DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything except that which is not familiar to the Harry Potter Universe. My imagination is not as great as J.K.'s.

Chapter One

It was a glorious spring morning: the sun's golden rays could be seen shining from between the distant mountains, the wind was blowing casually across the land as the emerald grass, leaves and colorful flowers danced merrily to an unknown melody. Birds could be heard singing their sweet notes from the trees in the Forbidden Forest while butterflies fluttered gently in the air. Albus watched as the world began to wake from his dormitory window, marveling at the scene before him. The early morning was always his favorite part of the day as it was peaceful and pensive. He enjoyed the momentary solitude away from his peers as it gave him time to reflect. Albus was always thinking about something and the hour or two of free time he could get during the day was a highly valued gift.

He decided he would venture outside, sit by the lake for a while before breakfast, maybe even practice a few spells. With his agenda on his mind, Albus turned from the window and quietly went to his trunk. He rustled through it to find his grey slacks and white shirt he had worn the day before. They weren't too dirty so it was okay if he put them on again; besides it was the weekend, it was time for casual, laid-back attire. Albus buttoned his shirt and pulled on his pants before stuffing his feet into his favorite pair of trainers. He grabbed his wand from his nightstand, along with the map his father had given him when Albus first arrived at Hogwarts. He unfolded the worn and yellowed paper, tapping it with his wand while saying "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good."

He checked to make sure his dorm mates were all still asleep; they knew nothing of his magic map of Hogwarts and he was afraid if they did, mayhem would ensue. It was already bad enough when he let James borrow it. Luckily, the first and only time Albus's older brother had gotten caught with it was by Professor Longbottom, a family friend. He excused James with a chuckle, a ruffle of hair, and a playful warning. Though the oldest Potter child didn't receive any reprimand, Albus thought once was enough. Now he monitored his brother's use of the map, in case another - stricter - professor found him out.

Albus scanned the pages to make sure he was the only one up and about. There were a few Ravenclaws wandering around their common room as were a couple of Hufflepuffs. All the Slytherins were still sleeping as were his fellow Gryffindors. A few professors were in their offices and the caretaker was in his room which meant the coast was clear. Albus said the correct charm to clear the parchment then pocketed the map. He quietly made his way out of his room and to the one above him. The drapes were still drawn on the windows in this room making it exceptionally hard for him to see; however, he knew which bed his brother slept in, so finding James would be easy. Albus counted exactly fifteen steps forward. He reached out to feel in front of him and found that his brother hadn't drawn his bed curtains. He cautiously made his way to the side of the bed where he could hear his brother's slow breathing.

"James," he whispered, not wanting to wake the other sixth years.

James didn't move or make a sound so Albus called his name again, a tad louder. When he received the same results, Albus shook his brother and called his name hoping this time he would stir.

"What the bloody monkey wench?!" James groaned angrily.

"Monkey wench? What's a monkey wench?" asked Albus confused at his brother's choice of an expletive.

James shuffled around a bit and Albus believed he was sitting up. "You know, one of those Muggle contraptions. They use it to fix stuff."

Comprehension dawned on Albus. "You mean a 'monkey wrench'," he corrected.

"Yeah, those things. Doesn't really matter now. What in Merlin's grey beard are you doing here anyways, Al?"

"I wanted to borrow the cloak," Albus answered simply.

"The cloak - what for?" James flopped back down on his bed, situating himself again.

"I wanted to go outside."

"Then go outside."

"I don't want to get caught."

James groaned. "No one gives a crap if you decide to wander about the grounds at the crack of dawn. Now leave me alone!"

Albus sighed; the finality in his older brothers voice was enough for him to know he wasn't going to get the cloak anytime soon. He would just have to re-check the map every so often as he made his way through the castle and onto the grounds. Albus retraced his steps to the dormitory door but before he could even get both feet on the landing, James was pushing past him. He noticed that his brother was clad in only his boxers.

"Oi, James, put some clothes on," Albus called as he followed the other Potter down the stairs.

"I'm only going to the loo," he retorted.

"But still - what if someone sees you?"

"The only person up right now is you."

"You're up, too," Albus reminded his brother as they came to the bathroom door.

"Involuntarily," he said pointedly, staring at Albus. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to let nature take its course before I return to bed."

James entered the boy's bathroom, shutting the door in his younger brothers face. Albus rolled his eyes, continuing his journey to the great outdoors. James was always parading around half clothed as if the whole of Gryffindor Tower was his bedroom. There was no need for everyone to see what color underwear he decided to don that day. Albus climbed out of the portrait hole, the Fat Lady snoring heavily in her frame. He listened carefully for any approaching footsteps before making his way down the corridor. He stopped several times throughout the castle to check the Marauders Map, watching for the caretaker who would most likely report him for sneaking around. He finally made it the Great Oak doors without any trouble and stepped outside to the pleasantly warm air. He breathed deeply, letting the smell of grass and flowers fill his nose.

Albus ran down the stairs and strolled towards the Black Lake which was glistening majestically in the sunlight. On the small sandy shore, he removed his shoes and socks, allowing the cool water to tickle his toes. He pulled his wand out of his pocket and began to practice some spells he had learned recently. His target was the rosebush situated right behind him. After about an hour of flourishing wand movements, he had made the flowers come to him, tap dance on the ground, turn into pieces of paper, zoom around his head and levitate above the thick bush. His stomach rumbled suddenly reminding him that food was necessary. Breakfast had probably already started but Albus wanted to practice just one more thing before setting down to eat.

Albus stood before the bush and pointed his wand at the shrubbery. He uttered an incantation and waited for it to take affect but after several moments nothing happened. He thought maybe he said the spell incorrectly so he tried again and he received the same results. A little disheartened, Albus stuffed his wand in his pants, more concerned with the prospect of waffles and sausage now. He bent down, ready to put his socks on, when an odd squeaky, almost tinkling noise like a bell, caught his attention. Standing back up, Albus was shocked by the sight before him. His spell had worked after all, but it was wrong, oh so wrong. He tried to hold back his fear as he murmured a phrase that would most likely define his weekend.

"I'm in trouble now."