wine to murder the inebriant, while keeping the taste sensation,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the party started."

"So much for that buffoonery,"Epistle of James groaned.

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

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

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as Saint James the Apostle, Cedric, and Amy left.

"deprivation to explore the pastor 's house ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"Rose asked skeptically.

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

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

It was much quieter in the rest of the firm. They started wandering through any room that had receptive doors.

"This station is so bally fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'house,"matt said.

"Their house is this big ?"Rose asked.

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

The three ally wound up in a very heavy livelihood way filled with antique piece of furniture. There was an Oriental carpet on the footing and oak tables and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the board were project vas of flowers and watch crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be careful in here,"rosiness said as she walked into the elbow room,"If we break any of this material, our parents would murder us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"mat pointed to a watch glass swan.

"Do n't bear on it !"Rose hissed.

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

"Look at all these record,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would bed to get her men on these."

"They 're all about political sympathies, though,"flatness pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would like them,"blush wine said

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

"Probably elder than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, lustrelessness, come here,"Rose said as she looked out the window.

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

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"feel, there's-"

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

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

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

"There 's somebody sneaking around out there,"rosebush said.

Albus peered out the window into the darkness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the bushes. It did n't look like the soul was walking up towards the house to go to the company. Plus, why would he point up three hour late ?

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

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

"Albus Severus Potter, are you bloody insane ?"Rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

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

"That 's a good point,"Matt replied,"Why would person mouse around a home that 's full of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

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

rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and matt, muttering under her breath. They found the penny-pinching doorway and went out into the coldness night, drawing their verge as they did so.

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

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the firm and tried to keep on himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the pattern. However, he could n't see or hear anything.

"Do you find out anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

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

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

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

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his wand out in front of him. His heart was beating fast and his hands were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't need to stop over, though. Figuring out who this fellow was was exciting and nerve wracking at the Saami time.

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

pink wine screamed and grabbed cargo hold of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

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

"He sounds associate,"flatness whispered,"hang on. Bloody hell, that 's Professor Balladanis !"

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

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The wand light lowered and Albus heard the man step through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed Professor Balladanis. He breathed a suspiration of rilievo as Rose let go of his arm.

"Mr. ceramicist,"Balladanis said and then waved his wand around,"And Miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your don, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

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

"Told you,"rosebush whispered to Albus.

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

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

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

"If you must lie with, the Minister asked me to check the grounds in guild to make certainly nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but light Albus 's curio even more. He knew better than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explain his motives.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, matte, and Rose re-entered the building, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the door and then go forward his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

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

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

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

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

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

"Care to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"10 !"someone shouted.

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

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

The crowd began to slim down out a little while later. Most of the masses Albus did n't get laid left, along with his Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't look like they were in any hurry to pull up stakes, so he got a plate of the leftover afters and at them with his friends.

rosiness 's mob and Amy left, and then it was just the ceramicist, Matt, his parents, the rector, and his wife left. All the adults were talking, James I was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the cobbler's last of the desserts.

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

"Only if Linda 's regorge the day of one of the matches,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll chance,"lusterlessness said,"You never know."

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

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

"Yeah, see you on the gearing,"lusterlessness said.

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

******

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

Finally the day to come back to school arrived and the Potters made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in prison term. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each early about their holidays.

"Aunt margarine has got to be the most horrible aunt in the entire humanity,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about deception a few months ago and she 's been dreaded ever since. I mean, she was always variety of atrocious, but now she 's unsound. She just hates magic so much. She 's worse than my grandparents."

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

"Consider yourself lucky,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had respectable holidays ?"

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

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

"I saw individual sneaking around extraneous and Albus insisted we go investigate,"blush wine said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the pastor had apparently asked him to check the reason for trouble."

"Did he encounter you ?"John asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Again, Weird,"John said.

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

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

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those limited dueling example with him. He likes you for some reason. Of course, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a goodness dueler, too,"John explained.

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

"You never know,"John said.

******

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

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

"I trust you all had superb vacation,"Balladanis said,"But the holidays are over and although I am sure none of you thought a bit about defensive deception during said holiday, it is now fourth dimension to start up that thinking once again.

"offset, I 'll say that there is no clock time to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the wickedness fine art do not deal breaks for trivial affair such as holidays.

"Second, in this term we will begin to search creatures far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall get a line about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, wolfman, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glance at Linda when Balladanis said vampires. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at Matt when he said werewolves. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily entail anything, but Albus had a notion it did.

"As the master would find it highly inappropriate for a flying dragon to demonstrate itself in this schoolroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few prison term. You will find that there are more lecture in this term, much to my dislike. There is nothing I would like ameliorate than to teach you about acromantulas and werewolves with practical lesson, but there are both laws and shoal rule that prevent such lessons."

Albus and matt glanced at each other. It was official. Professor Balladanis was insane. What form of teacher would need to teach about dragons with springy dragons ? well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Same as Balladanis.

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

The rest period of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not have Quiditch praxis that night, so everyone went to the vulture 's Den after dinner.

"soothsaying is such a antic,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the flooring and collapsed onto a couch,"We started quartz glass orb gazing today. All I saw was a load of fog."

"I told you not to submit it,"pink wine said as she pulled a stack of Bible out of her own bag.

"I did n't opine it would be this bad,"John the Divine groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a crystal ball."

"palm reading was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the whole matter worse."

"Trelawney could make Defense bad,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

"Probably not,"Matt answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a beast any other clip of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn someone into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's trade good,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this condition. Wonder if he 'll sustain it plow into a vampire."

"No pauperization,"Saint John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to receive it sprain into a shammer werewolf either,"blush wine pointed out.

"trade good pointedness, I guess,"john muttered.

******

The rest of the hebdomad went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch recitation Th evening, and Wood informed the hale squad that they 'd bewilder rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the following catch was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in endorse station.

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

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

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

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

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may get. I have decided that your understanding of the Protego charm is satisfactory so we are going to move on to something else.

"This particular good luck charm, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorient a mortal at the Sami time. The wiz is often described as vertigo. Can either of you tell me what why this magic spell would be more utile than a standard disarming tour ?"

"Because it 's gentle to duel someone who 's dizzy than individual who is n't,"Malfoy said.

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

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

"Another good reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the elbow room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel other champion often keep multiple wands on their soul. There are tour that can be performed on these wands to proceed them attached to your robes or your real body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overwhelm easily. However, these spell require constant quantity concentration.

"If a wizard is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will lose the assiduousness necessary to keep open their supernumerary wands affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the special wands."

"Can you teach us that appeal to retain spear carrier scepter in our robes ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense concentration and charming energy to simultaneously perform that appeal while dueling someone,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the magical spell to demilitarize and disorient a person at the Saame time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combining of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, perform the charm against Mr. thrower. Mr. ceramist, you may try and quit him using the Protego charm I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to execute the new charm first, and faced Malfoy. He held his baton up and muttered 'Protego'under his breathing place. He focused all of his concentration on holding the carapace up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

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

"Keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's carapace a little harder this metre. Albus could find beads of exertion forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five time to break through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his scepter allow for his handwriting and was overcome by a waving of vertigo at the Sami fourth dimension. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the old twelvemonth, only without the fever.

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

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

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

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

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

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

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

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

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to break the shield on the fourth try. One to a lesser extent try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

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

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

"That was Wyrd,"Malfoy muttered.

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

Balladanis kept them at it for the intimately division of an hour, past when Albus would have liked to discontinue. It was exhausting to be hit with that go time after prison term while trying to curb up a buckler magical spell. Malfoy did n't seem to be faring a great deal in force and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to stop after a half time of day, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking wagerer of it.

The drill was n't for nothing, though. Albus managed to adjudge Malfoy off long and longer each sentence and although Malfoy was getting best at the shield charm as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must suffer been the ten percent time that nighttime,"I 'll see you in course of instruction on Tuesday."

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

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

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

"Now is not the time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in undecomposed prison term, I will severalise you."

Albus was taken aback. That was more than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would experience told him to beware his own business and get back to Gryffindor column before curfew. Albus was going to find out, he was just going to have to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted State, before Balladanis could change his intellect about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The walk back to Gryffindor Tower seemed longer than usual and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his acquaintance. All five of them looked shocked and Amanda looked like she was going to be sick. He looked around the rough-cut room and saw that about people looked scandalise and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"moldiness 've just happened,"whoremonger said,"They just found him. brothel keeper Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on duty. By the prison term they got back, his store was a complete mess inside and he was laying idle on the base. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the forest, the grounds, and the school. cipher 's allowed out of their common room and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would take you back here when it happened,"rosebush said.

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

People were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of thing just did n't bechance anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, prof Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one Wiccan from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas Day, but their orca had never been found and nothing had happened since.

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

"Why would anyone vote out anyone ?"rosiness replied.

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

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the earth,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some quietus. The hunt will be long over by aurora, so you will be free to pull up stakes the common elbow room then."

Albus and his admirer looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitories, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the second twelvemonth'dorm. cypher said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's fifth wheel blankets. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so tire earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sleep that night.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the amazing readers and reader !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


tiffin was very subdued the next day. nigh multitude had slept quite late since it was a Saturday. Every student of Hogwarts had their nozzle in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a friend 's. The staff board looked the Lapp, with every professor either reading the oracle or whispering with another professor, no doubt about what they 'd read.

Albus was reading Georgia 's prophet as she had finished with it and made a genial preeminence to set forth subscribing himself. All of his Quaker were peering over his articulatio humeri. Even Linda was hovering around them, a fundament or so away.

HOGSMEADE SHOPKEEPER MURDERED

A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
house physician to Hogwarts to find the Auror on
obligation atomic number 82 to the discovery of the death
of a shopkeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the tantrum by Ministry Aurors yesterday
evening. His shop had been broken into
and it showed foretoken of a battle.
Wisander was discovered in the middle of
destroyed merchandise with his sceptre
laying a few substructure away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive lookup of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its curtilage turned
up goose egg despite the minute Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprint were found on
the scene.

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

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

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong popular opinion and did not hesitate
to let others know his opinions. His to the highest degree
recent editorials have explored the subject
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'right. Aurors have declined
remark on whether they believe Wisander 's
newspaper column are a possible motive for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on Page five.

Albus set the composition down and his booster all resumed their bottom. Nobody said a Logos for a few minutes. Albus did n't know what to conceive. The clause certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his notion. However, it did n't exactly say what his belief were. Albus had n't ever study any of his column, so he could n't say either.

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

"I have no idea,"Albus replied, looking at his ally whose aspect was quite pale,"neediness to go to the room ?"

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

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

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

cipher had read them. Not even blush wine. matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches."I 've got to observe out what they were about. I do n't even know which would be better, him being for or against werewolf rights. If he 's for them, that means some feller is on the relax killing people for wanting loup-garou rights."

Matt did n't even hold to stay on for Albus to make love why that worried him. Matt 's dad was possibly the full-grown proponent of wolfman rights in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If individual had been killed just for writing about werewolf right field, what would chance to someone who was actually passing Torah for them ?

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

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

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

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

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

"The other pick is n't much better,"lustrelessness muttered,"If he did n't spell editorials for wolfman rights, then he wrote them against them."

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

"Let 's go to the library,"Rose said as she stood up,"They 'll ingest old copies of the seer there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the program library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowded it was. Usually Saturday were the day everyone put off their preparation and then Sunday were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the oracle. Nearly every table had a few newspaper on it and a few educatee poring over them. gentlewoman Pince was bustling about, no incertitude worrying about whether the scholarly person would rip her precious newspapers.

"Might not be any get out,"John muttered.

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

whoremaster was almost right. There was a very modest stack of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded board towards the back of the depository library. Albus, matte, and rosebush each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tit-tat-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newsprint, which was about two geezerhood old, until he got to the column department. In the very middle, in the biggest font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, BREWERS TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY official

As I was locking up my shop last dark,
I noticed that it was a entire moon. I
could not avail but call back of the poor
mass plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

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

The hooey is expensive. I myself did
the figuring and discovered that
it would be extremely unmanageable for
anyone with a low income to afford it.

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

I am absolutely appall that Healers
and potion beer maker charge for this
authoritative potion. They must be making
a gracious net profit. They can use the net
to strike extravagant vacation while the
pitiful beldame and wiz who buy it
conflict to afford it.

There is only so much Ministry officials
can do. Head of Werewolf funding Services,
Bruno Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
hand away free Aconitum lycoctonum, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that healer
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. Most therapist claim to have it off
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the power to brew it like
to have a petty additional outlay money.

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

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

"Read this,"Albus handed flatness his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

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

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

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

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

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

"Why did he have to note my dad ?"Matt groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that editorial and he definitely doesn't."

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

"Healers are n't like that. Most of the 1 I 've met would reach away free wolf's bane, but it 's more perplex that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There are n't many therapist who can brew it and even nigh brewers ca n't brew it,"Matt explained.

"That bloke did n't live the half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a healer and he 'd love to give away release potions. It just does n't process that way."

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"mat said quietly,"And now that he 's mind of the entire department, he 'll be passing to a greater extent police. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

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

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

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

******

Albus and his Friend scoured the Daily Prophet every forenoon the following week. Every day there was an clause about Wisander, the probe, or both. So far the investigation had turned up zippo. The Aurors had questioned quite a few people, namely those very outspoken against werewolf and vampire rightfield, but the search had proved fruitless.

The article about Wisander were far more occupy. It seemed that his column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer unity. Each day little part of his various editorials were being published. In one, he stated the ground why werewolves should n't be locked up on to the full moons. The cause were quite absurd, but the vaticinator had printed it anyway. Another column talked about why vampires should be allowed access to humans to sting. He suggested using prisoner and allowing vampire to suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison monetary value at the same time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,"trick announced at breakfast the postdate Sunday. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a twelvemonth bread and butter with a vampire kin in Turkey when he was young. They were some of the few people actually up at an betimes hour, as Albus had Quidditch praxis and King John had a morning detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning myrtle 's can the premature day.

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

"What are you doing after Quidditch praxis ?"can asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to forget eventually ? Ellen Price Wood wo n't make us praxis for the future week ? I thought he was going to save going until the genuine match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for stratum,"John grinned.

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

"Thought I might earn another custody,"john grinned,"But Kaden 's officious with chess club this afternoon-"

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

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

"I 'll differentiate Rose good luck with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and Rose will be fussy with that. Not that rosiness would require to realize detention with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, prep, I think. And I doubt lusterlessness will be up for doing anything,"John continued.

"right hand,"Albus said, remembering that the total moonlight was that night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with mat. I can let a nice one-sided conversation."

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

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

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

There were a few choice words Albus had for recitation that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his finest strain as he ordered the team to do drills hour after minute. He seemed to get more and more stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of one-on-one breeding with Teddy and Albus was more than a short envious. Teddy was a much more patient captain than Wood was and yelled a unscathed lot less. John Tyler throughway mostly helped Wood.

forest let them have got a short break for luncheon, making indisputable they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the rest of pattern, but they were back on the pitch at the time forest told them to be.

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

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

"Remember, practice session Tuesday eve !"Natalie Wood shouted as the whole team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor column and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to regain his friends.

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the common elbow room, but the boy were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to search for them after saying a quick hello to the girls.

John and Kaden were in the middle of a het game of Exploding elasticity when Albus walked into the Marauder 's Den a few arcminute later. John 's face was wide-cut of ash, but Kaden 's was quite an clean. There was also a big smile on his boldness which contrasted the scowl on John 's face. flatness was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the biz, but he was vocalize asleep.

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

"Grueling. Wood 's ten multiplication spoiled than GA. Five hour we were out there. Five bloody time of day in the frigidity !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch.

"Better than scrubbing Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom with a soup-strainer,"John muttered,"I do n't live what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle."

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

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every bingle person in the chess club,"Kaden shook his read/write head,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"Saint John said as the carte du jour blew up in his face again,"Have you done that Defense seek ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your help,"St. John the Apostle said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

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

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

"Do you dream up the wimp egg under a batrachian or a frog ?"whoremonger asked.

"toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull a Rose and order you to do your essay,"Saint John replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus managed to get in a somewhat well-to-do position on the sofa and wrote his essay with his Christian Bible and parchment perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the tabular array ; at least he was able to sort of lie down.

A few 60 minutes later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever prep he was working on.

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

John the Evangelist got up and began to poke lustrelessness 's arm. It took a upright two minutes for Matt to unfold his eyes.

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

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

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

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

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

******

"Albus, get up !"

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

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

Albus opened his eyes and saw shimmy standing over his bed. A coup d'oeil at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too too soon to wake up. It was six in the sunrise. On a Sabbatum. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve player anyway.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus took that to signify that chemise thought they were snogging and one got the other sick.

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

shimmy nodded and left. Albus threw on a t-shirt and a pair of jeans before running down to the common room, where he found King Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood pacing in battlefront of the vacate fire.

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

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very retentive speech. woods paused and then launched into an account of tactics, which Albus had already heard during pattern that week. He could n't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Ellen Price Wood could hold accomplished the same thing at ten.

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

contribution of Natalie Wood 's lecture had been on the conditions, which was moth-eaten and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The conditions were very alike to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the commons room reading a Scripture he found laying around until his supporter got up around ten.

"There you are,"Matt, who was looking significantly full than he had a few Clarence Day ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

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

"What ?"mat shouted,"That 's vivid !"

"This is bully, Albus !"Saint John the Apostle grinned,"But why ?"

"Fielding 's sick and so is the other backlog pursuer,"Albus explained,"I 'm just gladiolus we 're playing New House of York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his friends, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't reckon he had ever been more anxious for a Quidditch match. This was a really important catch, as Mrs. Henry Wood had pointed out legion times. If they won by a panoptic enough margin, they 'd be in second place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous mass came over to the Gryffindor mesa to wish well Albus fortune.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

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

"I 'll be watching the unscathed time. I 'm sure you 're going to do bang-up. Just think of it as a match against another mansion. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are blue,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest period of the Hogwarts team a few minute later. All his friends wished him good fate as he left the Hall.

nonentity talked much as they changed into their robes. Everyone sat down afterwards, ready for forest 's pre-match speech.

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


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

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's point of sentiment, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my Author page if you want to retard it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the catch, Albus decided there were four type of Quidditch in the world. Casual Quidditch, like what he played with his cousin ; schooling Quidditch ; pro Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and pro Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the players more determined, and the interest were mellow than a rule school Quidditch catch.

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

Albus pushed his Calluna vulgaris to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his chest of drawers. Then he plunged down to the ground, where nobody else was flying. He was back up high up two bit later when he had reached the New York goal posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the left goal post. The custodian was too boring and the Quaffle soared through.

"Potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Ian Douglas Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

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

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

Albus scored a few more finish and he began to relax a little. The equal began to feel more like a school match and less like a professional match, even though the stakes were still luxuriously.

Mrs. Henry Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty points when James caught the stoolpigeon, or they would n't be able to sweep over New House of York as far as overall points went.

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

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

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

The crew roared and Saint James the Apostle held the sneak high above his head. Both teams flew to the earth and Albus saw the trouble look on forest 's face. They had n't won by enough to be in second piazza overall.

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

Wood nodded in agreement, but he still looked disappointed. Albus chose to discount this and helped the sleep of the team to hoist James I onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the stage, the Aussie School of Sorcery is in first-class honours degree place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The following mate will take place at the end of February !"Smith told the crowd.

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

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

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of regard I could play in the side by side match."

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

"doubtfulness it,"Albus replied,"asset, I 'm indisputable O'delle will get first off dibs on the next match if any of the other chaser get sick."

"At least you got to play in one friction match,"Rose pointed out.

"Anyway, the side by side match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"Matt said.

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

The party continued until dinner metre, when people began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and James shortly before Albus and his friends left for dinner party. He was also scheduled to patrol the schoolhouse for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his tiddler know.

******

life-time at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch mate. The Prophet printed fewer and fewer clause about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to forget about his expiry. Everyone except mat, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the bookman at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved murder when the next Hogsmeade trip arrived two twenty-four hours after Valentine 's Day. A portion of the pupil were too lovesick to remark the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to brothel keeper Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or Matt were too preoccupied to observe the abandoned construction, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a spell despite the biting wind. rosiness and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

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

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

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

Albus did n't call up it was a good time to remind Matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screech Shack.

"goodness dot,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

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

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

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

Albus, Matt, and whoremaster went to the Three broomstick a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the palace when Albus heard soul whisper his name behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Bloody Hell !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a expert clock time, but there was a cause I changed my psyche and told you not to sneak in today. Most of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My first cousin told me. They want to make sure no one does anything pudden-head because they 're in dearest or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"lusterlessness asked.

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

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

Kaden 's fount turned Patrick Victor Martindale White and his oral fissure dropped outdoors. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met face to side with Professor Balladanis.

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

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into difficulty, but Albus should feature known proficient than to opine they could go the whole year.

nobody spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

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

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

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

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

Albus, Matt, and John could not get out of there prompt enough. They walked straight back to the unwashed way, talking about how lucky they had been. It must give birth looked like all three of them had helped Kaden filch into Hogsmeade. beneficial affair Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen moment later, looking quite distressed. He collapsed onto a death chair and stared mutinously at the table.

"Detention every Saturday for the adjacent month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how dangerous it was for me to nobble out and if I did it again I 'd get a risky penalization than detention. Did n't elaborate on that, though."

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

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his custody was that night. Balladanis decided to have him alphabetize his buck private library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den rant about the sum of money of book Balladanis had.

"He 's got more Holy Scripture on dark brute than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's telling,"Matt replied.

"regard he had less,"Kaden muttered.

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

The succeeding full-of-the-moon moon came and went, as did the next Quidditch match. Albus was beginning to distrust that the full synodic month were becoming worse for Matt, although he did n't acknowledge why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch friction match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the Snitch a half hour in. wood insisted that this was a good thing, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a good sum of money of goal before Linda caught the Snitch in their adjacent compeer, they would give more overall gunpoint than New York. Wood seemed to get lost any promise that Jesse James could beat Linda in seeking, something James fumed about on a go up day by day basis.

borderland arrived and with it a three day rain tempest that left the grounds completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to take place inside, which resulted in incredibly boring object lesson. Wood continued to hold Quiditch practice and Albus returned to the rook completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teachers were piling on the preparation and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to advert the O.W.L.s even though they were a unharmed two years away. The entirely teacher who was n't talking about the end of term exams was Professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his example as if end of condition exams did not exist. He changed goose egg about his lessons except the disconsolate creature they were learning about.

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

Albus could n't facilitate but look at Linda before he began packing up his things. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them enough about identifying vampire for anyone to picture out that Linda was one.

"So,"John said as he flipped through his Defense book the following eve. Albus, Matt, Saint John, and Kaden were in the vulture 's Den and John was just finishing the chapter on vampire."Look what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own Koran."Werewolves,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

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

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for extra assistance during that whole,"Gospel According to John grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll want incumbrance of extra help in identifying werewolves."

Matt rolled his centre."He better. It 'll search suspicious if I do n't go in for extra help. public speaking of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology homework while John and Matt were gone. Then it was metre for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the English of the classroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a Oliver Stone drainage basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silverish strings of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

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

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

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

Albus stood awkwardly side by side to one of the breast board while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two male child for a few arcminute before speaking.

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

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

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

Albus 's pulse sped up a little bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid idea ? He did n't even bang what he was getting into. But it was just a retentivity. zippo could ache him in a memory, right ?

Albus took a deep breathing spell and plunged his face into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard Mary Jane and looked around.

It was dusk and very pipe down. There was a pocket-size business firm in the space, atop of a jolting mound. In fact, the altogether expanse was mostly stony. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of grass in the completely piazza. It did n't look like any place in Britain.

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

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

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

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

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did nothing but increase Albus 's rarity. Why were they in Hellenic Republic of all places ? But he did n't ask. It did n't look like Balladanis was in an explaining humor, judging by his unretentive, one Word answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the pocket-sized business firm. The only noise was their footstep. There were n't even any bird of Minerva hooting or hotdog barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must have been their destination. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the reveal down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the Shrieking hut, only modest. It was kind of broken down and did n't look like a place that would be unspoiled to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A light was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more second and then soul turned it off.

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

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

All was quiet for two minutes. The figure entered the house, but did not turn on any lights. Then the shrieking started. Albus jumped at the sound of the 1st one.

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

His professor 's face showed nothing. Nothing but the Lapp toughened look he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the other hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two dissimilar people. There was a high-pitched one that must have been coming from a woman, and a lower one that must give been coming from a man.

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

Balladanis, however, made no relocation to get out. Instead he stared at the household. Two minute of arc later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the home, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew confining, Albus could see that the person was a boy who looked no honest-to-goodness than Albus himself. His face was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to recite, but Albus was sure there were rent running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't observe the three people watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky Benny Hill in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat associate. There was something about his brass that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite situation it.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long time after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the defense reaction schoolroom. Albus landed future to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in presence of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't turn around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was zilch about the prospect he had just witnessed that did n't progress to Albus curious. Everything about it had been confusing.

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

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

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

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the board in social movement of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right next to each other and Albus did n't care. At the moment, finding out what that setting was was more important than staying away from Malfoy.

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

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

"There is a grounds why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my classes what I did before precept. The understanding is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have science beyond your eld that I have never seen before, and believe me, I have seen batch of exceptional duelers in my time. This may be a good time to tell you how rarified it is to have two such skilled duelers in the Lapp twelvemonth at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to attend at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the start of some sort of sign of the zodiac 1 speech or something.

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

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

"Back to what I was going to differentiate you,"Balladanis said,"That vista that I just showed you, in character you have not figured it out yet, took piazza while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summer before my third year at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very sign of the zodiac we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very wretched and could barely afford to put food on the table. I think they were thankful when I went away to schoolhouse, the solitary grounds being that they would n't have to vex about me getting decent to eat.

"I had two blissfully free and fun long time at the Grecian School of illusion. I returned home during summers full phase of the moon of stories about my Friend and all the mischief we 'd gotten into."

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

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

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in staring shock absorber. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampires ? That was one thing that had never crossed Albus 's judgment.

"I returned to school that September hardened. null was fun anymore. nada was funny. It was then that I decided to devote my life to ridding the world of such wickedness. lamia, darkness thaumaturgist, werewolves, anyone and anything that murders viciously."

Albus could n't help but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned werewolves. Balladanis seemed to notice this and gave Albus the tenuous of smiles.

"However, I did make that not all vampires, loup-garou, giants, and other beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to vote down. It was for this reason that I did not wish to be employed by the Hellenic Ministry. The Hellenic Ministry prefers to carry on with magical animate being as a unit and not severalise between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very enceinte population of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the question. Instead, I chose to enter a more closelipped profession. One that you will not happen pamphlet on when you get career advice from your point of planetary house. One that no one except me is going to paint a picture to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

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

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am sure neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out coloured wizards and dismal magic. However, we not only seek out dark hotshot and grim trick, we seek out dark and serious puppet as well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't sleep together what to make of it. It was just so much info at once.

The common room was nearly vacuous when Albus climbed through the portrait yap. It must receive been really late, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't have it away what sentence it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"pigeon hawk, you 've been gone for minute !"

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

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

Albus was vaguely aware of his ally sighs of disappointment as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't experience like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the same prison term.

Albus tossed and turned the full night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis opinion of her. He had said he did n't hold a grievance against lamia that did n't pop people, but who knew what he really thought.

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

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

******

"merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his read/write head. After waking up drenched in exertion at four in the morning after a incubus in which his whole folk had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat properly sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

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

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

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

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

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

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

The miss and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, John, and mat had luncheon. John the Divine kept pestering Albus all through dejeuner, wanting to know why Linda could n't pick up about it, but Albus said naught. He was n't even certain if he was allowed to tell his friends about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the name of Merlin happened last dark ?"pink wine asked as soon as they were all in the predator 's Den.

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

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

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

"Sorry,"john muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve endure night,"Albus began.

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

"Not that great, to be honest,"Albus said,"Probably would have been meliorate if it was a respectable memory.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down home in Hellenic Republic. Kind of looked like a low more run-down rendering of the shriek Shack."

"In Hellenic Republic ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the house for what seemed like hours and then these figures broke into it and we heard this awful screaming. Then the figures left. Then this feller who was about our age came running out with this horrible daunt tone on his nerve. Then we left."

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

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

Nobody said anything for a long metre. Albus looked at his friends and they all wore rival spirit of shock.

"And you watched it ?"matte asked.

"From a space,"Albus replied.

"Merlin, no marvel Balladanis is so bally insane,"lav let out a low whistle.

"He decided to dedicate his life to ridding the earthly concern of evil, whether it be vampires, dark hotshot, or other dark tool,"Albus continued.

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

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

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

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

"Only ones that kill the great unwashed,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

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

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his view on vampires and loup-garou truly is, it 's going to be interest to see how he teaches us about them,"Rose mused.

"Guess this is why you did n't need Linda to get wind about this,"whoremaster said.

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

"Who knows ?"rose wine shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever bump out."

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

"Seriously ?"lustrelessness asked.

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

"You do n't have to know. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't decide anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the Dark artistic production, but it might cloud his judgement sometimes,"rose wine warned.

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

"Maybe because he does n't contrive on staying,"lusterlessness replied,"Why would he stop searching for the lamia who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

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

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"can rolled his middle,"There 's still something fishy about Balladanis."

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

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

******

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

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampires was stuff Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the school day class. It was still fairly worry, though. Albus found that the more serious the creature they were learning about, the more interesting it was. Not to refer the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every scholarly person was grateful for.

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

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

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

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing wolfman next,"St. John reminded him,"And Matt said that thing could n't plow into an actual werewolf. Speaking of matt, he 's lucky he 's missing this."

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

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

"He 's mental,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

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

"vampire are the everlasting marauder,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his wand at the vampire and it disappeared.

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

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're good looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are idle. The choice is not big, either. From the moment their teeth break your tegument, you begin to transform into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to turn back it, no potion to countermine it.

"Vampires hunt at night when their sight is still excellent, but when human vision is compromised. However, that is not the only intellect. Does anyone have it away the other ?"

Rose raised her handwriting. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

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

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to antagonise the upshot of the sun on vampire. Therefore they tend to inhabit areas that see less sun and areas of dense woods, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United nation, parts of Canada, and percentage of Russian Federation. However there is also a significant lamia population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The lesson continued until the gong rang. Balladanis made no honorable mention of moving onto the next unit of measurement, nor had he assigned the common end of the unit of measurement essay.

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

"You missed an splendid defense reaction lesson today,"John said once Madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any dissimilar from the usual unity ?"lusterlessness asked tiredly. He looked set to come asleep at any moment.

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

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

"Yeah, he had it sour into a vampire,"John said,"We did n't accept to fight it. He just used it to show how loyal vampire were and what they looked like."

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

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

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

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

"Thank Falco columbarius for that,"Matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"Rose said,"We should leave."

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

"'Night,"flatness said.

They left the ward just as dame Pomfrey was coming out of her subject, presumably to tell them to pull up stakes and give Matt to a greater extent potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the commons room, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to take up stakes on how farsighted Balladanis was going to spend teaching the 3rd years about lamia. Fred was sure he 'd spend the remnant of term, but Omar Nelson Bradley was convinced he 'd impress onto the next unit partway through April. None of the third years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would discover out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the next Quidditch lucifer came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Australian schoolhouse of necromancy match, which meant Wood was in his blossom when it came to practice. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing rooms since he spent more of his time on the Quidditch lurch than in the Gryffindor common room.

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

"Tripped over lusterlessness 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his right invertebrate foot,"Why ca n't he just put that unintelligent thing away ?"

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

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

A few hours later the male child were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the match to begin. rosebush and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how prospicient it 'll take Linda to find oneself the sneak this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minutes,"Gospel According to John said,"Hey, remember that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

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

"That 's what I thought,"St. John the Apostle shrugged,"But she did n't during the final stage match."

"She probably wo n't this meter, either,"matte put in,"I mean, think about it, if James could fly that fast, would he really decelerate down to a normal speed ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

matte 's prediction proved correct. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating William James to the canary by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that point and only wound up losing by XL spot.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New York as far as Quidditch points went. Australia was still in the wind, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tourney. As of the most late tourney, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in hold out piazza and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament tip were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck opening. Whatever the upshot of the remaining qualifying tourney and matches, the final exam for both were going to determine the achiever of the competition. The detail were just too close.

Although there was obviously no celebration in the Gryffindor commons room after the match, nobody was particularly gloomy either. Albus figured this was because cypher had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two calendar week into April, Omar Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were able to cash in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

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

Albus, Matt, and Saint John the Apostle saved their essays for the last potential mo, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so a great deal information on the guinea pig. It was just a very long essay to save. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't help but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an actual lamia would take it the loose essay ever.

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

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

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

"trine infantry,"Rose answered.

John groaned."Do you suppose Balladanis will notice if mine 's three inch short ?"

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

"Maybe if we do n't complete it we can just vamoose class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to usher up in social class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be regretful when you finally do go to class,"rosebush pointed out.

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

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

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll re-create chip of yours."

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

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

"feel on the bright position,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the werewolf essay, you 're certain to get a 100."

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

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

Albus, matte, and John got a late get-go since whoremonger had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure enough how it go there ), the three male child rushed down to the Great Hall to take hold of pieces of toast before running to Defense.

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

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

Balladanis began his usual pacing in nominal head of the classroom. He stopped in battlefront of rose wine and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

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

"C of days ago, before the Muggle theater of psychology came about and tenacious before Muggles had any apprehension of the human mind, they tried to spend a penny sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to ascribe the insanity to the Moon. Over the long time, the myth of werewolves came about. Thus, lycanthrope have had a significant role in Muggle taradiddle. In reality, the people Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenia or binge of insanity."

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

"Muggles of trend know nothing about real werewolf,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolves have little in common with the real thing.

"Werewolves are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

Rose was the sole one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Hellenic row 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"rose explained,"Lykos means wolf and anthropos mean man."

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

"Lycanthropes have been shunned by wizarding society for as long as account has told us about them. In recent years, there has been a great deal guess about whether this is requirement or even a proficient mind. However, it is difficult to change the mind of the majority when we have been taught to ward off wolfman and banish them from wizarding high society for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this ecumenical prejudice has came about. When in wolf form, werewolves can not ascertain their actions and thus attack incapacitated masses. This has long been construed as loup-garou wanting to lash out the great unwashed, wanting to taint them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the type when it comes to most werewolves. Most do not wish to attack others. Within the past hundred years, loup-garou have begun locking themselves up on the wide moon in order of magnitude to ward off attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the loup-garou. Does anyone know this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on flatness, but he continued staring down at his vacate parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their hands. This sentence Balladanis called on Linda."When wolfman do n't have anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a choice and they often wind up really injured because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't learn what he said because Matt had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly anxious and Albus was happy that the category was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the rest of the lecture.

"We 'll pluck up following class with what happens before, during, and after full phase of the moon moonlight for a somebody with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell rang,"If you have not read the werewolf chapter, delight do so for next time. Mr. Eckerton, if you could delight add up see me."

Matt looked, if it was possible, even more uneasy at this prospect. The rest of the class left and Albus tried to put away his matter as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with can, out of the room.

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

"Interesting object lesson, potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

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

"Oh, nothing. Just a very illuminating object lesson. I 've learned so a good deal,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Merlin,"Gospel According to John muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll know after succeeding object lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John replied,"That 's a gracious way of putting it. The altogether schoolhouse 's going to roll in the hay in two sidereal day, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"John nodded,"We ca n't tell apart him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether Matt knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

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

"Told me I did n't possess to go to the extra help during this unit unless I wanted to,"matte told them.

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

"I do n't know,"mat said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many to a greater extent lessons like that. pigeon hawk, Th 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. Matt did n't have a cue as to how frightful it would be. They said nothing more about it the completely way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tuesday and Wednesday eve. He was perfectly happy to pass all his gratis time on the Quidditch pitch and then be too old-hat to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to keep what Malfoy said away from Matt. He wanted zippo more than to warn his friend about it, even though he knew that would accomplish nothing. All it would do was shit lustrelessness vex even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's head off of what would happen after Malfoy 's intuition were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred pct sure Malfoy would herald it to all of Slytherin. Then, word would spread and the entire school would find out. Merlin only knew what would happen when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that wolfman rights had come a long way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that nearly people would not be glad if their minor were going to schooltime with a loup-garou, especially one that did not take wolf's bane. Not to remark the field day the printing press would suffer with it. Matt 's dad had just become foreland of the department for the Regulation and controller of Magical wight for merlin 's interest. It would be a repeat of what had happened when matt and his fellowship had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a cold-shoulder chance that Malfoy found out about the passageway under the Whomping willow. He had nearly had a terror attack. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a werewolf ?

It did not help that the full Sun Myung Moon was that Fri. flatness barely spoke during the brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch pitch. He sat in the piranha 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

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

Albus and John exchanged skittish glimpse as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his boldness. Albus was so pore on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's trunk was back in movement of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked Saint John in the side.

"What ?"John the Divine seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Falco columbarius 's beard,"lav exclaimed,"I do n't even want to bed what he 's going to do with that."

"tranquility down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll continue our lycanthrope discussion today by talking about what happens to a werewolf when the moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a standardized way to vampire, are somewhat allergic to the Moon when the lunation waxes. For the few nights before the literal replete moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will feel ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this down, as he knew initiative hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the fully moon. Instead he stole straightaway coup d'oeil at Malfoy and flatness. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing prompt coup d'oeil at Matt himself. Matt was staring down at his parchment and Albus was sure he was trying to disregard everything Balladanis said. He was blanch and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the deterrent example or because the full lunation was the succeeding day.

"loup-garou are often too ill to go about their day-after-day activities the day of the full moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the actual transformation, I wish to shew you what a person with lycanthropy facial expression like the day of the wide moon."

For a brief second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to call mat to the front of the room, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must accept promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and a small man stepped out of it. His pallor looked exactly like Matt 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore cicatrix and had a sickly look to them.

Balladanis began to speak about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute or so with shock and then he glanced at lustrelessness. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the self-aggrandizing smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

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

The lesson seemed to drag on on and stop number by at the Lapplander sentence. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the Saami sentence he did not want to know what was going to happen after.

"Next lesson will centre on Wolfsbane Potion and the effects it has had on werewolf rightfield,"Balladanis announced at the end of the moral,"Class dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each other. Albus did n't make out what to do. Should he face up Malfoy ? Or should he tell Matt what happened ? Matt seemed unmindful to the whole thing.

They silently decided just to pull up stakes the classroom and decide what to do after. blush wine and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no musical theme what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not for certain if this was a respectable or a bad affair. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy proper then and there.

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

"None of your line,"Matt muttered. Albus and John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his script around his wand.

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

That got Matt 's attention. His nous snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to lavatory with the most panicked look on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun full moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just tacky enough for lusterlessness, Albus and King John to hear.

mat did n't say anything. He shook his promontory and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the dislike of the students who were trying to get to class, and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out matt 's secret, but he had used it to scare him. In centre, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the worst thing he could have done.

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

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

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

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

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"John shouted.

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

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

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

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his shield held up while the hex dead reckoning at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling jinx at John.

This one hit can and he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

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

Albus did n't glower his wand and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore jinx either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the bunch had dispersed. privy was still rolling around on the ground.

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

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three son followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at John. Of all the professors to capture them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course of action, the one adept thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce Matt 's lycanthropy to the entire school while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and Saint John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's cogitation. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not commence to tell you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you ameliorate than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling skills and what sort of responsibility lies with them. I have half a mind to lay off our training sessions. However, I am bequeath to hear all sides of this story before laying out any sort of penalisation. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and ceramicist pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and John looked at each early and whoremonger rolled his eyes.

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

Albus took a deep breathing spell. He was going to tell the story. The unharmed story."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about Matt, after listening to your lectures on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that on-key, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right to have it off if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to keep on his medical checkup offspring to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His wellness is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

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

"Just weave up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your wand on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"bathroom replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much far than a duel. All three of you will receive four night'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your respective houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are things more important to discuss than custody,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and whoremaster said zilch as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's field. Malfoy walked a few metrical foot behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's subject since his first year, when he went to verbalise to Dumbledore 's portrayal. The place had n't changed in the flimsy. Everything seemed to be in the exact same home. Both Dumbledore and Snape were alive and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, Saint John, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to manus out detentions, genus Tethus,"Kendrick replied,"I am busy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that mat Eckerton is a werewolf,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. ceramist and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

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

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

Kendrick conjured a few chairs and gestured for the three son to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the in-between chair and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You may be right,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any estimation where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and bathroom left the study. Albus went straight to the vulture 's Den while John went to the dungeons as pink wine and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the predator 's Den, staring at the rampart and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to depend at Albus. His vocalization was hollow.

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

"He 'll state everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to fetch up school. That 's not even the worst percentage. It 's going to be all over the prophet. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably experience to be active to New York."

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

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a just teacher ?"lustrelessness groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of frightfully teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't give found out. He 's just so thoroughgoing ! He left nothing out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

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

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

"How do you cognise ?"lustrelessness shouted,"How do you really know ? I know Teddy 's dad got to stay after Snape found out, but this is dissimilar. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to consider with this."

Albus did n't really lie with what to say to that. Everything Matt said was honest. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. cipher could liken to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his field. He wants to let the cat out of the bag to all of us. Me, Saint John the Apostle, blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't need to go up there,"lusterlessness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. Merlin, my forefront is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"Matt groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't fair. I hate it. I hate this unhurt thing. I do n't want to be a blinking lycanthrope anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable matt was at that bit. Albus had never once heard him sound off about being a loup-garou. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the full moonshine or when he was laid up in the hospital offstage for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the password, that he had take in Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and flatness when they walked in. Matt froze in post and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

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

Albus took the seat side by side to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. mat took the other one.

"beginning, I want to check you that you do not have to forget Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to Matt,"Nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

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

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

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this school,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I manoeuver out that his position is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Energy Department anyone else know ?"mat shook his head."And did you tell the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. Matt nodded.

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

mat seemed unable to mouth. After a few present moment of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. thrower ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with pink wine, can, and Amanda, who all gave the same solvent as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus magic spell. He shared one horrified glance with rose wine and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was love feast and he looked a little panicked.

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

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

"prof, Sir,"rose began,"We sort of put this appeal on Kaden, so he would n't severalise anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a matter about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the master could say a give-and-take, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"rosebush answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible enchantress, misfire Weasley."

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

"That is indeed quite the awesome feat, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you differentiate me how long Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a twelvemonth,"rose said.

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

Albus did n't really want to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew Matt would evidence him.

Matt never showed up in the Great Hall for dejeuner, nor did he go to Ancient Runes or Charms. Albus could not concentrate on either of those classes and was very happy when spell was over and he was able to leave.

Wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four detainment. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty minutes telling Albus how he should n't be picking fights with other scholarly person so close to the adjacent Quidditch mates, especially in movement of instructor'classroom. The speech had only ended when Albus told him he was late for Charms. Albus had run into woodwind in in between Ancient rune and Charms.

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

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

"True,"John agreed.

rosiness, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go retrieve Matt before they went to dinner. They had to wait a spell for the corridor to realize out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

Matt was fast departed on the couch when they entered."goodness thing he does n't possess detention tonight,"Gospel According to John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

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

"I 'm not hungry,"Matt muttered.

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

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

"I wish he would,"mat sighed,"All he did was separate Malfoy how important it was not to mention anything. He said telling his male parent would do nothing. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would face up expulsion for revealing another student 's medical info. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did anticipate he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? for certain, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't necessitate it back. I 'd still have to leave."

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

"I guess you 're right,"lusterlessness sighed,"It 's just so strange, knowing that he knows."

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

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

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. privy and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. Good luck with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's detention was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really originative and taxing custody, but instead he assigned them billet. personal line of credit were possibly the most irksome detention ever thought up, but they were preferred to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow night due to your detention. Detention will be at nine, after my supererogatory aid session, something I 'll ask you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three male child, which Albus did n't really heed. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on replete synodic month, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a werewolf used to learn here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the intimately defensive measure teacher any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking query and went back to his rail line. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out Matt 's secret ?

A half time of day into their dividing line penning, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right hand, there was a knock on the threshold. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than matt 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to John. John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last-place thing they needed was for Balladanis to recall they were there and tell them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Bruno Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to privy. matte 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? mat had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to mouth to you about what happened earlier today,"matte 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your lessons,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my student what they 'll require to bang in order to hold themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Merlin, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you pull in how dangerous those are ?"

"Of path,"Balladanis said, raising his interpreter a bit,"You 're not the lonesome expert on magical creatures. I have complete controller over my anamatek."

"nonentity has perfective tense controller over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The headmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't need to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how much you taught the one-third years about werewolves. The point about their transformation, how to pick one out of the general universe, what happens before, during, and after transformations. Your lesson was far more detailed than a third yr schoolbook book."

"You 'd find that all my example are like that,"Balladanis replied,"Text Book do not give enough details."

"I think giving enough details about identifying a wolfman so that a third class would be able to work out that soul not even in their Lapp house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should own been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"withholding tax info from an entire class because of one pupil is not a good method of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one bookman,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the gravid good for the greatest telephone number, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a good philosophy,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll harmonize to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your lessons are putting my son in peril anymore, you may feel that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll teach however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boys, none of whom were writing line of products any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded howdy to Albus and John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the indigence to repeat that there will be consequences if you make world my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"Good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the palace tomorrow to search your report and schoolroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will take it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breath as lusterlessness 's dad left the way with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with can. He wanted nothing more than to leave, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his haste to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with Gospel According to John following. Malfoy made no motility to try and sing to them again, so they headed straight to the marauder 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the adorable people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and Saint John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to find that Matt and Kaden were the merely ones there. lustrelessness 's face was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the heart of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the cards,"Oh, Albus, John ! How was your detention ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down next to Matt,"lustrelessness, did you know your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"Well, do you have it away where he went after ?"John asked.

"dwelling, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our custody,"lavatory said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"mat shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too a great deal about how to figure out if someone 's a lycanthrope and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"lustrelessness said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reasons he came here, to tell Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to visit Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to pull in certainly he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's teaching puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a effective idea to get on my dad 's bad side,"matte said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not search well-chosen that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd recite you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"lustrelessness said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd break not order anyone you 're a lycanthrope,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't suppose Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not take very long for word to spread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next dawning at breakfast, as a few older students had bet on how foresightful he would consume it. Somehow everyone knew that Matt 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that break of the day and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even stricter than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's custody that evening.

"He 's downright shuddery,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my socio-economic class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in tears. But I 'd hate to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be barbarous. I mean, it 's pretty a lot because of mat that he got in trouble."

Matt had gone up to the marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was right. Balladanis was going to contain this out on Matt, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't have it off why he cares so much,"toilet shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could possess just taken that thing away. He 's lucky he just had to take it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't recall he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the tactile sensation I got after listening to him sing about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"Well, I think it 's a good idea for the Ministry to make him take that thing home,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a mantichora next."

Kaden went to class after luncheon while Albus and John went up to the marauder 's Den with rosiness and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"King John asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Falco columbarius, I just want to know what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John the Divine groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"rosebush commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to ignite him up,"John muttered.

The balance of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and John complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra assistant session about werewolves when he already knew so very much about them.

Albus woke flatness up shortly before dinner and he looked much unsound than he usually did the day of full moons. They all escorted him to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to lead the hospital wing, the room access opened and in walk Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John Lackland nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"bathroom whispered.

"He 's not going to tell us now,"Albus muttered back,"looking at at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to Matt 's bed and talking to Madam Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detainment for zippo. He entered the room before Malfoy and lavatory was already doing his telephone line. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him lambskin. Malfoy arrived a piddling while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about matt and did n't even comment that the full Moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at one-half retiring ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the piranha 's Den and spent the remaining clock time left until Astronomy playing Exploding press stud and maven 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have this class with the Slytherins ?"can groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy Tower,"If Malfoy does n't take a shit a single remark about the good moon, I 'll eat an full cauldron."

"I 'm going to hold you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't cogitate you 'll feature to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up side by side to Albus 's. Professor Marco Polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plat the billet of Mars, Venus, the lunation, and a handful of stars before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The moonshine is so shining,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... broad ...."

Albus looked at trick."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the mind of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just stop talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, get along on, Potter. Even you have to take account the irony,"Malfoy said.

"volition you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"Quiet over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one to a greater extent time before going back to his telescope. The rest of the lesson passed without anymore comment from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was able to rejoin to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in kickoff year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"fountainhead, she did n't shut up us out this time,"privy pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his champion had slept late on Saturday morning time and after grabbing a quick bit to eat, had gone to visit matt in the hospital annex. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the Marauder 's Den, trying to visualize out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"blush wine wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the wax moons have been spoilt the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us get Animagi,"John muttered.

"Gospel According to John, I honestly do n't think you could go an Animagus,"Rose replied,"You 'd twine up with a permanent tail affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep going back to the infirmary flank,"lav shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their efforts proved fruitless, though. They went to the hospital wing twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and John had to go to detention. dame Pomfrey told them 'no'each prison term.

Sunday, the live on day of Albus and John 's detention, was the same. Madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the thirdly time that day.

"null 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow eve ! I 'll devote the lot of you detention if you come back any to begin with than that !"

With that, she strode back into the Montgomery Ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John broke away from the group to fill out their finale detainment. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the past three night. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two countersign to him since Astronomy.

"You may stop,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an time of day and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to continue his muteness."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more severe than detention and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given enceinte thought to whether I should continue giving you extra lessons. I have decided to collapse you one more hazard. Lessons will go along this Friday at their formula meter. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer carry them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in class on Tuesday."

"Merlin, I 'm sword lily that 's over,"privy muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be painful in division, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't concentrate at all in his course of study the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the infirmary wing and obtain out how lustrelessness was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

blush wine and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the hospital wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the hospital wing, one-half expecting Madam Pomfrey to scream at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. ma'am Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the simply occupied bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtain back. mat looked exhausted and there was a rather large patch wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come in sojourn me,"Matt gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"lusterlessness smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't Madam Pomfrey let us come visit ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"bathroom began.

"Nearly two day later ?"matte cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"rosiness asked.

"A bunch of thing, really,"Matt sighed,"number one, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always regretful when I 'm worried about something. Second, I hit my head really hard at some dot that night. It still hurts. tierce, the translation in general are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's judgment. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting older and that brought plenty of change, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would change when flatness got older.

"So, are all of the full lunation going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"matt shook his principal and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really know what 'll happen in the time to come, but this one was just a combining of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to result ?"

"Tomorrow night at the earlier,"lusterlessness sighed,"Although that means I 'll lack Defense."

"compliments I could miss demurrer,"John muttered,"Speaking of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"whoremonger, he just woke up yesterday,"Rose pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"Matt said,"But he came to see me earliest and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed heading of the section for the Regulation and mastery of Magical Creatures in Australia, he hired Balladanis to catch up with a band of vampires who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easily on them."

"What did he do to them ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 yr. Balladanis thought they should have gotten life judgment of conviction. Dad and Balladanis got into this immense argument at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Australian Ministry did n't hire him after that,"Matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would consort on punishments. I wonder if he 's rent Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"flatness replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of event. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lessons you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different side of Balladanis during the retiring week."

******

Tuesday daybreak dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with St. John the Apostle. Neither of them really knew what course of study would be like, but judging from what he heard about late Defense course of instruction in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the elbow room a few moment later. He waved his wand at the door and it slammed shut with a blast loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell counterpart, who had been sitting nighest to it, to jump.

"mountain pass your prep query forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the table in front of him and waited for Balladanis to collect it. He paused in social movement of the table in social movement of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his preparation is late and therefore I will not admit it. If he wished to get recognition for it, he could have graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him brilliance from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the homework unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Joseph Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For nearly lycanthrope, the potion was a lifesaver. Who can explain what it does ?"

Nobody, not even rosiness and Linda, raised their manpower. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't forebode on him.

"nobody ?"he said,"Pity. Wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during full synodic month. The lycanthrope turns into a Hugo Wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just log Z's until the moon bent and will not stimulate the impulse to prick and kill.

"The potion is a life ring to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to show you what a werewolf would wait like on Aconitum lycoctonum potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castle,"Balladanis said with malevolency,"Therefore you will bear to go without the optical. It seems that certain parents, Ministry officials, and the master do not approve of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't call it suffering,"John muttered.

"silence, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to contribute to the class."

"No, sir,"St. John replied.

"good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearing in this classroom and your training is going to put up for it. cypher, and I repeat nothing can substitute paw on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the note at having what was in essence a bouncy manticore in movement of him. There were some prison term when reading sufficed.

The deterrent example continued with Balladanis talking about wolfbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all lycanthrope and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief harangue about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty pattern. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next deterrent example will be the last on werewolf,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will learn about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. mat would be out of the hospital wing by then. Why could n't Balladanis just land up the werewolf social unit already ?

"He wo n't be back next twelvemonth,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just wonder who we 're going to get instead."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your bets here !"Fred shouted the side by side day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait kettle of fish with Empire State of the South and William James after a particularly unmanageable Quidditch drill. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to take place in a lilliputian over a week.

"Peach State, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"precaution to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"GA asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on material, your mum is bound to ascertain out."

"She wo n't like,"Fred shrugged. He was probably in good order. Albus 's aunt Alicia was the least rigid out of all of his aunts. She 'd probably put a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better hope nan does n't find out,"Georgia smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't charge him. Molly Weasley would probably send him a belly laugh if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And ling and I are taking wager on how much longer Balladanis is going to hold out. tutelage to deal a surmise ?"

"I suppose,"GA said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three first age in rent today."

"He nearly had one-half of my family in tears,"Fred said as he took Georgia 's atomic number 79,"James, Al ?"

"three Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"James IV said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his headspring.

"Suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the common room,"Bets here, come out your bet !"

Albus found his champion crowded around their usual table in the vernacular room. Linda was with them. All three girls were working on homework. John and Kaden were trading Chocolate Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in fuss,"Rose muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his chief,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten Sickles he wo n't lastly the twelvemonth,"John said.

"You should sleep with exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking prophecy,"Rose smirked.

"Divination 's a joke,"Saint John muttered,"I ca n't waitress to cut down it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"pink wine grinned,"Sick of making up stuff ?"

"It 's just so pointless,"John groaned,"We 're still doing crystallization balls. I just severalise her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking prophecy,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his classes for following class a few day prior. He decided on guardianship of Magical animal, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"lav sighed,"I just hold back reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy preparation ?"flatness asked as he sat down in the chair succeeding to Saint John 's. He looked a bit better than he had the former day, but still worn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"John asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in prison term for Department of Defense tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm allure to use a Fainting fantasy to get out of it."

"I think half the first yr are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete preparation motion. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two workweek. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd generate him."

******

whoremonger filled his pockets with puking Pastilles before he set off to Defense the following morning. Albus did n't bother. His curiosity always trumped his disfavor for certain socio-economic class. He 'd rather be there and sleep together exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"loup-garou,"Balladanis said as soon as the Melville Bell rang,"When the full term is used, most people conjure up persona of lonesome grownup, condemned to a piteous life that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a whole group of werewolf that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, tyke do get attacked by werewolves. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too lately. Even fewer survive the initial transformation. Werewolf transformation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few shaver are potent enough to shit it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a decision after their child is bitten. They have three pick. turn one, they can deal with it. Deal with the monthly translation and try and make life as rule as possible for the kid. number two, they can abandon their child. force-out them to live with a wild gang of werewolves, to grow up to wipe out. However, there is a third option. Does anyone care to guess as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their helping hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his eyes rested on matt. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to differentiate us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to await at Matt throughout the object lesson, stole a agile glance at him. He was staring at the desk, quill in paw, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"lusterlessness stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the tike down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by healer, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the for the first time option, to persist in to conjure up their child, are in for a very yob life. loup-garou youngster are difficult to raise. It is a huge adaptation for parents and siblings if there are any. The morsel affects the all family. It changes lives, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at Matt. His hand was shaking even harder and his typeface was as blanched as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with Saint John and John reached into his sac. He slid a emesis pastille across the tabular array towards Albus and then slid one to Matt. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. toilet and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his stomach as the sweet began to contain affect.

"Lycanthropic children rarely, if ever, get to take care schooltime,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the hospital offstage ?"

"I do n't sense too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the sound of all three boy vomiting at the Sami prison term. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the level. The category erupted into outcry and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital annexe, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to regurgitate again as he ran for the door. lusterlessness and trick followed. All three of them shoved the orange tree end of the sweets into their mouths as soon as they shut the threshold behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's wickedness !"lav shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"matte muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"lavatory began,"What is haywire with that bloke ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"John said to Matt as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the book of account. I mean, did you read the book ? There 's not a good deal in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his poor fish anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to make you poor because of what your dad did with those vampires eld ago."

"It 's just not reasonable,"lusterlessness groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it truthful ?"

"Yes,"lusterlessness said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the therapist did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more cast than he had when he ate the Puking Pastille. How could a Healer, soul whose job it was to micturate people levelheaded, actually suggest that to a tiddler 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the same sentence,"Matt gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really wish to meet your Uncle Jack,"St. John grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"mat smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"lavatory sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"Matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"troika days,"John said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three more days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any time,"pink wine said to lustrelessness as she unfolded her copy of the Prophet the next cockcrow at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and learn the paper over Rose 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS prof TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The department of Magical Education received an query
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts defensive structure Against the nighttime Arts professor,
genus Aplysia Balladanis. The inquiry was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed drumhead of the section
for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures,
Bruno Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

prof Tethys Balladanis has been teaching Defense at
the school since September, when he replaced Head Auror
Harry Potter. ceramicist had taught the bailiwick for two
long time and wished to focus solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his surrender at the end of last school
year.

The impending investigating comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this workweek Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be on-key and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was move out it from shoal premises. Eckerton told
reporters that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in front of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this research as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. beginning and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by official from the department of Magical educational activity,
a section that was set up for this purpose after
the ruination of Lord Voldemort. official will confabulate
the school and interview both educatee and staff as
a theatrical role of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to teach Defense Against
the Dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defense reaction anymore,"matte said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't halt him from teaching until they do the investigation,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can quit him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a written matter of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't eff,"pink wine said quietly,"But defending team is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not chastise him about skipping class. Albus could n't blame him. He himself was half tempted to skip, but he knew his curiosity would get the easily of him.

"Somehow, I do n't remember you 'll have the chance to skip over,"Rose muttered,"We do n't accept defense team until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't have to do that lycanthrope essay."

"I never said that,"Rose replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"Look, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the faculty table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the yak in the Granville Stanley Hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or heard about the clause on the straw man page of the Prophet.

"Ministry official will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to take their investigation. They will be selecting bookman to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their questions truthfully.

"As of right hand now, Professor Balladanis is still your instructor, therefore you need to treat him with respectfulness and attend his classes. This is, at the here and now, an investigation and zip more. Now, you 'd best be off to class."

"Albus,"Rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great G. Stanley Hall to History of legerdemain,"You 're not going to that dueling deterrent example tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't think you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't need to go, but he also did n't need to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

cipher fell asleep during History of Magic. It must have been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still alive. However, the lack of fatigue duty was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as boring as usual. The scholar remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The schoolroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six students in the rook who knew the specific ground why Matt 's dad had submitted that question. Albus, rose wine, King John, Amanda, Kaden, and matte himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not know that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the blame on the anamatek, even though mat 's dad had come out and said that was n't the substantial understanding. The Prophet had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts scholar wanted specifics. They wanted to screw what had pushed Matt 's dad to submit an enquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The reasons the students fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few seventh yr, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his extra help academic session and perhaps victimized flatness as an example of soul who did not have the skills to defeat dark ace. blend that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh years claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the probe was born. They believed that the investigation would blow over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited for the first time years were the on the opponent side of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up offend after socio-economic class and the fact that Balladanis would suffer been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts paries. There was n't a single individual, living, spook, or portrayal, who did n't get laid it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six times on the way from story of illusion to Herbology by people wanting to know the particular of the enquiry. It was something Albus could tell lustrelessness was extremely uncomfortable with.

"pigeon hawk, when will they con that I do n't desire to talk about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second yr had just run up to flatness, demanding to know why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up on the Gryffindor table and induce an declaration during lunch,"John Lackland suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't possess family this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking the great unwashed striding up towards the castle. There were two beldame and a wizard.

"Probably,"toilet said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"lusterlessness replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just promise they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, Matt, and John continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very fast lunch. None of them wanted to persist very long since everyone was still asking Matt about the inquiry. After they finished, the boys went to Gryffindor tug to deposit their bags before going to the Marauder 's Den to put off their homework.

The common room was mostly discharge when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tables.

"Do n't you three have class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got Defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nothing you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your class where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get detention either. Oh, and Saint John the Apostle, you 'd better not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"privy said,"The three of us used Puking troche to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the offset,"Ashtyn told them.

"Well, you three revel your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The son quickly stowed their bags in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his study. Oh, advert on."Gabriella consulted the part of parchment she was holding."He wants to see mat, too."

"looking like you two are getting interviewed,"Saint John said as Gabriella went into the coarse room.

"conjecture so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private lessons with Balladanis, he probably would let been interviewed. It was one of those matter that happened when your father was the most famed ace in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his optic,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's report while St. John continued towards the Marauder 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within 15 minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's Apr Fool 's Day prank ! The faculty really outdid themselves this class. Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this tarradiddle !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing next to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to mutter the password to the gargoyle to allow all the pupil being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and lusterlessness ascended into the study and found three other students waiting in movement of Kendrick 's closed doorway. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or one-seventh year, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier.

Albus was not at all surprise to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had private object lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's comportment and leaned against the bulwark to get the retentive wait.

What had been the dot in sending them all to Kendrick 's bailiwick at the same prison term ? They were obviously only interviewing one individual at a time. Why could n't they give birth just summoned Albus later, when there were LE mass waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about fifteen minutes. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit Sir Thomas More time, but finally came out and left without so much as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the signify clock time, two Thomas More educatee had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch squad. The other was a Loretta Young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must throw been at to the lowest degree an hour, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three researcher were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite magniloquent and wore a menacing glare. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a 1 seam, and her tomentum was pulled into a tight bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other beldam was the nail opposition. She was curt and quite a bit heavy. Her frizzy dark-brown hair's-breadth stuck up at all sorts of odd angles and she had a small span of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a magician and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in handwriting. He looked a bit bored by the full thing. He was gazing about the way and had the look of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two people who were paying rapt attention, or should he say portrayal, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a behind in social movement of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the marvellous crone gestured to the poor witch,"And that is Herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No admiration he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please United States Department of State your full gens, age, yr, and house for the disk,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus potter, thirteen, third year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can differentiate us what goes on in an intermediate lesson with Professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"Well, he comes in and William Tell us all to break talking. Then he 'll collect the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no topic what. He does n't need recent employment, even if you 've got a well self-justification. You could be sick in the infirmary offstage and he would n't take tardily homework.

"Then he 'll learn us a new spell or about some new creature. Then we 'll have to execute the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions."

"Has this caused distraint to any of the scholar in your class ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"rich person you attended any extra help sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"prof Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lesson by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they comprise of ?"

"Most sentence he just learn me new spell, spells that are harder than the ones we learn in course of instruction. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the patch,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'fourth dimension,"Smyth said,"What else does he have you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chair,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by vampires,"Albus said after a brief reluctance. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's boldness had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the sign of the zodiac as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the retentivity, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't tell you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his pass,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to picture us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should become Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final question. Would you feel comfortable if professor Balladanis continued to instruct here ?"

Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could see a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the kind of wizard Albus felt well-fixed around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please riposte to your common elbow room. You are not to speak of this interview to anyone until after the probe is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a calm down 'good portion'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just tell us ?"can lamented as the boys sat around the vulture 's Den after dinner party. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girl'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million prison term,"Albus said,"The Ministry beldame said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"lav asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole school about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't recollect it 's going to take yearn for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"lusterlessness said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his extra assistant seance tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"John replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for to a lesser extent than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to sleep together was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the dungeons, lighter into the Slytherin mutual room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"Matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you desire to go ?"St. John gave Albus a strange look.

"I might find out something about how the probe is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

lav opened his mouth to respond, but instead turned to the door. A flash squawking haphazardness had seemed to give out from it.

"Did you hear that ?"John asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the door and paused future to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the marauder 's Den was that it was always very quieten. No racket could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard noises from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the threshold and instead of the outre hiss he had expected to see, rose wine was standing there with her scepter out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come up to the door."

"rosiness ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rosebush said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the plebeian room. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told Matt, John the Divine, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must have been important for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't possess to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the muddy armchairs in front of the fire when Albus arrived. Empire State of the South and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of mitt gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's talk of the town outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portraiture trap and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"nil,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"wellspring, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a Son about you causing bother, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to professor Balladanis 's dueling object lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the eve, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decision is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would apprize you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable quantity of stress, of which you do n't screw the half of. I 'd say the luck are highschool that he may take out this tenseness on you and Scorpius."

"Do you bang if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't suppose I will either,"Albus said.

"A wise conclusion,"Harry smiled.

Harry said good dark to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the centre of showing Matt and john how to draw a proper paper airplane.

"What did your dad desire ?"whoremaster asked without looking up from the lambskin he was folding.

"To order me it was n't a good estimation to go to Balladanis 's lesson tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch.

"And ?"lusterlessness asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"commodity,"Matt replied.

"You know what was unearthly, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of accent, most of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his header,"I 'll be felicitous when he 's sacked."

"We do n't know for sure enough that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful woman,"John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't conceive I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful woman ; it was a lamia. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does appear fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his emphasis ?"

"Probably cipher,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"john began,"This is the first Fri we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're decently,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And spend the night here,"lustrelessness added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The male child snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many Sweet and pudding as they could take by the house elves. Then they stayed up recent eating all of it and playing respective game. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad, and Gabriella.

professor Balladanis did not show up at a single meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. nonentity saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to clear their determination. Albus was more than than a footling nervous about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday sunup that all the Hogwarts pupil knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something significant happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The wizard was no recollective there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending announcement, since there had not been a single credit of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about prof Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The prophesier has kindly agreed not to publish the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"trade good stage,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the bookman with a neutral look on her human face."Upon encompassing investigation of Professor Balladanis 's teaching method acting and thorough interviews of selected students, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Professor Balladanis packed his things late last nighttime and no longer resides in the rook. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will happen with defense reaction grade for the difference of the year. I would care to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like goose egg had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into rustling, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts course will not take lieu until promote notice. I will try and procure a suitable replacement for Professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the metre to take for your approaching examination,"Kendrick said and then resumed his tooshie. He began to talk with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"best intelligence I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Peach State shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"merlin !"James groaned,"Why 'd they give birth to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to interchange hands throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll find a substitute ?"King John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"Glad I did n't do that wolfman essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't recover a replacement,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one less exam."

"That would be magnificent,"lav replied.

The ambiance in the castle for the rest of the day was incredibly cheerful. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the alone students upset by it were those who had lost stake because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The worldwide excitement of the castle caused him more workplace. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James IV and his friend set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the oecumenical mess that was associated with pupil celebrating by playing outside in the muddy smoke. Plus, Moaning myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few scholar told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not jibe. For some odd grounds it reminded her of her death.

One person who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big smile on her look. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about lamia. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his full-grown fearfulness was vampires.

There was even a party in the Gryffindor vernacular elbow room that dark. pink wine thought it was a little laughable, to celebrate the sacking of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just think,"John said,"We do n't ever have to listen to him go on and on about how bad the dark prowess are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"Matt added,"I could 've gone my whole life without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"Rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some position far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in UK anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd gravel to stick around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the night to obviate anyone seeing him."

"wishing we could 've seen him leave,"lav grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to give him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"Rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exams. And maybe the rook will get back to normal."

"normal ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This post will never be formula. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Sat. It 's the last lucifer before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"offset of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Commonwealth of Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, King John, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this friction match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full form this week. I 'm practicing every dark starting tomorrow."

"Oliver forest is insane,"Rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,"John grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can postulate my place."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not feature defence force Against the night humanistic discipline the succeeding morning time, Albus was down in the Great vestibule bright and early because he wanted to record Rose 's Daily prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sack was one affair, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

Rose was already there when Albus, Matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three girls were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rose handed him the theme without saying a watchword and Albus read it, with lusterlessness and Saint John the Apostle looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM berth BY MINISTRY

In an upshot that causes much of the wizarding globe to remember
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the nighttime
Arts instructor, genus Aplysia Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of Magic 's section of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, Defense instructor rarely lasted more
than a twelvemonth at the school, a enigma that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two yr
ago, Hogwarts had had only one refutation teacher since that
fateful May day.

professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by chief Auror, Harry Potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the office after cipher else agreed to
fill it.

Harry ceramicist left the position this preceding autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two mean solar day ago, when he was removed
from his attitude. Approximately a week and a half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the department for the
regulating and restraint of Magical fauna, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included coarse teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a teaching shaft, singling educatee out for lack of
skill, and embarrassing bookman in front of their peers.

An investigating by Ministry functionary ensued and included
the interviewing of select students and stave. The department
concluded their investigation late Sunday evening and informed
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the publication, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very happy
with the decision and that the probe was concluded in
a timely manner. I am not felicitous that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of nestling 's safety .'

Hogwarts students will not attend defence reaction classes until a refilling
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd amaze your dad in there somehow,"John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already cognize,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"lusterlessness shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"dubiety it,"Rose answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

life story soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something exciting happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the clause was published, but soon there was goose egg left to say and the scholar focused on the upcoming Quidditch peer, which was mere days away.

Albus had an easy time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the delivery every evening and was soon hearing Mrs. Henry Wood 's statement in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed formula. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't let to deal with Grant Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus realize that Gryffindor would have a new chieftain the next twelvemonth since Sakartvelo was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or Scots heather, but he was n't for certain which.

Albus trudged into the Great Asaph Hall on Thursday morning sorely wishing that John the Evangelist had n't woken him up. They did n't ingest a family initiatory thing, so why 'd he irritate doing that ? Albus was already running on little sleep.

"I 'm going to awaken you up at five in the morning this Saturday,"Albus muttered to Gospel According to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John grinned,"I need you to help me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the understanding for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't spring up assistant you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have accidentally set flaming to her Potions note last dark,"Gospel According to John said.

"And I should have to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you manage that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"mat put in,"John and Kaden were tinkering with those super enduringness dung bombs hold up night in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where Rose 's distinction were. The droppings dud exploded and rose wine 's musical note caught fire."

"See, an stroke !"John exclaimed.

"No, foolishness,"lustrelessness said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't suggest going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't have sentence to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice session again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"James asked.

"I do n't know, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robe, he was just wearing convention robes. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your attention ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry potter has kindly agreed to aim over defence force classes for the remainder of term. Because of this, defending team classes will resume today."

"Good matter I woke you up,"John grinned.

"guesswork you wo n't be able to land up that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprised, nor did he worry that much. He 'd already had his dad teach for two years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with flatness and John to vindication. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a little ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't turn into what happened earlier in the year.

The intact course erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the way and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"fountainhead, I did not imagine I 'd be back here. I do have to bear on with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for adjacent Thursday. However, it only has to be one metrical unit of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the entire division."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that hard,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"King John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you have this time to mess around."

The class was the most enjoyable Defense class the third gear years had had in quite a patch. Harry lectured for the entirety of the class, but it was n't boring. Albus did not beware in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Sat arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the head of everybody 's idea and the stress ran higher than they had all yr. The event of this match would square up who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worry. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The stallion team was in good health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly substance to sit in the stands with his friends and just look out the compeer, rather than have to run in it.

It was a warm spring day with a slight air current and cloud covering, pure playacting conditions. Wood had spoke of the conditions during the previous night 's pattern, telling the team that a large storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The peer commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crew. Hogwarts scored five finish within the 1st fifteen minutes of the lucifer and New York scored two. The team remained neck in neck opening for the residuum of the match, until St. James the Apostle pulled out of a dive clutching the golden Snitch in his odd hand.

The crowd erupted into sunniness and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the old students.

"I have an announcement to make !"professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final Quidditch match, scheduled to take piazza on the maiden of June !"

The common after Quidditch political party ensued in the park room and everyone rehashed their favorite office of the mates. No one talked about the net catch, although Albus was indisputable it was in the backs of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed unsufferable to beat.

Once the inflammation from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts scholar seemed to realize that exams were quite approximate. The depository library soon became a popular station to be and fifth and 7th yr in particular could be seen there all time of day of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a unruffled vernacular room in the eventide, much like her sister had two years prior. Albus and his friends spent more than time in the marauder 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three young lady seemed to like the quietude of the common room.

Rose did forgive John for messing up her promissory note, but she became more tense and snappy as exams drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose.

Defense lessons took a drastic turn for the bettor. Albus and all of his friends got perfect marks on their loup-garou essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the category bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"St. John shouted at breakfast one Fri in the midriff of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense teacher or something.

"England did n't nominate it into the World Cup net,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did earn it ?"Albus grabbed the newspaper publisher from can, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd puzzle for Yuletide. He had n't picked who he was going to tempt to go with him. Actually, he had n't even told his booster about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic,"John groaned,"Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch squad !"

"Obviously not,"Rose smirked,"Albus, did you plunk who you 're going to take when you go to the Cup ?"

"Wait, what ?"trick gaped at Albus,"You got just the ticket ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmas,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"John exclaimed.

"well, I only got one extra and I did n't bonk how to pluck. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. judgement you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just pluck Matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to peck then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't have to,"Matt said as he sat down succeeding to Albus.

"Nice to see you wake,"whoremonger grinned. Albus and John Lackland had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall and had no luck. The full moon was the future day, so Albus had n't even been for certain if lustrelessness was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad time of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"matt shook his headland,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just throw your spear carrier one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to take a Muggle airplane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No mind,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's drilling,"John said.

"Wish I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"can asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're eldritch, Kaden,"John laughed.

"So are you. airplane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"Matt said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch drill, Albus had no time for anything else. He managed to contract in meter to visit Matt in the hospital wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to woods 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the last match of the Junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to overlook due to Quidditch exercise. After begging Wood and a bit of help from slip, Albus was able to attend the terminal. Albus 's squad won, a great deal to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his booster. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the wide-cut moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was strange, but not something any of the boys were going to complain about it.

terzetto days before the Quidditch final, the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall was filled with whispering vocalism that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. transcript of the seer were being passed back and Forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"rose wine whispered, her face completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest transcript of the Prophet. Matt and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN jailbreak

Officials have reported that three captive
broke out of Azkaban tardy hold up night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban safety
have refused to speak with reporters, and the
Ministry does not wish to disclose information
at this time.

The names of the escaped captive have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The seer then gave detailed info about all three of the miss captive. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an imbecile !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any hope Albus had of getting homework done that week was gone. He was lucky he was able to concentrate on Quidditch pattern. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to get back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the Nox before the Quidditch concluding arrived and Grant Wood called the team into the changing room after ending practice session.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to superintend this team,"wood said as he began to tread in front of them,"There were difficulties in the beginning,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a squad wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a grouping of students from all four mansion can come together and play together on the same team. I am not sure this could feature been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a long way over the class. You 've all made huge improvement in your acquisition. Quite a few of you are seventh years and I am very well-chosen to tell you that there will be watch from a twain Quidditch teams watching tomorrow 's match. I have richly Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is undecomposed, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and give it your best. Now, I think you should all turn in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. Teddy, Tyler, anything to add ?"Natalie Wood turned to the boys.

chemise and Tyler both shook their fountainhead and wood turned back to the squad."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night."

Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss tactics while the team left. Albus and St. James the Apostle were the finish two to leave. Georgia had left with the other seventh years, excitedly discussing the candidate of scouts.

"You think Empire State of the South 's going to signalize with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"King James said,"I just hope it does n't offend her chances when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to miss,"James muttered,"Linda 's too practiced of a Seeker."

Albus said nothing. He wished he could just assure James that Linda was a lamia. It would be so much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a cheap wisecrack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a arm breaking,"James answered.

"It was too gaudy,"Albus said as he looked into the afforest,"It sounded like somebody Apparating in there."

"I do n't mean you can Apparate in the forest,"James pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James kept walking,"But what if it was someone Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too often, Al,"James groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here entire fourth dimension now. You 'd give birth to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is dullard enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"James laughed,"If he 's stupefied enough to do that, he 's going to get catch up with and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be pillock, but he did manage to snatch Kaden the previous outflow, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly good at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the adjacent dayspring was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by students from all four houses. Teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff table, with a large distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small gang of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. nobody was ineffectual to play that day, so Albus 's 24-hour interval on the team were pretty much over. To be honest, he was form of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tourney has been good for Hogwarts,"rose wine mused,"Look at everyone. nobody seems to wish who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to formula once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"rosebush shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, Rose,"lusterlessness said,"I do n't think one twelvemonth can change centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"Rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't suppose this has helped international magical cooperation,"privy gestured to the Australian squad. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"competition rarely does that,"rosiness muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty look and then looked up at the staff mesa. Albus 's gaze followed. The stave table was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scouts from Quidditch team, Ministry functionary including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a mixture of people from Australia and New York.

"face at that witch,"privy pointed to a very tall, beautiful witch with sick Patrick Victor Martindale White skin and long wickedness hair.

"She 's Linda 's female parent,"blush wine told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"whoremonger said without taking his optic off the witch.

There was a loud cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to allow for the manor hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the threshold and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Aboriginal Australian team followed shortly. The agitation only seemed to increase now that the squad had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few instant later people began to forget for the pitch. The gang at the staff table left first and the students followed.

"Albus,"John said as they got up from the mesa,"I 've got a few span of omnioculars in my bole. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

rosiness rolled her heart."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the threshold as the boys ran up the sumptuous staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"trick said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to empty out his entire trunk in order to find the omnioculars. He had four twain and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to miss the jump of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no track in the corridors rule as he made his way through the palace. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his friends were n't far behind.

Albus turned a corner and ran smooch into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with mat 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would let manifested itself into what Albus was about afraid of. At that moment, it probably would bear been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to bet at his friends.

matt had turned white and looked far more afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. privy was looking from flatness to the man, an obvious horror on his case. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friends, pulling them into the nearest schoolroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his sceptre, putting every locking charm he knew onto the knob.

matt collapsed onto the skinny professorship and put his head in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the hell is he doing here ?"John the Evangelist ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the elbow room,"If he 's here to look out the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch out the Quidditch ?"whoremonger said darkly.

"Who the bloody Inferno is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. matt did n't seem to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His public figure 's Lubar. He 's the promontory of the Department for the Regulation and ascendency of Magical puppet in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the intellect why matte had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a sick and twisted evil git,"bathroom muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the small window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and Forth River in figurehead of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? ling ? No, that would withdraw too long. They 'd hold to use the Floo Network, but none of the open fireplace at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to have to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

lusterlessness nodded."You cat do n't have to do. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"John exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably spoiled than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his wand and undoing the locking appealingness. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd go forth them. He shoved them into his robe and ran back to the classroom. Matt, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. matte did n't look any lupus erythematosus scared, but at least he did n't seem to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll strike up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and lustrelessness were horrible liar and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep on secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed Wiccan statue on the third base floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed John Lackland out of the room. The corridor was still vacate, lots to Albus 's relief.

John set a very libertine pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would give away his front. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the to the lowest degree amount of noise possible.

The boys made it down the two flights of stairs necessary to get to the third floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a quick tap of his sceptre, he statue 's hump opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his verge and took off down the small-scale passageway. Matt, toilet, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"John asked as they ran,"Does n't he love what he did ?"

"Yes,"mat answered,"I do n't intend Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't mean he came here to see you ?"Albus asked Matt,"I mean, retrieve when Killigan saw us that one sentence and he seemed so interested in finding you ?"

"Of form I do,"Matt muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for sure, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he want to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to attend at Kaden."It 's a long narration. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six years,"Matt paused,"He passed a bunch of jurisprudence against loup-garou and I wound up having to transform with a cluster of other werewolves. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't rarify on the subject area. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"matt shrugged,"Maybe talk of the town to Kendrick or something."

There was no dubiety in Albus 's creative thinker that lusterlessness 's dad would be able to get Lubar to lead Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not require to be on his bad face. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passing finally began to grow until it came to an precipitous stop at a knotty wooden threshold. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard cypher. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing nonentity in the warehousing way beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The way was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a immense sum of boxful littering the base. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boys climbed over the versatile boxful and stood in nominal head of the hearth. Albus located a small sack of Floo Powder and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into someone 's study at the Ministry. We 're going to have to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the pulverization into the fire and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of magic trick !"

Albus stumbled out of a different fireplace second gear later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, make unnecessary for a few wizards striding towards the face lifting, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

matte landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing swan ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"matte said as he looked around.

"It 's a Sabbatum,"Albus pointed out,"doe your dad workplace Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"At to the lowest degree mornings."

John was adjacent to step out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than Matt had. He stood in forepart of the fire, staring around at the Atrium. His center rested on the Fountain of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fancy than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody hell !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the flaming,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"matte said quickly,"But we have n't got sentence to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the front end of the Atrium. There was an old star leafing through a copy of the caviller, forgetful to his environment. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you mean you 're going ?"he asked and then his eyes rested on Albus,"Albus Severus thrower. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little enervate that the man knew who he was.

mat stepped in presence of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. It 's variety of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old necromancer tested their wands and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the full stop of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can severalise whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the lift arrived, the boys piled in and Matt pushed the number four. Nobody said anything as the lift creaked its way to the 4th floor.

flatness took off at a run down the corridor after they left the lift. Albus had never been to this exceptional level. It looked rather alike to the Magical Law Enforcement 's floor, with nondescript band of double over doors on one side.

matt skidded to a arrest in front of the entirely door that was single and banged his bridge player loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few seconds, he banged again.

"cargo area your hippogriffs !"called a vox from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the great deal of his son and the other three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"mat ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a delusion,"But, why are n't you in schooling ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John, Kaden ?"

His heart rested on Matt again."Matt ? What 's wrongly ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boys into his bailiwick. He shut the threshold quietly behind them.

The written report reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were prominent Windows on the side opposite the door, although the scene outside was not real number, nor was the assuage rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered chair behind the immense oak desk and a few smaller death chair in front of it. Along the other two bulwark were shelves with lots of Scripture. well-nigh of them were about various charming creatures.

Albus, Matt, and John took the seats that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the written report looking at matter. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"Matt said in barely more than a whisper,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final,"Matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody underworld !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did prof Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the lucifer and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's face hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with professor Balladanis earlier in the condition."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the cosmetic surgery. St. John the Apostle 's walking speed was nothing compared to Matt 's dad 's. The son had to run to hold back up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The wizard at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplaces, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fervidness and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to spin faster and faster. He saw glance of people 's houses, shops in Diagon bowling alley, and a variety of other places he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the hearth, came a paw. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too secure. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden floor, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His centre was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his baton and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, potter,"a cold vocalisation said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching succeeding to the fireplace with his mitt inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank elbow room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed greenish and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. Saint John the Apostle came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his intimation and stuck his mitt in the fire again.

"What the ?"privy whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody Inferno !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the way. It looked vaguely conversant, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The window were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking Shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo Network anyway.

The fireplace glowed unripe yet again, this metre sending Kaden onto the floor. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his helping hand in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his animal foot and stood side by side to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the room, but he did not fuck where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

common light filled the room as the open fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that flatness would be the one to next fall out of the flames. Mere seconds later, that hunch was confirmed.

Matt coughed and scrambled to his understructure. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the flaming and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to tread slowly in movement of them.

"fountainhead, well, you went crying to pa just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do make out when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel Matt shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and unarm Lubar.

"Any estimate where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely shop, pity about the owner. Yes, a very shame."

Lubar did n't look at all turnover about what happened to the shop class proprietor. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"Well, let 's not waste our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three times and Albus heard footsteps on the stairs.

Three wizards descended the stairs and strode into the room. They lit their wand at the Saame time and Albus gasped when the visible radiation showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three masses Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As good a dueler he was, he was up against four fully dispose thaumaturge. Three of them did not possess the accomplishment to duel, but Albus had no musical theme what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his wand pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his male parent had John. flatness, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the good window.

"Not so fast, young werewolf,"Lubar caught him by the back of his robes and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his free people hand and pulled out an old tea kettle. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a disembarrass mitt on it. Albus knew what was going to pass right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with Matt before feeling a jerky behind his belly button.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's point of horizon. It begins in his point of purview and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the period of horizon switches.


"Spectacular bring through by Georgia Weasley !"the commentator shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into child's play. It was immediately taken into ownership by Hogwarts, and all three Chasers threw it back and forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"Score ! Hogwarts has scored against Commonwealth of Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the scholarly person. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't throw to try and conceal his excitement when Hogwarts scored. During sign matches, he had to try and pretend he was achromatic, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts chaser being very skilled, he did not have Leslie Townes Hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda Morales, was the respectable Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, Epistle of James, was good, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her upper on a broom just did n't appear natural. Professional Quidditch histrion would bolt down for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the stoolpigeon yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. William James was doing the Lapplander,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the residue of the staff who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't like. Harry did n't plowshare their belief that instructor could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as individual squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his head and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on social occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a feeling he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was Head of the section for the rule and mastery of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than pro horizontal surface. Harry had never met a Father-God who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have good rationality. Never a more devoted beginner, either.

Walter continued his way past the other professors until he stopped in front line of Harry. Harry was even Sir Thomas More shock to see the reflexion on his face. Worry was etched in every piece of his grimace, bringing out the crease, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a Christian Bible in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be the right way back and he followed Walter out of the stands. They continued walking until they were a curt distance away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"Wait, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the former two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the oral sex of the Department for the ordinance and Control of Magical animate being in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant bloke, is he ?"

Walter 's boldness hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The bloke is unhinged and twisted and he 's got a grudge against me. Very long story and I have n't got time to differentiate it. Short version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to translate in a edifice with other werewolves, older werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to inflict Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretension of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. mat 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the possessor of the shop as well as a few other Hogsmeade resident. No one 's seen them. We 've got to see them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not unsafe, is he ?"

"To lustrelessness, yes, but I have n't the slightest mind as to why he 'd want the other boys,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only want matte, he 'd get to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him acquire matt sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to dislodge himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the position was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this clip there was a significant lag. Albus had metre to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clue that their goal was far away was the fact that it was very glum when Albus finally landed on the ground. Not dark like an impendent storm either. night as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his feet. Loud clunk around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The ground was damp and arduous and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some form of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar tree that seemed to stretch out towards the starry sky.

There was no moonshine to crystallize the timberland. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few cubic yard away from the male child and were whispering to each early. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't decent baton luminosity to sacrifice Albus a good horizon of his surroundings.

lusterlessness, King John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare light it.

"Why is it nighttime ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Australia,"matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to damage with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made gumption. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he take them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't fix sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could tell apart, the four magician seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the world. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old firm ?"John asked.

"How should I know ?"flatness snapped,"Australia 's a vast state !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could obliterate there,"John muttered.

"You would n't want to,"Matt said,"My dazed cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin-german ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"mat said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying attention,"Saint John the Apostle whispered, gesturing to where the four maven stood huddled in a circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"Matt pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few feet away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to foot it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the other three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you expect ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you realize how much more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed Potter ! But no, you had to go and assert on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't sustain done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two extra ace as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're Thomas Kid, how much bother can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't lie with this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the reason we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your unbelievable betise,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed thrower'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my President George W. Bush, not yours."

"You own the wood now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many years have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprisal, it was John and not matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed John with a lazy wafture of his wand, leaving John stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueller than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's wand, Lubar turned back to mat, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the same affair no matter where you live. The constabulary do n't change what you are. Pretend as very much as you like, but it wo n't switch a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The ire was boiling up inside of him and he did n't retrieve he had ever felt more angry in his total liveliness, and that included every showdown he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no good if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to hold off, to hold back until he could overtake them off guard.

"What about your don ? I hear he 's the head of the department in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland now,"Lubar smirked,"shot it 's just a topic of time until the Lapp thing happens. You 'll have to flee again."

Matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his brain, trying to cipher out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a bunch of Kid to Australia just to do in time taunting one of them ?"

"tranquillity !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"apology me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the gens of Merlin do you fuck them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of jinx or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a metre not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a wrestle sort of grin, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a evenhandedly motion,"Lubar said."My cousin-german married this changeling,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much retentive,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"Patience, full cousin,"Lubar said as he began to take the air slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the grounds you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only thing Albus could think of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their architectural plan, they would n't get taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at Matt, who still looked scared out of his thinker. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed fresh, much smarter than the other three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big difference between dueling individual who was hurt and dueling individual who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a short while later. Harry had briefly questioned the owners of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Bruno Walter ran towards the raise at top speed, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the chap at the welcome desk. The ski tow could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the room access open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror billet was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding Snap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry make it. The former Auror, a rather brusque but stocky beldam, shoved the book of account she was reading in the drawer, and joined the former two.

"ceramist, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked disconsolate as they waited for Harry to give them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the maven,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an across-the-board search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't engaged with anything else. Tiburon and Lee Harvey Oswald are on duty in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden Forest as soon as person else arrives."

Harry pulled out his verge and muttered a patch. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his baton and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the way and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the room access just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the entire billet again. Ron 's face paled."What about rosiness, was she with them ?"

"No,"Bruno Walter shook his head,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clue as to how Lubar would be intimate him."

"With dark superstar, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the search of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And contain Daniels and Ian Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and grounds. Be discrete. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Bruno Walter. He slowly shook his headway. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into trouble. Albus 's years at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd break go Floo home and differentiate Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to come down apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to tell his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't possess a hint as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go wrong ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your stupidity,"Lubar replied,"Do you realize who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry thrower 's son ! You have n't a cue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can assure you that at this very moment, the entire Auror Department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this vitrine. It wo n't take them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to Matt,"He 's got the most busy parents in the world. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the human race before letting something pass off to him. Very irritating. They wo n't remain until they find him. Not to advert the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry functionary. We 've got two kidskin of two of the most prominent Ministry official of UK. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"well, you 're the one who wanted to admit the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you idiots had n't wanted to bring in the kids, we could 've done this all affair without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the Sami time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't induce a hazard to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the wizards would have enough to contend about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the house ?"

"have you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the for the first time home they 'll see is the house."

"Got any meliorate ideas ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a secret little shanty somewhere in this commonwealth ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of places to cover, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even contemplate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice grip again. lusterlessness was once again in the clutches of Lubar, and toilet and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Australian outback, just that it was n't suitable for much human being habitation. However, the one piece of information he did have a go at it about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to defend Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two seconds to gain what was happening before he felt the associate but unpleasant whizz of side-along Apparition.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the former chapter, this one goes back and Forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking innocent of Jarrett 's clutches. He tripped over a rock and landed look first in the sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his back talk, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too nighttime to see anything but the outlines of slew in the length. The outback seemed very vacate and very quietly. There was a very small clump of bush and trees nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant life life.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a desolate place in his animation. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't receive gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would have no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of ropes to tie them up or put any spells around them. Instead, he walked a short aloofness in the direction of the quite a little and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to succeed them.

"What are we going to do ?"privy seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"Matt replied,"I bet we 're rectify in the centre of it. The penny-pinching culture 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"Gospel According to John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No theme,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to find out."

"Do you really reckon your dads are going to be able to find us ?"John asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The hale Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll find us."

"DOE binge like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll chance side by side yr ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a next year,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boy,"I did n't order you to talk !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the aloofness,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of figures a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"Calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just lamia. They wo n't bother us. I know that coven. They know beneficial than to mess with me. I 'll throw life pretty pitiable for them if they do."

"Cutting muckle with vampires now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut passel for vampires but passed restrictive Laws on wolfman ? It did n't make sense.

The men lowered their representative again and Albus wished he had a few extendible capitulum with him. He did n't dare talk to his friends, just sent them queasy glimpse every now and then.

A stale air current blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the form of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or blow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no clouds, but what Albus saw was very much uncollectible than clouds.

Five or six cloaked form were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly make out their configuration. As they got closer, he could even get a line their rattling breath.

The populace in front line of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to overtake out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his distressed thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Aussie outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"flatness shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to look towards his friend. Matt was kneeling on the terra firma, shaking violently. Both toilet and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would regard matt the rack up. He had gone through things that Albus, trick, and Kaden could n't even imagine. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his wand out of his robes. He 'd try the incantation for the Patronus charm before and figured it was Charles Frederick Worth a injection. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his sceptre at the sky. goose egg happened.

A happy thought ! How could he have forgotten that ? It was hard to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to flatness shouting on the ground.

When the categorisation Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various felicitous memory. zippo was happening, but Matt 's yelling was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the primer. It looked like matt had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his scepter at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few second gear. He had sort of done a Patronus good luck charm !

"Bloody underworld,"John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar track at them with his verge pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's foggy brain immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his sceptre in his robes before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at John and Kaden, who were bent to the ground trying to get mat to wake up up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a bloody brilliant place to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's gossip. His optic were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very peculiar flavor. Albus took a anxious step back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up heights Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some good news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaurs,"Lewster said,"They saw three mavin in the forest a few hours ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my last Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaurs know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the forest floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't storm him. The Christ's Resurrection Stone was someplace in the timberland."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his top dog,"And the centaurs are reasonably trusted they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can incur out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't think that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my mind,"Harry answered,"It 's just a issue of finding them. Listen, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this suspicion about the place. Seems like the consummate place for Washburn to study them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go capture the end of the match. I wo n't mention anything to Saint James the Apostle and Lily yet."

"commodity,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the brow."We 're going to find him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"Stay safe."

Ginny turned around to take the air back to the Hogwarts yard while Harry picked up the pace and walked the unretentive distance to Dervish and Banges.

The construction looked utterly abandoned. The window were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't wait like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his verge, he walked inside.

The berth had the smell of a recent fire in the fireplace. somebody had been there. However, there was not a auditory sensation from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thoroughgoing assay of the stallion building, in which Harry found no living creatures, he returned to the chief room. The open fireplace was filled with nearly dead embers and there was a belittled lot of Floo gunpowder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would separate him where the lowest person to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to ferment, his heart pounding.

Soft red grass emitted from his wand, curling together to make the parole 'Ministry of magic trick .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a dubiety, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only interrogative sentence was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the secondly dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus Charm to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his psyche, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may have taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the for the first time time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the former three men,"This lot did n't assure me you were skilled at defensive attitude magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is Potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be best if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his wand harder. He glanced at flatness, who was still unconscious mind. John did n't deliver his verge. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any acquirement is Potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where Matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing enchantment or two."flatness, lusterlessness,"he whispered,"wake up."

After a minute or two, Matt 's eyes fluttered open and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"Saint John the Apostle said excitedly.

"You what ?"lusterlessness gaped at him.

"It was just silvery mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"matte shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three boys shook their promontory."form,"Matt muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"Might,"Kaden began fishing around in his sac. He produced a coffee batrachian and handed it to mat, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you believe you can get up ?"

matt nodded and Albus helped him to his human foot. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robe and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the son. Albus was now clearly able to see the twisted look on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"Fire 's going to attract attention !"

Lubar laughed."Fire 's going to ensure that those vampires stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampires are destroyed by ardour. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hand, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you know what this is, thrower ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection of Christ pit,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hide his gasp as he peered faithful at Jarrett 's outstretched hand. There was a very pocket-sized rock sitting in it. The Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three aim he had been after for years. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"antediluvian magic is a beautiful thing, thrower,"Jarrett answered,"There are long bury spell, magical spell that piece of work very nicely with long forgotten magic target such as this Isidor Feinstein Stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden wood, and putting it to use. Quite elementary now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The early Hallows will prove to be sluttish to obtain with the assistance of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the strait of that. The endocarp itself did one matter and that was bring back the spirits of citizenry who had passed on. How would that serve Jarrett get the other Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's abdomen plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another affair that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot cares who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode close to Albus. Albus took a step back as his pump started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, Potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four son,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will convey back Godhead Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinges as he did so. He had to find Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The hearth did not demo signs that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop class. That left either phantasm or a Portkey, both of which would have left traces that he 'd need the section of Magical transportation system for.

Harry rounded a niche as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a beldam. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange look of confusion and shock, mixed with commix fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a job,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the match over ? How badly did we fall back by ?"

"Only a one C decimal point,"Ginny said,"But we might not have actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's Seeker is a lamia ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to enwrap his mind around that fact while still focusing his mind on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"right hand,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a steer. Someone was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm indisputable it was Al and the others. I 've got to find Bruno Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will lead us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And bring him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one endure smell at Ginny, Harry met Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a little spell later in a small Apparition chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the bewildered looking surety guard for the third metre that day, Harry and Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Holy Writ as the lift clattered to the Department of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, save for one very bored looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to sleep with if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same emplacement. And if you 're able to, I need to fuck where they went."

"Of class, Mr. Potter, of course,"the witch said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest chairwoman. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the only thing I am worried about. The stopping point metre Matt had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for calendar month afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that genius did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must hold been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not trusted if he was overstepping some variety of boundary.

Bruno Walter did not address for several mo."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Bruno Walter said quietly,"Shortly after matt was bitten, I became the top dog of the department for the regularization and ascendancy of Magical Creatures in Australia. Nobody outside of the section knew about his condition, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my former position of Head of the Werewolf dominance social unit, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head side. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grievance he held against me for many years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that Matt was a werewolf. A bit of legislating had been passed that required all situation of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry shopping centre were set up for werewolves to transform in, together. Matt was required by law to transubstantiate there since his rubber way did not whirl. I refused to cause him transform there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"Thomas More legislating was passed. A law that stated that Ministry functionary could physically force werewolves into the transformation centers. On the day of the fully moonshine, Lubar Flooed into our house and took Matt to the nitty-gritty. By the time I figured out which essence it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"matte spent calendar week in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly ready to move here. He was so traumatized, it took months for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The only reason Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so upchuck and curve,"Walter finished as he put his foreland in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near mat again. Swore I 'd kill him if he went near matte again.

Walter gave an odd sort of joke."Listen to me, I 'm telling the Head of the Auror section that I 'd commit murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go economize the boys,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let Matt out of their sight, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could tell was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James I, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't own mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no secure to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my sidekick said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. thrower !"the witch came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a piece of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the parchment. His eyes scanned the lambskin. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short 60 minutes ago. That in itself did not shock Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Bruno Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and left such adorable reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the late chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so hard that he could Apparate. Why did you induce to be XVII to get your Apparition permission anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical Transportation, he would interchange that law. apparition would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to bring back Lord Voldemort with the Christ's Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not call up being more scared in his life. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous year. Divine Voldemort was far scarey than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Isidor Feinstein Stone could n't actually impart people back to sprightliness. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a wraith. But would he be capable to do magic, to perform the curses and hexes he did when he was awake ?

Albus held his breathing time as he watched Jarrett turn the Edward Durell Stone over in his manus. Albus had no estimation how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the Harlan Fisk Stone. He did it for so prospicient that Albus had to let out his breathing place. The emotional gleam on Jarrett 's boldness slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it work ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positivist this is the properly Lucy Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The spell said it was !"

"Well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. Either they had the wrong stone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his mitt. On the third number, a strange sort of mist appeared in front line of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a number was standing in front line of Lubar. The anatomy was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no idea who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a shortly one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging peculiar glimpse. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the flesh, his aspect contorted with something Albus could only assume was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closer to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the adult female, who was apparently his female parent,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the adult female replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friend, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. Matt in particular was giving Lubar a very strange flavour. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection of Christ Isidor Feinstein Stone and it did indeed oeuvre, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover his mouth to hold back his hiss. What kind of mother could be majestic of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Falco columbarius 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to give forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling curse. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few footmark back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not affront my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his baton.

Jarrett fell to the ground, completely ineffectual to prompt. Lubar stood over him with his wand directed at his chest.

"My mother was a lovely person,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the all in like that."

Albus did n't really think Lubar should be talking about who is disgorge and who is n't. Nor did he think his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd harmonize with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's female parent, he did.

"wagerer they hex each former than us, right ?"John muttered.

"goodness point,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the mental picture that that 's what we were here for, not to diss each former 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my female parent ? fountainhead, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"goodness,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll take you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the enchantress, who nodded and left the room again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive that they are with the male child in Australia."

"rightfield,"Walter agreed,"The grounds surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his part,"Nearly a year ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror Department needed some service with capturing the early two. The pastor hired a Presuler."

Bruno Walter let out a low whistle and then fruition dawned on his face."hold, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching defense reaction Against the night Arts."

"Bad estimate on the Minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my musical theme to place him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not experience that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Commonwealth of Australia. I understand that you have had your conflict, but-"

"If he helps to determine Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Bruno Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. thrower, Mr. Eckerton,"the Wiccan returned holding a misshapen charge plate container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore assistance, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood immobilize as the four men dueled each other. Completely unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the son, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, John, and Kaden did the like, although John looked more than a bit apprehensive, most likely due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to take the Harlan F. Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not subscribe to kindly to this and hex Washburn. In the mean metre, the stunner had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each former while dodging the ardor. Albus was variety of hoping one of them would head trip and bite their blazon or something. Or even better, maybe one or More of them would drop their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for wearing. All three of them were sporting injuries. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd slant.

Lubar seemed finely and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to admit that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red light at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thud in social movement of the boys. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a pocket-sized stone side by side to Washburn 's headway. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection of Christ Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all advanced towards him. Three sceptre were pointed at his chest, being held by three people with maniacal gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm shaking slightly. matt and Kaden had done the Sami. lavatory tried to hide behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a good brain taller than him.

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant look at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Isidor Feinstein Stone into the pocket of his robe and held his verge up high.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each early. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his center off of Bruno Walter the entire metre.

"We have n't got fourth dimension for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his paw on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a little hesitation.

With a associate jerking behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey tripper was a bit longer than I Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his feet and held out his wand as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was pitch black and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly quiet. The but sound were those of animal and the occasional rustle of trees, brought about by the air current. Not a bingle sound caused Harry to believe that there were the great unwashed about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and search,"Harry announced. The place may appear deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the genius said a word as they combed the area. Harry left no endocarp unturned as he looked for the modest suggestion of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. baton did n't allow for nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the forest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was unspoiled at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same topographic point he had started from.

Walter returned a few minutes later, looking even more anxious than he did before."cipher,"he muttered,"Not a ripped objet d'art of cloak or a single Knut. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the basis with his horseshoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a little metal instrument in his paw and an foreign kind of excited smirk on his cheek. He skidded to a arrest in strawman of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite uncommon. The Brits Ministry only owned one, for the integral Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any idea where ?"

"A universal idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic tone,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am aware,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hands on the metallic element instrument. It would be able to head them to the relative sphere they needed to go.

Walter put his hired man on the instrument as well and with an exceptionally gimcrack chap, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The primer was cold and arenaceous and there was hardly any plant lifespan in sight. In the distance there were tall mountains and cloaked figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a chill and gripped his wand tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a thunder bonfire blazed in the length. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were to a greater extent intimate with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever speculation out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small group towards the flickering light in the distance.

******

"script it over, Potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his wand more stabilize. His baton arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to go for it steady. His affectionateness was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure enough everyone was able to discover it. However, he did not want to render up the endocarp. That was one thing he was sure enough of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past him.

"Maybe you should just give it to him,"John whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that St. John had suggested it. He probably would n't have if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to take in to duel me, potter ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't take in a sceptre. Not good odds, if you ask me."

"And do you realize that those two are horrible dueller ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Harlan Fiske Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange igniter at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shell charm, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his Friend. It worked and the Orange Light Within bounced harmlessly off the shell and hit the ground.

"stop behind me, King John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever patch you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shell up while casting other charm, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to prevent the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John the Evangelist. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the length, hitting one of the lone Bush, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a coup d'oeil at matte and Kaden. matte was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of hapless as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus palpate better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus charms at each other and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the buckler was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send any spells through the shield now.

"Your shield is weakening, Potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another stunner at Albus, which shook the shield.

"merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right hand of them. He was hopping on one animal foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sort of hex, although Albus was n't sure enough what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the solid ground. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"privy shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the shield back up before Lubar shot a hex at John, who fell to the soil like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easier just to break me the Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few accidental injury, but nothing too unplayful. Neither seemed to own noticed that John the Evangelist and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a slip jinx, which gave him a few seconds to catch his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a cut across his pass on cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the spell hit a nearby rock 'n' roll. Lubar resumed his gestural piece and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't prevent dodging them forever, thrower !"Lubar grinned manically.

"scout me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. John and Kaden were both out of the fight and while John was easily the in force dueler after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knees panting, not in any embodiment to continue dueling. Matt was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both amazed and delighted by.

No, Albus was not trying to overcome Lubar. He knew that would n't be potential. Albus was merely biding for prison term. He tried to forecast out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged spells. It must have been at least three or four hours, although the non-white Aussie sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the moon had been out so he could have monitored its trip across the sky.

How long would it pack his dad to discover them ? Longer than convention, Albus thought. They were in the midsection of a foreign body politic, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, ceramist, and you do n't require to see me when I 'm peeved !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red lighter at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to register what kind of hex it was, Matt gave a screaming of pain to Albus 's right wing and collapsed to the earth. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a s to stomach the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully maturate genius. The two whiz dig identical jets of drear Light at Albus and he managed to pull up a rickety shield.

The force hit him like a twelve Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his footing and landed flat on his rachis, his caput hitting a particularly sharp rock candy.

"I told you not to fight, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Harlan Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the lightheadedness. He reached into his robes and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the strength Albus could muster, he threw the Stone as far as he could to the right. In the darkness, it disappeared in a snag 2d and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"Wands where I can see them !"mortal shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his head teacher slightly and caught a glance of his dad, along with a few early wizards. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his verge when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby scrub and watched.

Jarrett did n't stick around long. He sent one wretched stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the speckle. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Lapplander.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the condom of the Dubyuh and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the other two whiz next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with cushion all over again.

The shorter of the two was Matt 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as mat 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and petunia Dursley.

It was the early champion that nearly caused Albus to pass out in jounce. He was none early than Professor Balladanis. What in the name of Merlin was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and matte 's dad. But why ? Did n't lustrelessness 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the comportment of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle style,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of Christian Bible, but remembering what Matt had told him at the beginning of the year, all surprise left him.

"Lucky for me ceramist and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's sceptre off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent dissimilar piece at Lubar at the same time, but it was too late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely aware of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring departure between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to give Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious strain and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his implements of war around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank pigeon hawk,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm hold on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a erupt credit card cup. A few arcsecond later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his arms."Can you lead John Lackland, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed grasp of bathroom 's arm before pulling his own part charge plate cup out of his pouch. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly jumble, but did not get clock time to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the intimate tug behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the eye of the Hospital annex. The question of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts terra firma was the least pressing dubiousness on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both matte and trick on the near beds while brothel keeper Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"Look at the res publica of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to flatness 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to address with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll recount you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to severalize everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to ask you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need breathe !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his fountainhead was bleeding and he was still quite woozy, felt that the shoemaker's last thing he needed was quietus. He needed to have a go at it what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing spell and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The Aaron Montgomery Ward was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely shadow outside, although Albus did n't give birth the tenuous hint as to what day it was. St. John the Apostle, mat, and Kaden were either still unconscious or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to Matt 's bed. It did n't count like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the Lapplander Ministry robe he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his manus to his head. There was a bandage on the back of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his right arm, although he could n't echo when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The door to the ward opened, letting in a belittled outpouring of luminance from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to tell apart me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his headspring, remembering something he had been debating for the past year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a word, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the door and up to the fifth base corridor. Harry did not ask a single doubtfulness as Albus pulled the arm down on the appropriate horse and turned to confront the diametrical wall.

Albus located the paw photographic print and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorhandle. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a gasp as he did.

"Remember that map from last class ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. Instructions on how to get into this elbow room. It was theirs, the marauder'. Their confidential common room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't answer. Instead he walked slowly around the elbow room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't for sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just unbelievable, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect place to tattle,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But firstly I want you to explain to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the palace and ending with throwing the Christ's Resurrection Oliver Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a timberland in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to draw, the affaire d'honneur, the fact that the Resurrection rock did n't mould to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might explicate it. The Resurrection Edward Durell Stone brings back masses we love, but it does not bring them back completely. It 's almost as if their person is coming back."

"Like a shade ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his soul so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the Stone. The Stone may postulate the individual to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not bonk Voldemort ; they did not experience him. They wanted to bring in him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to rule out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't believe so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"Well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sentience. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd secern me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you fuck what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling lessons he gave me,"Albus explained.

"fountainhead, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help oneself line up Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The Minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of scorn in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most in all probability working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him fuck. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, prof Kendrick, and I believed it would be unspoiled scheme to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to plow teaching.

"This is all quite close, Al. I 'd opt you did n't distinguish anyone. I will be telling matte, John the Divine, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right wing to know, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll recount them as well, otherwise Kaden is certain to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to occur to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be tricky post. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on tryout or commit him to us to put on tribulation. And since he 's one of their official, we 're not certain they 'll do either."

"But that 's not fair !"Albus stood up angrily,"looking what he did ! bet what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nada more than to give him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the constabulary do n't solve that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't have intercourse about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry tie, he does not suffer to take a typeface if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd make a well Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't recognize,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't ingest to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't need to tell you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a intemperately job and often a lonesome one. You have no coworkers. You work with versatile Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can piddle it difficult to have a family. It 's not an comfortable path to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't think he 'd require to rarely ever see his friends and family.

"There 's plenty of former things you could do that would put your dueling acquirement to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no want to decide now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"wellspring, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before Madam Pomfrey observance you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the room and walked back to the infirmary Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the hospital offstage with his dad, she was running about the Mrs. Humphrey Ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, King John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to talk to him in buck private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should own asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest period !"

"I 'm his Padre,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the government minister of Magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing arcdegree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to Matt as he got back in bed.

"Fifteen min or so,"lusterlessness answered.

brothel keeper Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in buck private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to Madam Pomfrey."Do I need your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to kip a petty while later and when he next woke up it was light out and dame Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as gentlewoman Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sun, dear, but it 's good afternoon,"brothel keeper Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd opt to receive breakfast."

"Only Billy Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than twenty-four hour since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time zone changes are hard to adjust to,"lady Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was edacious. When he thought about it, it must have been at to the lowest degree a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved goner in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd blank out about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"John asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The doors to the Hospital Wing banged open and pink wine and Amanda came running in. madam Pomfrey made a movement to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"William Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a freeze in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch catch ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rose groaned,"I 'm not saying a tidings about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't depress your vocalisation, you 'll possess to leave !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to state us what happened !"

Albus launched into the stallion tale, which took the adept part of a half hour to enjoin. Neither rosebush or Amanda interrupted once during the whole thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the prison term Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the rest period of you today."

"pigeon hawk, Albus,"Rose sighed,"How much worry can you get into ?"

"It 's not my demerit,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the mates ?"

Rose exchanged glimpse with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the lucifer, let me distinguish you,"Amanda said.

"nonentity won, Al,"pink wine said.

"What ?"privy interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five arcminute into the couple, Fred and ling ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"matte asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't sleep together why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo bagman and started talking to him. cipher could discover what they were saying. Then roadman blew his pennywhistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the pitch and had a really foresightful talk with all the headmaster and skipper. Then Kendrick announced that the equal was called off and told everyone to return to their park rooms.

"Everyone was really wild of path. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they call it off ?"John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rosiness said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the presence of the crowd and heard what Fred and ling were talking about. They were claiming that Commonwealth of Australia had been cheating the unscathed time-"

"Well, they were,"flatness muttered.

"I know,"rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Heather. I 'm for certain they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told mortal sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire school knows."

"How did they envision it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her cloak-and-dagger quite well. Fred and Calluna vulgaris were 6th year, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all class,"Rose explained,"And since they 're impudent, they figured it out."

"But what about the mate ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"rose said quietly.

"cancel the tourney ?"Albus gasped,"Cancel the tourney ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the whole year on that tournament ! Do you love how often prison term I 've spent on the Quidditch lurch this year ? more fourth dimension than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to offset the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a little aggravating."

"I know,"rose wine replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"matte asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Aussie since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"Matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"rosebush said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an announcement about the tourney at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awing people who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. Madam Pomfrey flat out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the threshold and go to her study while Harry explained. lustrelessness 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to go a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to avail fascinate Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought tidings of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely free and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't pursue him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively enraged with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to give up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the previous night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his initiatory year, when flatness had told them about his dad 's untested adult pipe dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside tabular array, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the premature nighttime. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a smell of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few hour trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not consider I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would enjoy to share the fib with my sidekick. Perhaps I could introduce you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted nix more than to be allowed out of the Hospital wing in sentence to go to dinner that night. He was for sure prof Kendrick would make some sort of declaration about the tournament and he did not want to drop it.

After a full ten minutes of begging on his function ( helped out by Matt, John, and Kaden ), madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to leave the ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt delicately. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't check him from eating dinner with the relief of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a tranquillize meal in the Hospital Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to severalise him what Kendrick said.

The girls showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"Tournament 's canceled,"Rose sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The child from New York are staying to finish out the twelvemonth, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the prophet tomorrow."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to set off it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head teacher,"To do that Hogwarts would accept to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"John asked.

"Too close to exams,"rosebush shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stunned,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you experience better, I 'm pretty sure Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't have been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred star sign points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had people on the teams, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"rosebush grinned,"I know one matter that 'll exhort you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch scout at that match,"Rose told him,"And even though the compeer was disastrous, they did find someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"Rose exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to run for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. Rose had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional person Quidditch team more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their New reservation Keeper,"rose said,"She says Uncle Hotspur 's not impressed. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't deal what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Harry Hotspur 's got tidy sum of early nipper to cultivate at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"lavatory said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the carom,"John the Evangelist groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"pink wine shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to crop her way up to a estimable one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the only when one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for certainly of,"Rose said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle bat, but I do n't experience for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his full cousin had been taken on by a professional Quidditch squad because of it. However, that did n't take all the disappointment away.

******

madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the boys leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really have a option since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly fine and was quite well-chosen to go forth the spot.

pink wine handed him a copy of the vaticinator as soon as he and the former son reached the mutual room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few arcminute before his first exam to read the clause that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN school CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a start discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tourney
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
Magic, and the Aboriginal Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tournament 's final Quidditch couple was
interrupted this past Saturday by two Hogwarts
one-sixth days, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aboriginal Australian team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few calendar month ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian team after their Seeker, Linda
team spirit, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tourney
continued.

Fred and ling Weasley accused Linda team spirit
of being a lamia. lamia are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch team due
to the unfair advantage they have.

The match was immediately stopped while all three
master questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
School of Sorcery admitted to allowing morale
to be the Seeker of his team in order to win the
tournament. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, esprit de corps, and the rest of the Aboriginal Australian
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to verbalise with any of our
reporters.

tournament officials as well as the other two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporter, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an moron,"Albus said.

"Look at the next clause,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final Quidditch mates was ending in calamity
at Hogwarts School of witchery and genius, Harry
thrower 's middle child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus Potter, as well as first cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and lav Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three yard bird were helped by
Ralph Lubar, Head of the Department of the Regulation
and ascendance of Magical creature in Australia.

The four Hogwarts scholarly person were taken to Australia
where Harry potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Aboriginal Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boys have recovered from the trial by ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very illuminating article,"Albus said as he tossed the newspaper publisher onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can cover much,"pink wine said,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry may be asking them to proceed smooth about Lubar in issue for giving him some kind of punishment.

"It wo n't count,"lusterlessness said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to campaign Lubar into the cover of his mind as exams began. They were all significantly severely than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at to the lowest degree passed all of them.

There were light articles in the prophesier about Lubar everyday, but they all said the Saami affair. Australia refused to extradite him. lusterlessness was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The hebdomad after examination was a unusual one for Albus. There was nothing left for them to do. No studying, no preparation, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their prison term with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

affair were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot quieter than they used to be. Albus was sure they missed Linda, and he had no idea whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the fortune.

lustrelessness was lost in his own thoughts most of the prison term, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went integral evenings without saying two words to anyone, something that usually only happened around full moonlight. However, the future wide-cut moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was for certain this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

John and Kaden remained as robustious as ever and did not look to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their week pulling pranks and playing endless games of Exploding breeze that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His idea was racing with thought process of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to stay on a mystic. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The power train ride back to British capital was subdued, the only noise being John Lackland and Kaden 's Exploding snap bean bill of fare. Albus and lusterlessness both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a missive last night,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his top dog up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was sorry, and wanted me to tell you that she was sorry about the tournament,"Rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to school ?"Albus asked.

"No,"rose shook her pass,"She 's been through school a twosome clock time already. She was n't even a student at the Aussie school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really nasty feller. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"blush wine shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This altogether year has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the universe Cup to seem forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"whoremonger grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"John muttered,"I do n't desire Ashtyn going."

"well, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really smash it,"Albus said.

"goodness point,"John agreed.

"Let me fuck when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to have you ?"John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my house. My dad said he 'd get us camping."

"Excellent !"Gospel According to John grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"aliveness in collapsible shelter, no electricity, no illusion either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"lusterlessness said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"Matt shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full Moon. I do n't want any of you having to connect me in the screeching hutch next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that flatness would n't get to go, but he variety of idea Matt would n't want to go anyway.

The remainder of the trip-up was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like matter were sort of returning to normal. It was almost nice to hear John the Divine and Matt arguing about the Cannons again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gearing arrived in Jack London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodbye to his friend, Albus left the station with his family feeling that just maybe biography would be pattern from then on. fountainhead, maybe the summer would be at to the lowest degree be convention. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome mass who have read and reviewed this ! You Guy are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth tale but it 'll be a spell before the number 1 chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other calendar week at firstly, alternating calendar week with Beyond the Shadow. In the average time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the carom, which is a collab I worked on final stage class and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley shank and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden sneak and is also in my favourite stories so you can find it that way.