Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilet and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last sentence. Ketchup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupe. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just change by reversal that around on him and severalize him it was his own fault for staying up too late the previous night.

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the window at the overcast sky. It was inconceivable to secernate the metre of day since the sun was blocked by swarm, but his clock said it was nearly one o'clock. It would probably rain later, which only worsened Kaden 's mood.

Ever since Kaden awoke at noonday, he had been trying to opine up a estimable excuse to hop going to dinner at his grandparents'theatre later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most unacceptable masses on the face of the satellite, save for his Aunt margarine.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. Sure, they 'd showered him with eternal gifts on his birthdays and Christmas, but that was the only way they showed their affection. fountainhead, aside from his grandmother 's bone shattering hug, which were surprisingly cockeyed considering her small shape. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the atmospheric condition to what the next door neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute big thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elite shoal that his grandfather and his beginner had both attended. Kaden had visited legion clock time and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the snot-nosed professors, and the Kyd who constantly argued about whose father had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At first, his father was uncoerced to consider letting him wait on populace school with all his Quaker, but after his grandfather had his say, there was no discussing the subject. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to act upon for Grunnings, the Saame recitation company that his grandfather and Padre worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried real hard, Kaden would be able to feed himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few long time ago. His parents had wanted him to take care some variety of oeuvre related party for his gramps, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half hour before they were supposed to leave, his temperature spiked to five degrees above normal and he 'd been able to skip the party. The best part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no idea how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot affair such as volcanos and the Equator, but even after 15 min of mentation, he still felt perfectly normal. It must have been a fluke, the early time. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft rap on his doorway and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the room access, revealing his mother standing in the room access. She was a shortstop woman with straight Brown University hairsbreadth, the same color as his own, that was point with her chin.

"Kaden, estimable, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandfather wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's receive a new digital television camera and needs to take some pictures of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it live on time I saw him."

"I know,"she said."But it 's really not a big pile, is it ?"

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the threshold again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the menage. Whether dousing statement between Kaden and his seven-year-old Sister, Bethany, or easing the tension between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the serenity.

Not ten second later the room access burst open and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally yell at her for. However, this time he was too offend at her appearance to chafe shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, ended with effervescent shoes and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her prospicient blonde hair was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly type and preferred to wear jean and a t-shirt while kicking a football around with Kaden.

"Grandma genus Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so lots adept than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now grandad Vernon can take pictures of me, too."

"indirect request he 'd just aim pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

"mummy did my hair. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

"I-"Bethany began, but stopped as the doorbell rang."I 'll get it !"she shrieked as she ran out of the room.

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the door, and not only because of the reason about parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughters answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over L chocolate bars from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

"Bethany, move !"Kaden shouted as they reached the door.

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the window. There was a man standing on their front line porch wearing an outfit even unusual than Bethany 's. In fact, it kind of looked like Bethany 's. It was a dress. A black robe-like frock. Kaden had to repress his laughter as he opened the door.

"Hello,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's father, but taller than Kaden. His blond pilus looked windswept and he had a happy smile on his face.

"Er, hi,"Kaden said, still trying not to laugh.

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

"Yeah,"Kaden answered."Bethany, go get them."

"Why are you wearing a attire ?"Bethany giggled.

"Not a wearing apparel,"the man said."Go get your parents and I 'll explain."

More curious than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed prissy enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoup. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the case, then he 'd ingest no destiny at the Dursley 's house. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. genus Petunia and Vernon hated anything unnatural and that would certainly let in men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in jeans and a jersey that was stretched over his rather large belly. His blond hair was neat and tidy, which Kaden was indisputable was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't fuss around with his hair.

"Dudley and Christina Dursley ?"the strange man asked.

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his brow."Can I aid you ?"

"My gens is prof Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to talk about with you. May I come in ?"

"I suppose,"Dudley said as he shook the professor 's hand.

Kaden held the door open and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents conduce them into the keep room. Christina ran to fetch drinkable while Neville settled himself onto one of the couches. Dudley sat in the chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chairwoman on the story and waited for the adults to set off talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the room. He hated when they did that. It was rather pointless anyway since Kaden had become very adept at listening in on his parents'conversations.

Christina returned with drinks and passed them out. Neville took a sip of his, set it down, and then turned to Dudley.

"This may come as a bit of a jar for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his soda and started coughing. Christina let out a small gasp and turned to look at Dudley, who had gone pale whiten. The two shared a look and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more mixed-up than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a prof from a school he 'd never heard of display up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

"That 's a stupid person name,"Bethany announced.

"You do n't mean,"Dudley began, ignoring Bethany."You ca n't be sober. This has got to be a jest !"

"It 's not a joke,"Neville assured him."I 've come to pop the question Kaden a spot at Hogwarts."

"But, but,"Dudley said faintly."Oh my God."

Kaden was fully merry now. What variety of shoal was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a topographic point ? He had n't applied to any early school day besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a home, he wanted to go. Anything was better than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

"Dudley,"Neville said quietly."What have you told your children about Harry ?"

Harry ? What did Harry have to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's cousin, Harry potter, only a few times. All he knew was that Harry had three kids around his own age and that they lived in capital of the United Kingdom. For whatever intellect, Kaden 's home rarely visited them. Kaden found this rather odd since his grandparents had raised Harry after Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash.

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

"You told them Harry 's parents were killed in a car clash, did n't you,"Neville said, more as a affirmation than a question.

"What else was I supposed to say ?"Dudley groaned.

Kaden stared at his father, who was looking more and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car crash ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

"Well, you 're going to have to explain now,"Neville said."I 'll await. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

"No, no, I 'll do it !"Dudley exclaimed."But only if we decide that Kaden can serve this school."

"Of course I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't want to go to Smelting 's and here 's the arrant reason not to !"

"I do n't bonk,"Dudley sighed."What will my parents say ?"

Nobody said anything for a few moments. Kaden continued to glare at his father. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own founder joystick up for him ?

"sufficiency,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the cistron ! He 's been making odd things happen for years. We tried to ignore the star sign, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm glad. You and I both know he would n't have been glad going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a turn man, Dudley, make decision regarding your tiddler based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence. Kaden knew he was median, no better than most of the kids his age. Maybe it was football science ? Kaden was a fair football player, but no one else in his family unit was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

"All right,"Dudley said quietly."He can go."

"Excellent !"Kaden exclaimed."Now can somebody tell me what Hogwarts is ? And what exactly I 've got running through my gene ?"

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A special school that Harry attended when we were small fry. It 's a school day of magic, for witches and wizards-"

"waiting,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and witching sceptre and poppycock ?"

"Wands yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a patch,"Neville said as he pulled out a recollective stick which Kaden assumed was a wand.

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his baton at his glass of soda. He muttered something in a different language and the ice began to blow. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the way and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

"Holy crap,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got thaumaturgy running through my gene ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how descend I ca n't do magic, like make my homework magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be able to make homework do itself. consider, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't explain ?"

Kaden thought, then his heart opened wide and he stared at Neville."What if a soul really did n't need to go somewhere and they got a fever all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't have to go where they did n't desire to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be thaumaturgy. Did that go on to you ?"

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his father 's center."But I did n't do it on determination. Trust me, I 've tried to do it again and it does n't work."

"Of course you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."thing like that happen to a lot of young witch and wizards."

"But what about Harry ?"Kaden asked."You said his parents did n't die in a car crash ?"

"They did n't,"Dudley said."They were murdered by an evil wizard, Jehovah something or the other-"

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"rightfield,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to go with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car clangour. They told him nothing about deception or his parents. They thought if they ignored the trick, they could stamp it out of him. They hate magic trick. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and declare oneself him a property at Hogwarts."

"So, do King James I, Albus, and Lily go to Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked."And is this Voldemort bloke still around ?"

"James River and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no pauperism to worry."

Kaden nodded. Quite a few questions were going through his head, but he could n't figure out which to ask first.

"So,"Dudley said."He 's going to have to get a- a wand ?"Dudley 's face paled a bit when he said 'wand'.

"Yes,"Neville smiled,"Everything you need can be found in Diagon Alley in London."He rose from his chair and pulled a missive out of his robes, handing it to Kaden."Your acceptance letter and tilt of supplies."

Kaden took the letter and ripped it clear. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the sort of paper he imagined people wrote on centuries ago.

He unfolded it and read it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the deputy headmistress, professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts express mail would leave from King 's Cross station on September first, from a platform 9 3/4.

"9 ¾ ?"Kaden asked questioningly."That 's not a very chopine, is it ?"

"It is,"Neville laughed."It 's hidden from Muggles."

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"People who ca n't do magic, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of supply. It was full-of-the-moon of odd books such as Magical Herbs and Fungi, brass graduated table, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't have already known about magic, he would 've thought the unscathed thing was a joke.

"I can take you to London and show you where Diagon alleyway is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

"No, no, I think I 'll ask Harry,"Dudley said.

"That 's fine,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore query ?"

"Am I a witch ?"Bethany asked.

"Well, I 'm not for certain,"Neville answered."If you get a alphabetic character the summer you 're eleven then you 're a witch. If not, then you 're not a witch."

"Oh,"Bethany said disappointedly."I want to be a witch."

"I 'm trusted Kaden will tell you all about Hogwarts once he 's there,"Neville assured her as he stood up."I 'm going to experience to go, but if you 've got any doubtfulness, just get ahold of Harry."

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's hand. He still looked in shock and not all the semblance had returned to his face.

"I 'll see you at Hogwarts,"Neville said to Kaden.

"What do you teach ?"Kaden asked.

"Herbology,"Neville replied."Magical plants."

Kaden watched as Neville left the home and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the nearest chairwoman and let out a small moan.
***


The sole sound at dinner was the chink of utensils hitting the china plates and the loudly burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a crank of soda pop, earning him a stern regard from his nan. It seemed that nobody could think of anything to talk about. Even the common theme of the weather, sports, and piece of work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given strict orderliness by their beginner not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or illusion whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated wizardly with a passion, something that kind of amuse Kaden but seemed to frighten his father. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his children.

Vernon and Petunia were still under the impression that Kaden was going to go to Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his pic taken by his granddad while wearing his Smelting 's undifferentiated.

"You should get involved with boxing at Smelting 's,"Vernon said in between bites of tater."Your dad was a genius boxer when he was there."

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would have football game. Wizards would still play mutant, would n't they ?

"football ..."Vernon muttered."dear than naught, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an excellent football game team. I 'll give the passenger vehicle a ring and let him get it on you 'll be joining."

"well I 'm not for sure yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his Daucus carota sativa around his plate.

"You 'll unite a sport, though,"Vernon insisted."Boys grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll need to bulk you up, too,"Petunia commented as she placed another porc chop on Kaden 's scale.

"I 've already been to the schooltime twice,"Vernon said as he took another prominent swig of brandy."Spoke with all your professor and they 're quite turn on to meet you. Long line of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five times,"Kaden said under his breath.

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't like lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was haywire, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his whole biography about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he take to maintain lying ?

"Dudley had a wonderful time at Smelting 's,"Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy glass."Another glassful, Dudley ?"

"No, no, I 'm fine,"Dudley said. His own brandy spyglass was still half-full.

"Every holiday, coming home with wonderful stories of your supporter and all you 'd done during the by terminal figure ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

"And that 's where he started his boxing career !"Vernon said proudly."You 'll do us proud, Kaden. You 've got the Dursley blood."

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the Potter blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the ceramicist side of the fellowship, just the Evans side. So he had Sir Arthur John Evans blood line.

"You know what ?"Christina said."That 's it. Dudley, we 're telling them."

"Telling us what ?"Vernon asked, setting down his brandy glass.

"We ca n't,"Dudley hissed."We said we would n't secernate them tonight."

"This is cockeyed, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not fair to the kids."

"Tell us what ?"Vernon asked, more loudly this time.

Christina stood up."I 'd wish to speak with you in individual, Dudley."

Dudley got up and followed Christina out of the room. The two of them disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kaden and Bethany alone with their grandparents. genus Petunia was sitting straight up, wearing a pinched verbal expression, and staring at the kitchen door. Vernon was sipping on his brandy again. It was all very awkward. Kaden pushed his uneaten food around on his home and tried to stave off his grandad 's eye.

Christina and Dudley returned a few minutes later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking anxious. They resumed their seats and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

Dudley sighed and glanced at Vernon, before staring at his plate."Mum, Dad, we 've got to narrate you something. Kaden 's not going to Smelting's."

Vernon dropped his brandy glass and it shattered onto the mesa. Petunia looked so appall that she did not even move to houseclean it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

"He 's not going,"Dudley said quickly."It 's not for him. He has n't wanted to go there from the start and we 're not going to squeeze him."

Kaden felt his grandfather staring at him, despite the fact that he was not looking up from his dental plate."That 's not true, Kaden,"Vernon said.

"It is,"Kaden muttered. Kaden finally looked up and saw that his uncle was staring agape love at Dudley. Petunia looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Then where 's he going ?"Vernon asked."Not public school. You know the progeny that exist with them."

"Yes, public shoal,"Dudley said immediately. Christina turned and glared at him.

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

Public school ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to flip one lie for another ?

"He wants to stay with his friends, Dad,"Dudley said."We just ca n't drive him to go somewhere that he does n't want to go."

"Every boy in our fellowship has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his clenched fist down on the table."You ca n't break that tradition."

"Vernon ..."Petunia said quietly."Kaden is their son. It 's up to them."

"It 's outrageous, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a right education in public school,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the flat coat would open up and swallow him whole. Was that the sorting of thing he could do with magic ? It would be very utile for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."marking my discussion. Smelting 's is the exclusively suited shoal out there. He 's going to drop out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandpa, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't want his granddaddy to have it off he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that abominable if they told him ? Did he really hate thaumaturgy that very much ? But he, Kaden, was a wiz. A superstar just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all adept. Did that mean his own gramps would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his tummy and he pushed his photographic plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

"Yes, that 's okay,"Christina said as Vernon continued to shout.

Kaden escaped the dining room and ran upstairs to the low bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's bedroom, although it no longer contained any oddment of his magician cousin. It was dandy as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd felt so excited about finding out that he was a wizard. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the yesteryear. The fever was not the only clock time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his motorcycle, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no to a greater extent than a abrasion. Another time he 'd left a subroutine library Book at home that he had meant to impart back to schooltime, only to see that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a virtuoso ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing wizards telling Muggles about legerdemain ? That would explain why most Muggles did not bang about sorcerous. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must suffer done foreign things as a nipper and Kaden wondered if his own father had realized what Kaden was when he did strange things.

There was a whack on the threshold a few minutes later. Christina popped her foreland into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked angry. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stair and out the door, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The following few weeks were both exciting and bunglesome. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to numerate down the years until he got to bequeath for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon Alley a few weeks before term started and Kaden was very much looking forward to that.

Kaden 's parents had a very big row in the days following the dinner at Vernon and Petunia 's. Christina insisted that they tell Vernon and Petunia about Kaden attending Hogwarts and Dudley still wanted to keep it a hidden. In fact, during those few workweek, they did not see Vernon and Petunia at all, when they normally saw them once a workweek.

It took a long sentence for Christina to convince Dudley that he should evidence his parents about Kaden attending Hogwarts, but she finally did. In fact, it was the evening before Kaden and his family were to go to Diagon alley with Harry that they went over to Vernon and Petunia 's for dinner party once more.

The affaire was very quiet at world-class, with nobody knowing what to say and the entirely musical phrase mentioned being"pass the salt"or"could I take some more brandy, delight ?"Kaden did not say a single give-and-take, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to spill the beans a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the muteness."Still set on this world school, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged glimpse."No, actually, Kaden was never going to see public school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a pocket-sized, private school in Scotland. He did n't lend oneself, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you assure us-"

"He 's going to Hogwarts, Dad,"Dudley interrupted, clearly wanting to get it over with."There. I told you. He 's going to Hogwarts. Kaden is a wizard, just like Harry."

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy glass. Petunia let out what could only be described as a small-scale squeaker. Vernon 's face then turned the purplish colouration it did when he got angry.

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the table."That place ! That place where the boy went. Where ABNORMAL mass go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't stimulate it, I wo n't !"

"It 's not up to you,"Christina said shortly."He 's our son."

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said quietly."Christina and I, we had a feeling ...."

"A feeling about what ?"petunia asked.

"Kaden 's done strange things,"Dudley answered."Like Harry did when we were child. We never told him about magic, but we half expected this."Dudley left out the part about him debating whether or not to let Kaden pay heed.

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange look, one that made Kaden palpate mildly uncomfortable. It was a unearthly mix of discombobulation, anger, and the little bit of repulsion, as if he could not stand to cogitate that mortal actually related to him was a champion. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

"You do n't have to send him there,"Vernon said, after he tore his center away from Kaden."It 's not required. You 're under no obligation-"

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said."It 's what 's Charles Herbert Best for him."

"No, it 's not !"Vernon exclaimed."He 'll get mix up that Sami crowd that your aunt did and you know what happened to her."

"She was murdered !"Dudley exclaimed."You ca n't blame her for being murdered. And the madman who did it is gone."

"He 'd be better off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new glass."Smelting 's wo n't be happy to learn this."

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just well-chosen he 'd never have to set foot in the topographic point again. Anything would be better than Smelting 's and what minuscule he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his granddaddy would be a little Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his grandfather, but he still loved him and hated touch sensation as if it was not mutual.

Vernon sighed and stared at Kaden once more. Kaden immediately looked down at his plate of uneaten food.

"Vernon,"petunia said quietly."He 's still your grandson. You may not like that he 's a wizard, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to dismiss this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable muteness once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few bites of chicken before genus Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very large helping of pudding, but he only ate a few bites before stopping.

Kaden and his family did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed inclined to visit any longer. Vernon and genus Petunia walked them to the threshold, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the living room before they left.

"Er,"Vernon began."Your grandmother 's right field. You are still my grandson. I ca n't say that I 'm not disappointed you 're not going to Smelting 's and I absolutely hate that early ... school ... but you 're still my grandson."Vernon gave Kaden an awkward one-armed hug.

Kaden nodded, smiling. As far as he was concerned, that was as expert as an apology from his grandfather. He caught up with his parents and Bethany, gave his grandma a hug, and they left.

Kaden lay in bed that Night feeling very substance. His grandparents may not have been glad about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to detest him for being a wizard, and that was as estimable as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the rest of his magical cousin. It would be his first taste of the magical world and he could not wait.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing radical who helped me make out up with a title for this ! Especially to Mikayla, who came up with the claim I used.

If you enjoyed this, suss out out Albus ceramicist and the path They Left hind end, in which Kaden 's report is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus potter stared out his sleeping accommodation windowpane and watched as an owl flew tightlipped and closer to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the sensible horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy bleak fuzz as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the only one awake at this hour anyway. His brother James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the first few weeks, but after a while the fallal wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his green center as it soared towards his windowpane. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brown screech owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, mat Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration of Jesus Scripture with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to undo its letter of the alphabet. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the varsity letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the envelope. It had been weeks since he had hold out seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. John Brickston and lusterlessness Eckerton had each written him a couple fourth dimension. Albus unfolded the letter and silently take it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and Rose 's natal day party !
I really was n't certain if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your house a couple days before
the party, in about three workweek, and I can outride a couple mean solar day after,
too. But then I 'll throw to go home ; you know why.

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon Alley, since we 're not
on the Floo electronic network. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousins correctly before your party, but that he 'll be able to stay at
your house after.

I ca n't look until the party. things at my firm are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last week. You probably already have sex that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her sister is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few calendar week !
Your booster,
Matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set matte 's alphabetic character down next to John 's most late one. He was thrilled that both of his right friends would be able to go to his birthday political party. John had said yes right away, but lustrelessness 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would scent up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't hold off. Albus wondered what Mrs Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld Place. Albus had only met the woman twice, but he got the intuitive feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only imagine what mat 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a hebdomad before, Matt 's sister, Amy, and Albus 's full cousin, Victoire, had moved into a flat tire in London. The two of them were beginning their healer training in September.

Albus heard footsteps running down the dormitory that he recognized immediately as his little sister Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His female parent must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the doorway and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his mother standing near the flak tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the table in her pajamas, playing with her pet pigmy puff.

Albus sat down succeeding to her and watched her as she fed the modest creature Wizard O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na bung Martin ? ``

`` Er, no thanks, '' Albus told her.

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the cauldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from matte just now. He can follow to the party and he 's coming a few days early. ``

`` That 's terrific, '' Ginny smiled and went back to stirring the cauldron.

`` Would young master like any pumpkin juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's face carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the business firm elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to help whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this nice, but Albus could hardly imagine it.

Albus took the glass of pumpkin vine juice and grabbed the written matter of the first light Prophet that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the newspaper headline, `` I wonder if Matt 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's yell and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley Cannons just lost another biz. Their newest quester tripped over his own Calluna vulgaris as he was kicking off from the flat coat and gave himself a smutty eye, '' Albus laughed. `` mat supports the Cannons. ``

`` Who supports the shank ? '' James came slowly down the stairs, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` Matt does, '' Albus said and he tossed James the paper, `` Read that. ``

James I read the paper silently for a few minutes and then burst out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in accord as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with King James I and his mother for the following one-half hour. All of them agreed that the cannon had no fortune of ever making it to the league Cup. When Albus had finished his oatmeal, Harry came stumbling down the stair in his pajamas.

`` There 's oatmeal in the cauldron, honey, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the table. She planted a quick kiss on his face as he reached for an empty bowl.

Albus twisted his boldness up in disgust as James shouted, `` Mum ! Ca n't you do that when we 're not looking ? ``

`` Someday you 'll understand, Saint James the Apostle, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, miss wo n't possess cooties anymore. ``

`` That 's already happened, '' James muttered quietly so only Albus could hear him, `` It 's just I 'll never want to see my own parents doing that. ``

`` Do you have got to go into body of work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down next to her at the table.

`` No, thank Merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Sat off in a month. I had n't realized how far I got behind when I was teaching. ``

`` Have you decided if you 're teaching yet adjacent year ? '' James asked. He and Albus had been asking their Padre this over and over again for the past calendar month, but he had yet to make a decision.

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not trusted. professor Kendrick is looking for another teacher, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would look as if the great unwashed think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't find anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

`` I hope you do instruct, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` I like having you for a instructor. ``

Harry grinned, `` I 'm glad you like it. What do you say we have a Wizard 's Chess tourney after breakfast ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted excitedly. `` might actually have a chance at winning since Uncle Ron and blush wine are n't here. ``

The unharmed Potter home played game after game of Bromus secalinus, until James was declared the champion. By the meter lunch rolled around, Albus was disturbed of the secret plan. `` Can we go play Quidditch after dejeuner ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between insect bite. Harry often took them to run Quidditch at blush wine 's house. Since the thrower lived in capital of the United Kingdom, they really could n't trifle Quidditch at their own house. `` pink wine wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` blush wine does n't really the likes of Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never empathise that, '' King James I sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a high school pitched ring coming from the kitchen comeback. He looked over and saw the lowly mobile phone that always sat next on the window sill. The Potters did not have many Muggle devices in their house, but they did have one telephone in grammatical case they had to get hold of any Muggles. Usually the headphone was just used when Harry talked to his first cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the figure to their Muggle born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to enjoin him that she would be able-bodied to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a call. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the earpiece. `` hi ? '' he said. He went quiet for a few moments while whoever was on the early end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock and a grin spread head cross his typeface. `` What ? Are you grave ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holidays and natal day. Even then, the conversations tended to be short and not filled with hullabaloo like this one obviously was. Albus was very queer at this point and he glanced at James, who looked just as curious.

Harry 's excitement calmed down a bit as he continued the conversation. `` Well, you 'll have to tell them sometime. Yes, I know they wo n't be thrilled, '' he paused, furrowing his brow as he listened. `` No, I 'm not going to recite them for you ! ``

Harry listened for a few moments as he started to pace alongside the retort. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll convey him to Diagon Alley with us when we go. You can get along, too, of course. ``

Harry talked for a few more transactions and then hung up the telephone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the table. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

`` Yes, I 'd guessed that ! '' Ginny said quickly, `` What about ? ``

`` You 'll never judge .... ''

`` So secern us ! '' Ginny replied.

`` Kaden is a star, '' Harry grinned.

Albus 's mouth fell open. Harry 's first cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The older one, Kaden, was a little immature than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only imagine what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

`` You 're kidding ! '' Ginny shouted.

`` Nope, he got his letter this morning, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's married woman. Dudley had told his wife about conjuration, but had not gone into gravid particular and neither of the kids knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and Petunia. ``

`` I would mean not, '' Ginny said, `` pigeon hawk, they 're going to flip. ``

`` Dudley actually asked me if I 'd tell them, '' Harry laughed, `` I told them definitely not. ``

`` goodness, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even need to be in the same room as your aunt and uncle the here and now they find out about Kaden. ``

Harry and Ginny continued to babble about Kaden even after James and Albus left the table. The two of them went up to James 's room, where they spent a few second discussing it themselves.

`` Wonder what business firm he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of Jesse James 's practice Snitches.

`` I 'd infer Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to hold with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff sort. James IV had managed to pull quite a few pranks on him over the geezerhood and he did n't appear to be the sharp quill in the box. Albus remembered the last prison term they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple days ago. Albus and his family unit tended to visit the Dursleys every couple of years, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld post. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't sleep together about magic trick. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

`` Think he 'll be any good at Quidditch ? '' Albus asked.

`` Who knows ? '' James II shrugged, `` He 's never been on a ling before, but look at Dad. ``

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's Beans for the commencement metre, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The first fourth dimension Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in whoremaster 's face. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon back street with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' James IV said, `` That 'll be worry. ``

`` Yeah, I ca n't waitress to see what Dudley thinks of the seat, '' Albus laughed.

`` Just postponement until Kaden asks for his first broom, '' St. James grinned.

Albus burst out laughing, cerebration of the look on Dudley 's face when Kaden announced he was going to wager Quidditch, `` We 'll accept to instruct him how to act as Quidditch ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Saint James the Apostle agreed. `` This is going to be a great year, I can feel it ! ``

`` That 's because you get to go to Hogsmeade this yr, '' Albus reminded him.

`` I know, '' James grinned, `` I ca n't wait ! ``

`` Plus, Washburn 's gone, '' Albus commented, `` Wonder who they 'll get to supervene upon him ? ``

`` Hopefully soul who 's not a Slytherin-loving git. ``

`` Or who wants to steal the Hallows. ``

`` Or who 's goal in life is to become the next Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even do the simplest spells. ``

`` Or who gives you detention every other day. ``

James and Albus continued to number off Washburn 's faults, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in tears. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the way a while later.

`` What 's so funny ? '' he asked.

Albus stopped laughing and looked up at him, grinning, `` We, er, were talking about Washburn. ``

`` Ever notice how he 's form of got a unibrow ? '' James asked, laughing.

`` I guess, '' Harry smiled. `` Anyway, do you two want to go flirt Quidditch ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the like time. James grabbed his broom off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice session snitcher.

Albus ran out of the room and grabbed one of his mother 's old heather from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new Calluna vulgaris if he made it onto the Quidditch squad this year. `` set up, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

`` Are Mum and Lily coming ? '' James asked.

`` No, they 've got some shopping to do in Diagon back street, '' Harry told them as he left the room, `` I think we 'll Floo. ``

Albus followed his dad and Epistle of James down the step and into the drawing elbow room. Harry grabbed a fistful of Floo powder, threw it into the flack, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's mansion ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and auntie Hermione 's sustenance elbow room. Their house was a small, cozy shoes in the centre of a field with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely serenity without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the doorway and into the field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few spell that would preserve the Snitch from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle drills, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his broom, `` I need to recitation for try-outs. ``

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior brooms. Albus saw James put out the Snitch and wait a few moments before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hired hand and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his sceptre, Harry conjured a bombastic wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

`` There you go, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` Try and put the Quaffle through that. I 'll hold open. ``

`` You 've got to cabal two more, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too easy for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few more basketball game. Albus flew around him for a little while before sending the Quaffle into the leftfield most ring. Harry was too slow and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` Good one ! '' Saint James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the early side. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking short open frame to rest. Albus managed to score a lot of destination, with Harry only blocking a duet. After a piece of catching and releasing the Snitch, St. James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to keep many goals with both his boy passing the Quaffle back and Forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to call it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld blank space tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note to any new reviewer out there, I highly recommend you read Albus potter and the arcanum Within, which can be found on my author page.

Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my early sister and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to match lusterlessness at the Leaky Cauldron in five second, but Harry was on the earpiece talking to Dudley.

`` Dudley, you just have to tell them, all right ? '' Harry sighed, `` You ca n't continue it from them forever. ``

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his pes. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon bowling alley a one-half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past tense thirty minutes.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to take Albus to Diagon Alley. Yes, that 's the station Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the telephone set and set it down on the windowsill.

`` Finally ! '' Albus sighed, `` Can we go now ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry told him, `` Sorry about that. Dudley still has n't told Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia about Kaden. I 've told him he 's got to do it soon. ``

Albus followed his dad to the open fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky cauldron. The pub was very crowded since it was a Sat. Albus tried to peek through the crowd in lodge to find his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry Potter ! '' someone sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly drunk. `` Hi Harry Potter ! '' he waved lazily.

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the open fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken wizard as he and Albus walked past the bar. The bunch parted in order to allow them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted lusterlessness and his parents at one of the table in the spinal column. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

`` lusterlessness ! '' Albus shouted as he sat down, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm not bad ! How are you ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so glad you could come up. ``

`` Me, too. I 've been bored out of my mind, '' Matt told him, `` I 've even started some of my preparation. ``

`` Wow, you must 've been bored, '' Albus laughed.

Harry sat down next to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them rock hands. `` Why do n't we get some lunch ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

`` Hi, Harry ! '' A significant Hannah Longbottom walked over to their table.

`` Hannah, how 've you been ? '' Harry asked.

`` fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more calendar month and there will be another sister Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The group ordered their intellectual nourishment and a short-circuit while later it arrived. Albus and lusterlessness spent the unit prison term telling each early about their hebdomad apart while the adults talked quietly with each other.

`` So infer what ? '' Albus said while eating a bit of his sandwich.

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

`` You know my cousin, Kaden ? '' Albus grinned.

`` Is he your dad 's cousin Dudley 's kid ? ''

`` Yeah, and he 's a mavin ! ``

`` What ? ! '' lustrelessness spat out a mouthful of pumpkin juice.

`` Matthew, '' Mrs Eckerton scolded, `` Be polite. ``

`` Sorry, Mum, '' matte wiped the pumpkin succus up off the table and turned back to Albus, `` Are you dangerous ? ``

`` Yup, he got his alphabetic character a couple week ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of path, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously conjuration in the family. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt laughed, `` But what did your Uncle Vernon say ? ``

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a footling late. Dad was on the earpiece with Dudley trying to convince him to enjoin Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few days, Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, flatness, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to lusterlessness, `` Have fun, and do n't nominate too much trouble. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged Matt tightly, `` I love you, Matthew. Do n't waver to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be fine, Mum, '' Matt replied once his mother stopped hugging him.

`` Do n't worry, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton put an arm around his wife, `` Let 's go visit Amy before we go plate. '' Mrs. Eckerton nodded and the two of them left the pub.

`` We 're flooing home, '' Harry said as they walked over to the fireplace, `` Have you ever done that, Matt ? ``

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple geezerhood, '' lustrelessness eyed the hearth nervously.

`` You 'll be exquisitely, '' Harry told him, `` Just throw the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld billet .'''

`` 12 Grimmauld Place, '' lustrelessness repeated, `` Got it. ``

`` You can go first, Al, '' Harry handed him the bag of floo powder.

Albus threw it into the fervency and shouted, `` issue 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of green fire and came out in the draught room of his business firm. He quickly stepped away and waited for matt and his dad to appear.

A few minutes later, flatness fell out of the fire and landed on the floor. He was coughing and sputtering. `` I did n't like that, '' he groaned as he stood up.

`` You 'd better pace away, '' Albus pulled flatness away from the fervency just before Harry appeared.

`` Are you all right ? '' Harry asked when he saw lusterlessness coughing.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' mat coughed, `` But I think I prefer phantom. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` Come on, you can miss your stuff in my room. ``

`` Wow, this is a pretty big house, '' lusterlessness gazed around as he followed Albus up the stairs. `` Reminds me of the house we had in Australia. ``

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's theater, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and iniquity stuff in it. The Black family was pretty involved in the Dark Arts. Except for Sirius, and his Brother Regulus changed his vista at the end of his life and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get most of the shadow stuff out. ``

`` fountainhead, that 's good, '' matte said as they entered the next floor.

`` My room 's the last one on the right, but number one I 've got to evince you something, '' Albus led Matt into one of the early suite, `` This is James 's way. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your brother 's not very neat, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a tidy sum of dirty school robes and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the walls, `` Here 's what I wanted to testify you, '' he pointed to a picture of four boys, `` Canicula put a gang of motion-picture show up on the rampart and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandad, Dog Star, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' flatness stared at the characterisation, `` So that 's Moony, the only other, you know, to have gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` Thought you 'd like to see it. ``

`` Yeah, thanks, '' Matt said, still looking at the picture.

`` Well, do you want to go to my room ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' matt replied, turning away from the picture. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few mean solar day later, John arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their meter playing games and talking. John was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a star. Harry took them to pink wine 's house to toy Quidditch a few multiplication. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after rose prodded them a few sentence.

`` So, what do you need to do now ? '' privy asked. The three boys were lounging around in Albus 's room, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

`` I dunno, '' Matt threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you desire to do ? ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to think. He had given his supporter the distinguished enlistment of Grimmauld Place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one place he had yet to exhibit them. `` Want to explore the noggin ? '' he grinned mischievously.

`` Yeah ! '' John jumped up from the bed. `` What 's in it ? ``

`` All sorts of old stuff, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's bully for exploring. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Matt agreed and got up.

Albus led his friends down the hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The bean of bit 12 Grimmauld Place was a very orotund room, filled with old boxes and piece of furniture. It was grim, cramped, and dusty and hard to proceed around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' John exclaimed, `` What is all this stuff ? ``

`` Mostly old Joseph Black house heirlooms and other stuff that belonged to the Black family. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the stuff that was here originally into the attic, '' Albus explained.

`` It 's not dangerous, is it ? '' flatness asked as he peered into one of the boxes.

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the dangerous and dark hooey. ``

`` Wicked ! '' John shouted as he pulled out an old ash grey tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is worth loads of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to examine the tray, `` It 's got the pitch blackness kinsperson crest on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' Matt had walked over to the only door leading off the elbow room, besides the one they had come in.

Albus jumped over three boxwood and threw himself against the door. `` Do n't go in there ! '' he shouted.

`` Why not ? '' Matt asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrayal of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's ugly. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a relocation magic spell to get it up here. He could n't bar it from the sign, though. There 's some sort of charm on it that keeps it in the house. ``

`` What did she do to make you keep open her up here ? '' john asked.

`` She insults everyone who comes into the house. The screaming 's awful. My Uncle Hotspur came up here once looking for some spare part kitchen utensils and we had n't told him not to go in there. It took three hours to shut her up. ``

`` She sounds horrible, '' Matt agreed.

`` I bet she was worsened when she was alert, '' Albus commented. The two of them walked back over to the box John was rifling through.

`` attend at all this ! '' John grinned, `` The whole box is filled with fancy poppycock. chalice, silverware. '' John pulled out a very orotund candelabrum and examined it. `` Are those, snake in the grass ? '' he pointed to the contribution of the candelabrum that would defy candles. Each of them was a snake 's fountainhead, and the candle would sit in the snake 's mouth.

`` I think so, '' Albus took it from john and stared at it, `` That 's kind of creepy. No wonder it 's up here. ``

`` Not to mention the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to search through the box, while matt watched them. `` Funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another silver medal item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not much amber up here. If the blackness were so rich, why did n't they have any amber ? ``

`` It 's too Gryffindor, '' Albus laughed.

`` True, '' John replied. He examined the teapot more closely. `` Hey, matte, could you hand me that tray ? '' He pointed to the tea tray that he had set on the trading floor earlier.

`` Erm, '' flatness glanced from the try and then to Saint John the Apostle, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm hypersensitive to silver. ``

`` Really ? '' privy asked as he picked up the tray himself.

`` Uh, yeah, all werewolves are, '' flatness explained.

`` That 's interesting, '' John said.

`` How did we go a solid year without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, '' mat grinned, `` There 's not much silver in the Gryffindor vulgar room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boy all laughed.

`` These definitely go together, '' trick announced, holding up the tray and teapot. `` I 'll bet there 's a hale set. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and stood up, `` Let 's find another box, one that does n't have silver in it. ``

John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. Matt looked very grateful as they started wandering around the attic. Albus and can peered into the boxful, looking for one that did n't suffer any silver in it.

`` Are there any without silver ? '' John asked after they 'd looked at at least ten different boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a large box at the far end of the room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the side. I 'm sure there 's no silver gray in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Dog Star hated his phratry. ``

`` Excellent, '' John sat down and opened the box. Albus and Matt joined him and started pulling hooey out.

`` seem at these old gown, '' Albus held up a very old set of Gryffindor robes.

`` And this, '' John pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical Herbs and Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the least. ``

`` Broken stoolpigeon, '' Matt announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken pinion, nothing too rouse. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small, worn out leather book at the bottom. It did n't attend much like a text book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while King John and Matt looked over his shoulder. On the first Page was a moving-picture show of four boys. `` It 's photo album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the side by side few Page, noticing that the pictures were always of the same four boys, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` I think they 're the Marauders, '' Albus pointed to a picture of a messy haired boy with shabu, `` Because that is definitely my granddaddy. ``

`` shuffling sense, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' lavatory agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the short chubby one has got to be Peter Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the scrawny boy.

`` Wow, '' mat whispered, `` Wonder if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to wrick the pages, looking at each moving picture. It was a bit strange looking at all these pictures and seeing the predator at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their dormitory, in the common room, on the evidence, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background knowledge. There were also a couple of James playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, lavatory, and Matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to know that only a few class after these pictures had been taken, Saint Peter the Apostle would deceive James IV and Lily. The predator had trusted each other with their animation, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his acquaintance. But they would never lead astray each former. Albus knew that. None of them were scab like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a girl started appearing in a lot of the mental picture. She would have her arm wrapped around Henry James and would kiss him every once in a while.

`` Who 's that ? '' Matt asked, pointing to the girl.

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their geezerhood of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very lastly page and saw that the last picture was of all the vulture, plus Lily, standing in movement of the lake in their school gown, holding sheepskin. They all wore huge smiling on their faces.

`` commencement, '' John commented.

`` Yup, '' Albus replied, `` They look very well-chosen there. ''

`` What are you going to do with it ? '' John asked.

`` I think I 'll restrain it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to omit it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the photo album and a folded up piece of parchment fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` facial expression dummy. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost blank. In one of the corner were four very humble paw print. `` No it 's not. seem, '' Albus pointed to the box.

John and Matt peered at the parchment and looked at the paw mark. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to represent the Marauders. I 'm guessing they 're a wolf, dog, stag, and rat photographic print. ``

`` It 's blank, though, '' King John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old composition of sheepskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a nonmeaningful piece of parchment. After all, to the average out individual, the Marauder 's Map was just a meaningless slice of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his trunk once the male child returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids ready to leave ? '' Harry shouted up the stair, the day of Albus and Rose 's birthday party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stairs with St. John the Apostle and lustrelessness following him. They ran into the drawing room, where Albus 's parents were, along with James IV and Lily. `` We 're ready ! ``

`` good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

`` I think so. I took most everything to the tunnel earlier. ``

`` Like my present ? '' Albus hinted.

`` Yes, like your present, '' Ginny laughed.

`` Are we going by floo ? '' Matt eyed the fireplace warily.

`` I thought we would, '' Harry told him, `` Do n't worry, it 'll be better this meter. ``

Harry was right. This clip, lustrelessness did not inhale nearly as very much smoke and managed to not descend over as he arrived at the Burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' Molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` Happy Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, are these your admirer ? '' Molly asked.

`` Yeah, this is toilet Brickston and mat Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to fill you, '' mollie smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your help in the kitchen. Harry, would you assist Ron set up the tables in the thousand ? ``

The adult quickly left to set up for the company, leaving Albus and the former kids alone.

`` I 'm off to retrieve Cedric and Ben, '' James announced, `` See you later. ``

`` Let 's go to the yard, '' Albus suggested.

`` Is everyone here related to you ? '' mat asked as they walked through the house towards the backrest door.

`` Pretty practically, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red fuzz, prospect are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't imagine having this many cousins, '' Matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any cousins. ``

The chemical group managed to hold it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the board magically. A few of Albus 's cousins were in the air on ling and a few others were playing with the gnomes in the garden. Albus spotted Rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` Hello, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, have you been here for a while ? '' Albus asked as he sat down.

`` For about a half hour. We flooed, '' Rose told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` Took me 15 minutes to stop coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' lusterlessness assured her, `` I had n't done it in years, but I did it to get to Albus 's household. withdraw me forever to blockade coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

`` Did Kaden come with you ? '' Rose peered around at the yard like she was looking for Albus 's cousin.

`` Oh, no. Dad invited him, and Dudley, too. But they were having dinner with Uncle Vernon and aunty Petunia, '' Albus explained.

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' Rose asked.

`` Sure did. Apparently Uncle Vernon went mad. He was shouting and swearing. Said he was n't going to give anymore freaks in the family. But aunt Petunia got him to lay off. She 's actually ok with it. ``

`` Wow, '' Rose replied, `` Still ca n't think it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, tiddler ! '' Bill had appeared next to the table, holding what appeared to be a gigantic Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` splendid ! '' Albus grinned.

note set the pinata down on the table and glanced out across the 1000. `` Oi ! Teddy ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his hairsbreadth scarlet and amber for the occasion, came running over to the tabular array. `` sure as shooting ! We doing it in the middle of the yard ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' Bill replied. The two of them set off to clear a plaza for the pinata.

`` There 's no trees there, '' Amanda commented, `` What are they planning to hang it on ? ``

`` knack it on ? '' Albus asked.

`` well, yeah. That 's what you do with pinatas. You hang them on trees so they 're in the air, '' Amanda said.

`` Oh ! That 's how Muggles do it ! '' Albus realized, `` slip 's just going to levitate it. He 'll motivate it around and it 'll be really hard to hit. ``

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can hail over here now ! '' shimmy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousin-german ran over to Teddy. Albus, Rose, and their friends managed to crusade their way through the crowd to the front.

`` All rightfield ! '' throwaway shouted, `` Albus and blush wine first, then young to oldest. ``

rosebush went first. Bill put a blind-fold magic spell over her eyes and handed her an old broom. shimmy levitated the pinata and flung it around rose wine. After a few poorly aimed hits, her bend was over. Albus was up next. He took the Scots heather from pink wine and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his birthday company, but he was never very good at it.

`` To the right hand ! '' person shouted. Albus swung the Calluna vulgaris around to his rightfulness, but did n't make contact with anything. Teddy always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to break open it exposed, '' Albus said once his turn was over. `` He does at everyone 's parties. ``

`` wellspring, this is the sort of thing a beater would be good at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a piece and no one had managed to even allude it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little kids had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the start one to actually touch the pinata with the broom, but she did n't make any procession in smashing it unfastened. matte actually managed to hit himself in the head with the broom, instead of the bombastic Gryffindor lion.

`` See, I was n't exactly lying when I told you I was clumsy last year, '' he whispered to Albus as he rubbed his head.

lav was up next and he hit the pinata with a loud crunch that sounded like it should receive smashed the totally matter. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' slip grinned, `` It 'll contract a few more of those. ``

As common, Bradley was the one to establish the final blow to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to catch the confection that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friends each got a large bagful of sweets.

`` Time for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and Rose sat down at one one of the board next to two boastfully scads of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, sweets, Weasley Wizard Wheezes products, and various clothing point. Soon, there was just one present left.

`` It 's from us, Al, '' Harry smiled as he handed Albus a long, orthogonal box.

Albus took the box and tore the wrappings off. Excitement washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is all-fired magnificent ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be unadulterated for when you get on the Quidditch team this year. ``

`` If I get on the team, '' Albus replied.

`` You will, '' James River assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the centre of the yard with his friends and cousins following. He mounted the heather and took off into the air. The evening gentle wind felt aplomb as he soared higher and in high spirits. It flew just like Peach State 's did. The acceleration was marvellous and it turned at the little signature. Albus flew around the cubic yard for a few minutes, enjoying the thrill that only flying could play. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could call back. He had received his first toy broom on his first natal day. He promptly crashed into a Tree the side by side day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot full at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as James was. After a few to a greater extent mo, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Completely tremendous, '' Albus grinned, `` Want to try ? ``

`` Of course ! '' John took the heather and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half hour lending his ling to his cousins and Quaker. They all agreed that it was a superb broom and that Albus was sure to make Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discourse centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a large number of mass, there was always a soundly bit of disagreement about which teams were the best. flatness was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their squad to the rest period of the group.

The evening ended with a magnificent Gryffindor lion shaped cake that Molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to thunder realistically when it was first cut. Shortly after everyone finished their bar, they started going home. Albus 's family were some of the last to leave.

`` I 'm going to Apparate home with Lily, '' Harry said as they walked to the hearth. Lily was asleep in his arms.

`` All right hand, '' Ginny replied. Harry turned on the topographic point and disappeared. `` You boys go first, '' Ginny gestured to the pot of floo pulverisation.

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld Place and waited for can and mat. They appeared a few minutes later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your kinsfolk is fun. Makes me wish I had some cousins. ``

`` You 're welcome to share mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' John agreed, `` If you think Albus 's family is nuts, you should meet mine. You 'll cope with one of my cousins this yr. It 's her first year at Hogwarts. All my cousins are younger than me. ``

`` The only one of my cousins coming to Hogwarts this year is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

`` Well, half of Gryffindor is your cousins, Albus, '' trick laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch team, Ryan will be the only non-Weasley and non-Potter on the team. ``

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, good Nox. ``

`` night, '' John replied.

`` night, '' matte said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other Sister and my chum. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their critical review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Do you see them yet, Dad ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, not yet, '' Harry replied.

Albus sighed. He, Harry, St. John, and Matt were all standing outside the Leaky Cauldron. The Muggle incline. It was a few sidereal day after Albus and blush wine 's birthday party and Matt was meeting his parents to go home in a pair hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few hours early so they could buy their new books. Harry also decided that it would be a good metre to contract Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplying.

A few min later a blue sky sedan pulled up to the curb bit. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a curtly brunette woman, and two shaver. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short-change, only an in or so grandiloquent than Matt, and a bit on the plump side. His hairsbreadth was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's new babe, Bethany, had inherited her father 's blond hair and was about a school principal shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` Hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hand to his cousin.

`` Hi, Harry, '' Dudley took his hired man and shook it.

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll blab out more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the door to the Leaky cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in spate while they followed Harry out the back doorway. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon Alley appeared in front of them. `` This is Diagon alleyway. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your magic material ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The first thing you 'll need to do is set up an write up at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large white building at the end of the street. `` hammering wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, reaping hook, and Knuts. ``

Albus really did n't desire to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, John, and lusterlessness go look at the shop class by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a moment, `` I 'll involve Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and register them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can meet you at brandish and Blotts in an 60 minutes. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not have to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The son set off down the street, none of them really certainly where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a workbench outside Quality Quidditch supplying. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my friends, lav and lustrelessness. ``

`` Are your parents beldame and wizards, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' John replied. Matt nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of Kid whose parents are n't witches and maven ? ``

`` A fair few, '' Albus answered, `` Our booster Amanda has Muggle parents. ``

`` I wish I 'd known about magic earlier, '' Kaden told them. `` What 's a Muggle, anyway ? ``

`` Do n't worry, you 'll overtake up fast. Muggles are people who ca n't do magic. Like your parents, '' Albus told him, `` Let 's go into the Quidditch shop. ``

`` What 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked as they walked into the shop, `` Whoa ! There 's brooms in here ! Are we going to be neat something ? '' he asked skeptically.

Saint John burst out laughing, `` white with brooms ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` Like witches do in movies ? ``

St. John laughed even harder, `` Yes, just like that ! ``

`` So what 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked again as he inspected a Firebolt 2000.

Albus, John, and Matt spent a good twenty dollar bill minutes telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

`` That sounds very complicated, '' Kaden announced once they 'd finished.

`` I suppose, '' trick shrugged, `` But it 's fun, better than that variation Muggles frolic. Football or something ? ``

`` Hey ! I play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` And it 's fun. ``

`` fountainhead, there 's no football game at Hogwarts, '' John told him, `` It 's Quidditch or naught. Just postponement until you first fly a ling, you 'll alter your mind about football game. ``

`` Do you bet Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not on my family team. First days are n't allowed to encounter. And this yr the only first step is for a pursuer. My position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

`` Oh, really ? '' Kaden looked at Albus.

`` Yup. I hope I make it. Epistle of James is already on the team. He 's the quester. One of the unspoiled Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Does n't jazz much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' Saint John whispered to Albus.

Albus shook his head. `` Gryffindor is one of the sign at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your first day into one of the four household. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're endure, Ravenclaw if you 're smart, Hufflepuff if you 're firm, and Slytherin if you 're wickedness. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` wellspring, technically Slytherins are cunning, but nearly of the vicious crone and wiz were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's part of the fun not to have it away. ``

`` Are you all in Gryffindor ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my cousins are, too. ``

`` I hope I 'm there, '' Kaden replied. `` Can we go somewhere else ? I 'm sick of looking at brooms.

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's sorcerer Wheezes, '' trick suggested. Although he looked a piddling taken aback that Kaden did n't want to look at brooms anymore.

The boys left the store and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant quantity stream of doubt the whole way there. By the time they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit timeworn of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the hullabaloo of finding out he was a thaumaturgist had caused him to be More outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this place ? '' Kaden gazed around at the inside of George Weasley 's shop class with a look of awe on his face.

`` Joke shop, '' John the Evangelist told him, `` estimable workshop in Diagon Alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John ! '' George IV greeted them. `` how-do-you-do, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

`` Hi, Uncle George, '' Albus grinned, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. Dudley 's son. ``

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a adept, '' George turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in need of any pranking items at Hogwarts, just send me an owl, I 'll have what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at George. After a few import, he asked, `` What on earth happened to your ear ? ``

`` Lost it during the war against Voldemort, '' St. George told him, `` I 'm a bit holey now. ``

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a saint ! ``

George II turned to Albus, `` You sure he 's not a Weasley ? ``

`` positive ; he thinks football game 's better than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm sure that 'll change after he sees Quidditch, '' George replied. `` Well, I 've got to get back to work. See you later, Albus. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George III went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the shop with can and mat while Kaden bounced from one display to the next, announcing how vivid everything was and asking the former boys more questions.

`` What are these ? '' Kaden pointed to a few Skiving Snackboxes.

`` Skiving Snackboxes, sweets that make you ill, '' matt told him.

`` Why would you desire to do that ? '' Kaden grimaced.

`` To get out of boring stratum, '' Matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's classes, you 'll sympathize. ``

`` And what are those ? '' Kaden pointed to a display of Extendable Ears.

`` Extendable capitulum, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Christmas only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

`` Wish I had some money, '' Kaden sighed as he put back a package of Extendable Ears.

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` oral presentation of which, we should probably head back to Flourish and Blotts. ``

The boys waved bye-bye to George I and left the workshop. Albus, Matt, and King John listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the Word of God depot. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more exploited to the Wizarding World. They continued their walk to fanfare and Blotts while explaining about witching anatomy of Transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could come out and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

When they got to the Flourish and Blotts, Harry and the Dursleys were already waiting for them outside. `` Are you having fun ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and Apparition and Flooing and all sorts of magical virtual antic items, '' Kaden grinned.

`` fountainhead, let 's go get your record now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the shop. prosper and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few other people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boys'tilt to a sales person while the boys started looking around.

Albus, lav, and Matt had been to this Book storage legion times and did n't receive anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather bear been in Quality Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the other handwriting, seemed as excited there as he had been in George 's shop. He ran all over the shop, picking up random books and bringing them back to point the former boys.

`` take care at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must have been the ten percent clip, `` It 's a book of account about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this answer in response to doubtfulness about charms, Transfiguration Day, and defensive spells.

`` I ca n't wait ! '' Kaden shouted and disappeared into another row of books.

Albus turned to his supporter and groaned. `` I do n't conceive he 'll ever run out of turmoil. ``

trick stifled a laugh, `` Just waiting until he gets his world-class Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` expect at this Word of God ! '' Kaden came running back a few minutes later with a book entitled, night creature : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampire and werewolves in it ! I did n't know those were real number ! ``

Albus felt matt stiffen side by side to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the expression of scare on his cheek. Albus immediately took the leger from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're zilch like the ones in Muggle fairy taradiddle. And you do n't want to read this book of account. It 's too advanced. You 've got to start out with the rudiments. '' Albus quickly stuffed the book onto a nearby shelf. He did not desire Kaden to read about the prejudices superstar had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another section of the storehouse and Matt relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

`` I 'm not going to let him buy into that werewolf prejudice, '' Albus assured him, `` Even though he 'll probably never find out about you. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` I 've got everyone 's books ! '' Harry announced as he, Dudley, Christina, and Bethany walked back to where the boys were standing.

`` Can we go get my wand now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he ran back from the early section of the store.

`` Sure, '' Dudley replied, `` You lead the way, Harry. ``

Harry, Kaden, and the balance of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his inflammation about his scepter. In contrast, flatness was starting to wear down out due to the coming full synodic month. By the time Albus, John, and matte got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his 1st wand. He gave it a wave and one of the empty baton boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the burst was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wand for the next fifteen min before finding one that created gold sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the group left the shop. The next stop was the Apothecary and then dame Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his first off year at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the chemical group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone was hungry, so they all decided to eat dinner party together. Albus, Gospel According to John, Matt, and Kaden sat at their own table while the grownup and Bethany sat at the other.

`` Ca n't conceive the summer 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a swig of butterbeer. `` What are you laugh at doing for the rest of it ? ``

`` I 'm going to bring down some more of my cousins after I go habitation, '' John told them.

`` That 's probably what I 'm doing, too, '' Albus told them, `` And the big party we have at the end of every summer. That 's always awful. What are you doing Matt ? ``

Matt glanced up from his food, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a wizard at the next table cut his steak with his sceptre. `` I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's, '' he whispered.

`` What 's St. Mungo 's ? '' Kaden asked loudly and turned his attending back to the other boys.

`` magician infirmary, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't bid for more entropy. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platters of food. Kaden immediately turned his tending to the levitating trays and did n't mention ask anything about St. Mungo's.

`` Why have you got to go there ? '' Albus asked very quietly, as he leaned in finisher to Matt. John leaned over as well.

`` I 'll excuse sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful glance at Kaden, `` Maybe on the train. But do n't occupy about it, I 'm fine. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't think people went to St. Mungo 's when they were fine. But he did n't weightlift for more info, he knew Matt disliked discussing his term, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs. Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's table. Mrs. Eckerton sent a worried look at her son. mat was resting his headland on his hand and had his oculus closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

lustrelessness lifted his pass up and nodded. `` I 've just got a headache. I 'll see you on the gear, Albus, John. Nice to suffer you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to mat 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew Matt into a besotted hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the place that Matt and his parents had been just here and now before, `` That was magnificent. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth year, you can subscribe lessons. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a test to get your license. ``

Kaden sighed, `` That 's so far away. But how come Matt got to do it now ? ``

`` He just did side-along specter. mortal who 's got their Apparition license can take other masses with them while they do it. ``

`` Have you done that before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' Gospel According to John told him, `` But lusterlessness likes side-along Apparition better. ``

`` metre to go, Kaden, '' Christina Durlsey came over to the table.

`` All right, '' Kaden sighed and stood up, `` I 'll see you guys on the geartrain. I ca n't await ! ``

Albus waved goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle macrocosm. Albus was n't sure what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of Department of Energy, that was for sure. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding universe was great. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other evil wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley kin Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year Heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th twelvemonth
Ben, 3rd yr mug, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year Rose, 2nd yr James, 3rd year
Angie, 9 twelvemonth old Hugo, 10 old age old Albus, 2nd twelvemonth
Lily, 10 twelvemonth old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st year
Bethany- 7 twelvemonth old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my early babe and my sidekick. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their follow-up !

I also want to pay for everyone to check out my sports meeting the writer page on the forums. There 's a connexion to it in my visibility. Feel devoid to ask about my stories or writiing in universal there.


Disclaimer- As always, I do not own Harry Potter.


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to James and Albus, `` It 's already tail to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the crowded King 's hybridisation station. James was right next to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The ceramicist were running late, very late. It was Sept first-class honours degree and the Hogwart 's express would be leaving in exactly 15 moment. The whole morning had been very rushed. Albus woke up late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the Nox before working on his Transfiguration essay, and James I always woke up late. Then, James could n't find his practice Snitch and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really surely how it got there.

But because of all this, the Potter sept was now practically running through King 's crossbreeding, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many strange flavour from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two steamed owls on their trolleys.

`` James, you first ! '' Ginny shouted as they reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Albus watched as his brother disappeared into a seemingly satisfying wall.

`` I 'll outride here and wait for the Dursleys, '' Harry said as he glanced at his vigil. It appeared that the Dursleys were even later than the Potters.

`` All rightfulness, '' Ginny replied, `` Albus, you next. ``

Albus nodded and ran through the roadblock. A few moments later, Albus was standing on political program 9 3/4, and pink wine was running up to him.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted, `` There you are ! ``

`` Yeah, we 're running a bit of late. ``

`` A bit ? ! The train 's leaving in seven hour ! ``

`` I know, '' Albus said as Ginny and Lily appeared behind him, `` But Kaden 's even later. ``

`` I 'll load your body, '' Ron appeared and took Saint James the Apostle and Albus 's tramcar to the train.

`` Be good, James IV, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always expert, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the dorsum, `` Right, Al ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus grinned back.

Ginny gave them a stern feeling, `` I do n't want any owls from prof Kendrick. ``

`` Aw, do n't worry, Mum, '' James laughed, `` You have n't receive one yet. ``

`` Five hour until the wagon train leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

`` Kaden better precipitation up, '' Albus replied.

At that moment, Kaden salvo through the barrier with a huge grin on his face. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

`` That was brilliant, '' Kaden announced as he joined the group.

`` You 've got to get on the railroad train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the train doors. She gave James and Albus a quick hug and buss. `` Bye, kids ! Be good, all of you ! ``

`` I 'll see you later at the feast, '' Harry gave each of his sons a hug.

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the train. Kaden and Rose got on after him. James I jumped on just as the train was starting to proceed.

`` That was closely, '' Rose sighed as the train left the station.

`` Yeah, '' St. James agreed, `` But we made it. I 'll see you lot later. '' He ran down the train corridor to find oneself his friends.

`` C'mon, blush wine, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find can, lustrelessness, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and Rose, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a solid brick wall ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's wizardly, you know. ``

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Kaden shrugged.

Albus and Rose continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed close behind, still wanting to talk about the roadblock. Anything remotely magical seemed to commove him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' Rose announced when they were halfway down the train. rose pulled open the door and they walked inside. bathroom, Matt, Amanda, and a girl with long, black, curly whisker Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would show up, '' whoremonger grinned.

`` Barely made it, '' Albus told him as he sat down next to John.

`` I was on time, '' Rose announced, smirking at Albus.

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. Epistle of James would n't leave behind until he found his practice Snitch. ``

`` fountainhead, you made it, that 's all that matters, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, good thing you did n't miss the train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' John told them. `` By the way, this is my first cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the girl Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` hi, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus Potter. ``

Isabelle 's eyes opened widely and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

Albus sighed, he was sick of going through this with everyone he met, `` Yes, really. ``

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

`` I 'm wax Weasley, '' pink wine told her, `` Albus 's cousin. '' Isabelle nodded, but did n't say anything.

`` Oh, Amanda, Isabelle, '' Albus said, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. He 's Dudley 's son. ``

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Amanda smiled at him. Isabelle again just nodded.

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied and sat down next to Amanda. `` You 're, what 's the Christian Bible ? Muggle-born, too, right ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Were n't you amazed by the barrier, too ? '' Kaden asked, `` I mean, it was just so unknown, going through a satisfying brick bulwark. ``

`` I suppose. It was kind of scary at first, but it does n't trouble me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the roadblock for the yesteryear ten minutes, '' Albus whispered to John and Matt.

`` Just wait until he first gets witch, '' lav whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's brilliant then. ``

`` How was your vacation in Ireland, Amanda ? '' blush wine asked.

Amanda grinned, `` It was terrific ! We went all over the office, just wandering around and seeing everything. I kissed the Blarney Stone, too. ``

`` I 've done that ! '' Kaden announced.

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really serious time, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the rest of your summers ? ``

`` Mine was good, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon back street together. null too exciting. ``

`` I love Diagon alleyway ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't waitress to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty groovy property, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with James after you left, lav. Other than that I spent the rest of my vacation doing homework and playing Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' blush wine said, `` Although I mainly watched Saint James the Apostle and Albus play Quidditch. ``

`` How about you, flatness ? Do anything exciting ? '' Albus asked, looking at his admirer. Albus really wanted to know why Matt had been in St. Mungo 's, but he knew that Matt would not expand on it while Kaden and Isabelle were in the compartment.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied quickly, giving Albus a look that meant he would tell him later. `` So, I wonder who the new Charms teacher will be ? '' Matt asked, changing the subject.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Anyone will be better than Washburn. ``

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` And what happened to him ? ``

`` He was the Charms teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to steal, er, certain things that would aid him achieve Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, St. John, Amanda, lustrelessness, and rose. One of his friends dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

`` Who 's Voldemort ? '' Kaden asked, `` And what affair ? ``

Albus sighed and looked at blush wine, who shrugged. It was going to be a retentive tripper. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the part about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure if his dad would want him to secern Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizards are good, '' Albus finished.

Kaden stared at his first cousin, lost for words for the low time. After a few mo he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your family 's famous ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't enjoin me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the next appeal teacher would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as instant years ), and a great deal of former clobber. Around lunch time, the witch came around with the tramcar and everyone bought large amounts of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the whiz sweets. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every tone Beans best, despite the fact that the first one he tried was a puking smell. When he opened his first cocoa frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more scandalise when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the board that came with it.

After they polished off the remainder of the sweets, the conversation turned to which business firm Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John the Divine and Isabelle 's family consisted of an equal turn of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really give care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't desire to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some place where her phratry had been. Kaden on the other paw, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too for sure he 'd wind up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't severalize Kaden this.

Soon the caravan made it to Hogsmeade station and it was sentence for everyone to get off. Albus and his protagonist joined the turgid crowd of students exiting onto the platform.

`` fir tree'years ! true fir'class ! '' Hagrid called out.

Albus lead his group over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

`` 'Ello, Albus ! '' Hagrid greeted him.

`` My cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John 's cousin-german, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two maiden class standing near him.

Kaden gaped at Hagrid, `` Are you the one who gave my dad a pig 's backside ? ``

`` Oh, yer Dudley 's son, then, '' Hagrid turned to Kaden, `` Tha'was me. ``

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't wait to see how to do something like that. ``

`` Soon enough, soon enough, '' Hagrid told him, `` Le 's go, then, '' he said to Kaden and Isabelle. The two of them waved to Albus and the others, and followed Hagrid to the lake.

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his friends to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never go out us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant caller to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' John laughed, `` He 's got spunk. ``

`` wellspring, you 're kind of like him, whoremonger, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest vacuous carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' whoremonger laughed and sat down next to Albus. rose wine, Amanda, and Matt followed after, and sat down on the seat across from them.

`` So, Matt, you were awfully quiet on the train, '' Albus began, `` Something materialise during the last contribution of the summer ? ``

Matt sighed and glanced around at his protagonist, `` Yeah .... I just did n't need to tell you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus replied, `` What happened ? Are you all right ? ``

`` I 'm finely, honestly. It 's just, call back over the summer when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And think back that study I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where matt had briefly explained about a study as to why Wolfsbane Potion had no essence on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't tell apart you a unharmed lot about it, but it 's the cause I was at St. Mungo 's. Someone has to find me after every shift. Usually dame Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the Healers like to do it at least twice a class. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus replied, relieved that Matt being severely injured was n't the understanding he was in the hospital.

`` That makes sense, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably narrate you a bit more about the study. It started when I was 8. For the first 2 eld, I did n't get any Wolfsbane potion. The following 2 age, I got even wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a difference of opinion. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been curious about this subject field ever since Matt told him about it the previous term, but Albus had been reluctant to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' Matt told them, `` But anyway, the Healers and Potion brewer that are working on the wolfbane have come up with anther miscellany and I 'm going to start trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in Jan, because I 'll be home on Christmas falling out. I 've got to take it a couple days beforehand and it 'll be better if somebody can watch closely, '' lusterlessness told them.

`` Has it been tested before ? '' rosebush asked.

`` No, '' matt said quietly. `` That 's the point of the discipline, to test the potions. ``

Albus glanced at matt. He looked a bit frightened at the prospect of taking an untested potion. No curiosity he had been silence on the train. Albus was n't sure if he would want to take an untested potion. Of course, if the potion worked, Matt 's life would drastically change for the upright. But what if it did n't play, what if it had ugly side effects ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, they 're pretty for sure it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't conceive it 'll hurt me. They 're just not certainly if it will have the effect it 's supposed to, '' Matt assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' rosiness agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

`` It 's worth it, though, if they ever find one that works for me. ``

******

`` Brings back memories, does n't it ? '' John said as the first age filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how timorous he 'd been of being in Slytherin the late year. He still had n't told his friends that the Sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't surely if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' Rose pointed to Albus 's cousin, who was standing right at the front of the group.

`` And Isabelle 's right wing behind him, '' John told them.

professor Patil motioned for the room to be quiet and the sort Hat burst out in birdcall. Albus had to choke a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth afford in cushion. Albus knew that hat would amaze his cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, prof Patil started the sort. The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John 's cousin walked over to the ordure. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her fellow Hufflepuffs.

`` Dang, '' trick said, `` I thought she 'd be here. ``

`` Well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your family, '' Rose pointed out.

`` Yeah, I know, '' John sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's good, too. But it 's not nearly as good as Gryffindor. ``

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the stool, with a big grin on his face.

Patil put the hat on his head and after a few minutes, it opened its rim wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to count at James, who was sitting a few backside down, wearing an identical looking of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his principal. He was so sure as shooting that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` wellspring, the hat did take an awfully long time to settle, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got facial expression of all the houses. ``

Like me, Albus thought to himself. He looked up and saw Kaden running over to the Gryffindor tabular array. Albus did n't retrieve it possible, but his grinning was even wider now. A few of the older Gryffindors congratulated him as he wedged his way in between Albus and Matt on the Bench. `` Good job, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Thanks ! I still ca n't believe that hat can talk. unearthly affair I 've ever done, have a conversation with a hat, '' Kaden laughed.

`` Wo n't be the unearthly thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless snick, the portraiture on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping willow tree, Moaning Vinca minor, and numerous early face of the castle that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting preserve and the group of showtime twelvemonth dwindled until there were only a span students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the early get-go yr, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must bear been the first year in a longsighted time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining son walked sullenly to the stool and waited for the hat to assort him. A few seconds later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to look at his friends, who were all starting at each other, `` You do n't think- ''

`` Must be some relation, '' Gospel According to John shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only child at one of the Slug Club group meeting last year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last twelvemonth, but now we 'll have to contend with his cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin, '' Rose pointed out.

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' whoremonger said adamantly.

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his protagonist stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do have a few start of terminal figure announcements, but I think they can wait until after the fiesta. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his arms and intellectual nourishment appeared on the golden platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's bloody brilliant ! ``

`` That 's how the intellectual nourishment always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a bombastic luck of steak and kidney pie.

`` I could definitely get used to this, '' Kaden grinned as he piled his home plate high gear with everything within reach.

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to trick as Saint John filled his own denture with as much nutrient as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his mouth full of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' rosiness screwed up her look in disgust.

`` Wut were you wis'ring abo befo ? '' Kaden asked with share of a roll in his mouth.

`` Ugh, he does it too ! '' Amanda commented.

`` What ? '' matt asked Kaden.

Kaden swallowed, `` I said, what were you whispering about before ? You know, when Felix Willinson got sorted. ``

matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his former booster, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` Remember what I said about the Charms teacher on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his boldness with the residue of his roll.

`` fountainhead, prof Washburn was n't the just one in on that duel. Some maven named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in charge. He has a son, Quinton, who was a 7th year terminal year. Quinton drove us mad all last yr and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to visualize out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a cousin because Quinton does n't have any siblings. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied and served himself another helping of chicken. He clearly was n't too disturbed about Felix Willinson.

Throughout the balance of the fete, Albus talked to his acquaintance about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. rose wine wanted to collapse him the benefit of the doubt and wait and see if he shared the same vista as Quinton. whoremonger, on the early hand, was ready to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must harmonize with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. matte and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his cousin, but did n't mean they should start hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to reckon, and he just thought they should ward off Felix, not trying to be favorable with him or hex him.

Kaden received a prissy shock when Nearly-Headless notch decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the feast. Kaden dropped his axial rotation in surprise, but another one of his huge grins appeared on his face shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the ghosts circling the room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghost teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just history of Magic, '' Matt told him, `` tiresome class in the schooltime. advantageously one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd know, would n't you ? '' John joked.

`` Oh, shut it, St. John, '' lustrelessness laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most boring prof here. ``

Kaden looked a bit thwarted at this, `` Really ? How can a stratum be boring if it 's taught by a ghost ? ``

`` Trust me, the tingle wears off after the first day, '' lusterlessness said.

A few bit later the food for thought disappeared and desert appeared just import later. Kaden and John immediately piled their shell with every pudding there was. Albus and his booster informed Kaden about the rest of their professors and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the staff tabular array and assumed she was the new magical spell teacher. She was an old hag, with her gray pilus pulled back in a tight bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was hard to secernate as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your attending, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the students quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a soundly summer and are fix to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term announcements, as well as one rather big announcement. ''

Whispering immediately erupted in the way, as to what this big announcement could be. Kendrick waited a few instant before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to usher in you to our new charm teacher, prof Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a modest wave and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden forest is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping willow. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping Willow ?', with another looking at of astonishment on his human face. Albus chose to ignore this and went back to paying attention to the master 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to cue you that dueling in the corridors is proscribe. Also, that the listing of forbidden aim now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung Bombs'that have just been released at Weasleys'wizard Wheezes. All other ware available for purchase there are also proscribed and students may inspect the full phase of the moon leaning on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

Albus, who had experienced the impression of one of his uncle 's new dung bombs, could understand why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the smell on his grandmother 's face when Uncle George VI brought one of the droppings dud to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch team, please give your name to your head of house. I think those are all the common annunciation. Now, onto the more exciting announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the scholarly person said a word, `` It has come to my attending that the stress between the home have been increasing over the preceding few years. I know that sure business firm have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin table before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too large. I believe we need more I. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our theater is n't divided, '' Cedric Weasley shouted out, `` Gryffindor is perfectly unified. ``

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the other professors, believe that their is too much House rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking pace this year to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be good, '' John muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to have to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to vary the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past years, we will consume inter house teams. ``

`` What ! ? '' almost of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of dead astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

`` No way am I dueling with Gryffindors ! '' an older Slytherin shouted, `` I 'm only dueling against them ! ``

`` Well, we do n't want any bloody Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my point, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much rivalry. I believe this will help ease it. You will have to play together with members of other mansion in order to win the dueling championship. There will be more details to follow during the first gear meeting of the Dueling Club. As always, the baseball club is open to 2d years and above. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted loudly and turned to Albus, `` I ca n't join ? ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. number 1 year do n't have it away enough go to link. But you can join following year. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' James asked, `` That 's not inter house, is it ? ``

`` Of course not, Mr. potter, do n't worry, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the castle if I tried to set out inter house Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his friends could hear him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a right nighttime 's rest for stratum tomorrow cockcrow. start years, please be a Prefect to your common room. just night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' King John sighed and shook his headspring as he stood up, `` Inter house dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' Matt agreed, `` I 'm not sure it 's going to have the effect Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't do it, '' Rose shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a good theme. ``

`` I do n't think it 'll score us get along with Slytherins, '' Albus commented as they exited the Great Hall.

`` nothing could do that, '' John said.

`` Are you guys still joining ? '' flatness asked.

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. can, rose wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` Good, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just consume to hope I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

`` We 've all got to go for that, '' Albus agreed.

Albus and his Friend continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower, and the conversation turned to the new appeal teacher. None of them could guess what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very can look about her all during the fiesta. When they got to the common elbow room, they all decided to take Kendrick up on his advice and turn in other. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warmly four-poster bed, and realized that with prof Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had last twelvemonth. With that well-chosen thought process in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their follow-up !

Quote that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Abraham capital of Nebraska and all credit goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That nighttime, which is about the Nox Matt got bitten. If you want to crack it out, the link is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' John Lackland asked at lunch the side by side day. The Gryffindor second years had just gotten back from a particularly tiresome chronicle of Magic class. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as slow as history of Magic.

Albus looked at his schedule, `` treble Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this year. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for metamorphosis, '' lusterlessness groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the workbench next to Albus and started piling his home base with food, `` The class are vivid here ! There is n't any math or side form ! ``

`` English ? '' toilet laughed, `` Why in the name of pigeon hawk would they teach us to utter side ? ``

`` Muggles bring English people course of study in school, John the Evangelist, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read literature. ``

`` Oh, '' John replied, `` Sounds boring. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for defense mechanism first this dawning ; it was so swell. ``

`` Glad you liked it, '' Albus responded.

`` I ca n't wait to use my sceptre for something, '' Kaden pulled out his wand and started waving it around.

`` Watch it ! '' Matt shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden put his wand back in his robe.

`` You 'll use it soon, '' Albus assured him.

`` We 'd meliorate get going to Potions, '' rose stood up and grabbed her bag.

`` Potions ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That sounds fun ! Like chemical science. '' He pulled out his own schedule, `` I 've got it tomorrow, I ca n't waitress ! ``

Albus stood up, `` We 'll see you later, Kaden. ``

Albus and his friend walked out of the Great residence hall and towards the stairs that lead to the dungeon.

`` Is there anything Kaden is n't excited about ? '' Matt asked.

`` I do n't think so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when exam clip comes. ``

`` Oh, merlin ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted once they reached the donjon, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

`` Of all the classes to have with them, '' Albus muttered.

The students stood outside the dungeon, in separate groups of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to come. He arrived a few transactions later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, adjacent to Matt.

`` Ah, my two best-loved Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his work force together, `` Just let me run through attendance real quick. '' Slughorn read off the name calling of all the pupil, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a look-alike stratum today, I thought a little contest would be earmark ! Let 's see how much you remember from finish year. The spouse that brew the best Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his student. The Gryffindors were on one incline of the room, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the previous year.

`` I 'm sure as shooting you all heard Professor Kendrick 's speech close dark, about the fact that the school day needs to be more incorporated, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically sober tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a goodness idea to have inter-house partners this class. ``

Albus turned to lusterlessness and mouthed, Good thought ? matte was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to go on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a good idea ? Albus thought it would most probable cause more burst than usual.

Once the course of instruction stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be less tenseness between the houses. So, please cease moaning. I 'm for sure you 'll happen that you can work together for the afternoon. I will read off the twosome and then you may prompt. ``

Slughorn picked up another slice of parchment and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda tagger, Saint John Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, lustrelessness Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at mat who had a spirit of gross repugnance on his case. He was shaking his fountainhead and mouthing the Scripture 'no'. Albus knew that matte would feature rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a smug facial expression on his face. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's mystery now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

Slughorn continued reading names, `` Celeste Faxon is with Karina Jordan-Bell, Marina Jordan-Bell is with Elle Yeardley, Ethan Kesse is with Garth Octavius, Jackson Limbert is with Albus ceramicist. ``

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really have intercourse Jackson, although he did roll in the hay that Jackson was an first-class Potions brewer. Albus was in good order with Potions, but not nearly as adept as Jackson.

`` Bilius Katherine Mansfield is with St. Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with Rose Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his parchment and tapped his wand on the pitch-black board. instruction appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave Matt a half-hearted smile that Matt did not return, and Albus got up to join capital of Mississippi Limbert at his desk. Scorpio Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated place. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his caldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the fixings, you light a fire. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fervor beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the waiting line of students getting ingredients from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few proceedings later and he and Albus started to set up the ingredient. They worked in secretiveness the whole time. Albus did n't sleep with what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few mallet into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to matte, that flatness was trying hard to brush off. Rose was telling Vivien Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was set to hex blush wine. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his cauldron in the wrong focussing, and john looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later. Albus stepped back from his cauldron as Slughorn started to examine the potions. He inspected each one, telling its proprietor what they could have done to make it better. Slughorn was impressed with Rose and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's cauldron.

He leaned over the caldron and prodded it with his scepter. `` splendid ! Well done, boys ! I think we have a winner ! '' Slughorn produced two ginmill of hot chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please translate chapter one of your book and write a six inch summary of it for next year. ``

Albus and his friends cleaned up their cauldron as quickly as they could. They met up with each early just outside the dungeon threshold. `` well, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

Matt, John, and Rose all stared at him with flavor of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' matt muttered. Saint John the Apostle and rosebush both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' John the Evangelist commented, `` Does n't know the difference of opinion between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' Rose replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a word I say, so we were both doing the Sami teaching over again ! ``

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' lustrelessness said, `` He spent the whole time asking me I would be visiting my gran this year. ``

`` What did you say ? '' Albus asked.

`` That I would be, '' matte answered, `` What else was I going to say ? You know I 'll be visiting her this year. '' He gave Albus a pregnant look.

`` I do n't know what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just gladiolus I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very tranquillity, so we just ignored each other. ``

`` well, you 're repose too, '' Albus grinned, `` But yeah, that 's what Limbert and I did. ``

`` Worked out good, '' john said, `` You got the deep brown. ``

******

The next sunrise, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw secondment days found themselves waiting outside the good luck charm classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all eager to see what she was like. Albus did n't like what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the bell rang, professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a parole to her student as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with John and Matt.

`` Gon na set her on blast, too ? '' toilet grinned at Albus.

`` Only if she tries to read my idea, '' Albus whispered back.

`` lull, please, '' Professor Cedonia said in a muted, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attending. '' Cedonia called out all their figure and when she was fulfill that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last year of instruction in this subject field was less than satisfactory, and I hope to exchange that for this year. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more time in detention with prof Washburn than in class with him. I do not believe that that is a good way of teaching. Now, do n't get me haywire, if there is any misbehavior, I will give custody, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather find out why a educatee is misbehaving and oeuvre to fix it, than just fall in out custody like they 're free sample distribution. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' lusterlessness whispered. Albus and John nodded.

`` For example, some educatee cause chaos because they are bored with socio-economic class. I do not desire you to be bored in my schoolroom. If you are, please feel justify to let me recognize before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd like to start off with a follow-up of last year. Please engage out your sheepskin and pinion. ``

The rest of the category was rather gratifying, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking bank note, which Cedonia actually made jolly fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't ram you to answer a question you did n't screw, like Washburn had done. The former half was spent practicing appeal they had learned utmost class. Albus found that he was much wagerer at Charms when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his text edition a couplet feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to care Charms this yr, '' lavatory announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her conclusion twelvemonth. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' rosiness commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detainment. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to have got so much more give up time this twelvemonth without all the detentions, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just induce to do other thing to earn detentions, '' John laughed, `` Like pull in buffoonery on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to trounce them at the Dueling Club, '' Rose said, `` You could n't get in bother for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our team, '' Saint John said disgustedly, `` And we probably wo n't all be on the Same squad. ``

Albus groaned, `` Now it 's not going to be as fun as I thought it would be. I do n't need to duel you lot. I want to duel the Slytherins. ``

`` Oh, you 'll get to duel them, too, '' Rose assured him.

`` When 's the first meeting, anyway ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` This Saturday, '' Albus told him, `` Day before Quidditch try-outs. That 's not a, er, bad time for you, is it ? ``

`` No, luckily it 's not, '' Matt replied quietly, `` The you-know-what is n't until following Thursday. ``

`` good, '' Albus said, relieved that matte would not be missing the first Dueling Club meeting.

******

The residuum of the hebdomad passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their common Hogwarts routine. They spent their evening in the common room either doing homework or just talking and playing games. Kaden usually spent the evenings with him. Kaden seemed to drop time with Albus 's group rather than the other Gryffindor first years. Albus was not sure as shooting why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The but clock time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. Classes were going well so far. Albus was doing much better in Charms with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the Saami as the previous year in the rest of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The showtime meeting was taking place that afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his friends went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the entirely school day was joining. Well, everyone except the first years.

`` Wow, '' Albus said as he looked around, `` Is everyone joining ? ``

`` Probably, '' pink wine replied, `` There are n't many mass who do n't link up. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past years, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling Club. If you 're second, third, or fourth twelvemonth, you have to get together the Jr nightspot. If you 're in twenty percent year or above, delight trace Professor Longbottom to the next room where you will accept your meeting. ``

`` wellspring that 's a embossment, '' lustrelessness commented as the erstwhile students left the room, `` I did n't visualise dueling with one-seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin-german Stanley is a brilliant dueler. I would n't need to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't eff, '' John grinned and pulled out his verge, `` I bet I could take on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his wand. `` Now, as you know, Professor Kendrick has decided that we will not take in House squad this year. There will be eight team, just like last year, but they will have member from each house on them. ``

There was a corporate groan from the crowd. Everyone was standing in grouping consisting of students of their own theater. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that professor Kendrick would change his mind, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not for sure if it will cause LE tautness between the star sign, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will do work much like Quidditch. Each team senior pilot will set up practice clip, and there will be contest throughout the twelvemonth. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll differentiate you who the captains will be. professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last year, based on your performance. All the sea captain are fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Tom Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davies, April Finch-Fletchley, Alice Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heath. ``

There was a large amount of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the senior pilot. Albus did n't hump any of the captains besides his cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's squad.

The eternal rest of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the but two Gryffindor first years on that team. James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very projected that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his squad. He was not looking forward to having to join forces with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't seem like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so sword lily I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' matt said, as they entered the common room after the group meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions partner, '' lusterlessness pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling squad, too. ``

`` Good level, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your captain. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your skipper ! '' John shouted. Rose nodded. She and John both had Slytherin captains, but not the same ones. King John 's skipper was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' bathroom muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the boys'student residence, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a spell ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless sum of get-up-and-go. Albus was beginning to enquire if Kaden could descend down enough to slumber. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational confluence. We got assigned squad, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your squad ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't have it away. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't waitress to join the Dueling guild succeeding year. I 'll beat out everyone ! '' He pulled out his scepter and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` look on it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his eyes, `` And put your scepter away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch rake and pattern for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I hail, please ? Flying deterrent example start side by side workweek. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your broom ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not want Kaden on his new Scots heather. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was certainly he would go down it. `` You can come watch, I guess. But sorry, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked emotional, `` All right, let 's go ! At least I can observe you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be dependable than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his champion, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll fetch my Calluna vulgaris and assist you pattern. ``

`` I 'll derive, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't think so, '' rosebush replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to stay on here with me, Amanda. '' rosiness gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and John grabbed their brooms from their residence hall and the four boys left the common room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, lustrelessness, and Kaden spent the ease of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole clock time, amazed that brooms could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a mates, he would exchange his mind. John the Evangelist let Matt fly his broom for a little while and Albus practiced his Chaser attainment with both of them. By the fourth dimension Nox fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and Matt were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sis and my sidekick. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

Just to let everyone know, the future chapter might not be up until Friday of next week instead of Th. I might have to swop my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since school is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the adjacent day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morning in the common way with his champion, trying to get some preparation done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few round of drinks of Exploding Snap with John, who was putting off his prep until the shoemaker's last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor board during dejeuner and wished Albus upright luck. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch tar with his new broom over his shoulder. Rose, St. John the Apostle, flatness, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the castle to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was uneasy to get down to the delivery and see how many other people were trying out. He did n't desire to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their walkway to the pitch shot, listening to Kaden talking animatedly about his first calendar week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't think Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his unceasing jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to hear about how Professor Patil had yelled at one-half of Kaden 's Transfiguration Day class the old day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was contract on his try-out.

John, lusterlessness, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the point of view while Albus went down to the magnanimous crowd of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other pursuer aspirant gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Francis Edgar Stanley 's supporter, two strapping looking sixth year boys who looked like they 'd give better Beaters than chaser, a couple fifth year miss, quite a few one-quarter and third class, and even a bunch of beginning old age. After a few Sir Thomas More minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the locker way, principal by Albus 's cousin, Georgia. GA had become the new captain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the open fireplace at Grimmauld spot, where she shouted the news program so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` care, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the gang. She had a very gimcrack voice and everyone was still immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available spot this yr, for chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last year 's actor off, so if any of you are seeking a stead other than chaser, illuminate off now. ``

There were a few groans from the crew, and the two 6th class boys stalked off the champaign. One of the quaternary years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the pattern have not changed since last yr, and commencement years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available posture. '' The rather gravid group of first base years scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` wellspring, now that that 's taken charge of, '' Empire State of the South pulled out a time add-in, `` First, I 'll want to see you all fly around the pitch. Fifth through seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the older scholar flew around the slant a few clock time. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote notes on her snip circuit card. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the twenty percent year girls. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her ling. After a few play around the tar, the older students landed next to Georgia.

`` trade good. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Georgia turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't think you 're cut out for this. '' The female child shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't appear too disappoint and Albus suspected the only reason she tried out was because the other one-fifth year girl did n't require to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's number to fly around the pitch shot. He took off along with the third and fourthly years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good circular. He sped around the tar, going faster than the early students. Albus noticed that they were capital fliers as well, even better than the seventh and twenty percent years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in front of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the rest of the team. ``

During the next part of the try-outs, all the Chaser aspirant went up into the air along with the rest of the squad and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The Lapplander could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth yr, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did cracking, '' Sakartvelo smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe Bourne and Albus ceramicist. '' The other aspirer sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Sakartvelo simulated a actual match, in order to find out who fit salutary with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his first cousin numerous time, worked quite well with Heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very sluttish to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus ceramist. I 'm sorry, Gabe, find free to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the team clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` bod, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to clean your first cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just green-eyed, '' James commented. `` You obviously worked better with heather mixture and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, St. James the Apostle, '' Albus grinned. He did n't worry what Gabe bourn thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' lav shouted as he ran onto the sales talk. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' Matt agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` magnificent ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football game, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football game 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stay and praxis a bit. ``

Albus and the relief of the team spent the unanimous afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very happy that Albus worked so well with heather mixture and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a couple week for the new Chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit right in. Sakartvelo was for sure they would be ready for the first compeer, and they might even be able-bodied to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch squad had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a tardy supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a duad Nox a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything other than preparation. He could only guess what it would be like when they were practicing every Night of the week.

Albus immediately spotted John and Matt sitting at their usual tabular array in the binding. He looked longingly at the threshold leading to the dormitories. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that Nox. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few minutes to fix his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the while that he could just break down into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the board his friends were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as exhausted as lustrelessness did. The wide-cut moon was that night Matt was sleeping with his psyche on his transfiguration book.

`` How was pattern ? '' John asked, without looking up from her story of legerdemain notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Saint John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his leftfield arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrait exposed and saw Kaden coming in, looking more subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down following to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something ill-timed ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that lusterlessness woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at whoremaster and both of them bust out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his articulation returning to its common tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything magical and it did n't appear like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every unity class and did n't ingest a complaint. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, come on, how can I write a foot long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into needles ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your friction match changes, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can extend that into a metrical unit unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't cerebrate Patil would care it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of parchment. ``

`` Two coil ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quiet ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to look at Matt. `` You look terrible. You should go see brothel keeper Pomfrey. You know magic fixes everything ! It 's amazing. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an minute ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' Matt muttered.

`` surely she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's bone with her sceptre. It was brilliant. She 'll have you secure in no metre, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and John snap Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his first cousin to finish talking now. Kaden had absolutely no estimation what lustrelessness went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding world was wonderful and that conjuring trick fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and Saint John the Apostle, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to issue forth ? ``

`` No, I 'm o.k., '' matt replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got ill. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the end straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his first cousin with a look of fury in his heart. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupid ! You 've got no theme what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and lav could hear him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your nous that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever differentiate him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a word. His common cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a look of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the residence hall and went up the steps without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at lav, who was wearing a look of shock on his face as well. `` I do n't reckon I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to tell Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my boldness, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have got done that. He should have stopped talking when Matt said Madam Pomfrey could n't help oneself him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to fuck ? '' John asked, `` Do n't you opine you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to butt into matte 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not sure he will anymore, '' lav replied.

The two friend sat in silence for the succeeding few arcminute. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too harsh. Maybe he should possess just told Kaden not to bother flatness. But Kaden had practically called Matt stupid person, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from disbursement metre with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even trusted if he wanted Kaden to stop disbursal clip with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his vernal first cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully lull over here, '' rose wine said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did lustrelessness impart ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rose asked.

`` He 'd have been better if it was n't for Kaden, '' Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

Rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that matte go get a potion from ma'am Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' John told the girls. Albus was perfectly willing to let John tell the account. `` And of row he looked sick of, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of track, and he would n't stop telling Matt how magic trick can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' Rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` matte left. I think he really did have to leave then, but I 'm sure as shooting he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' privy continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always know the comfortably thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John announced.

`` What ? ! '' both missy shouted at the Same time.

`` Yup, '' John replied, `` Probably would let turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his dorm room right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a little annoyed that rosiness seemed discomfited, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how deception pickle everything. I told him that there are some matter that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to mention them around Matt. I also yelled at him because he practically called matt stupid. Kaden said matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got chuck. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a grating time adjusting and making admirer. Having you furious with him is n't going to help things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be tranquil once and a while, he 'd have friends, '' Albus muttered.

`` Well, you can justify in the first light, '' rose wine told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to excuse to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even eff why that upset Matt, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a loup-garou. `` All right field, fine. I 'll apologise. But if he does that again, I 'll shout at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John assured him.

`` Boys, '' pink wine muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his supporter the next morning. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six 60 minutes of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was foreign because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common way before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would birth to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice. He was gladiolus that it was a relatively easy day. double Herbology in the sunup and then a individual class of Potions after tiffin. Following Potions, Albus and his booster would go sojourn Matt in the Hospital wing. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the Hospital Wing sleeping instead of going to class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post owls flew into the way and Albus noticed his female parent 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed side by side to Albus, Albus took the letter of the alphabet, and the owl was off again.

`` alphabetic character from aunty Ginny ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two weeks have gone well.
I 'm happy the new Charms teacher is nice, and I do hope
you 'll acquit yourself in her class.

Congratulations on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very unrestrained as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
keeper after Georgia graduate. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called terminal night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden net night. I realize that Kaden
may have been less than sympathetic with Matt, but
please rationalise to him. Kaden is having a fierce
metre adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
whole lot of friends. He needs you to be variety to
him and include him in your activities.

With love,
Mum

Albus folded the letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone sympathise that Kaden had been out of short letter last nighttime ? John seemed to think so, but thought Albus should take in been nicer about it.

`` aunty Ginny agrees with me, '' rose wine commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really require to apologize to Kaden.

`` well, looks like you 'll have to apologize later, '' Rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to apologize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his friends. Neville spent the moral teaching about Mandrakes and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather soft, but not everyone in the class did. One of the Mandragora officinarum attached itself to Karina 's hair's-breadth and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't feature clock time to go rule him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to excuse. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, only to be prodded awake by rose who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other babe and my sidekick. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their recapitulation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his ally went to chat flatness like they usually did after a full moonlight. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't sure what he would say in order to shake off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and chaffer Matt with them.

`` hello, minor, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the Montgomery Ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed Matt usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. Matt was sporting numerous cutting all over his font and blazonry, a black eye, and bruises all along his weapons system. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's dormancy, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the curtains behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really surprising, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should come back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awaken, '' matte mumbled hoarsely and opened his middle a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last night, '' Albus told him.

matte breathed a sigh of relievo, `` Good. I was trying to come up up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't take in to. ``

`` I do n't think you 're going to cause to worry about that, '' john replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last dark he was so flaming irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting head ache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' can told him, and proceeded to recite Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' matt said quietly when John had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're honk all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to rationalize to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't spend as much time with us, '' matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been defective, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few broken costa, but lady Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to lead ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Dominicus, '' Matt yawned.

`` Do you want us to leave so you can sleep ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to slumber. secernate me what I missed in stratum. ``

`` Well, a devil's apples attached itself to Karina 's hair in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' Rose announced, `` I had to inflame him up a few clock time. ``

`` I was n't asleep. I was just closing my eyes for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not a good deal. Just brushup, mostly. Phases of the moon, that kind of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' lustrelessness laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that mat was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his shape with them.

Albus and the others spent the residuum of the time until dinner in the infirmary annex with lustrelessness. Once dinner party sentence came, brothel keeper Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd take in to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the chance to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his admirer went up to the common room to get started on their growing pile of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't feel like writing, but he 'd rather write it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' bathroom told him as he twirled his quill around his fingerbreadth, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just rationalize and tell him not to inconvenience oneself Matt anymore. pee-pee sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll hollo at him, too. And I 'm a good deal garish than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your cousin-german, Albus, you 've got to at to the lowest degree be cultivated to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not adept friends. ``

`` That 'll never happen, '' Albus rolled his oculus. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the mesa and squeezed his way through the push usual way to the chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text account book and writing the occasional note down on a composition of lambskin. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chairperson opposite his cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to utter to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm no-good for yelling at you finale night, '' Albus said as he picked at a light thread on the chair. `` I did n't really mean to disturb you. I just wanted you to lay off telling Matt to go to the hospital wing. He told you to hold back and you did n't. ``

`` Well, I thought brothel keeper Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like legerdemain, '' Kaden gave a half-hearted joke, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to understand that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to interpret that legerdemain ca n't fix everything. I do n't reckon you get that yet. I know it 's voiceless to do into the magical humans after keep in the Muggle one for eleven years. Well, actually, I guess I do n't lie with that. You 'd be better off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my Aunt Hermione- ''

`` I think thaumaturgy is damn superb ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the matter ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic is smart as a whip ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's charming after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't know about magic trick. Most of them think deception can fix all their problem, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to pick up that for yourself, if you do n't trust me. ``

`` I think I do consider you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all conjuration is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other matter. You 've got to empathize that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his Book carefully so as not to establish away matte 's enigma, `` malady, that ca n't be fixed by conjuring trick. They 're worse than your average coldness or flu, and the Healers, those are magical doctor, have n't found cure yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could secern he was giving this a good bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just wave your verge and crap it better ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to cerebrate of a way of putting this in a Muggle view. Amanda would be right at this, he thought. Or even Rose. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I guesswork magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. therapist try to find cure just like doctors do. Dr. ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very heavily to cure. `` MD try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no therapeutic. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened wide and he whispered, `` mat 's got Cancer the Crab ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the thaumaturgist adaptation of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a while. What you 've got to understand is that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't advert anything like that. And definitely do n't call him stupid for not going to see Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his head solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't number up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to tell you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't suppose he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, decently Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't spill about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the former first years, or anyone. Do n't mention that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. call me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all portion of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to arrive sit with us ? '' Albus was n't trusted what his ally would think of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right matter to do.

A Brobdingnagian smiling appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his Quaker, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallowed his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to detect a time for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been surd than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch recitation. I do n't think the whole team will be able to meet at the same time ; it just wo n't puzzle out. But that 's all right. The team I was on go class rarely ever met at the Saami clock time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday even will work for a lot of people. Can you make it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the maiden dueling practice session would aim place. St. John the Apostle and rosiness had already been to their maiden exercise. Matt missed his because it took place while he was in the infirmary backstage. `` I should be capable to make it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to Professor ceramist and he said it 's liberal. I 've got to go talk to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for live on, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a coming together ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to start dueling mass. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's passably brilliant, '' John Lackland told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to unarm a couple on citizenry. ``

`` I disarmed a copulate tertiary years at my meeting, '' blush wine announced. `` I 'm excite about learning new magical spell, though. ``

`` like I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll earn it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every get together. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` firstly years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his foremost class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' rose announced. Albus and his friends left the Great student residence and made their way to Transfiguration.

The side by side few days seemed to drag on for an timeless existence. Albus was very rouse about the dueling practice session and he did not sense like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tues, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 other scholarly person, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couple more students ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the grouping of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood next to Kate in the battlefront of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house team this year, but we 'll have to deal with it. It 's not easy for me, either. live on twelvemonth, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` prof ceramicist, Professor Longbottom, or one of the other professors will manage the practices, at least for the low few. But if you have an issue, please come to me first because I 'm the police captain. Now, for our first meeting, I 'd just like to assess what dueling skill you 've got. So pair off and disarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each other. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm cook. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his baton quiver in his script, but it stayed there. `` That was a dear try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's verge flew out of her hand and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each other for the next fifteen minute. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a dyad times, but she was n't nearly as good at it as Albus was.

`` All right hand ! '' Kate shouted, `` transposition partners, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` Potter, '' Malfoy appeared next to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a better dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just disarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate team, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the floor with you in a really duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's baton flew out of his hired hand and landed a couple feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a proficient dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your high-risk, ceramist, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the military force he could muster. Malfoy 's wand left his hired hand and landed a couple fundament away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, ceramist, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some heavy duelers in here. With a fiddling practice, I 'm sure we 'll beat the other teams. I think for simple mindedness, I 'll hold practice every week this like day and time. It might be in a unlike room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't make all the merging. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone next week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting set to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I babble out to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the unwashed room. ``

`` All right, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a prospect to let the cat out of the bag to you much, '' Harry said once the way was empty. He walked over to a couple chairs and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm happy you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too happy. ``

`` Yeah, a yoke thinking I just got on the team because Georgia 's master. And Ryan 's the only one who 's not a Weasley or a ceramist on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure as shooting that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a bully Chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the outflank one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have social class been ? ``

`` Fine. appeal is much better than last class. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very skillful. She 's definitely not the usual kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad thing, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her category under control. I think the early teachers could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd love it if nobody gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some trouble with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his brass turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` glad to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problem, feel free to come to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to stop sometimes. ``

`` Some hoi polloi are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right field, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to ceramicist tool Pals.




The second half of September passed the same way the first half had. Albus 's days were filled with form, homework, Quidditch drill, and dueling practice. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new charm in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during pattern. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to tick Albus in one of the exercise affaire d'honneur, but he had yet to succeed. The foremost dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the squad would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixity in Albus 's group of protagonist. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common way, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much less time in the Room of Requirement than they had the second half of their starting time class. They seemed to bear come to an wordless agreement not to read Kaden the room, and Albus was perfectly well-chosen with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the room might be the only topographic point in Hogwarts where they could go.

The secondment Sun of Oct, Albus found himself looking for his friends after a particularly long Quidditch pattern. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a warm declivity day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool gentle wind was blowing. It had been the stark day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his 1st taste of Quidditch pattern in the pelting a mates weeks back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the palace, Albus noticed whoremaster and matt sitting a couple yards away from the Whomping Willow, beneath another Tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round slice of plastic attached to a long chain. Albus went over to John and lustrelessness and sat down adjacent to them.

`` How was pattern ? '' matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our preparation, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' Matt laughed.

`` What is that affair ? '' Albus stared at the piece of credit card as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really little, '' Matt commented, `` But I must have lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could have the attention span to play with that toy.

`` About fifteen hour, '' matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch pattern ? ``

`` goodness, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but skillful. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his baton a twosome prison term, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to Gospel According to John and matte, `` Where are Rose and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castle, doing homework, probably, '' John the Divine replied, `` They did n't need to come outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping Willow. `` D'you think that Tree could kill someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` admiration why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a little closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a look of scare appear in Matt 's centre. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the matter that had to do with lustrelessness 's being a wolfman ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was suspect, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing offset were now just a couplet metrical foot away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to encircle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's wizard, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably maltreat back, Kaden, '' Matt warned him.

`` I 'll be deliberate, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the tree. He was now within reach of its branches. `` Must be a strong tree. '' He started to try and touch on one of the ramification, but the tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its branch. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, mat, and St. John the Apostle all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' mat shouted.

`` It did n't even unwrap the cutis. I 'm very well, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree. But the tree did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging branches as he went. `` Kaden, motility ! ``

But Kaden did n't strike away from the tree diagram. A ramification hit him in the oral sex and knocked him over. He stood up a short and peered finisher at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very wonky tonus. `` I 'm serious, move ! ``

`` I think there 's a cakehole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drain from mat 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the secret passageway that led to the screaming Shack. Albus was about to go snap up Kaden away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' lustrelessness shrieked, shaking his promontory back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the Tree. It hit him on his articulatio humeri and his point as he tried to dodge the branches. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the hole Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a long outgrowth that was on the footing. He wordlessly shoved it into the substructure of the tree, and the branches stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said zilch. Albus quickly jumped into the cakehole and found Kaden crouching in the incoming of a long tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a underground passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, hail on, Albus. Let 's trace it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very in effect lier, `` amercement, I do already recognise about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. Students are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to go away, we 'll be in immense trouble. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able-bodied to overstretch that lie off, and he did n't want to severalize Kaden where the handing over led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another watchword. He quickly climbed out of the fix, hoping that whatever Matt had done to cease the subdivision was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb up out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the immense smile still on his face.

trick and Matt were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with branches. Matt was looking white as a ghost, clearly worried that Kaden had found the shrieking hutch. Albus was just about to differentiate his friend that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the dominion. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquent. ``

Albus turned to look at toilet and Matt. toilet was looking pretty tranquillize, but matte was still as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as much as Matt. Albus was a little nervous as well. He had never gotten in fuss with the caretaker before. He had heard revulsion level about Filch and was n't sure which unity were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the rook in between john and matt. Kaden was walking a picayune path behind them. None of them said a word. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the group up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the rook while other students stared at them. The other students were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the land and tried to dismiss them. Why was his trouble making always so publicized ? Of line, this was n't even his demerit, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he have to keep messing with the tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an idea into his psyche, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a modest, cramped, drear position filled with various Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 chairs in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. lusterlessness took one of the other chairs, as he appeared so nervous that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and trick remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a console. `` Let 's see. B. Belligerent towards teachers, bothering mansion pixy, bothering magical creatures, bothering Snape, bothering other students, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a opus of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's part before and had no melodic theme what to expect. Albus was prepared for the risky, including being shackled to the wall, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the mathematical group of trouble manufacturing business you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the build right hand here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that Tree in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubts as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. Matt seemed to be getting more uneasy with every mention of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his oral cavity and was about to say something when there was a clangoring behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few dozen Fanged Frisbees at his animal foot. He was holding one in his hand and there was an empty box next to him.

`` Do n't meet anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a calamus. `` full phase of the moon names ? ``

For a split minute, Albus considered giving Filch a fake name, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus thrower. ``

Filch wrote his gens down and a grin spread across his face. `` Following in your Father-God 's stride ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an entire draftsman in my filing cabinet dedicated to your granddaddy and his delinquent friends. I do consider he once bothered the Whomping willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree diagram. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curio. Why had his grandpa messed with the tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to make trouble, but that tree concealed one of his proficient friend 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you juvenile delinquent ? '' Filch growled.

`` Saint John the Apostle Malcolm Brickston, '' lav replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down matt 's name.

`` Kaden St. Peter the Apostle Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very declamatory filing cabinet. `` Your punishment. Three nighttime'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle style of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do line of merchandise. And Monday you 'll houseclean the astronomy Tower, without magic as well. suffer me in the donjon 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the doorway open and ran out of the office as fast as he could. Three nights of detainment ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleaning ! That was harsh. Albus was raging now. Why did Kaden have to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this mess if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John and mat next to him, nobody saying a word of honor. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to talk to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make for sure Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait hole, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common room. That meant the dormitory was dislodge and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is unseasonable with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so unruffled ? ``

`` We just got in hassle because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` fountainhead, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` tercet nights worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous times to leave that tree alone. This is what I was talking about last month, Kaden. You never stop when multitude ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts farsighted than you have, if I tell you to turn back doing something, prospect are there 's a good reason for it ! And this one just seemed like commons sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could bolt down you .'Why on earth would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a petty quieter, `` I was just funny about it. ``

`` Curiosity killed the kneazle, '' can muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical wight, '' john explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's unusual, '' John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other low class, no Muggles or whizz, young or old, '' Albus turned to bathroom and Matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't enjoin any animals either, '' Gospel According to John added, `` Or what appear to be inanimate objects either, you never know in this spot. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused tone on his boldness. `` Why not ? It looks to be a orphic passageway ! ``

If it was possible, flatness seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't tell anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot take all the fun away. ``

`` Trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't have it off what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the Lie straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's nada in force. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' King John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' King John answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they special closed book only people with wizard parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his first cousin occur up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the name of Merlin 's whiskers would you think that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to retrieve Muggle-borns should n't be teach magic, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course of study. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should bear known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his first cousin, enjoyed bullying other bookman. `` Just stay away from him. And if he bothers you again, just tell me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right wing, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping willow tree affair. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just let you do most of the cleaning these next few nighttime, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their concern material.




Albus never thought he would have a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the trophy way the old year. He thought Washburn had been the regretful soul to have detention with, but he was wrong. Albus went through his unit first year without getting in hassle with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the prison term he finished his indorsement detainment on Mon night, he was beginning to wish he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the entire time. Filch spent all of Sunday nighttime staring at them while they scrubbed cauldron, and all of the previous night staring at them as they churned out tune after line. Filch seemed to take joy in watching the students rub their hands raw while scrubbing the caldron. Of grade, the lines could have been considered a decent break in between the two cleaning events.

By the time Albus trudged into the coarse room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch practice, he was quick to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their last dark and Filch was sure to relish every hour of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dormitory and went back to the common room to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to pull up stakes for detention.

`` The terminal matter I want to do is go clean something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to houseclean your apparel, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty feeling. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's swampy and I just spent 45 min flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't happy about me leaving early on, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the plebeian room.

`` Room of essential, '' lavatory replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the wide-cut moonshine was the stick to eventide. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' John sighed, `` Could n't shake Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his Scripture in his student residence, '' John explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any mo. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the room access leading to the student residence and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` cook ? It 's the end night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' Gospel According to John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd improve hasten up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and St. John the Apostle exchanged facial expression. `` I 'll find him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This clock time it was whoremonger 's turn to give Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to detainment with Kaden. `` mulct. See you later, Rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave John and Kaden a minute 's channelise head start before he left the green elbow room and went to the elbow room of requisite. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the coast was exonerated, he paced three times in front of the blank wall on the seventh floor and waited for the door to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was dingy and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some lightsome. Immediately, torches lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the center of the pocket-sized room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings open. Once he saw how worn out Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch exercise to do detention. His exhaustion was nix compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got custody, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the astronomy tug. Neither of them said anything for well-nigh of the journeying, but Albus knew they were both thinking the like thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' lustrelessness asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to know about the room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stair leading to the tug, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost full moon moon was shedding light source upon the Tower, enough that Albus and the others would be able to do their detention with only a couple flannel mullein. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonshine hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting worry at best.

`` You 're belatedly, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's detention, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow night. You can continue cleaning caldron. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too busy trying not to be sickish. There was no way that Matt could possibly do custody the followers evening. He would just bear to tell professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next night. However, he would give to pretermit dueling practice. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't high-strung about them missing drill like Sakartvelo was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and matte, `` starting line scrub ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucketful that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the door. He did n't appeared to own moved since they entered the tugboat. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was fix to explode with fury. Albus grabbed lusterlessness by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nearest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to depend at John who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot worsened than last night, '' Albus muttered. During the previous night 's detention, flatness had nodded off a few times, but he had been capable of producing a good bit of product line. Tonight, Matt appeared to be frozen in home and definitely would n't be getting very much cleaning done.

`` Well, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than most nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd better hide him from Filch, though. Filch will know he 's not cleanse. '' Albus nodded and moved to the early position of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he upchuck again ? ``

Albus and John shot Kaden inauspicious feeling and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you last time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring it up. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

Matt jumped and looked at Albus with a look of confusion on his expression. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the infirmary flank ? ``

`` No, it 's not this night, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the scope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boys, `` Get to work Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in secretiveness for the adjacent half time of day. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescope, making sure matt was between them at all times so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other incline, looking much more sunny than the other three boys did.

`` Finland, Suomi, Republic of Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the nation for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that song for the past five minutes and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty python ? Spamalot, the Broadway drama ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could have to do with a python. There had n't been any credit of serpent in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding humanity, but you lot are really lacking in eminent quality entertainment. Would it drink down you to watch TV and movies ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can watch it at my home sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a movie a few years back. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about the song, but he figured he 'd see it if he ever watched the movie. He had seen a few Muggle photographic film before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His Aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch out it very often. `` You 'll rot your mastermind out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go learn a leger ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleansing, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the previous one. It had something to do with fish.

`` Stop that blamed humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was raging about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't reprimand him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the hold was spent in almost staring silence. Every once and a while, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that Matt had n't done an oz. of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a data file that rivaled his grandfather 's by the time he graduated. By the time the detention was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly incognizant of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few prison term, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detention. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supplying and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' flatness mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the go hour, '' Albus explained while looking at can. St. John the Apostle pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the vulgar room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John than to mat, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. mat was now leaning on John. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more advanced than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And blue your voice. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John the Divine threw one of Matt 's arms over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed Gospel According to John 's Pb and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, John, and matte hobbled awkwardly down the steps and back into the main part of the palace. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good thing he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' whoremonger agreed.

`` Ugh, '' Matt winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be retch. ``

Albus and Gospel According to John looked at each other for a split second before Matt retched onto the storey in front of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was pale, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

mat retched a second fourth dimension and Albus felt him collapse onto the floor. Albus and John both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the fall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` flatness ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to arouse mat up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit peeved that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I know ? '' Albus snapped.

`` testament you two quit arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? Panic overtook him as he assessed the position. They were out of bed after curfew and matt was passed out on the storey. It could n't get forged than this. There was no way for them to get lustrelessness to the vernacular room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a person. Albus looked at matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his acquaintance. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's loud tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered fine. ``

The boy sat in silence for the adjacent couple minutes, watching for augury of knowingness in their friend. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with sweat in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John the Divine was pointing and saw a figure of speech floating towards him. He stood up and drew his baton and Saint John the Apostle did the same. The figure came closemouthed and closer, and soon Albus was capable to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their front to the altogether castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very rag at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at matte and then looked at John and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! Students out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' Saint John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` Ha-ha ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to pupil, no he does n't ! Peeves grounds trouble when students are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! educatee out of bed ! ``

Albus and trick gave each other panic-struck looks. Albus had no theme what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, somebody would surely find out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard hurried footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his beginner 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a gaudy stern interpreter shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody top executive ! ``

`` Yes, Madam Nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just ma'am Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for person her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to maintain up.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John, and matte, and immediately bend down and put her hand on lusterlessness 's os frontale. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a stretcher. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can excuse more than once we get to the hospital offstage. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind Madam Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to sustain himself from asking more questions. bit later, the radical arrived at the hospital annexe. gentlewoman Pomfrey barged through the door and immediately deposited mat onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the male child more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common room ? '' she asked.

`` custody, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the integral astronomy tower, '' Saint John the Apostle replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to look at John. `` uranology towboat ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' whoremaster answered with a looking at of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to Matt 's bed, `` I 'll have him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him last year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next year ! Merlin 's whiskers, the uranology Tower ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The nurse continued to run back and Forth River from her agency, potion cabinet, and lustrelessness 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd block Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to cut Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't deliberate, she 'd commit away everything.

`` I thought I 'd produce it percipient to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orange potion down matte 's throat. `` No detention on these Nox and certainly not on the Astronomy Tower ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... Well, I 'm not exactly trusted what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the uranology Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the dark of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to bar ranting. dame Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good idea to disrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no alternative. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't sleep together. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know flatness would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a meaning feel that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. St. John gave him a relieved look, but Kaden looked even more discombobulate. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'looks. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting good at conveying those looks now and Kaden seemed to obey ripe away, which was good.

`` All rightfulness, '' madam Pomfrey walked back to the three male child after a few more minutes, `` He 's going to be hunky-dory. He 'll just need to ride out here for a pair off days. '' She looked at Albus and John the Evangelist when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can visit him, right ? ``

`` Of line, dear, '' Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what times are good. Now, you three best be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone occlusive you, just severalise them you were with me. And do n't occupy about seeing Filch. I 'm off to find him now, and he 's going to be busybodied for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to smother a jape. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a hanker and loud tongue-lashing at best.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! peculiar thanks to my other sister and my blood brother for assistant with the Monty python stuff. Speaking of Monty python and Spamalot, I took some liberties in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the introduce and 2017, when this takes lieu. Otherwise, Kaden could not have seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway last month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or Spamalot



Albus and toilet did n't let a chance to tell rosiness and Amanda about the detention until after tiffin the side by side day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the Room of prerequisite for a few minute of arc before they went to travel to matt. It was the first prison term since the hold that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had classes all afternoon, so it was an idealistic time to peach about what had happened the previous nighttime. No one, not even Rose, seemed to have any estimate why lusterlessness seemed so a great deal sicker that night than the other nights before full Moon. Their only guess was that he was already worn out from the detentions on the premature two Nox. Eventually, they just decided to go to the hospital fender and ask matte. Albus was sure as shooting he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the hospital Wing, Matt was sound asleep. ma'am Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a light while former that morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nursemaid vapid out refused to let them wake up him up. She insisted that he needed all the eternal sleep he could get before nightfall and that they could visit him the following afternoon.

Albus and his protagonist were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his supererogatory detention with Filch. It was just as woeful as the first-class honours degree cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the common room, all his admirer were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling drill. Albus was worried about matt and he could tell the others were as well. It variety of reminded him of that night of the full moon they stayed up waiting for morning to hail after Astronomy course the old year. Only this year, they had Kaden to fill in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the whole class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions class. One of the other number 1 years had heated her cauldron too often and caused the potion to explode all over the entire class. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the past one-half hr, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrong with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hour ! I thought you 'd at least laugh at the idea of everyone in my potions course of study having various contribution of their soundbox turn shining pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about matte, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her charm book.

`` dame Pomfrey said he 'd be o.k., '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' rosiness replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't sympathize. She ca n't know for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's act to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's damage with him. ``

`` Not going to pass, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few minute later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're one-half Weasley ! ``

`` Very comical, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his friends hurried up to their dorm room to deposit their bagful. Then they rushed to the Hospital annex to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw Matt 's usual bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to fare now since I 've got Quidditch exercise after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right wing ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Yes, that 's amercement. Just for a few moment, '' the nursemaid regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the drapery opened. mat was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in various moolah and bites, that looked a bit uncollectible than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' lavatory commented.

`` John ! '' Rose scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' blush wine said to Matt.

`` It 's exquisitely, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during custody ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure, '' Matt sighed, `` I do n't really call back it. ``

`` Really ? '' rosiness raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two tell me what happened ? '' lusterlessness laughed.

`` All right field, '' Albus said, `` You form of froze when we got up to the Astronomy towboat and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another custody for last-place night- ''

`` L-last Nox ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more than caldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was improper when you did n't object to it. ''

lusterlessness groaned, `` I do n't even call back him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detainment once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it last Nox. ``

`` Oh, I do n't reckon you 'll feature to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't name anything about you doing detainment the unscathed clip I was scrubbing cauldron net night. You see, brothel keeper Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so angry. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny remark, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to spill the beans to Filch after we left the other Nox, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm sure she insisted that you not do anymore detention. ``

`` That 's a rilievo, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescope and John and I stood on either incline of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a form of enchantment. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital wing and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a one-half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random songs and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a movie called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really peculiar picture. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't want to pay up TV, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the uranology Tower, we tried to get back to the park elbow room, but you got sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get Madam Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' matte groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all rightfield, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it fall out, though ? '' John asked after a few seconds, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in address moonlight, '' Matt whispered, `` The reason I get tired and regurgitate beforehand is because the moon is getting fuller. The nighttime we did detention, it was practically to the full. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an minute. ``

`` That would explain why Madam Pomfrey got so angry, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the translation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonshine so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' pink wine said, `` Why did n't you just tell Filch you could n't do detention that night ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' mat sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sort of special treatment anymore. It makes multitude shady. I do n't want anyone to question why I can pick my detention night. Plus, I did n't really make out that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really know I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made indisputable not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` Well, even so, you should n't do anymore detainment like that the night before, '' Rose insisted, `` It 'll make you sicker. ``

`` I know, pink wine, '' matt assured her, `` And ma'am Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore custody at bad metre. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't get it on about matte 's condition, but he did n't intend Madam Pomfrey would actually tell him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't know. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check with her before assigning me detainment due to 'health issues that will stay on private'. And she made him swear not to tell anyone that he was checking detention with her, or else she 'd make sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

lav let out a low whistle, `` Wow, remind me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely emphatic, '' mat yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' rose asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' matt mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that instant, the curtain opened and lady Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a late blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The nanny took one look at lusterlessness, shook her head, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friends said au revoir to Matt and left the hospital wing. Albus had just sufficiency time to snap up dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice. Sakartvelo thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure they would outwit Slytherin in the clenched fist match in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions partner today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's keep the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick grandmother, like usual, '' John the Evangelist replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin-german said, '' Malfoy smirked. Mahalia Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His first cousin, except for Rose, probably did n't even know Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And pink wine obviously would n't severalise Malfoy anything. `` Which full cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that mat got grim every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on earth was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't shout out him that ! '' rose shouted, drawing her wand.

`` calm air down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the overnice way. ``

`` You do not ! '' King John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` hold ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is pale all the time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the colouration drainpipe from his face. He told Kaden not to tell anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all people ! Malfoy, the one somebody lusterlessness did not need knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more clew as to what was wrong with Matt. With just a bit of enquiry he was sure to detect out. `` When did he tell you this ? '' Albus growled. rage and ira were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` Last night, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very worry bit of selective information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another news to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the dungeon. The footsteps behind him told him that his booster were following. Albus did n't hold back to let them arrest up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do to a greater extent than just yell. He 'd hex him into the side by side one C. What in the figure of Merlin had possessed Kaden to tell Malfoy that lusterlessness got mad ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well cognisant of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them affair they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To encounter Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even raging than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into office beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my intelligence. ``

`` Wait, Albus, John ! '' Rose shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flying of steps towards the Gryffindor commons room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't care. Rose kept shouting after them, but both Albus and John ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted shouts after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really worry if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and whoremaster made it to the usual room. They gave the Fat lady the word and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a hot seat, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous colour second power all over it. It looked vaguely intimate. Albus thought he may have seen rosiness with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprisal. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. John followed without saying a Word of God, and shut the door behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrong with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpio Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a looking at of realization appeared on his face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him live on Nox ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to narrate anyone about lusterlessness getting crazy ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't want to tell you in the first place ! You just ca n't continue your mouth shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out out about lusterlessness since the beginning of foremost class, and let me enjoin you nothing good will happen when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO uncovering OUT ! ``

`` I did n't mean to- '' Kaden 's phonation cracked.

`` I do n't worry, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not signify to tell individual something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist billet ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his verge. John, who had been letting Albus submit the leading, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the door flare-up open and Rose and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their slope and heaving. `` Expelliarmus ! '' rosiness shouted. Albus 's wand left his paw and landed on the storey near rosiness. Rose disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` throw it to me, Rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not glad about it either, '' rose replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some level, Albus knew Rose was right wing, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the clew together. That, and never swear Kaden to keep a secret again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't blame you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosebush started.

`` Do n't bother, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` naught you say is going to make me rationalize to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' pink wine shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be friend with you if he 's going to go telling half the school things you told him in secret. You told him not to severalise, right ? ``

`` Of line I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' rosiness replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' can said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll check over the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his torso. He rummaged around in it until he found the piranha 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no honest. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin green room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just tally it every once and a while. ``

`` good idea, '' John said.

`` What are we going to tell flatness ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to secernate him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to narrate Matt. `` We 'll just hold to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to blot out that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If lustrelessness wants to hex him, he can go veracious ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' pink wine insisted, `` He does n't demand anymore detention. ``

`` soundly point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` flatness will just have to avoid Malfoy, '' John commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all void Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions collaborator. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not lots we can do. That, and never commit Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reassessment !