Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




matte did n't return to the usual room until Sunday afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent nigh of the weekend doing homework and playing round of golf of Exploding Snap. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a chance to tell matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the infirmary fender because it had been very push that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming lucifer while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to give birth an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common room with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the infirmary Wing. He still looked a bit tired and the cold shoulder on his typeface were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his record and glanced at his friends when lusterlessness came through the portraiture hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' Matt asked, `` You 're awfully repose. ``

`` We 've, er, got to recite you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the way. '' Albus got up and left the common room. His Quaker all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the picture of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three fourth dimension in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his protagonist asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couches, a hearth, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' flatness asked immediately, once the doorway was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' Rose suggested.

lustrelessness sat down on one of the couches and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to school day in Australia. ``

`` Well, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a chair. blush wine, john, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` fountainhead, get on with it, '' Matt said.

`` All right field, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' mat commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really be intimate the Charles Herbert Best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some reason was talking to Scorpio Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' mat interrupted with a tone of blow on his face.

`` It gets tough, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a while, so he would close up last calendar month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him prognosticate not to recount anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some ground he told Malfoy. ``

matte sank back into his chair and his font went chalk tweed. Albus was glad pink wine told him to sit down, because if he had n't bear been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as mat processed the information. After a few mo he asked very quietly, `` What did he narrate Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some variety of wizard disease that Madam Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your sick gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his eyes and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't good. Malfoy ca n't determine out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and induce sure he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really check him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of enquiry and he 'll hump everything, '' flatness moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too lazy to gravel, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't have got, he just ca n't, '' flatness whispered.

`` We do n't acknowledge for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the Marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

mat nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and Tell anyone, luck are I 'll accept to leave. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' pink wine assured him.

`` How do you bang ? ``

`` rosebush is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in schooltime, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to stay in school. Dumbledore made him promise not to tell apart anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the Saami affair. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' Matt sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` blush wine had to stop me and Gospel According to John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him much since and I do n't really want to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin-german, '' matt said.

`` Does n't weigh, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell anyone and he did, so I ca n't trust him anymore. And no one 's going to convert me to apologize this sentence. ``

`` All right, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's hitch here for a patch. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd have to hex him. ``

rosebush groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex hoi polloi to lick your trouble ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing works best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' Rose commented.

`` What he did was a moderately Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. nobody argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very commove one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade sojourn on Saturday, which the honest-to-goodness students were very charge up about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a 2nd year. James made for certain to lord this over him at every moment possible during the week preceding the visit. Saint James the Apostle would be going on his initiative Hogsmeade sojourn, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of prank following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common room with their purse bulging with what could only be Weasley 's ware, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that dark, the pupil organic structure was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his booster had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and Au. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to visualize out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' James IV informed the Gryffindor board in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will tire out off within 24 time of day, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' whoremonger laughed.

`` I was going to save it for the day of the Quidditch lucifer, '' James IV explained, `` But I just could n't wait. ``

`` I ca n't blame you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff tabular array and saw his dad trying to choke his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The other fellow member of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the great deal of his house decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The pursue day was the firstly dueling tournament for the third-year dueling club. The older students had already had their first tournament the late weekend. Albus 's cousin Sir Henry Morton Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to hold place immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the second, third gear, and fourth years were filled with excitement about it.

`` What if we have to duel each former ? '' Albus said worriedly at dejeuner. `` I really do n't want to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might have to. It 'll be all decently. None of us know any while that could do any live damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first years could link the dueling nine, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't beware beating him in front man of the entire school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The sole thing I can do is disarm someone, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a indorsement year, or even a third base yr, you 'll give a chance at winning. Fourth long time, on the former hand, I 'm not sure any of us have got a chance at winning a affaire d'honneur with one of them. They probably know all sort of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` recall that the team have people from all geezerhood on them. I do n't call up any squad has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still like there were family team. I do n't wish being on the Same team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up recitation dueling with each other every get together, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really good dueler, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to thrum anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not sure as shooting about that, '' Albus said.

`` Attention ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tourney will lead off shortly. Please throw your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, expert portion everyone. '' Albus 's friends all wished each other thoroughly luck as they got up and left the Great Hall. It was a bit odd being on separate team, Albus thought. He wished his booster trade good chance, but he wanted his own squad to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of students filing into the dueling bedchamber near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each squad to look at. Their team gens, The Dueling tartar, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the board. There was a realistic looking firedrake breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hair still brilliant scarlet and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the contrary end. A few minute later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to address.

`` care ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will come out in a couple minutes. I 'm for certain we 'll do great. Everyone call up what you 've learned within the past calendar month and you 'll do ticket. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next time. I know this inter-house team affair is unvoiced, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, estimable luck ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other quaternary years on the team.

A minute later, professor Kendrick stood up at the straw man of the room and raised his hands for calm down. The elbow room fell still and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling Tournament for the Juniors Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tournament of the year. At the end of the yr, the top two team will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with Professors ceramist and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The succeeder of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tourney, the squad with the most points will be declared the winner. The spot will role over to each tourney, after the sixth tournament, the two team with the most level will face off in the final. Now, each captain was given a tilt of duel for today, so I will return you a few second to get organized and for the police captain to inform their teams of the schedule. unspoilt luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her team. Albus 's initiative duel was about halfway down the listing and his second was the third to last. The only thing he could do now was wait until his act came. Albus was growing steadily more neural as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him be that down. Albus watched the foremost brace of duel while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, St. James the Apostle 's turn came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. Rose was up next and she easily beat her third year Slytherin opposite. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and nigh of them had won. Before yearn, Amanda 's turning was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling ringing that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a sec year Hufflepuff and the first part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the enchantment sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarise her opponent and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down side by side to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up next against a Slytherin fourth year. The duel hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused lusterlessness to slam into the bulwark behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. professor Cedonia took lusterlessness to the infirmary wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a twain detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope lusterlessness 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be exquisitely, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use turn like that. ``

`` I could bear blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the hair ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A here and now later his name was called and he was off to duel a familiar Slytherin. It was a very fast step affaire d'honneur. Both of them were excellent duellist, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be well-chosen about this or not. He did n't birth long to dwell on it, though, because a minute later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling closed chain where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw adversary. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a companion secondment year.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can start when I let out red light. ``

Albus and Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling stance. Neville 's verge shot out red light and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Jimmy Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to block it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending spells that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to Potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and carter shook script and went back to their teams.

`` goodness job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's good, too, but that tickling thing was great. He could hardly move. ``

`` I 'll have to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bore with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. John dueled Albus 's first cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent dueller. Rose and Malfoy each won their secondly affaire d'honneur, while John and Amanda lost theirs. lustrelessness returned from the infirmary wing in fourth dimension for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third year Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a one-third class Gryffindor in his s duel and narrowly won. His opposition did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his bit duel, which was against a tierce or one-fourth class Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't certainly which.

Eventually, all the duel finished and professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wonderful job. Now, to declare the achiever. I am please to foretell that the Flying Phoenixes, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in number one berth with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The side by side tourney will accept place at the end of November or beginning of Dec. Your captains will be informed of the take date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next time, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at pattern on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never find their friends in the crowd. `` We 'll meet them in the coarse room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the vernacular room, it was already wide with scholarly person rehashing parts of the affaire d'honneur. Albus noticed Kaden listening to Saint James the Apostle 's account statement of his duels. James had won his second duel and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found john and Matt sitting at their usual board. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by Rose, who was glowing.

`` Congratulations ! '' Albus announced as his cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' rose wine replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. heathland is n't the large captain. I think we just have naturally safe duelers on our team. Carter is stick, although not as good as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just gladiolus I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't have shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` sword lily I 'm not on his team, '' whoremonger muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duels. ``

`` You 'll do full side by side metre, '' Albus assured him.

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't wind up in the infirmary fender, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the lonesome one that did. anatomy. ``

Gospel According to John laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attraction for that office. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' matte replied.

`` That was n't your fault, though, '' Rose pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm OK, '' Matt assured him, `` lady Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my back duel. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the instructor I had in primary schoolhouse. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives detention. ``

`` And no examination ! '' lavatory grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only if ground level they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a unmarried in year test.

`` I 'm not certain I like that, '' Rose sighed. The four former educatee looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to lie with if we 've mastered the charms if she does n't try out us ? ''

`` She watches us in class to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' mat commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' pink wine reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exams in appeal. ``

`` Those are three geezerhood away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' rose wine corrected him, `` And it 's better to come out preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more spell this year than utmost year, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' rose wine replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's way of teaching and he did n't need her to start giving them exams like the former teachers did. Without appeal exam, Albus had lupus erythematosus to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore pink wine 's pleas for exams and preserve the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin juice when the postal service arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a modest brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the letter of the alphabet and gave the owl a piece of toast before it flew off.

`` feeling, it 's addressed to all of us, '' rosebush commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couplet letters so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to lustrelessness. These usually arrived a couple days after the full moon, as Amy always wanted to lie with how Matt was. Since the full moon had been a few workweek ago, Albus was singular as to what Victoire had to tell apart them. He opened the letter of the alphabet and began to study it. rosiness, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

dearest Albus, Matt, Rose, St. John the Apostle, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying course of study and not making too
much trouble. congratulation on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many great victories to total. Good
hazard in your first Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able-bodied to see, but
it depends on work and healer training schedules.

education has been going well. We 've been attending classes in the morning
and grooming at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. teddy has been
very busy with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our common clip to write. We 're not certain if you read the prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter of the alphabet. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter of the alphabet and glanced at his friends. As Albus fell back into his school routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his eyes to the letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle small town in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his behind and are tracking him this very
minute. shift heard about it while he was at training, and we decided to
give you a head word up. Uncle Harry will probably tell you as well.

Do n't interest about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under controller. in effect luck with Quidditch, dueling, and classes, and we
hope to see you soon.

passion,
Victoire, slip, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly leave about Willinson, '' St. John said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why professor ceramist is n't here, '' Matt commented.

Albus looked up at the staff table and noticed that his father was missing. `` guesswork so. ``

`` Do n't interest, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's variety of unspoiled that someone spotted him. Before they had no leads, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the other two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted style ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to fascinate him.

`` Could I see the prophet ? '' Rose asked one of the elder scholarly person who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the composition. `` Let 's discover the article. '' rose scanned the face pageboy and found a little article on the impart face of the varlet. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning time. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his onslaught on Head Auror and defending team Against the night Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and genius, Harry Potter, terminal Spring. Five underage Hogwarts scholar were also attacked. Willinson, along with his beginner, Jaret Willinson, and the previous Charms prof, Jameson Washburn, attacked potter and the five students on the flat coat. ceramicist declined comment for this clause. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are dangerous and not to seek to contend them. If any of them are seen, people are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' rose wine said once she 'd finished reading the article, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm glad he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to come back, '' Rose sighed, `` To find the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully prof Potter will captivate them before they get the probability, '' lustrelessness replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in ages. ``

Albus looked over and saw that Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very end, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for matt this class. Albus did n't suppose Matt had ever gone this long without seeing her. `` They 'll probably occur, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' matt gave a lukewarm smile.

`` We 'd better get to appeal, '' Rose announced. The five second years got up from the board and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting succeeding to James, talking animatedly about something. King James did n't seem too happy about this and had the feel of person pretending to hear, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to reach up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the first half of class teaching the charm for tying skid, and during the second half, the class practiced. Unlike final year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical deterrent example in Charms. professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` Excuse me, prof ? '' blush wine announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

`` Rose, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to have any tests.

`` Yes, Rose ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied shoes. `` Oh, wonderful job ! ``

`` Thank you, professor, '' pink wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any exam in this class ? ``

Everyone in the entire elbow room stopped what they were doing and looked over at pink wine. Most of them looked horrify, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would let any exams. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really storm Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the former teachers at this school, do not trust in testing educatee in the schematic way. I prefer to attribute essays that are done outside of course of study, where you are dislodge to use your Word, to assess your cognition of possibility. As far as hard-nosed exams go, I prefer to assess your advance in socio-economic class. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the project at hand, I will give you extra aid until you can subdue it. However, in conformity with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical test at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' rose wine said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd like an exam, I will make one for you, but no one else will suffer to take on it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right field, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, Rose, that you will have a staring apprehension of second class Charms by the meter the year is up, and you will be in excellent condition to travel on to third class. ``

blush wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' trick agreed, `` I really thought Rose was going to convince her to test us. ``

`` well, I suppose she kind of is testing us, '' Matt explained, `` Just in a dissimilar way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' trick said.

Albus nodded. All of his instructor in primary shoal had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with conventional exam and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teachers gave us examination. Rose went to the Saame one. ``

`` Lapplander here, '' toilet replied, `` convention Muggle schoolhouse. ``

`` Not me, '' Matt announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably suppose why. Amy went to Muggle schoolhouse, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my schooling, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the male child. `` We did n't receive exam or grad or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange poppycock happen. mass thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a respectable way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will knead, '' Rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's overnice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really have any average instructor this yr, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' John the Evangelist said, `` But you 're right. ``

`` Who knows about next year, though, '' lusterlessness replied, `` We 'll start new study and who knows what those teacher will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Thatch Care of Magical Creatures and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of wizardly creatures ? '' John grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' Matt grinned back. `` Amy says the ancient Runes teacher is nice. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't desire to cognize what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really matter to, '' pink wine said, `` And GA told me the teacher is nonindulgent, but not mean. ``

`` Well, full, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got month before we have to decide what new subjects we 'll drive. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' Rose sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would turn out well. '' Albus and pink wine shared a laugh that the others did n't really infer. Albus saw their obscure faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's third year agenda sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's Defense family on Th. Harry called Albus up to his desk after social class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any acknowledgment of it in the Prophet that morning.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the former scholarly person left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a varsity letter and I read it in the Prophet, too. ``

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm beaming Victoire told you before you read it in the Prophet. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't bang what happened. ``

`` well, did you catch him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't want to wait any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder joint. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more booster cable, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wizard who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of time. ``

Albus 's look fell and he became more interest as he realized that not much progression had been made. He had been so indisputable that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come back here. But there is a boastfully amount of protection around the schooling. in conclusion year, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a scholar here. They do n't have that going for them now. And I do n't reckon any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a bit and felt a bit better. `` All rightfulness. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The other Aurors have it under controller. ``

`` good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the school.

`` fountainhead, we 'd better head to the Great Hall, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't hurry, trick will eat all the solid food. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the room together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the common way the next calendar week completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The for the first time mate, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every eventide. It had been a drizzly eve and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his residence hall to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the common elbow room to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't incur his friend anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded coarse way until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen St. John the Apostle and lusterlessness anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his playscript. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to beat Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a commonplace smiling, `` They 're pitiable. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think John and Matt left an hour or so ago. I 'm not sure where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so good. Maybe they went to the hospital annexe. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full moon was the side by side night. They must have gone to the room of prerequisite. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the Room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to know about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a corner and then he started pacing in front of the wall. Three paces later, the door appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the plebeian room. ``

pink wine, toilet, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of sheepskin and they looked up as Albus came in. Matt was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't notice Albus.

`` We were, '' Rose said, `` But it was awfully gimcrack in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd start coming in here again. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chairperson and sat down next to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration, '' John groaned, `` Eight column inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inches so far. ``

`` account of magic trick, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a patch ago, '' blush wine commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the history of thaumaturgy stuff to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his history Word of God. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' lav answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to explore the Whomping willow tomorrow nighttime. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at nighttime ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more trouble if he 's out past tense curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' rosiness explained without looking up from her Good Book. `` I think he gets kind of delirious and does n't reckon straight at this time of the month. ``

`` You 're probably rectify, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you blame him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' rose wine sighed.

Albus started to leaf through his History of Magic book, but he could n't centralize. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree right now ? Albus closed his account book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the vulture 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, '' Albus pointed his verge at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few mo before his middle rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin common room. `` He 's in his vulgar elbow room. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to inquire that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' John Lackland asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big difficulty if he gets caught, '' Rose reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't check me, '' John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did agree with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the chance of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no mind. He sighed as he whispered, `` Mischief managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a pocket-sized mark on one of the turning point made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the corner. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this Deutsche Mark was so small it could take easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marker until he noticed what it was. It was four paw print. A wolf, dog, stag, and rat mark. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw photographic print, wracking his mind to try and call back why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' Rose was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the auditory sensation of her voice, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a wildcat, dog, hart, and rat foot print. Here, look. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda all leaned in to face at the stigma. pink wine furrowed her eyebrow and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the vulture have this thing check on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random while of parchment with these paw photographic print on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw print before. The piece of parchment that fell out of the photograph album in the attic of Grimmauld plaza ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the track of the school day class. The symbols were exactly the same. They must think something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my house, John ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photograph album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the piece of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

Realization dawned on privy 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd forget about that ! Do you still take it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very excited John and a thoroughly confused Rose and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the next chapter is long and I had to burst it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's precept stylus and the school Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to miss of funding. But the student did n't have tests or welcome mark. They also got to prefer whatever they wanted to study. It was a really interesting idea and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their follow-up !

Be on the lookout for my newest story, Life Is trade good, which is a prequel to Secrets Within that chronicles how Albus, blush wine, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts missive. I 'm hoping to post the first chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor unwashed way, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so happy he had n't left it in the Ionic dialect. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the coarse room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his companion classmate. When he got back to the Room, Saint John the Apostle was in the cognitive operation of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' rose wine grinned, `` Exactly the Saame mark. ``

`` But it 's just a blank part of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mysterious about it. Why would the Marauders put this symbol on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're powerful, Albus, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed, `` I do n't screw much about the vulture, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random piece of lambskin. ``

Rose looked from the map to the new objet d'art of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to work ? Maybe it 's an extension of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a minute. That kind of made good sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full Sun Myung Moon jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his baton and tapped the while of lambskin, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink spread across the map and Albus 's eye jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the table and watched the ink. But there was something dissimilar about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming Word of God. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would wish to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the vulture 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the like conjuration for this fussy item .'
Albus and Rose burst out laughing. This piece of parchment was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the Saame as the map. lav smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared simple at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was dead ? How can he be talking through parchment ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the piranha 's Map to pass on with people who try to use it and they 've done the Sami thing with this. '' Albus pulled the Marauder 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to express yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the usual ink. Saint John and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and Rose had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would like to would care to tell Mr. ceramist to maintain his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter portion a first public figure with the headmaster, it does not give him the authority do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. thrower 's middle name has got to be the most disgraceful name he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able-bodied to insult Mr. Potter 's last gens, but feels he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and can started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's beginning public figure was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the predator were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the predator hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my gramps, he 's never capable to carry off it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive magic, '' toilet said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' rosebush began, `` If the marauder did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a spell on it that prevented anyone except themselves to study it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually line up out how to understand it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rose was probably right. The piranha were always pranksters, and they would probably want others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you intend they might have wanted another item that only they could read ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That early small-arm of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't want anyone to be capable to scan. ``

`` But then we could n't learn it, '' Albus sighed. It did variety of make sense that the Marauders wanted something to be secret. But then why did they put the Lapplander crisscross on both parchments ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' John said adamantly.

`` We do n't even know if Rose is correctly, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the vulture could say it, would they still have to say something to look at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not sure, '' pink wine replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of magic that only enables a few citizenry to read it. sort of like a Fidelius good luck charm for record or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it. The only way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make trouble. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to construct mischief. I am going to pull a frivolity on someone. I promise I will make trouble. '' Albus tried many unlike magnetic variation on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but null worked.

`` It wo n't exercise, Albus, '' rosebush said after a while, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

Albus did n't need to do his preparation. He wanted to gain the parchment work. Right now, he did n't care about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the marauder can read, then you 've got to be a Marauder to understand it, '' John sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the predator 's Map, but it must be something that would prove you 're a Marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' Nothing happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure as shooting that that would have worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which piranha you are, '' John suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' rose wine shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of charm on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to make for. ``

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this point, but he was uncoerced to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandad. If this was going to work for anyone, it would knead for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his wand at the parchment with his nub beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the sheepskin. john, blush wine, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the lambskin. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His admirer nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the tidings formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the vulture 's Map, minute Edition .'
`` Second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more Word of God appeared across it. Saint John the Apostle, Rose, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could acknowledge different people.

`` Wait, '' pink wine pointed at the parchment. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the sec Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in mental confusion. Was this some kind of gag ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that second gear Prongs ?

`` What is this lambskin ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly advanced magic object, '' pink wine remarked. The four champion continued to watch as more publish appeared.

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and roguishness, they may present themselves as the next generation of marauder .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The future genesis of vulture ? What had his granddad and his friends done ?

`` This is unbelievable, '' pink wine whispered.

'These four ally must each represent one of the piranha, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may go forward along the itinerary of discovery .'

'The track 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 matter .'

'Then I pay my compliment on the diction to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and start proving that they know the predator .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no estimate who the Marauders are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The predator compliments you good luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his friend. `` What in the epithet of Merlin is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this schoolhouse, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best witching affair I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't think we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to find out the rest ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` Well, I think we 've somehow got to prove that we know who the piranha are and that we know their secrets, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their biggest enigma, '' Rose said, `` But how would we prove it to a piece of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no idea, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just tell the parchment. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' John asked.

`` Seems too simple, '' rose wine said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' John argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't conceive it would run, but he did n't think it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a gibe. '' Albus picked up the lambskin and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a art object of parchment. `` Here goes zippo. Let 's see, Moony is a wolfman. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few words appeared on it. Could it have actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't work, '' pink wine smirked, `` It 's got to be more insidious than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the vulture'arcanum, but he had to feel out. This lambskin was perhaps even more worry and charming than the vulture 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a flurry look on his boldness. `` What time is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard lusterlessness 's voice. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the excitation of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hour until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new mystery on our hands. ``

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda spent the succeeding few minutes explaining about the new map to flatness. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the predator 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to show up the authorship, and how they had to raise that they knew the Marauders'enigma. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' matte commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to enter out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new vulture. ``

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to compute it out how to turn out we know the Marauders, '' John announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to represent. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the Marauders. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' Matt said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' John laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to have to exemplify Wormtail. Nobody was going to want to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' John the Divine replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a chaser, just like he was. ``

`` That makes sense, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' matte yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that custody last year in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

can grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' rosebush said disgustedly.

`` You do n't throw to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four male child, four Gryffindor boy to be particular. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our fracture the vulture wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us count on the unanimous matter out. ``

`` Right now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three right champion with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' john explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to find out about Matt. ``

The ally all looked at Matt, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled putz Pettigrew finding out about flatness. If that 's what it took to bump out the mystery of this map, then the map would just stay secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to obtain out that Matt is werewolf. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' Matt yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No trouble, '' John smiled.

`` You know, '' rose began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a vulture. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is happen someone who you lot are friends with, not necessarily someone who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need person who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could desire enough to divulge mat 's secret ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it potential to do this without telling the 4th person ? `` Let 's just keep our eyes out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll opine about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them know about Matt, at least not for a piece. Is that all right, lusterlessness ? ``

matte had fallen asleep again and jerked his forefront up when he heard his public figure. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

`` auditory sensation like a design, then, '' St. John said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' Rose looked at her watch, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the way and walked back to Gryffindor tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly have. It was obviously a more involved map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only suppose what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find oneself out. What were the chances of them finding mortal who would be willing to exemplify Wormtail ? And if they did find that mortal, could they visualise out the map without telling that individual that matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Saint Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews !

The prequel to closed book Within, living Is Good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it hebdomadally, most likely on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the succeeding few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the metre and found himself looking at it whenever he got the chance. He read the hint again and again, hoping to encounter something he missed before that would enjoin him how to rise that he knew the Marauders'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really contract on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions examination on Friday because he had so a lot trouble settling down to take the night before.

His schoolhouse oeuvre was n't the only when thing suffering, either. Albus was also having a difficult clip paying tending during Quidditch practice session. Seeing as the peer against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't sustain happened at a worse time. Georgia had to scream at him at to the lowest degree five clock time during practice on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` check here for a back, I need to tattle to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a grim feel on her face that made Albus sense awful. He knew he had played ugly during recitation, but he just could n't get the map out of his caput. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to babble to him about.

`` Albus, '' Peach State began, `` I know you 're a wonderful chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the squad. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the other people who tried out played bettor than you, they would have gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not play favorites. ``

This was true. Georgia was ruthless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew full well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the squad.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Scots heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your playing has declined over the past few Day, '' GA softened her regard, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin-german said this. To tell the verity, Albus had n't even thought about being unquiet. But he was more than unforced to find fault his dread playing on nerve. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my starting time compeer as well. But you are going to do fine. We 're going to beat out Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those multitude wrong who thought I was favoring my home, '' Georgia grinned.

Albus gave a half-hearted smile. He had to stop thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to tranquillise down a bit. ``

`` good, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the yesteryear few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday first light. He woke up with butterfly stroke in his stomach and could n't wield to eat anything for breakfast. high-risk yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this friction match. His plaza on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked. He had returned from the Hospital flank the former eve and was looking a good deal better. Judging by his tone of voice, Albus suspected that matte looked comfortably than he did.

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his acquaintance about Georgia 's talk last night.

`` Well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe Bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, GA made a big mistake in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

`` Shove off, bourn, '' Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Omar Bradley and then stalked off to the former end of the table. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's sound at everything. We 'll picture him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Omar Nelson Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that lucifer. If they did n't, Albus would make to deal with bourn, and he did not require to do that. Albus never thought so very much would be resting on one match of Quidditch, let alone his maiden match.

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the team needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's acquaintance wished him luck as he left with the team. The absolute majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with Bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch gown in silence while the respite of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was nervous about this couple.

`` time to go, everyone ! '' Sakartvelo announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the eternal rest of the squad out onto the tar, with his warmness pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to play Quidditch during drill, but in presence of everyone ? Albus was sure as shooting he 'd fall off his Scots heather and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Lord Todd Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James I Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Sakartvelo Weasley, and ling Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus thrower has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be able to hold up up to her legacy ? Only prison term will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Lord Todd receive to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to James IV as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field. St. James the Apostle sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris fielding, Talan Flint, Lance Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since net year. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered Peach State telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin searcher from concluding year, had been utterly incapable of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` mountain your broom, '' prof Oteski announced, `` quick, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few bass breaths to clear his pass and tried to block out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the rake and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the former incline of the study in ordination to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster Calluna vulgaris, he was away from her in no time. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the pitch shot. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin end mail service. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't appear to be broken. It was just a piffling afflictive. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to get it past both Bludgers and was heading uncoiled towards Peach State. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the first goal of the plot, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other histrion, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very good at maneuvering his Calluna vulgaris and avoiding other players. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin chaser as everyone waited for the Sakartvelo to fuddle the Quaffle back into maneuver. GA faked to the right wing and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his firm new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch up with it.

Albus turned his heather around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin Chasers were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus ceramist is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that Georgia has. I believe they are the only two in the school to have one, '' Smith called out.

Albus ignored Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed St. James, who gave him a thumb up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. broom was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a concentrated toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal station. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` mark ! '' Captain John Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at heather mixture and flew to the Slytherin goal military post. He waited for Goyle to toss the Quaffle back out, and let his psyche wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was good. Who could they get to stage Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the meter. Every somebody he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, privy, and matt were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just bear rose wine or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of row, neither girl would agree to representing the treasonist that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud voice jerked Albus back into the match. He looked up and saw that Scots heather was glaring at him. He shook his head and started flying again.

During the remainder of the peer, Albus found his idea drifting more than and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle to a greater extent than a few times, earning disapproving looking at from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a single goal, he did facilitate heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the account 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Peach State looked tense, Calluna vulgaris and Fred looked determined, Tom Bradley and Ryan looked raging, and St. James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor destination posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the delivery. He could do this. He just had to get his mind off the map. There would be plenty of time to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goals, that was what he had to mean about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. fielding was on his fundament again and he passed the Quaffle to Calluna vulgaris, who was open.

All of a sudden, St. James whooshed past tense Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that Saint James the Apostle must have seen the Snitch. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't agile enough. Saint James the Apostle grabbed the stoolpigeon, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the dive. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

`` Potter has caught the stoolie ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 breaker point ! ``

cheerfulness erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his first Quidditch match was over. He breathed a sigh of succor. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their feller Gryffindors clapped them on the cover and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the gang, followed by flatness, blush wine, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' matt grinned.

`` You were awful, '' blush wine agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even hit any goal. ``

`` Does n't weigh, '' mat replied, `` You had quite a few assistance, and we won so it 's all right. ``

`` Party in the vernacular way ! '' one of the onetime scholar shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a huge grin. `` You did great ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do better next clip. ``

`` Of course you will. The start match is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although nerves were only a part of why he had n't played one hundred pct that day.

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her know you 're all right, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so distressed about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did have a good reason. His family always seemed to attract difficulty, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first catch with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the coarse room with his friends and when they got there the common way was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge smile when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the noise. `` Did you see the couple ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an splendid pursuer. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the sales talk. ``

`` We left right after James River caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party supply, '' Victoire gestured to the large amount of food for thought and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't hurt much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her wand. `` I 'll bring around it for you. '' Amy muttered an conjuration and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't spite at all now. ``

`` Good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to mend modest cutting off and contusion right now, although most of the stuff we 've learned is theoretic. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're therapist ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two yr. It 's a recollective process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight years of schooling after secondary schoolhouse. ``

`` That is mad, '' John shook his straits, `` Why would anyone desire to be in school that long ? ``

`` I would n't listen, '' Rose grinned.

`` Of grade you would n't, '' lavatory laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle music, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to treat Muggles. wizardly healing does n't have much of an effect on them. ``

`` I much prefer magical healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. Incantations and potions are often better. ``

`` If Muggles use needles, then I agree, '' John said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather sustain soul wave their wand than have someone stick me with a phonograph needle, '' Albus shook his head. Sometimes he just did n't understand the things Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' mat grinned mischievously.

Albus, Rose, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the story of their grandpa 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't turn out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your tegument together, '' lustrelessness explained.

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted look on his face, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's mental. ``

`` Bloody sore, too, '' matte commented, `` I had them once. I 'll recite you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his manus. `` Great first couple ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` excellent catch. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't believe Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sun. Oh, well, respectable for us if their new Seeker ca n't see the Snitch. ``

`` Ca n't argue with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' James lowered his voice and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the alteration in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few years. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not need to be around him anymore and found his own protagonist. Albus had not really paid often tending to his little cousin since he told Malfoy that matte gets fed up every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' St. James the Apostle sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his friends, who were all paying faithful attention. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' Epistle of James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James II, `` He kind of told someone something that I told him to proceed tranquillise about. ``

`` Well, whatever that was, you should take a leak up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my nerves. ``

`` What do you require me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be acquaintance with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to begin with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own friends since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' St. James the Apostle groaned, `` Oh, look, here he comes. ``

`` St. James ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` wellspring, see ya later, Albus, '' Epistle of James stood up. Albus and the others said good-bye. Kaden followed James River like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't suppose he 'd bulge annoying James, '' Rose commented.

`` Makes sentience, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' matt asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to secernate and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't assure us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` I would, if you 'd add up to the room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the way of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's strange. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to miss it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if someone told me that you 'd miss Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never give birth believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would give birth disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school day and my old friends. Little did I know that I would amount to have intercourse this place even more and throw even honorable admirer. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the couches, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down next to her, while his friends and Amy took seats on various former death chair and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` wellspring, he 's very annoying, to say the to the lowest degree. He thinks everything about the magical world is fantastic and that charming can work out everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to tell him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very chafe, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first base total moon, Kaden got barf and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the vernacular room praising madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill mat looked. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at lustrelessness, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that lusterlessness go see dame Pomfrey. I tried to excuse that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't take heed. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the infirmary Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the battle did n't finale long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about matt, therefore he had no thought that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't work, and that Matt had a disease that conjuration could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked lustrelessness anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' Matt assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the clock time and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the take same sentence. Amy 's face lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch recitation and Kaden wanted to inquire it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a twain clip, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her chum with a look of veneration on her case. `` Did he follow it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting dark of detainment, which you already know about. ``

The girls nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the hold on the Astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's billet, we took Kaden up to our dormitory and persuaded him not to ever wait for that tunnel again or to tell anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell anyone that Matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by illusion. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're redress, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some foreign intellect, known only to my pudden-head cousin, he decided to enjoin Scorpius Malfoy that matte gets sick every once and a while, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girls shouted and stood up with feel of angriness on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find out where I go every month and now he 's got more cue. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to bring down my sick of gran, but that wo n't make anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a matter of fourth dimension before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpius Malfoy knows about the burrow under the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not practiced, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' Matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go severalize Kendrick now. get on, Matt. ``

flatness stood up, his grimace as pale as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a inquiry, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a calendar month now. ``

They all sat in quiet for a few instant, all lost in their own sentiment. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few days. He 'd been much too fussy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that Matt could n't stay in schoolhouse anymore now that citizenry knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his friend being kicked out of schooling because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. Hell, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't screw why he told Malfoy, but I do n't think he just randomly decided to tell apart Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a second. The last matter he wanted to do was spill the beans to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the ground one of his champion is forced to leave the school ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be dead on target. There might be some form of underlying grounds why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I variety of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't reckon he really meant to give Malfoy clue about lusterlessness 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even live about it ! But I told him not to evidence and he did n't listen. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's assure someone, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more untrusting about lustrelessness and eventually he 's going to regain out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' Rose snapped.

`` Just think about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. Teddy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where Teddy was.

`` He had some form of Auror training thing today, '' Victoire responded, `` training is pretty intense. And it 's at all form of demented hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully civilize Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random sentence, only to return in the dead of dark. Aurors had some of the strangest hours he had ever heard of.

`` Of course of instruction, my hours wo n't be much better when I 'm a healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and rosebush. I 'm not for sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmastide. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Gospel of Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his Quaker sat around the Room of necessary for the next half hour, waiting for matte to come back. Nobody said often, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to befall. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the doorway to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

matte ran over to his protagonist with a grinning on his face. `` Not practically. ``

`` You do n't have to leave behind ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope ! '' Matt grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd take care of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's cracking ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not have been just for flatness to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's folly.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should have just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really cogitate of it at the clip, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me detainment or anything, '' Matt told them.

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty much. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be able to get in, '' lustrelessness explained, `` Just me and Madam Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' John said, `` I was variety of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

matte turned and glared at him, `` Are you harebrained ? There 's no way I 'd lease you into the Shrieking shanty. ``

`` It could consume been like our own commons room, '' john continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to happen, '' matte said flatly.

`` All right, o.k., '' John sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

The next day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so different from the original Marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would show Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff tabular array. There was a short old witch with a patched and frayed hat sitting where Professor Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some intellect she looked rather familiar, but he could n't put his finger on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's prof Longbottom ? '' mat asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the cap as the post owls started to make it. Rose 's sept owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the letter off.

Rose took the letter and gave her owl a piece of toast. She opened the letter and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a huge grin on her boldness. `` Professor Longbottom 's wife has had her sister ! Her gens is Lucy capital of Maine. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's dandy. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summertime, and she 'd been quite pregnant then.

`` You know, I never really call back about the instructor having crime syndicate, '' Matt commented.

`` Well, we met professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky cauldron over the summer, '' whoremonger pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really think her that well, '' matt explained, `` I did n't finger too peachy that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' whoremonger remembered, `` And professor thrower obviously has a family. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eye wide in a flavor of fake shock. `` I never knew ! ``

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the early teacher, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' Rose told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not sure about the others. ``

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his chalice. `` Thank you. I have two promulgation this forenoon. The first one is that it has come to my care that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must tell you again how severe it is. ``

Albus stole a coup d'oeil at Kaden, who was steadily turning more rap. Albus glared at him and this made him sour a undimmed refinement of red.

`` As an bring care, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when mortal neglect my rules. There will be severe penalty for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a lighter note, I 'm sure you all have noticed that Professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the former students started whispering among themselves, no question wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note'.

`` Yes, yes, no motivation to occupy. prof Longbottom 's married woman has had a baby young woman and he will be gone for a few weeks. prof Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to lease his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much younger.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Sunday and is well rested for class tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the grounds after breakfast. It was a very soft day for Nov and most of the pupil were out-of-door enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did most of my aunty and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

`` I 've met her a few times, '' rosebush commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any stand for teachers this class. ``

The group spent the morning wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should give been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nonentity had any melodic theme as to how to get it to function or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot easy than trying to avoid him, like he had been doing the past tense calendar month and a half.

`` I do n't recall we 're going to be able to ignore Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' Rose asked, smirking.

`` well, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` He 's your cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to avoid him all the time. ``

`` I still do n't like him, '' Saint John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut his sass, I 'd like him good. ``

`` Maybe there 's some kind of spell we can use to get him not to lecture about things he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be overnice, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' Matt replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of time. He 'll determine out whether Kaden gives him clues or not. He 's voguish. Kaden wo n't picture it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will encounter out on his own. It 's only a thing of when. ``

Albus stared at his protagonist. Albus did not think Matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sense. Malfoy was going to find out. `` It 's all the right way with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any first cousin, I 'd want to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the good affair to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own Quaker. But it did n't look like that was going to chance anytime soon. Every meter Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

`` Want to go back to the palace ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get windier and cloud were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to find Slughorn, '' rosiness announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that last essay. Want to fall, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girls took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' lav laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three male child started walking back to the castle. They joined the large radical of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' whoremaster asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` Want to go to the Room ? '' matt suggested.

`` Sounds right, maybe we can figure out how to work the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to sneak off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' trick groaned. `` Maybe you should n't spill the beans to him. ``

`` I 've got to, John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin. ``

`` How are you going to hold on him from knowing about the map ? '' matt asked.

`` No idea. I guess we 'll just have to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The male child continued their journey up to the one-seventh floor corridor. They were halfway down the sixth floor corridor, heading towards the stairs, when Matt stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrong ? '' he whispered.

flatness said null but pulled his two friends into a nearby hollow classroom. He shut the door and turned to front his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' trick stared at him, `` We were the only ace out there. ``

`` I 'm serious ! '' Matt said.

`` No you 're not, '' trick laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Canicula. You 're Remus. ``

Matt groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My hearing 's salutary than yours. ``

`` Oh, rightfield, '' Albus replied, remembering that lycanthrope did get superior sense of hearing. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two people out there and one phone scared, '' Matt explained.

`` Do you think they 're students ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to find the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely students. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of backup man. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' St. John said mischievously.

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the street corner or not. He was definitely rummy, but he did n't want to get hexed. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his reverence. `` All right. ``

`` confine out your verge, '' lusterlessness instructed as he opened the door. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the nook. As they got closer, Albus could set off to make out fleck of conversation.

`` cum on ! '' an icy voice seethed, `` You know Sir Thomas More. Just tell us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' individual croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his rate. someone was going to hex soul. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the vocalism, but he could n't quite blank space them.

The boys rounded the recess and Albus saw why he recognized the voices. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their wands pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his sceptre out in front of him. Albus stopped in his tracks, and John and mat did the Lapplander. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just tell me what 's beyond the tunnel, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't bonk ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his wand a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't gestate to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his acid thoughts toward Kaden flew out the window the instant Albus saw Kaden 's terrified case. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's verge sailed out of his hand and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. St. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and Matt stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't Potter, '' Malfoy spat. `` What can you possibly want ? ``

`` Quit threatening my full cousin, '' Albus growled. He pointed his wand at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping willow tree goes. ``

Albus did n't develop eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew lusterlessness had gone Edward White next to him. `` Why would you cogitate I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no mind where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't squall him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the same clip, lavatory shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's baton sailed neatly into John 's hand.

`` Looks like you 've got your cousin 's dueling acquisition, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the burrow goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't tell you where it goes. ``

`` fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` Guess your cousin will get jinx. ``

John burst out laughing, `` Good luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wands. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each other. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a panting phonation behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the voice and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, Matt, bathroom, and Kaden all exchanged coup d'oeil as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't have our baton. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the years, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never guiltless. ``

Albus stifled a laughter as he followed Filch down the hall. Nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped office. It was very unmanageable for the six male child to fit deep down and everyone was too finish for comfort.

Filch went through his usual routine of filling out frame and filing them in the correct cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll suffer a file nearly as big as your father and granddad 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to satiate out and file his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few arcminute, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two nighttime 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. Meet me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the first one out the door, followed quickly by lustrelessness, lav, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to run his acquaintance up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tugboat. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the cause he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping Willow ?

When they got to the common room, it was packed. There was hardly any room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his residence hall and shut the doorway behind them. john and matt sat down on lusterlessness 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't sure where to begin. Should he just tell Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could decide, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm dreary, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a double over take. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything wrong recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm sorry, '' his phonation cracked. `` And I 'm drear for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your faulting, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's demerit. Speaking of them, want to secern us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an snow leopard of aid to his full cousin since their big fight over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a calendar month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to acknowledge if I knew anything about Matt 's, er, illness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't screw any salutary curse, and I just got scar, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be unfearing, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't state them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow tree. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should have just listened to Victoire. There was a grounds Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too late, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't sleep together where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a week and I get hexed every time. Madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to tell me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's voice wobbled, `` I figured you did n't care anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my cousin and nothing can convert that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really sorry about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to hold it all a privy, but- ''

`` It 's all right, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously lamentable about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm sorry I did n't listen to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, tears starting to spill out of his oculus. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just tell apart me succeeding time they do that. And try not to tell anyone the things I tell you in secret anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to John and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

whoremaster and lusterlessness looked at each other and then shook their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' lustrelessness told him.

Kaden smiled through his tears and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't imagine you 'd tell me where the burrow goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his common odd self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually tell him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't think so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to assure you, but I still think football is better than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' bathroom and flatness shouted at the Saami sentence. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's meliorate. You ca n't kick the Quaffle around like they do in football. ``

lavatory turned his regard from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll lease him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No topic where it is. We 'll go and bear witness to him that Quidditch is topper. ``

`` It wo n't commute my mind, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the carom swordplay, you 'll change your psyche, '' lusterlessness told him as he stood up.

`` The shank ? '' john laughed and walked over to the doorway, `` Are you the harebrained one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' flatness smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at Saint John 's alternative of words and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to know ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other son said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' St. John continued as they left the room, `` The Cannons are the spoilt team, you do n't want to see them play. It 's not like they 'll piss it to the League Cup. ``

lusterlessness punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my squad like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing much better. ``

This meter it was whoremaster 's turn to punch Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the shank can ever go for to be. ``

Saint John the Apostle and Matt continued their argument all the way down into the park room, with Kaden paying rapt aid. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their mathematical group after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebekah, Moonylupin, Luke, and lilausty for their reexamination !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of booster. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing homework in the plebeian room after dinner. Of path, that did not start until after the son served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them unclouded almost every bath in the entire castle. This was a strain affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detainment alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his classes and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to squeeze aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden backrest was that Albus and his other friends could n't really pussyfoot off to the Room of requisite anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to know about the Room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even cognise about the regular marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no choice but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into Dec, Snow fell upon the grounds and students of all age flocked to them to have snow ball fights. Albus and his friends took component part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these engagement immensely, but thinking of the new map were always in the back of his mind. He just wished they could experience some time away from Kaden to inquire it some more. The chance to do just that grow one day in the root of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the honest-to-goodness Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other starting time years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his magical spell Quran after Kaden left the mutual way. `` All right field, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to provide, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, St. John, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess around with the map. ``

`` Do you conceive you know how to operate it ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 've got an idea, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose announced.

The group left the crowded common room and followed the associate path to the Room. Once there, they took their usual tush and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` fountainhead, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the tabular array. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, call up what I tried to narrate the map shoemaker's last meter ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your mind ? '' John exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but Rose did n't come out fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` Remember the diary Horcrux ? Well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' whoremaster said.

`` Have you got any better ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' Rose announced.

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

`` At least write it really small, '' lusterlessness suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sentiency. `` All rightfield. '' He took a recondite breathing space. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the sheepskin, telling Albus that he needed to evidence he knew all the Marauders'mystery. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing looks of prediction. Albus grabbed a pinion and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the sheepskin and wrote in very flyspeck letters,

'Moony is a wolfman. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the flight feather down and stared at the sheepskin. Everyone watched in nail secretiveness. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a pant. A few moments later, new words appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loud groan as the words dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to picture this out, '' John sighed.

`` Does n't count anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' lusterlessness pointed out.

`` I think that would birth been too obvious anyway, '' blush wine explained, `` It 's got to be something more insidious. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of lambskin that we know the vulture'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` fountainhead, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to remember that these are the vulture. And I 'm sure enough they wanted to puddle it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` goodness point, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` This most probable holds to a greater extent information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' pink wine continued, `` So we 've got to believe about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of row the Marauders would n't have just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` Right, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably need us to do something that might get us in worry. ``

`` And most likely dangerous, '' pink wine added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the Thomas More it made sensation. The marauder spent their Hogwarts career causing trouble and doing dangerous things. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be life-threatening to essay that we know their secrets ? '' John asked.

`` No theme, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this parchment. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a werewolf ? '' mat asked.

`` We could draw paw prints on it, '' John laughed.

rosebush 's facial expression lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` draft paw print ? '' St. John the Apostle stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print melodic theme, '' rosiness grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a werewolf, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded absurd to Albus, but it did look like the kind of matter the predator would do. It would definitely be serious to get the paw prints, and difficult as well. Not many the great unwashed would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would have any thought what the paw photographic print would intend unless they knew the Marauders'secrets. The lone thing he did n't like about it was the estimate of a bunch of brute trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite felicitous with the thought. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure enough ? ``

`` Not confident, '' rose answered, `` There 's only one way to happen out. What do you lot think ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a Scripture ? '' rose wine laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` Good idea, rose, '' lavatory agreed.

`` Sounds like it might puzzle out, '' Amanda said.

`` Makes good sense, '' Matt replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' blush wine announced, `` We shall put paw photographic print on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the approximation of animals stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` trade good degree, '' rosiness sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use different piece of music of parchment and then use a transfer appeal to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how fresh his full cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each former and shook their fountainhead. `` Er, that might be a job, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm jolly indisputable that charm is well preceding O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll ascertain it, '' rose wine told him, `` I 'm sure I can find it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a book worm, pink wine, '' John laughed.

`` All right, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't sour, they would still be making progress. `` rosiness, you start figuring out the transfer appealingness, and the rest of us will get the paw prints. ``

`` The dog will be well-to-do, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, remember ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog photographic print over Christmas. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Christmas ? '' John sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

`` It might lease me a while to figure out the charm anyway, '' Rose commented.

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Christmastime as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can find a rat somewhere in the palace. Probably near the keep. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' King John groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions classroom, '' pink wine said, `` All we 've got to do is cast off Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and sneak it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his supporter. He was n't substantial fond of stinkpot and would prefer not to have to carry one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' John said after a while, `` It should n't be that voiceless. I just hope the patch lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' pink wine replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as potential. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more difficult. ``

`` There are probably stags in the forest, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in hassle. ``

`` That 's what the Marauders would throw wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't birth to go to the Forbidden forest, '' blush wine announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a woodland, Albus and I can try and get the mark over Noel. ``

`` That is a brilliant musical theme, Rose, '' Albus smiled. He did not really want to go wandering around the Forbidden timberland and not just because it was out of bounce. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The wolfman one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to look at Matt. He had been very tranquil over the yesteryear few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could empathize why. The lycanthrope paw print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so a great deal common sense to me. I highly doubt a unconstipated skirt chaser print is going to influence. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a lycanthrope was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made double-dyed sentience. This would be one way for the Marauders to make for sure that the new Marauders would have got at least one similarity to the master. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screaming hovel the nighttime of the full moon moon. ``

The elbow room fell quiet as everyone tried to think of a way that they could safely get a lycanthrope 's paw print. Albus had no idea. They could n't exactly try and stun Matt while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All rightfield, '' Matt sighed after a few minute of arc. `` I 've got an idea. ``

Albus and the relaxation of his acquaintance said nothing but watched as they waited for matte to flesh out. Albus could tell that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to exploit ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking Shack a couple daytime before the entire synodic month and stick a few pieces of self-inking sheepskin to the trading floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll own a paw mark, '' lustrelessness explained quietly.

`` That could work, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' matt told them, `` So we 'll birth to go at Nox. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' rosebush said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibility cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll abstract into his field sometime when he 's in year and take up it. ``

`` Really ? '' lusterlessness half-smiled. `` That would be majuscule. ``

`` We wo n't all be able to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at nearly. ``

`` You three can go, '' rose wine gestured to Albus, matte, and Saint John the Apostle, `` You 're going to be the new piranha anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up wards on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' Matt explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be able-bodied to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the succeeding wax moon ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next hebdomad, '' Matt sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` power as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got classes in the afternoon but we do n't. Then we can sneak down to the Shrieking Shack this weekend. ``

`` Perfect, '' pink wine grinned, `` And I 'll part searching the library for the appealingness. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Yuletide. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close to figuring this out ; he could feel it.

`` well, I 've got prep to do, '' rose announced as she pulled out a few books from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The group worked silently on their prep for a piece, only talking when they needed to ask query about it. Albus tried his best to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of course, they still had to get soul to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that persuasion from his mind.

`` It 's so tranquilize, '' John the Evangelist said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' blush wine smiled.

`` Not really, '' King John replied, `` It 's too unruffled. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's intensity. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had variety of gotten used to Kaden 's constant presence over the past tense few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become acquaintance with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' Matt laughed, `` He kind of follows us around like a puppy dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' Rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything wrong. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at Rose. Of track ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically worship the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at Rose. `` I 'm finely. Better than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John the Evangelist, mat, rosiness, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' blush wine asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't empathize it. It made staring common sense to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` inaugural, we 've got to call up what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendly relationship and mischievousness'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to St. John and Matt. `` But we need a one-quarter person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just pick a random pupil. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in trouble with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said after a few moments silence.

`` Right, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're friends with him now. Would you ? ''

St. John the Apostle and mat nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' matt agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his admirer for a consequence before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other predator. Obviously, Albus felt a late hatred for prick Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to verbalise about him. So Albus 's friends really did n't get laid a totally lot about him. Just the component that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to call up that when the piranha made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have good qualities, as often as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these timbre ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the Marauders were dead by the time I was born, so there 's not really anyone to assure me what they would be. But my dad has told me some stuff, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Sothis and my gramps. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' blush wine commented, a look of realization appearing on her human face.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, well-chosen that someone was finally understanding, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` sound like Kaden, '' flatness agreed.

`` Definitely, '' john replied.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threats and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't require to suppose about it. Albus did n't ever think his full cousin would betray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` fountainhead, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to tell him ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still percentage of him that wanted to save the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not sure how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that thrilled about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' pink wine said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to have to tell him, is it ? '' matt said quietly, `` He 's going to encounter out what I am. ``

This was the portion that Albus had tried to stave off thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to run the new map. Whoever was going to represent Wormtail was going to find out that lustrelessness was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was component of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't want anyone else to determine out. He never even really severalise Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never regain out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to sleep with, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut touch sensation about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to keep mystery ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will take in to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' matte said adamantly, `` I ca n't assure him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the unit of Slytherin will know and then soon the whole school will get it on and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will have to kick back me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding U.K. will jazz and no one will want to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` calmness down, that 's not going to pass off. ``

`` How do you know ? '' flatness whispered in a rickety voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't tell anyone, '' rose wine interjected.

`` Not if I do n't enjoin him, '' mat replied, `` And I 'm not going to tell him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' Matt said in a slightly forte voice.

`` Just listen to me for a minute, '' pink wine said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` Well, I 'm pretty sure there is a while like that, '' Rose grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` Magic just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely recall reading about it in a book. I 'm sure if I went to the subroutine library I could line up it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just depend for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's hope soared high again, `` Excellent ! Would you be willing to say him if Rose found this spell ? ``

Albus held his hint as he watched Matt think about it. `` I, '' Matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less important enigma first. ``

Rose nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could experience it. They would unlock the arcanum of this new parchment. Albus was so tickle pink with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly kip that night. He was n't the only if one, either. Albus heard Matt and John tossing and turning all night, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected matte 's sleepless night was more due to spunk than upheaval. Judging by the look on his grimace as they went back to the common way that evening, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his bragging secret.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, Moonylupin, Lily meet Ginny, and drownzer for their reappraisal !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the following morning, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his Padre 's invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a instant thinking. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous year. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his late nighttime saunter to the shrieking hovel, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even in all likelihood ? Albus had no thought how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't give birth much use for it at Hogwarts because teacher could stray around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his beginner kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning magical spell as St. James had done to retrieve the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew William James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's intellection went to the pilot Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his break of the day classes and by the metre lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the first Quidditch match. cypher said much as Albus picked at his food, well cypher except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning category until he had to leave for Potions a curt spell later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to babble out about their plan. `` I 'm not trusted if this is going to cultivate. ``

`` It worked for the piranha 's Map, '' rose reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to go, '' John insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his voice, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any early way, '' matt replied, `` We 'll get caught if we do n't receive the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to steal it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' whoremaster assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in trouble with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to sneak out at night without the cloak, '' Matt whispered.

`` right, '' John agreed, `` So we 're off to slip the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not work ? ``

`` Trust me, Albus, '' Rose said, `` It 'll work. We 'll sneak the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the stave table, `` We 'll just wait a pair more than minutes. ``

`` I do n't suppose we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll look suspicious if we all go into his agency. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` commodity idea, '' Matt agreed, `` No one will mean anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the Charles Herbert Best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would progress to enough noise to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much estimable at summoning good luck charm than Albus was.

`` We 'll expect for you in the room, '' Matt stood up. St. John and Amanda followed wooing. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' rose grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few minutes longer at the Gryffindor table before Rose gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and rosiness had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty, save up for a few straggling scholar who were much more engrossed on making it to course of instruction than giving Albus and blush wine a second glimpse. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning myrtle 's bath. Judging from the loud cries that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's office was in was entirely deserted when Albus and Rose descended upon it. Albus was very felicitous about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to open the door, but it was locked. `` Merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

Rose did n't look in phased in the to the lowest degree. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would chivy bother to lock up his door with a spell that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his charming signature. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with Epistle of James go yr. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James IV thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Albus replied and pointed his scepter at the curl. `` Alohomora. '' The lock clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The cousin-german quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the finale metre Albus had been in it. lambskin, record book, and other motley object were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chairwoman. The bedroom threshold had been left subject and Albus could see that that way was just as messy, with robe laying on the bed and transcript of the oracle on the floor.

`` Energy Department he ever make clean up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is forged than St. James the Apostle 's room. ``

`` Epistle of James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the bedroom and started walking towards it. Rose followed and soon they were in the tiny sleeping room. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's bole or the wardrobe.

rosebush must have been thinking the like thing. She wrenched the trunk open and pointed her sceptre at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` Wait, '' rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's tree trunk, `` I 'm moderately sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summoning magical spell on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a import and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. Well, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll lease the proboscis. ''

Albus shook his foreland as he stepped over to his dad 's wardrobe. This was going to take forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's hooey, being measured to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' Rose announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense rilievo as rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! aught was stopping them now. They were going to notice out the mystery of the arcsecond map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' rosebush grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, well-chosen to do as rosiness said. He certainly did n't need to get caught in his dad 's office with the invisibleness Cloak. blush wine handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and Rose were certain that the room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a Christian Bible as they walked quickly to the way of Requirement.

easing washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat degraded with adrenaline as he ran into the way and grinned at his friends. The thrill of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibility Cloak. It was the first base Marauder-like matter he had done. He knew this was exactly what the piranha had wanted him to do. To break in normal and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' St. John ran over with a glimmer of fervour in his eye. matt and Amanda were right field behind him sporting selfsame smile on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly easy, '' rose wine laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's trunk. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' lustrelessness asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is unbelievable, '' Matt whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could narrate my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able-bodied to eventually. My dad just wants to get to jazz him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from persuasion. He reappeared a few irregular later. `` That is so chill. ``

`` Let me try, '' lav took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few minutes passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' rosiness announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. lav and Matt stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their header. Albus had been under the cloak with King James, Lily, and his cousins before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his acquaintance weren't.

`` Watch it, '' John snapped as mat stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be unmanageable. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' Rose said, `` Walk around the room a few prison term. ``

The boys walked slowly around the room, making sure not to bring out any of their limbs. John and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able to go a niggling faster.

`` Perfect, '' Amanda announced after the fourth metre they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What dark should we do this ? '' whoremaster asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice that dawn and I 'm going to have to get some quietus Friday night or Peach State will spend the solid time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' lav agreed. Matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday dark, we sneak into the Shrieking hovel. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the hassle maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The marauder would be proud. ``

******

The future day Rose decided to start her research on the transference spell. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't fill long to find the right book. Rose found it in a copy of Advanced Charms and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to master that magic spell before trying to find the charm to keep Kaden smooth. That one was going to be harder to get since they did n't even know the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms book under the menacing blaze of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and traverse them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

pink wine spent the next few days trying to compute the spell out. There was n't much Albus could do to assist her, so he just did his preparation and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that blush wine had volunteered to memorize it. rosiness was having a bit of difficulty mastering the charm, though. By the time Saturday dark rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The spell was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not courtship rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having fuss learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the green way on Saturday night. `` You 've been at it for Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' rose wine sighed. She had been trying for the past times hour to reproduce her epithet onto another musical composition of lambskin. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration book and opened it to one of the recent chapters.

`` I do n't live how you can consider that relaxing, '' lavatory screwed up his nerve in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` duplicate mention spell homework, '' rosebush lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would call for extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're fresh. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that Rose would figure the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't come about until after Christmas. john had n't managed to discover a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the park room for another twosome time of day, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dormitory room. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the only ace left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. John and matte nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` Good chance, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' rose told them as she held the portraiture receptive for them to get out. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more rules this evening than he had the former day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his begetter would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in bother with another teacher.

Whatever the intellect, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The only clip he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency aspiration the previous yr. Tonight 's escapade was a much dependable consideration. Besides, Albus was a bit charge about following the burrow to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking hutch. He felt form of shamefaced about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to hold on before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third level corridor. They would have to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the twenty-five percent floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the sunrise. Luckily, all of the instructor were in their position. All they had to care about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance student residence, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the tierce floor corridor without difficulty, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent child. Albus gave his Friend a occupy tone as they quietly moved towards the close stair case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible boys. Albus was very well-chosen when they made it onto the second level and even happier when they got to the front door and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could deliver gone awry with their plan. get up had tried to teach him a few more complex unlocking magical spell but he was n't very effective at them and was hoping he would n't require to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a immense breath once the palace doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at to the lowest degree we can talk now. I wish this cloak would treat up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the instructor is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to have to excuse why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the solid ground. There was about six inches of Charles Percy Snow on the land and the air was bitingly insensate. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to tick the Map every couplet of minutes, but so far the land were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk faster once they were on the curtilage, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to persist concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because flatness was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` mulct, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's sustain going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's commonplace font to the sky. The almost full moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it adequate that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should take done this earlier in the workweek, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detainment with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm o.k., '' lustrelessness assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tues. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to match Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in guild to hand the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boys paused just beyond the reach of the branches and Albus and John looked to lustrelessness for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' Matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All rightfulness, '' Matt continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just invalid the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his verge at the tree. Albus strained to heed to the spell but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and John following. Matt bent grass over, searched through the C, and picked up a hanker stick, stumbling and shivering a short as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his headway, wincing a lilliputian. `` headache, '' he answered to Albus and Gospel According to John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's branches and stuck the long control stick into the tree 's shorts. The branch immediately froze and the Whomping willow tree looked just as tame as any of the other trees on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for John the Divine to go first. Albus followed his protagonist and made it into the trap just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the strangle burrow while Matt put the Montgomery Ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty poise, '' John Lackland said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' Matt sent him a dirty flavour. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf matter, '' john replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was kind of a cracking tunnel, although very dark and form of dampness. The good affair was that it was slightly strong than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to squat down a petty in order to walk. There were rocks and roots along the route, but the whole atmosphere was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through undercover passageways and this one was n't any dissimilar. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the shrieking shanty numerous sentence, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a twelve shoal ruler to do it, but it was Charles Frederick Worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt corresponding at least a half minute. The charge of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The calendar month of December was not a convenient metre to be doing this. By the meter they reached the shrieking Shack, Albus was make to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's agitation had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't bet much substantially than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full moon ? '' Gospel According to John asked, out of breathing place. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, next time I ca n't log Z's I 'll just walk up and down this a few metre, '' whoremaster joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking doorway that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dried blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. Pieces of tables, chairs, and lounge were all over the blank space with bite marks on them. There was a stairway nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his admirer was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' Gospel According to John asked slowly.

matte glared at him. `` Use your mental capacity, '' he snapped.

whoremaster looked from him to the break down furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the floor near the fireplace. He leaned his head teacher against the wall. `` See why I did n't really need you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one affair for you to know what I am, '' flatness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screaming Shack during the full lunar month. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' King John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and matt shouted at the same clock time.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to go the future marauder, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to take on the idea did pass over his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only irregular years. The vulture had n't done it until their twenty percent year. They were exceptionally smart, too. well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near beneficial enough at Transfiguration of Jesus to pull it off. Rose was probably the simply one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though Rose did not waffle to break-dance dominion when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, bathroom, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, `` The predator did it. ``

`` They were really voguish, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your final Transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a spell for grade ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rosiness does n't know everything. Even she would ingest hassle with this. ``

`` It 's worth the jeopardy, '' trick said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over last year because he knew the thinking would cross my mind. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new marauder then. Imagine if we could even exchange into the same animals the piranha were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to have the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the number. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a hart, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always barking and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't hurt to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for redundant deferred payment. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' flatness said quietly. He had been exceptionally pipe down ever since trick had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the wax moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't manage. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out wolf's bane did n't influence for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to have me do the Wolfsbane cogitation instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full moonshine, I wo n't smart myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up up the study big time. My parents decided it would be advantageously for me to incur a potion that would work than to hold to bank on early people 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very felicitous. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a petty projected. He did n't want to become an Animagus behind his dad 's spinal column. It was one thing to steal the invisibleness Cloak for a brace Clarence Shepard Day Jr., but to sneak around as an animal every fully moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would give up on the musical theme now.

`` But if the field ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't hold on you from trying. ``

`` Sounds funfair, '' John replied, `` How long does the cogitation go ? ``

`` No theme. Probably at least another two days. It all depends on how many different flesh of wolfbane multitude come up with, '' flatness closed his oculus and leaned his head against the paries again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. lusterlessness nodded without opening his middle. `` Let 's rushing up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` way behind the stairs, '' matte shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' lavatory gently pushed his admirer back onto the floor. `` How practically lambskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you make for ? ``

`` About a half ringlet, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are most of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the small room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with various disordered pieces of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even recall about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' St. John the Apostle shook his fountainhead as he bent down to be active some of the article of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can catch some Z's all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped bit off the coil of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' King John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two male child each took a raft to affix to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the way was covered in pieces of lambskin.

`` I can see why he did n't require Madam Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely elicit some questions, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a werewolf 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one to a greater extent look at the lambskin coated room and then went back to the enceinte main room. matt was right where they left him, leaning against a partially split up chair. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the shanty. All three boys were incredibly tired and the flush had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his lookout as they neared the end of the burrow and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very gladiola they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's severely getting out than getting in, '' matte said tiredly as he removed the Ward. `` Whoever goes first has to put off the branches and then push the knot on the luggage compartment for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew matt was too exhausted to be able-bodied to dodge the leg properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the fix. He was immediately hit in the berm with one of the flailing arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the automobile trunk for the burl. His bridge player made contact with it and the offshoot immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. matte appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonshine hit him. trick was right wing behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John the Evangelist asked Albus once they were back on the itinerary leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the articulatio humeri, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could experience some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the injury and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the stale night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thickly cloud were moving in. It would probably pull the wool over someone's eyes soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the next day to delight it, so it did n't much matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few sidereal day they would consume one of the four paw print needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle threshold. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth base and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's can. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the room access and pushed. It did not stir. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his scepter at the handgrip. He muttered a charm but the door remained engage. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you think we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a duo 60 minutes ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay put out here all night ! '' Matt 's representative cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his dead body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the sentiment of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the chances of the threshold being unlatched when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would snow soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to call down a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' lavatory asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` Well, have you got any vivid ideas on how to tell apart Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a instant before answering, `` You could break away into the Scots heather shed and steal a ling. Then fly it up to Gryffindor tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their windowpane ? Or one of the bookman ? ``

`` Wear the invisibility Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to guess of something soon. He 's got to get away from the Moon, '' John the Divine gestured to Matt who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moon 's almost covered by swarm, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can wave up in piles of snow like Friedrich August Wolf do and keep warm that way. ``

`` Very suspect, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in trouble, but how lots ? Would they just get hold or would it be big ? tip would be taken away for for certain, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, hold ! '' whoremaster 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking Shack ? We could just go back there and drop the night. Then we 'll swipe back in tomorrow break of day after Filch has unlocked the threshold again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a import. `` Not actually a bad theme. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

St. John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the hut, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' flatness said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another night there. You two could n't come up up with a different theme ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a ripe one, we 're going. ``

matt sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John Lackland laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' lustrelessness groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but finger a tiny bit excited about spending the night in the shack. It would definitely be the unsound thing he had ever done, as far as breaking prescript was concerned. He also felt neural about it. What if they did get caught ? What if pink wine and Amanda started to get worried and told mortal about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his idea. rosiness would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in problem. But they were n't in that big of problem. The three of them would pass the night in the shack and that would be that. When morning came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be form of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the vulture would give birth done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The stumble back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a face of fervor in his center when the three of them entered the shack once more. Matt looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some property he could sleep.

`` This is pretty sang-froid, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating system charms in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robes. `` Are there any visible light in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our wand lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a flavor of mischief on his look, `` So many hypothesis in this blank space .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the nighttime in the shack, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' flatness answered. He led Albus and John the Evangelist up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one gravid bed and a closet, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be durable, '' mat answered Albus 's questioning look.

St. John the Apostle hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're right, it is quite squeamish for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was honest for jumping. Even better than Henry James 's. James II, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on Saint James the Apostle 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boy continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple moment. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his aunty Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

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

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall off and break his header, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' trick asked and Matt started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' can shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to ruin our heads. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't put down as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No ancestry. ``

`` Good, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of citizenry wake up. ``

`` There 's More blanket in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the cover that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a couple blanket and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a good thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster layer in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already deceased, '' bathroom commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next sunrise to paring of faint shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up Windows in the residence hall. Albus 's heart shot open air and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, proper. The storage of the former Night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the screech hut. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more jade this morning than he had the old night. One look at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four minute of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged bathroom awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably septic and would postulate a trip to the infirmary wing. Albus shook St. John with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' lav groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't give care, '' King John murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the border of the bed. He gave him one concluding nudge and John fell off the edge of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' privy shouted, sitting up with a dazed flavor on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us fare out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, mulct, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the save blankets and stowed them back in the wardrobe so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' Saint John the Apostle pointed to flatness 's sleeping mannequin as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the Justice Department ? '' John Lackland muttered.

Albus grinned and shook lustrelessness awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castling. We 'll sleep more there. ``

lustrelessness groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just bide here. ``

`` I would n't propose it, '' John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from lav to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The son left the hutch quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping willow tree. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't accept any classes today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hours of sleep. One ready check of the map told him that the coast was clear before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the invisibleness Cloak as soon as Matt was finished warding the tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still betimes, the solely one on the curtilage was Hagrid. There were various more column inch of C. P. Snow and by the clock time they boys were back at the castle doors, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` blush wine and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance Hall, so I think we 're dear. '' Albus pushed the room access candid and the three invisible male child slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robes. `` We should probably go lecture to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, spirit. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robe up and showed them his black and risque arm. `` I do n't think it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that minute, Rose and Amanda left the Great Asaph Hall and stopped a couple feet away from the male child. whoremonger pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both little girl had a combination of succor and ire on their faces. Rose was fuming by the meter she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' blush wine seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and matt followed wordlessly. All mind of going to the Hospital fender were driven from Albus 's judgment. Of grade, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his articulatio humeri than going to the elbow room with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and Matt sat position by side on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in social movement of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

Rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll recite you about our Night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the shack in the centre of the nighttime, but it had to be done. What early choice did we have ? It was safer than the option. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the plan would play. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the parchment on the floor and then sneak back up. simpleton. '' rosiness stopped and began to yard around the room.

`` There were all form of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where pink wine left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorts of animals wandering around at Night. Not to mention the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her vocalism even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' bathroom pleaded. Albus sent him a admonition look. He knew it was never good to break rosebush when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, toilet ! We thought some variety of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a political party or something !

`` You kept us up all night badgering, when you probably just decided to have some fun last night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until break of the day. Of trend now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a mates detentions would learn you not to detain out all night ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did go Nox was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the palace. I tried all the appealingness you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to drop the night in the Shrieking Shack. And you 're right, it was kind of fun. ``

blush wine and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the future minute. Albus and the other son did n't dare say a word either. `` Well, '' blush wine said quietly, `` Er, that does excuse things. I 'm, uh, distressing I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rose wine began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a spry note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at to the lowest degree cognize what was going on. ``

Albus, can, and matt turned to bet at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of form ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could have just made a quick trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' toilet muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our changeling, '' Rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to enjoin us about your little risky venture ? ``

Albus, can, and Matt spent the adjacent half time of day relaying every point of their head trip to the Shrieking hut the previous dark. rosebush and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the part about Albus pushing whoremaster off the bed.

After they were done telling the taradiddle, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and Matt could get their wounds healed. dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Barbara Ward was completely deserted of other affected role. She took one face at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

gentlewoman Pomfrey took one hard look at Matt and announced, `` You were outside hold out Night. Was someone giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

ma'am Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told matte to salute them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' matte pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a account book. ``

madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her sceptre. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sopor today ? Or do I have to ca-ca you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll log Z's, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nursemaid turned to Albus.

`` scathe my articulatio humeri, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his spite shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a present moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the injury for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to lusterlessness and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last night, do n't do it again, '' lady Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then flatness in the eye, `` I wo n't tell Professor Longbottom this sentence, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But succeeding time I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of easing as brothel keeper Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift moving ridge of her wand. He 'd have no trouble keeping his word to the nanny. There was no way that he was going to reiterate cobbler's last nighttime. Well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow next time.

`` You 're all set, '' dame Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would give birth no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common way and the boys immediately headed for their dorm room. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his fond four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel of Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was good because he was starving. privy and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much serious now that they 'd get under one's skin a decent amount of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' St. John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their adventure last night, he did not desire to take over it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll have to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each other. The trueness was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the castling ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped matte would be able to get the paw mark. What were the chances that they 'd be able to sneak down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to lock the doorway twice. Plus, what would pass if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud vocalisation shouted as soon as Albus, John, and mat descended into the common elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of inflammation in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into footmark alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked rose if you were in your dorm room and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a missy, they do strange things, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework live Night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after maiden year. They bombard you with even more than homework. ``

`` surmisal I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The son did expend their entire evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole clock time, no doubt thinking of next year, when he would let to expend his whole weekend doing preparation. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his second year, but he 'd find out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until pink wine found the charm to keep him quiet about it.

******

The day of the good moon came quickly and Albus could n't center on any of his form. He could only imagine about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another slip to the shack was going to be requirement. Of course, it may be that more than one more than stumble would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possible action that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to think about that, though. He just clung to the mind that they would be able to get a paw mark tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the future morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon classes and spent the prison term sleeping in the Room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great residence hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the elbow room. They did n't accept much meter before Matt had to go to the hospital extension and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how yearn that tunnel is, I feel even drab for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the plebeian room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, guy ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, John, rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with sheepskin and Koran, and sat down. `` Where 's mat ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital fender, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` rightfield, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his Word of God and tried to focus on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very worked up about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a feeling even if Kaden was n't running a cyclosis comment about his potions class he still would n't be capable to concentrate. His whole mind was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his preparation was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing prep tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered and continued writing his dad essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an mind that would concern both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum teach me. ``

`` Ever played magician 's cheat ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's typeface lit up, `` whizz have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a chess control board, his chessman, and an old set of chessman for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess game. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess, but with some differences. You call back how to play Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Well, with whizz 's chess everyone has their own chessman. These are mine, '' Albus held up his Andrew D. White chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this fifth wheel set. I think it used to go to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any well at chess game ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right field. Not as unspoiled as James, and not nearly as safe as blush wine. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the honorable at it. No one 's ever able-bodied to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your composition. Just order the pieces which space to move to. ``

`` Tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, tell them ? ``

`` Just vigil, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered didactics for his pawn to move two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the flannel pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not need to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his cat's-paw to move forward two public square and it did so without falter. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular Bromus secalinus. ``

The plot continued for a few more than minutes and then one of Kaden 's cat's-paw wound up in the itinerary of Albus 's palace. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common way turned around to await at him. `` Your castle killed my cat's-paw ! That 's genial ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a magic spell to rectify them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my pieces stamp out yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few round later, Kaden got the chance to order one of his bit to pop one of Albus 's. Kaden 's typeface was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's cat's-paw. The game continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the pieces destroy each other. This became especially unmistakable when Kaden only had his king, a horse, his castles, and three instrument left. Albus was only missing one palace, both bishops, and five or so pawns. Kaden 's chessmen were not very happy about this and his King and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated line about whether or not they were going to continue to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king flat out refused to move and Albus won by nonpayment. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing game of chess game Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even rosebush gave up on their homework and watched the in conclusion character of the game.

`` I think you need your own chess piece, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be volition to take heed to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonderment, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into end bunker. ``

`` It 's comic to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' Rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Yule. ``

`` That would be a good melodic theme, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them skillful than these 1. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Night and he was very stock the next sunup. All he could intend about was the paw print and whether or not their design worked. Luckily Albus only had two course that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' Saint John the Apostle whispered to Albus during a mind numbing account of magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the account of the captivity of family hob. rosebush was the lonesome one paying attention, although Albus had no estimate why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of House gremlin, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered request, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his sentry. `` XV minutes. But it 'll feel like XXX. ``

`` Why do we need to know about House Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an of import parting of wizarding history ! '' rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' John responded and flicked a composition of parchment at the Hufflepuff seance at the desk following to him. `` We should learn about something more commove. Like the Giant Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll spend a penny even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's better than this. ``

`` Even the history of caldron and their effects on wizarding social club ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken place the old yr, had been the uncollectible one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including rosiness, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' bathroom groaned. `` I do n't even require to think about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John the Evangelist replied.

`` commodity, undecomposed, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, Brits theatre Elves started to have contact with the American planetary house extremely low frequency, which resulted in a form of firm Elf I .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five more minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this theatre Elf clobber, '' Amanda whispered.

John the Divine snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is forged than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to require them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrifying. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next twelvemonth, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' John shook his school principal, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this course. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something wrongfulness with that kid. ``

`` 12 inch essay about the lodge for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare for next class, '' Binns droned a minute before the class was over.

The moment the bell rang, Albus and his acquaintance shot up out of their chairs and ran out the door. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` trade good, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per dark, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, fall on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were capable to shovel down nutrient at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurry lunch, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw photographic print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't go for walking through that burrow again, '' whoremonger agreed.

The mantle were pulled around Matt 's common bed at the far end of the ward. cypher was in any of the other seam. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll own to wait. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stick around long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be lull, too, '' John commented, `` You can bemuse us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the prescript, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse representative came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the drapery, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` wellspring, he 's awake now, so we can delay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` fine, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the drape again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all rightfulness, '' lustrelessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full moon moonshine, with several patch all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rose asked.

`` You 'll never pretend who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he descend to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit flatness unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in stratum and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his twist to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here finis night. Madam Pomfrey came to give me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to enjoin Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in metamorphosis this morning, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to have it away if lusterlessness had managed to get the paw print. He had thought flatness would contribute it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' lustrelessness smiled, `` I did grapple to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather deplume piece of sheepskin. But in the midriff was a very large paw print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and roue. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of stark, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One John L. H. Down, three to go, '' Saint John the Apostle commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit gentle. '' Albus was feeling very skilful about their program now. The unvoiced paw mark was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the charm is working much better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the hang of it last Nox. I 'll probably take in it done before Christmastime. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that appealingness to go along Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow eventide or Friday morning, probably, '' lusterlessness told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to cut uranology. ``

`` What a ignominy, '' privy faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the homework for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' mat laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not often, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted Mandragora officinarum again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoon into forks in Transfiguration Day. And we learned all about the account of House pixie in account of Magic. It was one of the most boring classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' matte agreed.

`` Was not, '' blush wine argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf mark for the map that the dueling order had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, pink wine, '' whoremonger grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't bury him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess mates, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to look on. ``

`` I 'll pulsate him in two minutes bland, '' rose wine laughed.

`` Kaden plays mavin 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last night. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to check the piece of music get smashed so by the end of the game, his pieces refused to take heed to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' rose changed the issue, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't sustain to snarf back into the hut. ``

Albus really did n't need to make back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside mesa. `` Time for you four to go forth. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' blush wine whispered as soon as they 'd shut the doorway to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few scholarly person wandering around, but no one paid much attention as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's office and lead his friends inside.

`` Looks like my sign of the zodiac, '' privy, who had never been in Harry 's office before, announced, `` A complete hatful. My whole family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat monstrosity. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a unearthly look.

`` guessing it 's a Muggle saying. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various stuff and went over to the sleeping accommodation threshold. He pushed it spread and went inside, with his acquaintance following. The proboscis was just where it had been the calendar week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one More time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd found it. `` well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could find in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' St. John leaped over a pile of books and picked up a ikon that was sitting on top of the closet. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle tot. ``

Albus grabbed the moving-picture show out of Saint John 's hand and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, William James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James II, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny baby with a large amount of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's handwriting and making her wave.

`` You were an lovely little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm certain you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the moving picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling play false storm. Albus was very well-chosen that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch peer. He had played Quidditch in Snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own paw in front end of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going out-of-door, but he need n't bear bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to begin. Albus and Amanda said goodby to their acquaintance and sat down at the tabular array they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining seat, which happened to be succeeding to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous time, only this time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to talk to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's programme to receive everyone get along was not working.

After about a one-half hr, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first duel and vanquish his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling region. He was up against a Hufflepuff third twelvemonth. Albus and the former boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jinx and then disarmed him. The unit affair took about a minute.

`` detail to muck around ! '' Neville announced.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a fucking Hufflepuff. A first year could 've beat out that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same affair. ``

`` Your short admirer is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling surface area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't count that goodness. ``

Albus personally thought matt looked all rightfulness, considering he had just gotten out of the hospital annexe the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was sick. ``

`` Oh, right wing, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him stupid. And the Hat knows secure than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't evidence Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore entropy that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to observe the rest of flatness 's duel. It took him a while, but Matt did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could flummox him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't verbalize to each other for the remainder of the tournament. Both son won their side by side duel, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first affaire d'honneur and won her second gear. John won his first and lost his second. Matt lost his bit one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their skilful sweat, none of their team won the tournament. It did n't really weigh though because the item were so close. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the squad had a hazard of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of condition went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmastime holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his protagonist would gain two more of the paw print needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transfer appealingness and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden silence. After Christmas, the merely matter left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite odd that the smallest and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the longest. John had yet to superintend to arrest a rat during potions grade and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John the Evangelist vented the even before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of prerequisite, enjoying some peace and tranquillise while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just sandbag it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John Lackland muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rosebush. ``

`` wellspring, you 've got plenty of prison term to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' pink wine replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can amount over to my house after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds commodity, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' pink wine smirked, `` grandmother and granddaddy are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to remember about, rosiness, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few daytime after Christmastime and pass new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my cousins coming over at various multiplication. Should be nutcase as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your star sign sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as mad as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this year. He 's uproarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa swallow firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling farcical report about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should nobble him up with auntie Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa audio like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My family unit sounds reasonably normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of nowadays ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every dark of Hanukkah, '' flatness told them.

`` I get pocket-sized presents each Night and then one big one on the finally night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' Gospel According to John said, `` So, Matt, do you have to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this yr. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few Day before term showtime. ``

`` That 's expert, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't birth to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The alone thing to do down there is homework or read. It 's not like I can bring Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to rosiness 's house with me. Then we can bet Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should do too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm indisputable my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Chanukah is late this twelvemonth and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll feature to be home by the even. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good idea, '' St. John the Apostle grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably separate you now, just in showcase I do n't get to go to rosebush 's firm, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the term. The full lunation 's on the 9th and somebody has to observe me once I start taking it a few daytime before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the cockcrow after and outride a couple twenty-four hour period. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really for sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just light upon a potion that would work for him.

`` face on the bright side, '' John the Evangelist said, `` At least you do n't have to transubstantiate at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his oral sex, `` But let 's talk about something else. Did you see in the prophet that the cannon almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American squad they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a public figure like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' lav laughed, `` Well, maybe a lilliputian. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a bam, literally. James and a few of his friends thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley pyrotechnic into the suits of armor and entrance them to go off at sure clip during the day. After the tenth explosion the teachers gave up trying to learn anything and just let their student do what they wanted during class, within reason of class. Unfortunately for James and his Quaker, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armour on the second story corridor with newly firework and gave them one of her rare hold. For this one, they had to clean every single suit of armour on the irregular floor corridor that evening. James said it was Worth it, though.

`` We really ought to fall up with a few good harlequinade, '' Saint John the Apostle decided as they were traveling through the Hill on the train. `` That 's what the predator did, was prank mass, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with pranks. That was Epistle of James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the result of such pranks was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't need to pull a whole lot of antic. `` Maybe a few minor ones, that do n't get us in immense trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of clobber we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the first dueling tourney, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his protagonist found themselves at King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with Rose 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, Gospel According to John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great granddad ! ``

Albus saw a very weak, completely bald, old man with a foresightful white whiskers standing next to whoremaster 's parents. lavatory lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a tight hug, `` How 're affair at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died age ago, granddaddy, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' lav stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a gang of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmaster .... ''

`` granddaddy, '' John shook his headway, `` The teacher are fine. But I want you to meet my friends. This is flatness Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` ceramicist ! ? '' trick 's great-great gramps peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus ceramicist ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry ceramist 's son ! I remember back in the years of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry Potter and nance ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should occur again ? Harry ceramist makes 'im disappear again and for good this meter ! ``

Albus, who was used to this sort of aid but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to neglect the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, skillful to match you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and wrap up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, granddaddy, '' John laughed, `` They 're just Quaker. Amanda Tagger and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just waiting public treasury you 're older. ``

`` Just acquaintance, granddaddy, '' John 's impudence turned red.

`` He 's like the Male version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' can 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be capable to hear him. `` I used to recognise a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in 10 ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' pink wine giggled.

`` fountainhead I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to get to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' whoremaster waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' toilet 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the following few days hanging around Grimmauld position with James IV and the rest period of his family. Lily was thrilled to sustain both her Brother and her dad menage and she had been demanding to lie with everything that had gone on the past term.

`` That way I 'll know everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to order you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprisal. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` Nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to love ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the young. I should screw everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few year ! And then all the Muggle-born Thomas Kyd will ask me inquiry and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll bump out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summertime, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` cockcrow, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the Marauder 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, watch it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, Henry James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` fine. The article on the presence of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the front man of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch attempt to drop-off Size of Her Ears, spell Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more careful ! '' James II sputtered. He gave Albus a aspect that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No melodic theme, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go modification, '' Albus jumped up and followed James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to get to give it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a thing of sentence before he had the former one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing room and shut the doorway. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to abstract it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't stimulate lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not rum ! '' James I insisted.

`` You did n't recede it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't want to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to have it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` fountainhead you stole it from Dad in the get-go office, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a stop there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's spot the previous class, James never would deliver taken the map in the first off place. `` All rightfulness. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to bring it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's Bob Hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his chamber. He knew his dad would need the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At to the lowest degree he had n't noticed it was missing at shoal. Albus threw opened his trunk and rifled through his school poppycock. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the burrow. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't demand the vulture 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a atomic reactor of defensive magic books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a push-down list of Word of God, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` perfect tense. You might want to go commute your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered tee shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James laughed, `` come to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his optic as he left the room to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their revue !