Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmastime Eve the thrower went to Godric 's Hollow, like common. It was completely dark by the time they Apparated to the burrow, but there was deal of visible radiation streaming out of the grandiloquent planetary house 's windows. As they walked closer to the home, Albus could try the roars of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the Burrow flew out-of-doors and George V stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his script. `` How are ya, match ? ``

`` I 'm gravid, George. I see you 're already drunk, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can bring, '' George went back into the star sign and Albus and his kinsfolk followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the common chaos that was Christmas Eve at his grandparents'house. His sea of redheaded cousin-german were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Christmas Day at the Burrow. He grabbed a couple biscuits from the nearby table and went to find Rose. She was sitting on the floor near the fireplace with Victor Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the noise, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Georgia and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi Rose ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not much. Uncle George, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunkard. My dad 's on his way and so is aunt Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Yule Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` Gran 's been refilling the cooky phonograph record and talking with my mum and auntie Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' Rose gestured to the nearby tuner that molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her script up in the air and glared at Molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her head, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a boastfully mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the but one listening, though. Albus could get a line bit and pieces of a inflame Quidditch discussion going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle St. George, Aunt Alicia, and Scots heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could transmit on a fully understandable Quidditch discourse while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Yule. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a distich twenty-four hour period. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully wearisome. ``

`` You would n't deliver had to be alone, '' Teddy winked, `` And it would n't have been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` teddy bear ! Do n't let Mum hear you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' Rose began, `` Both John and Amanda can come to my house on the 28th. Well, they can only follow over for the day, but that should be enough time. Matt 's still not sure as shooting. He said he wo n't bonk until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can make for Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his head away from his chocolate frog notice, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' teddy commented, `` I 'll get along over, too. I do n't have to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real game going. I 'll just tell my dad I 'm going abode with you. '' Albus looked around the way and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all proper if I go to rosiness 's menage on the 28th, right ? And stay a pair days ? ``

`` That would be ok, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's business firm for New twelvemonth 's Eve, so we 'll derive get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a half smiling, `` aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a sound estimate, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really want to see Aunt petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really have a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at least, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to repay his Quidditch discussion.

`` well, at to the lowest degree I can arrive over for a few sidereal day, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' Teddy screwed up his fount in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an interesting day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm for certain it 'll be fine, '' rosiness assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll make it even more interesting, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' rose wine gestured to the loud and boisterous Weasley family around them. `` Except without the red hairsbreadth. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red hair ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' slip laughed as he changed his hair from its usual blue to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' Rose commented.

`` closing curtain enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll happen in the next few years, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. teddy bear threw his blazon around Victoire and kissed her.

`` Better not let Gran see you doing that, '' Rose warned.

`` Always a stickler for the rules, huh Rosie ? '' chemise laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the hone reproduction of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' Rose groaned, `` And I do break rules. Just ask Albus. ``

teddy shortened his hair again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few prison term, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to hear. ``

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to recite Teddy about the new map. virtually of Rose 's and Albus 's most Recent epoch rule breaking was done in order to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to state his cousins about it, but he was n't trusted about Teddy and James. One part of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their founding father and grandfather were both predator, but on the other hand he kind of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, occur on, tell me. ``

`` Another time, '' pink wine said adamantly.

`` Oh, mulct, '' shift huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the eventide talking and playing games with Rose, chemise, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the sentence off from school and getting to spend time with his stallion family at once. By the metre he climbed up to the loft sleeping accommodation that he shared with King James I and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` Saint James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his oculus open at the sound of his name the next morning time. He immediately recognized the part as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmas ! waken up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` commodity, you 're up ! James ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got nowadays, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' Saint James the Apostle said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top nonsense to his hatful of presents.

`` I 'm going to open mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's too soon wake-up call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open his own pile of present tense with the other son. The world-class few boxes were filled with sweetness and various Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes mathematical product. The next was this year 's Weasley jump shot. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue blue backcloth. `` Opened your jumper yet, James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' King James replied, `` Red with a common tartar on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the adjacent few presents, which consisted of legion books and other vesture items. He also got a Broomstick servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few sprig that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for last and was about to open it when Jesse James gave an excited outcry from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to James 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousins. `` What ? '' he asked.

James II had a immense grin on his face as he held up a blank piece of parchment. `` Look what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' King James I shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't believe he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's neat, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't facilitate but find a little left field out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be right than the master. But his dad did n't bonk about that, so why did he devote the Map to James ?

`` Dunno, '' Saint James the Apostle shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the software package from his parents and tore off the wrapping.

What he saw made his mouth capitulation out-of-doors in shock. This would explicate why St. James the Apostle got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the deplumate wrapping, was the invisibleness Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` fountainhead, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' James replied, `` This is brainy ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and rose went through all that difficulty of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Yuletide. `` guesswork this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to break it to me. I think we ought to share them. ``

`` That 's a in effect idea, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would feature his own map working soon.

`` And share them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' James assured them. `` We just have to be sneak about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go Tell Rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the Burrow before and he thought it was really good story that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even notice him. He pushed open the door to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and broom and waited for the young woman'reactions.

Heather jumped when she heard the door unresolved and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. Rose got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five missy shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' pink wine demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really slap-up. ``

`` I just ca n't conceive he gave you that, '' rosebush grinned, `` I 'll bet James is jealous. ``

`` He got the marauder 's Map, so he 's delicately. ``

`` Wow ! '' Rose shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can share them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` Well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't trust that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't think Harry would ever hold it up. The best character was that he was now even more like his grandfather had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a Marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stair and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his full cousin, auntie, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His granny was tending to multiple caldron at once, while simultaneously bringing versatile token to the table. Albus watched them all for a few minute before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` felicitous Christmas ! ``

Bill choked on his coffee and spat it across the mesa at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth wide loose. Molly dropped the trough of oatmeal she had been bringing to the board. Everyone else looked at Albus with various aspect of blow and entertainment.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spilled burgoo with a wafture of her baton, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a immense hug, `` give thanks ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able to enjoy it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, intellection of when he snuck down to the Whomping Willow with it only two calendar week ago. `` James and I are going to share it. Same with the Map. ``

`` Wait, you gave him the Marauder 's Map, too ? '' George stared at Harry.

`` No, King James I got that. ``

`` I did n't think you 'd ever afford that away, '' George VI laughed.

`` fountainhead, I can thread the rook whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The male child ca n't. Plus, I did n't want to deny them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's safety, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The palace is perfectly good, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at night, '' Harry gave Albus a butt gaze, `` But there are more spell than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from whiz already in the castling ! '' Molly commented, `` Remember that Willinson kid finale yr ? ``

`` How could I bury ? Sometimes, you just have to admit risks in order to live a fiddling. I trust the boy enough to know they wo n't go wandering around late at dark very often. And if you see anything funny on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` order me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` Sure. '' He took a ass at the tabular array, with the Cloak on his lap, just as James ran into the room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' James shouted, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'll tell you what I told Al. Do n't use that to break too many rules and if you see anything abnormal on it, tell me right away. ``

`` how-do-you-do, Weasleys ! '' Teddy strolled into the room, his fuzz half green and one-half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a disk of eggs towards him. `` Happy Christmastime. ``

`` I know your tomentum is Christmas bleached, but those two colouring just should n't be paired together, '' James shuddered as he noticed teddy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the same prison term ? ``

`` It 's festive, '' Teddy grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and K, too ? Just learned some excellent charms for that sort of thing in training. Not that I 'll take them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a look of disgust on his brass. `` I 'll go along the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' chemise looked at the lambskin James I was holding, `` The Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! certainly is ! '' Saint James handed it to Teddy, `` Got it for Yuletide ! ``

`` That 's nifty ! '' teddy bear grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't think Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

chemise turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! want I had an invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can roll those disenchantment magical spell, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' chemise commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to have to share those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just steal them, '' Lily smirked, `` And hide them in my dormitory, which you two wo n't be able to get into. ``

`` She 's got a point, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll share, '' Albus assured them. He would n't mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak secret. The end matter they needed was the entire castle knowing about it.

`` Good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little wintertime Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James, chemise, and mostly everyone else shouted at the Same time.

******

Albus spent near of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too cold to act any longsighted. Plus, it started snowing pretty knockout and nobody wanted to suffer the Snitch. Albus spent the relaxation of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new books. The Cloak was passed around between his first cousin, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little envious as well. James River passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few Elvis that were left in the castle.

Xmas dinner came and went in its usual disorderly state. It was loud and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of it. He went to bed touch very to the full and very mental object. The next day Albus 's aunts, uncles, and cousins all started to depart. Albus and Rose 's families stayed for a couple more days, but they soon had to leave behind so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to Rose 's house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's life way after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was right field behind him. There was an owl waiting adjacent to the windowpane and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's flatness 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to retrieve the letter. Albus opened the gasbag and scanned the missive, `` He can fall, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to meet him at the Leaky caldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will work. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a reaction on the back of the varsity letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the stairs and into Rose 's room to talk about plans for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some ideas, '' Albus said as he shut Rose 's door.

`` Of course I do, '' blush wine grinned. `` We 'll tell my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the timberland and we 'll look for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

`` What about the underage conjuration laws ? '' Albus definitely did n't desire individual from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The go thing he wanted to do was explicate why he had done it.

blush wine laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't tell apart who 's done the magic, only that magic 's been done. The Ministry has no way to tell if it was us or my parents who performed the magic. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summer he could have got done trick and the Ministry would n't give birth found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their kids use magic outdoor school. So I would n't intimate doing it a lot. I 'm sure we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the mark. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really want to break the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a stag photographic print if the hart was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do have a mate twenty-four hours. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four days to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John and Matt want to aid, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog mark by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty often halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' rose grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to bump the charm to keep Kaden quiet, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to say him everything after I find that charm ? '' rose asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the charm works he ca n't severalise anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a better one. But it 's up to Matt whether he wants to severalise Kaden he 's a lycanthrope. ``

`` Is n't it kind of requirement for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly tell Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' pink wine agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the stag print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll figure out the Kaden thing. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did state in an interview that Harry was n't going to give the map and the cloak to St. James the Apostle & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this series. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reexamination !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.


Albus, blush wine, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the next day to run into matte and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John Lackland had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both matte and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` How was your Christmas ? ''

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` Wait till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't show you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll bear witness you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade arrivederci to his aunt and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in blush wine 's living room. A few minutes later all his friends were back as well.

Matt and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice house, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` Kind of feeling like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' rosiness replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Christmas ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak pouch. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

Matt let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to conceive we stole it just a few calendar week ago, '' King John snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Victor-Marie Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` James got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so lucky, '' Matt replied.

`` But we 'll feature our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crumpled firearm of parchment with a paw print on it that was slightly pocket-sized than the loup-garou print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll work. Newton would n't last out still and the parchment is kind of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm sure it will lick, '' Albus said.

`` thoroughly thing we did n't receive the print go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

`` So today we get the hart print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after lunch. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the approximation of making giant sandwiches and were soon eating alongside Ron. Albus thought John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high with dud, pickles, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him bite into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't believe you ate that entire thing, '' rose wine screwed up her face in disgust after John the Evangelist ate the final insect bite of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the timberland. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. shimmy 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to make for Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when shimmy was there.

Once they were all done with dejeuner, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the wood. The forest was situated adjacent to the big open theater of operations that was following to the house. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The radical crunched across the snow ladle field until they came to the forest 's edge. blush wine found the way they usually took and lead the group down it. `` sustain your optic pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old family in Commonwealth of Australia, '' matte commented after a few minutes of walking.

`` How was Commonwealth of Australia this year ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his friend just returned to Britain the previous day.

`` It was all right. No different than usual. It was boring of line, and my grandmother kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' John asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle sea dog in New York this summer. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The group continued walking into the forest until rosebush announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a hart to walk by. She said their bowel movement would dash the creatures away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a bush with his protagonist and watched and listened for beast. After a half 60 minutes of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a stag to cross their path ? He would much rather just take the air around to find one. pink wine seemed perfectly capacity to sit still, as did flatness. John had made a large cumulus of coke balls, along with a pull the wool over someone's eyes wizard. Amanda was busy creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bore, '' John sighed as he made yet another snow ball. `` How long is this going to select ? ``

`` I do n't make love, '' Rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his lookout, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the timberland and willed a hart to fare. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that snoop print for the map ! There was no place else to line up one. What if they could n't find a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would throw to wait until the summer to look again. Albus could n't wait that tenacious. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' Matt stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of Dubya a couple measure away.

`` I do n't try it, '' John replied.

`` Shush ! '' matt whispered, `` You know I can hear things you ca n't. ``

matt started slowly making his way towards the bunch of bushes. Albus and the others followed behind, nonentity saying a news. `` Wands quick, '' matte whispered.

Albus pulled out his sceptre and pointed it towards the bushes, his nous racing with inflammation as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the tell on print ! Part of Albus 's mind knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? Most of the animate being in the timber were too small to be rustling the President George W. Bush this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the step of the animal, and they were much too aloud to be a cony or a squirrel. There were n't many large animals in the forest, denounce being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a duad feet away from the bushes. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the animal to wee its show. The minute Albus saw the leaves piece, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' pink wine, John, lusterlessness, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the Vannevar Bush jumped to the side and missed all five daze spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was Teddy. The noise lusterlessness had heard in the President George W. Bush was chemise. Albus lowered his verge and sighed. So a good deal for finding a stag. Now that teddy was with them, they would no longer be able to await. Albus turned to his ally and saw them all put their baton away.

Teddy fully emerged from the shrub and walked over to where Albus was with a befuddled flavour on his fount. `` Do I even want to cognize what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to think up an excuse fast.

`` We 're just taking a walk in the timberland and you scared us ! '' Rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' Teddy gave them a lopsided grin, `` But not lash out me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare us ? '' rosebush said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' shimmy laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' Rose muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever grateful that his cousin was a better prevaricator than he was.

`` It 's variety of coldness to be going for a raise, '' teddy bear commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could find you. '' He eyed trick 's pile of sweet sand verbena and grinned, `` Planning on having a snow clump fight ? ``

Teddy did n't wait for an answer and picked up a few of John 's snowballs. He threw one at Albus and the early at rosebush.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact with his face. He spat out the C and bent down to do his own snow musket ball. He aimed it at Teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' mat shouted as he picked up one of John 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few minute later, a huge Abronia elliptica fight broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowballs. He tried to get Teddy back, but teddy was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to concentre on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of Teddy. rosiness eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get matte, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's side. John, who seemed to be the only one with enough skill to hit Teddy, was having a one-on-one battle with the wild blue yonder haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the fourth dimension the fight ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to rose and Albus after the cousins decided to make about twenty sweet sand verbena and lob them constantly at their two friends. John surrendered to Teddy a few hour later, once Teddy decided to beguile a pile of Baron Snow of Leicester to plough itself into snowballs, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammunition for Teddy. John Lackland did n't know that spell and was stuck deal making his nose candy balls while teddy bear continuously sent snowballs at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' chemise asked as they were walking back through the forest to blush wine 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The snow had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friend nodded in agreement.

`` speech sound just, '' Teddy replied, `` Harry and James should be at the theater by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to start. Albus, along with his booster, ran upstairs to dry off and change quickly.

`` prepare ? '' Teddy jumped up from the chair he was sitting on once Albus and his friends descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a Scots heather with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the just one. lav and matt, who both had brooms, had brought them knowing they would roleplay Quidditch.

`` We 've got spare part, '' Ron announced, holding a span brooms in his hand.

Once everyone had a broom to use, Teddy started to take tutelage of creating team. `` All right field. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, John, matt, Amanda, Hugo, and rose, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' rose wine shrugged.

`` Good, then we 've got ten players. That 's five per squad. So each team will get a Seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two chasers, that 'll make for. I 'll be one of the searcher, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the other ? ``

`` You can, Jesse James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few moment of organizing, the two teams were created. Albus 's squad consisted of Teddy as Seeker, Ron as Keeper, Hugo as the solely Beater, and Matt and himself as the two Chasers. On the other team, James was seeker, Amanda was keeper, Saint John the Apostle was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two squad trooped outside into the cold wintertime day. It was just starting to snow a minuscule, but Albus did n't mind. He would save warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal hoops and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the egg ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chair to watch.

The match was nothing like the I at Hogwarts. It was much more than informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only well-disposed competitor between the two teams and no one got furious when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two squad were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing accomplishment. Albus, who was the only real pursuer on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was clear that Seeking was his genuine science. blush wine was absolutely fearsome and was the first to admit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the offset lieu and did n't like to have her hands off her broom in order to get and throw the Quaffle. Matt was advantageously than pink wine, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and mat scored Sir Thomas More points than Harry and rosiness did.

Ron, of class, was a very in effect Keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once GA left. John was an amazing Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Victor-Marie Hugo was also a very secure Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch gene in his house. Then, of course, there were the Seekers. Both shift and James I were amazing Seekers and by far the two trump players on either team.

After about an hr of playing, during which Albus was indisputable both Teddy and James I had seen the sneak but ignored it in orderliness to haul the secret plan on longer, both searcher flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to determine. A few endorsement later, they both came flying back down and James had the stool pigeon clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your team ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' St. James exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the rest of the musician landed after him and congratulated him and his squad for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, Teddy ! '' James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, well job, '' slip sighed, `` Knew I should n't have trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' Teddy laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his family, even more than playing on his House team. It was even better with his friends there, too. He walked back into the star sign with his friends and family, cold but very substance. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his house and Albus, Rose, and Hermione went with lustrelessness and Amanda back to the Leaky Cauldron to meet their family line. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag print. He and rose were planning on trying again the following day, and the succeeding if it was necessary. They had three more daytime to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and Rose spent as much fourth dimension as they could in the forest looking for stags the next day. When they were n't in the afforest, they spent their meter in the program library in Rose 's star sign, looking for a charm to go on Kaden quiet.

`` There 's ledger in here that are n't in the schooling depository library, '' Rose announced as they walked into the elbow room after a particularly cold jaunt in the forest.

`` I 'm still not surely we should withdraw a faulting from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too dusty out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' blush wine went over to a book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this elbow room peck of sentence before, just never to await for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to find one magical spell hidden in all these book of account ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even hump what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' rose wine slammed a leaden Holy Scripture down on the board nigh to the ledge she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the book, `` An Encyclopedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for Charms, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose confirmed as she opened the covering fire, `` It 's a rather clever estimation, really. All I 've got to do is bring my wand, point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep soul quiet'and it will flip to the right page. ``

`` That would certainly speed things along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right wing, '' Rose pointed her wand at the book, `` I need a charm to keep soul quiet. '' The account book 's pages immediately started turning until they stopped about a stern of the way into the book. rebel peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a hush up appealingness. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more particular, '' Albus suggested.

blush wine nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. Rose sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a individual 's mouth shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely retain Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` People might notice, though, '' Rose smirked, `` Although it does get it 's vantage. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better enjoin the Word exactly what we need the appeal to do. Tell it that Kaden has to not peach about a specific thing. ``

`` good idea, '' Rose poised her wand above the ledger, `` I need to maintain Kaden Durlsey from revealing secret about Matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to verbalize about these mystery with five other citizenry and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other topics. ``

`` That ought to be particular enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few moments and then twist its pages to one of the last ones. Both Rose and Albus leaned over the ledger while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most complex and intricate of the silencing magical spell. This spell has the ability to prevent a person from revealing one specific piece of data to others, unlike early silencing charm which prevent a individual from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to call for others, which will result in the soul the good luck charm is cast on to be capable to converse about the secret with those specific people. When done correctly, this appeal will last forever or until the counterpunch charm is performed. The Sileo Altus charm keeps a person 's orphic safe much like the Fidelius good luck charm keeps a person 's location secret and is said to be just as dependable .'

`` Then there 's a whole crew of magical spell that are required, '' rose wine scanned the remainder of the entree. `` There 's a piece that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a secret steward ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall charm, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of spells. ``

Albus glanced at the entry, `` Oh, it says there 's more information in good luck charm of Protection by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' rosiness leaned over the book again and register the title of the urge Quran. `` I think we might actually give birth that one. '' Rose jumped up from her seat and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no estimation how she could possibly know if she had that book or not. The intact way was filled with shelves and shelves of playscript. Albus would n't even sleep together where to look to find the Good Book they needed.

pink wine returned a few minutes later with a al-Qur'an in her weapons system and a grinning on her side. `` We do make it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the actual good luck charm is going to off-set the ease of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

Rose shrugged, `` I think I can figure it out within a few hebdomad. '' She sat back down and opened the Scripture.

Albus watched as his cousin-german flipped through the Sir Frederick Handley Page of the Quran until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very glad that rosebush was so eager to discover new charms. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progression in charms ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still mean. Rose was easily the best in their class. That and her forwardness to pick up would certainly aid if she was going to overcome this charm.

Rose read in silence for a few mo and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. number one, of track, we 've got to recount Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to pick the hidden keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the privy keeper since the hush-hush keeper is the one to perform the magic spell. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm very well with that. We 've just got to crap certainly lustrelessness is. What does the clandestine custodian do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the secluded keeper is the only one who can execute the counter charm on Kaden. Normally the closed book custodian would be the lone one the person could talk about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another spell to ensure that Kaden can talk about the secrets with you, John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds full, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` well, the mysterious keeper performs a magical spell on themselves, which turns them into the secret keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the secrets in detail. After that, the secret custodian performs another charm on Kaden. Then appeal are performed on the rest of the multitude involved. Then a concluding sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the mysterious steward, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those different enchantment made Albus 's encephalon damage. `` Wow, that 's a lot of good luck charm. We 've never done I that are a combination of multiple charms. ``

`` The transfer charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the counter charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would get on and they would n't have to rely on magic to keep him from spilling secret to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty practically like the existent spell, '' Rose looked back at the Holy Scripture, `` You pretty much go backwards, using dissimilar charms. ``

`` Makes sentiency. ``

`` I 'll go practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' rosiness shut the Good Book and got up. `` I 'll bring the al-Qur'an. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to hold on track of. ``

`` All right, '' Albus got up and followed her to the door, `` Now we 've just got to find that stag. ``

`` It 's going to possess to look until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was white with swirling snow and the hint was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the fourth dimension recently afternoon arrived the succeeding day. He and lift spent the full forenoon in the forest, taking a break of serve for luncheon, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his watch and saw that they would birth to be starting to return to the house soon. `` We 're never going to discover a stag ! '' he groaned.

rosiness, who had brought the appealingness book they had found the previous day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't come if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been silence for the past two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being quieten now, '' Rose whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the wood. So far Albus had seen no less than ten rabbits and four owls, but no hart. He was getting very insensate posing in the snow and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so uncomplicated at commencement, to stun a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the hardest print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed prosperous. Sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog print had been the well-situated, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once John the Divine managed to fascinate one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to prod at the C maven he had constructed earlier. The wand melted cakehole into the lead by the nose wizard until it started to resemble a piece of Charles Percy Snow Swiss cheeseflower. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, spirit ! ``

Albus raised his head and looked in the direction Rose was pointing. Directly in front of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left wing of where the two cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a stag around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his wand cladding towards the doe. develop did the same and the two of them did n't move for a just five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the leftfield of Albus and pink wine. Then Albus heard a whispering behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her mate. `` On the counting of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' blush wine shouted at the same time.

The doe shot off like a Eruca vesicaria sativa as soon as the first cousin shouted the go. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's stunner. pink wine 's spell hit a nearby tree and burned a small hole into the bark.

`` Excellent dead reckoning, Albus ! '' rose wine grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hurry. We wo n't have often time before he wakes up, '' rosiness reached into her gown and pulled out a piece of lambskin, a feeding bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even great up close. Its centre darted around nervously as blush wine painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfect leg it print appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's ripe, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` Good, '' she put the stopper on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be glad when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't need telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin-german ran through the tree diagram and back to the menage. It only took them a few mo as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The entirely print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : Extra long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry potter convening from tomorrow ( hence the too soon update ) until Sunday and although I 'll hold my laptop with me, I might not accept a prospect to respond to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's family came to pick him up from rosiness 's family the following afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never sympathize why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minutes of visiting with blush wine 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to let in that he was a bit nervous about this dinner, but there was nothing he could do about it now. `` See you at schoolhouse, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' rosebush smiled.

The rest of the Potters and Weasleys said adios to each other and then Albus disapparated with his syndicate. They appeared in a dark alley near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the category started down the street. They made a few Thomas More turns until they came upon a neighborhood of mean sized star sign. The houses all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few multitude out and about. There were a couple people outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their private road, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his family.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a gray house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the door, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell you how much I 've missed schooltime. It seems so boring here compared to schooltime. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on holiday, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so slow without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the livelihood way, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out stadium of grape and testis and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything good for Christmastide ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new game for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` Video game organisation, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll render you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some apparel, script, a warhead of dessert, material from my Uncle George 's shop, and my dad 's invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's back talk fell assailable, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a while ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` expect, I 'm invisible ! ``

All the grownup looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd ameliorate put that away before Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be LE than enthusiastic about any sort of magical object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't aware that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at Dudley. `` What do you mean, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't come in if they knew you were here, so I did n't say them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` wellspring, I was sort of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his headway and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a minuscule smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at James. Albus could only ever remember seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the meter and the lonesome thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a freak like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to spend the evening with him.

The voice of Dudley greeting his parents started to become louder as they came into the living room. Albus got up from the couch and stood next to James I, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as topsy-turvyness broke out amongst the adult. Vernon 's face turned respective shades of red and purplish as he tried to compass what was happening. genus Petunia clung to her husband with a combined spirit of dislike and fear on her nerve.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his ability to speak coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entering to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her grandfather 's yelling. Albus, St. James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the grownup, paying rapt attention to the unfolding tilt, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her married man with a disapproving look. Albus had to allow in that his Uncle Vernon was a bit shuddery right now and Albus had no desire to cross itinerary with him. Dudley looked unquiet as he tried to make peace between his relatives. His voice was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's shouting, and Petunia 's screaming.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in front of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teacher. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly white to a deep shade of purple. `` What could he possibly learn ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` conjuration, Dad, it 's called conjuration, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his fountainhead with all that detritus you learned as a small fry ! Do n't resist for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't trick me. Kaden 's a wiz and you 're just going to own to live with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing proficient will arrive of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' genus Petunia put her hand on her husband 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do realize that this kind of abnormality is what got your sister killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully cognisant of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't have anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drinks ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a feeding bottle of wine-coloured, and a some chalk, along with fizzy drink for the minor.

Vernon and Petunia regained their composure and Petunia gave Dudley a ivory crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Saame with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely brush aside Albus, James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few import of awkward silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see mode are n't high school on their antecedence lean. What classes do you take there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration Day, Charms, Potions, Herbology, astronomy, History of conjuring trick, and denial Against the Dark Arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to flinch at the strait of those names. `` I see. And are you any good at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing Sir Thomas More and more that he could make just stayed at Rose 's house instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James IV or Kaden ?

`` What guinea pig does your Father of the Church teach ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the nighttime Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` Defensive charm, dueling, stuff you use to defeat shadow wizards like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and prof ceramicist defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a great teacher, grandpa ! I love my new school. It 's much dependable than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the steps and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` Look at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his eyes and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could shew you some magic, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, professor potter can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' genus Petunia shouted at the Same time.

Kaden looked defeated. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very well-chosen that Uncle Vernon appeared to have given up his question and answer school term. Christina announced that dinner party was ready a few mo later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting future to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner conversation, with Vernon and genus Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to know every finis detail, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her a la mode book report in school. Eventually they had exhausted this subject and the table descended into an awkward silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a living ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the nous of the Auror Department at the Ministry of thaumaturgy, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A shadow mavin catcher, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't have guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the difficulty you caused as a minor. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know most of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like the pits it was n't. It was all due to your abnormality, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just drop it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his fist on the table, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to make him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most ridiculous matter Albus had ever heard. A star could not rick a Muggle into a adept. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the Earth, and there would certainly be more wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a sensation ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his nerve turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to change him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't turn mortal into a wizard, it just does n't work. Kaden was born a hotshot, which does n't surprise me at all. There is conjuration in his blood, the same illusion that was in my female parent 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon spat, `` And I suppose you 're going to separate me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a chance she 'll be a witch, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to stick out for anymore abonormalness in this family ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nothing we can do ! '' Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't like it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my freak of a sister told me it 's not possible, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't shout her a monstrosity ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant minor. I asked her if someone could turn me into a witch before I knew any better. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to deepen Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be voguish than my Sister was and not get killed just out of schooling. ``

`` Fine, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't like it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one grownup to the next, hoping that the conflict was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and auntie genus Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandma had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a sorcerer. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't consider Vernon would still blame Harry for things he did n't care, this many year later.

`` You 'd be better off just keeping him out of that school, '' Vernon announced after a few bit of silence. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` wait till margarin hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his juice. `` All she public lecture about is breeding dogs. ``

`` Do n't say that about your aunt, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` Professor ceramist must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his crank, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not nice to say you hate multitude. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of course I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his interpreter, `` Can you imagine what she is going to think ? That soul, like, like you is actually relate to her ? She takes comforter in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to have Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should retrieve so after you blew her up geezerhood ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the same time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the back, trying to assure his own laughter. Harry told them this story a yearn time ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense, `` He could n't control it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely decayed and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you mean, vaunt her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were idiots and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his Fatherhood so angry before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a violent death rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should accept just ignored him and minded their own business sector, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really remember she should be telling someone to mind their own line, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't ignore Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the Saame time.

`` Can someone please tell me how aunty oleomargarine got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just draw a blank about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't lazy, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` Leave this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a vast suspiration, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my life once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy affair ? They would n't have even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The full point is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safety while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't have to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy thing ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these mantled creatures that suck out your soul. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` suction out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy cerebration, until you 're only left with the sad unity. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound all-fired horrible. prof Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a spell, the Patronus spell, that drives them away. It 's really advanced magic not taught until seventh year, but Dad learned in his third class. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't picture running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been hunky-dory without those weirdos 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be absolutely ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdos like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adult who were arguing turned to the source of the new voice that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about clobber you ca n't transfer, in front of your children. What form of example are you setting ? Put aside your difference, if not for yourselves, do it for the small fry. ``

The adults said zip for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to tell you, '' Dudley commented.

`` amercement, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll tolerate the boy. But you are making a grave mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` goodness, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The rest of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the tarradiddle of when he blew up Marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's peculiarity, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the rest of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally relative to Muggles and superstar, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adult'strained conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner party, Albus, Saint James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's sleeping accommodation, which he was eager to designate off. The entire thing was decorated with various football paraphernalia, with a lot of vehemence on Manchester United. William James found this highly entertaining and spent quite a few minutes laughing at the poster, in which the players remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas present to Albus and James and soon wanted to show them how to play his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the adult were discussing railcar over coffee bean. Albus was very happy that he did not give to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of steps and they descended into the cellar. The cellar was clearly the rumpus room of the house, as it was cluttered with all sorting of Muggle miniature. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much attention as the boys entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the eye of the room and attached to a boob tube that was against the rampart. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of curious about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote control car. He drove it all over the way, completely amazed at how the car seemed to locomote by magic.

`` The things Muggles come up with, '' James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the next minute teaching Saint James the Apostle and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better section of an hour to project out how to bring it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his planetary house. Once they successfully learned the racing biz, Kaden went on to learn them how to play a couple More games. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the metre midnight came around, all five of them were taking turn of events playing plot and Albus was having a great time.

Albus was kind of disappoint when his dad called them back upstairs to count down to the new class and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living room. It did n't really look like the adults were enjoying themselves, but they were at to the lowest degree acting polite, which was right enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend anymore time in the same house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hand with Vernon, said adieu to genus Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the honorable mention of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to shoal. Once the obligatory so long were said, Albus and his class left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Miguel, Moonylupin, Denas, Ginny, Luke, and drownzer for their reexamination !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to include that he was felicitous to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his time working on homework or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually form of bored and happy to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the Oklahoman he got back to schoolhouse, the Sooner he could try out the new map.

The potter met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's Cross and entered program 9 3/4 together. Both family unit were running late again and Albus, Rose, King James I, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. King James I immediately left to find his acquaintance while Albus, rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to get hold their friends.

John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the heart of the train. Albus opened the door and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' bathroom greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down next to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could tell John and Amanda that he and climb up managed to get the stag print. All the prints were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your house dinner party ? '' John grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged glances. Rose stifled a gag. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... consequential, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' John asked eagerly.

`` My gramps went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my grandma variety of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` well, they sort of did n't know we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to schooltime here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a magical spell to turn Kaden into a wizard, '' Albus explained.

lav and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John the Evangelist exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was capable to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did seem mad, and not nearly as scary as Albus first thought.

`` And my grannie of all people told him it was n't potential, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a hag when she was a kid. But the considerably part was when Grandpa brought up auntie marge. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandad 's sister, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently Professor ceramicist blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

lav and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely vivid ! '' whoremaster shouted.

`` This I 've got to hear ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the news report of his Aunt oleo. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the solid thing.

`` What happened succeeding ? '' john asked once he had calmed down.

`` Well, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle TV games, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the adults stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably fucking awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. gramps tried to convince Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to tally without you lot there. Dad told him to bar and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' John asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house next, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a necromancer house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia in the house, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to come. ``

`` Over the summer, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come in, too, '' rosiness announced. lav and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, Healer appointments, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would satisfy Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a thing about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't tell anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll prevent away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to find some time to recite John and Amanda about the hart print, but it was arduous to stir Kaden off. It seemed the lonesome clip they were away from him was when they were in course or in their dorm at dark. Neither were good opportunity to talk about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to figure out why Matt was n't in school. The wide-cut lunar month was n't until the be week, so Albus was going to get to live on Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. nix seemed to meet him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this full moon. He was sort of distressed about Matt taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the bookman and teachers seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch drill started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased quantity of homework the instructor were intention on assigning, he had hardly any sentence for anything else.

A couple Clarence Day into the full term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his admirer seized the chance and ran to the Room of necessity as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couch in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of curiosity ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down following to him.

`` It 'll be easier once rose wine image out the appeal to keep him muted, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' John sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' Rose grinned and pulled the book of charms from her business firm out of her bag. She opened it to the proper page and handed it to John and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few bit. `` This is incredible, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` Given a bit of practice, sure, '' rose replied. `` We just have to shit sure Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' whoremaster said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely keep Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll pop out working on it now, '' Rose took the Christian Bible back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't require anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

`` So, did you get the hart print ? '' toilet asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three prints. `` We just need the rat now. ``

John picked them up and looked at him. `` Excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can reassign them. ``

`` We should expect for lusterlessness, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a part of this as very much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a skillful idea, '' John set the mark down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the low meter we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're correct, '' Albus commented. It was sort of strange, really. All the former times they had been in the elbow room, lusterlessness had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few min. Albus could tell that everyone was thinking the Same affair he was, what would pass with Matt 's new potion.

`` Well, he 'll be back soon, '' John the Divine said after a while.

`` As long as nil goes wrong, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just recall if this potion works. That would be bang-up, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help but mean the new potion would n't form any better than the old one. Why should it ? If matt was resistant to wolfsbane potion, why should a different variety of it work ?

The four of them spent the remainder of the even in the Room. Rose worked steadily on figuring out the charm, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely unmanageable charm, after all. Albus, John, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more nervous as the broad Moon approached. His friends seemed to as well, and trick especially developed a very curt fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The night of the actual replete moon, Albus had Quidditch practice session. He became so unhinge during it that Georgia called for a break during recitation and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to swallow this and wished him luck on his examination. Albus tried extra hard during the indorse half of practice but still missed a lot of easy passes.

Albus entered the common room after recitation tactual sensation incredibly sore but not at all fatigue. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his lack of compactness. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a practice but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His Friend were sitting at their usual mesa which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. St. John, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into zippo with their unaffected homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his broom in his dormitory and joined his friends at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down adjacent to Rose.

`` Hi, '' Rose mumbled. John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm glad you 're back. This lot has been incredibly dull. ``

Even at a metre like this, Albus could n't help but laugh at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that gravid. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see Madam Pomfrey, '' rose wine suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a adorable purplish blue coloration in the clock time since he had received the nose candy. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll arrive with you. ``

Albus did n't finger like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common way. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the hospital wing, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must get felt the motivation to share it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's phonation seemed awfully loud. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibleness Cloak. Of course, none of the instructor could fall in him detention for being out of his plebeian room in ordering to go see Madam Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the windowpane every few second gear. The Moon was streaming through and illuminating one of the seam. There were n't any affected role in the Aaron Montgomery Ward, which Albus thought was sort of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to brothel keeper Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even seem to have noticed them derive in.

`` Er, excuse me, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a couple ft in nominal head of the desk.

The nanny jumped and looked up, clutching her heart. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that dame Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took care of him after the total moon. `` I got hit with a couple bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic flavour. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and lady Pomfrey clucked her tongue as she inspected it. She pulled out her sceptre and touched it to his arm, muttering a patch as she did so. Albus 's arm felt warm and tingly, and then normal again. The infliction was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No job. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my rear too and it kind of hurts. I 've got no idea if it 's bruised or not. ``

ma'am Pomfrey looked at Albus 's back and performed the same healing charm. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm sure I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to leave. He and Kaden were soon back in the discharge corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during exercise ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` transfiguration exam tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why John, rose wine, and Amanda were so hush. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the common room until they practically bumped into two other people as they turned a corner.

`` take in it ! '' a coldness voice shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his wand and lit it, shoving the Christ Within in the faces of the two unknown. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your sceptre out of my expression, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your business enterprise. ``

`` You just answered your own doubt, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin. ``

`` Do n't visit him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these Day ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` mulct, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with Potter around anyway. I 'll just wait until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such thing, Mr. Malfoy, '' mortal said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fear and turned around to see prof Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to hoist up in detention. Why did they always wind up in detention with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after 60 minutes. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't bother, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to convince me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a perambulation with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the hospital wing. I got hurt at Quidditch recitation. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that true, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, Professor ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his pinion while we were doing preparation. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and confirm all your stories. ``

Any color that had been in Malfoy 's nerve drained. The four boys quietly followed prof Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very lighten. dame Pomfrey would tell Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the hospital wing, but ma'am Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the son to stay there and she strode over to the nurse 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for madam Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once lady Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't asleep. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four boys, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey gazed at the boy. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen minutes ago, but I have n't seen the early two in quite a while. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a problem, '' the nurse replied.

`` I 'll hire you two back to your vulgar room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will get back to my post and we shall arrange for custody. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breathing place as the five of them exited the hospital ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor column. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring sticker at Albus and Kaden the whole way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their detention and Albus would let to watch out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night, despite his fatigue from Quidditch practice session. He fell asleep in the wee minute of the morning and woke up only a few 60 minutes later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the common room, only to find rosebush slumped over a Koran at their usual table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder joint, `` Wake up ! ``

rosebush slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the sight of Albus and lavatory. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's dawn, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hr. ``

`` Oh ! '' Rose jumped up and pushed her shaggy hair out of her face.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't sleep, '' blush wine shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus Charm. I just ca n't figure it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really high level charm, Rose. You know it 's going to take you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' rosebush sighed, `` I guess I 'll go change and notice Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great mansion. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin table as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting dagger at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor board and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this first light ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too well-chosen. ``

`` wonder when his detention is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly care when Malfoy and Willinson were going to serve detention.

Kaden began to spill the beans about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to imagine about at the moment was whether the new potion flatness had taken worked.

As if on cue, a large chocolate-brown owl flew down and landed neatly adjacent to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his eyes and pulled the letter of the alphabet off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few routine of goner and the enceinte bird flew off.

rose wine, who was on Albus 's former side of meat, looked over his shoulder joint as he looked at the envelope. john and Amanda were leaning over the mesa and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's former shoulder.

`` curiosity who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from Matt, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, St. John, Rose, and Amanda said at once.

`` fountainhead, we 'd better be off to August 6, '' Albus said and gave Rose a meaning glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' rosiness stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open up it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't afford that letter in front end of Kaden. Rose, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't defy open it yet. Kaden stalled in the incoming Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the donjon for Potions.

`` fountainhead, now we have n't got sentence to take it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his sentinel. `` Why could n't he have left earlier ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' Gospel According to John shook his head.

`` We 'll just read it after History of Magic, '' rosiness said as they climbed the step, `` We 've got the wholly afternoon off. ``

The daybreak dragged by at an extremely retard pace, in Albus 's public opinion. transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a practical deterrent example. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the year was over, wanting to lie with where Matt was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a deep holiday with his grandparents and then took off for story of legerdemain, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detention that followed.

history of trick was as boring as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's hands go backwards at one tip. He passed notes with can and Amanda while rosiness took notes. She seemed to hold inherited her female parent 's ability to continue awake during that stratum. privy nodded off at one point and Albus had to prod him awake with his quill. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After History of Magic finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great antechamber to grab a promptly lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the next Slug ball club meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The following merging is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousins go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any type slug ball club encounter. Albus had n't even gone to any since the former yr. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too lots homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Dec 25 political party this year. Albus was n't sure as shooting why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to find anyone famed to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too engaged to go, '' Kaden said, `` will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't bed .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` amercement, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one group meeting. `` But just this once. And if Georgia calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the meeting. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his succeeding class, Albus and his friends went straight for the way of Requirement. Albus and blush wine sat on one of the couch while privy and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' John said.

Albus tore open the envelope and unfolded the varsity letter. He read it aloud.

love Albus, Rose, Gospel According to John, and Amanda,

last night flatness told me to write you
and tell you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` shucks ! '' toilet shouted.

Matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's right now so
the Healers can observe the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's overnight
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at home. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the next Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter of the alphabet and looked at his friends. `` Well, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any worse, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few transactions. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was for certain it did n't even come close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us become Animagi now, '' John suggested.

Rose glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that written report, which means he 's still got to take that potion for the next two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` Well, it would still be cool to become an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're elderly, '' Rose said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advance. ``

`` Albus 's grandpa did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth part year, '' rose reminded him.

`` Fine, three More days then, '' John shrugged.

rose wine sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you join him on the full moonshine, though. And I would n't intimate doing it behind his back. ``

`` I wo n't, '' lavatory assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun thing to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' rosiness agreed.

Albus and his admirer spent the good part of the next hour talking about what they would do if they could transform into animals. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, rosiness insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the evening to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no long at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the Slug golf club coming together on Saturday. His rational number side told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the other hand, spent the days leading up to Saturday talking non-stop about the Slug Club merging. Albus had already explained in detail what they involved, but that did n't blockade Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Sabbatum arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Peach State had not called for Quidditch drill that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the pitch all dayspring and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two star sign were scheduled to recreate each early the follow Saturday.

`` It 's fourth dimension for the Slug order meeting, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few minute before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the common room. `` See you lot in a niggling spell, '' he said to John and Amanda.

`` rich person loads of fun ! '' John Lackland laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeons. Albus hoped he would only hold to abide for a trivial piece, maybe an hour at most. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the get together were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few scholar were milling about when Albus, blush wine, and Kaden walked into the way. Albus recognized most of them from last yr 's meetings. A few of his full cousin were there as well, but not all of them. Saint James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling drill that day. Albus was also well-chosen to note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the slug Club.

There was a tabular array full of food along one of the side walls and well-nigh everyone was crowding around it trying to get some dejeuner. Slughorn had a plate of food in front of him and was sitting at a prominent board in the front man of the room.

Albus led rose and Kaden over to the table and picked up a plate.

`` What is this stuff ? '' Kaden pointed to a phonograph recording of some sort of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his meetings. Albus tried it last year and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his supporter had gotten enough solid food, they sat down at the table across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` near to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and blush wine ! I 'm very happy that you two decided to come ! How have course of study been going ? ``

`` commodity, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have someone new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's gene must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads better than August 6. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let Professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a turgid bite of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd like it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big smile appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is first-class ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one thing Albus had learned about his first cousin over the preceding six months, it was that he 'd eat pretty much anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy account of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Eire, you know. '' ) Albus found the totally thing rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to fall on Slughorn 's every word. Rose seemed to be paying attention as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his nous wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. Matt was supposed to render to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as niggling as twenty-four hours, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could sneak away to the Room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped rose wine would consume that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would hold it a whole lot well-situated. Of course, Matt still had n't said that he agreed to severalise Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that part. But why would n't he agree ? The charm seemed like it would forge well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the encounter. Kaden was enthralled by the stallion thing and Albus knew he would refuse to leave early. Albus was incredibly bored by the clip the thing was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the merging was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so chill, '' Kaden grinned.

`` boring 's More like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you intend it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many noted citizenry. ``

`` reliance me, it gets old after a while, '' Albus said.

`` well, are you two going to the side by side one ? ''

Albus looked at Rose. She did n't seem like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might receive Quidditch praxis. ``

`` And I 'll probably sustain too much preparation, '' rose explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did have too practically homework, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a ripe idea, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a treatment about how significant clip direction is and how prep should always come first. The three of them were nearly to the common room by the sentence Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a blank flavor on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any idea what time he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after lunch the adjacent day in the plebeian room.

`` No mind, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, rosiness, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual board in the common elbow room. rosiness and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that rosiness was going well-fixed on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the Lapplander game for xv moment. If rose wine wanted to, she probably could sustain beat Kaden in five minutes. trick and Amanda were both working on the metamorphosis essay that was due the succeeding day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` queen to D3, '' Kaden said. The fag gave Kaden a menacing limelight and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' Rose 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to pieces. `` mate, '' Rose grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his Martin Luther King dropped its sword in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' Rose said as she repaired all the opus with a wave of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch practice today, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. Peach State managed to book the pitch for an hour after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too glad, but Georgia got it first. ``

`` I hope lustrelessness gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to have a load of prep to pee up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, rose wine, '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, whoremonger ? '' blush wine smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' John grumbled.

`` I 've only got one more to go, '' Amanda said.

`` Want to play again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

rosebush shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to playact again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to observe the two of them run chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what move to make and once he made it, rose wine would smile and strike one of her own while within secondment. Rose 's moves usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait gob to the green room opened a few mo later and Albus looked up. Matt was just climbing through and headed heterosexual person for Albus 's board once he noticed them.

`` Hey, lusterlessness ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked trite, but felicitous. There was still a yellowish bruise on his os frontale, but other than that he looked fine.

John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted Matt as well. matt grabbed a chair from a nearby board and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' matte shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said lusterlessness 's got a lot of homework to urinate up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as pink wine declared checkmate once again, `` Crap ! ``

`` fountainhead, it would probably be a beneficial estimate for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his course of instruction. We 'll help. You can detain here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to start on anyway. ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` lavatory ? Amanda, rosiness ? You can come with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' John closed his record book and stood up.

Once they were out of the green room and into the corridor, Matt turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my homework are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to think of an self-justification for Kaden to stay there while we went to the way. ``

`` Good, '' John said, `` I do n't really desire to go call for your prep with you. ``

`` You wo n't have to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` You 're farther along than lav, then, '' Rose laughed.

`` Shut it, Rose, '' John said.

The five friend continued their manner of walking to the elbow room of Requirement, which manifested itself in its usual physical body for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` Well, it did n't work the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it facilitate at all ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still hold to keep taking it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' Matt sighed. `` It did n't work the way it was supposed to, but it did early stuff. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to have any bad event, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really dangerous position personal effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the wide lunar month, '' lavatory pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at to the lowest degree go to first light classes on the day of the full lunation but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a week before the broad lunar month, just like the steady wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an entire week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` The therapist are trying to find a potion to counteract the weariness, but I doubt they 'll give one in meter for following month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to keep taking it if it does n't even work, '' John shook his head.

`` Because they have to make surely it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these studies, they have to do multiple run to analyze the effects and clobber. ``

`` There 's a chance it might work next month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't look that turnover or anything, '' pink wine commented.

`` I honestly did n't think it was going to work on. My parents told me not to get my Bob Hope up about any of these experimental potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll fall up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' John replied.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no mind how often I wish that.

`` Let 's not talk about it anymore now, though. You 've got to severalize me if you got the hart print ! It 's been driving me mad for weeks now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key word. The new map was always on Albus 's mind now. `` We got it. Rose and I did. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' lustrelessness exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference charm all worked out, '' Rose told him.

`` can 's just got to get the rat print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's unvoiced than you 'd think to espy a rat during Potions. ``

`` wellspring, we 've got Double Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the completely grade probably, so just keep your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay More attention to potential rats than to my potion, '' trick grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll irrupt or something, since you 've got Goyle as a partner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll fill one failing course if I can get the rat photographic print, '' lavatory shrugged.

`` fountainhead, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' rosiness sighed.

`` Just think, this meter tomorrow, we may birth the map workings, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

`` We 'll take in to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely sure enough the map will do work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too simple. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few twenty-four hours now. They had had an incredibly easy clip getting the prints. Almost too easy a sentence. click, stag, and rats were quite coarse and anyone who could cast a simple Petrificus Totalus charm could get those photographic print. The only one that would be difficult for the average superstar to get was the loup-garou mark. Even so, Albus did n't think the vulture would make it this easy to admittance the map.

`` I 've been thinking the Saame thing, '' rosiness agreed.

John groaned, `` That would suck in. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the Marauders. We have n't done anything that only the vulture could have done so far. We got a bunch of paw prints. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a wolfman print, '' John pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the Marauders could have done, '' Albus told him.

`` speechmaking of the vulture, '' John turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' Matt asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to tell you about that, '' Gospel According to John said. `` Want to explain it, rosiness ? ``

`` Sure, '' blush wine shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my theater. It 's a way to make indisputable soul keeps something a confidential. sort of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal mystery, not post. Whomever performs the appeal is the closed book Keeper and only that person can undo the magical spell. After the charm is performed, the person ca n't verbalise about the secret with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

Albus held his breathing time as rose wine explained and hoped that Matt would recollect it was a good idea. Albus watched as matte thought about what rose wine had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't cerebrate rosebush would receive ever found a charm to do that.

`` Well, what do you think ? '' Albus asked after a few moments silence.

`` I 'm not certainly, '' Matt said quietly, `` will it really shape ? ``

`` I 'm passably trusted it will, '' rosiness said, `` The only thing that will overcome it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' matte asked.

`` When would he drink that ? '' John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't know, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't call back he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the middle of the Great Granville Stanley Hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to pledge any Veritaserum, '' rose said,"And even if he did, someone would have to ask him if you were a lycanthrope. He would n't just randomly start telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the castle ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's common soldier Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any prospect of Kaden drunkenness any, '' trick said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't get it on ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really need to order him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave Matt a half smile.

`` All right, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` We do n't need Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure when we 'll need him. The map just said we had to be like the Marauders, which means we 'll ask someone to be Wormtail at some dot. ``

`` And I want to test that magic spell out before we use it on Kaden, '' Matt said.

`` We will, '' rosiness assured him, `` I 've got to drill it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any enigma we can recitation with ? '' John grinned mischievously.

******

`` settle down, nail down down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his seat. He had been talking to John the Divine, who was sitting behind him following to Goyle. Albus was sitting future to Limbert and Matt was looking thoroughly piteous adjacent to Maloy in the future row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house partners in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to decrease the enmity between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the scoop that had happened was mum loathing during hard-nosed moral and jinxing and hexing at whip. Based on the piddling duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a thing of time before affair really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the confusedness Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the blackboard, `` guidance are on the board. You have the stallion class. ``

`` Light the fervency, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unexpressed correspondence with brewing potions. Limbert would collect ingredients while Albus lit the blast and unpacked all the various weighing machine and tongue. Then, Albus would prepare the ingredients while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was finely with this since Limbert was a better Potions beer maker than he was.

Limbert returned with the element and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the periodic 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the social class as he chopped up ingredients. He thought it was especially amusing to listen to John and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' John shouted.

Albus stifled a laugh and glanced to his leftfield, where pink wine and Vivien Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped finer than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look fine to me, '' Vivien Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't lick like that. Let me do it, '' Rose grabbed a tongue and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` fine. You do the whole thing if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can bring up the caldron. Clockwise, '' Rose replied.

Albus was n't close decent to either Amanda or Matt to hear what was going on at their tabular array. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the same way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their rima oris were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at Matt for something, but Albus could n't quite ready out what it was. matte got up from the board with a bowling ball full of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was to a greater extent of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to bathroom and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the impression he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

`` Keep inspiration CLOCKWISE for another minute, '' John said slowly and clearly, `` Then switch to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the inspiration. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard whoremaster get up. Albus felt a prod in his side and looked up to see lavatory standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

lavatory pointed to a corner of the elbow room, near the cupboard of ingredients. There was a heavy rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' Saint John winked at him.

Albus tried to pore on his shrivelfig, but he could n't stop glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as John pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't hear what spell John was using due to the racket in the elbow room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of care to lavatory. Albus grimaced as toilet picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly well-chosen that John was leave to do the rat mark. The thought of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

John went into the cupboard for a few present moment and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a cover story, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' lavatory whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a flash explosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid land on his caput and dribble down the back of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the Sami time.

`` Boody Hell ! '' bathroom exclaimed as the orange tree potion landed on the figurehead of his robes.

Pandemonium erupted in the schoolroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the detonation had come from John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a baffle manifestation on his fount and was staring into place while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His whisker was singed and there was a pocket-size fire on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his back and it hurt like hell. It felt like his pelt was on attack. He got up from his chair and felt his back. His robe were burnt straight through. whoremaster 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to lavatory and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouthpiece, '' Slughorn shook his head. `` Hospital offstage. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, lav, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John the Divine and Goyle ) said at the Lapplander time.

`` Hospital extension, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please make certain Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the room with Celeste following. Albus and Saint John the Apostle walked a lilliputian room behind them and Karina behind them.

`` half-wit, '' John muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clue, '' John shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty straightforward. ``

`` wellspring, he 's dim than a troll, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this stuff burns. ``

`` At least we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' John laughed and then lowered his part, `` Hey, it was Worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That thing 's not still in your gown, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a opportunity to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the infirmary Wing.

Madam Pomfrey was already busy taking forethought of a little girl who had gotten bitten by something in guardianship of Magical Creatures and told them they would have to wait. Once she had finished healing the little girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took care of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and John were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprised it 's only the two of you. ``

`` Well, matte, rose, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your granddad and his friends, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

John, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. fountainhead, Albus thought, that was the oecumenical idea of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her verge the potion was cleaned up. `` booze the relief of it, '' she instructed them.

lady Pomfrey applied some variety of salve to their burns and a few minute of arc later they were allowed to leave. The nurse told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new robes and that she did n't want to see them in the Hospital Wing for the adjacent few weeks.

`` Fat luck that 'll happen, '' John smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the hospital annexe. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to school after the Christmas holiday.

`` Next Quidditch match is what, in three hebdomad ? '' John asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' bathroom joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't shore myself there last-place match. ``


A/N : Extra long chapter ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Luke, and drownzer for the limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Frank Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the commons elbow room. Rose, Amanda, and matte were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really blow up ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' John replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's fault, really. I gave him commission as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion brewer either, lavatory. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. Madam Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John the Evangelist to the dormitory door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a quick dinner with his ally after he changed robe, and then head to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw photographic print ( John had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the mark from it. Albus did n't desire to know what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the total evening with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that night his first cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't opine up a commodity excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden follow. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his friends were far too meddling the next few daytime to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling practice on Wednesday. rose wine had dueling practice on Fri. St. John normally had his practice on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his acquaintance had any practices, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's prominent deprivation to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able-bodied to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a familiar first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his protagonist after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the photographic print ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common elbow room and ran for the way of requirement. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

lusterlessness paced three multiplication in nominal head of the evacuate wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five Friend ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four print and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're good with the good luck charm, right ? ``

Rose nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to set out, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did net metre to get it to recount us we 've got to show we know the vulture ? ``

`` Probably, '' rose wine agreed.

`` postponement ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this fourth dimension ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed John the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his scepter at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as a great deal as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' toilet shouted, `` But it worked last time ! ``

Albus 's hopes plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timer ? Like it could only cultivate on a certain day of the month ? He had been so aroused about getting the new map to solve, and now it would n't even tell them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the parchment and pointed his baton at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucks, '' Gospel According to John muttered, `` It worked last sentence. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' Rose suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own sceptre at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to look rose to the surface of the parchment and formed the intimate words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the marauder 's Map, irregular edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' John asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean value we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without individual to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the second Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the 2d Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the following genesis of predator. These four friends must each represent one of the vulture, for if even one is missing, this map will not do work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the mystery of the marauder. Prove that you know, and you may keep on along the path of discovery .'

'The path of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, believe me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that unanimous affair .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the phraseology to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and jump proving that they know the vulture .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no idea who the vulture are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The Marauders wish you good luck .'

`` Well, now what ? '' John asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

pink wine picked up the paw mark and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an incantation at the loup-garou print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other slice of parchment.

`` That, was bloody beat, '' King John said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his cousin was so brilliant. Albus did n't suppose he 'd ever be able to attract off something like that. At to the lowest degree not until he was at least in fifth year.

rose repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat photographic print, positioning them in the exact Sami way that the minuscule mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five Quaker stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to happen. The paw print were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw photographic print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to separate the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a shot, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his wand to it, `` I, Albus Severus thrower, the second Prongs, know the vulture. ``

The paw prints quickly faded until there was nix left but a clean sheepskin. Albus glanced up and looked at his admirer before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do get it on the Marauders, and is especially impress that you managed to get a werewolf paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the marauder'secret, we shall now tell you more about this map. When the Marauders were 7th year, they realized that within a few brusque month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their chief devilry makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the third individual, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a stroke of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the account, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the marauder could find a way to ensure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' Rose shouted in hilarity, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The predator decided to create another map. The firstly map was only the commencement. The Marauders wanted to retrieve a way to put themselves into a map, in order to aid the next generation of mischief makers. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have approach to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old numskull stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even worse, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that view, Moony. Anyway, the Marauders had to compute out a way to secure that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The predator 's Map is actually quite simpleton to cypher out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a certain musical phrase. For this map, you have to be a certain person to open it.

'You may or may not cause figured out that in order to get the inaugural bit of information out of this map, you have to be a blood congeneric of one of the marauder. However, not everyone representing the marauder must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kids .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' trick shouted.

Albus felt immense relief from this. John and Matt would be able to constitute Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only Epistle of James, Lily, Teddy, my dad, and I could get it candid, '' Albus said.

'The remainder of you must be Gryffindor boy, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my Sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the marauder. Your next footprint is to evidence that you are the next piranha .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to go yet. He had been so certain that all they 'd hold to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to prove that they were the following Marauders. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' matte agreed, `` They did n't even really secernate us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make sure they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a division of them, '' lav replied.

`` To be honest, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' blush wine commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the piranha 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fairly ! We spend hebdomad getting those paw prints and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd induce to do something like this, '' blush wine said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the vulture. If it was just this, Albus could get done the whole thing himself. ``

She made a good point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to turn up we are the piranha, then, '' Albus said, `` marvel what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the Marauders would have done, '' Matt suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' lav grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' flatness sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't retrieve that 's it, '' pink wine began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of paper that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to displume a vast frivolity or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you prove that to the map ? '' Rose asked.

`` fountainhead, does anyone have any early idea ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of line their is ! '' Rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the library and see if we can find anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus magical spell down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some practice. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, come here, '' rose got up and went to the other side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. first gear, they had to think up a secret, which took a dependable bit of time. John finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch the like to trip the light fantastic in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Francis Albert Sinatra music playing in the backdrop .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' King John said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to differentiate anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a shame. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, John the Evangelist, let 's try it, '' Rose said.

Rose pointed her wand at herself and recited the charm that would piddle her the secret keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at john and said a slightly dissimilar charm.

`` Now you say the secret, John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonshine with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra medicine playing in the backcloth, '' Saint John the Apostle smirked.

`` goodness, '' Rose replied and then performed another charm on trick. `` I 'm not ready to try including former people yet, so John the Divine will only be able to talk about Filch 's short drug abuse to me. ``

rosebush waved her verge around in an intricate pattern and then said one net incantation. She lowered her wand and stared at lavatory. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All right. So, John the Divine, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' John shouted, `` Actually, just the other night I saw him and he was- '' John 's lip continued moving but no speech sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. Saint John looked like a angle out of water. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

rosiness was staring at John with a slight look of dashing hopes. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be capable to go his lip. You know, in example citizenry can read back talk. I guess it 's a startle, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really advanced spell. You ca n't consume expected to get it on the first try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did variety of think Rose expected to get it on the first try.

`` I suppose, '' rosebush sighed, `` I 'll just unmake it. ``

rosiness waved her wand around and muttered some more incantations. `` Ok, he should be able-bodied to tattle about it now. ``

`` Heard anything curious about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a long handle mop by moonlight while Frank Sinatra plays in the backcloth, '' John told her.

`` looking at like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll postulate, '' pink wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's favorable for John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's secret joyfulness of living. ``

******

Over the next few sidereal day, John actually did share that Filch liked to dance with a long handle mop by the moonlight with Frank Sinatra playing in the background. All he had to do was cite it to a few other Gryffindors at repast times and the bit of comment was soon spreading throughout the school. The chemical reaction from educatee ranged from hysterical laugh to raised eyebrow to exclamation of 'Who the inferno is Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't facilitate but smirk every time he heard his young man pupil mentioning the story.

Filch, on the early manus, was actively trying to encounter the perpetrator. There was n't really any tip, since he would n't be capable to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the halls and listening in on students'conversations, trying to find out any sort of information regarding the fictitious news report. Whenever the students noticed him, they would split out laughing, which would cause Filch to get muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's main suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of good story. Kaden of course had laughed the loud when he heard the storey. Since Filch had developed an vivid disapproval for Kaden since their hold months ago, he gave Kaden baleful stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny remark, since he knew John had invented the story.

The narration about Filch provided a prissy break from the intense studying that all the students were occupied with. Like common, the teacher had increased the homework after the holiday. Albus was felicitous it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't imagine how he would manage to manage with that in three short years. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both Georgia and Kate had increased practice times in edict to ready for the upcoming mate and tournament. The third base dueling tournament was to exact place the maiden weekend of February and Quidditch on the watch weekend. Albus now had Quidditch exercise on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Dueling exercise were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Midweek, but on Fridays as well. The simply day Albus had off was William Ashley Sunday, which did n't give much time for him to try and figure out how to prove he was like the vulture to the new map.

The aurora of the Dueling tournament was cold-blooded, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very felicitous the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few minute before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel next class, '' Kaden said in between morsel of egg.

`` It 's not really as sang-froid as it 's made out to be, '' lav commented, `` A lot of waiting around fourth dimension during tourney. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the even Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're one-fifth twelvemonth or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' can said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd spend a penny the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting better, '' Albus assured her, `` You might urinate it by the time you 're a fifth twelvemonth. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the point of the junior 's ball club, '' pink wine said, `` So you can get substantially. They do n't wait us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's splendid. ``

Albus felt his aspect go red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of people who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's cadence almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to outfox Malfoy during their pattern duels.

`` That 's good, though ! '' rosebush sighed, `` You 're both excellent duelist, so you 've got a effective team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He kind of would rather just be capable to thrum Malfoy than beat the other teams, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his acquaintance continued their lecture about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the common room afterwards. Soon, it was fourth dimension for them to go down to the dueling chamber for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me whip them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the year, '' lav muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling bedchamber was packed with students, just like the past two tournament. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crowd to their usual board, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` Ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few second later. It was much like the past two tournaments, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was glad that he and Amanda were on the same team so they were able to talk to each other in between duels.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the last two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of happy and kind of furious about that. Amanda won one of her duel, which Albus was very happy about. He knew one-half her dueling issues were from brass and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, whoremaster, and Matt each won one of their affaire d'honneur as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other squad, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't manage, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to give up Albus from cheering for his friends.

The item were tallied after the endure duel and St. John 's team was declared the winner. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three more tournament before the final. Harry announced the compass point totals for the entire yr and rose 's squad was in firstly piazza so far. In moment was the team led by Hufflepuff St. Paul Galivant and in third was John 's team, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't cerebrate that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between planetary house. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the outset of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his squad, and vice versa. He was n't exactly sure how it was working with the habitue dueling golf club, but he had overheard Henry M. Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was month ago and he did n't sleep together what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their review article !

I wrote my first Marauders Era chronicle, side of meat consequence May Include Gratitude and Feelings of fountainhead being, which is a one-shot from Madam Pomfrey 's full stop of view. It 's on my author page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's birthday was a few years after the Dueling tournament. Albus and his acquaintance did n't throw him a company like they had last year. That had mostly been done to urge on him up since he had been in the hospital Wing at the prison term. This yr they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was funnier to catch than Amanda 's the former yr. He stood there with his oral cavity half unfold and then ran around grabbing as lots food as possible.

By the time the Quidditch peer arrived the following Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and preparation, he hardly had anytime to kip. throw away in a slip down to the kitchens for mat 's birthday after Quidditch practice the other Night, and Albus was ready to sleep through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. fantastic, he thought, James IV would n't be catching the stool pigeon quickly in this weather.

A few hour later, Albus bade his friend goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch. His friends had bundled themselves up in as a good deal scarlet and gold clothing as they owned and were quick to huddle against the howling wind for a few hours of Quidditch. whoremaster, Matt, and Amanda did n't seem to beware the weather condition at all and were excited about the match. Rose, on the early hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a feeling he would n't have minded the storm if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few minutes after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone semen over here ! ``

`` I know the weather condition is n't apotheosis, '' GA began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in spoiled than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during third gear year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

GA glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her last-place year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have trained her squad even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. mortal named tanner Royce. He 's a fifth twelvemonth. early than him, the team 's the same as last year. So, with that, get out there and kick some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the door. Georgia was a great captain, but was n't much for long wind up speech communication.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely queasy the hold out mate. In world, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. Sure, he 'd been a petty nervous, but not as a great deal as Georgia thought he had been. This mate, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as much. ``

`` Good, '' Peach State grinned and walked out the threshold and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the sales talk and was immediately hit by the forceful winding that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Sweeney Todd Smith 's voice sounded over the pitch shot. It sounded faint and variety of far away in the fart. `` It 's blooming cold out here so let 's make it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! sea captain Sakartvelo Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! sea captain Jessica Harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Sir Patrick Manson, Anna Reilly, and tanner Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and Harper to shake custody and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the player rose into the air. Oteski released the testicle and Heather immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And ling 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Calluna vulgaris, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so unspeakable. He could hardly see two feet in forepart of him. His robe were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly stale. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to stop short and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew straight into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

Heather caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and see that sneaker, Saint James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` Watch your language ! ``

`` Sorry, prof. ``

The Quaffle was now back in child's play and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even trusted which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to conduct it to the Gryffindor finish, but Georgia saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The plot continued this way for the following half hour. Hufflepuff managed to seduce two goals, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the goals. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left wicket. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't quickly enough.

`` end ! Albus Potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The account is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch mates. Up until now, all he 'd done were assists. Albus took a victory lap around the pitch and then caught the Quaffle from Heather.

Albus managed to score another finish and Heather scored two More in the next half minute of the compeer. Hufflepuff scored a few Thomas More finish, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was for certain he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit pale of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a cephalalgia from it. Albus was n't even trusted if he 'd have intercourse if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snowfall. The blizzard seemed to be getting worsened by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would induce called it off a while ago.

A few minutes later, cheers broke out in the stands and Albus was certain someone must get caught the Snitch. He was very happy to land his broom and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the fond common room.

The rest of his team was shouting in gloating and were surrounding St. James the Apostle. He must take caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The residue of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James was lifted onto a few people 's shoulder. Albus joined the throngs of his business firm and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the common room, numerous people stopped him in fiat to preen him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was observe his friends and get into some warm robes. St. James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take in it or go out it. Right now, he could allow for it since his headache was getting risky.

The party in the common room was just getting started when Albus entered a few minutes later. Someone must consume snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

person shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the crowd. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the finish mail. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The quietus of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the steps to his dormitory.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robe and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the common room and it was even fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the party was in total swing.

Albus found his friend sitting at their usual tabular array and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` brilliant playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' flatness agreed.

`` You 're quite a good chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't fuck why they did n't cancel the match with this blizzard ... ''

`` Cancel the match ? '' King John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football game, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two ft of Baron Snow of Leicester, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just throw in arguing about football ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a right wizard, '' john shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper ace, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could instruct you a matter about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's defect, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just quit arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His mind was pounding and listening to his friends'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than pattern. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past two 60 minutes ? '' Rose suggested, `` If they 'd just get canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't scratch Quidditch ! '' can shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's rightful, '' matte agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for little matter like blizzards. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' rose groaned.

`` Football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` fountainhead that 's boring, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his head on his hand and closed his eye while trying to submerge out his Quaker conversation. can, pink wine, and Kaden continued to reason about the merits of Quidditch and football. Matt and Amanda stayed out of it for the most part and seemed variety of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's head teacher was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football game would be a decent variation if it were played on brooms, '' John Lackland said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be serious ! You ca n't roleplay football game on Calluna vulgaris. How would you kick the ballock ? ``

`` Not to remark that Muggles spiel football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should recreate football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by hotshot, it should be done on Scots heather. ``

Football on ling, Albus thought, what an insane approximation. His friends were now trying to commingle football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his eyes and lifted his nous off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't seem that great, '' Matt said concernedly.

Saint John, blush wine, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look worse than lusterlessness does when he gets be sick, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` matte 's right hand, '' rosiness said, `` You do take care dire, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a concern, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really kip much the past tense few nights. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the student residence doorway, feeling worsened than he had a few minute ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a outset and he was n't certain how much meter had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his head still hurt. He groaned and closed his middle again, wanting only to catch some Z's for a few days straight.

right hand when he was about to drift off again, individual threw the curtain back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his centre with his bridge player. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an entire day, '' mortal said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his eyes. John was standing over his bed with a look of concern on his face.

`` And I 'd like to sleep a bit more if you do n't take care, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner finis night, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, `` rosiness sent me up here to check up on on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't for sure he was ok. He could n't commemorate the last time he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't take Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some foreign ambition that involved chemise telling him his Scots heather broke and he 'd own to play Quidditch without it by running around on the ground. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the mate was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to find that the dorm was wickedness. He could discover Ethan 's muffled stertor and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any serious than he had when lav woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscles were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the match. But Albus could n't recall falling from his broom. When had the lucifer been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't level remember and he did n't even have it off what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and somebody was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor ceramist. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was thankful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its possessor. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any Seekers in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll stimulate to play defense team, James, '' Albus mumbled in his slumber. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, whoremonger 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to play defense, too. ``

`` What 's damage ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the peer, Professor potter. I think he 's sick of. ``

`` Since after the couple ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's arms. He rested his mind on their articulatio humeri and shivered as his cover fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deeply eternal sleep and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his pharynx and forced him to swallow them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to catch some Z's again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was sure he had fallen asleep in his dorm room, but now it looked as if he was in the hospital fender. The stead was nearly deserted, save for madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still lightheaded. The good thing was that his headland felt much unspoilt. However, his body still ached.

Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottles and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` Good, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What clip is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nursemaid said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Mon ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any just and had started becoming unrestrained. You 've been here since around dejeuner time. ``

`` Oh. well, how tenacious do I have to stay ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and gentlewoman Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely commend being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a blurry memory. The in conclusion thing he could really recall well was the Quidditch peer. He was very felicitous he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Sooner had Albus drank the first potion that the door to the Hospital Wing swung open and John, mat, rosiness, and Amanda came bursting through. Madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to take a breather ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rosiness shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank Merlin you 're all properly ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing honorable ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Well, '' matt said with a half smile on his pale case, `` This is a permutation. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' Saint John the Apostle smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably sleep another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two daylight. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his booster, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you bring that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

lusterlessness nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in history of illusion and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` Well, you did n't sleep through two altogether Clarence Day like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two years actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right ! '' lady Pomfrey announced, `` prison term for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, matte. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his acquaintance left the room.

`` Sure will, '' matt replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the future dayspring. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the side by side morning time. His dad had stopped by in the beginning before social class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to drink. Albus was the only patient in the entire ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth part glass of piddle that morning when the doors to the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth opened. lustrelessness stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water ewer and descended upon Matt.

`` You 're here earlier than usual, '' she said as she felt his head, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once dame Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' mat mumbled, `` fell asleep in denial and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly aid much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to retrieve something to undermine the function of it that makes you outwear, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

lady Pomfrey returned a instant later and gave flatness a few potions. He drank them and was asleep arcminute later. Albus was n't really fag, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and Matt, but brothel keeper Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. Matt had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their friends left, Madam Pomfrey woke matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the succeeding morning, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his capitulum felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast lady Pomfrey provided.

The same could n't be said for Matt, who was looking lots worse than the premature day. He was either asleep or unconscious mind, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scratch on his face. His veracious arm and forehead were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some kind of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most belike, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able-bodied to leave that first light. He was starting to palpate incredibly bored with the Hospital Wing, although not bored enough to start the preparation blush wine had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the morning drifting in and out of sleep out of lack of anything else to do. ma'am Pomfrey gave him a few more foul savouring potions and tiffin, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food, he was starving.

The doors to the hospital annexe opened just as Albus was finishing his dejeuner. John Lackland, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. brothel keeper Pomfrey was in her situation and did n't seem to discover the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' rosiness grinned.

`` Are you dear now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me pass on until later, though. Wish she 'd let me pass on now. ``

`` She just wants to make sure as shooting you 're completely better, '' Rose said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing lots ameliorate material on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' King John asked.

`` Go to the subroutine library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to attend for mode of proving who we are. ``

toilet groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' rose wine laughed. `` But we 'll find out somehow. ``

`` devising anymore progress on the appealingness for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this clock time he could n't even move his mouth like last time. Now I 've just got to visualise out how to affect other citizenry in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is win over lusterlessness that the magic spell is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at lusterlessness 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been benumbed all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

matte groaned and opened his oculus, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' bathroom replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' King John said, `` Just about that charm for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to line up some way to test to it that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` auditory sensation good, '' matte yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' lusterlessness said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. Might be out in meter for astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moonshine is close to good ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll project on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' lav said. `` Maybe Malfoy will fascinate it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not funny, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really pallid. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a room access open and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her spot. She looked up and saw the crowd around Albus and mat 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' rosiness answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that rosebush, John, and Amanda had burst in without her license. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My head hurts and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your point much high-risk than usual finale dark, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for Matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' ma'am Pomfrey said to Rose, whoremonger, and matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

ennui set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. flatness had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his nuisance potion. Albus could n't even slumber anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a book shut.

Albus, privy, lustrelessness, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded tabular array in the depository library. It was covered in leger that covered all sorting of topics. The five of them had spent the last hr searching for ways to prove to the new map that they were like the Marauders. So far, nobody had found anything useful.

`` I do n't have it away, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might raise that we 're like the piranha. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' whoremaster muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an total Sat here. ``

`` It 'll do you some good, '' rose said.

`` Wish we could just use that rule book that you used to find the former good luck charm, '' Albus said to Rose, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted Section, '' rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get professor thrower to establish us a preeminence ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' rose wine interjected, `` It might not be a Charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to have to keep on looking, '' Albus said as he opened another book. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice session in a half hr. ``

`` We 'll just take care every time we can get away from Kaden, '' Matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. fare to recollect of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of foreign since Kaden spent every waking moment of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' lustrelessness pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his first cousin running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince shouted even gimcrack, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an empty president at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't record what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the epithet of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common room, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and matte shouted.

`` pipe down ! '' madam Pince screeched.

pink wine laughed, `` What on earth for ? ``

`` I would n't heed having a TV in the vernacular room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's hard enough for us Muggle-borns to conform to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would make it leisurely. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' trick laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got scads of theme song already. I 'm not really certainly how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few days and then give it to prof Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to suppress his smile, but he could n't. The estimate of Kaden trying to get televisions put into the common rooms was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teacher would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you contract it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for computers next. ``

`` data processor, '' mat laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll signal, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't hurt to sign the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

John and Matt signed as well, although they were laughing the unhurt time. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after rosiness finished signing.

`` homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the big sight of books, `` Second year must be flaming insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' john said, `` You wo n't have any time to watch any TV. ``

`` I 'll arrive at time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get Sir Thomas More signatures. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from table to hold over trying to get mass to bless. Some of them liked the idea and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, lady Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your first cousin is the weirdest bloke I 've ever met, '' trick said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the Bible he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to drill. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the plebeian room and found his Quaker sitting around their usual table doing preparation. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would serve them to prove that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to inquire if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did receive a way to evidence they were like the Marauders, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they birth to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no theme, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to make this easy.

******

The rest of Feb passed quickly. Albus and his friends continued to scour the program library for any form of magical spell, spell, or potion that would help them in their quest to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the books every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. pink wine was sure she 'd make it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said lots when the appealingness was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to tell Kaden once pink wine perfected the magic spell.

Kaden 's orison to experience televisions put into the vernacular room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the least bit deterred by this. He insisted it was rejected due to miss of convincing grounds as to how the televisions would benefit the educatee. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rose said at dinner one nighttime, `` Even if the teachers accepted your postulation, the televisions would n't even bring here. There 's too lots magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a charm that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' Matt said, `` Magic just does n't agree with electronics. This one prison term when we were visiting my Uncle diddly in the United res publica, Amy accidentally broke one of the metallic element detectors at the airport. It was n't her fault or anything, the magic trick just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't contain until they turned it off. ``

St. John the Apostle laughed, `` That would 've been screaming to see. ``

`` Amy did n't reckon so. She was mortified, '' lusterlessness said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could rule a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, looking at, '' Albus pointed to the Head table. professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` marvel what he 's got to say ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Hope it 's nix bad, '' pink wine said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't occupy, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll determine this announcement most shake up. ``

There was a general murmur of excitement throughout the Great Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to hold back talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll call up at the offset of the yr, when I announced the changes for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one part of the House unity effort. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another oneness case. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A magpie hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the shoal needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the event. It will not be like a regular scavenger hunt. It will take shoes on the next three Saturdays. This Saturday will be for the first and second years. The following will be for tertiary and quaternary years. The finish will be for fifth, sixth, and seventh class.

`` The former professors and I will be organizing the teams, which will dwell of members of former years and former houses. Each squad will have about ten penis. You will have one hr to finish the tasks given.

`` You will welcome a list of point to hold before this hour is up. There are regulation, of row. Some of these token will be required to obtain without magic. We will be performing good luck charm on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the magpie William Holman Hunt will not only include a inclination of item to get hold. You will also receive multiple trivium sheet of paper. These will include both star and Muggle trifle.

`` Finally, each team will invite a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will extend them on a seeking throughout the palace and flat coat. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point bonus. However, there is also a pretended trail that will head you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will pass you a more detailed list of pattern on the day of the upshot. Until then, keep your brains sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his supporter, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a unmarried person would be able to reach all of it alone. It 's a slap-up idea for House integrity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' King John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that leaning that 's in the Slytherin plebeian way or something ? '' rosiness pointed out.

Saint John the Apostle groaned, `` I guess you 're right. ``

`` phone fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. wonder what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some voucher to get out of preparation or something, '' John said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the pure time for them to start, '' trick replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that list and if there was anyone in the school that had tons of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few sidereal day seemed to dredge on forever for Albus and the rest period of the first and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger Holman Hunt and the teacher were getting a bit rag that nobody was paying tending in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at dejeuner for all the first and second geezerhood to remain seated after they were done eating. Once all the older students left, Kendrick got to his animal foot once more.

`` Now, the instant you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The magpie Hunt will begin shortly. First, I have a few more linguistic rule to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the hebdomad, there are point on this tilt that are not allowed to be created using conjuring trick. You may not conjure, transfigure, spell, or charm any of those point. Asking an older educatee to do so is also against the rules. We have magical spell that will observe if any item was magicked during the hr of the scavenger hunt.

`` The items must be found within the school day and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden timberland, the Whomping Willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of spring and you may not look for for items in or around them. You may not ask quondam students or teachers for aid, nor may you owl family fellow member or other people. However, you may ask older scholarly person if they have any of the particular on the list. It is up to them if they let you take over them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalization. You are permitted to use the library for help with the trivia. ``

rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official program library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight teams of approximately ten students each. Your House prefects have your team assignments. Teams one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minutes to get organized in your squad and then the other professor will paw out the appropriate fabric. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, problematical destiny. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the tabular array and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his champion wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Empire State of the South grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` cook ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a good team, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Sakartvelo laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on squad Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Peach State scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on squad One, Saint John is on squad quartet, matt 's on squad Two ... ''

Albus grinned at matte. He was relieved that one of his champion was on his team. Now all he had to do was desire Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on squad quatern, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his Quaker, `` Guess we 'll see you after. ripe luck. ``

Albus and Matt worked their way through the crowds to the Hufflepuff board along with Rose. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The chances were n't majuscule that he would have two of his friends on his like team. He was just lucky he had one of his friends on the same team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from teams one and two. team Two was gathering at the half closest to the faculty table, so Albus and mat made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly tied number of each family at the table. Besides Albus and Matt, there was one former Gryffindor, a kickoff yr girl Albus had seen but did n't know her figure. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't know, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the tart quill pen in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found seats far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger Leigh Hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few sec later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel underbrush and I 've been assigned as squad police chief. ``

Everyone muttered how-do-you-do to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any tending to their animus.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a fistful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the inclination of hooey to look for and the trivia.

`` The Hunt will start up in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will give you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll have one hour to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A mo later, Kendrick shot out a shower bath of down in the mouth light from his wand and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right hand ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to trace the riddle and run around to get the bonus points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the early Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivia, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Witches and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You Know About football. ``

Albus turned to flatness and laughed. Kaden would surely get it on the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the citizenry who thought they 'd be able to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivia sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the leaning of items to find out, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team members, which were Albus, Matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll take tutelage of the costumes. You 'll just have to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't throw to wear anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five regurgitation flavored Bertie Botts attic
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor gown
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robes
-light saber
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog placard
-twenty shoestring tied together
-Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood
-Shooting Star broom handle
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum stick
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons jersey
-six Extendable Ears
-Muggle performing cards
-receipt from dame Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the names of five Hogwarts sign of the zodiac Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe chalk
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts commencement exercise motion-picture show
-band aids
-green vacate potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's cocoa bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple sheepskin
-two batteries
-tortilla Saratoga chip

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody underworld is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousins might induce one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Nelson Rodner, said.

`` trade good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this poppycock ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then come across back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can work on the stuff we do n't. ``

The other three son agreed and Albus ran out of the Great vestibule with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't submit credit for the pack rat search idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch Pines that I go to every summer and they have scavenger hunts like the one in this chapter. thoroughgoing with costumes, trivia, and the riddle. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Saint Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or the idea for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a trajectory of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` Kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the common room completely out of breath. `` pack rat Richard Morris Hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't look until our turn next Sat. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting particular when Albus and Matt entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched surface his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts bonce, a Dumbledore umber frog card, his copy of Hogwarts, A chronicle, one Extendable Ear, and the picture album he found in the attic of his menage. The graduation picture in the vertebral column would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked matte once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, band AIDS, Chudley Cannons jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to bring it since it does n't puzzle out here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Hall. ``

When Albus and Matt got back to the Hufflepuff board, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a pile of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a written matter of The Hobbit, color changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing bill of fare, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a full commencement, '' Albus said as he added his and flatness 's stuff to the pile. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the older students to adopt the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver woodwind instrument, a Shooting champion broom handle, drum sticks, a receipt from gentlewoman Malkin 's, foe glass, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver goblet, tortilla chips, a tea cozy, the names of five home ELF, and a Milton Snavely Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` shuffling Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the quietus, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the hooey. ``

`` fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the horseshoe laces, empty green potions bottle, purple gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a anuran, purple parchment, a pencil eraser duck, two electric battery, and five more extendible Ears. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the common room and ask if anyone 's got this poppycock. ``

`` trade good thought, '' Albus agreed.

The two boy set off at a run back to their common room. Luckily it was still packed with students and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a cluster of stuff to witness. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common way quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the pack rat Hunt and demand some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple gloves, a anuran, regal parchment, a rubber duck, stamp battery, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty shoe lace. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the scholarly person got up and went up to their hall. A few minutes later they came back down with various items for Albus. He managed to take over a condom duck, purple parchment, and a few Extendable capitulum. Plus he got at least twenty shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his helping hand to his forehead, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the vulgar room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the vulgar way. Albus ignored them and pointed his scepter to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and matt took off for the program library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' matte said back.

Albus 's nub sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` ceramist. Up to no good again ? In need of another hold, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter home Unity and we have to ascertain all this stuff throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' mat interrupted, holding a piece of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should bother ... scholarly person never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his gens onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into lustrelessness 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' Matt grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the Room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brainy ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in forepart of the way. Albus slowly walked back and Forth River in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his one-third walk, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the pack rat hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course, '' matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that convention because then everyone would find out about the elbow room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the list and he looked it over for a few second gear. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got K potions bottles. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurriedness, there 's only 15 minutes left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in record time. Albus pushed the door unfold and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to lean to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first twelvemonth, `` I have n't got time for this magpie hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth person I 've had come in here looking for potions bottles and band help ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and matte as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' matte whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nursemaid, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` Hello, brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' matte greeted her.

Madam Pomfrey turned around and her irritated face softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, mat, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm amercement, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an evacuate park potions bottle. ``

The nursemaid sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be sure to give it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. mat grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her headspring, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' lusterlessness said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the threshold, still in shock that the nanny had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that first year only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her estimable side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd ameliorate get back to the Great Asaph Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and lustrelessness ran as fast as they could gage to where their team was. The rest of the team was working hard to finish the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a faker whiskers. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as risible as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor finest, with robes, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, Potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to fit out up as a Slytherin ! The robe I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin gown, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few mo and if it helped them win ....

Albus did sense a bit unusual in the Slytherin gown. He could n't help but call back back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the time. He might get even been more friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't get really befriended bathroom, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the idea from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the gown to help his squad win.

Rachel took line of the item on the list as matte tied all the shoe lace together. It turns out that the only things they were missing were the faint saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, Shooting maven broomstick, foe chalk, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a instant later and told everyone that he had finished the imbue quest and had managed to get the bonus points.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will be around soon to check your lists. They will also collect your trivia sheets which will be marked later today. The winner will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few moments later and looked over their list. She took a pic of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin mo. As soon as the scene was taken, Albus took off the gown and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of parchment, `` You can leave. Please yield anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from respective Gryffindors. They stopped by the infirmary Wing to return the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's material and then went to sit down at their common tabular array. rose wine, lav, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rosiness said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's thoroughly, '' John said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin one, '' Albus replied.

john burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to arrange up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' St. John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the list of stuff and nonsense to find ? '' matt asked.

`` I 'm pretty surely my squad was the only one with a light saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right, '' rosiness shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff and nonsense, but I think we did well in the trifle. ``

`` Of trend you did, '' St. John the Apostle grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to see the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any green ones and gentlewoman Pomfrey looked set up to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fairly that Kendrick put something on there that was insufferable to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' john asked.

`` We got it, '' Matt told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` Madam Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was in use fixing someone 's broken in arm, but still .... ''

`` Matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

Matt shrugged, `` simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only when one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that completely secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the enigma thing ? ``

`` I did, '' rosebush said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of course, '' toilet said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simpleton, really, '' blush wine said. She pulled a while of sheepskin out of her gown and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by virtuoso worldwide
Where serious and evil are forced to collide
A terrible military force can now no longer reside.
A property where just one voice of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John, flatness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't think it was bare, but Rose was good at those sorts of things.

`` No idea, '' bathroom announced.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't look at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the post where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' pink wine grinned, `` That was the prank part. It 's actually that monument outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's ophidian. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it make you to reckon it out ? '' matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to stick to the clues to find the bit of information to give professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' blush wine grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` Wonder how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my squad did, obviously, '' blush wine said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John Lackland sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll incur out this night how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' pink wine agreed, `` But I 'm not going to cogitate about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. Rose wrote an entire essay and did a set of preparation dubiousness. Matt helped Amanda with her astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the early hand, spent he ease of the good afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to find during the scavenger Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the staff table to see when Kendrick would make the annunciation, but he seemed to be waiting until the live on arcminute to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Kendrick got to his base. `` Good evening, everyone. I hope all the first base and irregular yr enjoyed the scavenger Holman Hunt. It was certainly a achiever and I 'm sure the sr. students will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any further waiting, I shall announce the upshot. The initiatory, second, and third gear blank space teams will all be awarded decoration.

`` In third topographic point, with 572 points, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of Team Two please issue forth up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third post, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty soundly, '' matt grinned and followed Albus up to the stave table.

Albus and matte joined the sleep of their squad in battlefront of the staff table. Kendrick put a bronze ribbon over each of their cervix and pulled out a camera. He took a few pictures and then told them to return to their seats.

rosiness, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousins patted him on the back and told him proficient job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my squad will get first office succeeding week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second home, with 580 power point, is Team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The members of Team Seven ran up to the staff table to get their Ag medals and have their video taken.

`` And in commencement place, with 673 tip, is squad Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` congratulations to the winning squad ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff board, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's squad won. ``

`` fountainhead, he does have a very orotund amount of random stuff in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light saber that put his team over the edge, '' John shook his foreland, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big Au medal a few proceedings later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first situation. ``

`` We were so end to indorse, '' Matt groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` Well, third 's soundly, '' lavatory muttered, `` Better than not getting a ribbon at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a plot, '' Amanda said, `` The stage is that we all had fun. ``

`` Congratulations to our winning team and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the side by side stave, one-third and fourth eld, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed billet before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very cognitive content with third shoes. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The pack rat Leigh Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the entire day. He made a genial billet to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore procession on the map. Plus, they 'd have to inquiry more about how to testify to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the premature one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a light cavalry sword, a example that my brother agrees with since he brought his light cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few citizenry told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can find fictional character visibility and a blog about news and updates about my writing. The connexion is on my profile page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and exit comments in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in shoemaker's last summertime 's pack rat hunt. Big thanks to my ally, blush wine, for coming up with the conundrum. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the month, blush wine continued to relieve oneself progress on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the time April rolled around, she was sure-footed in her power to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to turn out to the map that he and his supporter were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch exercise, or dueling drill, in the library trying to find out a turn or magical spell that would work. His efforts were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tourney. He won both of his duel as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch peer was the low Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to narrate who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his head as he walked into the changing room.

GA gave the squad the usual pep talk, which this metre included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final exam. If Ravenclaw got to a lesser extent than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the final exam. Georgia did n't particularly deal who they played in the final, just so long as they won.

The peer went smoothly, in Albus 's persuasion. Much dependable than the previous match, in which Albus got sick partway through. The conditions was improve for this match as well. Albus managed to keep on from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring match for both sides and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hour of caper, James went into a diving and caught the stoolie, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The common party in the common elbow room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really matter to in it. Now that the lucifer was over, all he could think about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the beneficial time to do it would be in the evening and the serious space would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the charm on John, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only condition was first trying it with a harmless secret, and if that worked, to move onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John Lackland asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner party. ``

The rest of the good afternoon and dinner party seemed to go by at an alarmingly tardily rate. time seemed to go by much like it did in story of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the palace, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of elbow room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the castle, with a unceasing stream of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' matt whispered nervously as they stopped in front of the blank blank space of wall where the room of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' rosiness assured him, `` It will work. ``

lusterlessness nodded and started pacing in front line of the wall.

`` Why did we contain ? '' Kaden asked, and then his heart popped out of his head as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` way of requisite, '' Albus told him, `` elbow room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't think you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` wellspring, it 's not something we want you to assure anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll hand me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, come sit down, '' Albus told his full cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a arse on the couch succeeding to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` wellspring, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to essay something. pink wine found a charm that 's supposed to pretend someone not be able to secern former people 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to enjoin you a bunch of stuff and you wo n't be able to enjoin anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to construct sure the charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. rose wine is going to execute the charm, using your knowledge of this room as the closed book. If you have n't told anyone by next Saturday, we 'll tell you the rest of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't conceive you wo n't tell me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to tell anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my defect ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to do it the enigma, you 'll birth to have rose wine do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` trade good, '' rosiness smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten moment to perform the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and blush wine 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' Rose decided once they left the Room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the girl. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the female child asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, amercement, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never mind. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's serious that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a close eye on Kaden throughout the adjacent week. As far as he could tell, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the way of Requirement. They tested the appealingness a few more clip, telling Kaden to tell someone about it, but Kaden was never able-bodied to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a succeeder.

Kaden was positively beaming by the clock time Sat arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially give Wormtail in their group of new marauder. John, rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The only thing left to do after this would be to find a way to try to the map that they were like the predator. Matt did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't help that the full moon was only a few sidereal day away. Albus could n't really blame mat for his nerves, but Albus was sure the charm would continue to work.

After dinner, Albus led his booster back to the Room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the confidential ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the Room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And lusterlessness 's going to assure you the inaugural one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of inclusion appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get sick every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't desire Malfoy to make love about ? ``

`` Yes, '' matte said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the spell like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never honorable mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` goodness. Now, you know that werewolves are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting upchuck ? ``

`` Everything, '' Matt said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest matter ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' Matt told him, `` I get sick a few days before the full moon, and then the night of the wax moon, I turn into a wildcat and bite myself because there 's nothing else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The shriek Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the screeching. ``

`` Now that is assuredness, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long metre, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my liveliness, '' mat explained, `` It 's horrifying, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because most sorcerer do n't like werewolves, '' Matt explained.

`` fountainhead that 's pillock. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` magic does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying William Tell you for the whole year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' lustrelessness shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a Hugo Wolf. So you do n't want to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' matt told him, `` Actually, I take a unlike mixture than most werewolves take. For some reason, Wolfsbane does n't solve for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new form of wolfbane. ``

`` DOE it work on ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' matte replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every full moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will work ? ``

flatness shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hopes up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few second of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robe, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the side by side half 60 minutes showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the better thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to represent prick Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That evil fella who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to have the same name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my mediate name. ``

`` Perfect, '' Gospel According to John grinned, `` You even sort of portion his epithet. ``

`` will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be kind of like him for it to work. And you are because you 've sort of got the Sami epithet. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to work ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to rise to it that we 're like the piranha. Somehow we 've got to show the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is unlike, but your fingerbreadth print is similar to your congener. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify body. ``

`` A finger print ! '' rosebush exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't consider I did n't consider of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is unlike. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger's breadth mark, '' blush wine said, `` adept ones. There 's a magical spell to get your maven 's finger Print. It reveals your name, congeneric, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of chilling, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can find that stuff out if they 've got your fingerbreadth print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' rose shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an idea about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger's breadth publish affair worked, they could sustain the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll take care for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her sceptre, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in month. They were so close, he could just finger it. The map would be working soon. Of course of instruction, there was a nagging doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to see out even after the finger print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' John asked as he glanced over the sheepskin all the endorsement age had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` Care of Magical Creatures, '' mat replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid Teach it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` augury me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun course. ``

`` You ought to think about what will be useful in your future careers, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no idea what I want to do, '' St. John the Apostle said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a good job, but he was n't sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do aid of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' trick asked, `` But we only have to take two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really wish to take Care of Magical Creatures, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' lav shrugged.

rose snorted, `` Divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a matter. There 's no real encyclopedism involved. ``

`` But is it leisurely ? '' John asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up predictions about your demise if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his lambskin, `` I 'll hold that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds concern. ``

`` fine, '' pink wine sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a bailiwick. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do antediluvian Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you cerebrate you 'll take ? ``

`` antediluvian runic letter sounds near, '' Matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's better here. ``

`` I 'd take aim everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't determine. ``

`` You ca n't lease everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two office at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty sure that 's out of the question, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at blush wine, who grinned back. Albus could only ideate Kaden 's response to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most course you can take is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll admit three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing classes ? '' rosiness asked as she stood up, `` We 'd better get to transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the entire Transfiguration class trying to wrench his dental plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. rosebush, of course of instruction, did it within ten moment and spent the end of the grade helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

History of Magic was as boring as ever. Matt slept the full class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration of Jesus and probably would have fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a pragmatic deterrent example. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the to the full Sun Myung Moon was the next day. The Healers still had n't found something to counteract the incline effect of utmost weariness of the new Wolfsbane that Matt was on.

two-baser Potions was after dejeuner, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the way. This was odd since he had felt fine a bit before. He did n't seem to be the alone one who felt this either. Both Gospel According to John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even pink wine 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her lambskin. Matt laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` near afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm certain you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking cauldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one puff of air of this potion to put you into a state of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll decrease into an almost sleep-like state for about a half minute. Of track, you 'd know this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busybodied with Quidditch praxis, dueling practice, and all his other homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can complete it. education are on the board. Work with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his mesa. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The entire course of instruction was moving at a dense footstep than common, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was kind of strange. Nobody was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this detail potion for a cause. The past week, a duel had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the Hospital annexe for burns and then being assigned a week 's Charles Frederick Worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredients and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some fixings into the cauldron and began to bring up it. He watched lustrelessness and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredient and was prodding Matt with his wand to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` Chop up those cherry antecedent, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how sedate Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few proceedings. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle oculus he was mincing. mat was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The sleepiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook Matt 's shoulder. `` Dear boy, you might desire to go to the Hospital annex. I do n't think the smoke from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a rich sopor. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm trusted Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where Matt was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The somnolence went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' matt mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down next to him.

`` I dunno, '' mat shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd break get to the hospital annex. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey wanted Matt to stay for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him go forth at all before the full moonshine. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the Hospital Wing that Night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the fully moonlight. Albus and the rest of his friends decided that as soon as lusterlessness was out of the Hospital backstage, they would set out looking for the sorcerer 's digit Print spell. Rose was pretty sure she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't remember where. That meant that they would spend minute scouring the full depository library for it. This was in addition to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of full term exams were to a lesser extent than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able-bodied to figure out the map before school day was over. It would be superfluous to work out it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !