We hope you enjoy this chapter – it's a lot longer than we've done in the past. Thanks you so much for your reviews – we really appreciate them! -cmwriting

Disclaimer: These characters are property of JK Rowling.

Albus winced when he saw Professor Longbottom pass out the Devil's Snare. His father had told him that Hogwarts' Herbology class could be gross at times, but Albus had never imagined it to be this slimy. Albus hoped that not all the Herbology classes had slimy plants.

"Hagrid and I will be doing a duo lesson next week, so I'll ask you to reunite with your Care of the Magical Creatures partners", Professor Longbottom said.

Well, Tina isn't mean or annoying so it can't be too bad. Albus thought to himself. Tina must've been thinking the same thing because of her cheerful and somewhat excited greeting.

"What I want you to do with the Devil's Snare, is to take turns with your partner putting your hand into the Devil's Snare while the other practices the charm 'lumos' allowing the other just enough time to pull their hand out."

"We're going to put our hand in that thing?" Tina exclaimed to Albus.

"I suppose so." Albus said. His stomach was feeling queasy, but he decided to get it over with, so he shoved his hand into the grimy vines. Tina performed the charm and it was done. Tina had a little more trouble and took some coaxing to finally convince her to stick her hand into the Devil's Snare. Albus got her out in seconds which earned praise from Professor Longbottom and an imaginary Professor Lovegood.

When Albus had finally finished all his classes, he invited Tina to come to tea at Hagrid's along with Rose and Scorpius. Tina politely accepted, so they met up with Rose and Scorpius and together, they made their way down to the cabin

Albus thought he saw something in the bushes by Hagrid's but he couldn't be sure. Albus turned his attention back to the door just as they were greeted with the smell of a wet dog and a hearty " Hi there!" from Hagrid.

"Hi Hagrid", all four of the kids said together, as if rehearsed.

"So, how was your first day of classes?"

"It was alright", Albus replied. "But the last class nearly bored me to pieces."

The group sat down, making small talk, as Hagrid poured them each a cup of tea. Albus introduced Rose, Scorpius and Tina and they began talking about their lessons.

Albus watched Scorpius lift his tea cup, revealing the front page of a newspaper, The Daily Prophet, beneath it. Scorpius took a very small sip of his steaming tea, and, from what Albus could tell by the look on his face, tried hard not to choke.

"Hagrid", Rose said suddenly, breaking the short silence. "What's this?"

She took the paper that had been beneath Scorpius' cup and read out the headline: "Wizardry: a Secret No More?"

Before Hagrid said anything, Rose began to read the article aloud.

"For hundreds and hundreds of years, wizardry has remained hidden from non-magical people (or 'Muggles'), writes Colin Eho, Daily Prophet reporter, But that may all be changed very, very soon. A source from the Ministry, who requested to remain anonymous, has informed the Daily Prophet that Diablo Barrett, a wizard who threatened to expose wizardry five years ago, has escaped from Askaban and is on the loose. The Ministry's aurors are looking this wizard and claim to have leads on where he might be. The Ministry tells people to stay calm and not to panic. It is important for all wizard to be aware and on the look out for suspicious actions. It is also crucial for all citizens to know that anyone could be working under this wizard's command, and he has killed and imperioused innocent people before. The Daily Prophet will keep readers up to date on any leads about this wizard's whereabouts. Thanks for reading, and stay safe. -Colin Eho, Daily Prophet reporter"

There was a pause after Rose finished reading, everyone deep in thought. Finally, the the creak of Hagrid's door opening broke the tense silence.

"Come on in!", Hagrid said to whoever was behind the door.

"I didn't need your permission to come in", said a snobby, annoying voice that Albus knew could only belong to one person – Horus III. " I have a question about Diricawls."

"Really, Horus, really?", Tina interrupted , glancing at his robes. "exactly how long have you been hiding in that bush?"

So that's what Albus had seen in the bush! It made sense now.

"Um, uh, um", Horus stammered. He rushed out the door before anyone else could humiliate him.

"Well, you kids better be off to bed now.", said Hagrid, ignoring the fact that Horus had just bolted out the door. The four thanked Hagrid for the tea and headed out.

"We have to find Diablo Barrett!", Scorpius exclaimed, once they were out of ear shot. The others faces showed that they agreed.

"I know", agreed Albus. "but we have no idea how to get to him or even where he is."

"Then we find him", Rose said.

"I think I have a plan." said Tina "First we approach Headmistress Nuala when she's drunk, then we ask her permission to find him. Or just ask her to sign a permission slip saying we can."

"Tina – that is absolutely brilliant!" Albus told her.

" Thanks", Tina said modestly.

"We'll have time for all the praising and thanking later – we will have to get some sleep if we ever want try our chances at finding this Diablo bloke.", Rose said.

So Albus, Scorpius , Tina , and Rose headed off to the Gryffendor common room.

"I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight", Albus whispered to Scorpius as they headed up the hill.

"Me either", Scorpius whispered back.

We hope you enjoyed that chapter – remember to read & review! Thanks again! -cmwriting