Author's Note: Thanks to everyone for all the great reviews. For an author, reviews are like food, and you guys are keeping me fat and happy. I think you're going to like this chapter, and the end will probably be a shocker to you as well. Continue reviewing please…

"Are you sure it's the mark?" asked Harry, staring into the eyes of the minister. "How would someone know how to summon it? I thought the spell was lost after we rounded up the last of the Death Eaters."

"Harry, though we rounded up all of his followers who took the mark, remember that the mark was only intended for those in his inner circle. One small slip of the tongue could have given anyone the spell."

"Where was it sent up at? Has anyone else seen it? Were there any deaths?" asked Harry. His mind was racing already.

"It was sent up over a small cottage in a place called Spinner's End," he explained. "This is all I know. Luckily, one of my closer people was on patrol. He cast a Disillusionment Charm over the area and came directly to me with the news. I decided that you and I should investigate it," he continued. He noticed a look in Harry's eyes. "Do not worry Harry, I will notify the Prophet. However, I do not want to cause any panic before I have completely surveyed the area."

"Okay, I think we should go now. I'll notify my secretary to let everyone know I'm out of the office for the day," said Harry, as he stood and placed his wand in his pocket. "You sure you're still up for it?" Harry joked. "You know, you haven't been an official auror for quite some time. Sure your skills are up to par?"

Kingsley grinned. "I live for this," he said simply.

Harry decided that it would look too suspicious if he and Kingsley left the building together. Though people knew the two were friends, it would still arouse some suspicion. Kingsley left first, followed by Harry. They soon arrived at the area known as Spinner's End.

It was a small rundown street close to an old industrial area. A few gray clouds hung in the sky, making the area appear more depressed than it was. There was a small dirty river, with litter strewn about. There didn't appear to be anyone around the area, giving it the look of an old muggle horror movie.

"Kingsley, does anyone live here?" asked Harry as they approached the house.

"No one of magical heritage has inhabited this area for 19 years," he explained.

"Who used to live here?" asked Harry. He was sure he had heard the name from somewhere before.

"Severus Snape," said Kingsley, causing Harry to stop dead in his tracks.

"Kingsley, this is getting stranger and stranger by the second. Someone summons the Dark Mark which hasn't been seen in just about two decades. Not only do they do it, but they do it over the house of a former Death Eater and spy. Something isn't right," he said as they started walking again. They had just about reached the house when they walked through the Disillusionment Charm. Harry looked up to see the Dark Mark hanging high in the sky. It symbolized so much, and just looking at it brought back old memories.

"Finite Incantatem," said Harry, pointing his wand at the Mark. It quickly disappeared. They walked up to one of the windows and tired to look inside. A thick shield of dust covered the windows, making it impossible to see anything except the thick cobwebs on the outside of the window. The duo made their way to the front door.

"Alohomora," whispered Kingsley, pointing his wand at the lock. He then pushed the door open and walked inside, Harry right behind him.

They walked into what appeared to be a sitting room. However there was not much room for sitting. Books covered every part of the walls. Against one of the walls, a sofa, an armchair and a very rickety looking table sat. The room gave off the impression of being a padded room in St. Mungo's.

"Are you sure he used to live here?" asked Harry, lighting several candles around the room. "It doesn't look as though anyone's lived here since…ever," he said.

"Let's have a look around," said Kingsley.

The pair looked around the eerie house. It seemed to have been undisturbed since its one time owner had died. They tried to find something out of place, even using other spells to reveal the presence of another person. However, there was nothing else to be found.

"I don't see anything," said Harry. "But there is something here, I just know it," he said.

"But If there is nothing here, we might as well leave," said Kingsley. "I believe it was just a prank or something; a prank that was not funny and one that will be investigated into, but a prank nonetheless." They turned to leave, however Harry stopped.

"Wait," he said, turning back into the house. "How could we miss it?"

"Miss what?"

"Severus Snape was Potions master at Hogwarts," Harry said.

"Yes, I know," said Kingsley.

"How is it possible that we did not see a single potions ingredient? There was not even so much as a vial of water in there. He had to keep it all somewhere," explained Harry.

"Yes," agreed Harry. "Let's go back and reexamine this house."

They entered the house again, this time looking for something they had missed. They searched and tried to find the obvious. Harry pointed his wand at one of the bookshelves and finally found that there was a concealed door behind it. Behind the door was a stair case that led down to a circular room.

Harry lit the candles in this room and was startled at what was there. It appeared as though some sort of struggle had taken place. He could not tell how long it had been, however, he was sure it had happened. There were small holes and piles of rubble on the floor. Vials of potion ingredients were broken on the floor.

"Something happened here," said Harry. "I just wish we knew what it was," Harry said.

"Well," said Kingsley, "Maybe this might give us a clue," he said. Harry turned to him. Kingsley had his illuminated wand pointed at a spot on the wall. Written in magical letters that glowed red and floated by themselves was the word: Traitor

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Albus was downstairs in the Common room. It was early in the morning and he was joined up with a few of his dorm mates, looking at a new posting that had been put up over night. It contained the details of the contest that the Headmaster had mentioned the night before.

The Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt Has Arrived!!

Throughout the school year, four very unique riddles will be given to each House. Each of the Houses will get the same riddle and must work together in their Houses to try and solve it. The answer to each of the riddles is an object. Once the object it found and collected, it must be presented to your Head of House. The specific rules are as follows:

-With four clues being distributed throughout the school year, two will be given before Christmas break, and two after.

-You cannot move onto the next clue until you have solved the previous one.

-There are four specific dates at which the clues will be dispersed. If a House solves their riddle before the day of the next clue is to be given, they must still wait for the next clue to be released.

-It is a competition, therefore it is ill-advised that you share any of the information that your House has learned with members of other Houses.

-100 House points will be given to whichever House solves the riddle first at each interval. The winner will be declared the end of the year. The winner will be determined by the first House to have solved all four clues. The prizes to be given to the winning House will be a trophy congratulating them, a ball thrown in their honor, and a trip exclusively for their House to Hogsmeade where they will have a one hour shopping spree paid for by the school in any shop they request.

Albus looked at the note and read it again. He smiled in anticipation and could not wait for the day when the first clue would be delivered. He greeted Rose as she came down to read the note, also saying hello to one of her friends that was with her.

Albus turned and walked over to one of his friends. The boy's name was Jonathan Scamander. He was about the same height as Albus. He had pale dirty blonde hair and misty blue eyes. The look on his face always gave off the impression that he was surprised. The two had bed's that were next to one another, and they seemed to click instantly.

"Albus, did you read the note about the contest?" asked the boy, tucking the magazine he was reading into his pocket.

"Yeah, it looks like it's gonna be fun, don't you think?" said Albus.

"What do you think we'll have to find?" asked Jonathan. "I hope it's nothing too hard."

"Me too," agreed Albus. "But I doubt it'll be anything too difficult. Anyways, have you been down to breakfast yet? We have to get our schedules."

"Let's go. I was waiting for you, and I had to find my magazine…the naggle's hid it, but luckily I found it."

Albus looked at the boy with a puzzling look before the two headed down to breakfast.

They made their way downstairs, stopping to say hello to James who informed Albus that he would be trying out for the beater position because he wanted to be on the Quidditch team, just as their father had done. Albus could have kicked himself. He could not believe that he had forgotten about writing to his parents. His anger arose once more. Once he got down to the Great Hall, he found himself writing a letter to his father, wondering why he had not told him about his past. He would have liked to ask James about it, but he knew his brother would not tell him anything. After he finished writing, he tucked the letter in his robes.

Soon, the head of Gryffindor, Professor Longbottom, came around handing out schedules. Albus had heard from James that Professor Longbottom was kind, as well as a great Herbology professor. He stopped and looked at Albus.

"You must be Harry's son," he said, handing the boy his schedule. "You look just like he did in our first year. You've even got his eyes, and even his wild hair."

"Yeah, I've heard that a lot," said Albus, smiling at the man.

"See you later than," said Professor Longbottom, continuing his way around the table.

Albus looked down at his schedule. Today he had Charms, Herbology, and double Potions. He yawned loudly.

"You might want to cover your mouth next time you do that," commented Rose loudly. "It's quite rude, and no one wants your hot breath all over their food."

"I agree with her," came the voice of Victorie Weasley, Albus' and Rose's older cousin. She smiled as she walked past, going to join her fellow seventh years at the end of the table.

"I think we should start walking to class," said Rose.

Albus, Rose, and Jonathan began walking out of the Great Hall. On their way out, Scorpius walked in. Rose and Albus waved, only to get a small nod in return as he scurried past them to catch up with his fellow Slytherins. They turned to look at him as they walked.

They walked slowly to the Charms room, talking along the way.

"I've really got to send this letter to my father," said Albus. "I can't believe he didn't tell me anything about…well anything."

Rose looked at him before speaking. "Well, if he didn't tell you, I bet he had a pretty good reason. Or it could have just slipped his mind. He is quite busy most of the time," she said.

"You're just trying to cover up the fact that you knew and didn't tell me," said Albus.

Rose was very quick to change the subject. "So, Jonathan, what does your mum do?"

The boy's eyes sparkled at this question. "She's not in the country. She left for Prague shortly before I came to school. She's looking for a beast she wants to study for her newest book."

"That sounds like fun," said Rose. "Aren't you guys excited about this? Our first class!"

"Thrilled," said Albus in the dullest voice he could muster.

They arrived at the Charms classroom, entering to find some of there fellow Gryffindors, as well as some Ravenclaws. The three took seats close to the front, right next to the aisle. They pulled out their text books and waited.

They didn't have to wait much longer though. The door to the side of the Charms classroom opened and the professor walked in from her office.

"Good morning class," she began in a very happy sounding voice. "My name is Professor Juniper, and I will be teaching you Charms this year," she beamed.

Professor Juniper gave off the impression of supreme happiness. She appeared to be in her early thirties. She was wearing the traditional Hogwarts black robes, but with one change. She had somehow managed to adorn hers with thin white pinstripes that went from top to bottom of the robe. She had marvelous gray eyes and radiant skin. Her hair was jet black and cut very, very short and spiky in the front.

"For those of you who do not know, I am the head of Hufflepuff. I am thrilled to be able to teach you all the wonderful branch of magic known as Charms. Charms will most likely be the branch of music that you use most often. Charms are used in everyday life. Can anyone think of a few ways that we can apply charms in everyday life?"

Quite a few hands went up, as most anticipated it would be the easiest question of the school year and the easiest way to earn some class participation points. Professor Juniper pointed to a girl named Louise sitting next to Rose.

"People in St. Mungo's use healing charms in everyday life," she said. "They heal bones and clear up bruises, as well as whatever else might ale someone."

"Very good dear," said Professor Juniper. "Five points to Gryffindor. Who else has a use for Charms in everyday life?" She gazed around the room, allowing her eyes and finger to land on the bright eyes of Albus.

"Cleaning," he said. "My grandmother is always using cleaning spells when I go to her house."

"That's correct as well. Another five points to Gryffindor," she said. "Come on now, there are a few more uses," she continued. She went on calling students and awarding points. About a quarter ways into the class, she told everyone that they were going to be trying a very simple charm. "I'm going to teach you a very basic charm known as the Levitation Charm. The incantation is very simple; however, it's the wand movement that is very important. The most basic of all magical wand movements is the swish and flick," she explained. She demonstrated this by circling then jabbing at something invisible with her wand. "Now, I'd like you all to try and to this same, without the incantation."

Everyone in the class did this. There was nothing complicated about the wand movement. However, everyone was very anxious as it would be the first time they tried real magic.

"Now, please everyone, repeat after me. Wingardium Leviosa."

The class repeated the word back to her three times. She made sure to check that no one was stretching any of the letters or holding anything too long. She pulled a box up onto her desk and with a quick wand movement, a feather appeared in front of each of the students and the box disappeared. "Now, using both the wand movement and spell I have taught you, I'd like you all to try and make your feathers float back onto my desk. Please, do not be alarmed if you can't do it on the first try."

Albus, Rose, and Jonathan all pointed their wands at their respective feathers and said the incantation. All three feathers lay still as though held down by some invisible weight. After a few more attempts, which all produced similar results, they looked around to notice that no one else was having much luck either. A few people had gotten their feathers to do a little wave, and one boy had even knocked his feather on the floor and claimed he made it levitate there. After a few more minutes, Professor Juniper spoke again.

"Well, there's just about a minute or so left in the class, so how about this one little challenge? I'll give 15 points to the house that has the first student to do the levitation charm," she said cheerfully.

This had lit a fire under the students. Shouts of "Wingardium Leviosa" were being heard loudly from everyone. They each wanted a chance to earn their house some points. Finally, a Ravenclaw boy with light brown hair managed to make his feather float back to the desk. Professor Juniper happily awarded the points. She told everyone that homework was to practice the charm and make sure they could perform it correctly for the next class. She then dismissed them.

Jonathan and Rose walked back to the dormitory as they had sometime before their next class. Albus however decided it was time to go and mail the letter to his father. He reached the Owelry, calling down his gray and white owl. His father had suggested he name the owl Hedwig because he once had an owl by that name.

"Hedwig," Albus began, "I need you to take this to my father." The owl looked at him curiously. "Yes, I know it's a bit early in the year, but it's important." He knew that if she could have, she would have nodded before gently nipping at his ear and flying off.

Albus turned to leave, however he was greeted with the sight of a familiar face. Scorpius Malfoy was standing there, calling down one of the school owls.

"Hey Scorpius," said Albus warmly.

"Potter," he returned.

"How have things been with you? We haven't seen much of each other since yesterday."

"Everything is fine with me," he said. "I've just come from my first class and need to ask my father about something."

"Really? What?"

"It's not really any of your concern," said Scorpius dryly.

Albus surveyed they boy's eyes once more and saw something in them he had not seen yesterday. "Well, I'll be off," he said. As Albus made his way down the stairs, he heard Scorpius say, "I hope to see you around." Albus was surprised he had said this. Though it had only been a day since they had met, Scorpius seemed to be growing colder towards his Gryffindor friends. Albus got the feeling that Scorpius was not sure if he should be friends with them or not.

Herbology passed without much happening. Professor Longbottom was a great teacher, talking about the plants with so much passion. He explained the many uses of plants for medicinal usage, as wells as some of the plants they would be using throughout the school year. He didn't give them any homework.

After a quick lunch where Jonathan continued explaining about what his parents did, they headed down to the dungeons for Potions. They had this class with the Slytherins. Albus, Rose and Jonathan took seats in the middle of the class. Since it was two to a desk, Rose and Jonathan sat together, allowing Albus to instead share a desk with another boy from their year, Tyler.

Professor Delilah Dark water walked into the class, her black robes billowed as she did this. She got to the front of the class and swiftly turned around. She immediately gave off the air of someone who would take no nonsense. She had jet black hair that was pulled into a tight bun. Her eyes were very dark, almost appearing to be black. There was certain sadness in her eyes that also seemed to be etched into every part of her face. She looked like a woman who had been through a lot.

"Good afternoon class," she said. "My name is Professor Darkwater. I will be teaching you all the delicate art that is potion-making. This class can be the worst or the best class that you take in your seven years at Hogwarts, depending on how you make it. I will not tolerate nonsense of any kind. Now, I know that you all have of course read the text, so I would like you all to please tell me of some potions you have heard of. They do not necessarily have to be from the text book, but any potions in general."

Her eyes gazed around the room, landing on Scorpius. "Scorpius, go ahead."

"There is one called the Draught of Living Death," he said.

"Correct," she said. "Do you know anything else about it?"

"I read it's called that because it puts the person in a sleep so deep they can't be woken up. So even though they're still alive, they might as well be dead since they couldn't wake up if they wanted to."

The rest of the class went on like this. Many different potions were names. For homework, they were assigned half a roll of parchment about cures for the most common poisons.

The rest of the day was spent in the Common Room, only coming down for dinner. The first year Gryffindors buzzed that night because they had their flying lessons the next day.

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"Did they go to the traitor's house?" asked the woman, once again perched in her chair.

"Yes. They saw the words and the Mark, and they do not know what to make of any of it," explained the man, who was still hidden in shadows. "I also have good news."

"What is it?" said the woman hoarsely.

"I have begun gathering followers. Though you are very capable, the purging of the magical world is not a task left to one, or even two, alone."

She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Yes, very good. What about the next phase of the plan? I know that there is one more betrayer whom I would like punished."

"I already have a few things set in motion. He will first be sent a message, and then we will force him to go where we want him to," he said. He then looked hesitant before speaking again. "I have a question."

"Yes?" she asked wearily.

"When do we go after Potter?"

She sighed. "Our goals are clear to me. We are going to shake up the magical world. There is too much chaos, and the blood of this world has become tainted. Causing the magical world to become a bit unsettled once more will cause Harry Potter, leader of the aurors, to become on edge. His attention will have to spread, as he will have to try and keep his world safe. Once his attention has shifted, we will then go after those whom he holds most dear. I already know how to get to them," she explained.

"He has children at Hogwarts though," said the man.

"Yes, and soon, I will also have someone at Hogwarts. Do not think me dumb, Nightstar."

"No, never, Madame LeStrange