Chapter 26- Adventure Comes knocking
Hidden in the shadows of the tall trees that surrounded the paddock two figures lurked ominously watching the teens and the small boy in the large untidy garden surrounded by a fence and thick hedge. Neither of them spoke to the other as they waited for their chance to implement their plan to capture one of, or both of the Slytherin boys who seemed oblivious to the fact that they were being stalked.
The witch glowered angrily at the small child who was apparently leaping around pretending to be some sort of beast on the hunt. She thought it was most disgusting especially when she observed him startling the mudblood who screamed "TWERP" as she fell back and knocked down the blond. Her wand arm twitched as she wished to hex the small dark haired boy into oblivion or into a state of insanity like she had done years ago to Auror Longbottom and his wife.
The tall gaunt looking silver eyed blond wizard watched the blond boy who looked so much like himself as he was knocked down to the ground by the mudblood and scowled as he faintly overheard the boys comment "Gee Granger I didn't think I'd ever fall for you that suddenly." How he wished to destroy this abomination who had chosen to side with the blood traitors, Halfbreeds and mudbloods.
After watching the youngsters for some time and realizing that it was getting too dangerous for them to linger much longer that day in hopes of capturing Draco or the Twerp both of them disapparated away.
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12 Grimmauld Place
"All things considered it has been a good summer." said Sirius to Remus and Mad-Eye who had dropped by.
It'll be better once those two escapees are captured," grumbled Mad Eye as he sniffed the aroma coming from the cup of tea he held in his gnarled hands. "I take it young Malfoy and Potter are staying overnight at the Burrow."
"Yes they are." answered Sirius with a slight smirk. "I know they are having fun with the others and besides the fact that keeping an eye on Severus is a full time job..." Sirius looked over at Mad Eye "Oh, I forgot you have done that for many years."
"I keep an eye on everyone. It doesn't matter, " answered Mad Eye. "As for Severus Snape... he may have been a contemptible Death Eater once but now he is just a Twerp whose mission in life seems to be to emulate mischief makers." Mad Eye looked over at Sirius and rubbed his hand over his chin as he thought. "He may even turn out almost as devious and scheming as a Marauder."
"HEY, we weren't devious, we were just... sneaky." protested Sirius with a frown as he felt Mad Eye's magical eye scrutinize him carefully.
"I think they mean pretty much the same thing." said Remus as he listened to the other two wizards talking, "keep talking Padfoot, it isn't often you put both feet into your mouth."
"Shut up Moony, I know!" muttered Sirius.
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The Burrow
It seemed to the Twerp that the day sped away much faster than normal. Supper was held outside in the backyard where the warm summer breezes brought the varied scents of fragrant flowers and newly mown grasses to combine with the wonderful flavours of Molly's cooking. The boys had set up the tables and benches not far from the Twerps favourite climbing tree while the girls helped Molly with setting out the dishes and eating utensils.
After supper the Twerp was once again stretched out on a limb in his favourite tree watching for the shy gentle bats that flew around catching insects and the little magical luminous creatures that could be seen darting about when the light of day faded into dusk. He could smell the scent of Molly's rose bushes and the honeysuckle which seemed to him to be more noticeable than during the day. He wondered what it would be like to stay outside and sleep under the night sky.
"Draco, do you think you will quit working once you get your mansion and trust fund?" asked Ginny as she nursed her hot chocolate and ate a snack with her long red hair falling forward framing her face.
"No Ginny I want to keep working. I'll be busy at the shop tomorrow while the rest of you will be getting your supplies for school." answered Draco. "The trust fund will be a great help, I must admit, but I haven't got the use of it till I am of age, but for now I do have enough in my vault to take me through school if I am careful and don't end up with any large expenditures." He paused and sighed. Talking about large expenditures, I'm not sure I want to keep the Malfoy mansion, It's not exactly homey... I mean it's big and all..."
"I'm sure that Sirius wouldn't mind if you stay on at twelve Grimmauld Place. I know I don't mind." said Harry as he stirred his chocolate drink. "It wouldn't do to have you left alone, puttering about in that oversized mausoleum."
"Now Draco, there is plenty of time for you to decide what to do with Malfoy Mansion." said Albus who had come by to see Draco and the Twerp, plus he needed to talk with Arthur and Molly. "In a few years when you become of age you may even wish to live there."
Draco nodded and a variety of emotions flickered quickly across his face, "maybe I will, then again maybe I won't. So many memories..."
The Twerp tuned out the conversation that was below him as he concentrated upon his own thoughts. He mulled around a new potion idea, wondered why was Albus so adamant about the whereabouts of the Elder wand, Those swimming lessons, Where was he going to be during the school days..."
"Severus."
Startled, the Twerp looked down through the branches at Albus who was eating some lemon sherbets and watching him with twinkling blue eyes.
"I guess you didn't hear me, I wondered if you would like to do some shopping yourself in Diagon Alley."
The Twerp was confused. "But I'm not going to be going to Hogwarts as a student again for another three years."
"That doesn't mean you can't have fun browsing and maybe find something to buy even if it is only an ice cream cone." answered Albus. "Anyway I thought you would like to spend a little time with me."
"I would like to spend time browsing around Diagon Alley with you before school starts." answered the Twerp with barely suppressed excitement as he slipped down out of the tree.
"You do realize that you won't be going back to Hogwart's as a student." said Albus. "Any lessons you have will have to be the normal ones that children of your age take."
"I understand," Severus paused before asking with a slight trepidation. "Will the swimming lessons continue?"
"Of course Twerp." said Albus firmly as he ruffled the small boy's hair, "I consider them very valuable lessons for you to learn."
The Twerp sighed and nodded. He had secretly hoped he didn't have to enter the water again but he also knew that it was in his best interest to learn how to swim and besides, the teens looked forward to being able to swim and learning how to dive properly from Draco.
Ginny noticed that the sun had finished settling down behind the horizon and the stars were just starting to come out
"Hey, the sun's gone down!" Ginny blurted out.
Don't worry I'm sure it will dawn on us again." quipped the Twerp who looked at her innocently.
Ginny rolled her eyes as she said, "honestly Twerp--- you are getting to be one rather annoying little smart aleck."
"I try my best." the Twerp said innocently as the other teens started to laugh and the adults looked at each other and shook their heads.
When the youngsters left the kitchen and headed up the stairs to their rooms, Albus told Arthur and Molly about what he discussed with Scimgeour regarding the two escapees. Since it was apparent that the main focus was not on Draco but on the Twerp Albus was concerned that the safety of everyone at the Burrow was being compromised. He was thinking of removing the Twerp from the Burrow and keeping him at Hogwarts for the remainder of the summer.
"Albus... we have spent a large portion of our lives being in danger. You know we will do our utmost to keep the Twerp safe." protested Molly. "We will still hold true to our word to you about helping you to raise Severus and giving him a stable and happy home. "
"Yes I remember." said Albus softly, "Thank you. I have this feeling that Severus would be most unhappy with me If I took him away because of my own fear that something could happen."
"We understand." said Arthur, "You are still relatively new to being a parent figure."
Albus smiled as he received a refill of hot chocolate. "I can't explain but it feels different somehow, I've had years of experience teaching students and being the Headmaster. One would think I would feel more secure by now but I am not."
"You are more involved with Severus." said Arthur. "Now I suspect you are afraid of repeating the mistakes you made with him the first time he grew up. He was just another child then, one child among many others."
"I suspect you are right." A strangely sad and regretful look flickered across the old wizards face then he smiled. "Yes I suspect you are right."
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It was nearly morning when Draco woke up. He tensed and looked around the room, A slight sound outside the window caught his attention and he slipped out of bed over to peer through the window. He didn't see anything in particular that would have made the sound so he closed the window and went to lie down again.
A little later the Twerp woke up feeling a little uneasy and thirsty. Yawning while he rubbed the cobwebs of sleep from his eyes, he wondered what time it was as he sat up and swung his feet out of his warm bed.
"Can't you sleep any more either?" asked Draco who was unable to fall back to sleep.
"I feel thirsty." stated the Twerp simply. "I'm going downstairs and get a drink of water."
"I'll go with you." Draco said as he sat up and stretched his muscles before he rose from his warm bed.
Taking their wands both of them cast a 'lumos', left the room and walked quietly downstairs and without glancing around went straight to the kitchen where they found themselves some glasses and filled them with water. Sitting down at the long wooden table in the small kitchen they extinguished their wands and both of them listened to the soothing muted sounds of the early morning.
The tall blond studied the smaller boy and his memories of his past relationship with him-- both as an adult and a child tumbled over each other. Who would have thought last summer that he... Draco Malfoy would be sitting here in the Weasley's kitchen and working with the twins in their shop. He smiled as he glanced over at the door and the small window that allowed a faint glimpse of the sky outdoors. It would be daybreak soon mused Draco and he froze as he noticed that something or somebody was moving around outside. The figure was much too tall and thin to be Mrs Weasley and anyway it was too early for her to be out feeding her chickens. He frowned as he remembered what the Twerp had said the other night about seeing something moving near the paddock and he himself had heard a sound earlier. Gripping his wand he stood up and peered out the window.
"What's wrong?" asked the Twerp turning around to look at Draco. "Is there something out there?"
Draco glanced back and nodded, "Something... or rather somebody is moving outside." confirmed Draco in a whisper.
Severus slipped off his chair and edged closer to the taller boy and looked out at the early morning sky. "Mrs Weasley?"
"I don't think so." answered Draco. "Can't be her..."
"Hey Draco." said a voice which startled both of them.
"Wotcha looking at?" asked Ron as he; Harry, Ginny and Hermione entered the kitchen.
"I'm not sure." he growled, "I guess I'm just jumpy considering that the Twerp thought he saw something the other night near the paddock and I heard something myself earlier before we came downstairs."
"Really? Could be any number of magical creatures that like to wander around before the sun comes up." said Hermione.
"Yeah it could be," said Draco who was not entirely unconvinced that was the case.
"What are you guys doing up so early?" asked the Twerp.
"We were going to ask you the same thing," answered Harry, "The Ghoul above Ron's room is making too much noise for us to continue sleeping. Besides our stomachs were growling."
I was thirsty," explained the Twerp. "Draco was awake and didn't want me to come downstairs alone."
"When we heard Harry and Ron come down the stairs," said Hermione. "We thought it was breakfast time."
"No one else is up?" asked Draco who moved away from the window and sat down on the edge of one of the kitchen chairs.
"No, I don't think so. Not yet anyway." answered Ron. "I guess they were up quite late."
A muffled clang from outside as if something had hit the old rusty cauldron that lay just outside on the front lawn.
"Now don't say none of you heard that!" exclaimed the Twerp as he slipped down off his chair.
"It could be Draco's father and aunt." blurted out Ron. "They did try to take the Twerp last time we were in Diagon Alley."
"That's true, and Lucius would suspect that he would most likely be here for the summer." Ginny commented as she looked down at the wide-eyed boy.
Harry drew his wand out as did the other teens. "Let's investigate."
"Investigate what?" The teens froze and turned to see Molly who gave them a look of suspicion. "WELL?"
Arthur, Percy and Albus who had stayed overnight walked into the kitchen and surveyed the scene. There was five teens with their wands out and the Little Twerp looking wide-eyed at Molly whose arms were folded with he the fingers on her left hand tapping her right upper arm.
"Twerp?" questioned Albus, "what is going on?"
"Er, I um," the Twerp was in a quandary, should he mention their suspicion that two of Draco's rather unpleasant family were possibly wandering around outside or should he play dumb... "We thought we heard some wild magical creature outside and wanted to see what it was... " He said quickly. "We don't see the night time creatures too often"
"And -- the -- wands?" asked Molly as she studied the youngsters guilty expressions. She had a strong feeling that the youngsters had something--- or somebody else in mind than what the Twerp had mentioned. "You know you are still under age."
"A precaution in case the creature isn't a friendly beast."
"Hmmm." Molly commented as she sensed that the child wasn't lying exactly but it was awfully close. "The only creatures out there are my chickens and some mild night creatures. I have never heard of any unfriendly magical creatures approaching this area."
"Why are all you kids up this early in the morning?" asked Percy as he looked sternly at his brother and sister who both flushed guiltily. "I don't think I've ever seen any of you up before mum all summer."
"We just couldn't sleep..." Ginny answered uneasily as she felt Percy scrutinizing gaze.
The teens looked at each other apprehensively when some mysterious sounds was heard from outside.
The Twerps eyes widened and looked at the adults with an innocent look. "That's what we wanted to investigate."
"Maybe we should see what is going on, just in case," said Arthur thoughtfully.
"Before we look into the situation.." Albus took his wand out, as did Arthur and Percy. "I believe we had better have some anti- disapparation wards in place... just in case they are here."
"Yes, that is an excellent idea." said Molly as she turned to look at Albus. "lets also keep the lights out, we don't want to alert whatever or whoever is wandering out there that we are awake."
While the adults attention momentarily distracted from the teens--- Draco quickly opened the door and stepped outside to look around with the other teens following him.
"Oh for... Twerp wait a moment!" cried out Molly as she suddenly realized that the Twerp had raced out after the teens. "Oh for--- that boy!"
"We better go after them mum." said Percy solemnly, "You can discipline him along with the others later."
Meanwhile in their hurry to leave the house before they were told not to go outside to investigate the teens didn't notice the Twerp had also slipped outside behind them. Motioning for the four Gryffindors to fan out Draco crept forward, alert to any unusual sounds. Suddenly he heard a rustling nearby as he heard Hermione yell out a warning.
Instinctively he dropped and rolled as a flash of red light sped above him. Taking note as to where the light originated he pointed his wand and yelled "STUPIFY" which missed its target that shifted quickly before his charm hit.
The Twerp instantly grabbed his wand from inside his sleeve and silently intoned "Immobilus" as he aimed toward the tall blond haired masked wizard that he knew had to be Draco's father. The taller wizard dodged back just a bare second before the Twerps charm struck him.
The adults applied the anti-apparation wards as they came racing outside to see the teens in full battle with Lucius and Bellatrix. They frantically looked for an opening to strike without risking injury to one of the youngsters.
"Avis." yelled Hermione and a flock of small twittering birds sped from her wand and flew in around the faces of Malfoy and Lestrange, confusing them as they tried to keep from being pecked by the angry birds.
Lestrange snarled viciously as she stumbled and seemed to fall over but she righted herself quickly as she reached out grabbed the Twerp by the ankle and stood up. She Screeched with laughter as she went to disapparate but found out she was unable to. Angrily she shook the small boy as he hung upside-down.
"Where is Marvolo's ring, I want it you little b—tard! I expect you know. I'm going to be the Dark Lords saviour."
The Twerp rolled his eyes and then took a deep breath. "You know you have a problem when you have personal low expectations and you still can't reach them." he yelled at the infuriated witch who was still dangling him by his ankle in the air. "I haven't a clue where it is."
"Shut up you mouthy little traitor." she hissed. "When we bring back our Lord you will pay for your treachery."
"When your IQ reaches 50...sell" the Twerp panted as he twisted about making it hard for her to keep a hold on him while Molly, Harry and Ginny looked for an opening to hex her without harming the Twerp. "He isn't coming back... EVER!
Both Arthur and Percy used an 'incarceous' on Lucius Malfoy who was concentrating on attacking Draco with several hexes including sectumsempra as Ron and Hermione sent their own hexes towards the enraged Death Eater at the same time. They didn't block the Hex in time as it sped towards Draco and hit him.
Draco's mouth opened in shock as blood spurted from his face and chest. He staggered backwards, clutching his face and chest. His wand fell from his hand, forgotten, as agonizing pain shot through him.
Meanwhile Albus quickly held the ring up so that the greedy insane witch could see it and yelled. "Here is the stupid ring--- let the Twerp go and you can have it."
Distracted Bellatrix released her hold on the Twerp as she threw the small boy to the ground. She screamed out 'accio' and the ring flew out of Albus' hand into hers.
Molly's eyes blazed angrily as ropes shot out from her wand and bound the witch who screamed out profanities as she tried to escape and fell into the pond.
Albus ran over--- reached down and gathered the small boy whose face had lost what colour it had, except for the trickle of blood from his nose, into his arms and then after confirming that the Twerp hadn't been hit by any hexes, conjured up a cold compress to hold against the small boys nose.
Arthur released the anti-apparation wards that they had set after making sure their prisoners were safely secured while Percy sent off a message to Azkaban for some aurors who took charge of the two escapees.
Bellatrix had been unceremoniously levitated out of the water and amidst threats and profanities, she was screeching something about bringing back the Dark Lord with the stone and his taking back his rightful place. Ignoring his cousin and resigned to his fate Lucius sat moodily where he had fallen staring ahead, not saying a word.
Draco fought to stay conscious as Molly knelt down beside him, horrified at seeing the extent of the injuries. She materialized some damp cloths and gently wiped the blood away from Draco's face so she could assess the damage better.
Realizing what spell Draco was hit with, Severus pushed the hand holding the compress away and moved closer to Draco's side then taking his wand, murmured some healing spells that slowed the bleeding as several Aurors apparated into the yard to take away the two prisoners.
Trying not to let her worries show and upset the two boys even further than they were, Molly said, "I think we had better get you to Saint Mungo's"
"Please... Lets get him to Madame Pomfrey and get him some blood replenishing potions." begged the Twerp who felt responsible even though he hadn't cast the hex that was incapacitating Draco. "It's my fault, this is a dark charm which my adult self had created." he said with sadness in his voice. He was thinking of his old potions book that Harry had found last year at Spinners end with Albus.
"No Twerp it's not your fault--- Draco's going to be okay.' Albus comforted the small boy who was shaking. "Percy please Floo Madame Pomfrey to come to the Burrow, she has had a lot of experience dealing with the effects of this particular charm."
"Right." Percy nodded and strode into the Burrow where he grabbed a handful of floo powder and alerted Madame Pomfrey that they needed her along with some blood replenishing potions and explained why.
Levitating the stretcher with the blond boy everyone moved quickly back into the Burrow while Madame Pomfrey responded quickly and came through the floo with her supplies. Minerva came along also as she had been present when Percy had floo'd Poppy. She was concerned, as she had become quite fond of Draco since she had spent a fair amount of time with Draco at 12 Grimmauld Place as she guided his efforts to become an animagus.
The Twerp was still a bit worried even though he had been told it wasn't his fault as the older boy was examined by the prim and worried looking medi-witch who shook her head and pursed her lips and shooed everyone out of the living room while she set to work repairing Draco's injuries.
Meanwhile the Twins, Sirius, Remus, and Mad Eye having heard of the capture and Draco's condition came to the Burrow with Filius to wait and talk with Albus, Minerva, Molly, Arthur, Percy, the teens and the Twerp.
A half hour later when Poppy allowed everyone to re-enter the magically enlarged room after cautioning them that Draco must not exert himself heavily and rest for at least a couple of days and that he was lucky in that no major damage had been done.
"Really Draco, what were you thinking mate?" asked George as he sipped his tea "Don't you think it is a bit early in the morning for."
"Getting into a fight with your father and all." continued Fred. "You could have waited till you were at work."
"Plenty of ways to relieve stress or if you were wishing to get yourself hurt"
"You could have asked to test out some of the newer experimental gags."
"What can ... I say guys." answered Draco smirking back, "He was readily available."
"Well I see you haven't lost your sense of humour." said Sirius drily with concern in his voice, "Though once you are well enough... we will have a discussion about your impetuous actions" He gave Harry the same look as he did Draco. "You too, Harry. "
Disconcerted, Harry and Draco both looked at each other as they realized Sirius was reacting a lot like Molly did with her own brood. Then a tiny smile passed over both their faces.
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They were trying to find something they called the resurrection stone, I guess they wanted to resurrect Voldemort, Mostly Bellatrix's idea I think, She was positive that fairy tale, 'The Tale of The Three Brothers' was for real." said the young Auror who had dropped by to make a report to Dumbledore who was still the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. "She has a grip on that busted old ring and is insisting that it can bring him back. If that doesn't prove her totally insane nothing will." he smirked. "Oddly enough Mr Malfoy though seemed to be very much relieved to be have been captured and returned to his cell."
The young Auror shook his head with incredulity and then took his leave after giving his report to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was silent as he watched the young wizard leave and then his blue eyes dimmed a little as he pulled the Twerp closer to him and held him tight as he explained to everyone gathered in the Burrow that despite what the Auror said the tale was true.
"Do you think he would believe it if you told him that they weren't wrong?" asked Ron.
"No Mr. Weasley it is best that he thinks the story is just that a fairy tale for children."
"I guess you are right, but it is fantastic to actually find out that a fairy tale you have read as a small child was really a true story based on actual events," commented Arthur thoughtfully. "Aside from the famous Philosophers Stone referred to on Nicolas Flamels chocolate frog card, I never thought there would actually be a stone that would bring back the dead."
"Fantastic." said Percy as he shook his head with wonder.
"The elixir made from the Philosophers stone only extends ones life. It was created, as you know by my friend Nicolas Flamel and it has been destroyed, It kept Nicolas and his wife alive for over three hundred years but The resurrection stone that the young Auror refers to was in Marvolo Gaunts ring."
Molly's eyes widened as she gasped. "The ring you found at Christmas?"
"Yes the very same, It wouldn't work the way those two think, the resurrection stone only brings the dead so far back, they are not truly alive, more like a shade of who they were."
Looking over at Harry and then down at the Twerp who was snuggled against him. Albus smiled then looked serious as he spoke, "I believe that I can trust each one of you to understand that what I am to reveal to you must not be spread around.., I know where all three Deadly Hallows are. One has been totally destroyed. The other two... " He looked down at the Twerp and stroked the boys hair.
"You do?" a chorus of voices rang out including that of Draco who was still resting on the sofa with plumped up pillows supporting him so he wasn't lying out flat as he drank his tea and ate a sandwich.
"I know some of you may not believe it but Harry's invisibility cloak, unlike those others who lose their power as they get older, is the third Hallow which was passed down from father to son for generations. It will never wear out." He turned to look at Harry, "I received it from your father, and unfortunately Voldemort killed your parents shortly after. I kept it till it could to be given to you when you were old enough, I don't think James connected his invisibility cloak to the story of the three brothers though. It was just a heirloom to him and..." He withdrew his wand from his Robe pocket. "This is the first one, The Elder wand."
Gasps from everyone interrupted his dialogue. The Twerps eyes grew wide as he said, "So that is how you knew it was not possessed by a dark wizard!"
A shadow seemed to pass across Albus's face before he answered. "It could have been but fortune favoured us..."
"Voldemort knew of the Wand?" asked Ron in surprise as he found himself even more intrigued by the story.
Albus nodded and said, "Yes but thanks to the circumstances of the past year he was unable to find a way to acquire it for himself."
A chuckle circulated around the room as everyone looked over at the Twerp. Albus shifted the Twerp a little to get a little more comfortable and to take a drink before continuing with the story as to how he, himself acquired it.
"I took it from Gellert Grindelwald who had stolen it from Gregorovitch the wand maker from north-eastern
Europe, and therefore it accepted me as its master.
"So the Twerp knew a little about it because he had seen that future which would have happened if it hadn't been drastically changed." said Ginny.
"Actually, It was more like visions of the Past that the Oracle had shown him. I suspected that he was shown more than he was telling me. Especially when I discovered my copy of The Tales of Beadle the Bard was missing." said Albus as the Twerp shifted a little and turned his head so he could look up at the Headmaster.
Albus looked down and smiled, "It's all right Twerp, I am just happy to know that everything has worked out all right and that the stone will never be found again thanks to it being pulverized."
"And the Wand?" asked the Twerp, "how does it work exactly, can its power ever be destroyed?"
"The Elder Wand accepts new owners who manage to overcome previous owners, that is how its ownership is transferred. No one can inherit it any other way. I hope though I do hope that many years from now I will die a natural death and that will end its power, as it should be. " Albus stopped to gather his thoughts. "I should explain as I was a fool who sought a way to conquer Death much like Voldemort."
"You never killed if you could avoid it Albus." Mad Eye spoke firmly as if admonishing an errant student. "Nor did you create Horcluxes."
"No but I could have done more to stop him." Albus said softly with a tone of regret that puzzled his audience. Pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts he asked, "Did you know that to his credit that Grindelwald tried to stop Voldemort going after the wand? He lied, you know, pretended he never had it. They say he showed remorse later on while he sat alone in his cell in Nurmengard. I like to think that he felt the horror and shame of what he had done and lied on purpose to make amends."
Mad-Eye looked astounded as he hadn't known this fact about the famous dark wizard as did the other adults.
Albus shook his head and smiled down at the wide- eyed little boy that he was still cuddling on his lap. "I am grateful for another chance to make amends for my mistakes regarding you." He looked over at Ron who was looking a little embarrassed for his part in the de-aging, and the twins who felt a little proud even though the prank had gone different from what they had originally planned.
"Don't think about recreating the de-aging balls boys." said Mad Eye gruffly as his magical eye focused on the twins. "My friend Broderick doesn't need or want any more adventures. He is quite happy to do his research on the mysteries of time and existence with the aid of the last batch that you kindly provided him with."
Mad Eye's reference to his friend was not missed by the teens, Sirius, Remus and the Twerp who wondered if that fellow was the one who had polyjuiced himself into the adult Snape last year.
Albus smiled benignly as he knew and didn't want to confirm what they were thinking.
"And the Cloak?" asked Hermione. "It seems to have been the least troublesome of the three deadly Hallows"
With a merry twinkle in his eyes, Albus answered, "Yes, as for the Cloak, I trust it will continue being passed down from father to son along with the story of the Three Brothers. "He looked at Harry. "I'm sure there will always be a child in each generation who likes to raid the kitchen after hours."
"And get into as much mischief as he can." muttered Mad-Eye with a growl that fooled no one.
"(Cough, cough) Marauders... (cough, cough,)" Harry muttered under his breath as he held his hand over his mouth
"( Cough, cough) Gred and Feorge... (Cough, cough)" Draco added as he pretended to be having a coughing spell.
"( Cough, cough) The Twerp.. (Cough, Cough)" Ron muttered while he also held his hand over his mouth.
"Oh dear, dear... boys I think you need some pepper up potions." said Madame Pomfrey with an amused expression in her eyes. "It sounds like you are coming down with colds."
"Headmaster, what made you interested in finding the Deathly Hallows?" Asked Hermione, "I mean what caused you to believe that the fairy tale was based upon true events?"
Albus looked at her and the twinkling associated with his eyes seemed to fade slightly.
Noticing how he seemed to be bothered by her question Hermione felt her face redden as she stammered. "S.. sorry sir I shouldn't have asked."
"No Miss Granger, it's a good question," answered the Headmaster slowly. "There is a few older wizards and witches who have knowledge, or think they have, concerning my past still living, but I would rather tell it my own way without it being embellished beyond recognition."